HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-07-2016 - 5-a - Minutes ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 7, 2016
Action Agenda
Item No. 5-a
SUBJECT: MINUTES
DEPARTMENT: Board of County
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
(919) 245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board as
listed below.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
May 5, 2016 BOCC Regular Meeting
May 10, 2016 BOCC Work Session
May 12, 2016 BOCC Budget Public Hearing
May 17, 2016 BOCC Regular Meeting
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
1
1 Attachment 1
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 REGULAR MEETING
6 May 5, 2016
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday May 5, 2016
10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Bernadette Pelissier
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
21 Chair McKee said Commissioner Pelissier would not be attending due to illness.
22
23 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
24 Chair McKee noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
25 - White sheets from residents regarding Google Hub
26 - White sheet for item 4a - hand out from Project Engage
27 - PowerPoint for item 4e County Manager Recommended Budget Presentation
28 - Blue sheet for item 7a - revised application for Bond Committee
29 - White sheet - hand out monthly planning information
30 - White sheet - hand out from Library
31
32 PUBLIC CHARGE
33
34 Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge.
35
36 2. Public Comments
37
38 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
39
40 Lisa Bennett read the following letter from the Sierra Club:
41
42 To: Carrboro Mayor and Board of Aldermen
43 From: Orange/Chatham Sierra Club Group
44 Subject: The Google Relay Facility
45
46 Orange County Board of Commissioners
47 From: Orange/Chatham Sierra Club Group
48 Subject: The Google Relay Facility
49
2
1 We understand that the Town of Carrboro is cooperating with Google Fiber [now Alphabet
2 Corporation] to provide high-speed Internet connections to the Town, and parts of Chapel Hill
3 and Orange County. Google required that the site for a small building for its hub with its
4 computers and 120,000 BTU of air conditioners to keep it cool be on Town land. Work has
5 begun on the chosen site, a small parcel of Town land connected to the Westwood Cemetery
6 on Fidelity St. A number of trees have been cut down to make room for the building, which
7 adheres closely enough to the custom-written relevant ordinance—less than 15 feet high and
8 less than 500 square feet total—that it doesn't require a public hearing.
9
10 While this plan, in the process of being implemented, puts the area on the path to high-speed
11 connectivity, we think that other sites should be considered before work goes on. We would
12 like the construction to pause briefly while Google and the Town of Carrboro consider putting
13 this hub on another site. For instance, the OWASA property is very close by and it offers
14 greater security: there is a wrought-iron fence around OWASA facilities, three fire hydrants in
15 close proximity, back-up power, professional noise abatement, and a 24/7 staff of engineers.
16 The OWASA Board has indicated that its campus might be an appropriate place for the relay
17 facility—preliminary idea, worth following up.
18
19 If Google takes over the site next to the cemetery, that locks up one of the last open spaces in
20 Carrboro and puts noisy machines next to the meadow adjoining the cemetery. We think that
21 may be a prime site for a municipal park and would hate to see that potential lost. This
22 meadow is one of the few potential parks south of Main Street. Rushing construction without
23 the usual public hearings would perhaps give Google an edge over its competitors, but would
24 definitely have a negative impact on the town's environment.
25
26 Judith Ferster for the Executive Committee, Orange/Chatham Sierra Club Group
27 919-929-6648 jferster @ncsu.edu
28
29 Bob Proctor read the following comments:
30
31 Carrboro's siting of Google's facility on Carrboro cemetery land, which is on Carrboro's
32 densest block, was rushed and artificially constrained by Google for business reasons.
33 This led to an opaque process and then to a lousy siting decision, from the perspective of
34 the county.
35
36 I am not here to raise nimby issues or to complain about the Town's faulty processes. Those
37 are tiny matters when compared to three major issues: When I covered these three last week
38 before OWASA, it seemed that their board members agreed on each of them. Google insists
39 on speeding siting to dominate its chosen markets ... some areas can't feasibly be wired twice
40 ... Google wants to get the jump on AT&T.
41
42 The first major county issue is that the OWASA site is far more secure. We are becoming more
43 dependent upon the internet ... say for health monitoring. Our proposed OWASA alternative
44 site is in the center of OWASA's 24/7 manned campus, next to their employee's parking, inside
45 fences. There are three fire hydrants there.
46
47 Secondly, putting Google on the cemetery land will spoil future flexibility for transitioning that
48 space to a park: Due to a ridge, it would be easy to screen off the meadow for quiet activities
49 away from the graves. The construction underway is exactly where you'd want to put a parking
50 lot for an urban park; otherwise the large stately pines on the grass would have to go.
3
1
2 Thirdly, this is the best possible case that can be used to illustrate the adverse nationwide
3 impacts of Google's pressure on towns to rush: As Google continues with this process, soon
4 there will be a school bus maintenance yard somewhere that could ideally host a hub, but that
5 Google won't allow to be nominated because it is owned by a school district. That town will
6 instead nominate some parks, and then Google will choose the humblest park. So Google will
7 continue to pilfer from parks on the "other sides of the tracks". This was a poor decision
8 because it resulted from an opaque process, and it was opaque because of Google's
9 pressures.
10
11 I request that you ask the national Google public relations office to explain Google's refusal to
12 pause this construction until a full and transparent discussion has taken place. We will also ask
13 the national Sierra Club and the Chapel Hill Town Council to pose this same question to
14 Google. We hope that this Board will join those other parties in asking Google to explain why it
15 can't be more thorough when making a long term decision of this importance.
16
17 So we're not asking you to decide anything now, we're just asking to you to ask
18 Google's P.R. people to explain why Google is in such a hurry, and why they can't look at
19 OWASA now that OWASA has expressed interest
20
21 Ashley DeSena said asked if there is an update regarding the Firearms Safety
22 Committee.
23 Chair McKee said appointments may possibly occur on May 17tH
24
25 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
26 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
27 below.)
28
29 2. Announcements and Petitions by Board Members
30 Commissioner Burroughs had no announcements or petitions.
31 Commissioner Price had no announcements or petitions.
32 Commissioner Dorosin petitioned for a conversation with the Sheriff about body
33 cameras and the pros and cons of using them.
34 Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to have a better understanding about the
35 Google issue and Carrboro's process in it and what the "expedited process" means. He would
36 also like to know what the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) can do.
37 Commissioner Jacobs said he made a petition last year to plant milkweed on County
38 open spaces for monarch butterflies and asked if there is an update on this petition.
39 Commissioner Rich had no announcements or petitions.
40
41 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
42
43 a. Older Americans Month Proclamation
44 The Board considered approving a proclamation designating May 2016 as Older
45 Americans Month and authorizing the Chair to sign.
46 Outgoing Department on Aging Chair, Alex Castro, Jr., referred to the hand out at their
47 places about Project Engage upcoming activities.
48 Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, read the proclamation:
49
50 Orange County Board of Commissioners
4
1 Proclamation
2 Older Americans Month – May 2016
3 Theme - "Blaze a Trail"
4
5 Whereas, Orange County includes over 25,000 persons aged 60 and older; and
6
7 Whereas, Orange County includes a community of older adults who deserve recognition for
8 their contributions to our nation; and
9
10 Whereas, Orange County recognizes that older adults are trailblazers—advocating for
11 themselves, their peers, and their communities – paving the way for future generations; and
12
13 Whereas, Orange County is committed to raising awareness about issues facing older adults
14 and helping all individuals to thrive in communities of their choice for as long as possible; and
15
16 Whereas, we appreciate the value of inclusion and support in helping older adults successfully
17 contribute to and benefit from their communities; and
18
19 Whereas, our community can provide opportunities to enrich the lives of individuals of all ages
20 by:
21 • Promoting and engaging in activity, wellness, and social involvement.
22 • Emphasizing home- and community-based services that support independent living.
23 • Ensuring community members can benefit from the contributions and experience
24 of older adults.
25
26 Now, Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May
27 2016 to be Older Americans Month, and urge every resident to take time this month to
28 acknowledge older adults, and the people who serve them, as powerful and vital individuals
29 who greatly contribute to our community.
30
31 This, the 5th day of May 2016.
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
34 Board to approve the proclamation designating May as Older Americans Month and authorized
35 the Chair to sign the proclamation.
36
37 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
38
39
40 b. Resolution Calling for the General Assembly To Fully Fund North Carolina Public
41 Schools
42 The Board considered approving a Resolution Calling for the General Assembly To Fully
43 Fund North Carolina Public Schools, and authorizing the Chair to sign.
44 Chair McKee said Commissioner Rich brought forth this resolution due to cut backs on
45 the part of the General Assembly, which are impinging on the County's ability to provide for all
46 residents.
47
48 PUBLIC COMMENT:
49 Allison Mahaney said since leaving her job as a teacher a few years ago, she has
50 learned about the issues that are facing the schools, and she thanked the BOCC for bringing
5
1 forth this resolution. She said the BOCC could serve as a leading example across the State for
2 the General Assembly (GA) to fully fund education. She said the State needs to increase per
3 pupil funding. She said one of her greatest concerns is that charter schools are vying for the
4 same funding as public schools. She said better funding has a direct effect on the students,
5 teachers, and the community. She said local government simply cannot continue to underwrite
6 what the State is failing to do for the children. She thanked the BOCC for taking a stand.
7 Evan Diamon said he and his wife moved to the area from another state, and noted the
8 many benefits of life in North Carolina. He said the educational system is losing hope, and
9 funds are being cut by the State, which causes the loss of teachers, and creates larger class
10 sizes.
11 Lisa Kaylie said she is thankful to live in a county that values education, and she asked
12 the Board to fully fund the budget requests of Orange County Schools (OCS) and Chapel Hill-
13 Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS). She said the level of state funding for teachers is something
14 for which the County needs to continue to petition. She said Wake County has raised salaries
15 for its teachers, and Orange County needs to do the same. She said the BOCC has the choice
16 to stand up to the State. She said the second issue is to approve this resolution for fully
17 funding the North Carolina public schools by the State. She said Orange County is fortunate in
18 that it can support local schools when the State fails, but there are many counties that have
19 fewer resources and are not able to do so. She said the per pupil spending must be increased
20 by the State.
21 Cyrus Rainey said he has been attending OCS since kindergarten, and he is now a
22 senior. He said he fully supports the resolution. He said he has seen the impacts of lack of full
23 funding by the State, especially in seeing teachers leaving their positions. He said education
24 holds the key to the future and must be the first priority.
25 Commissioner Rich thanked everyone who encouraged her to present this resolution.
26 She said Commissioner Price also received many calls. She said the schools have not been
27 fully funded since 2008, and the GA is not doing its job in supporting schools. She said Orange
28 County values education, and the clerk will send the resolution to all the clerks throughout the
29 State in hopes of a united front being presented to the GA.
30 Commissioner Price thanked all of the residents who spoke and have taken a part in this
31 conversation about fully funding the schools.
32
33 PUBLIC COMMENT:
34 Rosemary Dean said she is a teacher in OCS and has also worked with the Family
35 Success Alliance. She said she struggles with teacher pay and the stress and workload
36 involved in being a teacher. She asked the BOCC to fully fund both districts' budget requests.
37
38 Commissioner Burroughs read the resolution:
39
40 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
41 RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO FULLY FUND
42 NORTH CAROLINA PUBLIC SCHOOLS
43
44 Whereas, the North Carolina Constitution includes an obligation to provide a sound, basic
45 education to all school aged children in our state, acknowledging that talent and ingenuity can
46 be found among all our children; and
47
48 Whereas, public education is the cornerstone for our democracy and economic future; and
49
6
1 Whereas, state and federal elected politicians have failed to follow constitutional and statutory
2 mandates to fully fund public education and public school teachers and disregarded poverty
3 among our public school children; and
4
5 Whereas, inflation-adjusted per pupil spending is still below pre-recession levels; and
6
7 Whereas, the national average for school funding per student is $11,841; and
8
9 Whereas, in terms of per pupil spending, a National Education Agency report ranks North
10 Carolina 46th in the United States in 2014-15, spending $8,632 per student, compared to
11 $8,620 per student in 2013-14; and
12
13 Whereas, in 2008, North Carolina teacher salaries ranked 25th in the nation but had fallen to
14 46th in 2014-15; and
15
16 Whereas, that despite research showing cost—effectiveness of Pre-K services, the North
17 Carolina General Assembly has cut funding and reduced the number of state-funded pre-
18 kindergarten seats by 5,400 since 2008 resulting in continued waiting lists; and
19
20 Whereas, approximately 60 percent of public education funding comes from the state, while the
21 remainder is funded at the local level and by the federal government; and
22
23 Whereas, as the state has abandoned its Constitutional obligation to fund our public schools
24 forcing many local government leaders to shoulder more of the burden by increasing property
25 taxes or cutting important programs or positions;
26
27 Now Therefore, be it resolved that:
28 ➢ The Orange County Board of Commissioners calls for the N.C. General Assembly to
29 fully fund public education in Local Education Agencies to reflect growth and student
30 needs; and
31 ➢ The Orange County Board of Commissioners calls upon the General Assembly to
32 reinstate K-12 enrollment growth (ADM funding) as part of the continuation budget; and
33 ➢ The Orange County Board of Commissioners calls upon the legislators of both parties to
34 reject the trend toward shifting education spending to counties; and
35 ➢ The Orange County Board of Commissioners calls upon the General Assembly to raise
36 additional state revenue in an equitable fashion in order to avoid regressive tax shifts to
37 counties.
38
39 Approved this the 5th day of May 2016.
40
41 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price for the
42 Board to approve and authorized the Chair to sign the attached resolution.
43
44 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
45
46
47 c. March 15, 2016 Primary Election Report
48 The Board received a presentation with updates on items of interest from the March 15,
49 2016 Election.
50 Tracy Reams, Board of Elections (BOE) Director, reviewed her report:
7
1
2 • Pre-Election —
3 The staff completed all pre-election tasks in a timely manner. This included, but not limited to
4 filing candidates, receiving and auditing campaign finance reports, coordinating voting
5 machine/equipment delivery and pickup, recruiting and training One-Stop staff and Election Day
6 precinct officials, ordering and receipt of ballots, preparing precinct supplies, processing voter
7 registration forms and absentee ballot requests.
8
9 Thorough logic and accuracy testing was completed on every voting machine to ensure votes
10 were recorded properly. We held several staff training sessions to ensure all were well trained
11 with using the new voting equipment. Laptops were loaded with one-stop voting software and
12 setup at the one-stop sites in addition to loading software on 132 Election Day laptops.
13
14 The staff trained and certified "Multi-Partisan Assistance Teams" (MAT) to assist with
15 requesting and casting absentee ballots for voters in assisted living homes. The MAT team
16 was deployed to various sites in the county as requested.
17
18 From January 1, 2016 thru March 15, 2016 the staff processed 4,822 new registrations, 2,126
19 duplicate registrations, 3,065 changes of information and removed 2,199 registrations from the
20 voter rolls. A total of 10,812 voter cards were generated and mailed during this time. My staff
21 worked together efficiently and accomplished our goal to have all registrations entered prior to
22 the beginning of One-Stop voting.
23
24 • Absentee Voting —
25 As directed by the Elections Board, we established 6 one-stop early voting sites with a total of
26 426 cumulative hours. The votes cast at each site are as follows: (total 19,989)
27
28 3,866 - Hillsborough BOE 816 - Efland Ruritan Bldg.
29 5,055 - Carrboro Town Hall 913 - New Hope Community Center
30 5,477 - Chapel of the Cross 3,862 - Seymour Senior Center
31
32 There were 930 Absentee By-Mail ballots counted for a total of 20,919 ballots cast prior to
33 Election Day. We processed 1,309 new voter registrations that registered and voted during the
34 one-stop voting period and 1,232 changes of addresses. We trained and staffed a total of 45
35 people to work the six voting sites.
36
37 • Election Day—
38 Election Day voting was steady at all precincts with 26,551 ballots cast. All precincts were open
39 at 6:30 a.m. as required. We had a total of 273 precinct officials working in 44 precincts. We
40 did experience substantial lines at a couple of our polling places starting around 7:00 pm until
41 the polls closed. All voters in line at 7:30 pm were able to cast a ballot. My reports indicate the
42 longest line at 7:30 pm was at the Cheeks Precinct, Gravely Middle School, Efland with
43 approximately 175 people who voted after 7:30 pm. Voting continued at this site for
44 approximately an hour after closing to process voters in line at 7:30 pm.
45
46 I am happy to report that we did not have a single voting tabulator machine issue in the county.
47 The voting tabulator equipment was very well received by the precinct officials and the voters.
48 Precinct officials reported the ease of use was very much appreciated. The only issues we had
49 with voting equipment are the aging ADA compliance machines. We had a few with screen and
8
1 print issues. Due to the support of the BOCC, we are ready to replace the ADA machines as
2 soon as approved by the State Board of Elections.
3
4 Precinct officials reported few problems processing voters. The Primary Election was the first
5 election to employ electronic poll-books countywide. We conducted over 30 pre-election
6 training sessions to ensure precinct officials were well trained. We did note that there were
7 some precincts that need additional training and/or duty reassignments that we will address
8 prior to the November General Election. Some of the Chief Judges did not have the "best"
9 computer persons checking in voters, which caused some voter delay. The Elections Board
10 discussed this and staff is prepared to take care of making the precinct assignments where
11 needed.
12
13 There were no noteworthy issues with voters presenting an acceptable photo ID. The Board
14 conducted a post-election meeting with the Chief Judges on April 4 to gather feedback from the
15 officials on what worked well, what didn't and what we can improve on. The consensus from
16 the meeting was that there were voters who did not agree with the photo ID requirements but
17 most of the voters were prepared to show a photo ID without any issues. We employed
18 greeters to inform voters of the photo ID requirement and to answer any questions prior to
19 check in. I was told this was very helpful and expedited the check in process. We also were
20 able to employ 13 student assistants who were great on the computers. Kathy Knight,
21 Elections Board Chair is planning on contacting the School Boards to see if we could have
22 more collaboration and assistance in recruiting more student assistants for the General
23 Election. Greeters and student assistants were well received by our precinct officials and
24 voters.
