HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-05-2017 - 8-a - Minutes ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 5, 2017
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-a
SUBJECT: MINUTES
DEPARTMENT: Board of County
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes (Under Separate Cover) 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.
June 6, 2017 BOCC Regular Meeting
June 8, 2017 BOCC Budget Work Session
June 13, 2017 BOCC Budget Work Session
June 15, 2017 BOCC Budget Work Session
June 20, 2017 BOCC Regular Meeting
August 23, 2017 BOCC Special Meeting (portion)
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 June 6, 2017
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 6, 2017
10 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
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 Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
21
22 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
23 Chair Dorosin noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
24 - Yellow sheet: proposed resolution from Commissioner Price
25 - White sheet: Planning Board monthly report
26 - Neon green sheet: operating budget amendments
27 - White sheet: PowerPoint for Item 6-a
28 - Hand out for item 6-b
29 - Revised abstract for Item 11-f
30
31 Chair Dorosin asked if the Board would consider moving item 4-a up to the start of the
32 meeting.
33 The Board agreed by consensus.
34
35 4. Proclamations/Resolutions/Special Presentations
36 a. Resolution Honoring Judicial District 15B (Orange/Chatham) Public Defender
37 James E. Williams, Jr.
38 The Board considered a resolution honoring James E. Williams, Jr. for serving as the
39 Public Defender for Judicial District 15B (Orange and Chatham counties)for twenty-seven (27)
40 years, and authorizing the Chair to sign.
41 Chair Dorosin read the resolution:
42
43 Orange County Board of Commissioners
44 RESOLUTION HONORING JUDICIAL DISTRICT 15B (ORANGE/CHATHAM)
45 PUBLIC DEFENDER JAMES E. WILLIAMS, JR.
46 WHEREAS, James E. Williams, Jr. served as the Public Defender of North Carolina Judicial
47 District 15B, serving Orange and Chatham counties for 27 years; and
48
49 WHEREAS, during his tenure, Mr. Williams led the development of innovative efforts to make
50 the criminal justice system more equitable, including the Misdemeanor Diversion Program, the
2
1 Public Defender Committee on Race and Equity, the Criminal Justice Resource Office, the NC
2 Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparities and the District 15B Racial Justice Taskforce; and
3
4 WHEREAS, Mr. Williams consistently challenged racial and socioeconomic disparities in the
5 criminal justice system in North Carolina, including racial bias in policing, unfair public housing
6 admission provisions, high court costs and fees for indigent clients, inequitable pre-trial release
7 and bail policies, institutional barriers to re-entry for formerly incarcerated persons, and police
8 practices that target low-level crimes; and
9
10 WHEREAS, James dedicated his career to working with other lawyers, judges, law enforcement
11 officers, elected officials, and the community to address those disparities through efforts to bring
12 transparency to policing decisions and judicial practices, promote body worn cameras for law
13 enforcement officers and policies regarding broader access to police videos, and by leading
14 public education initiatives and engaged community dialogue around racial bias in the criminal
15 justice system; and
16
17 WHEREAS, James undertook these efforts while also tirelessly and zealously representing his
18 clients, including defendants in some of the most high-profile and controversial cases in our
19 community, all of which were resolved without death penalty verdicts and in ways that helped
20 the community begin to heal; and
21
22 WHEREAS, Mr. Williams is a fearless advocate who cares deeply about the indigent clients that
23 the Office of the Public Defender represents, and is dedicated to investigating every fact,
24 developing compelling mitigation, retaining high-quality experts and filing every motion so that
25 his clients receive the highest quality legal representation, as well as providing guidance,
26 inspiration, and mentorship to those around him;
27
28 NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners does
29 hereby extend to James E. Williams, Jr., our sincere and steadfast appreciation for his
30 dedicated service to the Office of the Public Defender and to the residents of Orange County,
31 for helping our community be a more just and equitable place, and for embodying the words of
32 Thurgood Marshall, who said "You do what you think is right, and let the law catch up".
33
34 This the 6th day of June, 2017.
35
36 A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the Board to
37 adopt the resolution and authorized the Chair to sign the Resolution.
38
39 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
40
41 James Williams thanked Chair Dorosin and the Board of County Commissioners for this
42 acknowledgement. He said this Board should be proud of the groundbreaking decisions it is
43 making to affect the criminal justice system and reform. He asked if the Board would
44 communicate to its judicial stakeholders the importance of completing the second phase of the
45 School of Government study on reforms in jury pool diversity.
46
47 PUBLIC CHARGE
48
49 Chair Dorosin dispensed with the reading of the Public Charge.
50
51 2. Public Comments
3
1 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
2
3 Dr. Todd Wirt, Orange County (OCS) Schools Superintendent, spoke on increasing the
4 per pupil amount to $257 based on the outcome of the State budget. He said this increase
5 would allow the system to continue operating at its current level.
6 Julia Workman said she is a veteran teacher in OCS. She thanked the Board for its
7 existing support, and echoed the request to increase the per pupil amount to $257 to fund their
8 core services.
9 Latasha Lemmons said she is a veteran Teacher Assistant in OCS, and asked the Board
10 to fully fund the superintendent's revised budget request.
11 Robert Griffin said he is a Spanish teacher at Orange High School and has been
12 teaching for 27 years. He said we live in a global society, and asked the Board to support the
13 language programs at the elementary and middle school level.
14 Anneke Oppewal said she is a Spanish teacher in OCS, and she echoed support for
15 funding foreign language programs at all age levels.
16 Gloria Amerson said she is an OCS French teacher, and echoed support for the world
17 language programs at all age levels. She said the study of foreign languages and cultures
18 promotes unity across differences, and allows children to broaden their view of the world.
19 Several of her students spoke about what they have learned from studying foreign languages.
20 Janice Gilreath said she is a Spanish and International Baccalaureate teacher at Cedar
21 Ridge High School (CRHS), and asked the Board of County Commissioners to increase the per
22 pupil amount to $257.
23 Katrina Smith said she is the Foreign Language Department Chair at CRHS, and is here
24 to ask for support for all classes in OCS, but specifically foreign language classes.
25 Rachel Mulock said she is a Spanish teacher at an OCS school. She is here to ask for
26 the support of Dr. Wirt's request for an increase in per pupil funding to $257.
27 Sonya Sutton said she is the PTA president at Hillsborough Elementary, and she asked
28 the Board to fully fund Dr. Wirt's budget request.
29 Allan Green reviewed the following comments:
30 Orange County Board of Commissioners
31 June 6, 2017
32 Thank you for the opportunity to address you about a familiar subject—the completion of the
33 Mountains to Sea Trail Segment 11 through Orange County. The following are some key dates
34 in the process:
35 • Nov 17, 2015 BOCC Meeting, State presents MST plan, "Local FMST group" petitions
36 Board to adopt MST Plan. (Included). D. Stancil estimates 3-6 months, commits to
37 addressing petition at next meeting.
38 • Jan 21, 2016 BOCC Meeting, D. Stancil presents MST Master planning process, to
39 include public meetings, meetings with stakeholders (OWASA), with the completed
40 Segment 11 connecting the Alamance section with the Eno River section. Included in the
41 Commissioners' packets was a response from the "local FMST group" to Commissioner
42 Dorosin (and Chair McKee) to their requests for a detailed implementation and time-line.
43 Public comments included both those opposed to and supporters of the MST.
44 • April 21, 2016 First Community Meeting at Cane Creek Activities Center. The meeting
45 was dominated almost entirely by vocal opponents of the trail in the Thunder Mountain
46 development bordering the proposed OWASA route, and as such was largely
47 unproductive.
48 • Jun 23, 2016 OWASA Board Meeting: After presentations from State and local MST
49 planners, and public comments both opposing and supporting the trail route through
4
1 OWASA lands, the OWASA board voted to allow development of the trail on their
2 property, subject to constraints.
3 • Aug 25, 2016 - Having been challenged to reevaluate their position by MST opponents,
4 the OWASA board confirmed their June 23 decision.
5 • Sep 19, 2016 2d Community meeting, Maple View Center. This meeting was
6 professionally facilitated and focused on the concerns voiced at the April meeting.
7 Professionals from law enforcement, state forestry, local emergency services (fire and
8 EMT) were unified in stating that the MST presented no issues for their departments
9 (other than budgetary)
10 • Dec 8, 2016 3d Community Meeting, West Campus Office— Cancelled/Rescheduled for
11 March 6th.
12 • Mar 6, 2017 3d Community Meeting, Whitted Center— Focus on northern section; Final
13 report to be submitted to BOCC in May 2017 — May, 2017 Final report deferred until
14 September
15
16 It has now been more than 18 months since the BOCC requested a plan for MST completion
17 from the Orange County staff. Other than obtaining OWASA's updated approval for a trail route
18 on OWASA lands, little real progress has been made. Most frustratingly, the plan for the initial
19 Orange County segment has not changed much since our letter to Commissioner Dorosin in
20 January, 2016: i.e., until the trail can be completely located off-road through easements and
21 purchased parcels, the route will be an interim road walk from Saxapahaw to the OWASA
22 border on Route 54; then up the Cane Creek Reservoir to Buckhorn or Bradshaw Quarry Road,
23 north east on Chestnut Hill Rd. and Mt. Willing Rd. to the Seven Mile Creek preserve, and then
24 on to the Eno River via Occoneechee Mtn. and the Hillsborough River Walk. The FMST and
25 several local landowners are ready to make this a reality. All we need is for Orange County to
26 officially designate the route and authorize trail construction.
27
28 Best of all, the MST budget impact is non-existent or negligible. Why are we delaying?
29 Thank you.
30 Allan K. Green
31
32 Tracy Shain said she is the PTA treasurer at Hillsborough Elementary School, and
33 asked the Board to fully fund the OCS budget request.
34 Bob Shriner said he is here to speak on behalf of the coaches in OCS, where he has
35 coached for almost 30 years. He asked that the Board support Dr. Wirt's request to fully fund
36 the OCS budget request.
37 Will Gehrman said he is the athletic director at Gravelly Middle School, and spoke in
38 support of full funding for the OCS budget request.
39 Arlene Saper said she is a language teacher in OCS, and supports the superintendent's
40 budget request to fully fund the OCS.
41 Monique McAdoo said she is a graduate of OCS, and also a TA and a graduate student.
42 She said she was involved in athletics and other programs during her time as a student. She
43 said she is asking for the Board's support to fully fund their schools.
44
45 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
46 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
47 below.)
48
49 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
5
1 Commissioner McKee said he was glad that OCS brought its revised figures forward.
2 He said the budget process is a partnership, and he is heartened to have these numbers in time
3 for further discussion.
4 Commissioner Burroughs had no comments.
5 Commissioner Jacobs said the Criminal Justice Advisory Council (CJAC) met last week,
6 and talked about creating a re-entry program in Orange County.
7 Commissioner Jacobs congratulated Susan Seahorn for becoming the new Orange
8 County Public Defender.
9 Commissioner Jacobs asked if David Stancil, Department of Agriculture, Environment,
10 Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) Director, could determine how much the City of Raleigh has
11 spent to protect its water supply in Orange County, and to provide a resolution thanking Raleigh,
12 and asking others to emulate this example set by the City of Raleigh.
13 Commissioner Rich had no comments.
14 Commissioner Marcoplos said he emailed a copy of a proposed resolution to be
15 considered by the Board at its June 20th meeting. He said it is related to climate change and the
16 reduction of methane admissions.
17 Commissioner Price said Ric Bruton of Cardinal Innovations reports that two group
18 homes that were scheduled to close will remain open.
19 Commissioner Price petitioned the Board to follow up with James Williams' request
20 about the School of Government jury commission study.
21 Commissioner McKee said he appreciated Commissioner Price for working with Cardinal
22 Innovations about the group homes. He said he would also keep in touch on the Person County
23 side.
24 Chair Dorosin said there was a groundbreaking for the Veteran's Memorial last week.
25 Chair Dorosin referred to the public comments made earlier this evening, and petitioned
26 for a follow up from DEAPR about the Mountains to Sea Trail (MTS).
27
28 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
29
30 b. Voluntary and Enhanced Agricultural District Designation: Multiple Farms
31 The Board considered applications from ten (10) landowners/farms to certify qualifying
32 farmland within the Caldwell, Cane Creek/Buckhorn, White Cross, Cedar Grove, and
33 Schley/Eno Voluntary Agricultural Districts; and enroll and/or update ownership for the lands in
34 the Orange County Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD, 470 acres); and the Enhanced
35 Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD, 91 acres) programs.
36
37 BACKGROUND:
38 Orange County's Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program was started in 1992. To date, there
39 are 78 farms totaling 9,320 acres in the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program, and 2,144
40 acres in the Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) program, for a total of 11,464
41 acres (rounded) in the program. The farms are described briefly below:
42
43 Brief Farm Descriptions:
44 1) Owners Allen and Christine Green have submitted an application to enroll one (1) parcel of
45 land totaling 18.5 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District program
46 (VAD) in the Cane Creek/Buckhorn Agricultural District. The farm operation includes organic
47 vegetable crops, pastureland, and managed woodland. This parcel is close to other parcels
48 owned by the Greens that are currently enrolled into the Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural
49 Program. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement
50 standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
51
6
1 2) Owners Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier have submitted an application to enroll three
2 (3) parcels of land totaling 90.47 acres as qualifying farmland for the Enhanced Voluntary
3 Agricultural District program (EVAD) in the Cedar Grove Agricultural District. The farm operation
4 includes blueberries, blackberries, fruit and vegetable crops, and managed woodland. The farm
5 has been evaluated against each of the EVAD certification requirement standards and meets or
6 exceeds all of the measures above.
7
8 3) Owners Charles (Gene) and Ruth Williams have submitted an application to enroll two (2)
9 parcels of land totaling of 72 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District
10 (VAD) program located in the White Cross Agricultural District. The farm includes pasture and
11 hay crops for beef cattle, and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of
12 the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
13
14 4) Owners and family members Doug and Heidi Brown and Helmut and Karen Poerschke have
15 submitted an application to enroll two (2) parcel of land totaling 31.82 acres as qualifying
16 farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program in the Cedar Grove
17 Agricultural District. The farm operation includes horses, beef cattle, pastures, hay crops
18 and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification
19 requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
20
21 5) Owners Wayne Parmley and Alicia Belcher have submitted an application to enroll one (1)
22 parcel of land totaling of 42 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District
23 (VAD) program located in the Cedar Grove Agricultural District. The farm includes seasonal
24 vegetables, pasture for hogs, goats, and chickens, and managed woodland. The farm has
25 been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or
26 exceeds all of the measures above.
27
28 6) Owners Jeff Berst and Stephanie Bullins have submitted an application to enroll one (1)
29 parcel of land totaling 52 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District
30 (VAD) program in the Caldwell Agricultural District. The farm operation includes tobacco and
31 hay crops, transitioning to vegetables, berries, and fruit trees; in addition to managed
32 woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement
33 standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
34
35 7) Owners of the Merry Hill Farm, represented by Lynne Holtkamp (on behalf of multiple family
36 members), have submitted an application to enroll five (5) parcels of land totaling of 115.25
37 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program located in the
38 Cane Creek/Buckhorn Agricultural District. The farm includes beef cattle, pasture, hay crops
39 and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification
40 requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
41
42 8) Owner Lee Miller has submitted an application to enroll two (2) parcel of land totaling 50.63
43 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program in the Caldwell
44 Agricultural District. The farm operation includes hay crops and managed woodland. The farm
45 property has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and
46 meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
47
48 9) Owner Ann Bacon Hollowell has submitted an application to update ownership for one (1)
49 parcel of land totaling 42.22 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District
50 (VAD) program located in the Schley/Eno Agricultural District. The parcel is part of the original
51 Bacon Family enrolled in the VAD program in 2002; therefore, these acres will not increase the
7
1 overall acreage in the program. The farm includes grain and hay crops, and transitioning to
2 pastures. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement
3 standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above.
4
5 10) Owners Michael and Sherry Miller Scully have submitted an application to update ownership
6 for one (1) parcel of land totaling 44.2 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural
7 District (VAD) program in the Caldwell Agricultural District. The parcel is part of the original
8 Miller Family enrolled in the VAD program in 2002; therefore, these acres will not increase the
9 overall acres in the program.
10
11 Gail Hughes, Soil Conservationist, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
12
13 Orange County Voluntary Farmland Preservation Program
14 Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary
15 Agricultural District Program
16 Orange County Board of Commissions Meeting
17 June 6, 2017
18
19 > Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) is a 10 year commitment for farm to be in active
20 farm production, but the landowner can withdraw from the VAD at any time, for any
21 reason, with a 30 day notification to the Agri. Preservation Board.
22 > Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) is an irrevocable 10 year
23 commitment to be in active farm production, therefore the "enhanced" qualifies farm for
24 up to 90% cost share rates and a priority for state and federal grants funds.
25
26 Benefits include: (listing a few)
27 > Makes public more aware of the local agricultural and its vital role in the economics of
28 the county;
29 > Recorded notice of agricultural district property is recorded at County Land Records
30 office;
31 > Land search on all properties within a 1/2 mile radius has notification of the agricultural
32 status, therefore, the agricultural landowner has increased protection from nuisance
33 lawsuits.
34 > Agricultural Preservation Board can request public hearings for proposed condemnation
35 of VAD land and utility assessments may be suspended or waived on EVAD land if not
36 connected to the utility.
37 > Farm may receive up to 25% of gross sales from the sale of non-farm products and still
38 maintain its zoning exemption as a bona fide farm. (EVAD only)
39 > VAD District signs are placed on farms, for public to know location of VAD/EVAD farms
40
41 Allan and Christine Green (Woodcrest Farm)
42 • VAD — 18.5 acres — Cane Creek/ Buckhorn Agricultural District
43 • Organic vegetables/crops, pastureland, cattle, managed woodland
44 • Currently enrolled in the EVAD program with other parcel of land in the community
45
46 Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier
47 • EVAD —90.47 acres- Cedar Grove Agricultural District—3 parcels of land
48 • Blue berries, black berries, fruit and vegetable crops, managed woodland.
49 • Conservation Easement on farm held by Orange County.
