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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 01-24-2017 1 APPROVED 2/7/2017 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING January 24, 2017 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Mark Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, Renee Price and Penny Rich COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Barry Jacobs COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Chair Dorosin said Commissioner Jacobs would be unable to attend tonight. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Dorosin noted the following items at the Commissioners' places: - PowerPoint for item 8-a (two presentations) PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Dorosin dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda None b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Petitions by Board Members Commissioner Price said she had two items pertaining to alternative programming for students. She met with Boomerang and Volunteers for Youth, who serve teenagers and youth throughout Orange County. She said both organizations are in need of transportation for students both on school days and on weekends. She said these organizations will be able to admit more students if there is better transportation. She petitioned the new Director of Transportation to explore ways in which the County may be able to provide bus or minivan transit. Commissioner Price said the Boomerang program could serve many more youth if there was a facility in Hillsborough available for use. She petitioned staff talk to Orange County Schools (OCS) about its acquisition of Orange Charter School's property, and possibly making room for this program there. 2 Commissioner Price said she had a Village Circle meeting in Efland, and a question was raised regarding the status of the Efland Village project along the highway 70 corridor. Commissioner Price said she would like to reinforce Commissioner Marcoplos' previously made petition regarding the streamlining of the County's permitting and inspections processes. Commissioner Price said the Orange County representatives on the Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee (NTAAC) have inquired whether the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will have advisory board representatives meet and report back to the BOCC this year, as in the past. She said if this is going happen the NTAAC would like to know on what date this will occur. She said NTAAC has been reviewing proposals regarding development on old highway 86, and is seeking an update on any communication the County has had with the Town of Carrboro regarding this topic. Chair Dorosin said staff can review the BOCC meeting calendar and provide this information. Commissioner Rich petitioned to move Board comments up on the agenda, to be combined with petitions. Commissioner Rich said she had some questions about the Town of Mebane and its growth, and how it would affect the OCS system. She said it is important for everyone to be on the same page. She said she received an estimate from Planning Director, Craig Benedict, of an additional growth of 950 students in the next 20 years, and said if OCS does not already have these numbers, they should be passed along. Commissioner Rich said she attended the Family Success Alliance's anti-bullying seminar. She said there will be a hotline for people to call about bullying, and she would like more detailed information that can be passed along to the public. Commissioner Burroughs had no petitions or announcements. Commissioner Marcoplos said he took a tour of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as part of his orientation program, and he toured the large storage area, where he noted the EMS forklift was broken. He said EMS had not budgeted for this, and he asked if the County could get a new forklift for EMS. Commissioner Marcoplos said he attended the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce breakfast this morning, and the topic of HB2 came up and its impact on tourism. He said Orange County passed resolutions last year against HB2, but with the economic impact that has occurred, he petitioned a focused resolution be sent to the legislature citing the damage to Orange County. Commissioner McKee said two meetings ago, the Board spoke about land uses in the Hillsborough Economic Development District, and he had asked about a clarification as to whether this delay would affect the Town of Hillsborough's agreement to provide water and sewer. He asked if management could bring back a timeline. John Roberts said Craig Benedict has a draft of the interlocal agreement with Hillsborough. He said as soon as he reviews it he would send it over to Hillsborough. Commissioner McKee petitioned the Board again about a public private partnership to move the utilities process forward. He asked if this could be added to a work session. Commissioner McKee said his final petition pertains to the Board election districts. He said Chair Dorosin presented this topic in April 2016, and the Board should discuss moving to a district elect style of representation in an upcoming spring work session. Chair Dorosin said this issue is tentatively scheduled for a March work session. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations 3 a. Orange County Long Term Care Quality Service Awards The Board recognized the winners of the 2016 Orange County Long Term Care Quality Service Awards. Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, introduced Aging Board member Yvonne Mendenhall, who reviewed the background on the agencies below, and then announced the winners. Yvonne Mendenhall said that Aging was asked to develop a mechanism to help increase the quality of care provided in Orange County's long-term care facilities and home care organizations. In 2013, the Advisory Board on Aging created the Orange County Long Term Care (LTC) Learning Collaborative to bring administrators and direct-care staff together to learn about and share successful approaches to quality care. This is the third year that the Orange County Advisory Board on Aging and the Long Term Care Learning Collaborative have offered long term care organizations the opportunity to apply for a Long Term Care Quality Service Award. Each year the Advisory Board selects an evidence-based or promising quality program for long term care providers to learn about and implement within the year. This past year the focus was palliative care and the creation of a culture of comfort for older adults living with pain and chronic conditions in long-term care facilities and at home with homecare assistance. Winners of the 2016 Long Term Care Quality Service Awards were able to facilitate access to palliative care services when appropriate while creating individualized programs of comfort and pleasure for clients and residents. The five winning organizations are committed to continuing and expanding these programs so that many more individuals, facing pain and suffering, will continue to have opportunities to experience joy and pleasure. Winners of the 2016 Long Term Care Quality Service Awards were: • Acorn Homecare Services • Carol Woods Retirement Community • Homewatch Caregivers • Livewell Assisted Living • Visiting Angels of Central NC 5. Public Hearings a. Orange County Consolidated Plan —Annual Action Plan Needs Hearing The Board held a public hearing to receive comments from the public regarding the housing and non-housing needs to be included in the Annual Action Plan Update of the 2017- 2018 Consolidated Housing Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange County. Audrey Spencer-Horsley, Housing, Human Rights and Community Development Director, reviewed the information below: BACKGROUND: In May 5, 2015 a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange County was developed and approved by the Orange County Board of County Commissioners and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This document details the housing needs of very low income, low income and moderate-income families and special population groups in addition to outlining the strategies and plans for addressing those needs. 4 Each year, local communities are required to reassess the needs of the community. This public hearing provides an opportunity for the public, public agencies and other interested parties to provide input into the Annual Action Plan Update. In addition, the public may comment on proposed uses of an estimated $348,265 in 2017-2018 funds. Orange County is in the third year of the Five Year Consolidated Plan. Information regarding the actual Congressional allocation is not available at this time. Eligible HOME Program activities include: acquisition; new construction; housing rehabilitation; and rental assistance. Since the approval of the Consolidated Housing Plan in May 2015, Orange County residents approved a bond referendum of$5 million dollars on November 8, 2016, designed to help create up to 1,000 affordable units throughout the county. With the passage of the bond, Orange County will be able to assist in adding affordable rentals, homeownership opportunity and address other housing needs of low-to-moderate income citizens. The needs assessment, data goals and strategies provided in the Consolidated Housing Plan were incorporated into the development of the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan. The 2017 Annual Action Plan will be submitted to HUD on or before May 15, 2017 after approval by the HOME Consortium Members: Orange County, the Town of Carrboro, the Town of Chapel Hill, and the Town of Hillsborough. In order to inform the general public of this opportunity and encourage participation, notices had been placed in The Chapel Hill News and The Herald-Sun, sent to local non-profit agencies and placed on local websites. Chair Dorosin said there is an attachment in the agenda that shows a good match up of the two programs. Commissioner McKee asked if any of the monies from last year were reverted. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said all monies have been allocated, and it is expected for all monies to be expended. Commissioner Rich asked if it is known when the County will learn the exact amount of funding that will be received. Audrey Spencer-Horsley said probably late spring. Commissioner Price said it will probably be after April. PUBLIC COMMENT: Delores Bailey said she is the Executive Director of Empowerment, which is one of the largest landlords for affordable rentals in Orange County. She said her agency uses HOME dollars, amongst other funding sources. She said there is a huge need for affordable rentals in Orange County. She said her agency buys and renovates homes, as there is not enough time to build homes, and over 80% of their tenants are housing choice voucher holders, with the rest being senior and residents with disabilities. She said her agency is requesting dollars to continue its mission. A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda 5 6-c by Commissioner McKee 6-e by Commissioner Marcoplos 6-g by Commissioner Price • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the remaining items on the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 6-c: Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board considered the adoption of a resolution to release property tax values for eight taxpayers with a total of sixteen (16) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381. Commissioner McKee wanted to give a clarification, and said the one person listed as McKee is not a member of his family. A motion as made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve the adoption of a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax values for eight taxpayers with a total of sixteen (16) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6-e: Fiscal Year 2016-17 Budget Amendment#5 The Board considered approving budget ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2016-17. Commissioner Marcoplos referred to the the charging stations coming from a Duke Energy grant, and asked if the number of charging stations in the County is known, and how much are the charging stations used. Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Coordinator, said there are 16 level-2 chargers since 2011, which are anecdotally used more around the southern end of the County and the senior centers. He said the County is working with a private company that owns 2 DC fast chargers on County property, which brings the total number of chargers to 18. He said these funds would provide either two single-plug chargers or one with two plugs on it. Commissioner Marcoplos said he reads this as a grant from Duke Energy, but 15 years ago Duke Energy was charged with violating the Clean Air Act at 13 coal plants, and part of the settlement required Duke Energy to donate money for charging stations and other projects around the State. A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve the budget ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2016-17. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6 6-g: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Text Amendments - Subdivision Regulations and Processes The Board considered action on Planning Director initiated text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) modifying subdivision regulations, including modifications made to address BOCC comments made at the November 21, 2016 Quarterly Public Hearing. Commissioner Price referred to Item 7, on digital page 180, and asked for clarification of the time period for approval in "5 above." She also asked if section 7 relates to approvals for all applications. Michael Harvey, Current Planning Supervisor, said there is a shelf life for plan approvals, and if filing is not completed within allotted time period then the approval expires. He said there is an option to apply for an extension. Commissioner Price said the agenda item references under item 7 "the time period in 5 above" and she cannot locate 5 above. Commissioner Price said the paperwork references a section that is not there. She asked if section 7 relates to approval for all applications. Michael Harvey said yes, it relates to concept plan approval for minor subdivisions, and a different section covers major subdivisions. Commissioner Price referred to the rural buffer, and changes in the lot sizes, and she asked if the Town of Chapel Hill has seen and approved these changes. Michael Harvey said it is consistent with the joint planning/land use planning land agreement. He said the Town has seen these changes, and the minimum lot being quoted here is memorialized in the 1986 document, which has been enforced since that time, and adopted by the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, as well Orange County. Chair Dorosin asked if the reference to "5 above" is a typo. Michael Harvey said to the motion could be to approve modifying section 2.14.2, subsection c, number 7 to read "any plan or portion thereof not receiving final plat approval within the time period as allotted herein shall be null and void except under the following conditions". A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to approve the amended language change. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve the amended text amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) modifying subdivision regulations, including modifications made to address BOCC comments made at the November 21, 2016 Quarterly Public Hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from November 15, 17, 21 and December 5, 2016 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle property tax values for six taxpayers with a total of six bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with NCGS. 7 d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion The Board approved the exemption/exclusion of sixteen (16) untimely applications for ad valorem taxation for sixteen (16) bills for the 2016 tax year. f. Audit Report Extension The Board extended the completion of the FY 2015-16 audit report to February 28, 2017 through an amendment to the audit contract between the County and Mauldin & Jenkins, PLLC and authorized the Chair to sign. 7. Regular Agenda a. Joint Public Safety Training Facility Work Group The Board considered creating a Joint Public Safety Training Facility Work Group, approve the charge and membership, and appoint two Commissioners to serve on the Joint Public Safety Training Facility Work Group. Dinah Jeffries, Emergency Management Services Director, introduced Chapel Hill Fire Chief Matt Sullivan, Orange Rural Fire Chief Jeff Cabe, and Efland Fire Chief Kevin Brooks. Dinah Jeffries reviewed the background information below: BACKGROUND: The Orange County Fire Chief's Council, along with Emergency Services staff, met with the Board of County Commissioners on October 6, 2016. One of the topics discussed was the concept of a Joint Public Safety Training Facility for Law Enforcement, Fire, and Emergency Services (to serve the County and the municipalities). Board members expressed support for staff to move forward with establishing a work group and begin fact-finding efforts. Some potential locations/properties have already been identified, and the proposed work group would follow-up on these locations and identify and follow-up on additional locations. The work group would also work on identifying and prioritizing the needs of every discipline, developing goals and objectives with timelines, and reaching out to prospective partners. There is no contractual agreement at this time as this effort is only gathering facts to see if this is a beneficial project for all to consider. Training facility space is limited in the County and its municipalities. This concept may be a potential solution for many parties and provide the ability to train staff with state of the art equipment/resources and create consistent and equivalent training for all. Chief Matt Sullivan said all departments are in support of this joint working group. Chair Dorosin said there are three