25
26 The main complaint we received from the post-election meeting was the need to have better
27 signage to inform voters that cell phones and other electronic devices are not allowed to be
28 used within the voting enclosure. We have designed and ordered signage that will be posted
29 outside the entrance of every voting location for the June 7 Primary Election.
30
31 Complaints we received from voters was the need to state their name and address even though
32 it was correct as listed on their photo ID, the desire to vote a party ballot for which they were not
33 registered and not knowing where their assigned Election Day polling site is. By law, the voter
34 must state their name and address even if we have the information on the photo ID. Voters
35 who voted outside of their registered party were given a provisional ballot. The only contests
36 that could be counted on those ballots were for school board (if eligible) and the bond
37 referendum.
38
39 Voters incorrectly assume they can vote at the one-stop sites we setup for early voting on
40 Election Day. We had banners made to post at all early voting sites to inform voters that this
41 not an Election Day voting site and they must go to their assigned precinct with information on
42 how to get the correct site information. Not really sure it helped since we still had a lot of
43 people entering these sites expecting to vote. We did have push cards on hand so that workers
44 there could hand out to voters so that they will have a list of the polling locations.
45
46 Election Night results were reported and uploaded to website with no issues.
47
48 • Post-Election —
49 A total of 483 Provisional ballots were cast. The Elections Board fully counted 123, partially
9
1 counted 29 and denied 331. There were 135 Provisionals cast due to no acceptable photo ID.
2 Of the 135, 108 were denied. 27 voters brought acceptable photo ID to the BOE office and
3 their provisional ballots were counted. 22 Provisionals were cast indicating a "reasonable
4 impediment" that was counted. Provisionals were denied due to no record of registration, no
5 acceptable ID, previously removed and voter moved out of county more than 30 days.
6
7 Data was uploaded from the electronic poll books to complete voter history entry in record time.
8 Voter history was completed by the end of the day after the election with the cooperation of
9 staff to work late to get it done. Entry time has been reduced by 3 to 4 days with the
10 implementation of electronic poll books.
11
12 Board and staff conducted the sample audit count for two precincts as directed by the State
13 Board of Elections to ensure machine accuracy. The ending hand-eye counts were the same as
14 the Election Day machine count. The Board certified the official results on March 22.
15
16 We have until May 13 to report our absentee results by precinct. With the purchase of the new
17 high speed counter we completed this task and reported all 21,070 absentee ballot results by
18 precinct on March 31. Run time has greatly improved using the DS850. We also used the
19 DS850 to separate and record all the write-ins on Election Day. This task was previously
20 completed by precinct officials on election night. Eliminating this challenging task from their
21 various duties has been most appreciated by our officials. There were 2,368 write-ins sorted
22 and reported by staff the day after the election.
23
24 The acquisition of electronic poll books and updated voting equipment has greatly enhanced
25 the service we provide to the voters of Orange County. The Elections Board would not have
26 been able to achieve our goal to provide the best possible service to Orange County residents
27 without the continued support of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.
28
29 Tracy Reams introduced members of her Board.
30 Commissioner Jacobs thanked her for the report. He said the numbers on the
31 provisional ballots confused him. He referred to page 4, where it states:
32
33 "A total of 483 Provisional ballots were cast. The Elections Board fully counted 123, partially
34 counted 29 and denied 331. There were 135 Provisionals cast due to no acceptable photo ID.
35 Of the 135, 108 were denied. 27 voters brought acceptable photo ID to the BOE office and their
36 provisional ballots were counted. 22 Provisionals were cast indicating a "reasonable
37 impediment" that was counted.
38
39 Tracy Reams said 123 were fully counted and 29 were partially counted. She said the
40 partially counted were voters that either voted outside of their party or precinct.
41 Tracy Reams said the report shows that 135 people did not have an acceptable ID with
42 them and were given the opportunity to bring it to back. She said 27 came back with an
43 acceptable ID, 128 did not.
44 Tracy Reams said of those 108, there were 15 people who had a driver's license on file.
45 She said 24 of these 108 were over the age of 22. She said it was assumed that the majority of
46 them were students, due to the voting location, and did not have a North Carolina driver's
47 license.
48 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there was a way to follow up with these voters to provide
49 information for next time.
10
1 Tracy Reams said there is no follow up because this information was distributed at the
2 precincts.
3 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the voters were informed at the time that their votes
4 would not count.
5 Tracy Reams said no, but voters are informed that if an ID is not presented, their ballots
6 would not be counted.
7 Commissioner Jacobs asked if information about obtaining an ID is provided.
8 Tracy Reams said yes.
9 Commissioner Rich wondered if these voters know that identification will be needed for
10 the general election. She asked if one can go on line to see if one's provisional ballot was
11 counted.
12 Tracy Reams said yes.
13 Commissioner Rich referred to page 2 of the report, where it discusses the removal of
14 2,199 registrants from voter rolls. She asked if an example of why one may be removed from
15 these rolls could be provided.
16 Tracy Reams said because of death, moving outside of the County, convicted of a
17 felony, or one asking to be removed. She said if one has not voted in two federal elections, an
18 eight year cycle, one is made inactive.
19 Commissioner Rich is asked if this information is on the website.
20 Tracy Reams said she is not sure if the list maintenance information is on the BOE
21 website, but if not, it will be added.
22 Commissioner Price asked if it is possible that voters will be able to vote on cell phones.
23 Tracy Reams said there is a restriction in the North Carolina Administrative Code, and
24 that has been in the code for decades. She said one may not take a picture of one's ballot.
25 She said that is why electronic devices cannot be in the polling stations and signage to this
26 effect will be present for the general election.
27 Commissioner Price said she was at the Gravelly Hill precinct and commended the BOE
28 staff for handling the day very well.
29 Commissioner Rich thanked Tracy Reams and her staff for their hard work and
30 helpfulness to the voters.
31 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the rolls are ever purged.
32 Tracy Reams said this is normally done every odd numbered year.
33 Commissioner Dorosin said it looked like there had been a decrease in voters since
34 2012 and asked if there was a reason why this may happen.
35 Tracy Reams said there has been an increase in registrations during presidential
36 election years.
37 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the cost for the extra congressional primary is known.
38 Tracy Reams said it is being estimated at $76,000. She said the BOE approved the
39 Seymour Center being open extended hours.
40 Commissioner Dorosin said he was glad to hear that the County was helpful in getting
41 re-entry residents to vote.
42 Chair McKee asked if there could be clarification given regarding the voting rights of
43 convicted felons.
44 Tracy Reams said when one is convicted of a felony, one loses one's voting rights. She
45 said once time and probation are served, one can re-register.
46 Tracy Reams thanked the BOCC, as well as the BOE, for their support.
47
48 PUBLIC COMMENT:
11
1 A Board of Election (BOE) member said Orange County has one of the best and the
2 most professional BOE Directors in the State, and she thanked the BOCC for the new
3 equipment.
4 Commissioner Jacobs said the BOE has shown no partisanship and expressed gratitude
5 from the BOCC.
6
7 d. Distinguished Budget Presentation Award
8 The Board recognized the budget staff of the Orange County Finance and
9 Administrative Services Department for earning the Government Finance Officers' Association
10 (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the 2015-16 fiscal year budget
11 document.
12 Gary Donaldson, Orange County Chief Financial Officer, recognized his budget staff
13 from the Finance and Administrative Services Department for a job well done: Paul Laughton,
14 Darryl Butts, Allen Coleman, and Crystal Sandifer. He said this is the 24th year that the County
15 has received this award.
16 The Board presented the plaque for the receipt of the GFOA Distinguished Budget
17 Award to the staff.
18
19 e. Presentation of Manager's Recommended Fiscal Year 2016-17 Annual Operating
20 Budget and FY 2016-21 Capital Investment Plan
21 The Board received a presentation of the Manager's Recommended FY 2016-17 Annual
22 Operating Budget, and 2016-21 Capital Investment Plan.
23 Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation:
24
25 ORANGE COUNTY FY 2016-17
26 COUNTY MANAGER RECOMMENDED BUDGET
27 FY2016-17 recommended budget
28 County Manager Recommendation
29 • COMPILATION REPORT
30 • ASSUMPTIONS
31 • EXPENDITURES& REVENUES
32 • BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
33 • FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAMS
34 • SCHOOL FUNDING
35 • OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING
36 • CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN (CIP)
37
38 FY2016-17 recommended budget
39 COMPILATION REPORT
40
41 FY2016-17 recommended budget
42 ASSUMPTIONS
43
44 • Maintain Current Tax Rate— $0.878
45 • Property Tax Base — 1% increase
46 • Motor Vehicle Tax Base— 6% increase
47 • Sales Tax Collections — 3.75% increase
48
49 FY2016-17 recommended budget
50 EXPENDITURES& REVENUES
12
1
2 FY2016-17 recommended budget
3 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
4 • Living Wage- will increase up to $13.15
5 • Bond Education Campaign- includes funding for media consultant services
6 • Create a Transit Department
7 • Employee Wage Adjustment- across the county increase of 3% but will be
8 implemented in two installments
9 • Compression Reduction- $500,000
10 • Fund Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)-$250,000 to recognize this issue and
11 its liability
12 • Exceed the Funding Target for Schools- 49.4%
13
14 FY2016-17 recommended budget
15 FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAMS
16 ❑ COMMUNITY SERVICES
17 ✓ Code Compliance Officer - 1.0 FTE
18 ✓ Community Center Support
19 ✓ OPT Fare Boxes
20 ✓ Maintain current Solid Waste Fee- $107
21 ❑ GENERAL GOVERNMENT
22 ✓ Development Impact Study and double Taxation Study
23 ✓ Stormwater Fee Collection- for Town of Hillsborough
24
25 FY2016-17 recommended budget
26 FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAMS
27 ❑ HUMAN SERVICES
28 ✓ Affordable Housing
29 ✓ Administrative Assistant— 0.75 FTE (Seymour)
30 ✓ Family Success Alliance
31 ✓ Public Health Educator— 1.0 FTE
32 ✓ Social Services Capacity
33 ✓ Mental Health - MOE
34 ❑ SUPPORT SERVICES
35 ✓ Website & Publications Coordinator— 1.0 FTE
36 ✓ Treasury Management Optimization Report
37
38 FY2016-17 recommended budget
39 FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP TEAMS
40 ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY
41 ✓ Sheriff Personnel Capacity and Training
42 ✓ Uniforms and Personal Protective Equipment
43 ✓ Increased Revenue for Federal inmates
44 ✓ Enhancements to OC Alerts
45 ✓ Online Testing for Telecommunicator Candidates
46 ✓ Tactical Medic Equipment
47
48 FY2016-17 recommended budget
49 AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP(ADM)
50
13
111111c r,,vithoge
ADM 12,017 7,551 19,568
Out of District (241) (104) (345)
TOTAL 11,776 7,447 19,223
Charter Students 217 519 736
TOTAL 11,993 7,966 19,959
ADM % 60.09% 39.91% 100%
1
2
3 FY2016-17 recommended budget
4 SCHOOL FUNDING
5 ❑ Health and Safety Services Contract (formerly known as Fair Funding) -
6 $3,354,000
7 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools — $1,920,000
8 • Orange County Schools — $1,434,000
9 ❑ New Appropriation - $1,408,849
10 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools — $1,153,345
11 • Orange County Schools — $255,504
12
13 FY2016-17 recommended budget
14 SCHOOL FUNDING
15 ❑ Charter School Student Funding - $2,739,392
16 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (217)— $807,674
17 • Orange County Schools (519)— $1,931,718
18 ❑ New Appropriation - $763,000
19 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (50) — $186,100
20 • Orange County Schools (155)— $576,900
21
22 FY2016-17 recommended budget
23 SCHOOL FUNDING
24 ❑ Health Insurance & Retirement - $485,000
14
1 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools — $341,000
2 • Orange County Schools — $144,000
3
4 FY2016-17 recommended budget
5 NEW APPROPRIATION
6
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1C ./ $ 975,931 $12141,11,1,61T,
r 11211 $ 2401! $ 133w111H1
7
8 FY2016-17 recommended budget
9 OUTSIDE AGENCIES
10 FY2016-17 recommended budget
11 FIRE DISTRICTS
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Celldr Grove $,,73 $,II, $ftfl736
CIIhape1l° 11°IIIIVi111111 $011500 $0„200 $011500
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E1111 nid'1 $0„2"700 00 $0 000 $0„2"700
00
Eno $��w�l799 $,II, $,,799
15
II....itt III e River er $0 0406 $0„,000 $0 0406
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- ,Orgn.Ile IR u rgI $111.,II 3036 $,v.,,,III, vv.,11 3 t
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'White Crass li n11,,,, $,vw,ii,ii,, $1111.11,0
1
2 Bonnie Hammersley said there were 23 positions requested, and 7 were approved. She
3 said the criteria for the approval of positions were: fully funded with revenue and service
4 expansion.
5 Bonnie Hammersley said the current operating reserve is at 17.98 percent.
6 Bonnie Hammersley said she will also bring an amendment change process forward to
7 the Board.
8
9 FY2016-17 recommended budget
10 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN(CIP)
11 ❑ CONTINUATION FUNDING
12 ✓ Southern Branch Library - $6.38 million
13 ✓ Detention Facility- $500,000
14 ✓ Historic Rogers Road Sewer Project - $5.68 million
15 ✓ Conservation Easements - $500,000
16
17 FY2016-17 recommended budget
18 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN(CIP)
19 ❑ POLICY PRIORITIES:
20 ✓ School Capital Improvements - $47.6 million
21 ✓ Affordable Housing - $3.5 million
22 ✓ Community Centers - $35,000
23 ✓ Senior Centers - $990,000 Seymour Center
24 ✓ Economic Development (Water and Sewer)-$145,000
25 ✓ Accessibility and Security Improvements - $190,000
26 ✓ EMS Substation Co-location - $500,000
27
28 FY2016-17 recommended budget
29 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN(CIP)
30 ❑ PARKS, OPEN SPACE,AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT:
31 ✓ Blackwood Farm Park - $1.26 million
32 ✓ Cedar Grove Park— Phase I I - $60,000
33 ✓ Mountains to Sea Trail - $521,000
34 ✓ Hollow Rock Nature Park (New Hope Preserve) - $235,000
35 ✓ River Park— Phase II - $50,000
16
1 ✓ Little River Park— Phase II - $100,000
2 ✓ Fairview Park Access with Parking Improvements - $325,000
3
4 FY2016-17 recommended budget
5 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN(CIP)
6 ❑ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS:
7 ✓ Information Technology Infrastructure - $500,000
8 ✓ Technology Improvements - $500,000
9 ✓ Fiber Connections for County facilities - $60,000
10 ✓ BOCC Technology Initiatives - $50,000
11 ✓ Communication System Improvements - $166,000
12
13 FY2016-17 recommended budget
14 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN(CIP)
15 ❑ CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
16 ✓ Hardened 911 Center- $980,000
17 ✓ Southern Human Services Center — $300,000
18 ❑ OTHER CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
19 ✓ Facility Roofing Projects - $206,700
20 ✓ Historic Courthouse Square - $40,000
21 ✓ Generator Projects - $375,000
22
23 FY2016-17 recommended budget
24 PUBLIC HEARINGS&WORK SESSIONS
25
26 FY2016-17 recommended budget
27 BUDGET DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY
28 ✓ Clerk to Board of Commissioners
29 ✓ County Finance &Administrative Services Office
30 ✓ Orange County Library
31 ✓ Chapel Hill Public Library
32 ✓ Carrboro/McDougle Branch Library
33 ✓ Orange County Website - http://orangecountync.gov
34
35 FY2016-17 recommended budget
36 ORANGE COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT
37 Orange County exists to provide governmental services requested by our Residents or
38 mandated by the State of North Carolina.
39 To provide these quality services efficiently, we must;
40 • Serve the Residents of Orange County— Our Residents Come First;
41 • Depend on the energy, skills, and dedication of all our employees and volunteers;
42 • Treat all our Residents and Employees with fairness, respect, and understanding.
43 Orange County Residents Come First
44
45 Commissioner Jacobs referred to the inmate amount going up to $100, and asked if the
46 current amount could be given.
47 Bonnie Hammersley said the current inmate amount is $66.
48 Commissioner Jacobs referred to the Administrative Assistant at the Seymour Center
49 and clarified that evening hours had been cut at both senior centers.
17
1 Bonnie Hammersley said because the Central Orange Senior Center is located next to
2 the Sportsplex, there are temporaries that allow that facility to stay open later than Seymour.
3 Commissioner Jacobs asked if this is indicated in the budget document as it may be
4 perceived as one senior center being advantaged over another.
5 Bonnie Hammersley said there can be a technical amendment in the final adopted
6 budget, to that effect.
7 Bonnie Hammersley said the Functional Leadership Teams' ranking forms can be found
8 in the appendices.
9 Commissioner Burroughs thanked the Manager and her staff for creatively attacking
10 thorny issues of years passed.
11 Commissioner Burroughs said she appreciated the Manager's positive attitude of putting
12 everything on the table to discuss and build upon.
13 Commissioner Burroughs referred to the schools and noted this budget is not what was
14 requested but it is an offering with which to move forward and discuss.
15 Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 7 and various general government studies. He
16 asked if this is located within the budget document.