50
51 Charles (Gene) and Ruth Williams
8
1 • VAD — 72 acres —White Cross Agricultural District - 2 parcels of land
2 • Pastures, hay crops for beef cattle, managed woodland
3
4 Doug and Heidi Brown
5
6 Helmut and Karen Poerschke (parents to Heidi)
7 • VAD — 31.82 acres —Cedar Grove Agricultural District— 2 parcels of land
8 • Horses, beef cattle, chickens, pastures, hay crops, managed woodland
9 Wayne Parmley and Alicia Belcher
10 • VAD- 42 acres — Cedar Grove Agricultural District
11 • Vegetables, pasture for hogs, goats, and chickens, managed woodland
12
13 Jeff Berst and Stephanie Bullins
14 • VAD- 52 acres — Caldwell Agricultural District
15 • Tobacco and hay crops, transitioning to vegetables , berries, and fruit trees; managed
16 woodland.
17
18 Merry Hill Farm- Lynne Holtkamp
19 (Ms. Holtkamp also represents multiple family members)
20 • VAD- 115.25 acres —Cane Creek/Buckhorn Agricultural District—
21 • 5 parcels of land owned by Holtkamp and other family members
22 • Beef cattle, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland
23 • Farm is in the NCDA&CS Century Farm Program (same family ownership for 100 +
24 years)
25
26 Lee Miller
27 • VAD - 50.63 acres— Caldwell Agriculture District—2 parcels
28 • Hay crops; managed woodland
29
30 Ann Bacon Hollowell (ownership update)
31 • VAD —42.22 acres —Schley/Eno Agricultural District
32 • Portion of original acres with Bacon Family Partnership from 2002
33 • Grain and hay crops, transitioning to pastures for horses
34
35 Michael and Sherry Miller Scully (ownership update)
36 • VAD —44.2 acres — Caldwell Agricultural District
37 • Portion of original acres in Lee Miller farm from 2002
38 • Beef cattle, pastures, hay crops, and managed woodland
39
40 Requesting approval from Commissioners to accept ten (10)farms into the program.
41 470 acres* in the Voluntary Agricultural District
42 91 acres* in the Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District
43
44 Total of acres in both programs= 561 acres*
45 * = rounded acres
46
47 Commissioner McKee said Gail Hughes has brought in a significant amount of acreage
48 since 2012.
49 Chair Dorosin asked if this program is promoted in any particular way.
50 Gail Hughes said the program is promoted primarily through one on one visits to the
51 farms, and seeks to help farmers with many aspects of their land.
9
1 Commissioner Jacobs acknowledged the commitment of the agricultural community to
2 Orange County.
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price for the
5 Board to certify the ten (10)farm properties noted above totaling 470 acres (VAD) and 91 acres
6 (EVAD) (rounded acreage) as denoted in the attached documentation as qualifying farmland;
7 designate the farms as noted above as Voluntary or Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District
8 farm within the Caldwell, Cane Creek/Buckhorn, Schley/Eno, Cedar Grove, and White Cross
9 Voluntary Agricultural Districts; and enroll the lands in the Orange County Voluntary Agricultural
10 District (VAD) and the Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) programs.
11 (Note: Two parcels are updating new ownership and therefore approximately 86 acres will not
12 be an increase in the overall acres of the program.)
13
14 With approval of these additional acres, the Orange County Voluntary Agricultural District
15 Program will have enrolled 86 farms totaling 9,701 acres in the VAD and 2,234 acres in the
16 EVAD fora total of 11,935 acres (rounded) in the program.
17
18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
19
20 c. Addition to the Agenda:
21 The Board will consider adopting a "Resolution of Commitment to Adopt, Honor
22 and Uphold the Paris Climate Agreement.
23
24 Commissioner Rich said she decided to propose this resolution after having
25 conversations with all three of the Town's Mayors.
26 Commissioner Rich read the resolution:
27
28 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
29 RESOLUTION OF COMMITMENT TO ADOPT, HONOR AND UPHOLD THE PARIS CLIMATE
30 AGREEMENT
31
32 Resolution of Commitment to Adopt/Honor and Uphold the Paris Climate Agreement– and she
33 said this came about after her discussions with the three Town's mayors.
34
35 RESOLUTION #2017-042
36 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
37 RESOLUTION OF COMMITMENT TO ADOPT, HONOR AND UPHOLD THE PARIS CLIMATE
38 AGREEMENT
39
40 WHEREAS, the scientific community has reached an overwhelming consensus that the earth's
41 climate is warming and human activity—specifically, burning fossil fuels that emit carbon dioxide
42 and other greenhouse gases—is the primary cause of warming; and
43
44 WHEREAS, large coastal states such as North Carolina are disproportionately vulnerable to the
45 effects of climate change, including extreme heat, severe storms, and sea level rise; and
46
47 WHEREAS, reducing carbon emissions will help protect Orange County, North Carolina,
48 residents and future generations—particularly those who are most economically and physically
49 vulnerable—and mitigate the consequences of extreme weather that hurt the economy; and
50
10
1 WHEREAS, reducing carbon emissions and preparing for climate change will reduce illnesses
2 caused by air pollution, high heat, and extreme weather; and
3 WHEREAS, Orange County, North Carolina has reduced energy consumption by 15% per
4 square foot since 2012, has made a formal resolution to reduce carbon emissions by 80% by
5 2050 against 2005 levels, and has committed to move to 100% renewable energy by 2050, and
6
7 WHEREAS, President Trump has committed to withdrawing the United States from the Paris
8 Agreement, thereby retreating from the commitment to limit global warming to below two degrees
9 Celsius; and
10
11 WHEREAS, Orange County, North Carolina and other state and local governments must commit
12 to aggressive climate action in the absence of federal leadership,
13
14 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Orange County Commissioners hereby
15 commits to proportionally upholding the commitment made by the United States in the Paris
16 Agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions between 26 and 28 percent by 2025 from 2005
17 levels
18
19 This the 6th day of June 2017.
20
21 Commissioner Rich thanked Brennen Bouma, Sustainability Coordinator, for his
22 assistance on the percentages.
23
24 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
25 adopt this resolution, and asked the Chair to sign.
26
27 Commissioner Price asked to have this resolution sent to the North Carolina
28 Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), and encourage other counties to adopt similar
29 resolutions.
30 Donna Baker said she would forward it to the clerks in all 100 counties.
31 Commissioner Rich said she sent an email to the Board this evening that indicates all
32 State and local leadership, as well as businesses, who have signed on to uphold the Paris
33 Agreement. She said Chair Dorosin will sign it on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
34 (BOCC). She asked if all Board members would read the email, and let Chair Dorosin know if
35 they agree with him signing on the Board's behalf.
36
37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
38
39 5. Public Hearings
40
41 a. Orange County Consolidated Plan —Annual Action Plan Update
42 The Board will consider:
43
44 (1) Receiving comments from the public regarding the FY 2017 - 2018 Consolidated Plan —
45 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange County;
46 (2) Adopting a Resolution approving the FY 2017-2018 Consolidated Housing Plan —Annual
47 Action Plan;
48 (3) Adopting and authorizing the Chair to sign a Resolution approving the proposed HOME
49 Program Activities for 2017-2018; and
11
1 (4) Authorizing the Manager to implement the HOME Program as approved by the BOCC
2 including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after
3 consultation with the County Attorney.
4
5 Annette Moore, Housing Director, reviewed the background information.
6
7 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
8 Board to open the public hearing.
9
10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
12 Commissioner Marcoplos said the federal government's allotment has steadily been
13 decreasing, and asked if there is a reason for this, and where the federal funds are going.
14 Annette Moore said she does not know why, but Orange County has been receiving
15 smaller allocations each year.
16 Commissioner Price said the HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
17 funds will be kept at the current level through 2017, and the May draft budget totally eliminates
18 these funds for 2018.
19
20 PUBLIC COMMENT:
21 NONE
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
24 close the public hearing.
25
26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner McKee
29 to:
30
31 - Adopt a Resolution approving the FY 2017-2018 Consolidated Plan Annual Action Plan;
32 - Adopt and authorize the Chair to sign a Resolution approving the proposed HOME
33 Program Activities for 2017-2018; and
34 - Authorize the Manager to implement the HOME Program Design as approved by the BOCC
35 including the ability to execute agreements with partnering non-profit organizations after
36 consultation with the County Attorney.
37
38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
39
40 6. Regular Agenda
41
42 a. Amendments to the Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary
43 Agreement
44 The Board considered adopting a revised amendment to the Water and Sewer
45 Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) map. This action would
46 supersede the Resolution adopted on May 2, 2017 and thereby ensure that no action has been
47 taken impacting the Rural Buffer.
48 Perdita Holtz, Planning Systems Coordinator, made the following PowerPoint
49 presentation:
50
12
1 Revised Amendments —
2 Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement
3 June 6, 2017 BOCC Meeting
4 Presented by: Perdita Holtz
5
6 Background
7 • Map adopted by BOCC at May 2 meeting affected small portions of the Rural Buffer
8 (RB)
9 o Both removing from RB and adding to RB
10 • Subsequent concern over later amendments to the various maps and agreements to
11 accomplish modifications to the Rural Buffer
12 • Revised map for consideration tonight does not affect any area currently designated as
13 Rural Buffer on either zoning or land use maps
14 • Map pertaining to area in Carrboro's jurisdiction also part of resolution — unchanged from
15 May 2
16
17 Hillsborough EDD Area Amendments
18 • 84.16 acres Hillsborough Long Term Interest Area to Hillsborough Primary Service Area
19 • Resolution includes language that would have the effective dates for the Hillsborough
20 area amendments coincide with joint land use plan amendments
21 o Expected in the fall
22
23 Recommendation for Tonight
24 • Adopt the revised resolution amending the Water and Sewer Management, Planning,
25 and Boundary Agreement
26 o Supersedes resolution adopted on May 2
27
28
29 BACKGROUND:
30 At the May 2, 2017 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the Board adopted proposed
31 amendments to the Water and Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement
32 (WASMPBA). In the Hillsborough EDD Area, the adopted map was based on a catchment basin
33 analysis completed by staff and involved several acres that are currently designated "Rural
34 Buffer" on either the Zoning Atlas or Future Land Use Map (the Rural Buffer boundary on these
35 two separate maps do not perfectly align, likely due to relatively small differences in hand-drawn
36 maps that were digitized in the 1990s; see map in Attachment 2 for a visual depiction of this
37 issue). Potential amendments to land use maps (joint planning and County-only) and zoning
38 were to be brought forward later this year to consider aligning boundaries with the "Primary
39 Service Area."
40
41 Because of concerns regarding the subsequent land use and zoning map amendments, staff
42 prepared a revised map after the May 2 meeting to remove any area that is currently
43 designated Rural Buffer (on either the zoning or land use maps) from consideration as
44 "Primary Service Area". The map included in Attachment 1 shows the extent of lands (84.16
45 acres) that are currently designated "Hillsborough Long-Term Interest Area" but are proposed to
46 be designated "Hillsborough Primary Service Area." Additionally, language has been added to
47 the Resolution that would have the effective date of the amendments pertaining to the
48 Hillsborough EDD Area coincide with joint land use plan amendments that are expected to be
49 considered in the fall.
50
13
1 The map related to amendments in the Town of Carrboro's ETJ (Extraterritorial Jurisdiction)
2 adjacent to Smith Level Road remains unchanged from the version approved by the BOCC on
3 May 2.
4
5 All signatory parties to the Agreement must approve the amendments before they are effective.
6 Proposed dates for adoption consideration are:
7 Orange County May 2, 2017 (approved, but a revised map for the Hillsborough
8 EDD Area is under consideration at the June 6 meeting)
9 Town of Carrboro May 16 (approved; map for the Hillsborough EDD Area was the
10 same map being considered at the June 6 BOCC meeting)
11 OWASA June 8
12 Town of Hillsborough June 12
13 Town of Chapel Hill June 19
14
15
16 Commissioner Price asked if there is anything on the south side of West Scarlet
17 Mountain Road. She said the Hillsborough long-term to Hillsborough primary area does not go
18 all the way to the rural buffer line. She said perhaps this is wooded area.
19 Perdita Holtz said it is. She said no service will be provided south of West Scarlet
20 Mountain Road because that area is in the rural buffer.
21 Commissioner Price said the area between the blue and purple lines.
22 Perdita Holtz said this area is in the long-term interest area. She said there is a small
23 discrepancy in the rural buffer line in that area.
24 Commissioner Marcoplos said there was discussion about moving the rural buffer line to
25 follow the watershed line, which would make sense to him. He asked if there is an example of
26 something that may happen to bring the future land use line into play.
27 Perdita Holtz said the future land use map is a separate map from the zoning map, and
28 zoning is more of the controlling factor in determining what can be done on a property. She said
29 there is a discrepancy there, and a decision would need to be made if a landowner wanted to
30 develop their land. She said this is not the only area in the rural buffer with a discrepancy, and
31 there may be future interest in reconciling those differences.
32 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if all those differences were based on advanced
33 knowledge of where the watersheds break.
34 Perdita Holtz said that type of analysis — by catchment basin — could be done, or one or
35 the other could be picked. She said the zoning line matches up more closely with watershed
36 lines, and these discrepancies occurred when hand drawn maps were digitized in the 1990s.
37 Commissioner Marcoplos said it seemed a good idea to him to do this now, and define
38 what the rural buffer really is. He said it seems like a more proactive approach.
39 Commissioner Jacobs said that is a good point, and he appreciated that staff addressed
40 the Board of County Commissioners' concerns from the last meeting. He said if this
41 discrepancy is a starting point, then it could be included when the item returns before the
42 BOCC.
43 Commissioner Jacobs said if a group between Hillsborough and Orange County is
44 reconstituted, he would be willing to participate in such a group.
45 Chair Dorosin asked if the proposal is to adopt this resolution and have this item come
46 back to the Board again.
47 Perdita Holtz said the joint land use plan with Hillsborough would come back to the
48 Board, and this adoption would not be effective until that later plan is updated. She said staff is
49 exploring whether a committee between the County and the Town is warranted in order to get
50 everything rolling.
14
1 Chair Dorosin asked if Commissioner Marcoplos' comments about fixing discrepancies
2 could be part of those discussions.
3 Perdita Holtz said yes, but any discrepancies involving the rural buffer would also
4 eventually affect Carrboro and Chapel Hill.
5
6 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs for
7 the Board to adopt the revised resolution amending the Water and Sewer Management,
8 Planning, and Boundary Agreement and will supersede the resolution from May 2.
9
10 Commissioner Rich asked if this motion also approves the forming of a committee.
11 Perdita Holtz said staff is still working out the process at this point, and she does not
12 have details yet. She said it does not have to be part of the motion.
13 Commissioner Rich said there should be discussion and a committee formed.
14 Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said the thought was to jump start it with Mayors and
15 Board Chairs and then go from there.
16 Commissioner Price said these discrepancies should be discussed and resolved.
17 Chair Dorosin said the Board previously discussed getting rid of this discrepancy, by
18 moving the line, and concerns about transparency and notification to landowners arose.
19 Craig Benedict said staff can talk about what the process should be over the summer.
20 He said there is a joint land use plan to the north with Hillsborough, and to the south with
21 Carrboro and Chapel Hill, and any changes result in an elaborate process.
22 Chair Dorosin said the point is that this represents a bad process, and it needs to be
23 fixed; and the process should be as simple and streamlined as possible.
24 Commissioner Marcoplos said this would be an opportunity to re-educate residents
25 about the rural buffer.
26
27 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
28
29 b. Request for Proposal Award of$2.5 Million of 2016 Bond Funds
30 The Board considered awarding the Request for Proposal ("RFP")#5228 for$2.5 million
31 of 2016 Affordable Housing Bond funds and authorizing the County Manager to sign the
32 necessary legal documents.
33 Annette Moore presented this item.
34 Chair Dorosin said there is an item at their places with more updated information.
35
36 BACKGROUND:
37 On November 8, 2016 an Orange County Referendum was approved by voters for five million
38 dollars for affordable housing. On February 7, 2017 the BOCC approved release of an RFP for
39 the use of$2.5 million of the Affordable Housing Bond funds. The deadline for submitting a
40 proposal for the bond funds was March 31, 2017.
41
42 2016 Affordable Housing Bond Funds # RFP 5228
Responses to Request for
Proposal
PROPOSAL REQUEST PROJECT
Habitat for Humanity of Orange $925,000 Parcel 3b of the Waterstone
County Residential Development
CASA $646,200 Merritt Mill East
CASA $746,500 Merritt Mill West
EmPOWERment $264,400 606 Bynum Street
15
EmPOWERment $211,300 116 Cole Street
Center for Homeownership and Incomplete N/A
EDS, Inc.
1
2
PROPOSAL RECOMMENDED LOCATION DESCRIPTION SCORE
AWARD
Habitat for $915,334 Parcel 3b of the 24 Owner 154.18
Humanity of Waterstone Occupied
Orange County Residential Townhomes for
Development, seniors ages 55
Hillsborough and above who
earn between
30% and 80% of
AMI (30%to 50%
- 12; 51%to 60% -
8 and 61%to 80%
- 4)
CASA $636,533 Merritt Mill East 12 New 146.95
Chapel Hill construction
rental units
Under 50% AMI
with a priority for
homeless and
disabled
CASA $736,833 Merritt Mill West 16 new 147.93
Carrboro construction
Rental units
Under 50% AMI
with a priority for
homeless and
disabled
EmPOWERment $211,300 116 Cole Street Acquisition of 3 94.57
bedroom rental
housing for
single family
Under 50% AMI
EmPOWERment 0 606 Bynum Street Acquisition of 89.71
rental housing
for 2 families
Under 60% AMI
Center for 0 Incomplete N/A
Homeownership and
EDS, Inc.
Total $2,500,000 53 Units
3
4 The RFP's were evaluated based on the scoring criteria adopted by the County Commissioners
5 on February 7, 2017. The total number of points available was 215 in the following categories:
6 Income targeting and special needs, local residency, leveraging, building design, community
16
1 design, community sponsorship/support, project feasibility and developers expertise. Based on
2 the scoring criteria, existing units scored lower than new construction and proposals that did not
3 leverage funds from other sources also scored fewer points.
4
5 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The release of$2.5 million in Affordable Housing Bond funds.
6 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if there is a timeline for funds becoming available and
7 projects starting.
8 Annette Moore said the provided handout gives some timelines for these projects. She
9 said different projects are requesting funds for different purposes, the timing of which can vary.
10 She said project completions will occur between 2018-2020.
11 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if these designs are typical of those used by the
12 providers, and does the Planning Department have any impact on the design process.
13 Annette Moore said it is left up to the organizations for the new construction buildings, all
14 of which are highly energy efficient.
15 Commissioner Rich asked if the Special Use Permits (SUPs) are from the Town of
16 Chapel Hill.
17 Annette Moore said yes.
18 Commissioner Rich asked if staff foresees any problems with the SUPs.
19 Annette Moore said no.
20 Commissioner McKee said he calculates a total of 55 units, instead of 53.
21 Annette Moore said her math might be wrong.
22 Commissioner McKee said he just reviewed again, and there are is no funding for the
23 final two proposed units.