things to do: approve membership make up, approve the charge, and appoint two Commissioners. He reviewed the proposed composition of the Work Group below: 4 Law Enforcement Representatives (1 from each municipality and 1 from the Sheriff's Office) • Hillsborough Police Department— Chief Duane Hampton • Carrboro Police Department— Lieutenant Tony Frye • Chapel Hill Police Department— Sergeant Wes House • Orange County Sheriff's Office — Chief Deputy Jamie Sykes 2 Emergency Services Representatives 8 • Emergency Services — Emergency Management Coordinator Kirby Saunders • Emergency Services — Emergency Medical Services Operations Manager Kim Woodward 1 South Orange Rescue Squad Representative • Chief Matthew Mauzy 2 County Fire Representatives • Orange Rural Fire Department— Chief Jeff Cabe • Efland Fire Department— Chief Kevin Brooks 2 Municipal Fire Representatives • Chapel Hill Fire Department— Chief Matt Sullivan • Carrboro Fire and Rescue — Chief Susanna Williams 3 County Government (2 Commissioners and the Director of Emergency Services) • 2 Board of County Commissioners • Orange County Emergency Services — Emergency Services Director Dinah Jeffries Orange County Emergency Services and the County Manager's Office will provide staff support to the work group. A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve the creation of the group and the membership as stated above. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to nominate Commissioner McKee. A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to nominate Commissioner Burroughs. VOTE: UNANIMOUS CHARGE STATEMENT: It is proposed that the Work Group conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing and operating a consolidated fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services training facility in three (3) strategically placed locations within Orange County or one (1) centralized location that can serve the needs of all emergency response agencies and the County's partners. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a timeline for how long this group will meet. Dinah Jeffries said this would be discussed at the first meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to adopt the charge that the Work Group conduct a study to determine the feasibility of establishing and operating a consolidated fire, law enforcement and emergency medical services training facility in three (3) strategically placed locations within Orange County or one 9 (1) centralized location that can serve the needs of all emergency response agencies and the County's partners. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. Reports a. Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan Updates: Durham-Orange Light Rail Financial Update and Chapel Hill Bus Rapid Transit Project Update The Board received updates the Board of County Commissioners on two capital projects contained in the Bus and Rail Investment Plan (BRIP): • A financial update on the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit project that resulted in no additional local funds being needed in a base case scenario; and • An update on the Chapel Hill North-South Corridor Bus Rapid Transit project and related costs. Travis Myren said this would be the first of several updates, leading up to the approval and adoption of the Bus and Rail Investment Plan. He said this plan not only establishes transit services, but is also the document that formally allocates transit taxes and fees to fund these projects. He said it is hoped that by February 16th there will be a draft plan to review, with a final draft on March 7th, and possible approval in April. Travis Myren said Davenport and Company has been retained to do the financial review, and staff will also be engaging a consultant to review value-engineering options. He said the Board directed the Manager to discuss with Durham County financial cost sharing, and those contacts have been made. BACKGROUND: The BRIP in Orange County governs the allocation of transit taxes and fees to various transit services. Over the next three months, the Board of Commissioners along with the other parties to the Plan will be asked to consider updates to the Plan. Two significant projects contained in the Plan include the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) Project and the Chapel Hill Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. Update on Financial Status of the D-O LRT Project— On December 5, 2016, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a non-binding memorandum of understanding to help address a $250 million projected funding shortfall in the D-O LRT Project. This memorandum was intended to support GoTriangle's application to the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for the federal share of the project. Since that time, GoTriangle's financial advisor has restructured project financing in a way that eliminates the need for additional local funds in a "base case" scenario. The base case is a scenario where current assumptions on project costs and revenues are sustained throughout the duration of the project. During this report, GoTriangle staff will explain how the funding gap was eliminated in the base case scenario and the sensitivity analysis that was included in its application to the FTA that shows the conditions under which additional local funds may be required if current assumptions do not hold. The Board of Commissioners also directed the County Manager to engage a consultant to conduct an independent review of finances and value engineering choices for this project. The 10 County has executed an agreement with its financial advisor, Davenport & Company, to review the financial model. GoTriangle staff has indicated that the value engineering options will not be evaluated until the agency has an engineer under contract to proceed with the future design of the project. As a result, staff will identify a consultant unrelated to the project after that decision has been made. The Board also directed the Manager to contact Durham to initiate