17 Paul Laughton said the items for the Development Impact and Double Taxation
18 proposed studies will be under the County Manager's tab and the stormwater fee collection will
19 be under the Tax Administration tab.
20 Commissioner Jacobs said historically the budget presentation was a stand-alone
21 presentation with an adjournment and he liked this format better.
22 Commissioner Jacobs said it is refreshing to have a participatory process with the
23 budget.
24 Commissioner Rich said this is the Manager's budget from start to finish and it is
25 different. She thanked Bonnie Hammersley for keeping the Board of County Commissioners
26 involved.
27 Commissioner Price agreed with the previous comments.
28
29 5. Consent Agenda
30 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
31 - Item F by Commissioner Jacobs and Price
32 - Item G by Commissioner Price
33 - Item H by Commissioner Jacobs and Rich
34
35 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
36
37 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve the
38 remaining items on the consent agenda.
39
40 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
41
42
43 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
44
45 f. Voluntary Annexation Petition —Sportsplex Field House Property
46 The Board considered approving a petition for voluntary annexation of the Sportsplex
47 Field House site to the Town of Hillsborough and, upon County Attorney review, authorizing the
48 Chair to sign the petition and related documentation and authorize the Chair to sign.
49 Commissioner Jacobs said he was interested in understanding the rationale for this
50 petition and the benefit to the County of this voluntary annexation.
18
1 Jeff Thompson, Director of Asset Management Services, said this allows for a more
2 beneficial packet of entitlements, as the Sportsplex Field House is developed. He said parking,
3 set backs, and stormwater management requirements are easier to deal with on single parcel
4 of land, as opposed to a parcel that is split between the Town of Hillsborough and the County.
5 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the project would be dependent on Hillsborough and if
6 water rates would be affected.
7 Michael Harvey, Orange County Planning, said there is a greater opportunity for the
8 County to make use of existing infrastructure at the Sportsplex complex; whereas, if it were in
9 the County's planning jurisdiction as an independent lot, set backs, parking, and stormwater
10 would have to be contained within the County's lot. He said it would allow for cost savings.
11 Jeff Thompson said the water rate will be Hillsborough water rates.
12 Commissioner Jacobs said being in the Town would provide about a 50% savings which
13 could be a cost saving measure.
14 Commissioner Price asked if the there is a process to determine the design, if Orange
15 County is not doing so.
16 Jeff Thompson said there will be a public hearing process this summer with Hillsborough
17 and Hillsborough will vote on the annexation in the fall. He said it will then follow the planning
18 process as though it were Hillsborough property.
19 Commissioner Price asked if Orange County will have to pay the permitting fees.
20 Jeff Thompson said yes.
21 Commissioner Price said she is concerned about properties surrounding the area and
22 asked if these property owners will be invited to the public hearings.
23 Jeff Thompson said yes.
24
25 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
26 to approve the voluntary annexation of the Sportsplex Field House site to the Town of
27 Hillsborough and, upon County Attorney review, authorized the Chair to sign the petition and
28 related documentation.
29
30 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
31
32 g. Resolution to Endorse Orange County's Priority Transportation Project Lists
33 for the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Triangle
34 Area Rural Planning Organization, and the Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning
35 Organization
36 The Board considered a resolution endorsing three (3) priority lists of transportation
37 projects that are considered for inclusion in the 2018-2027 Statewide Transportation
38 Improvement Program (STIP) within:
39 • the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO),
40 • the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (TARPO), and
41 • the Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning Organization (B-G MPO) planning areas,
42 respectively.
43 Seven (7) DCHC MPO projects and three (3) TARPO projects that were initially endorsed by
44 the BOCC at the June 2, 2015 meeting are not carried forward (All B-G MPO projects are
45 included in the resolution.).
46
47 Commissioner Price referred to Highway 54 and asked if the term widening is still being
48 used to describe this project of going from two to four lanes.
49 Max Bushell, Orange County Transportation Planner, said 65% of the widening projects
50 are in the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) and
19
1 the other 35% are in the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (TARPO)jurisdiction. He
2 said two projects were put forth for consideration for funding: a widening project and an
3 operational improvements project. He said the latter was primarily put forward during this round
4 of funding to delay the need for widening, and possibly resolve the issue entirely. He said there
5 is also a corridor study being funded through the MPO, the Town of Carrboro, and Orange
6 County, which will help collect data about alternative approaches to the project. He said he
7 believes neither of these projects will receive funding in this round.
8 Commissioner Price asked Commissioner Jacobs if the DCHC MPO had discussed this
9 topic recently.
10 Commissioner Jacobs said not to his knowledge.
11
12 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
13 approve the Resolution to Endorse Orange County's Priority Transportation Project Lists for the
14 Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization, the Triangle Area Rural
15 Planning Organization, and the Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning Organization
16
17 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
18
19 h. Rogers Road Sewer Project—Granting Easement across County-Owned
20 Property (Animal Services)
21 The Board considered granting an easement for sewer installation and maintenance on
22 County-owned property that will be part of the Rogers Road Sewer Project and authorize the
23 Chair to sign.
24 Commissioner Jacobs said he did not want to assume that granting the easement is the
25 most environmentally responsible decision. He said he wanted to ask if this is true and also to
26 request that the environmental impacts of decisions be added to the agenda abstract going
27 forward.
28 Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning and Inspections Director, said environmental
29 concerns were seriously considered. He said the County would be granting an easement to
30 itself which would ultimately be transferred to the Orange Water and Sewer Authority
31 (OWASA).
32 Commissioner Jacobs asked if this easement is near a road.
33 Craig Benedict said there is an easement for a roadway and this would be adjacent to
34 the landfill to the west.
35 Commissioner Dorosin said asked if all of these easements are being given to Orange
36 County, will we in turn give them to OWASA.
37 John Roberts said this is the plan.
38 Commissioner Rich asked if the County is taking the lead in the process even though
39 the easements are going through Carrboro property.
40 John Roberts said the purpose of the easement is to create a right of entry to maintain
41 the line and all the easements should have Orange County as the grantee. He said without
42 such rights of entry, the County would be trespassing when maintaining the sewer lines.
43
44 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
45 Board to grant an easement for sewer installation and maintenance on County-owned property
46 that will be part of the Rogers Road Sewer Project and authorized the Chair to sign.
47
48 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
49
50
20
1 a. Minutes
2 The Board approved the minutes from April 5, 7, and 18, 2016 as submitted by the Clerk to the
3 Board.
4 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
5 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle
6 property tax values for three (3) taxpayers with a total of three (3) bills that will result in a
7 reduction of revenue in accordance with the NCGS.
8 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
9 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax
10 values for one (1) taxpayer with a total of five (5) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in
11 accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
12 d. Authorize the Use of a Cooperative Purchasing Program to Purchase a Replacement
13 Ambulance for Orange County Emergency Services
14 The Board authorized the use of a cooperative purchasing program for the already approved
15 purchase of one (1) ambulance to replace a 2007 model ambulance.
16 e. Policy Priorities for 2016
17 The Board adopted the policy priorities established during the Board of County Commissioners'
18 2016 retreat.
19 g. Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System
20 The Board made a recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation
21 (NCDOT), and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT), concerning a petition to
22 add Founders Ridge Drive in Chancellors View Subdivision to the State Maintained Secondary
23 Road System.
24 h. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendment
25 Outlines and Schedules for Four (4) Proposed Text Amendments
26 The Board approved process components and schedules for four (4) staff initiated Unified
27 Development Ordinance (UDO) text amendments.
28
29 6. Public Hearings
30
31 a. Public Hearing on General Obligation Bond Orders and Formal Approval of Bond
32 Referenda and Ballot Questions
33 The Board will consider:
34 1) Conducting a second scheduled public hearing to receive public comment on the questions
35 of the validity of the bond orders and the advisability of issuing the bonds;
36 2) Close the public hearing. The Board can then either proceed to step (3) without changes to
37 the Bond Orders as previously introduced, or in the alternative the Board may decide either (a)
38 not to put forward either or both of the proposed orders, or (b) to lower the amount of either or
39 both orders (The Board cannot, however, add a purpose for the proposed bonds or increase
40 either amount of bonds without restarting the bond authorization process.);
41 3) Adopt the first bond order authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds in an
42 amount not to exceed $120 million to support school facilities;
43 4) Adopt the second bond order authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds in an
44 amount not to exceed $5 million for housing for persons with low and moderate income; and
45 5) Adopt the Resolution regarding details for bond referenda (Attachment 3) to formally
46 schedule the November bond referenda and approve the ballot questions.
47
48 Gary Donaldson reviewed the process thus far.
49 Bob Jessup, Bond Counsel, said this is the final required Board action before this item is
50 put before the voters in November. He said the resolution will have the bond questions.
21
1 Chair McKee opened the public hearing.
2
3 PUBLIC COMMENT:
4 NONE
5
6 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
7 close the public hearing.
8
9 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
10
11 The Board can then either proceed to step (3)without changes to the Bond Orders as
12 previously introduced, or in the alternative the Board may decide either (a) not to put forward
13 either or both of the proposed orders, or (b) to lower the amount of either or both orders (The
14 Board cannot, however, add a purpose for the proposed bonds or increase either amount of
15 bonds without restarting the bond authorization process.);
16
17 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
18 adopt the first bond order (Attachment 1) authorizing the issuance of General Obligation Bonds
19 in an amount not to exceed $120 million to support school facilities.
20
21 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
24 adopt the second bond order (Attachment 2) authorizing the issuance of General Obligation
25 Bonds in an amount not to exceed $5 million for housing for persons with low and moderate
26 income.
27
28 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
29
30 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
31 adopt the Resolution regarding details for bond referenda (Attachment 3) to formally schedule
32 the November bond referenda and approve the ballot questions.
33
34 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
35
36 b. Approval of 2016 -2017 HOME Program Design for Consolidated Plan —Annual
37 Action Plan Update
38 The Board will consider:
39 (1) Receiving comments from the public regarding the FY 2016 - 2017 Consolidated Plan —
40 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange County;
41 (2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Resolution approving the proposed HOME Program
42 Activities for 2016-2017 including:
43 a) $285,000 in Homeownership Assistance funds for Orange County Habitat for
44 Humanity;
45 b) $50,000 in Housing Rehabilitation funds for Rebuilding Together of the Triangle;
46 c) $114,655 in Housing Rehabilitation funds for the Orange County Housing, Human
47 Rights and Community Development Department; and
48 d) $30,854 in Project Administration funds for the Orange County Housing, Human
49 Rights and Community Development Department;
22
1 (3) Adopt a Resolution approving the FY 2016-2017 Consolidated Housing Plan —Annual
2 Action Plan; and
3 (4) Authorize the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC
4 including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after
5 consultation with the County Attorney.
6
7 Audrey Spencer Horsley, Housing, Human Rights, and Community Development
8 Director, reviewed the information in the abstract.
9 Commissioner Dorosin said he concurred with Audrey Spencer-Horsley, and one of the
10 challenges is that when HOME money is put into a rehab, the entire home must be brought up
11 to code. He said there is not always enough funds to do this, but other non-HOME funds could
12 be used to bring homes up to code.
13 Commissioner Price said this document was very easy to read and understand.
14
15 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to close
16 the Public Hearing.
17
18 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
19
20
21 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to:
22 (2) Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Resolution approving the proposed HOME
23 Program Activities for 2016-2017;
24 (3) Adopt a Resolution approving the FY 2016-2017 Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plan; and
25 (4) Authorize the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC
26 including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after
27 consultation with the County Attorney.
28
29 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
30
31
32 7. Regular Agenda
33 a. Bond Education Committee Appointments and Additional Actions
34 The Board considered:
35 1) Reviewing and consider appointing applicants to the Bond Education Committee who
36 will develop and assist in disseminating information to voters concerning the November
37 8, 2016 bond referenda;
38 2) Review and consider appointing Co-Chairs of the Committee as the Board determines
39 appropriate;
40 3) Authorize the Manager to review and approve all final materials developed by the
41 Committee to confirm content is accurate and complete and maintains an educational
42 purpose; and
43 4) Provide any feedback to the Manager regarding the proposed funding plan to support
44 the Committee's work and assistance through a vendor.
45
46 Commissioner Price said there seemed to be only one representative from the northern
47 portion of the County and asked if more recruitment can be done.
48 Donna Baker said the Community Relations Department was very helpful in the
49 solicitation process for applicants and the County kept the process open for one week longer
50 than originally intended.
23
1 Commissioner Rich said she wanted to get this committee started as soon as possible.
2 Commissioner Jacobs suggested appointing just two positions tonight and re-advertising
3 for subsequent positions.
4 Commissioner Price said she does not want to stop the process, but there should be
5 more diversity.
6 Commissioner Dorosin referred to Commissioner Price's concerns and said he would
7 concede his seat to either Chair McKee or Commissioner Price, in order to achieve greater
8 geographical diversity.
9 Commissioner Price accepted Commissioner Dorosin's position on the committee.
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
12 appoint two at-large seats tonight, replace Commissioner Dorosin's seat with Commissioner
13 Price, and to re-advertise the other two at-large positions to be filled no later than June 21St
14
15 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
16
17
18 Orange County Resident Position 1:
19
20 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
21 appoint Elizabeth Welsby to position 1.
22
23 VOTE: Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Rich, Commissioner Jacobs, Chair McKee); Nays, 3
24 (Commissioner Burroughs, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Price)
25
26 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
27 appoint Jamezetta Bedford to position 1.
28
29 VOTE: Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Burroughs, Commissioner Price); Nays,
30 3 (Commissioner Rich, Commissioner Jacobs, Chair McKee)
31
32 Orange County Resident Position 2:
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to
35 appoint Teresa Watson to position 2.
36
37 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Chair McKee to appoint
38 Matt Hughes to position 2.
39
40 Commissioner Burroughs said she received an email from Elizabeth Welsby, which
41 stated if the votes came down between Elizabeth Welsby and Jamezetta Bedford, Elizabeth
42 Welsby would prefer that Jamezetta Bedford be appointed.
43 Commissioner Jacobs suggested packaging the appointments for those that the Board
44 feel, according to their votes, are meritorious. He said perhaps three spots could be filled.
45 John Roberts said any motion at this time would overturn the Board's previous motion of
46 just filling two positions, but this would be acceptable as long as the motion's intent is clear.
47
48 VOTE: (Teresa Watson)
49 Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Rich, and Commissioner Price); Nays, 3
50 (Commissioner Burroughs, Commissioner Jacobs, Chair McKee)
24
1
2 VOTE: (Matt Hughes)
3 Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Burroughs, Commissioner Jacobs, Chair McKee); Nays, 3
4 (Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Rich, and Commissioner Price)
5
6 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
7 to appoint the following:
8 Teresa Watson to position 1
9 Matt Hughes to position 2
10 Jamezetta Bedford to position 3
11
12 VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Chair McKee, Commissioner Burroughs, Commissioner Jacobs, and
13 Commissioner Dorosin); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Price and Commissioner Rich)
14
15 Motion passes.
16
17 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
18 to appoint the following remaining positions:
19
20 Position 5 Robert Dowling - Community HomeTrust
21 Position 6 Delores Bailey - Empowerment
22 Position 7 Brian Curran - Habitat for Humanity
23 Position 8 Pam Jones - OCS
24 Position 9 Donna Coffey - OCS
25 Position 10 Jeff Nash - CHCCS
26 Position 11 Margaret Samuels - CHCCS
27 Position 12 Diane Beecham
28 Position 13 Commissioner Renee Price
29 Position 14 Commissioner Burroughs
30
31 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to allow this
34 board to choose its own co-chairs.
35
36 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
37
38
39 Commissioner Rich asked if there is someone responsible for determining a meeting
40 calendar for this Committee.
41 Travis Myren said the Manager's office would set up the first meeting and then work with
42 the Committee to determine future dates.
43
44 (Background: As the Board considers appointments to the Committee, the Manager is also
45 moving forward with contracting with a vendor to assist the Bond Education Committee with
46 developing, revising, finalizing and printing educational brochures, signs, electronic media and
47 other materials. For the two most recent educational efforts related to County referenda, the
48 County paid:
49 • $33,925 to Jennings & Company in FY 2010-11; and
50 • $49,900 to Sheer Associates in FY 2011-12.
25
1
2 Depending on the scope of work negotiated with the vendor, the total cost of the vendor
3 contract and all efforts related to the Committee's work may be up to $50,000. The Manager
4 recommends the Board allocate $20,000 from the Board of Commissioners' 2015-16
5 Contingency account to fund the initial costs of the Committee's work.
6 To provide the other necessary funding, the Manager's proposed 2016-17 budget will include
7 an additional recommended appropriation of $30,000 for Bond Education Committee activities,
8 vendor services and informational materials. This balance of the funding will be subject to final
9 approval by the Board of County Commissioners. As the Committee (and/or sub-committees)
10 undertake work and develop cost estimates for the production and distribution of materials, the
11 Manager may recommend additional appropriations, if needed, for Board consideration.
12
13 Lastly, and in an effort to safeguard against any unintentional "advocacy" materials being
14 developed, the Manager recommends that the Board authorize the Manager to review and
15 approve all final materials developed by the Committee to confirm content is accurate and
16 complete and maintains an educational purpose.
17
18 FINANCIAL IMPACT: Public funds may be spent to present factual information to voters about
19 the proposed bonds, the projects expected to be financed by the bonds, and the circumstances
20 and needs that have given rise to the bond referenda. Public funds may not be spent on
21 campaigns either to promote or defeat passage of any bond order presented to voters.
22
23 Depending on the scope of work negotiated with the vendor, the total cost of the contract and
24 all efforts related to the Committee's work may be up to $50,000. Pending any alternative
25 direction from the Board, staff will present a budget amendment at the May 17, 2016 meeting to
26 allocate $20,000 from the Board of Commissioners' 2015-16 Contingency account to fund the
27 initial costs of the Committee's work.