24 Commissioner Price asked if there was a major fall back for the second Empowerment
25 project.
26 Annette Moore said it was simply a lack of funding, and staff is recommending funding
27 for the projects that scored the highest.
28 Commissioner Price asked if the second Empowerment project were to be funded, by
29 offering other projects a bit less money, would those other projects be able to continue to
30 completion.
31 Annette Moore said she does not know, but there are other funding opportunities for all
32 of the projects, including Empowerment.
33 Commissioner Price asked if this was the total number of applicants.
34 Annette Moore said yes.
35 Commissioner McKee asked if the providers that were not funded will be able to re-
36 submit in the next round.
37 Annette Moore said yes.
38
39 PUBLIC COMMENT:
40 Susan Levy, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity, said they are excited that they
41 will be receiving 99% of their funding request, and she recognized the Department on Aging and
42 the Town of Hillsborough (this project will be in the Waterstone Development). She thanked the
43 Board of County Commissioners and the staff for providing the bond funding in a timely manner.
44 Delores Bailey said she is the Executive Director of Empowerment, Inc. She said they
45 service those families at the lowest level, and their current rental-housing inventory is full. She
46 thanked the Board for funding for rental units. She asked if the Board would re-consider
47 Empowerment's unfunded project, which would provide two homes and be ready for occupancy
48 at the end of June.
49 Chinita Howard said she has been a resident of Chapel Hill for six years, and she is both
50 concerned and thankful that the bond passed. She is thankful that the bond passed, but is
51 concerned about the rapid growth in the area, and is worried that she may not be able to afford
17
1 to stay in Chapel Hill. She said she hopes that there will be tangible accountability for
2 applicants for bond funds. She encouraged the Board to be strategic with its funds, and not just
3 take action for the sake of it.
4
5 Yvette Mathews is here representing Community Empowerment Fund. She said this
6 organization has over 1,000 members, and more affordable housing units are needed. She
7 asked the Board if there is a way to secure more funding for affordable housing projects, and
8 invited the Board to visit these organizations and communities first hand.
9 Mairella Hernandez said she is a Family Success Alliance Navigator. She said she
10 works with many families, whom are undocumented immigrants living in bad conditions. She
11 said despite their situation, these families still work and pay taxes and are looking for affordable
12 housing like Empowerment provides. She asked the Board to fund Empowerment's second
13 project.
14 Jess Grandeis, CASA Housing Developer, said it has over 300 households on its waiting
15 list. She said CASA is thankful for the funding it has received for its project. She said CASA is
16 pursuing a SUP with the Town of Chapel Hill and a conditional use permit with the Town of
17 Carrboro. She said the two Towns are demonstrating great collaborative effort.
18 Chair Dorosin said he appreciated the comments from providers and clients.
19 Commissioner Marcoplos said $5 million of bond funding is not a lot of money, and it is
20 hard to meet the needs with this amount. He said home designs are becoming smaller, and he
21 asked providers if their dwellings are becoming smaller and more efficiently designed. He said
22 he would like to hear feedback on this topic, and money can go further when the dwellings are
23 smaller.
24 Delores Bailey said Empowerment's style is different, and it is purchasing smaller older
25 homes that range from 600-900 square feet, in which Empowerment installs energy efficient
26 appliances.
27 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the size of the apartments in the projected
28 Waterstone senior housing could be identified.
29 Susan Levy said she has provided floor plans to the Board, and there are three different
30 types of units: a studio at 650 square feet; a 1-bedroom unit and 1-bedroom unit with a niche,
31 both of which are less than 750 square feet.
32 Jess Grandeis from CASA said the Merritt Mill development has 1-bedroom units at 600-
33 650 square feet, and the two-bedroom units are 900 square feet. She said CASA tries to be as
34 cost effective as possible, in both square footage and amenities. She said there are some
35 minimum floor plan square footage requirements in Chapel Hill, as well as with the North
36 Carolina Housing Finance Agency, which is a major funder.
37 Commissioner Price said she is concerned that the funding should be spread around,
38 and currently the majority is going to two very good organizations; but she would like to fully
39 fund Empowerment, as it works with existing housing stock, and can house people much faster.
40 She said she would like to take away enough funding from the other two organizations to fund
41 Empowerment's second project. She asked if staff would guide Empowerment in the request
42 process, so that Empowerment can improve its submissions and achieve a higher score in the
43 future.
44 Commissioner Jacobs asked if Empowerment's project would have matching funding
45 from the towns.
46 Annette Moore said there is no matching fund, and Empowerment is asking for 100% of
47 its funding from the County.
48 Delores Bailey said the bond funding came quickly, and these two projects were already
49 on Empowerment's list to do, and that is why these projects were submitted. She said the bond
50 money is to help Empowerment to address the lowest needs, and Empowerment did not plan to
51 leverage it. She said other funding sources include a time lag, and would ultimately require
18
1 Empowerment to come before the BOCC and request funding, such as HOME or Community
2 Development Block Grant (CDBG). She said the main concern is that Empowerment's housing
3 inventory is full, and the goal is to get more as quickly as possible. She said the two projects
4 submitted by Empowerment are ready to go immediately, and that is why these two projects
5 were chosen for submission.
6 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is any opportunity to approach the Towns for
7 funding.
8 Delores Bailey said this can be looked into, but there are no rentals available to put folks
9 in; everything is full. She said she does not know if the Towns have any funding. She said
10 there may be Northside Initiative money, but that funding source would require Empowerment to
11 get a loan and buy a property back from Self Help, or wait for HOME or CDBG funds, which are
12 not expected to happen.
13 Commissioner Price said the people who will live in these properties are Orange County
14 residents and she would hope that the County would provide the funding regardless of the
15 municipalities. She said waiting for CDBG funds is foolish, as these funds are in no way
16 guaranteed.
17 Chair Dorosin said he agrees with Commissioner Price, and he thinks it will be important
18 to evaluate the scoring matrix. He said it is curious to him that a project that has two houses,
19 and is a comparable cost to a project with one house, would score lower. He said he is
20 encouraged that these projects will increase rental properties, and Commissioner Price and Ms.
21 Bailey made some good points. He said there are not leveraged funds from other entities, but
22 noted that Empowerment plays a role in other County collaborations, such as the Family
23 Success Alliance. He said the Board ought to consider all these factors when it makes this
24 decision. He said he would be in favor in funding Empowerment's second project.
25 Chair Dorosin said he is less concerned about who is here with these proposals,
26 because the Board made a commitment to get these bond funds out in the community in an
27 expeditious manner. He said new and innovative ideas are good, but it is important to get these
28 funds into the hands of people who can provide housing as soon as possible, to the neediest
29 population.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said he liked the suggestion to use Capital Improvement Plan
31 (CIP)funds to fund this project, as opposed to taking money from the other projects.
32 Commissioner Jacobs talked about the matrix, and said no one really knew exactly what
33 the Board wanted, and thus the Board was not provided adequate information. He said he
34 would like to understand where all of their funding is coming from for each project, to hear from
35 those who did the scoring; to see each scoring, and he would like to understand how monies
36 can be better leveraged from other entities. He said he would like feedback from the providers
37 regarding the matrix.
38 Commissioner Jacobs said all of these units are in municipalities, and not out in the rural
39 parts of the county, and he would like to see more done with manufactured housing. He said
40 there should be incentives for organizations and developers to address these needs. He said
41 the Board should review this entire process in the fall, and consider how it can be improved.
42 Chair Dorosin agreed, and said there should be a de-briefing process for all
43 stakeholders.
44 Commissioner Rich asked if there is a timeframe on the next $2.5 million, and who is
45 trying to be reached in that second round.
46 Bonnie Hammersley said the next round is 18-19 for RFPs, and the targeted group will
47 depend on whether the BOCC changes the criteria. She said the current matrix gave a higher
48 score to projects that leveraged other monies.
49 Commissioner McKee said he saw this round as a starting point and with some tweaking
50 the process will improve. He said he has some concern about the second Empowerment
51 project, but he will support the Board consensus, as this project will provide immediate housing
19
1 and helps to support an existing neighborhood. He said he wants the greatest leverage for the
2 dollars, so that the most people possible are served. He would like to see some leveraging from
3 the Towns and/or private enterprise.
4 Commissioner McKee said he would prefer not to take funds from the other award
5 recipients, if the Board does decide to fund the second Empowerment project.
6 Commissioner Burroughs said this is an excellent start, and she is especially pleased
7 with the speed of the process. She said she liked the idea of having a de-briefing of the
8 process. She said she agrees with funding the second Empowerment project with funds from
9 the CIP.
10 Chair Dorosin said there are other things happening before the next draw down of the
11 bond funds, such as the County land parcels set aside for development, the funds set aside for
12 manufactured housing, etc. He said there is much work for the BOCC to do.
13 Bonnie Hammersley said staff did go to the Towns with the second Empowerment
14 project, and were unsuccessful. She said using previously set aside funds is probably the best
15 strategy, and staff will continue to work with the Towns. She said staff has been working on the
16 mobile home strategy with providers, and staff will probably have a draft to send to the Board
17 over the summer.
18 Commissioner McKee said he appreciated the Manager's comments. He said he would
19 reach out to the Town boards.
20 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if Hillsborough has an affordable housing fund.
21 The answer was no.
22 Commissioner Marcoplos said it would be worth talking to Hillsborough about this topic.
23 Susan Levy said Hillsborough does not have a fund, but is receiving a payment in lieu
24 fee from the Forrest Ridge development, which is being contributed to Habitat's Waterstone
25 development.
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee for the
28 Board to accept the funding recommendations of the review committee, and also to fund the
29 Bynum St. project from Empowerment with CIP funds
30
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
34 authorize the County Manager to sign all necessary legal documents associated with the
35 affordable housing funding awards following approval by the County Attorney's Office, and to
36 add to an agenda in the fall a meeting to debrief about the evaluation process.
37
38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
39
40 c. Request to Name the Emergency Services Building as the Philip "Nick" Waters
41 Center
42 The Board discussed naming the Emergency Services building at 510 Meadowlands
43 Drive in Hillsborough as the Philip "Nick" Waters Center.
44 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the background information:
45
46 BACKGROUND:
47 Philip "Nick" Waters was the Director of the Orange County Emergency Services Department
48 from 1988 to 2004. Mr. Waters passed away after a short battle with cancer on April 21, 2004.
49 The current Emergency Services Director, Dinah Jeffries, has requested that the Board of
50 Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) name the Emergency Services building at 510
20
1 Meadowlands Drive in Hillsborough as the Philip "Nick" Waters Center because of Mr. Waters
2 many contributions to Emergency Services in Orange County. These contributions included:
3 • In 1993, Philip "Nick" Waters led the opening of the new 911 Center located at 1914
4 New Hope Church Road with all new and state-of-the-art equipment.
5 • In 1998, Philip "Nick" Waters spoke in favor of certification for 911 Tele-communicators
6 under the umbrella of the Sheriff's Commission and the Commission voted to make
7 certification mandatory for all Sheriff controlled 911 Centers.
8 • Philip "Nick" Waters saw the need and hired the first Orange County Fire Marshal and
9 first Emergency Management Coordinator.
10 • Philip "Nick" Waters led Orange County through multiple disasters and with each
11 disaster Mr. Waters saw an opportunity to teach and better prepare for the next one. Mr.
12 Waters prepared the Emergency Services staff to be present and prepared to help
13 residents and colleagues.
14 • Philip "Nick" Waters was a mentor to each of the Emergency Services employees and
15 constantly encouraged going outside of the "comfort zones." Mr. Waters taught the
16 employees, the community and many of their government partners how to effectively
17 react and respond to a crisis.
18
19 Philip "Nick" Waters was recognized by many in the community for his dedication to leading the
20 emergency responders in Orange County. Mr. Waters encouraged staff to do their best with the
21 gifts and resources available and to always share their knowledge.
22
23 In memory and appreciation of Philip "Nick" Waters' efforts, the proposal to name the
24 Emergency Services building at 510 Meadowlands as the Philip "Nick" Waters Center is
25 presented to the Board of Orange County Commissioners for consideration.
26
27 Dinah Jeffries, Emergency Services Director, thanked the Manager for supporting her on
28 this, and Commissioner Jacobs for reigniting this issue.
29 Commissioner Jacobs said he has rarely seen someone that is so venerated by those
30 with whom he worked. He said during the tenure of Nick Waters, there was concern about
31 evacuation plans for the area around the Shearon Harris Nuclear plant, and Mr. Waters was the
32 only Emergency Services Director in the state that spoke up.
33 Commissioner McKee said he did not personally know Nick Waters, but has heard many
34 respectful remarks about his moving the Emergency Services Department forward.
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
37 for the Board to consider naming the Emergency Services building at 510 Meadowlands Drive
38 as the Philip "Nick" Waters Center and, as outlined in the Board's attached policy:
39 2.6 Upon receipt of the report and the recommendations of the Manager, the BOCC will state its
40 intent to consider the adoption of a resolution for the naming or renaming of the public building,
41 facility or land at the next or some subsequent meeting as determined by the BOCC.
42
43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45 7. Reports
46 NONE
47
48 8. Consent Agenda
49
50 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
21
1
2 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
5 approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
6
7 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
9 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
10
11 a. Minutes
12 The Board approved the minutes from April 25 and May 2, 9 and 11, 2017 as submitted by the
13 Clerk to the Board.
14 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
15 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle
16 property tax values for nine taxpayers with a total of nine bills that will result in a reduction of
17 revenue in accordance with NCGS.
18 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
19 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release the property tax
20 value for one taxpayer with a total of five bills that will result in a reduction of revenue, in
21 accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
22 d. Installation of Generators at Six Orange County Facilities
23 The Board approved an Agreement with National Power Corporation of Raleigh, North Carolina
24 in the amount not-to-exceed $492,096 for the purchase and installation of emergency
25 generators for the Animal Services Center, Cedar Grove Community Center, Efland Community
26 Center, Hillsborough Commons, Passmore Center, and the Rogers Road Community Center;
27 and authorized the County Manager to sign.
28 e. Request for Funding Assistance - Eno River Association Clean Water Management
29 Trust Fund Applications
30 The Board considered a request for matching funds from the Eno River Association for Clean
31 Water Management Trust Fund grant applications for the acquisitions of the !ski and Hobgood
32 properties and authorized the Manager to sign.
33 f. Request for Funding Assistance— Botanical Garden Foundation, Inc.
34 The Board considered a request for matching grant funding assistance for$100,000 from the
35 Botanical Garden Foundation, Inc. for the purchase of a 12.8-acre property adjoining the
36 Botanical Garden's Parker Preserve and authorized the Manager to sign.
37 g. Updated Animal Services Advisory Board Policies and Procedures
38 The Board received and approved the policies and procedures for the Animal Services Advisory
39 Board as amended by Animal Services Advisory Board and Animal Services staff with legal
40 review provided by the Office of the County Attorney.
41 h. Adoption of Policies Related to North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) —
42 2017 Urgent Repair Program (URP17) Award
43 The Board adopted the Assistance, Procurement and Disbursement Policies for the NCHFA
44 2017 Urgent Repair Program (URP17) grant and authorized the Chair to sign.
45 i. Historic Rogers Road Sanitary Sewer Project Bid Recommendation and Award
46 The Board awarded the bid to Moffat Pipe, Inc. (Moffat) for the construction of the Historic
47 Rogers Road sewer infrastructure extensions to serve the Historic Rogers Road Neighborhood
48 and authorized the Chair to sign.
49 j. Interlocal Agreement with Orange Water and Sewer Authority Related to the
50 Operation of Sewer Facilities in the Historic Rogers Road Area
22
1 The Board reviewed and approved an interlocal agreement with the Orange Water and Sewer
2 Authority (OWASA) that sets forth conditions of operation for the sewer infrastructure in the
3 Historic Rogers Road Area and authorized the Chair to sign.
4 k. Adoption of the Final Financing Resolution Authorizing the Issuance of$13,700,000 in
5 Installment Purchase Financing for Various Capital Investment Plan Projects
6 The Board adopted the final financing resolution authorizing the issuance of approximately
7 $13,700,000 in installment financing to finance capital investment projects and equipment
8 previously approved by the Board and as identified in the resolution, and including amounts to
9 pay transaction costs.
10
11 9. County Manager's Report
12 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the upcoming Budget Work Sessions:
13
14 Projected June 8, 2017 Budget Work Session Items
15 • Fire Districts
16 • Functional Leadership Teams:
17 General Government (Board of County Commissioners, Board of Elections, County
18 Attorney, County Manager, Register of Deeds, Tax Administration, and Non-
19 Departmental Items)
20 Support Services (Asset Management Services, Community Relations and Tourism,
21 Finance and Administrative Services, Human Resources, Information Technology,
22 and Non-Departmental Items)
23 Public Safety (Courts, Emergency Services, Criminal Justice Resource Office, Sheriff,
24 and Non-Departmental Items
25 • Discussion of County Pay and Benefits
26
27 Projected June 13, 2017 Budget Work Session Items
28 • Functional Leadership Teams:
29 Human Services (Child Support, Social Services, Aging, Health, Housing, Human
30 Rights, and Community Development, Library Services, Cardinal Innovations, and
31 Non-Departmental Items)
32 Community Services (Animal Services, Cooperative Extension, DEAPR, Economic
33 Development, Orange Public Transportation, Planning and Inspections, Solid
34 Waste, Sportsplex, and Non-Departmental Items)
35 • Capital Investment Plan (CIP) Prioritization
36
37 Projected June 15, 2017 Budget Work Session Items
38 • Finalize Budget Decisions (Resolution of Intent to Adopt) on the FY2017-18 Annual
39 Operating Budget and the 2017-2022 Capital Investment Plan
40
41 She said there is a green sheet at the Commissioners' places with suggested operating
42 budget amendments for consideration.
43
44 10. County Attorney's Report
45 John Roberts said last night HB 406, targeting Orange County's impact fee authority,
46 moved from the Senate Rules Committee to the Finance Committee. He said Senate Bill 615 —
47 2017 Farm Act—was amended yesterday, and one of the provisions is a clarification of the law
48 related to agri-tourism. He said the current law may imply that facilities that host events are
49 exempt, if they are conducted on a farm; but this amendment specifically states that any
50 building that is located on a farm and meets those criteria is exempt from local regulations if it
23
1 hosts events, weddings, meals, etc. He said it is very broad language, and there is currently
2 litigation in Orange County about this. He encouraged concerned residents to contact state
3 legislators.