discussions of reevaluating the split in funding based on changes in mileage and differences in economic development opportunities between the two counties. The County Manager's Office has initiated this scheduling request. The full scope of the D-O LRT Project will be reviewed as part of the County's update of the BRIP in Orange County. The allocation of taxes and fees to this project, as well as other portions of the BRIP, will be considered as part of the Plan update. Based on the current schedule, the Board will receive a presentation of the initial draft Plan during a work session on February 16, receive the final draft on March 7, and consider approval of the Plan on April 4. Chapel Hill Transit Update on North-South Corridor BRT Project—The Board of Commissioners also requested a review of the Chapel Hill BRT Project and its related costs. The Town of Chapel Hill completed an alternatives analysis for the project. Subsequently, the Metropolitan Planning Organization approved an amendment to the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) and to the Metropolitan Transportation Plan to expand the scope of the project. The new LPA has been submitted to the FTA to enter project development. The current BRIP identifies a total project cost of$24.5 million while the expected cost of the new LPA is currently estimated at $125 million. The current BRIP dedicates $6.1 million in local transit taxes and fees, or approximately 25% of the total costs, to this project. The proposed revision to the BRIP would increase the allocation of Orange County's transit taxes and fees to $37.7 million. This increase will also be part of the upcoming update to the BRIP scheduled for February and March with possible approval April 4. Danny Rogers, GoTriangle, said the Board forwarded questions that GoTriangle is working on and will have full information in February. He made the following PowerPoint presentation: Financial Plan Update Orange County Board of County Commissioners January 24, 2017 Refined Financial Plan Model Eliminates Gap • Previously identified revenue sources (sales tax and vehicle registration fees) completely fund Durham-Orange Light Rail Project • Gap elimination applies to the Base Case How was the Gap Eliminated? • Refinements to Financial Plan for more efficient borrowing - Short-term cash flow financing replaced with medium-term Limited Obligation Bonds (LOBs) - LOBs changed from a single issuance to 3 separate issuances to reduce interest cost and provide cash flow relief 11 - TIFIA principal payment deferred an additional 3 years • Increased assumed interest rates to a more conservative 4% for the LOBs and 5% for the TIFIA Loan What is the Base Case? • The base case is the expected scenario for costs and revenue growth - Expected sales tax growth as provided by Moody's - More conservative financing cost than previously presented and significantly higher than available today - State participation at 10% • Includes all of the elements from the Original Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan - GoTriangle's existing and expansion bus services and capital investments - Local share of CHT and OPT's expansion bus services and capital investments per the D-O Transit Plans, funded at a higher level than in the original D-O Transit Plans - North-South Corridor Bus Rapid Transit (N-S BRT) Project, managed by Chapel Hill Transit - D-O LRT Project - Hillsborough Train Station - NCCU Station • Does not include: - Durham-Wake Commuter Rail Project Accounting for Uncertainties • Significant contingency in D-O LRT capital cost • Cash Reserves for Operating and State of Good Repair • Sensitivity Analyses requires some additional local revenue or cost mitigation - 10% capital cost increase for D-O LRT Project (similar to 0% state funding share) - Lower-than-expected sales tax revenues - Higher than anticipated interest rates • Working with local government partners and Funding and Community Collaborative to develop plan to address sensitivity scenarios - Financial Summit held 1-18-17 - Continuing work with Staff Working Group to update County Transit Plans — update expected this Spring The Original D-O LRT Project Cost has increased by 4% since 2011 D-O LRT Proposed Budget. Commissioner Price said GoTriangle has a new scenario that pushes financing out three years. She asked if this will last over time. Danny Rogers said it had to be pushed out so that financing would work. He said the TIFIA (Transportation Innovative Finance Infrastructure Act) loan is a long-term loan that would start after the project is complete, and would be paid off over time. He said the LOBs (Limited Obligation Bonds) would be shorter term, and would happen while the project is under construction, being paid off before the TIFIA loan begins. He said this allows the funds 12 identified for transit plans to be the funds that are used for transit plans. He said other revenues would not have to be found. Commissioner Price asked if the final cost of the project is known, since a loan is being added and financing pushed out. Danny Rogers said the cost is the same. He referred to a slide that overviewed the finances. He said the TIFIA loan would be paid off in 2062. Chair Dorosin asked if clarification could be given regarding the types of loans. Danny Rogers said TIFIA is a federal program that has been around for many years for major infrastructure projects. He said it allows for loans on very favorable terms. Commissioner Price said this proposal eliminates the gap but stretches out the financing to 2062. Danny Rogers said the TIFIA loan has always been a part of the plan. Commissioner Burroughs referred to the LOB, and said the gap is eliminated, but there is additional interest. She asked if the total of additional interest is known. Danny Rogers said the LOBs are short-term loans, which allows for cash flow while waiting for federal dollars to come in. He said this will actually be more efficient and less expensive. Commissioner Burroughs asked if the LOBs have better interest