28
29 The Manager's proposed 2016-17 budget will include an additional recommended appropriation
30 of $30,000 for the Bond Education Committee activities, vendor services and information
31 materials and will be subject to final approval by the Board of County Commissioners as part of
32 FY 2016-17 budget deliberations.
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
35 authorize the Manager to review and approve all final materials developed by the Committee to
36 confirm content is accurate and complete and maintains an educational purpose.
37
38 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
39
40 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
41 approve the proposed funding plan outlined above to support the Committee's work and
42 assistance through a vendor.
43
44 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
45
46
47 8. Reports
48
49 a. FY 2015-16 Third Quarter General Fund Financial Report
26
1 The Board received a Third Quarter General Fund Financial Report for the period of July
2 1, 2015— March 31, 2016.
3 Gary Donaldson reviewed the four attachments contained in the abstract. He said
4 Orange County is on track with the 2015-2016 budget, as it was established, and there are no
5 concerns regarding revenues or expenditures. He commended the efforts of the staff in the
6 Tax Administration office and reminded the Board that property taxes will still be gathered after
7 the end of the fiscal year. He said investment earnings have increased greatly this year.
8 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is an update regarding the collection of increased
9 fees from the ABC Commissioner.
10 Chair McKee said there is no current update but he will bring it up at the next ABC
11 Board meeting.
12
13 RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the FY 2016 Third
14 Quarter General Fund Financial Report and provide staff with feedback.
15
16 9. County Manager's Report
17 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the following, which are projected May 10, 2016 Regular
18 Work Session Items:
19 • Affordable Housing Strategic Plan Update
20 • Orange County Employment and Labor Statistics
21 • Facility Naming Policy
22
23 Bonnie Hammersley said the first public budget hearing will be on May 12th at the
24 Whitted Building.
25
26 10. County Attorney's Report
27 NONE
28
29 11. Appointments
30 NONE
31
32 12. Board Comments
33 Commissioner Rich had no comments.
34 Commissioner Jacobs said he and Chair McKee attended a meeting with the Rogers
35 Road property about easements, and it went well.
36 Commissioner Jacobs said there is artwork by local artists in the hallway of the facility
37 which can be purchased.
38 Commissioner Dorosin said it was Charter School Advocates week at the General
39 Assembly, and the bill to add additional funding to charter schools will come from the
40 Department of Transportation (DOT) and food funds. He said it is likely that will get attached to
41 another bill and, reportedly, this will happen very quickly and he will keep the BOCC informed.
42 Commissioner Price asked if John Roberts will keep the BOCC up to date on the fall out
43 of HB2 and the repeal process.
44 Commissioner Burroughs asked if Commissioner Rich and Commissioner Jacobs could
45 provide a brief update regarding the Solid Waster Advisory Group (SWAG).
46 Commissioner Rich said there have not been many meetings lately, and at the next
47 meeting, mattresses and the ReStore will be discussed.
48 Bonnie Hammersley said the interlocal agreement conversation was suspended in order
49 to bring in a consultant to review the financial issues within Solid Waste. She said this
50 consultant will be presenting a report at the next meeting on May 25th.
27
1 Chair McKee said in reference to HB2, he heard today that certain members of the
2 General Assembly will not do anything about the letter from the Department of Justice.
3 Chair McKee said the residents of Cedar Grove Community Center have been touring
4 other community centers and have met with the Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association
5 (RENA) in hopes of emulating the RENA model.
6 Chair McKee referred to the firearms safety committee, and said he cross-referenced
7 the applicants to the committee with the speakers from the February BOCC meeting. He said
8 only seven people that spoke that evening submitted applications.
9 Chair McKee said an email was received regarding the Board of Equalization and
10 Review, as well as another email regarding the Mountains to Sea Trail. He said he replied to
11 the Board of Equalization and Review today, and staff is putting together an email response
12 regarding the Mountains to Sea Trail email.
13
14 13. Information Items
15
16 • April 19, 2016 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
17 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
18 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
19 • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under$100
20 • 2016 Mebane Comprehensive Visioning Process
21 • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from April 19, 2016 Regular Meeting
22
23 14. Closed Session
24 NONE
25
26 15. Adjournment
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin
29 to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
30
31 VOTE: 6-0 (Commissioner Pelissier absent)
32
33
34
35 Earl McKee, Chair
36
37 Donna Baker
38 Clerk to the Board
39
1
1 Attachment 2
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 Work Session
6 May 10, 2016
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9
10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in a work session on Tuesday, May 10, 2016
11 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
12
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
14 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Renee Price and Penny Rich
15 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Bernadette Pelissier
16 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
17 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy Manager Travis
18 Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
19 appropriately below)
20
21 Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
24 defer Item 3: Orange County Property Naming Policy, until a later date.
25
26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
28 Chair McKee said Commissioner Pelissier will not be attending tonight.
29
30 1. Discussion of the Proposed Orange County FY 2016 -2020 Affordable Housing
31 Strategic Plan
32
33 Audrey Spencer Horsley, Housing, Human Rights, and Community Development
34 Director, reviewed the following information:
35
36 BACKGROUND:
37 On April 5, 2016 the Board received the Proposed 2016— 2020 Affordable Housing Strategic
38 Plan (AHSP) that has been developed as the County's long-range vision for addressing
39 affordable housing needs over the next five (5) years. After receiving an overview of the Plan
40 by the Director of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development (Director) and public
41 comment, the Board requested that the Director conduct additional community outreach on the
42 AHSP prior to holding a work session planned for May 10, 2016.
43
44 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met on January 29, 2016 for an annual retreat. In
45 reviewing the previous six goals the Board has used since 2009, affordable housing was a high
46 priority under Goal 1: Ensure a community network of basic human services and infrastructure
47 that maintains, protects, and promotes the well-being of all county residents. The Board stated
48 that there be a priority for decent, standard housing options for all residents regardless of
49 household income level and that funds be used to develop a targeted number of units (set
50 numerical goal), especially rentals. The AHSP addresses this priority of the Board.
2
1
2 At the meeting of the Board on April 5th, the Director provided a summary of the needs data in
3 the AHSP that includes the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. The Director
4 provided an overview of the goals, strategies, actions and recommendations in AHSP to
5 address the widening gap between needs and affordable housing countywide as well as public
6 policies and actions affecting affordable housing in the County. The AHSP identifies goals for
7 the next five years, and proposes strategies and opportunities to meet those goals in
8 partnership with the Towns, nonprofits, Advisory Boards and Commissions, the private sector,
9 faith communities, other County agencies, state and federal resources and the community at
10 large.
11
12 In order to begin to meet the need for affordable housing in Orange County, particularly
13 residents who are most cost burdened at 30% to 50 % median income as discussed in the
14 AHSP, the ASHP has an overarching shared countywide goal of 1,000 affordable housing units.
15 The shared countywide goal of 1,000 units are to be provided through acquisition, construction,
16 urgent repair, assisted housing, and rehabilitation of the existing housing stock over the next
17 five (5) years. At least 500 of the units are recommended to be new assisted rental units
18 through the leveraging of funds from the planned November 2016 $5 million bond referendum
19 for affordable housing.
20
21 The AHSP identifies the critical need for affordable housing for individuals and households of
22 extremely and very low income and for population groups with special needs including the
23 homeless, persons with physical and or mental disabilities and the elderly. The AHSP reviewed
24 existing affordable housing programs and tools of the County and covers an assessment of the
25 County's housing stock. This included examining mobile home parks of the County, a source of
26 affordable housing; publicly owned land and other development opportunities; and challenges
27 for preserving and increasing the supply of affordable housing given the County's existing and
28 planned infrastructure and access to transportation, employment, services and other community
29 assets.
30
31 As requested by the Board, additional community meetings and outreach have been conducted
32 with nonprofit providers, various County Boards and Commissions, community organizations
33 and residents in need of decent, sound affordable housing. This outreach provided an
34 additional opportunity for the public, various agencies and other interested parties to have
35 further input into the AHSP and comment on the goals, strategies and actions and
36 recommendations. Community meetings among other opportunities to receive public comment.
37
38 Bonnie Hammersley said the Commissioners will find the following items at their places:
39 - Attachment 1- summary of community comments on the Plan
40 - PowerPoint presentation
41 - Recommendation sheet
42 Audrey Spencer Horsley reviewed the community comments handout at the Board's
43 places, and these comments are incorporated by reference into these said minutes. A copy of
44 these comments is located in permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office.
45 Chair McKee said transportation is a critical factor; but in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro area,
46 Orange County is not responsible for transportation. He asked if there was discussion about
47 coordinating transportation between the County and the Towns.
48 Audrey Spencer Horsley said the people with whom she met said that transportation in
49 Chapel Hill is much more accessible, but the perception of Orange County is that there should
3
1 be better transportation options and routes. She said the current lengthy County routes are
2 especially stressful for seniors.
3
4 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that there is the Affordable Housing Master Plan
5 (AHMP), followed by this series of community meetings, and now the Board has this
6 recommendation/action sheet. He asked if the goal of tonight is to begin to try and narrow the
7 plan and set priorities.
8 Commissioner Dorosin said the timelines of the budget and the bond must be
9 considered. He said one goal would be to have a succinct summary of what the key actions are
10 going to be, which can assist in talking about the bond.
11 Bonnie Hammersley said the structure for tonight was to talk about some of the
12 recommendations. She said staff put the new recommendations first, followed by those that
13 are underway, but need additional resources, and finally those that are already underway. She
14 said this evening is an opportunity to receive BOCC feedback on as many recommendations as
15 possible.
16 Commissioner Jacobs said this does not help him tonight. He said he had specific
17 questions and concerns at the April meeting and was waiting for tonight's meeting to discuss
18 those concerns.
19 Bonnie Hammersley said the new items are from the existing document.
20 Commissioner Jacobs said he does not see his concerns in the document before the
21 Board tonight and assumes his concerns will not be addressed.
22 Bonnie Hammersley said the presentation of the recommendations will answer the
23 questions previously asked by the Board.
24 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the process going forward can be clarified.
25 Bonnie Hammersley said her new recommendations are already in the plan, but are not
26 currently being completed. She said direction is needed from the Board before moving forward.
27 Commissioner Jacobs said he brought up Mebane at the April meeting.
28 Bonnie Hammersley said staff reached out to Mebane and the University of North
29 Carolina (UNC) to try and involve them in this process.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said he brought up using the Greene Tract for affordable housing
31 in April, since there is an existing plan for housing. He asked if the Greene Tract is included in
32 her recommendations.
33 Bonnie Hammersley said the Greene Tract is part of what is being considered going
34 forward, and staff is asking for direction from the BOCC this evening. She said the Greene
35 Tract is going to be included in the discussion tonight.
36 Bonnie Hammersley said there may not be answers to all of the Board of County
37 Commissioners' questions, and staff may need greater clarification in order to answer them.
38 Commissioner Jacobs said it would have been helpful for Bonnie Hammersley to walk
39 the Board through the recommendations document prior to this meeting.
40 Bonnie Hammersley said the document will be covered this evening during the
41 continuation of the presentation. She said staff does not have all the information needed, but
42 the conversation can begin this evening.
43 Commissioner Price asked Audrey Spencer Horsley clarifying questions about the
44 comments sheet.
45 Commissioner Price asked if it is known when this plan will be finalized.
46 Audrey Spencer Horsley said staff hopes there will be a framework to come forth with
47 priorities from the Board of County Commissioners, before the summer break.
48 Commissioner Price said once the plan is in place, will bond money be usable for
49 projects already underway, or does the bond money have to go to new projects.
4
1 Bonnie Hammersley said most of the items "underway" are non-monetary, and a couple
2 of these items have already been addressed in her recommended budget.
3 Bonnie Hammersley said she believed projects would have to be new in order to use
4 bond money, but she would check on this and bring information back to the Board.
5 Commissioner Rich referred to the letter in the agenda packet from the Orange County
6 Housing Coalition and asked if staff had responded to this letter.
7 Audrey Spencer Horsley said some of the items mentioned in the letter had been
8 addressed in the plan, and implementation is being discussed further.
9 Commissioner Rich said there are certain things that have been around for 20 years,
10 such as the Greene Tract, and to stop dancing around it by using the phrase "large tracts" and
11 to specifically point out the Greene Tract.
12 Bonnie Hammersley said the new recommendations mentioned tonight were in the
13 original AHSP, and do not yet include comments from the community. She said community and
14 BOCC comments will be incorporated after this evening's discussion.
15 Commissioner Dorosin asked if this evening's PowerPoint includes comments from the
16 community.
17 Audrey Spencer Horsley said not everything was included, but a majority of the
18 substantive material was.
19 Travis Myren made the PowerPoint presentation below.
20 The Board decided at the beginning of this discussion to give items either the green,
21 yellow or red light going forward; with green being a priority; yellow keeping it on the list; and
22 red meaning do not worry about it right now.
23
24 AFFORDABLE HOUSING
25 STRATEGIC PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
26 Board of Orange County Commissioners
27 May 10, 2016
28
29 1,000 Units in Five Years
30
31 • Create 1,000 Affordable Housing Units in Five Years:
32 o 250 units —targeted for very low income individuals and household
33 o 250 units —targeted for special needs populations
34 o 500 units —targeted for 50% to 80% median income
35 o Countywide shared goal
36 o Acquisition, construction, urgent repair, assisted housing, and rehabilitation
37
38 New Recommendations
39 • New Recommendations—programs/policies do not currently exist
40 • AR1: Publicly Owned Small Parcel Development - GREEN
41 o Staff team to create project proposal for BOCC consideration
42 o Solicit participation from other local governments
43
44 Commissioner Dorosin said it should be a priority to have a very collaborative program
45 for affordable housing in the County. He said the focus should be a big pot of money for
46 affordable housing from municipalities and the County, as there is a universal need. He said
47 out of this should come a model for a multi-jurisdictional group of elected leaders, and the
48 charge and structure of this proposed group should be determined.
5
1 Commissioner Jacobs asked if it is known when this group would start working, and said
2 the vagueness of this process is frustrating him. He said when funds become available, all
3 must be ready to act.
4 Commissioner Rich said the discussion is how to handle the parcels, and it is important
5 to look at all aspects of this issue. She said there needs to be something standard in writing,
6 and coordination is key to making this happen county-wide.
7 Bonnie Hammersley said staff perceives green items as a priority, yellow items are to be
8 kept on the list, and red items are not to be worried about right now. She said staff needs to
9 know how many resources the Board wants to put forth on these items.
10 Commissioner Dorosin said this intergovernmental group should start meeting
11 immediately and be tasked with the prioritization of these needs, in order to support the bond
12 education campaign.
13
14 • AR2: Housing Authority as Property Manager -YELLOW
15 o Manager's Office to create policy paper outlining options for acquiring, holding,
16 and managing affordable housing properties
17
18 Chair McKee expressed concerns about the Housing Authority (HA) providing property
19 management.
20 Travis Myren said even with County oversight, an independent agency or non-profit
21 would be hired to do the day-to-day property management. He said this could be an
22 independent entity, and the HA could set policy associated with managing the properties.
23 John Roberts said the HA is a separate entity, which is incorporated by the State. He
24 said the extent of the HA's involvement would be determined by the BOCC.
25 Commissioner Jacobs said if the Housing Authority is being discussed, the Housing
26 Authority should be at the table for the discussion.
27 Commissioner Rich said she would like to have more information on this proposal, and it
28 is not one of her priorities.
29 Audrey Spencer Horsley said more research can be completed. She said she has had
30 initial discussions with the HA, but will need BOCC direction should the conversation get more
31 in depth.
32 Commissioner Dorosin said this conversation comes out of the desire to have more
33 rental housing and suggested getting more information, such as how it would work if the County
34 owned the rentals with a non-profit providing management.
35 Commissioner Price asked if the proposal is that Orange County will actually own
36 housing properties.
37 Travis Myren said it would depend. He said if the HA were to be used, it would be for
38 County owned properties.
39
40 • AR3: Development and Maintenance of Property— Selecting a Property Manager-
41 ROLE THIS INTO THE ONE ABOVE -YELLOW
42 o Selecting an entity to maintain property will be determined by the model for
43 property ownership and management
44
45 • AR4: Design Competition for larger scale development - GREEN
46 o Staff team to create project proposal for BOCC consideration
47 o Include Greene Tract in analysis
48
6
1 Commissioner Jacobs said he would green light this item as a concept, as long as it is
2 understood that it could be a mixed-use development (active recreation, schools, and affordable
3 housing). He said if the BOCC has a preference, it should express it.
4 Commissioner Rich and Commissioner Price agreed.
5 Commissioner Burroughs said this should be the first topic discussed by the proposed
6 multi-jurisdictional group.
7 Chair McKee asked if larger scale development is being considered and if any
8 parameters are being put in place. He said his only concern is the scalability of these ideas, as
9 the available funding is finite.
10 Commissioner Price said zoning and subdivision regulations could have an impact, as
11 well as available utilities.