4
5 11. *Appointments
6 a. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointments
7 The Board considered making appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
10 appoint the following to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board:
11
12 • Appointment to a first full term (position #1) "At-Large"for Keith Cook expiring
13 09/30/2019.
14 • Appointment to a first full term (position #5) "At-Large"for Mae McClendon expiring
15 06/30/2020.
16 • Appointment to a first full term (position #8) "At-Large"for Allison Mahaley expiring
17 06/30/2020.
18 • Appointment to a first full term (position #10) "At-Large" for Douglas Boemker expiring
19 06/30/2019.
20 • Appointment to a second full term (position #11) "At-Large" for Noah Oswald expiring
21 06/30/2020.
22 • Appointment to a first full term (position #14) "At-Large" for Jenn Sykes expiring
23 06/30/2020.
24 • Appointment to a partial term (position #15) "At-Large"for Cain Twyman expiring
25 09/30/2018.
26
27 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
28
29 b. Agricultural Preservation Board —Appointments
30 The Board considered making appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Board.
31
32 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
33 appoint the following to the Agricultural Preservation Board:
34
35 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #2) "Cedar Grove Volunteer Ag. Dist."
36 representative for Vaughn Compton expiring 06/30/2020.
37 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #3) "Vol. Ag. District Caldwell Vol. Ag. Dist."
38 Representative for Cecilia Redding expiring 06/30/2020.
39 • Appointment to a partial term (Position #9) "At-Large" representative for Stephen P.
40 Finley expiring 06/30/2018.
41
42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44 c. Carrboro Board of Adjustment—Appointment
45 The Board considered making an appointment to the Carrboro Board of Adjustment.
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to appoint
48 the following to the Carrboro Board of Adjustment:
49
50 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #2) "Transition Area" representative (Given the
24
1 length of time that this position has been vacant, since 2013, the Carrboro Alderman are
2 exercising the "90 day rule" and requesting that a resident of the Town of Carrboro be
3 appointed)for Wil Heflin expiring 02/28/2019.
4
5 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6
7 d. Orange County Board of Adjustment—Appointments
8 The Board will consider making appointments to the Orange County Board of
9 Adjustment.
10
11
12 PUBLIC COMMENT:
13
14 Randy Herman said he is an applicant, and would like the Board's support for the
15 alternate position.
16
17 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
18 appoint the following to the Orange County Board of Adjustment:
19
20 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #2) "At-Large" representative for Dr. Barry Katz
21 expiring 06/30/2020.
22 • Appointment of Randy Herman to a first full term (Position #4) "At-Large Alternate"
23 representative BOCC Appointee 06/30/2020.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich , seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
28 appoint Holly Safi to Position #7 (currently designated as an "At Large Planning Board" position
29 — but this position has been vacant since 2013- and according to staff, no one from the planning
30 board has stepped up to volunteer for this position) with a term expiration date of 6/30/2019.
31
32 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
33
34 e. Orange County Housing Authority—Appointments
35 The Board considered making appointments to the Orange County Housing Authority.
36
37 A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
38 appoint the following to the Orange County Housing Authority:
39
40 • Appointment to a second full term (position #4) "At-Large"for Diane Beecham expiring
41 06/30/2022.
42 • Appointment to a first full term (position #5) "At-Large"for Daniel Bullock expiring
43 06/30/2022.
44
45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
46
47 Chair Dorosin suggested that the Clerk's office contact some of this evening's public
48 speakers that are residents of affordable housing units, to serve in the vacant positions of
49 "Resident Member" (2 vacancies), or staff from the organizations that provide affordable
50 housing such as Habitat or Empowerment, Inc.
25
1
2 f. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointments
3 The Board considered making appointments to the Orange County Parks and
4 Recreation Council.
5
6 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
7 appoint the following to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council:
8
9 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #4) "Chapel Hill City Limits" representative for
10 Rachel Cotter expiring 03/31/2020.
11 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #7) "Chapel Hill Township" representative for
12 Katie Loovis expiring 03/31/2020.
13 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #8) "Little River Township" representative for
14 Robert Robinson expiring 03/31/2020.
15 • Appointment to a partial term (Position #11) "Eno Township" representative for Gina
16 Reyman expiring 12/31/2018.
17
18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
19
20 g. Orange Water & Sewer Authority Board of Directors —Appointment
21 The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange Water& Sewer Authority
22 Board of Directors.
23
24 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
25 appoint the following to the Orange Water& Sewer Authority Board of Directors:
26
27 • Appointment of Ray Dubose to a full term (Position #2) "County BOCC Appointee" with
28 an expiration of 06/30/2020.
29
30 A motion was made by Commissioner Price to appoint Dania Barazandeh to a full term
31 (Position #2) "County BOCC Appointee" with an expiration of 06/30/2020.
32
33 Motion failed for a lack of a second.
34
35 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
36
37 12. Information Items
38
39 • May 16, 2017 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
40 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
41 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
42 • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under$100
43 • Memo Regarding Update on Chatham/Orange Joint Planning Task Force
44 • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from May 16, 2017 Regular Meeting
45
46 Chair Dorosin said the Board has the option to go into a short closed session to
47 complete the evaluations of the Clerk and the Attorney, or this could be deferred to Thursday.
48 Commissioner McKee said he would prefer to defer until Thursday.
49 Commissioner Marcoplos said he would not be present on Thursday.
50 Commissioner McKee said he would be fine with proceeding this evening.
26
1
2 13. Closed Session
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to go
5 into closed session at 10:17pm for the purpose of:
6
7 "To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of
8 appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or
9 prospective public officer or employee" NCGS § 143-318.11(a) (6).
10
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION:
14
15 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
16 reconvene into regular session at 10:43 p.m.
17
18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
19
20 14. Adjournment
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
23 adjourn at 10:44 p.m.
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 Mark Dorosin, Chair
28
29 Donna Baker
30 Clerk to the Board
31
32
1
1 Attachment 2
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 BUDGET WORK SESSION
6 June 8, 2017
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a work session on Thursday, June 8,
10 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Marcoplos
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 Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
21
22 1. FY 2017-18 Fire District Tax Rates, Pg. 355
23 Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation, and facilitated discussion
24 between the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Fire Districts:
25
26 Budget Work Session #2
27 County Fire Districts
28 Public Safety
29 General Government
30 Support Services
31 June 8, 2017
32 Southern Human Services Center
33
34 Fire District Recommendations (chart)
35
36 Fire District Recommendations
37 • Revenue neutral rates used as a point of comparison
38 • District requests
39 o Cedar Grove —
40 — One cent increase for replacement fire engine at Station #2
41 o Damascus & Southern Triangle
42 — Contract with North Chatham Fire Department for fire protection
43 — Agreement provides for consistent tax rate between the two
44 counties
45 — Increases of 0.09 cents in Damascus and 0.34 cents in Southern
46 Triangle to 10.30 cents in both Districts
47 o Eno
48 — One cent increase for tanker replacement and Station #1
49 renovation which included a garage building
50 o Little River
2
1 — One cent increase for land acquisition and initial construction
2 funds for Station #2 and replacement fire engine
3 — Station #2 provides more residents with six mile proximity for fire
4 station to qualify for lower insurance premiums
5 o Orange Rural
6 — One cent increase for personnel related costs
7 — Add three personnel; train on swift water, trench, and structural
8 collapse rescue
9 — CIP includes County contribution to colocation of new fire station
10 with Emergency Medical Services at Waterstone
11 o White Cross Fire District (Page 360) —
12 — increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue neutral tax rate of
13 10.37 cents to 11.37 cents, for FY 2017-18.
14 — The existing tax rate is 11.00 cents. This tax rate increase will be
15 used to help offset the cost of replacement of a 30 year old
16 pumper/tanker, equipment replacement, increased member
17 training, and continue their capital outlay program.
18
19 Commissioner Rich asked if there is a process to inform residents of a fire district tax
20 increase.
21 Chiefs said social media is used, word of mouth, community bulletin boards, websites,
22 etc.
23 Commissioner Price asked if all of the older fire trucks will be replaced at some time.
24 Jeff Cabe, Orange Rural Chief, said they have no replacement schedule and have
25 internal technicians for truck maintenance.
26 Chief Hayes, Eno Fire Department, said their truck needs replacing.
27 Brad Allison, Caldwell Chief, said their front line engine is in need of replacing.
28 Commissioner Price said she is concerned about the older trucks and the safety of the
29 firefighters.
30 Commissioner McKee said when he was on the Caldwell Fire Department Board there
31 was a truck rotation plan, with a replacement schedule that was staggered over time.
32 Chair Dorosin referred to the White Cross district tax increase, and asked if staff will be
33 added.
34 Philip Nasseri, White Cross Fire Chief, said the additional funding will add another full
35 time staff person during the day.
36 Chair Dorosin asked if this would be firefighting or administrative staff.
37 Philip Nasseri said it would be firefighting/EMS staff.
38 Chair Dorosin asked if other departments have paid staff.
39 Jeff Cabe said the tax increase will help to hire paid staff.
40 Chair Dorosin asked if the percentage of paid staff could be identified.
41 Jeff Cabe said 66% is paid, and the rest are volunteers.
42 John Stroud, North Chatham Fire Department, said his department is at similar
43 percentages and are seeking to add staff.
44 Chief Hayes said there are three part-time workers present on Monday through Friday
45 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and two part time workers on the weekends for the same hours.
46 Jimmy Lambert, Cedar Grove Fire Chief, said the department is currently all volunteers,
47 but is in the process of hiring its first part-time paid employee, who will work 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
48 p.m., Monday to Friday.
49 Phillip Nasseri said White Cross has about 6-8 part-timers, and about 33 volunteers.
50 Brad Allison said Caldwell is strictly volunteer-run with about 42 volunteers at this time.
3
1 Commissioner Rich asked if the fire departments pay a living wage.
2 Jeff Cabe said he is not sure if Orange Rural pays a living wage, and tried to explain
3 their pay schedule.
4 The Chiefs reviewed the varying pay rates, which range between $12-15/hour.
5 Travis Myren said the living wage for next year is $13.75/hour, or just under $30,000
6 annually.
7
8 The Fire Districts requesting tax rate increases in FY 2017-18 are as follows:
9 • Cedar Grove Fire District (Page 356) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue
10 neutral tax rate of 7.10 cents to 8.10 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is 7.36
11 cents. This rate increase will be used to help cover the replacement costs of a fire
12 engine at Station #2.
13
14 • Damascus Fire District (Page 356) - increase of .09 cents, going from a revenue
15 neutral tax rate of 10.21 cents to 10.30 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is
16 10.30 cents. This tax rate increase is consistent with the Chatham County tax rate.
17
18 • Eno Fire District (page 357) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue neutral tax
19 rate of 7.68 cents to 8.68 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is 7.99 cents. This
20 rate increase will be used to help cover the replacement costs of a 23 year old tanker,
21 and the completion of the renovations at Station #1, including a garage building, which
22 houses additional fire units and equipment.
23
24 • Little River Fire District (Pages 357-358) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a
25 revenue neutral tax rate of 3.92 cents to 4.92 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax
26 rate is 4.06 cents. This rate increase will be used to move forward in purchasing land
27 and construction of a Station #2 and to help cover the cost of purchasing a new fire
28 engine.
29
30 • Orange Rural Fire District (Page 359) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue
31 neutral tax rate of 8.15 cents to 9.15 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is 8.36
32 cents. This rate increase will be used to add personnel and cover increases in insurance
33 costs, including worker's compensation, automobile, and health.
34
35 • Southern Triangle Fire Service District (Page 360) - increase of .34 cents, going
36 from a revenue neutral tax rate of 9.96 cents to 10.30 cents, for FY 2017-18. The
37 existing tax rate is 10.30 cents. This tax rate increase is consistent with the Chatham
38 County tax rate.
39
40 • White Cross Fire District (Page 360) - increase of 1.00 cents, going from a revenue
41 neutral tax rate of 10.37 cents to 11.37 cents, for FY 2017-18. The existing tax rate is
42 11.00 cents. This tax rate increase will be used to help offset the cost of replacement of
43 a 30 year old pumper/tanker, equipment replacement, increased member training, and
44 continue their capital outlay program.
45
46
47 2. Discussion with County Departments within the following Functional Leadership
48 Teams (FLT), including Operations and Fee Schedule Changes:
49
4
1 Travis Myren facilitated and presented the following PowerPoint presentation. Each FLT
2 came forward, and sat at the tables for their specific FLT Team's discussion.
3
4 Public Safety (Functional Leadership Ranking Form, Pg. 536)
5 • Courts, Pg. 117
6 o County funds space and associated equipment for Court functions
7 o Jury master list funded - $9,000
8 • Criminal Justice Resource Office— page 118
9 o Total expenditure budget - $481,432
10 o Transition to Department status
11 o 1.0 FTE Misdemeanor Diversion Program Coordinator- $62,400
12 o 0.5 FTE Mental Health Liaison for court involved youth - $40,770
13 o 0.5 FTE Administrative Assistant II - $34,560
14 o All positions are revenue funded
15 • Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Board funds ($100,000)
16 • Mental health maintenance of effort (MOE)funds ($40,770)
17 • Misdemeanor Diversion Program Coordinator
18 o ABC Board revenue funded
19 o Program for 16 & 17 year olds to prevent criminal record and future
20 criminal behavior
21 o 90 day program of services
22 o 50 law enforcement referrals between April 2016 and April 2017
23 • Mental Health Liaison for Court Involved Youth
24 o MOE (Maintenance of Effort) Funded
25 o Focus on youth under the age of 18
26 • Juvenile Justice
27 • Truancy Court
28 • Misdemeanor Diversion Program
29 • Adult Court
30 o 0.5 FTE Clinical Social Worker to conduct immediate assessment,
31 treatment referrals, temporary therapy, and case management
32 o Services are currently contracted out— resulting in delays for
33 assessments and referrals
34 o Anticipated caseload of 15 per month
35 • High risk youth —other diversionary measures not successful
36 • Complexity working with family or guardians
37
38 Caitlin Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Manager, said her office had not worked
39 with Juvenile Court (under 16) before, and would like to provide similar services to the youth
40 (under 16) that are offered to adults. She said best practice research has been done with New
41 Hanover County, where there are efficient and effective services provided.
42 Travis Myren resumed the presentation:
43
44 Pre-trial services — graph
45
46 Criminal Case Assessment Mental Health and Substance Abuse
47 • MOE funding continued
48 • 126 individuals serves
49 • 80% were in custody at the Orange County detention facility
5
1 • 30 individuals served with severe and persistent mental illness (24%)
2 • 71 linked to treatment services at the time of release from custody
3
4 Commissioner McKee said he is greatly appreciative of the efforts of all of these
5 programs, and asked that commendations be passed along to all involved. He said he was
6 leery of Drug Court, but has been won over by its merits.
7 Caitlin Fenhagen said there are no changes to the Drug Treatment Courts this year, but
8 there is the Family Treatment Court and the Recovery Court, both of which are working well.
9 She said there is a new coordinator in that position, and will pass along Commissioner McKee's
10 kind remarks.
11 Chair Dorosin clarified that the Resource Office is going to become a department, and
12 that Caitlin Fenhagen will be the Department Director.
13 Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
14 Chair Dorosin asked if all the positions described on page 5 would fall under this
15 department.
16 Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
17 Caitlin Fenhagen said the she expects the Misdemeanor Diversion Program to expand
18 up to the age 18 to 21, with the full support of local law enforcement agencies.
19 Travis Myren resumed the presentation:
20
21 • Emergency Services, Pg. 341
22 o Total expenditure budget - $11,580,153
23 o Administration Division
24 • Upgrade all department cell phones - $11,950
25 o Fire Marshal Division
26 • Stipend increase for South Orange Rescue Squad, not increased
27 since 2002 — $7,227
28 • Specialized rescue equipment for fire departments - $8,769
29 • Risk assessment system to be established to prioritize equipment
30 o Communications (911) Division — Emergency Telephone Fund
31 • Funded with 911 surcharge on wired and wireless phone bills
32 • Revenue increase in subscriber fees — ($85,618)
33 • Monthly telephone line fees for backup center- $60,677
34 • Chairs and sit/stand desks - $20,750
35 o Call taking performance standard
36 • 90% of 911 calls answered within 10 seconds and 95% of 911
37 calls answered within 20 seconds
38 FY2014-15 92%
39 FY2015-16 97.47%
40 FY2016-17 Proj. 98%
41 FY2017-18 Goal 98.43%
42 o Emergency Medical Services Division (EMS)
43 • Decrease in EMS revenue collections to reflect actuals —
44 ($200,000)
45 • Replacement equipment - $75,581
46 Stretchers and patient movement, defibrillator equipment,
47 etc.
48 o Public Safety- Graph: EMS Calls for Service
49 o Public Safety-Graph: Average Response Time
50
6
1 Commissioner Price said there were cuts to the Department's request and the
2 Manager's recommendation, and asked if this could be clarified.
3 Travis Myren said three telecommunicator positions were not funded, and an updated
4 scheduling study will be completed before adding any full time employees (FTE). He said the
5 last study was completed in 2013.
6 Commissioner Price said she is somewhat concerned, because if the department needs
7 more staff something should be done. She said maybe one or two of the positions could be
8 funded.
9 Dinah Jeffries, EMS Director, said the Department's request was made in order to
10 comply with the last completed study from 2013; however, the Department can manage as is
11 for another year or two. She said the Department is trying to keep up, as well as create a more
12 attractive and robust business to keep people. She said the retention rate is bad.
13 Commissioner Burroughs asked if the upcoming study can also include a review of the
14 pay scale.
15 Bonnie Hammersley said in the three budgets that she has done, this is the first time
16 that the telecommunicators are fully staffed. She said the improving data regarding response
17 times reflects this fact. She said she is hopeful that scheduling changes will lead to staff
18 retention.
19 Chair Dorosin asked if there is a plan to update this study.
20 Travis Myren said yes.
21 Commissioner Price asked if, after reworking the schedule, if it is still deemed necessary
22 to have more staff, can more staff be hired.
23 Travis Myren said a budget amendment can always be done, if need be.
24 Dinah Jeffries said community paramedics were also requested, but went unfunded.
25 She said she would like to keep this request on the table, as well as Emergency Management
26 Services (EMS), which helps the entire County as well as the municipalities.
27 Bonnie Hammersley said Community Paramedics was a new program, which was
28 unable to be funded; and said she would prioritize the telecommunicators over a new program.