rates than the short- term cash flow financing. Danny Rogers said yes. Commissioner Burroughs referred to the base case, and asked if more clarification could be provided. Danny Rogers said everything that was promised in the plan will be provided, but the cost to complete it has increased. He said State and Federal funds are less than originally expected. Commissioner Burroughs referred to the wording that states it is being funded locally at a higher level, and asked if this information is broken out somewhere. Danny Rogers said that was part of the presentation in December. Commissioner McKee asked if the $3 billion mark will be hit. Danny Rogers said he is pretty sure this will not happen. Commissioner McKee said this project started off in 2011 using 2011 dollars and progressed a bit over time. He asked if$1.37 billion in 2011 dollars could be translated into the year of expenditure dollars at that time. Danny Rogers said the original project was a little over $1.8 billion. Commissioner McKee said the true increase in cost is from $1.8 to $2.476 billion. Danny Rogers said it is two different projects because additions were made. He said one addition is joint development, which is an optional program at about $130 million added to the project, to allow the opportunity to take advantage of a program that Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) has made eligible. He said if that program is not taken advantage of, then the cost does not occur. He said another $100 million is for the station at North Carolina Central University. He said the comparison is really $1.8 to $2.2 billion. He said there is additional cost of completing the project in 2026 instead of 2025. He said the 2011 plan did not include financing costs, but the 2016 plan does, as it is eligible for federal funding. He said the actual cost has only increased by 4%. Commissioner McKee said there are some very smart people working for GoTriangle, but he is concerned that some very significant information has not been included over the years. He said in very recent meetings it was presented that Orange and Durham counties would have to pick up the cost of the reduced funding from the State and Federal governments; but this evening the presentation is stating that no additional local funds are needed. He said he simply cannot understand this change. He asked if the rationale for 13 reducing the capacity of the platforms can be explained, given the ever increasing needs for public transportation in the region. Danny Rogers said as far as having a gap in December, and now not having a gap, he said financial experts are involved and it is always the goal to improve the plan. He said GoTriangle is trying to work with Orange County and share all the information that is available. Commissioner McKee said his questions are not directed to him personally. He said it is a concern to him that the commuter rail was very important to Durham, and this has been removed from the plan. He asked if there is a reason that this was removed. Danny Rogers said at the beginning of this process, the referendum had not passed. He said the BRT was included in the manner that it was, was due to it being submitted to the FTA for project development. He said as the plan is updated, the county transit plans will be evaluated to see how Durham County can work with Wake County to get the commuter rail. Commissioner McKee asked if the final payout date on the loans, from the original plans, could be identified. Danny Rogers said he does not know the date from the 2011. He said the current date is 2062. Commissioner Marcoplos referred to the change from a three car to a two-car platform, and asked if the impact on ridership numbers, and cost per rider could be identified. Danny Rogers said the two car to three car platform is a value engineering opportunity. He said the analysis of the ridership on this line is a very efficient evaluation. He said the Durham/Orange line has multiple destinations along it, causing people to get on and off the line. He said this will enable more people to be carried on this line, as the destinations are spread out; as opposed to being co-located, as they are in Charlotte. He said two car trains can carry a lot of people; and when capacity is met, the frequency can be increased. He said the two-car platform is the affordable option, and also has some design benefits. Commissioner Marcoplos said it would be useful to know the projected fuel and battery costs, types of fuel for light rail and BRT; and to make comparisons between the two types of transportation. Commissioner Price asked if the payoff is in 2062, how do repairs fit into this scenario. Danny Rogers said part of the reason the TIFIA is allowed to go out to 2062 is because it is an even payment from day one, allowing other things to be done. He said there is a "state of good repair" fund within the plan. Commissioner McKee said he assumed that the monies from the 1/2 cent sales tax will be required until 2062. Danny Rogers said the plan is based on the assumption that the sales tax would be there until 2062. He said an analysis could be completed to determine what would happen if the sales tax was not there, if so desired by the Board. Commissioner McKee asked if some revenue source will be needed from Orange County and Durham County until 2062. Danny Rogers said yes, under the current payout plan, until 2062. He said it could be paid off faster if desired, but, due to the low interest rates, and that the length of payoff is allowed, it makes more sense to use funds elsewhere and pay off the TIFIA loan over a longer time. Brian Litchfield, Chapel Hill Transit Director, presented this portion of the PowerPoint: North-South Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project Board of County Commissioners Orange County, NC 14 January 24, 2017 Agenda • Project Background • The Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA) • LPA Costs and Funding Sources • Project Schedule and Phasing • BRT Coordination with Local and Regional