12 Travis Myren said acreage would be estimated at about 10 acres.
13
14 • AR11.3: Displacement plan for large resident displacements due to
15 purchase/redevelopment- GREEN
16 o DSS and Housing to collaborate on displacement response strategy
17
18 • AR 12.2: Create guiding principles and design criteria for different types of
19 housing recommended in the Plan- GREEN
20 o Housing to work with other County departments, municipal partners, and
21 nonprofits to create design standards
22
23 • AR16.1: Adequate emergency shelter to accommodate individuals and families -
24 GREEN
25 o Homeless Programs Coordinator to facilitate discussion of options for
26 emergency shelter needs (multi-jurisdictional)
27
28 • AR16.2: Domestic violence shelter based on best practices - GREEN
29 o Housing to coordinate a discussion with public safety agencies and providers to
30 address the need of victims
31
32 • AR25: Provide leadership and support to staff and community to implement
33 strategies - GREEN
34 o County Manager's Office to coordinate with municipal partners
35 o Align planning documents; define cooperative efforts
36 o Leverage staff expertise and financial resources
37
38 • AR 27: Provide status reports on Plan implementation - GREEN
39 o County Manager's Office to coordinate progress reporting to BOCC and other
40 stakeholders
41
42 • AR30.1: Partner with municipalities and providers on major projects and funding
43 applications - GREEN
44 o County and Town Managers to create intergovernmental staff team
45 o Cooperative project development and funding
46
47 Commissioner Jacobs suggested using the HOME Program Review team, instead of
48 creating a new group of elected leaders and staff.
49 Bonnie Hammersley said this was considered, but the proposed elected officials group
50 would be an umbrella over all of affordable housing efforts.
7
1 Commissioner Jacobs mentioned all of the housing boards that currently exist.
2 Travis Myren asked if the Board wants staff to create a charge for the proposed elected
3 leaders group.
4 Commissioner Jacobs said one option to consider is using the HOME program review
5 group, and another is to create a new group. He said it would be helpful to look at the functions
6 of all of the housing boards.
7
8 Recommendations Underway
9 Additional Resources Recommended
10
11 • Existing programs/policies where additional resources are recommended by Plan
12 • AR19: Urgent Repair Program —Waiting List - GREEN
13 o Add $150,000 to $200,000
14 o Included in FY2016-17 Recommended Budget
15
16 • AR16.3: Add permanent supportive housing for individuals with disabilities
17 experiencing or at risk of homelessness —GREEN
18
19 o Housing, Homeless Programs Coordinator, Health Department and DSS work
20 with community partners including Cardinal Innovations
21
22 Audrey Spencer Horsley said supportive housing comes with wrap around services that
23 are often on site (such as CASA).
24 Commissioner Price asked if the Health Department could be included in this
25 discussion.
26 Travis Myren said yes.
27 Commissioner Rich asked if possible public private partnerships could be researched.
28
29 • AR21: Rehabilitation Program — Draw down more State funding - GREEN
30 o Eligibility cap increased from $170,000 to $500,000
31 o Add $200,000 to $250,000 to complete seven (7) more homes
32
33 Recommendations Underway
34 • Underway— work has begun on these recommendations
35 • AR8: Mobile Home Park Strategy - GREEN
36 o Staff team to create project proposal to include repair, rehabilitation and
37 redevelopment options
38
39 Commissioner Jacobs said this is where the discussion of incentives needs to be
40 involved. He said if public money goes towards improving a unit, then there would need to be a
41 guaranteed rental rate in return.
42 Commissioner Burroughs asked if the item could be clarified.
43 Chair McKee said staff will develop a strategy as to how to proceed, but not actually
44 authorize going forward.
45 Commissioner Burroughs said she has some concerns about mobile homes and would
46 want a thoroughly vetted strategy before moving forward.
47 Bonnie Hammersley said staff has gathered fairly extensive data on the mobile homes
48 in the County and can provide the Board with this information.
49 Chair McKee said it would be wise to gauge the interest of mobile park owners, before
50 developing a plan for rental units.
8
1 Commissioner Jacobs said offering incentives to the mobile home park owners is a way
2 to create some rent control units.
3 Commissioner Dorosin said that is a great idea, and a mobile home strategy should
4 include talking with residents as well as the park owners.
5
6 • AR11.1: Community plan to respond to displacement caused by natural disasters
7 - GREEN
8 o Housing, DSS, Emergency Services to review and refine emergency
9 housing/sheltering plan.
10 • AR11.2: Coordinated intake service model for individuals and families
11 experiencing homelessness - GREEN
12 o Housing to work with DSS and Homeless Programs Coordinator/Partnership to
13 End Homelessness on coordinated intake
14
15 Recommendations Underway
16 • AR12.1: Agency collaboration on programs related to maintaining affordability
17 and housing stability - GREEN
18 o FSA, OWASA, Aging, Partnership
19 o Housing to perform lead role in supporting complementary programs
20
21 • AR24: Enhance public transportation to employment opportunities - GREEN
22 o FY2016-17 Budget recommends creation of Transit Department to enhance
23 capabilities of OPT and partnerships with other transportation agencies
24
25 Chair McKee said Commissioner Pelissier had communicated her suggestion of putting
26 affordable housing near the proposed light rail to him earlier that day.
27
28 • AR26.1: Continue to strengthen internal management of housing programs -
29 GREEN
30 o Director of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development to allocate
31 resources and define expectations for superior program management
32
33 • AR 26.2: Leverage maximum resources from external sources - GREEN
34 o Director of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development to identify
35 leveraging opportunities
36
37 • AR 28: Recommend dedicated funding source for affordable housing - GREEN
38 o BOCC approved creation of affordable housing fund using FY2014-15 excess
39 fund balance
40 o FY2016-17 Budget recommends additional, ongoing resources for affordable
41 housing
42
43 • AR 29: Maintain a fund for land banking and acquisition opportunities - GREEN
44 o FY2016-17 Recommended Capital Investment Plan includes additional $1 million
45 for land banking
46
47 • AR30.2: Build stronger relationships with local financial institutions - GREEN
48 o County and Town Mangers will collaborate on strengthening relationships for
49 public sector priorities
50
9
1 Chair McKee asked if staff has had any discussions with banks yet.
2 Audrey Spencer Horsley said not yet.
3 Chair McKee said this would be beneficial to do, in an effort to secure some creative
4 financial options for residents to secure housing.
5
6 • AR31: Partner with community and municipal stakeholders to implement the Plan
7 - GREEN
8 o County and Town Managers will invite City of Mebane and UNC leadership to
9 join in Plan implementation
10 • AR32: Strengthen intergovernmental assessment and planning for public and
11 private funding sources to assist residents with low income and special needs -
12 GREEN
13 o County and Town Managers to assign responsibility for joint assessment and
14 planning for seeking outside resources
15
16 AR#Action/Recommendation Status Next Steps
17 NEW RECOMMENDATIONS (as relates to the above goals with detail)
18
19 AR 1
20 NEW: Provide county or other publicly owned property through an RFP for the immediate
21 development of single family attached, detached, and multi-family housing units. Based on the
22 SWOT analysis of publicly owned land, the County owned, small-parcel property (3 acres or
23 less) will be provided for the development of small scale, single family detached and attached
24 (duplex, triplex) units for sale or rent to qualified buyers and/or occupants through partner
25 affordable housing non-profits.
26 NEXT STEPS: Housing, Asset Management Services, Planning, DEAPR land
27 acquisition/disposition staff to collaborate on a project proposal for Board of County
28 Commissioners consideration, including intergovernmental opportunities.
29
30 AR 2
31 NEW: The County should negotiate an agreement with the Orange County Housing Authority to
32 manage and maintain affordable housing inventory owned by the County.
33 NEXT STEPS: County Manager to coordinate research and options on ownership and
34 management models that expand affordable housing stock.
35
36 AR 3
37 NEW: Implement a competitive process for evaluating proposals for development and
38 maintenance of affordable housing inventory. The proposals will be evaluated by the Orange
39 County Housing Authority and and/or the Affordable Housing Advisory Board as appropriate.
40 These bodies will make recommendations to the BOCC on the distribution of any county funds.
41 NEXT STEPS: Based on the options chosen for ownership and management of affordable
42 housing units, staff will create a Request for Proposal document to evaluate providers.
43
44 AR 4
45 NEW: Through a Design Competition create and implement an innovative development plan
46 and designs for the larger county-owned parcel(s) including the Southern Human Services
47 Center site that will include a mix of affordable housing uses including workforce housing and or
48 special needs housing and services as suited to the site and identified priority needs.
49 NEXT STEPS: Housing, Asset Management Services, Planning, DEAPR land
50 acquisition/disposition staff to collaborate on a project proposal for Board of County
10
1 Commissioners consideration. The report will also identify large publicly owned property
2 including the Greene Tract.
3
4 AR 11.3
5 NEW: A displacement plan for larger housing displacement events due to new development
6 and or sale of property affecting households of low income and no immediate alternative
7 housing options and to minimize housing instability, loss of personal property and an adverse
8 impact on families and individuals and particularly on vulnerable populations.
9 NEXT STEPS: DSS in cooperation with Housing to develop displacement response strategy
10 for consideration by the Board of County Commissioners.
11
12 AR 12.2
13 NEW: In consultation with our community partners, fully utilize our community human capital
14 assets, areas of expertise and unique capacities and special powers to facilitate carrying out
15 the goals and strategies and of the Orange County Affordable Housing Strategic Plan: 2016 -
16 2020. This may include requesting our community partners, particularly in areas of expertise, to
17 participate in developing guiding principles, general guidelines and or design
18 criteria/considerations for the different types of housing needed and planned over the five-year
19 period of the Plan. This will include engaging our Advisory Boards, Authorities and
20 Commissions and other public and private partners in their areas of expertise such as the
21 Orange County Housing Authority under AR3 above to our Municipal Partners and the collective
22 leadership of the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC).
23 NEXT STEPS: Housing will work with other County departments, municipal counterparts and
24 nonprofits to develop design standards for funded affordable housing programs.
25
26 AR 16.1
27 NEW: Adequate emergency shelter (s) that can accommodate individuals and families of
28 mixed composition and sex and for men.
29 NEXT STEPS: Homeless Programs Coordinator to facilitate a discussion on options to address
30 emergency shelter needs.
31
32 AR 16.2
33 NEW: Domestic Violence shelter according to best practices and expertise in meeting the
34 needs of victims.
35 NEXT STEPS: Housing and public safety agencies to facilitate a discussion with service
36 providers on options to address domestic violence shelter needs.
37
38 AR 25
39 NEW: Provide leadership and/or support to staff and the community as needed to implement
40 the strategies and recommendations of this Strategic Plan and related County Plans and
41 activities with the guidance and approval of the County Manager and BOCC as needed and
42 required and with broad community involvement including the County's many stakeholders.
43 NEXT STEPS: County Manager to work Town Managers to align planning documents and
44 define cooperative efforts to expand affordable housing options and leverage/combine staff
45 expertise and financial resources.
46
47 AR 27
48 NEW: Monitor, track and report activities and results of this Strategic Plan to the BOCC by the
49 Department of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development in cooperation and
50 collaboration with other County Agencies, municipal partners and the community.
11
1 NEXT STEPS: County Manager's Office to coordinate regular progress reporting to BOCC and
2 other stakeholders.
3
4 AR 30.1
5 NEW: Seek and support opportunities to partner with community and municipal partners on
6 major projects and or funding applications to federal, state and private funders
7 NEXT STEPS: County Manager and Town Managers to assign a intergovernmental staff work
8 group to support the elected leaders.
9
10 AR 19
11 UNDERWAY WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NEEDED: Expand the County's Urgent
12 Repair Program to serve 50 to 60 senior residents and or persons with disabilities, thereby
13 substantially reducing or practically eliminating a long waiting list to serve this population for
14 urgent housing repair needs. This would require an additional $150,000 to $200,000 to the
15 current fiscal year funding level of$75,000 allocated to complete approximately 25 owner-
16 occupied housing units of senior households and or households with persons with a disability.
17 NEXT STEPS: BOCC to consider additional funding in the FY2016- 17 Budget.
18
19 AR 16.3
20 UNDERWAY WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NEEDED: More permanent supportive
21 housing for disabled homeless people including creative and non-traditional affordable housing
22 options that reduce cost and provide for more affordable units; and service needs of
23 unaccompanied minors/youth.
24 NEXT STEPS: Housing, Homeless Programs Coordinator, and DSS to work with community
25 partners including Cardinal Innovations to address the need to more supportive housing for
26 people with disabilities.
27
28 AR 21
29 UNDERWAY WITH ADDITIONAL RESOURCES NEEDED
30 Leverage maximum funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency Single-Family
31 Rehabilitation Loan Pool (SFRLP)funds. Each recipient of SFRLP funds is now eligible with
32 recent program changes for up to $500,000 (instead of $170K) to conduct financially-feasible,
33 moderate housing rehabilitation for households that are below 80% AMI. Due to the extent of
34 rehabilitation required for typical older homes of Orange County applicants, few homes can be
35 completed based on the state requirement of only $45K to bring each home up to code.
36 Additional funds of $200,000 - $250,000 will allow the County to complete approximately 10
37 homes instead of three (3) homes and fully and more effectively leverage the state funding.
38 NEXT STEPS: As priorities are defined by the BOCC, the County Manager will recommend
39 funding options for priorityship team. This group will work on cooperative proposals for major
40 projects and funding applications.
41
42 AR 8
43 UNDERWAY: With the completion of a conditions survey and SWOT analysis of mobile home
44 parks in the County, immediately pursue opportunities to preserve the inventory, expand and or
45 improve this source of affordable housing through acquisition, land banking and partnership
46 opportunities. This may include and is not limited to minor to moderate repairs and or
47 conversion of underutilized parks to modular housing, cottages, and or small (micro/tiny)
48 homes.
49 NEXT STEPS: Housing, Asset Management Services, Planning, DEAPR land
50 acquisition/disposition staff to collaborate on a project proposal for Board of County
12
1 Commissioners consideration which will include opportunities to repair, rehabilitate, or
2 redevelop existing mobile homes. The proposal will include information on rented versus owned
3 mobile homes located in mobile home parks.
4
5 AR 11.1
6 UNDERWAY: A community plan to respond to housing emergencies due to acts of nature, life
7 events, etc.
8 NEXT STEPS: Housing, DSS, and Emergency Services work on emergency housing plan with
9 input from municipal partners.
10
11 AR 11.2
12 UNDERWAY: A coordinated community-wide service model for intake of homeless individuals
13 and families seeking assistance.
14 NEXT STEPS: Housing to work with DSS and the Partnership to End Homelessness on a
15 coordinated intake strategy.
16
17 AR 12.1
18 UNDERWAY: Continue to strengthen the intra- and inter- agency collaboration and community
19 engagement for addressing specific needs and shared and or related goals that include
20 affordable housing. Some of these include the Family Success Alliance staffed by the Health
21 Department; Master Aging Plan, initiatives for the Partnership to End Homelessness, working
22 with OWASA to reduce water consumption and increase cost savings for tenants and
23 homeowners, transportation, and land use.
24 NEXT STEPS: Housing to work with agencies and programs to advance efforts that maintain
25 affordability.
26
27 AR 24
28 UNDERWAY: Study, plan, and develop additional bus routes to provide more public
29 transportation to business "nodes" for low-income workers and to have better access to jobs,
30 services, community amenities and work force development opportunities.
31 NEXT STEPS: The newly created Transit Department will be charged with evaluating needs to
32 expand transportation access.
33
34 AR 26.1
35 UNDERWAY: Continue to strengthen internal management of funded programs and projects
36 including policies and procedures, best practices, learning, training and information sharing,
37 reporting and intra and interagency practices and coordination by the Department. This includes
38 listening to, seeking to understand, continuous engagement and responsiveness to our many
39 customers and or partners.
40 NEXT STEPS: Director of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development to allocate
41 resources and define expectations for superior program management.
42
43 AR 26.2
44 UNDERWAY: Strive to ensure maximum leveraging of resources, funding and programs to
45 meet the current and future affordable housing needs of County residents.
46 NEXT STEPS: Director of Housing, Human Rights and Community Development to identify
47 opportunities to leverage additional resources.
48
49
50
13
1
2 AR 28
3 UNDERWAY: The County Manager will assess and recommend to the BOCC a dedicated
4 funding source(s) needed and a plan of implementation to provide a source of reliable funds for
5 affordable housing starting with FY2016-17.
6 NEXT STEPS: BOCC approved the allocation of excess fund balance to create an affordable
7 housing fund as recommended by the County Manager. The FY2016-17 Budget recommends
8 additional resources for affordable housing initiatives.
9
10 AR 29
11 UNDERWAY: Provide and maintain a set aside of funding for land banking and acquisition
12 opportunities and keep this fund opportunity driven.
13 NEXT STEPS: The FY2016-17 Capital Investment Plan recommends an additional $1 million
14 allocation for land banking.
15
16 AR 30.2
17 UNDERWAY: Building a stronger and more productive relationship with local and regional
18 financial institutions.
19 NEXT STEPS: County Manager and Town Managers to work with elected leadership team to
20 build relationships with financial institutions.
21
22 AR 31
23 UNDERWAY: Seek and support opportunities to partner with community and municipal
24 partners in carrying out the strategies and actions of this Plan.
25 NEXT STEPS: County and Town Managers to invite City of Mebane and UNC leadership to
26 participate in the discussion and implementation of the Plan.
27
28 AR 32
29 UNDERWAY: Continue and strengthen the County's and Towns'joint assessment and
30 planning to obtain federal and other funding and public and private resources sources to
31 provide assistance as needed to households earning lower incomes and or to residents with
32 special needs and to our extremely vulnerable residents.
33 NEXT STEPS: County Manager and Town Managers to work with elected leadership team to
34 joint assessment and planning for external funding sources.
35
36 Chair McKee mentioned some items that would cost money: 16.1, 16.2, 16.3, 21, 24, as
37 well as a few others. He asked if staff could gather more detail on the costs.
38 Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC green lighted many items, and he reiterated that
39 prioritization will have to occur. He said everything is important, but everything cannot be
40 equally important.
41 Commissioner Burroughs said the Board and staff may want to think about a phasing
42 approach moving forward on these priorities, in order to get the most "bang for their buck".