29 Commissioner Rich asked if the response time goal could be identified.
30 Kim Woodard, EMS Operations Manager, said there is not a national or state standard
31 for response time. She said her department considers response times by looking at how
32 partner agencies are being taxed. She said their goal is a fractal measurement, which is 12
33 minutes, and they are not close to that at this time.
34 Chair Dorosin asked if more clarification could be provided.
35 Kim Woodard said the difference is that there are both rural and urban areas to serve,
36 and she said the 8:59 average is typically used in urban settings. She said rural settings take
37 longer, and the goal takes both environments into account. She said the 2013 study showed
38 that it would be very costly to be able to reach that goal.
39 Commissioner Burroughs said she has a heart for telecommunicators, and she asked
40 Dinah Jeffries to express the Board's appreciation to these staff. She said if it would encourage
41 these employees to be recognized by the Board at a meeting, the Board of County
42 Commissioners (BOCC) would be most willing to do this.
43 Commissioner Price referred to the proposed community paramedics program, and
44 asked if the number of requested staff could be identified.
45 Dinah Jeffries said the request was for three Community Paramedics.
46 Kim Woodard said this was a continuation of the "Stay Up, Stay Active" Program with
47 the Department of Aging, and she said falling is their number 2 response right now. She said
48 the falls are mainly focused on their geriatric population, which is the fastest growing
49 population, and she said there is a desire to focus on prevention, and the provision of the right
50 resources to this population. She said the Department on Aging was unable to reach out to this
7
1 population, but paramedics, by the nature of their work, were able to identify those in need and
2 respond. She said there can be 700 calls of this nature, but not all can be reached out to with
3 existing staff levels.
4 Sheriff Blackwood said there is one other component of this program. He said staff is
5 working on an initiative to address the heroin and opioid epidemic. He said there will be a three
6 component program called COORE (Coordinated Opioid Overdose Reduction Effort). He said
7 law enforcement agencies are responding to overdose calls; however there is no follow up once
8 the call is responded to. He said COORE will create a shared network of information to allow
9 investigators to discover the commonalities in the calls. He said the second component of the
10 program will be outreach oriented. He said if Narcan is administered at the scene of a call,
11 there will be a follow up three days later to offer help and services to the addicted individual.
12 He said the third component of the program will be an amnesty program, where people can
13 come to the Sheriff's office to request help and be connected with appropriate resources. He
14 said these efforts will be coordinated by a dedicated staff person.
15 Commissioner Price said she would like to see the budget amended to add a
16 Community Paramedic.
17 Chair Dorosin said he would like to get more information about this proposed position.
18 Commissioner Rich recommended for all Board of County Commissioners to take a
19 CPR class.
20 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
21
22 • Sheriff— page 461
23 o Total expenditure budget - $13,638,496
24 o Revenue adjustments to reflect actuals
25 Federal inmate revenue adjusted to reflect actual
26 collections — ($700,000)
27 Rate increase from $66 to $93 per day not sufficient to
28 offset the reduction in ADP
29
30 Commissioner Price asked if there is a reason for the decrease.
31 Paul Laughton said this was not a reflection of deficit in services, but rather for overtime.
32 Chair Dorosin said the Board expected to see body cameras in this year's budget.
33 Sheriff Blackwood said there are two in operation currently. He said he was originally
34 not in favor of cameras, but their benefits to interactions between officers and the public have
35 become apparent. He said a product that would work well with the local environment has been
36 found, and 10 cameras are on the way from Motorola to put in the field, at no cost. He said
37 Motorola came and spent time with the Sheriff's Department, and developed an apparatus
38 specifically suited for them. He said the in-car camera and the body camera do not need to be
39 operated by the same vendor, but Motorola has proposed a better and less expensive in car
40 camera than that which is currently used, and that will be utilized moving forward. He said this
41 whole process is very exciting.
42
43 • Non-Departmental, Pg. 419
44 o No significant budget changes
45
46 Commissioner Jacobs referred back to the criminal justice component of the
47 presentation through the Sheriff's Department component, and said the progress and growth is
48 a testament to Sheriff Blackwood's leadership, willingness to be part of a team, and willingness
49 to be innovative.
8
1 Caitlin Fenhagen said she agreed, and noted Sheriff Blackwood is their biggest
2 supporter.
3
4 General Government (Functional Leadership Ranking Form, Pg. 534)
5 • Board of County Commissioners, Pg. 75
6 o Total expenditure budget - $913,708
7 o Volunteer Recognition Program appreciation - $4,000 offset by decrease
8 in the Travel account
9
10 • Board of Elections, Pg. 80
11 o Total expenditure budget - $830,014
12 o Revenue increase for municipal elections held in the fall of 2017 and filing
13 fees for 2018 election — ($59,790)
14 o Election costs for three elections in FY2017-18 - $68,500
15 • November 2017—Municipal and School Board
16 • March 2018- Primary
17 • June 2018- Run-off
18
19 • County Attorney— page 106
20 o Total expenditure budget - $590,669
21 o No significant operating budget changes
22
23 John Roberts said his office has about 30 years of older records, and it was suggested
24 to put these on Laserfiche. He said he may make a request next year to address this issue.
25 Travis Myren resumed the presentation:
26
27 • County Manager, Pg. 109
28
29 o Total expenditure budget - $3,155,839
30 o Administration
31 — Transfer Criminal Justice Resource Office to independent
32 department
33 — Maintain $100,000 for program evaluation studies
34 o Arts Commission
35 — Funded by occupancy taxes
36 — Student intern for marketing and new programming —$13,676
37 o Partnership to End Homelessness
38 — Temporary staffing/Intern funds to assist with Project Connect -
39 $13,676
40 — Costs shared with Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough
41 o Risk Management - Graph
42 — Decrease expenditures for bonds and insurance - ($100,000)
43 — Property insurance, general liability, public officials, employment,
44 cyber
45 o Risk Management- Graph
46 — Decrease expenditures for workers compensation — ($50,000)
47 • Register of Deeds, Pg. 457
48 o Total expenditure budget - $974,315
49 o Revenue increases - ($226,900)
50 — Excise stamps on property sales — ($162,000)
9
1 — Register of Deeds fees for birth certificates, death certificates, etc.
2 - ($62,500)
3 o Two fire proof filing cabinets for birth records and credit card transaction
4 documentation - $2,320
5 • Tax Administration — page 491
6 o Total expenditure budget - $3,705,364
7 o Software interfaces for Central Permitting and Register of Deeds systems
8 - $25,000
9 o Programming and licenses for Ambulance billing software - $18,400
10
11 Mark Chilton said a new software system will be installed, and these funds will come
12 from fees. He said a $400,000 budget is being proposed, out of these fees, to purchase
13 software to create a new website for the department.
14 Travis Myren said this will be reflected in the CIP.
15 Chair Dorosin thanked their department for now offering passport services.
16
17 • Revaluation Results and Tax Rate (chart)
18
19 Dwane Brinson said his office received 3% of informal appeals with the revaluation
20 process, when 10% was expected; and of that 3%, around 100 have appealed to the Board of
21 Equalization and Review, showing that most appeals more resolved through his office meeting
22 with the tax payer. He said the revaluation was a successful process.
23
24 • Non-Departmental, Pg. 405
25 o No significant budget changes
26
27 Chair Dorosin referred to the pie chart on page 23, and suggested having a second
28 chart to show a brief description of all that a department does with a relatively small amount of
29 the overall budget.
30
31 Support Services (Functional Leadership Ranking Form, Pg. 538)
32 • Asset Management Services, including Vehicle Replacements, Pg. 65
33 o Total expenditure budget - $4,474,356
34 o Administration Division
35 • Partner contribution in Triangle Regional Resiliency project -
36 $13,283
37 • Coordinated by the Triangle J Council of Governments
38 • Seven participating jurisdictions to collaborate on resiliency
39 planning
40 o Facility Maintenance Division
41 • No significant budget changes
42 o Custodial Services Division
43 • No significant budget changes
44 o Fleet Maintenance Division
45 • Replace non-functional vehicle charging station @ West Campus
46 - $3,000
47 • Pilot vehicle leasing program to replace six aging admin
48 vehicles - $25,000
49 • Replace compressor in Motor Pool - $13,978
50 • Vehicle Replacement Recommendations — Purchase (graph)
10
1 • Vehicle Replacement Recommendations — Lease (graph)
2 • Five year lease
3
4 Chair Dorosin asked if there is a reason why vehicles were not charged back to the
5 individual departments.
6 Paul Laughton, Financial and Administrative Services, said vehicles were previously
7 charged to individual departments, but this process changed in FY 2012-13 when an internal
8 services fund was established for vehicle replacement. He said Asset Management Services
9 (AMS) oversees the process. He said if a department requires a new vehicle for a newly
10 created position for example, then the vehicle purchase will appear in the individual
11 department's budget.
12 Chair Dorosin asked if the establishment of the internal services fund, and oversight by
13 AMS has led to a more consistent vehicle replacement schedule.
14 Jeff Thompson, AMS Director, said the departments are consulted heavily in the
15 process, in addition to the consideration of depreciation, wear and tear, the economy, etc.
16 Bonnie Hammersley said it is a best practice to centralize the motor pool.
17
18 • Community Relations, Pg. 98
19 o Total expenditure budget - $291,874
20 o County website refresh - $40,000
21 • Six to eight month project— select vendor by October 1
22 • Needs assessment— Commissioner interviews
23
24 Commissioner Jacobs said the website contains no contact information for the Fire
25 Marshal, and asked if this could be amended.
26 Commissioner Jacobs said there has been previous discussion about Chair/Vice Chair
27 agenda review, and choosing an item from the agenda to be put out via a press release. He
28 encouraged Todd McGee, Community Relations Director, to pursue this idea.
29 Commissioner Rich said Facebook posts are also useful.
30 Commissioner Burroughs highly commended Todd McGee's use of Twitter.
31 Bonnie Hammersley said the needs assessment will be about the functionality of the
32 website, and asked the Board to let her know of any necessary changes.
33 Commissioner Price said she still gets many complaints about residents having a hard
34 time finding contact information for staff on the website. She said it may be helpful to require all
35 department's to post a standard set of information, to insure that it is available.
36
37 • Finance and Administrative Services, Pg. 350
38 o Total expenditure budget - $1,405,885
39 o Finance and Purchasing Division
40 — No significant budget changes
41 o Budget Division
42 — No significant budget changes
43
44 • Human Resources, including Employee Pay & Benefits, Pg. 382 and Appendix A, Pg.
45 497
46 o Total expenditure budget - $932,493
47 o No significant budget changes
48 o Employee Pay and Benefits — page 497
49 o 2% general wage adjustment effective 7/1/17 - $1,040,000
50 o Employee performance awards — $460,000
11
1 • No change to current performance bonus tiers
2 • Study adding performance awards to base salary
3
4 Chair Dorosin asked if the current process could be explained.
5 Brenda Bartholomew, Human Resources Director, said it is a lump sum, and the highest
6 award one can receive is for an exceptional performance, at the amount of $1,000. She said
7 this is a one-time award.
8 Chair Dorosin asked if all employees are eligible.
9 Brenda Bartholomew said yes.
10 Chair Dorosin asked if the award is received on an employee's anniversary date.
11 Brenda Bartholomew said the employee has a performance review around 30 prior to its
12 anniversary date, and the award is received within two payrolls of paperwork being submitted.
13 Chair Dorosin said there has been some discussion on the Board about raises being a
14 dollar amount or a percentage of an employee's salary. He said if a study is completed, he
15 would like to consider if there a different model that may narrow the gap between those with the
16 highest salary and those with the lowest.
17 Bonnie Hammersley said staff will look into this question. She said the recession led to
18 most public employees receiving one time, lump sum raises because one time revenues were
19 identified. She said recommendations will be brought back to the Board. She said
20 compression is eliminated when it is put on an employees pay, but it is put on as a lump sum
21 and people are not moving.
22 Chair Dorosin asked Brenda Bartholomew if she could identify the salary of the lowest
23 paid FTE in Orange County.
24 Brenda Bartholomew said $28,600 annually, and $31,200 if the County changes the
25 living wage to $15 in January 2018, as recommended.
26 Commissioner Burroughs asked if there could be a conversation in the future regarding
27 the history of cost of living adjustments for retirees.
28 Commissioner Burroughs commended Brenda Bartholomew for her help with the Board
29 of Health's (BOH) Director search.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said he was unclear if the Manager's comments about the
31 performance bonuses were meant to be a response to Chair Dorosin's comments about the
32 percentage wage increase.
33 Bonnie Hammersley said she was talking about the performance awards.
34 Chair Dorosin said he was talking about the 2% increase, and possibly switching to a
35 dollar amount instead.
36 Commissioner Jacobs said he agrees that there is a disproportionate increase for those
37 at the higher end of the salary scale, and he would like to see this become more equitable.
38 Bonnie Hammersley said staff is looking into all of this, and perhaps a tiered approach
39 would be helpful.
40 Commissioner Rich asked if the wage increases compare to surrounding entities.
41 Bonnie Hammersley said Chapel Hill was giving 2.5%, and Carrboro about the same,
42 but the County offers health insurance with no increases this year, as the County absorbed the
43 cost.
44 Commissioner Rich said she would like to make sure that the County is competitive.
45
46 o Compression reduction plan - $250,000
47 o Health insurance increase (active employees) - $524,433
48 • Employee Pay and Benefits — page 497
49 o Living wage increase to $13.75 effective 7/1/17 for all employees
50 consistent with OC Living Wage - $101,000
12
1 o Implementation plan for$15.00 per hour living wage for permanent
2 employees effective 1/1/18 - $30,000
3
4 Commissioner McKee said many FTEs are over this level, and asked if the number of
5 affected employees could be identified.
6 Brenda Bartholomew said going to $13.75 per hour only affects about 5 FTEs, and she
7 is unsure of the number of FTEs going to $15 per hour
8 Chair Dorosin asked if she would send this information to the Board.
9 Commissioner Jacobs said he was not sure if the ABC Board made a decision to pay
10 the living wage to their part-time employees, and asked if Chair Dorosin would write a letter
11 stating that the Board of County Commissioners will expect the ABC Board to pay this wage.
12 Commissioner McKee said he would like to follow up with the ABC Board to get exact
13 details, before that letter is sent.
14 Commissioner Jacobs said it still may be beneficial to state to the Board's policy, as it is
15 a guiding principle.
16 Chair Dorosin and Commissioner Rich asked if a press release, on all of these benefits,
17 can be put out after the budget is passed.
18 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
19
20 o Eight hours of annual leave on employee's anniversary date, prorated for
21 part time employees
22 o Six weeks paid parental leave
23 o Salary savings increased by $500,000 to $2 million based on experience
24 o Retiree health insurance cost increase - $215,237
25
26 Commissioner Price said she has heard from staff and community members that are
27 responsible for taking care of elderly parents, and asked if County employees have requested
28 leave for this type of care.
29 Brenda Bartholomew said this need has not come forward, but that type of leave would
30 be FMLA qualified.
31 Chair Dorosin said a new search has begun for a Health Director.
32 Brenda Bartholomew said yes, and an external recruiting firm will be used. She said the
33 process should begin this month, and there may be a job offer made by early September.
34 Chair Dorosin asked if there is a status update regarding the Housing and Human
35 Services Director position.
36 Bonnie Hammersley said two panels interviewed the candidates for this position earlier
37 today, and tomorrow she and Travis Myren will interview the finalists, put forward by those
38 panels. She said a decision will be made next week.
39
40 Information Technologies
41
42 • Information Technologies, Pg. 388
43
44 o Total expenditure budget - $3,328,135
45 o Software maintenance and licenses - $160,824
46 — Negotiating multi-year contracts when available and produce
47 stability, predictability and cost savings
48 • Non-Departmental, Pg. 422
49
13
1 Commissioner Jacobs said there is a bill in the legislature on how technology is
2 distributed by tower, and there is talk to put technology appendages on power poles. He said
3 he would like there to be an analysis on this issue, especially as the County is considering the
4 building of several large towers.
5 Commissioner McKee asked if there is anything in the Information Technology budget
6 about pilot projects for technologies such as repeaters on school buses to increase the
7 broadband in rural areas.
8 Jim Northup, Chief Information Officer, said there is no line item for research and
9 development, but the Department tries to explore technology to improve current networking
10 technology. He said he has been focusing on improving broadband around the County for the
11 past few years, and the hotspot option at the library was one successful outcome.
12 Commissioner McKee said the reality of modern education requires that families have
13 access to the internet, and broadband must be improved in the County.
14 Jim Northup said there is $500,000 earmarked in the Capital Improvement Plan for a
15 grant to help improve broadband in Orange County, which will focus on the northern rural areas
16 and some western areas of the County.
17 Commissioner Price suggested that Jim Northup talk with Google about securing
18 broadband on school buses.
19 Commissioner Rich said she met this morning with Lilyn Hester, Google's Head of
20 External Affairs for NC and SC, who is working on these types of projects around the State, all
21 of which have been grant funded.
22 Commissioner Burroughs said this is a topic to add to the Board's meeting with the
23 schools in the fall, and if residents with school aged children are contacting the Board of County
24 Commissioners (BOCC), those residents should be encouraged to lobby their school boards.
25 She asked if buses under the purview of the County have Wi-Fi.
26 Commissioner Price said if Lilyn Hester could talk to school administrators to try and
27 help sell the idea.
28 Jim Northup said such a meeting would be under the Manager's purview.
29 Bonnie Hammersley said she will bring it up at the superintendent's meeting next week.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said he was told that Orange County Schools' (OCS) bus drivers
31 do not drive the buses home at night so the transponder would just sit in the garage. He
32 suggested speaking to Fire and EMS stations to allow the County to add transmitters to their
33 buildings, as well as other County and community buildings.
34 Commissioner Rich said Lilyn Hester knows about the County's hot spot program, and
35 she believed that Ms. Hester has spoken to the superintendents.
36 Chair Dorosin said there are some mistakes on green sheet.
37 Bonnie Hammersley said staff will correct these issues.
38 Chair Dorosin referred to the last item, in which Commissioner Burroughs has requested
39 to add $1.75 million to the schools, from the lowering of the reserve percentage. He said it was
40 his understanding that the excess funds would be given in part to schools, and in part to other
41 areas.
42 Bonnie Hammersley said the BOCC vote was on lowering the percentage, and not on
43 the uses of the fund. She said her recommendation was for the schools to receive $1.3 million,
44 with $514,000 remaining for BOCC amendments. She said Commissioner Burroughs
45 requested an additional $450,000 from the remaining $514,000 also be added to the schools'
46 allotment.