Service • Questions/Feedback Context and Vision Prepares the Town to meet mobility demand as the region continues to grow: • Current system operates close to maximum capacity • Proposed system provides a long-term, scalable solution available to residents and visitors of the community • Connects to regional transit options • Supports current and planned development in the corridor with a multi-modal system that serves cyclists, pedestrians and other users North-South BRT Project Background • Expands on previous regional and local planning • Continues key theme identified in the Chapel Hill 2020 Comprehensive Plan — "Getting Around" • Help provide a high-level of transit service to a critical transportation and development corridor and will serve as the backbone for a BRT system throughout the Chapel Hill Transit service area Context and Vision Prepares the Town to meet mobility demand as the region continues to grow: • Current system operates close to maximum capacity • Proposed system provides a long-term, scalable solution available to residents and visitors to the community • Connects to regional transit options • Supports current and planned development in the corridor with a multi-modal system that serves cyclists, pedestrians and other users North-South BRT Project Background 2009 2035 Chapel Hill and Carrboro Long Range Transit Plan (final draft; 2008$). Conceptual BRT from Eubanks to UNC and expanded express service from UNC to Southern Village; Capital Cost - $132,952,400 2012 Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (OCBRIP). BRT from 1-40 to UNC. Plan allocated $22,100,000 in 2011$ • $6M (25%) from local funds; remaining from State (25%) and Fed (50%) 2014 North-South Corridor Study Kick-Off 2016 North-South Corridor Study LPA Identified and Adopted 15 2016-2017 OCBRIP Update North-South Corridor Study Kick-Off(map) Outreach Significant public involvement throughout the study: open houses, community meetings, updates to various stakeholders and Boards. Regular Committee Meetings over 30-months schedule: Technical and Policy Committees. Rounds of presentations to conclude the study: • Chapel Hill Town Council —April, 2016 • BOCC — May, 2016 • DCHC MPO —August, 2016 Decision-Making Process Process guided by: The Technical and Policy Committee • Review of the technical analysis • Review project deliverables • Develop and approve recommendations Members of the public • Provide input and feedback throughout the study process Study Committees Participants North Carolina Department of Transportation Town of Chapel Hill/Chapel Hill Transit Town of Carrboro University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill UNC Health Care Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce Downtown Partnership Orange County GoTriangle Chapel Hill Transportation Board Carrboro Transportation Advisory Board Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro MPO Chair Dorosin referred to slide number 12, and asked if a decision of which of the three alternatives (dedicated curb lane: new construction; dedicated center lane: new construction; or dedicated curb lane: convert existing lane) will be made in the timeframe noted on the slide. Brian Litchfield said yes, this decision will be made between FY17-18. Commissioner Rich asked if there is a need to acquire additional land with any of the three options. 16 Brian Litchfield said the current plan is to use existing right of way, but this may change during the design phase. He said in the university environments there will be no new lanes built. Commissioner Rich asked if lanes would be crunched where cars would usually drive. Brian Litchfield said each of the options have different pieces to them, and he walked the Board through this slide. He said in the Southern Village area there would be dedicated curb lanes that would be constructed, while the area near UNC Hospital would use exiting infrastructure. He said in the down town area from Franklin Street through Estes, there will be a dedicated curb lane, which would use an existing lane as a dedicated bus lane. He said each scenario is fluid and can be mixed, matched, and moved around. Commissioner McKee said his concern is for downtown Chapel Hill, and asked if there will be only one car lane, since the other one would be used for BRT. Brian Litchfield, said under the current plan, there would be one car lane. He said this scenario could change, but that is their plan now. Commissioner McKee asked if it is possible to acquire additional right of ways. Brian Litchfield said downtown presents a challenge, as it is a constrained area. He said the NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) controls most of the area. Federal Process (graph) AA (NSC Study) and Project Development Tasks (graph) LPA Summary (graph) 8.5K Rides Scale of Magnitude (graph) Capital Cost by Segments Without BRT Investment in the North-South Corridor • Transit trips will take up to 9 minutes longer- and will likely get worse as congestion increases • Traffic congestion will increase - driving through the corridor will take longer • Buses will become more crowded and less reliable as they're stuck in traffic • Additional parking spaces will be necessary throughout the corridor • Development patterns will be less transit-supportive FTA Region IV BRT- Small Starts Jacksonville • 5 BRT alignments • 57 miles Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority • Central Ave. BRT proposal • Project Development Phase Wake County/Raleigh • 17 miles • -$20M/mile Federal Small Starts Process (graph) 17 North-South BRT was accepted into FTA's Project Development (PD) in November 2016 Questions, Comments, Discussion Commissioner Price asked if dedicated right of ways could not be secured in downtown Chapel Hill, would these buses be allowed on regular lanes. Brian Litchfield said yes. Commissioner Price asked if there will be other buses at the Eubanks Road Park and Ride. Brian Litchfield said yes. He said both GoTriangle and Triad buses currently use this lot, and more, and