43
44 2. Presentation on Orange County Employment and Labor Statistics
45 Steve Brantley, Orange County Economic Development Director, reviewed the following
46 background, and made a PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which is located in the permanent
47 agenda file in Clerk's office.
48 The attached PowerPoint presentation covers the most current information available
49 regarding Orange County's labor market environment to include the following topics:
14
1 • Demographic summary of Orange County's population &workforce- Orange County's
2 growth rate is 5%
3 Steve Brantley referred the BOCC to his yellow hand out, Employment Status for the last 4
4 years, and helped the Board interpret the data on the excel spreadsheets.
5 • Educational & work achievement levels of Orange County residents, compared to
6 advertised job listings for minimum required education and work experience
7 • Unemployment Rates & Trends in Orange County & the State of North Carolina
8 • Main employment sectors in Orange County, by business type
9 • Largest employers in Orange County
10 • Wage statistics & annual income
11 • Work area profile analysis
12 • In & out migration of commuting residents to their place of employment
13 • Commuting times
14
15 Information sources for these comparison charts include:
16 • U. S. Census Bureau 2009-2014 (Five Year Estimates)
17 • National Association of Counties (NACo)
18 • North Carolina Department of Commerce
19 ➢ "NC Works" employment &workforce agency (former Employment Security
20 Commission/ESC)
21 ➢ "Division of Labor& Economic Analysis Division" (LEAD) — Quarterly Census of
22 Employment & Wages (QCEW - 3rd Q 2015)
23 ➢ "ACCESSNC"
24
25 Orange County's workforce and employment is primarily influenced by the significance
26 presence of the many University of North Carolina and UNC Health Care facilities based here,
27 the geographic proximity to the high-tech Research Triangle Park tenants and surrounding
28 Triangle cities and other premier universities, plus state and local government centers. These
29 factors contribute to the community's economic vitality, growth and stability, help to sustain the
30 steady employment and income trends, and generally shield the region from the cyclical lows of
31 occasional economic downturns. Orange County has also not historically had a large presence
32 of traditional industries employing lower-skilled labor, like textiles &furniture, which have
33 increasingly relocated off-shore and reduced local employment across other parts of North
34 Carolina. As a result, Orange County routinely ranks among the top 1 — 3 North Carolina
35 counties with the lowest unemployment rate, enjoys the highest per capita income level, and
36 has the highest percentage of local residents holding 4-year and higher education degrees.
37
38 A variety of state and local government agencies, educational institutions, non-profits and
39 private interests all contribute toward workforce preparedness on behalf of Orange County's
40 residents who seek skills training and employment opportunities. Such agencies include:
41 • local public school systems' Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum for
42 Orange County & Chapel Hill/Carrboro high school students
43 • Durham Technical Community College (new Hillsborough campus)
44 • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
45 • State employment agencies such as "NCWorks" (503 W. Franklin Street, Chapel Hill)
46 • Local nonprofits such as EmPowerment, Inc. (109 N. Graham Street, Chapel Hill) and
47 OE Enterprises, Inc. (Hillsborough)
48 • Orange County Department of Social Services' membership in the 5-county "Regional
49 Partnership Workforce Development Board", which helps funds various employment and
15
1 training solutions for job applications and employers.
2
3 Commissioner Dorosin asked if staff could provide data about County employees that
4 live inside the County versus outside, and how that correlates to their income level.
5 Commissioner Price asked if staff could determine the percentage of department heads
6 that live in Orange County.
7 Commissioner Jacobs said years ago staff said it was too expensive to live in Orange
8 County.
9
10 3. Orange County Property Naming Policy
11
12 DEFERRED
13
14 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
15 to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
16
17 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
18
19
20 Earl McKee, Chair
21
22 Donna Baker
23 Clerk to the Board
24
25
26
27
1
1 Attachment 3
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
6 May 12, 2016
7
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners held a Budget Public Hearing on Thursday, May
10 12, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT:
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy Manager Travis
17 Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 1. Opening Remarks
21 Chair McKee called the meeting to order, and welcomed everyone at 7:05 p.m. He
22 thanked the public for attending, noting the expression of community engagement.
23
24 PUBLIC CHARGE
25 Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge.
26
27 2. Presentation of County Manager's Recommended FY 2016-17 Budget
28 Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation:
29
30 ORANGE COUNTY FY2016-17 COUNTY MANAGER RECOMMENDED BUDGET
31 • COMPILATION REPORT
32 • ASSUMPTIONS
33 • EXPENDITURES& REVENUES
34 • BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
35 • SCHOOL FUNDING
36 • OUTSIDE AGENCY FUNDING
37 • CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN (CIP)
38
39 FY2016-17 recommended budget
40 COMPILATION REPORT
41
42 FY2016-17 recommended budget
43 ASSUMPTIONS
44 • Maintain Current Tax Rate —$0.878
45 • Property Tax Base — 1% increase
46 • Motor Vehicle Tax Base —6% increase
47 • Sales Tax Collections —3.75% increase
48
49 FY2016-17 recommended budget
50 EXPENDITURES& REVENUES
51
2
1 FY2016-17 recommended budget
2 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
3 • Living Wage
4 • Affordable Housing Funding
5 • Bond Education Campaign
6 • Funding for Family Success Alliance
7 • Create a Transit Department
8 • Sheriff Personnel Capacity and Training
9 • Employee Wage Adjustment
10 • Compression Reduction
11 • Maintain current Solid Waste Fee
12 • Fund Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB)
13 • Exceed the Funding Target for Schools
14 • Orange Connect Scholarship Program
15
16 FY2016-17 recommended budget
17 AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP(ADM)
18
19 FY2016-17 recommended budget
20 SCHOOL FUNDING
21 ❑ Health and Safety Services Contract - $3,354,000
22 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools — $1,920,000
23 • Orange County Schools —$1,434,000
24 ❑ New Appropriation - $1,408,849*
25 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools — $1,153,345
26 • Orange County Schools —$255,504
27 *Figures are illustrative, program is 100% reimbursement for services.
28
29 FY2016-17 recommended budget
30 SCHOOL FUNDING
31 ❑ Charter School Student Funding - $2,739,392
32 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (217) —$807,674
33 • Orange County Schools (519)— $1,931,718
34 ❑ New Appropriation - $763,000
35 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (50)— $186,100
36 • Orange County Schools (155)— $576,900
37 ❑ Health Insurance & Retirement - $485,000
38 • Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools — $341,000
39 • Orange County Schools —$144,000
40
41 FY2016-17 recommended budget
42 NEW APPROPRIATION
43
44 FY2016-17 recommended budget
45 OUTSIDE AGENCIES
46
47 FY2016-17 recommended budget
48 FIRE DISTRICTS
49
50 FY2016-17 recommended budget
51 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN (CI P)
3
1 ❑ CONTINUATION FUNDING
2 ✓ Southern Branch Library - $6.38 million
3 ✓ Detention Facility- $500,000
4 ✓ Historic Rogers Road Sewer Project - $5.68 million
5 ✓ Conservation Easements - $500,000
6
7 FY2016-17 recommended budget
8 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN (CIP)
9 ❑ POLICY PRIORITIES:
10 ✓ School Capital Improvements - $47.6 million
11 ✓ Affordable Housing - $3.5 million
12 ✓ Community Centers - $35,000
13 ✓ Senior Centers - $990,000 Seymour Center
14 ✓ Economic Development (Water and Sewer)-$145,000
15 ✓ Accessibility and Security Improvements - $190,000
16 ✓ EMS Substation Co-location - $500,000
17
18 FY2016-17 recommended budget
19 CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLAN (CIP)
20 ❑ PARKS, OPEN SPACE,AND TRAIL DEVELOPMENT:
21 ✓ Blackwood Farm Park- $1.26 million
22 ✓ Cedar Grove Park— Phase II - $60,000
23 ✓ Mountains to Sea Trail - $521,000
24 ✓ Hollow Rock Nature Park (New Hope Preserve) - $235,000
25 ✓ River Park— Phase II - $50,000
26 ✓ Little River Park— Phase II - $100,000
27 ✓ Fairview Park Access with Parking Improvements - $325,000
28 ❑ INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND COMMUNICATIONS:
29 ✓ Information Technology Infrastructure - $500,000
30 ✓ Technology Improvements - $500,000
31 ✓ Fiber Connections for County facilities - $60,000
32 ✓ BOCC Technology Initiatives - $50,000
33 ✓ Communication System Improvements - $166,000
34 ❑ CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
35 ✓ Hardened 911 Center- $980,000
36 ✓ Southern Human Services Center —$300,000
37 ❑ OTHER CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS:
38 ✓ Facility Roofing Projects - $206,700
39 ✓ Historic Courthouse Square - $40,000
40 ✓ Generator Projects - $375,000
41
42 FY2016-17 recommended budget
43 PUBLIC HEARINGS&WORK SESSIONS
44
45 FY2016-17 recommended budget
46 BUDGET DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY
47 ✓ Clerk to Board of Commissioners
48 ✓ County Finance & Administrative Services Office
49 ✓ Orange County Library
50 ✓ Chapel Hill Public Library
51 ✓ Carrboro/McDougle Branch Library
4
1 ✓ Orange County Website - http://orangecountync.gov
2
3 FY2016-17 recommended budget ORANGE COUNTY MISSION STATEMENT
4 Orange County exists to provide governmental services requested by our Residents or
5 mandated by the State of North Carolina.
6 To provide these quality services efficiently, we must;
7 • Serve the Residents of Orange County— Our Residents Come First;
8 • Depend on the energy, skills, and dedication of all our employees and volunteers;
9 • Treat all our Residents and Employees with fairness, respect, and understanding.
10 Orange County Residents Come First
11
12 Commissioner Jacobs asked if staff tracks the percentage of State funding that is given
13 to the schools.
14 Paul Laughton, Orange County Finance and Administrative Services, said staff has the
15 data and would get it to the Board.
16 Commissioner Jacobs said the Public Education Forum does a diagram showing which
17 counties have the highest total effort in funding public education. He said Orange County is
18 always first or second. He asked if this information could be shared with the public. He said the
19 County has a demonstrated history of doing all that it can to increase funding to public schools,
20 while the State is consistently cutting funding. He said sometimes that public is misinformed,
21 and the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is as frustrated as the public regarding the
22 State's actions.
23
24 3. Public Comment
25 Neil Stutzer said he is the Chair of the Hillsborough Arts Council, which is an outside
26 agency asking for funding. He said the Arts Council is seeking to maintain its part-time program
27 coordinator and have asked for assistance in funding this position. He reviewed the ways in
28 which the Arts Council was active in many elements of the community over the past year and
29 also itemized future goals.
30 Susan Romaine is Chair of the Orange County Living Wage Employers (OCLW). She
31 said Orange County government was one of the first living wage certifications, and in the last
32 few months other entities have been certified in Orange County. She said this trend is indicated
33 in the handout she presented. She said the OCLW is a volunteer organization. She
34 acknowledged that some entities can offer the living wage and some cannot. She said OCLW
35 promotes the issue positively, while passing no judgment on those employers who cannot offer
36 the living wage. She said OCLW celebrates its participants via the web, brochures, etc.
37 John Barron is a steering committee member for the OCLW, and there are nine
38 volunteers in the organization. He said it has been a good year with 59 employers certified and
39 $500,000 in increased wages. He said there are some limitations in being a volunteer group.
40 He said it would be very helpful to have somebody to enter data into a computer system, in
41 order to share with other people. He said OCLW is making an outside agency funding request
42 for an administrative assistant.
43 Marianne Jones said she is also a part of the OCLW and Auto Logic, an auto
44 maintenance department in Carrboro, employs her. She said her company has been paying a
45 living wage for 30 years, also paying full benefits to all of their employees. She said this helps
46 employees with their life/work balance.
47 Robert Dowling said he is the Executive Director of the Community Home Trust, and he
48 thanked the Manager for her help last year with the interlocal agreement, as well as the Board
49 of County Commissioners' longstanding support for affordable housing. He said affordable
50 housing is an ongoing need. He thanked the BOCC for placing the issue on the upcoming bond
51 and for showing commitment to the need through the County budget year after year.
5
1 Eric Von Myers is the founder, head brewer, and CEO at Mystery Brewing, and he is
2 here to advocate on behalf of Orange County Living Wage Employers for its outside agency
3 request for an administrative assistant position. He said the brewery has 22 employees, and he
4 pays a living wage to all of them. He highlighted the positive benefits of practicing business this
5 way.
6 Cordelia Heaney is the Executive Director for the Compass Center for Women and
7 Families, which was a product of a 2012 merger of two long-standing agencies. She reviewed
8 highlights of the past year and goals for the year ahead. She said she is here in support of the
9 Compass Center's request for outside agency funding from Orange County.
10 Lynne Gronback said she is a science teacher at Cedar Ridge High School (CRHS), and
11 thanked the Orange County Schools (OCS)for their hard work on the budget this year. She
12 said the majority of the teachers that work at CRHS do not live in Orange County, and 45%
13 work a second job. She asked the BOCC to fully fund the requested OCS budget.
14 Marywine Sherwood said she is with the Boys and Girls Club of Eastern Piedmont, and
15 thanked the Board for its past support of the Club. She highlighted the strengths and positive
16 outcomes of the Boys and Girls Club. She said she is here to ask the Board for its support of
17 the Club's outside agency request.
18 Kellie Porco is a teacher at CRHS and asked for the Board's support in fully funding the
19 OCS budget request.
20 Lindsey Huskins said she is a product of, and a teacher and parent in, the OCS. She
21 said she is here to ask the Board to fully fund the OCS budget request.
22 Tom Mullaney said he is new to North Carolina and is a teacher at Gravelly Hill Middle
23 School in the OCS. He said he was very disheartened by the salaries offered to teachers in
24 this State. He highlighted the wonderful teachers in OCS and asked the Board of County
25 Commissioners to fully fund the OCS budget request. He said good teachers will be forced
26 elsewhere if salaries do not increase.
27 Josh Morelli said he is a parent of two children in the OCS, and he also asked the Board
28 of County Commissioners to fully fund the OCS budget request.
29 Dana White said she is a parent of four children in the OCS, and she asked the Board of
30 County Commissioners to fully fund the OCS budget request.
31 Johanna Johnson said she has been a teacher in the OCS for 17 years. She highlighted
32 the many positive efforts that OCS has made to support her as a teacher over the years, but
33 noted she has not had a pay raise in seven years. She asked the Board of County
34 Commissioners to fully fund the OCS budget request.
35 Peter Jocys said he is a teacher in the OCS, and is asking the Board to fully fund the
36 OCS budget request for 2016-17.
37 Lauren Sullivan said she and her spouse are teachers in the OCS, and she is here
38 tonight to ask the Board of County Commissioners to fully fund the OCS budget request.
39 Ashton Tippins said she is the Executive Director at Table, a non-profit providing
40 nutritional meals and education for children, which feeds 500 children each week. She asked
41 the Board to please fund Table's outside agency funding request.
42 Sharon A. Hill is with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Triangle, and she is here to
43 ask for the Board's support in their request for outside agency funding.
44 Doreen Wilson is a parent of a child in the OCS, and she is here tonight to ask the Board
45 to fully fund the OCS budget request.
46 Susan Rivenbark said she is a school nurse in the OCS, and she is here tonight
47 representing the school nurses of the District. She said she is asking the Board to support the
48 certified status with supplement increases for nurses by fully funding the OCS budget requests.
49 Sophi Nissier, Veronica Douglas, Jessica Dawson and Lila Duffey are students at
50 CRHS. They voiced how much their teachers have inspired them and how much they mean to
6
1 them. They voiced great concern for the OCS, teachers and quality programs that are being
2 lost, and asked the Board to fully fund the OCS budget request.
3 Julia Workman said she is a teacher in the OCS, and she too is asking the BOCC to
4 support the school nurses and teachers by fully funding the OCS budget request.
5 Teresa Edwards said she is a parent of children in the OCS, and she asked the Board of
6 County Commissioners to raise her taxes in order to fully fund the OCS budget request.
7 Stephen Halkiotis said he is the Vice Chair of the OCS, and he said that he would like to
8 know where the $133 per pupil increase is in the budget this year, and for the last 20 years. He
9 asked for the Manager to provide a history of the per pupil increases. He said the State is
10 putting the onus on the counties, and is passing the buck. He said the only thing that has ever
11 saved the children in the OCS and CHCCS are the Orange County Commissioners. He said
12 the BOCC must save the children.
13 Adwoa Asare said she is the Community Development Manager at Habitat for Humanity
14 of Orange County, and she thanked the Board for their proposed outside agency funding of their
15 request. She highlighted some of the efforts of her agency over the past year.
16 Mateo Carvalho said he is a senior at CRHS, and he is here tonight to ask for the
17 BOCC's support of the OCS budget request, which will also provide teacher supplements for
18 teachers like his mother. He said he works, and his mother works a second job as well. He
19 said none of this makes any sense to him. He said his mother is a typical example of many
20 teachers in the OCS.
21 Gail Abrams said she is the Executive Director of the Piedmont Wildlife Center, and she
22 asked for more outside agency funding for her agency than that which the Manager has
23 recommended.
24 Marty Rosenbluth said he is an Orange County resident, and a parent of children in the
25 OCS. He asked for the Board of County Commissioners to fully fund the OCS budget request.
26 Karen Kincaid Dunn said she is with Club Nova in Carrboro, and she is here tonight to
27 ask for the Board's support for their outside agency funding request.