47 Commissioner Rich clarified that any funds going to the schools are only for one-time
48 capital costs.
49 Commissioner Burroughs and the Manager said yes.
50
14
1 The meeting was adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
2
3
4 Mark Dorosin, Chair
5
6 Donna Baker
7 Clerk to the Board
8
1
1 Attachment 3
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 BUDGET WORK SESSION
6 June 13, 2017
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Budget Work Session on Tuesday,
10 June 13, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Staff Attorney Anne Marie Tosco
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 Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
21
22 1. Discussion with County Departments within the following Functional Leadership
23 Teams (FLT), including Operations and Fee Schedule Changes:
24
25 Commissioner McKee introduced Gail Abrams, the retiring Director of the Piedmont
26 Wildlife, and Joshua Starling, the new Director.
27 Commissioner Marcoplos said he sent out an email about the "We are still in" petition,
28 as related to climate change, and said the wording of the petition was nearly identical to the
29 resolution passed by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) last week. He
30 recommended that the BOCC sign on to the petition as part of its resolution.
31 Commissioner McKee said he is happy to do so as long as the vote is done in a public
32 meeting, and not over email.
33 Commissioner Price echoed Commissioner McKee.
34
35 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
36 add signing on to the "We are still in" petition.
37
38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
39
40 Travis Myren noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
41 - White sheets: two corrections to fee schedules for Solid Waste and Animal Services.
42 - Single green sheet: created at the request of the Board of County Commissioners about the
43 CIP process.
44 - Green sheet with attachments: list of proposed amendments to the budget
45
46 Chair Dorosin asked the members of the Human Services Functional Leadership Teams
47 to introduce themselves.
48 Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
49
50 Budget Work Session #3
2
1 Human Services
2 Community Services
3 Capital Investment Plan
4 June 13, 2017
5 Richard Whitted Meeting Facility
6 Human Services (Functional Leadership Ranking Form, Pg. 535)
7 • Aging, Pg. 41
8 • Total expenditure budget - $2,072,869
9 • Assistive Listening Devices for each Senior Center- $7,200
10 • Living wage increase for In-Home Aide contracts - $3,619
11
12 Commissioner Price asked if the requested, but non-funded items, could be identified.
13 Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, said there were furnishings and an
14 administrative position that were not funded.
15 Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, said many departments have
16 decreases in the recurring expenses line item.
17 Commissioner Price asked if there was more information about the unfunded
18 administrative position.
19 Janice Tyler said the position was to increase the Volunteer Connect Coordinator
20 position from 20 hours to 40 hours per week, due to bringing the training component of Project
21 Engage in house.
22 Commissioner Rich referred to page 46, and the number of calls responded to on the
23 aging transition helpline. She asked if more information could be provided about this helpline.
24 Janice Tyler said a social work team staffs this helpline, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., on
25 weekdays. She said this helpline receives 3000+ phones calls per year, and is an aging
26 helpline. She said it is paid staff, and there are Chinese and Spanish helplines as well.
27 Commissioner Jacobs asked how staff would respond to a caller seeking advice on
28 home repairs.
29 Janice Tyler said staff does not recommend vendors, but if the caller is low income they
30 are referred to the Housing department.
31 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a way to coordinate with Economic Development
32 to create a list of area providers (plumbers, electricians, etc.), without stating a preference.
33 Bonnie Hammersley said within the recommended budget, there is a position in the
34 Housing Department that will coordinate these types of requests, with a list of preferred
35 vendors.
36 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
37
38 • Cardinal Innovations, Pg. 93 (2 graphs)
39 • Total Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funding - $1,355,974
40 • Reallocation of $177,000 from UNC Hospital
41 • County programs and services
42 • Mental Health Liaison for Court Involved Youth - $35,266
43 • Behavioral health study in Public Health - $80,000
44 • Contracted services
45 • Freedom House lab services and medication for indigent patients
46 - $80,500
47
48 Commissioner McKee referred to the two group homes and asked if progress is being
49 tracked.
3
1 Travis Myren said yes. He referred to the contracted services on slide 3, where New
2 Destinations is the housing program. He said there is an on site program manager there to
3 insure bills are paid and utilities current.
4 Rick Bruton from Cardinal Innovation said rates have been renegotiated with the existing
5 provider, who will now remain and continue to provide services.
6 Chair Dorosin asked if the enhanced rate means that Cardinal Innovations is going to
7 pay providers more in order to keep the facilities open.
8 Rick Bruton said yes.
9 Chair Dorosin referred to the first slide - contracted services - where there are two
10 Department of Social Services (DSS) line items at the bottom. He asked if these services are
11 paid to DSS and then contracted out, or if these services are in-house.
12 Travis Myren said these are contracted providers through Cardinal Innovations, but
13 serving DSS clients.
14 Nancy Coston, DSS Director, said these services may or may be contracted through
15 Cardinal Innovations. She said the goal is to find the best fit to provide these needed services,
16 and it is still a work in progress.
17 Commissioner Price asked if there could be clarification provided regarding allocation
18 from the University of North Carolina (UNC).
19 Travis Myren said those were funds that were going to the hospital for services provided
20 in the emergency room. He said these services will still be provided, but written off as bad debt
21 if a patient is unable to pay, rather than using MOU funds.
22 Commissioner Price asked if there is a cap that the hospital will accept.
23 Travis Myren said no.
24 Commissioner Burroughs referred to the behavioral health study and asked from where
25 it was generated.
26 Dorothy Cilenti, Interim Health Director, said the Health Department originally requested
27 a physician in its budget, but decided on a consultant first in order to determine how best to
28 serve children in the school systems.
29 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
30
31 • Child Support Services, Pg. 95
32 • Total expenditure budget - $1,062,393
33 • No significant budget changes
34
35 Commissioner Rich asked if page 96 could be further explained.
36 Erica Bryant, Deputy Director of Child Support, said the collected monies go to the
37 families, unless they are receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), in which
38 case the funds go to reimburse the State. She said the statement on page 96 meant that,
39 during the recession, many obligations were reduced to a lower amount; and many families
40 have not recovered since then, and the obligations remain lower than they should be.
41 Commissioner Rich asked if the levels have come back up since recession.
42 Erica Bryant said the money is given to the families successfully, and the number of
43 support collections has steadily increased; but the amount due has remained low. She said in
44 very recent months, some obligations have begun to rise again, but this is not happening
45 across the board.
46 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
47
48 • Health Department, Pg. 362
49 • Total expenditure budget - $9,854,522
50 • Finance and Administrative Services Division
4
1 • Secure patient voice and texting system - $13,844
2 • Appointments, exam reminders, transportation assistance
3 • Dental Health Division
4 • Revenue reduction due to increase in self pay/sliding scale
5 patients compared to Medicaid and commercial insurance -
6 $49,449
7 • Health Promotion and Education Services Division
8 • Language and interpreter services due to increased demand -
9 $5,650
10 • Family Success Alliance
11 o New cohort of 90 children entering pipeline (Kindergarten
12 Readiness Camp)
13 o New cohort of 45 families served by navigators; 120 total
14 families enrolled (serving approx. 360 children)
15 o Total FY2017-18 increase of $269,406
16 • General fund contribution - $47,688
17 • Medicaid Maximization Funds - $216,404
18 o Total general fund contribution - $547,891
19
20 Commissioner McKee asked if there could be a presentation/update this fall on the
21 Family Success Alliance (FSA).
22 Commissioner Jacobs said the previous Health Director met with the Board last fall, and
23 mentioned there was going to be an aggressive approach to secure more grant funds for FSA.
24 He asked if any grant funds are reflected in this budget.
25 Dorothy Cilenti said one of the identified resources is the Keenan Charitable Trust, and
26 the Health Department is in conversation with them for some possible funds in 2018. She said
27 there have been private cash and in-kind donations, and other grants are being pursued,
28 including a relationship with UNC. She said this will all take some time, but she is hopeful.
29 Commissioner Jacobs asked if a full update on this could be included in the presentation
30 in the fall, as well as expected funds for 2018.
31 Commissioner Price suggested that the success results of FSA be used as a
32 promotional tool to secure more grant funding.
33 Dorothy Cilenti said that is a wonderful suggestion, and there has been some media
34 coverage lately on the FSA.
35 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
36
37 • Environmental Health Division — Fee table page 555
38 • Final year of full cost recovery implementation
39 • Temporary personnel increase for Wastewater Treatment
40 Management Program (WTMP) inspections - $18,375
41 • Lab services increase due to increased demand - $15,000
42
43 • Personal Health Services Division
44 • Contracted Audiologist - $77,597 funded by State and off-setting
45 revenue
46 • Medicaid revenue increase— ($39,983)
47 • State revenue increase for family planning, refugee health,
48 speech and hearing - ($146,332)
49
50 Chair Dorosin asked if there could be clarification about the part-time position.
5
1 Dorothy Cilenti said this would be a seasonal position.
2 Chair Dorosin asked if this is one person.
3 Dorothy Cilenti said they may be inspectors from other counties that want extra work,
4 and some are retired inspectors.
5 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
6
7 • Housing, Human Rights & Community Development, Pg. 374
8 • Total expenditure budget - $6,055,782
9 • Administration Division
10 • No significant budget changes
11 • Housing Choice Voucher Program
12 • Housing Rehabilitation Specialist to assist with required
13 inspections - $53,622 to start on 1/1/18
14 • Community Development Division
15 — Recognize two (2) new grants for urgent repair and housing
16 rehabilitation from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency-
17 ($325,000)
18 — Housing Resource Coordinator to coordinate and support
19 rehabilitation programs - $32,222 to start on 1/1/18
20 — Housing displacement funds to promote housing stabilization and
21 prevent homelessness - $67,778
22 » Technical amendment to add funds with offsetting expense
23 reduction
24
25 Commissioner Marcoplos said Habitat for Humanity had funds, and asked if there are
26 other funding sources.
27 Annette Moore, Interim Housing, Human Rights, and Community Development Director,
28 said there are other sources: HOME monies; Urgent Repair monies from the County; and two
29 North Carolina Housing Finance Agency grants. She hopes these funds will be pooled and
30 leveraged against the community partners, so as to avoid doing double duty.
31 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the grant total of available funds is known.
32 Annette Moore said she will find out and send information to the Board.
33 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the number of section 8 holders in Orange County is
34 known, and how many people are waiting.
35 Annette Moore said there are 623 vouchers, and of those vouchers there are 558
36 people who have vouchers, and there are 42 vouchers on the street, meaning those who are
37 looking for housing. She said some of the vouchers are being saved, because starting on July
38 1 there will be a "homeless" preference in the Section 8 Administrative Plan.
39 Commissioner Jacobs said there is a good chance that the federal government will cut
40 Section 8 funding, and asked if the County has any contingency plan.
41 Annette Moore said there may be a decrease in the housing choice voucher funds in
42 2018, and the Housing Resource Coordinator will incentivize landlords, as well as educate
43 landlords about the program to increase the pool of landlords.
44 Commissioner Price asked if the items being cut from the requested budget could be
45 identified.
46 Annette Moore said her department requested a housing displacement fund of
47 $100,000, and received $67,000. She said that fund is used to intervene when people are
48 going to lose their housing, as well as looking at obstacles to getting housing.
49 Commissioner Price said the federal government makes her nervous.
50 Travis Myren said staff will keep the Board posted on the fund.
6
1 Commissioner Jacobs said since this is a new fund, it would be reasonable to see how it
2 works, and amend the budget via the social justice fund if necessary.
3 Chair Dorosin said some of the rehab funds have restrictions, and he asked if there is
4 any pot of funding that is flexible in its use.
5 Annette Moore said the County funds are flexible.
6 Commissioner Price said she would like a report half way through the pilot program, and
7 to let the Board know if more funding is needed.
8 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
9
10 • Human Rights and Relations Division
11 — No significant budget changes
12 • Library Services, Pg. 392
13 • Total expenditure budget - $2,243,717
14 • No significant budget changes
15
16 Lucinda Munger showed them a version of the "Wi-Fi-to-go" product that they use in
17 their rental program. She thanked the Board for its support of this program.
18 Commissioner McKee asked if demand for this product is greater than the availability.
19 Lucinda Munger said yes, which is an ongoing problem.
20 Commissioner McKee asked if Lucinda Munger knows how many units would be needed
21 in order to modify the waiting list.
22 Lucinda Munger said she could talk to Jim Northup and report back to the Board in the
23 fall.
24 Commissioner Rich said she spent time with Google last week, who is aware of and
25 supportive of this program.
26 Lucinda Munger said the demand can probably never be met. She said it is not the
27 cost of the product, but rather the subscription service that is the on-going expense. She said
28 there are grant funds available for the units, but not for the subscription service.
29 Commissioner Jacobs supported Commissioner McKee's comments, and said he would
30 like to have an idea of what the County could fund to try and meet more of the demand.
31 Commissioner Price asked if an update could be provided on the Southern Branch
32 Library.
33 Bonnie Hammersley said this will be provided during the capital review.
34 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
35
36 • Social Services, Pg. 465
37 • Total expenditure budget - $18,762,040
38 • Administration Division
39 • No significant budget changes
40 • Child and Family Services
41 • Second Family Program Expansion to mentor and transport youth
42 to employment and fitness activities — ($112,538)
43 o Add three (3) 0.5 FTE staff
44 o All costs are reimbursed by the Foundation
45 • Two time limited Child Welfare Social Workers (six months) to
46 assist with transitioning Child Welfare programs to NC FAST
47 system - $33,000 net cost
48 • Living wage increase for In-Home Aide contracts - $40,425
49
7
1 Commissioner Price asked if there are services available for foster children who are
2 aging out of the system at age 18.
3 Nancy Coston said there are a number of services available. She said federal rules
4 have changed, and 18 year olds are allowed to voluntarily continue their involvement with DSS.
5 She said children can remain in foster care, or the equivalent funds can be used towards rent,
6 or establishment of an independent life. She said any plan is done in conjunction with the child
7 and the social worker. She said there is an independent living program to teach life skills to
8 middle to upper teenagers.
9 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
10
11 • Economic Services
12 • Food and Nutrition/Employment and Training revenue increase
13 ($340,000)
14 o Staff salaries
15 o Participant Expenses
16 • 7 of 16 participants (44%) are employed outside of
17 the program
18 o Navigator position with Durham Tech
19 • 72 contacts leading to 141 course enrollments
20 • Revenue increase for the DSS client operated café — ($21,000)
21
22 • Public Assistance
23 • Transfer expense and revenue for medical transportation to
24 Orange Public Transportation Department— ($55,000)
25 • Subsidy
26 • Remove expense and revenue ($1,000,528) related to Smart Start
27 Subsidy for Child Day Care
28 • State will make payments directly to providers in FY2017-18
29
30 • Non-Departmental, Pg. 407
31 • Total budgeted expenditures - $1,418,326
32 • See Outside Agency recommendations
33 • No additional significant budget changes
34
35 Community Services (Functional Leadership Ranking Form, Pg. 533)
36 • Animal Services, Pg. 52
37 • Total expenditure budget - $2,153,392
38 • Administration Division
39 • Microchipping included in the adoption package for cats and dogs,
40 increasing adoption fee by $5 to $20
41 • Increase the Out of County surrender fee from $50 to $60
42 • Animal Shelter Division
43 • Increase in boarding fees
44 o Regular boarding - $2 increase to $12 per day
45 o Quarantine and court ordered boarding - $3 increase to
46 $18 per day
47 o Horses and other large animals — new$25 per day fee
48 • Animal Control and Protection Division
49 • Municipal service revenue changes
50 o Carrboro — increase of$6,936 due to average staff costs
8
1 o Chapel Hill — decrease of$1,092 due to staff cost
2 o Hillsborough — increase of $10,228 due to call volume and
3 indirect costs
4 • Increase in the in-field surrender fee of$15 to $25
5
6 Commissioner Price asked if the increase in fees will deter people from surrendering
7 animals.
8 Bob Marotto said the department works with people to make a payment plan, and the
9 department would never turn anyone away.
10 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is an update on animals that are raised for fighting
11 purposes.
12 Bob Marotto said dog and cock fighting is an ongoing issue and battle, and the
13 department works with partners outside of the County as well.
14 Commissioner Jacobs asked if this problem has decreased at all.
15 Bob Marotto said that is unknown and it is an ongoing battle, and he believed more of
16 this has gone underground.
17 Bob Marotto said a piece of public art will be added to the Animal Services facility on
18 June 29th
19 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
20
21 • Cooperative Extension, Pg. 101
22 • Total expenditure budget - $384,280
23 • Loss of Farm to Fork Event (to Chatham County)—expense and revenue
24 decrease of $24,500
25 • Increase hours of an existing administrative support position - $14,437
26
27 • Department of Environment, Agriculture, and Parks & Recreation (DEAPR), Pg. 122
28 • Total expenditure budget - $4,064,865
29 • Community Center Reorganization - $56,559 net new funding
30 • Reallocate funds previously used for Coordinator
31 • Contracted operations with Neighborhood Associations
32 • Associations hire Center Coordinator, temporary staff
33 • Total Community Center appropriation - $260,435
34 • Cedar Grove Community Center $89,609
35 • Efland Cheeks Community Center $85,881
36 • Rogers Road Community Center $84,945
37
38 Commissioner Price asked if all three community centers should receive an equal
39 amount of funds.
40 Travis Myren said all requests were fully funded.
41 David Stancil, DEAPR Director, said the personnel and recurring capital costs are the
42 same at all three centers, and the difference arises in the requests for operating costs.
43 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
44
45 • Recreation Program Assistant - $50,212
46 • Assist with tournament programming at Soccer.com
47 • Family Success Alliance collaborative work
48 • Funded by increasing recreation fee revenue projections —
49 ($64,843)
50
9
1 Chair Dorosin asked if next year's budget presentation could contain a line pertaining to
2 net cost.
3 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a planned expansion of the soccer complex.
4 David Stancil said this process is in the preliminary stage of design bubble concepts.
5 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the soccer community is a part of the discussions.
6 David Stancil said this is a possible. He said the big questions will center on the desired
7 investment and the desired surface for the facility. He said these questions are very tied up in
8 the potential for partnerships with soccer organizations and local governments, and there is a
9 lot of communication with these soccer organizations.
10 Commissioner Jacobs suggested speaking to the Town of Mebane about its possible
11 participation.
12 David Stancil said many people from Mebane do use fields. He said Chapel Hill has
13 been successful at re-tasking the fields at Homestead Road, with the support of some soccer
14 organizations.
15 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is an update on the payment in lieu study.