other, buses are anticipated as this plan moves forward. Commissioner Price said the Eubanks Road Park and Ride lot is very close to a transit dependent community, and asked if there is any possibility that the proposed buses could go to the Rogers Road Community Center. Brian Litchfield said the possibility of this bus line extending further is something to consider in future phases. He said the existing services in this corridor will be realigned to better serve the surrounding communities, and the Rogers Road community is of interest and concern. Commissioner McKee said he appreciated Brian Litchfield reporting in year of expense, and he wished all plans would do that. Public Comment: Tom Farmer said he is in support of this Durham Orange Light Rail project. He read a handout, which is on file in the Clerk's office. Bonnie Hauser thanked the Board for asking Mr. Litchfield to speak tonight, and she and her groups are in support of the BRT plan over light rail. Alex Cabanis said he liked the presentation by Mr. Litchfield, and he supports the plan for BRT over the light rail plan. Chair Dorosin said this is not an action item, but just a report. He said the Board can anticipate regular updates and information from GoTriangle over the next several months. Commissioner Rich said there is a web page dedicated to Light Rail, which will be updated as needed. Commissioner Rich asked if the date of the work session could be provided. Bonnie Hammersley said on February 7th or the 16th Commissioner Price said these items dealt with Chapel Hill, and asked if there will be bus updates for the rest of the County. Travis Myren said the Board will go through the funded, but not yet implemented, services at the BOCC retreat on January 27th. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee to notify the FTA that Orange County withdraws the December 2016 letter of intent due to information received indicating additional local funding no longer being needed. No second. Motion dies. 18 Chair Dorosin said this is a controversial issue, but ultimately everyone has the shared goal of getting all the information conveyed in the most clear and accessible way, so that the decisions made are based on a shared set of facts and assumptions. 9. County Manager's Report Bonnie Hammersley said there is a Bus and Rail page on the County's website. She said all PowerPoint presentations will be added to this page. Bonnie Hammersley introduced Theo Letman, the new Orange County Transportation Director. 10. County Attorney's Report NONE 11. Appointments NONE 12. Board Comments Commissioner McKee thanked the staff for getting the Bus and Rail information page on the County website. Commissioner McKee said he attended an ABC Board meeting, and he will forward his notes to the Board, especially as pertains to the ABC Board's finances. Commissioner McKee said he attended the Burlington-Graham Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), and the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA) meeting. He will forward his notes from these meetings to the Board as well. Commissioner Marcoplos had no comments. Commissioner Burroughs said the Board should consider the impact of all possible cuts in federal revenue such as the HOME funds and asked staff to prepare a list of the federal funds received by OC Department so we can prepare the public for this possibility sooner rather than later. should consider what may happen if HOME funds are not received, and review which departments will be most strongly effected, and then prepare the public for this possibility sooner rather than later. Commissioner Rich said she may have misspoke about putting GoTriangle Transit on a work session. Travis Myren said it is scheduled for the February 16th work session. Commissioner Price attended the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) Legislative Goals conference, and she emailed the Board the five priorities. She said one of interest is raising the age of juvenile jurisdiction from age 16 to 18. Commissioner Price said she attended the Phoenix Academy mid-year graduation. She said Commissioner Burroughs and Jamezetta Bedford are responsible for a scholarship program there, which she commended. Chair Dorosin said there is some concern about the NCACC recommendation to raise the age of juvenile jurisdiction, as it excludes all felonies. He said the task force working on juvenile justice would only exempt the most serious felonies. Chair Dorosin said the Humans Relations Commission has a program on 1/29/17 about freedom of religion and Islamaphobia. 13. Information Items 19 • December 13, 2016 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100 • Report on Public Hearing Process for UDO-, Zoning Atlas-, and Comprehensive Plan- Related Items • City of Mebane's Comprehensive Land Development Plan • Orange County Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility Goal Update • Status of Eubanks Road Waste & Recycling Facilities Project • DRAFT Public Involvement Plan — Durham and Orange County Bus and Rail Investment Plan (BRIP) Update • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from December 13, 2016 Regular Meeting 14. Closed Session A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to go into closed session at 9:29 p.m. for the purpose below: "Pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3) "to consult with an attorney retained by the Board in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board." VOTE: UNANIMOUS RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Rich to go into open session at 9:35pm so that she may ask a question not related to the closed session item. VOTE: 1 (Commissioner Rich) - 5 Motion dies. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to reconvene into regular session at 9:37pm. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 15. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to adjourn the meeting at 9:37pm. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Mark Dorosin, Chair Donna Baker Clerk to the Board