28
29 4. Adjournment
30
31 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
32 adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
33
34 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
35
36
37 Earl McKee, Chair
38
39 Donna Baker
40 Clerk to the Board
41
42
1
1 Attachment 4
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 REGULAR MEETING
6 May 17, 2016
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, May 17, 2016
10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Building, in Chapel Hill, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair McKee and Commissioners Barry Jacobs,
13 Bernadette Pelissier, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Mark Dorosin and Mia Burroughs
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren and Deputy Clerk to the Board David Hunt (All other staff members will be
18 identified appropriately below)
19
20 Chair McKee called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
21 Chair McKee said Commissioners Dorosin and Burroughs will be absent this evening
22 and Commissioner Rich will be arriving late.
23
24 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
25 Chair McKee noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
26 - packet for item 11a: Firearms Safety Committee
27 - proposed wording change for item 5e: Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Approved
28 Procurement Policy for Orange Public Transportation
29
30 PUBLIC CHARGE
31
32 Chair McKee dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
33
34 2. Public Comments
35
36 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
37 NONE
38
39 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
40 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
41 below.)
42
43 3. Announcements and Petitions by Board Members
44 Commissioner Pelissier had no petitions.
45 Commissioner Jacobs said that the Board received an email about glue traps for
46 rodents and the inhumanity of such traps. He asked if staff would follow up on this.
47 Commissioner Rich arrived 7:07 p.m.
48 Commissioner Jacobs said when George Wallace ran for Governor of Alabama in the
49 early 1960s he lost but ran again as an arch-segregationist, and was elected to office twice,
2
1 followed by the election of his wife after him. He said later in life George Wallace apologized to
2 African Americans for the way they were treated under his leadership.
3 Commissioner Jacobs likened the current Governor of North Carolina, and his strongly
4 right leanings, to George Wallace. He said the Governor is up for reelection and he hopes
5 history will not repeat itself.
6 Commissioner Price said the reason Commissioner Dorosin is not here is because he is
7 speaking in Alabama commemorating the anniversary of Brown vs. the Board of Education
8 decision.
9 Commissioner Price said she listened to a National Association of Counties (NACo)
10 seminar regarding infrastructure. She said Broadband and fiber are starting to be considered
11 as infrastructure and are used for education, healthcare, etc. She petitioned the Board of
12 County Commissioners (BOCC) to join the nationwide movement to bring fiber and broadband
13 to as many buildings and households as possible. She said it may be a challenge, but it is an
14 important one.
15 Commissioner Price said her second petition is regarding the opening of the Cedar
16 Grove Community Center. She said the rural schools for children of color were consolidated
17 into a modern building with plumbing and heat in 1951, due to the efforts of Mary Vincent, who
18 sold a portion of her land to the County for this purpose, despite 15 years of local efforts to
19 block such a building.
20 Commissioner Price petitioned the BOCC to name the Cedar Grove Community Center
21 in honor, and in memory, of Mary Vincent.
22 Commissioner Rich apologized for her late arrival. She referred to Commissioner
23 Price's comments regarding broadband, and said the US Congress is moving a bit faster to get
24 service to be a utility, just like water and gas.
25 Commissioner Rich said realtors are not required to disclose to homeowners when a
26 home cannot receive internet service.
27 John Roberts said he did not think the County could do anything about this issue.
28 Commissioner Rich petitioned a report from the Department of Economic Development
29 and the Visitors Bureau regarding the Mountains to Sea Trail and the potential economic
30 benefits of it. She said this could wait until the fall.
31
32 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
33
34 a. Historic Preservation Month Proclamation
35 The Board considered approving a proclamation to recognize May 2016 as Historic
36 Preservation Month.
37 Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Member Tom Loter read the Proclamation:
38
39 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
40 HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH IN ORANGE COUNTY
41 PROCLAMATION
42
43 WHEREAS, historic preservation is relevant for all residents of Orange County, both urban and
44 rural, of all ages, all walks of life and all ethnic and cultural backgrounds; and
45
46 WHEREAS, Orange County can be proud of its long history of protecting its rich historic and
47 archaeological resources through the dedicated efforts of individuals and non-profit groups; and
48
3
1 WHEREAS, Orange County partners with the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Preservation
2 Chapel Hill and other non-profit groups and local governments to preserve these important
3 resources; and
4
5 WHEREAS, Orange County has demonstrated its own commitment to historic preservation by
6 renovating and preserving the former Cedar Grove School, the historic 1926 jail and the former
7 auditorium in the Whitted Center; and
8
9 WHEREAS, Orange County recently opened the Blackwood Farm Park where the preserved
10 farmstead and Strayhorn slave cemetery interpret the area's agricultural history, and
11
12 WHEREAS, Orange County, through its Historic Preservation Commission's landmark program,
13 recognizes important properties with historic, cultural and architectural significance, and in the
14 past year designated the White Cross School and the Nicholas Corbett Hester House as local
15 historic landmarks; and
16
17 WHEREAS, "This Place Matters" is the theme for National Historic Preservation Month 2016,
18 co-sponsored by the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, Preservation Chapel Hill and the
19 National Trust for Historic Preservation;
20
21 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim May
22 2016 as Historic Preservation Month in Orange County and call upon the people of the County
23 to join their fellow residents in recognizing and participating in this special observance.
24
25 This the 17th day of May 2016.
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
28 approve the proclamation designating the month of May as Historic Preservation Month in
29 Orange County and to join with the Board to extend an invitation to the public to support the
30 preservation of the County's irreplaceable historic and archaeological resources.
31
32 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
33
34 Peter Sandbeck, Orange County Cultural Resources Coordinator, showed the Board a
35 one-minute video.
36
37 5. Consent Agenda
38
39 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
40 Item c by Commissioner Rich
41 Item e by Commissioner Price
42
43 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
44
45 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
46 approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
47
48 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
49
50 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
4
1
2 c. Approval of Purchase of Roll Carts for Rural Recycling Program Expansion
3 The Board considered voting to authorize the purchase of 4,060 roll carts (95 gallon size)from
4 Rehrig Pacific for the expansion of the rural roadside recycling collection program, at a cost of
5 $234,000.
6
7 Commissioner Rich said she wanted to make sure Board members are receiving the
8 Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG) minutes. She said rolling cart statistics, in the rural part
9 of the County, are favorable. She said 14,500 properties were approved, 7,500 responses
10 received, and 6,840 carts were requested. She said she feels the Board made the right
11 decision in supporting the rural expansion of this service.
12
13 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
14 approve authorizing the purchase of 4,060 roll carts (95 gallon size)from Rehrig Pacific for the
15 expansion of the rural roadside recycling collection program, at a cost of $234,000.
16
17 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
18
19 e. Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Approved Procurement Policy for Orange
20 Public Transportation
21
22 The Board considered adopting the Orange Public Transportation (OPT) Procurement Policy
23 and Procedures Guide.
24
25 Commissioner Price asked if the County's stance on non-discrimination could be added
26 to this document. She read a possible statement that could be included.
27 Commissioner Rich asked if there is a reason the proposed statement references
28 veterans of the "Vietnam era" specifically.
29 Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to remove that wording, and include all
30 Veterans.
31
32 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
33 approve the adoption of the Orange Public Transportation (OPT) Procurement Policy and
34 Procedures Guide with changes in the anti-discrimination section to include the following:
35
36 "The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin,
37 religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, marital status, familial status, age,
38 disability, political affiliation, and disabled veteran status as provided by law."
39
40 Commissioner Rich proposed a friendly amendment to include this anti-discrimination
41 language in all County documents.
42 Commissioner Jacobs said he likely has no problem with this friendly amendment, but
43 would like to see it in writing at a future meeting while passing Commissioner Price's petition
44 this evening.
45
46 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
47
48 a. Minutes
49 The Board approved the minutes from April 12, 19 and 26, 2016 as submitted by the Clerk to
50 the Board.
5
1 b. Fiscal Year 2015-16 Budget Amendment#9
2 The Board approved budget and grant project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2015-16
3 for the Department of Social Services, the Department on Aging, the Health Department, the
4 Planning Department, and Emergency Services.
5 d. Approval of Contract Renewal for Disaster Management, Monitoring and Recovery
6 Services
7 The Board approved a contract amendment renewing an agreement between the County and
8 True North Emergency Management, LLC for the purpose of providing Disaster Debris
9 Management and Monitoring Services and authorized the Manager to sign.
10 f. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance—Approval and Certification of 2016
11 Report
12 The Board approved and certified the 2016 Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
13 Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) Report and certified portions of the Report.
14
15 6. Public Hearings
16 NONE
17
18 7. Regular Agenda
19
20 a. Criminal Justice Advisory Council
21 The Board considered the creation, charge and member structure for the proposed
22 Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC) and, if approved, appointment of two Board members
23 to the Council and direct the Clerk to the Board to solicit applicants for potential appointment to
24 the other respective Council positions.
25 Caitlin Fenhagen, Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Manager, reviewed the
26 following information:
27
28 BACKGROUND
29 At its September 5, 2013 regular meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners created
30 an Assessment of Jail Alternatives Work Group (JAWG). The Board stated that before the
31 planning of a new jail began, a comprehensive assessment of jail alternative programs needed
32 to be completed to assess the impact of each on the jail population.
33
34 The charge of the JAWG was to investigate and make recommendations to the BOCC
35 concerning alternatives to incarceration programs operating in Orange County, including but not
36 limited to the following programs: Pretrial Release, Pretrial Diversion, Drug Court, Family Court
37 and Adult Probation. The Work Group was directed to submit a Report back to the BOCC by
38 March 31, 2014. At the recommendation of the BOCC, the composition of the JAWG included
39 county and criminal justice leaders and stakeholders. Commissioners Barry Jacobs and
40 Bernadette Pelissier also served as JAWG members. The last meeting of the JAWG was on
41 March 1, 2016.
42
43 At that last meeting, the JAWG discussed the future of this short-term Work Group. Staff and
44 group members have learned from conversations with stakeholders that there is an interest and
45 commitment to having a permanent Criminal Justice Advisory Council operating in Orange
46 County. A permanent advisory council would coordinate, inform and enhance the work
47 underway and being considered in the criminal justice system and in the newly-created Criminal
48 Justice Resource Office and would be aligned with the best practices for the administration of
49 an effective, innovative and equitable criminal justice system.
50
6
1 A Criminal Justice Advisory Council would be an appointed body of elected and senior justice
2 system leaders and stakeholders that convenes on a regular basis to coordinate systematic
3 responses to justice system issues and problems. Membership could include stakeholders from
4 the executive branch of government, the courts, corrections, law enforcement, health and
5 human services agencies, community-based organizations, and the faith and business
6 communities.
7
8 It is important to create a clear mission statement, a set of goals, a structure of leadership and
9 a method for evaluating the group's effectiveness. It is recommended that a Chair and Vice-
10 Chair be selected from within the Council, that sub-committees have an outlined purpose and
11 that task force or ad hoc groups are carefully considered and limited to a specific task and time
12 frame. Typical goals for a Council include improving the jurisdiction's justice system through
13 collaborative efforts and research, promoting safety, improving the just and efficient treatment
14 of offenders and reducing incarceration rates, crime rates and recidivism.
15
16 Commissioner Pelissier said the idea of having a permanent Criminal Justice Advisory
17 Council (CJAC) has been in the works for some time. She said there is a huge advantage of
18 having all stakeholders at the table at one time.
19 Commissioner Jacobs said it is rare for County government to intersect with the Criminal
20 Justice system, and this permanent council would be a step in the right direction to integrate the
21 work of all involved. He said this council is a welcome improvement.
22 Commissioner Price said the charge is vague, and she does not see great importance
23 being placed on outreach and awareness to the community.
24 Caitlin Fenhegen said outreach is an important piece. She said the mission statement
25 should be a more targeted and will included greater depth of details like these.
26 Commissioner Rich asked if this council would be included in the BOCC boards and
27 committees.
28 Chair McKee said it is his understanding that this would become a permanent part of
29 their boards and commissions, and that this would be added to the BOCC's yearly selection
30 process for boards and commissions.
31
32 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
33 nominate Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Pelissier to be on this board.
34
35 Chair McKee asked if this council would be an advisory committee or an oversight
36 committee.
37 Caitlin Fenhagen said the council is not an oversight committee, and law enforcement
38 will be at the table.
39 Sheriff Blackwood said this is an issue that has been talked about for a long time. He
40 said many hands make light work, and it is a positive step to have different perspectives
41 represented when considering how best to serve the citizens of Orange County.
42 Commissioner Rich said all the municipal police chiefs are being included in this council,
43 and asked if there is a reason why Mebane has not been included.
44 Caitlin Fenhagen said this was an oversight on her part, and she will extend an invitation
45 to the City of Mebane's police chief to join the council.
46
47 Proposed Charge of the Criminal Justice Advisory Council
48 The proposed charge for the Criminal Justice Advisory Council is:
49 • Creates systematic responses to specific problems
50 • Reduces the duplication of efforts or conflicting efforts
7
1 • Informs and improves the allocation of limited resources
2 • Increases the communication, cooperation and coordination between stakeholders
3 • Ensures the sharing of information and data between stakeholders
4 • Improves the quality of services and programs by implementing best practices
5 • Enhances accountability and transparency
6
7
Special Representation Appointee/Designee
1 Senior Resident Superior Court Judge
or Designee (1)
2 Chief District Court Judge or Designee
(1)
3 District Attorney or Designee (1)
4 Public Defender or Designee (1)
5 Clerk of Court or Designee (1)
6 Orange County Sheriff or Designee (1)
7/8/9 Municipal Police Chiefs (4)
10 Chief Magistrate or Designee (1)
11 Department of Social Services
Director (1)
12 Health Department Director (1)
13 Mental Health representative (1)
14 Child Support Services Director (1)
15 Faith Community representative (1)
16 Probation Chief (1)
17 Substance Use Treatment Provider (1)
18 Re-Entry Advocate and/or Individual
Formerly Involved in the Criminal
Justice System (1)
19 Juvenile Justice representative (1)
20/21 Representatives from School Systems
(2)
22/23 County Commissioners (2)
24 City of Mebane Police Chief
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
10 approve the creation of Charge and Structure of a Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC)
11 with the addition of a representative from the Town of Mebane Police Department.
12
13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14
15 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
16 appoint Commissioner Pelissier and Commissioner Jacobs as the two Board members to serve
17 on the Council.
18
19 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
20
8
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
2 direct the Clerk to the Board to solicit applicants for potential appointment to the other
3 respective Council positions and present the list of applicants for potential appointment at the
4 June 21, 2016 regular Board meeting.
5
6 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7
8 b. Amendment to the Orange County Code of Ordinances —Sexually Oriented
9 Businesses
10 The Board considered the adoption of rules regulating the licensing and operation of
11 sexually oriented businesses in Orange County, authorize the Chair to sign and authorize the
12 County Attorney to make any minor non-substantive changes or corrections as necessary.
13 John Roberts reviewed the following information:
14
15 BACKGROUND:
16 This item is related to the recent adoption of land use rules regulating the location of sexually
17 oriented businesses in Orange County at the February 2, 2016 regular meeting of the Board of
18 County Commissioners.
19
20 The proposed amendments establish new regulations governing the licensing of owners,
21 operators, managers, supervisors, practitioners, and entertainers of sexually oriented
22 businesses as well as limiting admission to such businesses. At the February 2, 2016 meeting,
23 the Board of County Commissioners adopted new land use regulations governing the location
24 and siting requirements for sexually oriented businesses. Within those land use regulations is a
25 requirement that any sexually oriented business comply with all applicable licensing
26 requirements found in Chapter 8 of the Orange County Code of Ordinances.
27
28 Among other things the recommended ordinance requires all persons with ownership interests
29 in such a business or any form of employment or contractual relationship with such a business
30 to be licensed, and restricts the presence on the premises of minors.
31
32 John Roberts said there are no sexually oriented businesses currently operating in
33 Orange County, and there is nothing in the pipeline for special use permits. He said the
34 ordinance establishes the requirement that potential owners would need a license and to submit
35 to criminal background checks of all employees. He said fingerprints would not be required.
36 He said the application process does not go through the Sheriff's office, but rather through a
37 designee of the County Manager's office. He said violations of the ordinance would be
38 handled either by the Sheriff's office, or the BOCC. He said the ordinance does not include a
39 fee for the license, which the BOCC can establish if it so chooses, ranging from zero to $5000.
40 Chair McKee asked if the motion needed specific wording.
41 John Roberts said the Manager's recommendation is worded appropriately, unless the
42 BOCC wishes to add a fee, which would then need to be added to the wording.
43 Commissioner Rich asked if there is a protocol for determining a fee.
44 John Roberts said fees would only apply to the business owners, and he saw fees
45 across the State ranging from $100 to $1,500.
46 Commissioner Rich asked if there are other businesses that are subject to fees.
47 John Roberts said massage licenses have a fee of $50-75.
48 Chair McKee asked John Roberts to bring back to the Board a list of fees charged and
49 collected in counties of like size to Orange County.
50
9
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to adopt
2 the sexually oriented business provisions into the Orange County Code of Ordinances; to
3 authorize the Chair to sign the attached Resolution of Adoption; and authorized the County
4 Attorney to make any minor non-substantive changes or corrections that may be necessary
5 prior to submission of the amendment to Municode.
6
7 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
9 8. Reports
10
11 a. North-South Corridor Study Update— Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA)
12 The Board received an update on the North-South Corridor Study and provided
13 comment as appropriate.