16 Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said it is a two-phase project, and part of the first
17 phase was connected to the DEAPR master plan. He said that plan now needs to contain
18 some capital facility level of service, and then costs can be determined thereafter.
19 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is an expectation that the fees will be challenged,
20 either by the legislature or developers.
21 David Stancil said there is still local legislation.
22 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the work pace on the Mountains to the Sea trail would
23 increase with more funding.
24 David Stancil said there is sufficient funding, and there are other reasons for the pace
25 being slower, such as state parks, working with Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA),
26 timing, etc.
27 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
28
29 • Economic Development, Pg. 139, including Article 46 Sales Tax Fund, Pg. 63
30 • Total expenditure budget - $578,725
31 • No significant budget changes
32 • Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau — page 143
33 • Total expenditure budget - $1,459,003 —offset by occupancy tax
34 • Occupancy tax revenue increase of 5% — ($60,635)
35 • Additional advertising and sales funds to promote overnight tourism -
36 $36,000
37
38 Commissioner Rich said it would be nice to highlight a business each month that
39 receives some of the Article 46 tax monies.
40 Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, said the department has been having
41 events at local businesses to spotlight them, and this will continue on a monthly basis.
42 Commissioner Rich said to work with Todd McGee to publicize these events more
43 widely.
44 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
45
46 • Article 46 Sales Tax— page 63
47 • Total projected collections - $3,511,492
48 • 50% allocated to Schools and distributed by average daily membership
49 (ADM)
10
1 • Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools - $1,055,203 for technology and
2 facility improvements
3 • Orange County Schools - $700,543 for technology
4 • Article 46 Sales Tax— page 63
5 • 50% allocated to Economic Development - $1,755,746 (table/graph)
6
7 Commissioner McKee asked if funding will be coming out of this tax to assist the
8 Hillsborough Economic Development District (EDD) with utility projects.
9 Craig Benedict said yes.
10 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the EDD summit is the reclaiming of the "State of the
11 Economy".
12 Travis Myren said there will be discussion with the Board about what form this will take.
13 Chair Dorosin asked if the phrase "Local Fest Planning" could be changed to "County
14 Fair Planning".
15 Commissioner Jacobs said there used to be a State of the Economy Breakfast for
16 years, and it would be nice for this to occur again, and for it to be County driven.
17 Commissioner Price asked if the Economic Summit or the County Fair will generate any
18 revenue.
19 Travis Myren said it is possible that there will be revenue generated. He said the
20 Agricultural Summit does not generate significant revenue. He said there will likely be an
21 entrance fee to the Economic Summit.
22 Commissioner Price asked if anything is being planned to replace the revenue lost from
23 Farm to Fork being discontinued.
24 Bonnie Hammersley said it is the intention that the Local Fest/County Fair will replace
25 the revenue from the loss of the Farm to Fork event. She said it would be an affordable, family
26 and community oriented event, and planning would occur this year for an event in 2018.
27 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Manager would look into the possibility of having an
28 in house grant writer for the County.
29 Bonnie Hammersley said that was one of her goals when she first arrived at the County,
30 but resources were limited. She said she will continue to look at this going forward.
31 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
32
33 • Orange Public Transportation (OPT), Pg. 425
34 • Total expenditure budget - $1,556,943
35 • Personnel for Bus Services Expansion — 3 new routes
36 • Reduce temporary personnel costs — ($140,000)
37 • Replace temporary staff with Six (6) Public Transportation Drivers
38 with staggered start dates - $99,981
39 • Public Transportation Scheduler/Dispatcher- $52,700
40 • Transportation Demand Management Coordinator- $31,196 net
41 cost
42 o 50% offset by grant funds
43 • Scheduling and Routing Software - $14,780
44 • New buses (2) - $60,000 to fund County's share of new bus purchases
45
46 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the duties of the Transportation Demand
47 Management Coordinator could be clarified.
48 Travis Myren said there are some transportation alternatives that will be studied and
49 hopefully implemented, such as: ride share, bus passes, etc.
11
1 Commissioner McKee asked if any thought has been given to the funds that will come
2 back into the County if the Federal Transportation Authority (FTA) does not approve the light
3 rail project (LRT). He said he wants to make sure there were contingency plans in place.
4 Theo Letman, OPT Director, said these discussions have just started with Chapel Hill
5 Transit and Go Triangle.
6 Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a strategy on buses in terms of fuel, size, etc.
7 Theo Letman said staff is looking for more efficiency, such as going to a smaller vehicle.
8 He said smaller vehicles would not require CDL operators.
9 Commissioner Jacobs said Raleigh is investing $1 million in CNG fueled vehicles, which
10 the County had moved away from.
11 Theo Letman said Raleigh likely has the infrastructure and resources to handle those
12 types of buses, and these buses require a great deal of maintenance.
13 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
14
15 • Planning and Inspections, Pg. 440
16 • Total expenditure budget - $3,494,246
17 • Personnel for Inspections — revenue supported ($237,033)
18 • Property Development Specialist - $57,724
19 • Property Development Technician - $53,593
20 • Temporary personnel - $55,000
21
22 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if more details could be provided about these positions.
23 Craig Benedict said these positions are multi-functionally trained staff, who are primarily
24 office expediters of permits; walking permits through Environmental Health, Engineering,
25 Planning, etc. He said an additional inspector joined the department this year, which has
26 helped greatly with fieldwork.
27 Commissioner Marcoplos suggested that these positions be called
28 permitting/inspectors, in order to communicate to the public more clearly what these positions
29 will be doing.
30 Chair Dorosin asked if the money that can only be used in this department will be used
31 for overhead, allowing more flexible funds to be used elsewhere.
32 Travis Myren said yes. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
33
34 • Solid Waste, Pg. 478
35 • Total expenditure budget - $13,130,462
36 • Solid Waste Program Fee
37 • Increase of$21 to $128 per parcel — ($1.2 million)
38 • First year of 5 year planned phase in to $148
39 • Replace large service truck and light duty pickup - $144,903
40 • Increase hours of operation by one hour per day to 4:00 PM Monday
41 through Friday
42 • Replacement scales for new Eubanks Road Convenience Center-
43 $85,250
44 • Reintroduce mulch delivery fee - $225 - $375 per delivery determined by
45 volume
46
47 • Solid Waste — page 478
48 • Planning and Strategic Waste Reduction goal setting contract - $100,000
49 • Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG) initiative to define waste
50 reduction target
12
1 • Recycling - compactor receiver boxes (4), skidsteer and trailer- $169,712
2 • High Rock Road Waste & Recycling Center- $659,784
3 • Equipment for Waste & Recycling Centers - $586,425
4 • Mattress collection program at Eubanks Road and Walnut Grove Centers
5 effective 1/1/18
6
7 Commissioner McKee asked if more detail could be provided about the mattress
8 collection program.
9 Gayle Wilson said mattresses will be collected at the two district centers: Eubanks and
10 Walnut Grove. He said residents can bring mattresses in, at no cost. He said the mattress
11 brought to Walnut Grove will go to the Durham transfer station, and the ones brought to
12 Eubanks Road during landfill hours, will be diverted to the landfill at no cost to the resident. He
13 said if the landfill is closed, the mattresses will be accepted at the Eubanks Road center. He
14 said there will be no charge for residents, and a $10 fee for commercially generated
15 mattresses.
16 Commissioner McKee said this is a very reasonable arrangement, and he is glad to hear
17 this update.
18 Gayle Wilson said there will be a marketing push to spread the word about this new
19 program in January 2018.
20 Commissioner McKee referred to the fee program, and said $148 is an exorbitant fee,
21 and it is really a tax, which he opposed from the beginning.
22 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if Durham charges for mattresses to be brought to the
23 transfer station.
24 Gayle Wilson said it is usually a flat rate, unless there is a large amount, in which case
25 the charge is based on the weight.
26 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if Gayle Wilson knew how many trips will be involved in
27 hauling these mattresses to Durham.
28 Gayle Wilson said about 40 trips in a year.
29 Chair Dorosin said he would like to get a summary of how much money the County
30 spends on consultants countywide.
31 Travis Myren said this would be Gayle Wilson's last budget session, as he will be retiring
32 in August after 28 years.
33 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
34
35 • Sportsplex, Pg. 488
36 • Total expenditure budget - $3,570,583
37 • Debt Service allocation
38 • $556,341 paid by Sportsplex
39 • $168,009 paid by General Fund for original facility purchase
40 • Program revenue projected at 2.5% increase over FY2016-17
41 • Program expenses projection at 0.9% increase over FY2016-17
42
43 • Non-Departmental, Pg. 398
44 • Total expenditure budget - $2,339,465
45 • No significant budget changes
46
47
48 2. To Continue Discussion and Prioritization of FY 2017-22 Capital Investment Plan
49 Projects
50
13
1 CIP Prioritization —Alternative 1
2 Parking Lot Improvements
3 • AMS North moved from year 5 to years 6 to 10 ($1.6 million)
4 • Efland Cheeks Community Center parking lot ($300,000) removed — included in
5 Community Center project in Year 3
6
7 Southern Orange Campus
8 • $3.6 million in Medicaid revenue applied to the Public Health portion of the project
9 (medical and dental)
10 • $1.56 million debt financed for remaining portions of the building
11
12 Fiber Connectivity
13 • Moved $1.05 million from FY2018-19 and FY19-20 to years 6 to 10 — completes
14 Hillsborough project; delays full north/south fiber run (Chapel Hill to Cedar Grove) and
15 east/west fiber run (Buckhorn to Eno EDD)
16
17 ITGC Projects
18 • Removed $500,000 in years 2 and 4 due to project backlog
19
20 EMS Substations
21 • Retained two highest priority stations in Waterstone and Efland
22 • Others deferred pending location study and colocation partners
23
24 Radio System
25 • Removed $1.4 million from year 1 for engineering by funding with prior year
26 appropriation
27
28 Register of Deeds Automation
29 • Removed $400,000 by applying existing funding
30
31 Blackwood Farm Park
32 • Delays Park Operations Base ($2.5 million including design and equipment) to years 6
33 to 10 as alternatives are evaluated
34
35 Millhouse Road Park
36 • Delays park planning and development for two years
37
38 Northeast District Park
39 • Delays park planning and development for two years
40
41 TOTAL CIP IMPACT —Alternative 1
42 • Debt financing for County Capital in years one through five reduced by $22.4 million as
43 a result of project reorganizations
44
45 CIP Prioritization -Alternative 2 (page 34 of PowerPoint):
46
47 • Emergency Radio System Upgrade
48 o Move $12.3 million from years 2-5 to years 6-10
49 o Better define project need
50 o Refine cost estimates with vendor quotes
14
1 o Conduct cost share discussions with public safety agencies
2 o Improved project plan for next Capital Investment Plan
3
4 • Durham Tech Community College OC Campus Expansion
5 o Move $20 million from years 3-5 to years 6-10
6 o Maintain County share of planning funds ($547,911) in FY2018-19 to begin
7 conceptual design and project planning
8 o Explore outside revenue opportunities
9
10 Chair Dorosin said he thought that Durham Tech had taken this off the table.
11 Travis Myren said the Board has not formally adopted any of these changes, and
12 Durham Tech has said it finds this approach acceptable.
13 Commissioner McKee asked if the amount of savings to the general revenue fund, in
14 both of these alternatives, could be identified.
15 Travis Myren said Davenport provided an update on its debt service projections, but he
16 is unsure of the debt service impact. He said staff will try to provide an answer before the end
17 of the evening. He resumed the presentation:
18
19 • Efland Sewer to Mebane, Phase 2 Extension
20 o Article 46 Sales Tax
21 o CIP includes recommendation to increase project expenses
22 o Bid results eliminate need to $1.4 million in additional funds
23 o Bid award scheduled for June 20 meeting
24
25 Commissioner McKee asked if this $1.4 million would be a savings to the general fund
26 revenues, or a reduction in the amount of money borrowed.
27 Travis Myren said of Article 46 money.
28 Chair Dorosin asked if that would mean there would be an additional $1.4 million in
29 Article 46 funds to allocate.
30 Travis Myren said these capital projects manifest in debt service, so whatever debt
31 service was projected to be associated with the project would be reduced. He resumed the
32 PowerPoint presentation:
33
34 • Project Updates
35 o Detention Center
36 • Refocus siting study on two alternatives
37 Current Detention Center Site
38 Sheriff's parking lot adjacent to Courthouse
39
40 Commissioner McKee asked if the current detention center site could be done in
41 phases.
42 Travis Myren said yes.
43 Commissioner McKee said he would have some concerns about using the parking lot, in
44 case the Justice Center needed to be expanded in the future.
45 Commissioner Price said she had talked to judges that were excited about using the
46 parking lot due to close proximity.
47 Travis Myren resumed the presentation:
48
49 o Environment and Agriculture Center
50 • Modify project page to reference the work of 2006 Ag Center Study
15
1 • Cornelius Street corridor study for siting alternatives
2 • Day lighting engineering study
3 • Mixed use alternatives investigation
4
5 Commissioner McKee asked if this project is going to be pushed back.
6 Travis Myren said that is not currently recommended, and a lot of questions should be
7 answered by the fall, and he would be better prepared to answer this question at that time.
8 Commissioner McKee said this project does not even resemble the project that was
9 discussed a couple of years ago.
10 Chair Dorosin said that is not a bad thing.
11 Commissioner McKee said he is concerned that the community that needs to be served
12 by this center has been forgotten.
13 Commissioner Marcoplos said it is worth a few more months to get this project right.
14 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
15
16 o Southern Human Services
17 • Modify project page to reference the County's commitment to provide
18 dental services in Southern Orange
19 o Blackwood Farm
20 • Studying grazing (using goats) opportunities to reduce or eliminate
21 mowing equipment
22 o Southern Branch Library
23 • Joint project with Town of Carrboro
24 • New space considerations for shared/common space
25 • Design process will re-evaluate size
26
27 Bonnie Hammersley said in December 2016 the Board authorized a letter of intent for
28 her and the Carrboro Town Manager to work on a development agreement. She said she will
29 be sharing information on the development agreement with the Board this evening. She said
30 the plan, for moving forward this summer, will be based on the outcome of the closed session
31 tonight. She said Carrboro has finished its studies, and progress is being made, albeit a bit
32 behind schedule.
33 Travis Myren resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
34
35 o Projects with Offsetting Revenue/Operating Savings (chart)
36 • See green handout
37
38 • CIP Impact of Alternative 2
39 o CIP decrease of$32,661,537
40 o Alternative 1 and 2 combined decrease of $51,800,387
41 o Debt service policy compliance with tax adjustment and debt structuring
42
43 • New information
44 o $66,000 overstated in active/retiree health insurance
45 o Closing capital projects - $400,000 in excess loan proceeds applied to debt
46 service — relieves general fund on a one time basis
47
48 Commissioner Price asked if more planning money is being put in for the new library in
49 the next fiscal year.
16
1 Bonnie Hammersley said there is planning money from previous years. She said
2 construction money appears in year 2. She said the Town of Carrboro has put its money in FY
3 2018-19 and 2019-20, years 2 and 3.
4 Paul Laughton said he would like to follow up on the impact of alternatives 1 and 2, and
5 he referred to page 20 of the Davenport report in tonight's agenda packet. He said this
6 provides an update of alternative 2. He said there is about $1 million less in debt per year in
7 alternative 2 (in 2020), which grows to $2.2 million less in debt in 2021, and to $3.8 million less
8 in the following year. He said this reflects $60 million in debt reduction over the life.
9 Paul Laughton said the same packet for alternative 1 was presented in May.
10 Chair Dorosin clarified that there was a change from 5 cents to 4 cents related to an
11 upfront tax rate adjustment, and asked if there were other changes.
12 Paul Laughton said on alternative 1 it was 7.44 cents on the incremental tax rate
13 adjustment, and alternative 2, it was 5.76 cents on the incremental tax rate adjustment.
14 Chair Dorosin clarified the presentations that will occur at Thursday evening's meeting.
15 Commissioner Rich said she withdrew her amendment for outside funding for Planned
16 Parenthood, and she encouraged other Board members to do the same for like amendments.
17 She said she did this because the budget and outside agency process was a good one, and a
18 great deal of time and effort has been put into the recommendations before the Board, and the
19 Board should respect and honor these recommendations.
20 Commissioner Burroughs said she agreed with Commissioner Rich.
21 Commissioner Jacobs agreed, and withdrew his recommendation to give more money to
22 Planned Parenthood and the Adult Day Health Center, unless the latter is financially unstable,
23 in which case help may be warranted. He said he would like to keep his amendment requests
24 for WHUP getting $1,000, and monies for the veteran's memorial.
25
26 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
27 add and go into a closed session at 9:36 p.m. for the purposes of:
28
29 "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on
30 the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS §
31 143-318.11(a)(5). And the additional purpose of considering and giving instructions to an
32 attorney concerning the handling of the judicial action Carcano et al v. McCrory et al pursuant to
33 NCGS 143-318.11(a)(3).
34
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
39
40 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
41 reconvene into regular session at 10:30 p.m.
42
43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
46 adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
47
48 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
49
50 Mark Dorosin, Chair
17
1
2 Donna Baker
3 Clerk to the Board
4
5
6
7
8
9
1
1 Attachment 4
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 BUDGET WORK SESSION
6 June 15, 2017
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a work session on Thursday, June 15,
10 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Mark Marcoplos, Earl McKee, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT:
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 Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
21
22 1. Discussion of Budget Amendment List for FY2017-18 Operating Budget and
23 FY2017-22 Capital Investment Plan
24
25 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the following items at the Commissioners' places:
26 - Blue sheet: historical education spending of categories included in the 48.1% target for
27 schools
28 - Coral sheet: additional recurring capital recommendations for County Departments
29 - Pink sheet: historical per pupil appropriation
30 - White sheet with holes: updated fee schedule
31 - Addition to capital improvement packet, with red line changes
32 - Two lavender attachments that go along with the amendment sheets
33
34 Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:07 p.m.
35
36 - White sheet: abstract from May 16
37
38 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the chronology of how the Board and staff have reached
39 the point where they are tonight. She said the total amount on the amendment sheet is
40 $50,000 more than recommended funding, and staff worked on ideas to balance it today. She
41 said Commissioner Price asked for an amendment for a Paramedic Coordinator position for
42 expansion of services, and the Manager talked with Dinah Jeffries, Emergency Medical
43 Services (EMS) Director, about the funding of this position. She said staff has committed to
44 pursuing potential grants for this position, and the EMS Director is reaching out to partners for
45 funding as well. She said removing the Paramedic Coordinator position would balance the
46 sheet.