14 Max Bushnell, Orange County Planner and Mila Vega, Chapel Hill Transit Service
15 Planner, reviewed the following information:
16
17 BACKGROUND:
18 The study corridor runs along Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (Historic
19 Airport Road/NC Hwy 86), South Columbia Street (including the portion of Pittsboro Street
20 along
21 the one-way pairing in this corridor through the UNC campus), and US 15-501 South. This
22 corridor, which is approximately 7.3 miles long, has its northern terminus at Eubanks Road and
23 Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and its southern terminus at US 15-501 near the Southern
24 Village mixed-use development.
25
26 The North-South Corridor study, funded through a combination of federal (Federal Transit
27 Administration [FTA]) and local funds, identifies and evaluates a series of transit investment
28 alternatives for implementation within the study corridor. It is managed by Chapel Hill Transit
29 and guided by a Policy Committee, Technical Committee, Transit Partners Committee and a
30 substantial public involvement process. The Technical Committee includes a representative
31 from Orange County Planning.
32
33 The study expands on previous planning work to identify a locally-preferred transit investment
34 alternative that facilitates safe, efficient and expanded levels of mobility within the increasingly
35 busy study corridor, and to improve connectivity between the corridor and the Research
36 Triangle region. Additional reasons for this study include improving connections with other local
37 and regional transit routes (including the planned Durham-Orange Light Rail line), supporting
38 future development within the corridor, and increasing transit mode share and ridership to the
39 UNC campus/hospital. The Orange County Bus Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP) has this project
40 identified in its adopted 2012 plan, including some assumed local funding from the mobility tax.
41 The study process was guided by strategic and comprehensive public involvement process that
42 included three rounds of public meetings that were well attended. The process also included
43 web-based outreach via project website (www.nscstudy.org), Facebook, Twitter and email. The
44 project website provides valuable resources such as study documents, materials from all public
45 meetings, presentations and a visualization video showing a range of potential improvements
46 for the corridor.
47
48 Following a multi-phased alternative development and evaluation process, a Locally Preferred
49 Alternative (LPA) recommendation, consisting of three (3) variations (i.e. Alternatives 6-1, 6-2,
50 and 6-3), was developed by the Study Technical and Policy Committee and the Transit Partners
10
1 Committee to be carried forward for more study (LPA recommendation is provided in
2 Attachment 1). The LPA is the transit investment alternative that best meets the purpose and
3 need for the project and is potentially competitive for funding through the FTA's New
4 Starts/Small Starts capital funding program. The LPA developed for this corridor comprises
5 BusRapid Transit (BRT) service. The Chapel Hill Town Council adopted the LPA on April 27th
6 and authorized staff to submit the
7
8 LPA to the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) for
9 adoption and integration into the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan. Chapel Hill Transit
10 Planner Mila Vega will provide more detail at the meeting using a PowerPoint presentation
11 (Attachment 2) and will respond to any questions the BOCC may have.
12
13 North-South Corridor Study Update
14 Date: May 17, 2016
15 Board of County Commissioners
16 Orange County
17
18 Agenda
19 • Welcome and Introductions
20 • Project Status and Schedule
21 • The Need for Transit Investment
22 • The Alternatives
23 • Public Engagement Activities and Results
24 • The Recommended Locally-Preferred Alternative
25 • Next Steps
26
27 Study Origination
28 • Expands on previous regional and local planning
29 • Continues key theme identified in the Chapel Hill 2020 Comprehensive Plan — "Getting
30 Around"
31 • Helps determine if the Town should move forward with the development of the North-
32 South transit corridor and proceed to the next phase.
33
34 Context and Vision
35 Prepares the Town to meet mobility demand as the region continues to grow:
36 • Current system operates close to maximum capacity
37 • Proposed system provides a long-term, scalable solution available to residents and
38 visitors of the community
39 • Connects to regional transit options
40 • Supports current and planned development in the corridor with a multi-modal system
41 that serves cyclists, pedestrians and other users
42
43 Federal Project Implementation Process (chart)
44
45 Study Process (chart)
46
47 Decision-Making Process
48 Process guided by:
49 The Technical Committee
50 • Review of the technical analysis
11
1 The Policy Committee
2 • Review of milestone deliverables
3 • Provide policy guidance
4 Members of the Public
5 • Provide input and feedback throughout the study process
6
7 Study Corridor (map)
8
9 Purpose and Needs Identified by Study Committees &the Public
10 ✓ Make transit more efficient and attractive
11 ✓ Improve connectivity along the corridor
12 ✓ Improve connectivity of the corridor to the region
13 ✓ Support planned land uses
14 ✓ Contribute to regional equity, sustainability, and quality of life
15 ✓ Develop a community-supported project
16
17 Alternatives: Transit Modes
18
19 Dedicated Center Lane — Convert a Lane (photo)
20
21 Dedicated Center Lane — Construct a Lane (photo)
22
23 Dedicated Curb Lane —Convert a Lane (photo)
24
25 Dedicated Curb Lane —Construct a Lane (photo)
26
27 The Detailed Alternatives
28
29 Public Input
30 The public input is the foundation of the process. The public outreach is comprehensive and
31 strategic.
32 In-person —three rounds of meetings:
33 • March 2014
34 • October 2014
35 • January 2016
36 Web-based:
37 • Project website www.nscstudv.orq (presentations, reports, meeting materials)
38 • Facebook
39 • Twitter
40 • Email
41
42 LPA Summary (chart)
43
44 Next Phase - Project Development
45 The LPA is refined during environmental documentation and engineering:
46 • Refine ridership
47 • Refine costs
48 • Refine impacts
49 • Identify community preference
12
1
2 Potential Outcomes of BRT Investment
3
4 Benefits of North-South Corridor BRT
5 • provides regional connections
6 • improves reliability of the whole system
7 • Reduces CHT fleet age
8 • Funds bikes/pedestrian investments
9 • Designed for expansion
10
11 Without BRT Investment in the North-South Corridor...
12 • Transit trips will take up to 9 minutes longer— and will likely get worse as congestion
13 increases
14 • Traffic congestion will increase — driving through the corridor will take longer
15 • Buses will become more crowded and less reliable as they're stuck in traffic
16 • Additional parking spaces will be necessary throughout the corridor
17 • Development patterns will be less transit-supportive
18
19 Chapel Hill Town Council Action
20 • On April 27th 2016 the Council adopted the North-South Corridor Study Locally Preferred
21 Alternative (LPA) as recommended by the Chapel Hill Transit Public Transit Committee
22 and the Study's Technical and Policy Committees, and authorized staff to submit the
23 LPA to the Durham — Chapel Hill — Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization
24 (DCHC).
25
26 Questions, Comments, Discussion
27
28 Commissioner Rich asked if dedicated lanes would use express buses, or buses with
29 stops.
30 Mila Vega said there could be both, but with a center lane, local service buses would
31 have to exit the center lane with more frequency. She said buses may require exit doors on
32 both sides as well. She said there are trade offs with each option.
33 Commissioner Price asked if the expanded roadway will require the purchasing of
34 easements.
35 Mila Vega said each intersection will need to be confirmed, but it does not seem that
36 additional right of ways will be needed. She said some of the options considered before did not
37 include connection to the hospital or the light rail; however, these connections will now exist due
38 to overwhelming feedback from stakeholders.
39 Chair McKee referred to a bottleneck area in downtown Chapel Hill and asked if any
40 thought has been given to acquiring more rights of way.
41 Mila Vega said downtown is tight, and there is little right of way left to acquire without
42 knocking down buildings, which would be very unpopular.
43 Chair McKee said downtown always has a bottleneck, not just during peak hours.
44 Commissioner Jacobs said if he was part of the decision-making group, he would
45 advocate seeking funding for a change in the signalization system. He said this would allow
46 flexibility to change the traffic signal patterns during peak hours. He said he has been surprised
47 over the years that Chapel Hill has done so little to anticipate traffic patterns during peak times,
48 such as football games, etc.
49 Mila said she is not an expert on signals, but she will refer the suggestion to the
50 consulting team.
13
1 Commissioner Rich referred to the University of Arizona, which uses a console on game
2 days that allows officials to change traffic signals as needed based on observed traffic.
3 Chair McKee said he was in the command center during the championship football
4 game, and he said cameras were able to scan main intersections. He said this may be able to
5 serve as a rudimentary starting point.
6 Mila Vega said technology will need to be considered more and more.
7 Chair McKee asked if "non-federal costs" refer to the County's costs.
8 Mila Vega said non-federal is anything that is non-federal. She said it is hoped that the
9 State will be involved, but that is unknown at this time.
10 Commissioner Price asked if crosswalks are included in this planning process.
11 Mila Vega said yes, every station will be safely accessible.
12 Commissioner Pelissier said the option of not going all the way down to Southern Village
13 was considered previously, and asked if the capital cost for that plan is known.
14 Mila Vega said that plan went from Eubanks Road to the University of North Carolina
15 (UNC), which is about half of what is currently being considered. She said that plan was just
16 over $6 million.
17 Commissioner Pelissier said this current plan is a considerable increase over that
18 previous plan.
19 Mila Vega said there were some estimates done previously, but a study of this level was
20 never completed to determine specific costs.
21 Commissioner Pelissier asked if there have been any discussions with Go Triangle
22 about this project.
23 Mila Vega said it is too early, at this point. She said the current estimated cost is at
24 least $19.4 million, and there is only $6 million in the bus and rail plan. She said there is a gap
25 that will need to be closed.
26 Chair McKee asked if there are any other revenue sources and if such sources could be
27 defined at some point. He is concerned how this project will be paid for without raising taxes or
28 borrowing funds. He said projects keep moving forward without funds being secured.
29 Mila Vega said Chair McKee's concerns are valid, and the federal government will not
30 provide funding without a clear financial plan.
31 Commissioner Pelissier said there is a park and ride at the Eubanks end of the corridor,
32 and asked if one is being considered at the southern end.
33 Mila Vega said at the Eubanks Park and Ride there are about 350-400 parking spaces,
34 while the Southern Village one has about 500 spaces. She said this may be expanded but
35 nothing is yet defined.
36 Commissioner Price said this corridor stops at Eubanks, and asked if there is any plan
37 to connect further north into Waterstone or Hillsborough.
38 Peter Murphy, Orange County Transit Administrator, said buses are currently being
39 operated between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill. He said it is possible that buses would no
40 longer need to go as far into Chapel Hill as they are currently doing, but that would require
41 transfers into the Chapel Hill service.
42 Commissioner Price asked if a Chapel Hill bus could continue beyond Eubanks up to the
43 hospital at Waterstone.
44 Peter Murphy said there is a lot to look at and consider in the future.
45 Mila Vega said the presentation this evening shows simply the first step in the process.
46 She said there may well be continued development in the future.
47 Commissioner Jacobs said Carolina North is on this route and if it were resurrected, it
48 would have a huge impact on traffic going north. He said it may be a potential revenue source.
49
50 9. County Manager's Report
14
1 Bonnie Hammersley reminded the Board that the next budget public hearing will be held
2 on Thursday, May 19th at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. She
3 said the first budget work session will be on Thursday May 26th.
4
5 10. County Attorney's Report
6 John Roberts said the deadline for bills to be filed is in two days, and then the outcome
7 of said bills can be assessed.
8
9 11. Appointments
10 a. Appointments to the Orange County Firearms Safety Committee
11 The Board considered making/confirming appointments to the Orange County Firearms
12 Safety Committee.
13 Chair McKee reviewed the brief history of, and read the charge for, this committee, and
14 said the Clerk's office received close to 50 applications for 8 resident positions.
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
17 appoint the following to the Orange County Firearms Safety Committee:
18
19 Commissioner Price asked if Chair McKee was going to ask for additional nominations.
20 She said she wanted to nominate Chad Resnick, as he would be the only person to offer
21 diversity on this committee. She said his application indicates that he is Native American.
22 Chair McKee he is somewhat reluctant regarding Mr. Resnick. He recalled that the
23 meeting in February, Mr. Resnick may have possibly had a laser that he pointed at the BOCC.
24 Commissioner Rich and Commissioner Jacobs said it was not a possibility, but factual
25 that Mr. Resnick did have a laser.
26 Commissioner Price said she wanted to make a point about diversity, but understands
27 the Board's reasoning for not wanting to appoint Mr. Resnick.
28
29
Position Special Representation Appointee/Designee
Number
1 Orange County Resident Roxanne Barksdale
2 Orange County Resident Sara Conti
3 Orange County Resident Jack Hunnell
4 Orange County Resident Jon Arvik
5 Orange County Resident Greg Tilley
6 Orange County Resident Keith Kirkland
7 Orange County Resident Keith Webster
8 Orange County Resident Vince Tesoro
30
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price for
34 Chair McKee to serve as the Board of County Commissioners representative on the committee.
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price for
39 Commissioner Jacobs to serve as alternate.
40
15
1 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2
3 a. Chapel Hill Planning Commission —Appointment
4 The Board considered making an appointment to the Chapel Hill Planning Commission.
5
6 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
7 appoint the following to the Chapel Hill Planning Commission:
8
9 • Appointment to a partial term (Position #2) "ETJ or JPA BOCC Appointee"
10 representative for Katherine Roberts expiring 06/30/2017.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14 b. Economic Development Advisory Board —Appointments
15 The Board considered making appointments to the Economic Development Advisory
16 Board.
17
18 A motion was made by Commissioner Pelissier, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
19 appoint the following to the Economic Development Advisory Board:
20
21 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #3) "UNC at Chapel Hill" representative for
22 Jim Kitchen expiring 06/30/2019.
23 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #9) "Core Business Community"
24 representative for Ronald Keizer expiring 06/30/2019.
25
26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
28 Commissioner Jacobs requested information about what this board is doing, as well as
29 the minutes for this advisory board.
30 Commissioner Pelissier said she also had petitioned for minutes to appear for all boards
31 and commissions on a department's website.
32 Bonnie Hammersley said staff if putting together a chart for the BOCC with all of the
33 advisory boards' websites and minutes.
34
35 c. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment
36 The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange County Parks and
37 Recreation Council.
38
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
40 appoint the following to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council:
41
42 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #5) "At-Large" representative for Robert Smith
43 expiring 03/31/2019.
44
45 12. Board Comments
46 Commissioner Rich said she recently received a letter from a Chair of one of the
47 BOCC's committees and also had a good in-person conversation with her. She said her take
48 away from the conversation was that the Commissioners needed to do a better job of knowing
49 who is being appointed, as some applicants are not viable.
16
1 Commissioner Rich said she also spoke with an applicant to the Chapel Hill Planning
2 Board, and it was an enlightening conversation. She learned that some applicants are highly
3 qualified, and others do not even know about the board to which they are applying. She said
4 the BOCC should talk about this process going forward, in order to know who is being
5 appointed. She said it is important to not pick randomly.
6 Commissioner Price said even though she has been hesitant to take recommendations
7 from staff, it does provide some degree of vetting.
8 Commissioner Price said she attended another Habitat home dedication, which was a
9 lovely community event.
10 Commissioner Jacobs said on the issue of appointments, there was discussion years
11 ago regarding for which boards recommendations should be accepted. He said the current
12 attitude is that an applicant's capabilities do not seem to be as important as their socio-
13 economic position or demographic characteristics. He said these latter factors are certainly
14 valid, but it is important to have people who are knowledgeable and interested in serving.
15 He said he would like to resume a more conscious appointment process.
16 Commissioner Jacobs said he wanted to clarify that no one has ever petitioned the
17 Board to name the Cedar Grove Community Center.
18 Commissioner Jacobs said he received an email with comments regarding how the
19 BOCC will divide up affordable housing funds. He said no decisions have been made, and he
20 wants that to be clear.
21 Commissioner Pelissier said she really appreciated these comments regarding
22 appointments. She said some additional questions have been added to certain board
23 applications. She said she is sometimes uncomfortable with appointments, and noted that
24 greater effort will be required in order to do things more thoroughly. She said this all warrants
25 further discussion.
26 Chair McKee said four of the five Commissioners present this evening have expressed
27 discomfort with the appointment process, which he would consider a petition on the topic. He
28 asked if this topic could be scheduled for a work session in the fall. He added that he too has
29 concerns about the appointment process.
30 Chair McKee said an email was received from WRAL requesting an interview to
31 comment on school funding. He said he spoke with WRAL and strongly emphasized the
32 BOCC's historically demonstrated value of, and funding for, public education.
33 Commissioner Rich said Travis Myren sent out the school report for 2016 which is very
34 helpful.
35 Chair McKee said he wanted to point out Orange County's level of spending at the
36 Public Budget Hearing on Thursday.
37
38 13. Information Items
39
40 • May 5, 2016 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
41 • Memorandum Regarding Expansion of Election Information on the Orange County Website
42 • Memorandum Regarding Eubanks Road Waste & Recycling Center
43 • Jordan Lake Allocation Update
44 • Memorandum Regarding Impacts of Changing Recycling Collection Strategies
45 • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from May 5, 2016 Regular Meeting
46
47
48 14. Closed Session
49 NONE
50
17
1 15. Adjournment
2
3 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
4 adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m.
5
6 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7
8 RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
9
10 The Board meeting was reconvened to receive comments from Orange County resident
11 Andrew Dykers.
12 Andrew Dykers provided comments on the election education information referenced in
13 Item 13.
14 Andrew Dykers provided point-by-point comments on the items in the memo from David
15 Hunt and Tracy Reams, Orange County Board of Elections Director. He said his primary push
16 back was around providing links creating a discussion board, and that doing so would show no
17 preferential treatment to any candidate. He also noted there were no front-page links to
18 elections on the County website.
19 Chair McKee petitioned staff to follow up on these comments.
20 Commissioner Rich said to insure that Andrew Dykers comments are forwarded to
21 Tracy Reams.
22 Bonnie Hammersley said she would have staff look into Andrew Dyker's additional
23 comments.
24 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the purpose of this petition is to see if Tracy Reams has
25 any additional comments.
26 Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to
29 adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m.
30
31
32 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
33 Earl McKee, Chair
34
35
36 David Hunt
37 Deputy Clerk
38
39