47 Bonnie Hammersley said there is about $500,000 of on going use with one-time money,
48 and one reason the Paramedic Coordinator position was considered is because it is an
49 expansion of services, and if there are funds elsewhere, she would recommend using those
2
1 funds. She said otherwise the position would be funded with one-time monies, which may not
2 be available in future years.
3 Commissioner Burroughs said there is $518,000 added to the $1.3 million, which came
4 from reducing the fund balance percentage.
5 Bonnie Hammersley said line 2 is the total amount of funds once the Board of County
6 Commissioners (BOCC) reduced the reserve fund.
7 Commissioner Burroughs said there are two proposed amendments that are for
8 $300,000 with different interpretations of what that is.
9 Chair Dorosin asked if this was the point in the meeting to go through the proposed
10 amendments.
11 Bonnie Hammersley said yes.
12 Chair Dorosin said Commissioner Burroughs has a proposed amendment for
13 $1,750,000 to be used for capital projects.
14 Commissioner Burroughs said it is one-time money, but the wording specifically states,
15 "add one time funds to schools from lowering general fund reserve".
16 Chair Dorosin asked if Commissioner Burroughs is advocating that the funds be used by
17 the schools for one-time expenses.
18 Commissioner Burroughs said the BOCC gives the money to schools, and the schools
19 use it as they so choose, but if she were on the school boards, she would advocate that these
20 funds be used for one-time expenses.
21 Chair Dorosin said two other Commissioners wanted to add additional funding to
22 increase per pupil spending, and asked if Commissioner Burroughs' amendment comes with no
23 restrictions; or if she is suggesting that the funds should not be used for operating expenses,
24 which will need to be maintained going forward.
25 Commissioner Burroughs said if either school board uses the funds for ongoing
26 expenses, they would have to understand that the same funds may not be available next year.
27 Chair Dorosin clarified that Commissioner Burroughs' amendment is for the school
28 boards to use the money as they so choose.
29 Commissioner Burroughs said yes.
30 Commissioner McKee said his amendment plays off of Commissioner Jacobs'.
31 Commissioner Jacobs said he spoke with the County Manager, then subsequently
32 spoke to Commissioner Burroughs, and said he is comfortable that the $1.7 million trumps the
33 $300,000. He said since the school systems can use the money as they deem fit, and one
34 system may use it for one-time expenses while the other may not. He said he is not clear if the
35 Board wants to move one-time funds to fund operating costs in the schools, since that is not the
36 historical use of these types of funds. He said Orange County Schools (OCS) will do better
37 under Commissioner Burroughs' recommendation.
38 Commissioner Rich asked if Commissioner Jacobs was advocating $300,000 on top of
39 Commissioner Burroughs' amendment.
40 Commissioner Jacobs said at first he was advocating the $300,000 parallel to
41 Commissioner Burroughs' amendment, but he had not thought through one time versus
42 continuing. He said he wanted to build up more money for per pupil, but Commissioner
43 Burroughs' option has more flexibility built in.
44 Commissioner McKee said he is fine with the $1.7 million to be used by the school
45 systems as they see fit.
46 Commissioner McKee said he is trying to come to some solution to fund these schools
47 consistently, and not to lose teacher assistants.
48 Chair Dorosin said $400,000 may have just been taken off the list.
3
1 Commissioner Burroughs said the last clarification is the question of from where the
2 money will come. She asked Commissioner McKee if he intended to add the additionally found
3 funds of $400,000, over and above the already committed $1,750,000.
4 Commissioner McKee said yes, and it is still his intention to make that recommendation.
5 Commissioner Jacobs said he thought this $400,000 was going on top of the
6 $1,750,000, but since now there is $2.4 million he would like $2 million to go to the schools and
7 remaining $400,000 to the County. He said the Board does not have to spend every dollar that
8 it has.
9 Commissioner McKee said he is open to giving the schools $2 million.
10 Commissioner Price clarified that no one is concerned that these funds should go to
11 one-time expenses.
12 Commissioner Jacobs said the Board will allocate the funds to capital needs for the
13 schools, but the schools can use the funds as they want. He said there is no additional funding
14 for operating expenses, and the schools understand that they have discretion; the BOCC does
15 not tell them how to spend money.
16 Bonnie Hammersley said as one time funding, it would be run through the recurring
17 capital, with 1/12 of the total being given to the schools on a monthly basis. She said this
18 funding can be spent in three categories, and the schools do not provide invoices. She said
19 next year the base budget will return to $3 million. She said the other option is put the funds
20 against the per pupil, but that would not be her recommendation as these are one time funds.
21 Commissioner Burroughs' proposal would not affect the per pupil amount.
22 Commissioner McKee said he is not against doing anything that is reasonable, and he is
23 not in favor of raising taxes this year.
24 Commissioner Burroughs said if she were to make a motion to raise taxes, instead of
25 this proposed amendment, it would die for lack of a second. She said this proposed
26 amendment is not ideal, but it will work.
27 Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, said the three categories, in which
28 schools can spend recurring capital funds, are: building and grounds/facility improvements;
29 furnishings and equipment; and vehicles and buses. He said 1/12 of these funds are given on
30 a monthly basis, just as it is done with operating funds.
31 Commissioner Rich asked if the $1.7 million goes to schools as a one-time expense,
32 can that money can be used for recurring or operating costs.
33 Commissioner Burroughs suggested asking OCS how they may use the funds.
34 Chair Dorosin asked if the BOCC can direct funds to recurring expenses, and the funds
35 only be spent there; or can the funds go into recurring expenses, but ultimately be spent
36 however the schools deem appropriate. He said it will be vital for the schools to understand
37 that next year the base will start at the same level that it started this year, and these additional
38 funds are in no way guaranteed.
39 Paul Laughton said historically recurring capital has been given to be spent in one of
40 those three categories.
41 Chair Dorosin asked if the Board can insist that funds be spent on recurring capital, or if
42 the Board merely makes suggestions/recommendations.
43 Paul Laughton said the schools do not send in invoices, and the County gives the
44 schools 1/12 of the allocated funds on a monthly basis.
45 Pam Jones, OCS Deputy Superintendent, said when OCS does its Capital Investment
46 Plan (CIP), recurring capital is included in the categories mentioned by Paul Laughton.
47 Chair Dorosin said there are two pots of money, which are drawn upon each month, and
48 there is no accountability for how the funding is spent.
49 Paul Laughton said the County does not have the authority to tell the schools how to use
50 the funds, but the County keeps separate accounts for recurring and capital funds.
4
1 Commissioner McKee said if the $1.7 million is allocated to capital, and the schools
2 already have monies in the capital budget, does this not release the monies in the capital
3 budget to be used for something else; or is capital spending being increased by $1.7 million.
4 Pam Jones said it is an effort to supplant with the additional funds. She said OCS
5 needs money for personnel salaries and for teacher assistants.
6 Commissioner McKee asked if the Board does not tag these funds with a particular use,
7 can the schools use the funds wherever needed.
8 Pam Jones said yes. She said it would be helpful if the additional monies being
9 discussed this evening were not allocated to the three previously mentioned categories, and the
10 schools could reallocate the funds according to the need, with the understanding that these
11 funds are a one time offer.
12 Chair Dorosin said it was his understanding that there are extensive unfunded capital
13 needs, and if the Board is saying to use the funds to address those needs, why will the schools
14 not do so. He said he is hearing that these funds will be used for operating expenses with the
15 understanding that the funds may not be available next year.
16 Pam Jones said the budget that the Board has proposed will not fund the OCS
17 continuation budget, and it is this budget that pays teachers, etc. She said OCS's first priority
18 will be to fund that budget, and these additional funds would have to go towards those costs.
19 Todd LoFrese, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Deputy Superintendent, said
20 if additional funding is granted, the CHCCS Board would have to discuss how to proceed,
21 including any impact from the state level decision-making. He said in meetings thus far, the
22 CHCCS administration has recommended that any additional funds be used for deferred
23 maintenance.
24 Commissioner Burroughs clarified that this additional funding does not enable CHCCS
25 to pay a living wage, reinstate Media Assistants, etc.
26 Todd LoFrese said no, these additional funds would not enable the requested operating
27 budget to be met.
28 Chair Dorosin asked if continuation budget can be met, given the change in required
29 salaries.
30 Todd LoFrese said it is still unclear what the General Assembly will do, but CHCCS
31 believes that the Manager's recommendation would meet their continuation expense needs. He
32 said the living wage, restoration of assistants, etc., were in the CHCCS expansion budget.
33 Commissioner Marcoplos asked Todd LoFrese if it is his assumption that the CHCCS
34 Board would use any additional funds to pay for lingering repairs, etc.
35 Todd LoFrese said that would be the Administration's recommendation to the CHCCS
36 Board.
37 Commissioner Marcoplos clarified that OCS needs are different than CHCCS.
38 Pam Jones said the difference between the two districts is that OCS has not met its
39 continuation budget, and any additional funds would need to go towards closing that gap.
40 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if there is an update regarding the subcontractors
41 receiving a living wage.
42 Todd LoFrese said there is about a $400,000 difference between the base bid, and the
43 submissions received for paying a living wage. He said the CHCCS Board has not discussed
44 prioritization and what happens at the local and state level will determine the course that
45 CHCCS takes.
46 Commissioner Marcoplos said it sounds like a living wage may be possible, but it is
47 uncertain at this time.
48 Todd LoFrese said a living wage would be ongoing, and thus part of the operating
49 budget.
5
1 Commissioner Jacobs said the Board can deem these additional funds as
2 undifferentiated, one-time funding that the schools can use as needed.
3 Commissioner Jacobs said this is why the County is perpetually falling short on building
4 maintenance, because operating expenses always have to be supported, due to lack of support
5 at the State level.
6 Chair Dorosin said he is hearing a consensus for$2.1 million for one-time funds to the
7 schools.
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
10 fund the schools at $2.1 million.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14 Chair Dorosin commended all for a collaborative budget process.
15
16
17 • Operating Budget Amendment List and Decision Items for the County's FY2017-18
18 Annual Operating Budget
19
20 The Board went line by line on the lavender sheet, and voted on these Amendments:
21
22 001.
23 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Chair Dorosin to add partial
24 funding from the Visitor's Bureau occupancy tax of $5,000 and $10,000 from the General Fund
25 for the Bike Safety Campaign.
26
27 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
28
29 002.
30 Previously voted upon at BOCC meeting - Reduce the General Fund Reserve to 16%
31
32 003.
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
34 fund WHUP for$1,000.
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 003.
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
40 increase cell phone allowance for BOCC from $35 to $53 = $1,296/annually.
41
42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44 007.
45 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
46 eliminate the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber and Hillsborough-Orange membership fee - $9,500
47 ($8500 for Chapel Hill-Carrboro and $1,000 for Hillsborough-Orange) to be added back into
48 Economic Development budget, and to the State of the Economy event. (Commissioner will still
49 be able to attend events but the BOCC office will pay).
50
6
1 Commissioner Price said the County pays $1,000 dues to the Hillsborough/Orange
2 County Chamber, and asked if the Board is not going to pay dues to the Chapel Hill—Carrboro
3 Chamber, then should it also not pay the Hillsborough-Orange Chamber.
4 Commissioner Rich said she was just talking about Chapel Hill — Carrboro Chamber.
5 Commissioner Marcoplos clarified that none of the other local municipalities pay dues to
6 the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber.
7 Commissioner Rich said that is correct; rather they pay to attend specific events.
8 Chair Dorosin said if this is a policy based decision the Board should withdraw dues
9 from both chambers.
10 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the fees for a la carte payment are known.
11 Commissioner Jacobs said pittance.
12 Chair Dorosin said the BOCC can pay per event, and still attend events.
13
14 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
15
16 010-013—Additional Outside Agency Funding for 4 agencies
17 Commissioner Price said she wanted these agencies to be able to move forward with
18 their projects.
19 Commissioner Rich said she will vote against this, only because there is an outside
20 agency process, which she wants to respect. She said she has nothing against these
21 agencies.
22 Commissioner Marcoplos said he agreed with Commissioner Rich, and sees it as a
23 question of consistency and may cause people to say the process is flawed.
24 Commissioner Price said the process was not flawed, but since other changes are being
25 made she wanted to fund these agencies. She said these are small amounts of money.
26 Commissioner Burroughs said she wanted the Board to respect the outside agency
27 process, and she wanted to stay with Manager's recommendation.
28 Commissioner Jacobs said he had also wanted to add monies to Planned Parenthood,
29 but he was persuaded to stay with the outside agency recommendation process.
30 Commissioner Price said she does not want to change the process, but just wanted
31 more emphasis on some agencies.
32 No motion needed - stays as is.
33
34 014-015-/020
35 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
36 reduce the Board of County Commissioners contingency fund by $15,000 (From $37,000), and
37 add this to the Veteran's Memorial Challenge to match other donations to encourage members
38 of the public to match at $15,000 and if not matched, County will pay the rest.
39
40 Commissioner Rich asked if the amount currently in this fund could be identified.
41 Paul Laughton said $30,000, and $37,000 has been budgeted each year for the last
42 three years. He said $20,000 was spent in FY2015-16 towards the initial work of the Bond
43 Committee.
44 Commissioner McKee said he would like to continue budgeting $37,000 for the BOCC
45 Contingency Fund, but would be fine with this being a one-time expense.
46 Chair Dorosin suggested reducing the annual contingency fund by $1,296 to fund the
47 Commissioner cell phone stipend.
48
49 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
50
7
1 A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to reduce the
2 annual BOCC contingency fund by $15,000 in FY2017-18 and to fund the phone stipend of
3 $1296/annually for the Commissioners (Amendment 6).
4
5 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6
7 016/017 (off setting funds)
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to add
9 funds of $50,000 out of Article 46 funds to facilitate greater purchasing of local (Orange County)
10 food/farm products by local institutions, particularly the Orange County school systems.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14 018: Done - Add one time funds to Schools from Lowering the General Fund reserve
15
16 019: Add 1 FTE Community Paramedic Coordinator Position - Staff will pursue grant funding
17 and partnerships
18
19 020: Done above with 014/015
20
21 021: Commissioner Marcoplos suggested funding in the amount of $20,000 as a placeholder
22 for the County to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of the County owning and
23 operating affordable housing.
24 Commissioner Jacobs said this idea may apply in relocating residents from mobile home
25 parks, if they close. He said when the new Housing Director is hired, he/she can address the
26 question of County owned housing, and if he/she feels a study is necessary then the County
27 could fund it.
28 Commissioner Price said she would like to wait for the arrival of the new Housing
29 Director.
30 Chair Dorosin said he thinks it is a great idea, but sees no need to have a placeholder
31 for funds. He said the new Housing Director can consider the issue, and a budget amendment
32 can be done if funding is needed for a study.
33 There was Board consensus that this topic will be added to the duties of the new
34 Housing Director.
35
36 022/023
37 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich -
38 goes with 023 -Additional revenue was identified to fund time — limited Property Development
39 Technician position in Environmental Health using additional revenue identified.
40
41 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
42
43 025: DONE - Additional one-time funds identified due to closing out 2014 capital projects, and
44 using excess proceeds for debt service payments.
45
46 026
47 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee for staff
48 to correct two errors found in the recommended budget correcting.
49
50 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
1
2 027: Removed
3
4 028
5 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
6 (Coral color sheet) to add one-time funds to operating capital for county departments- total-
7 $250,000.
8
9 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
10
11 029: DONE
12
13 030/031/32 - Grant funding came in
14
15 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
16 use WIOA Adult Dislocated grant revenue to fund expenses for the WIOA Adult Dislocated
17 Worker Grant funds which includes the creation of a time-limited position — 1 FTE Human
18 Service Coordinator II in Social Services.
19
20 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
21
22 Commissioner Jacobs said if it is possible to follow through on previous discussions
23 about widening the use of wireless, by placing transponders on Emergency Services facilities,
24 etc., he would suggest using some of these funds out of County capital.
25 The Board agreed to this suggestion by consensus.
26 Commissioner Price asked if there is a plan for the $118,000 that was saved tonight.
27 Bonnie Hammersley said there are not really savings, but rather expenditures were
28 reduced. She said these funds will go into offsetting the general fund appropriations.
29 Commissioner McKee said to let the money sit in the general fund, as there will likely be
30 budget amendments in the future.
31 Commissioner Jacobs said he agreed.
32 Chair Dorosin asked if the exact amount could be provided.
33 Paul Laughton said it is $112,309
34 Chair Dorosin said it could be used to lower the County or school district tax rate by that
35 amount.
36
37 • Capital Investment Plan Budget Amendment List and Decision Items for FY2017-
38 18 CIP Funding
39
40 Travis Myren said the Board has discussed the items on the second page of the
41 lavender sheets several times.
42 Chair Dorosin asked if the Board had questions about these 14 items.
43 Commissioner Price referred to amendment 004 - Information Technology Governance
44 Council Initiatives —and said it was her impression that the installation of fiber would move
45 forward.
46 Travis Myren said she and Commissioner Rich had suggested moving forward, and if
47 the Board wants to go forward with phase 2 and 3 then this change would not be adopted. He
48 said the payback would be 44 years, but there are some operating savings associated with
49 proceeding.
50 Travis Myren said moving these out further in the CIP saves debt service.
9
1 Travis Myren said general fund supported impact would be general fund supported debt
2 service; whereas the non-general fund supported debt service, such as Register of Deeds
3 automation, is in a separate fund and the debt service is paid for by the fees raised by the
4 Register of Deeds.
5 Commissioner Jacobs referred to amendment 010 - Millhouse Road Park- and said the
6 Mayor of Chapel Hill says she is interested in promoting soccer fields here with the County, but
7 the Town has not expressed an official position. He suggested revisiting this topic if need be.
8 Chair Dorosin asked if there is a reason that this item does not contain a dollar amount.
9 Travis Myren said this item is moving within the 5 year CIP, while other things are
10 moving out to years 6-10.
11 Commissioner Jacobs said he spoke to a parent who drives kids all over to play soccer,
12 and this parent was very interested in seeing more fields developed in our community. He said
13 the field at Cedar Falls is incredibly popular, and is the only available turf field. He said Pam
14 Hemminger, Chapel Hill Mayor, has communicated a desire to upgrade fields, and if there is a
15 partnership between the County and the Town, this topic should be reviewed.
16 Chair Dorosin said he would discuss it with the Mayor at a scheduled breakfast next
17 week.
18 Commissioner McKee said he has two other projects to talk about:
19 • The detention facility: he said he would like more clarification about the $622,000
20 budgeted in the upcoming fiscal year, as he thinks these funds may be premature, and
21 better placed in year 2 or 3.
22
23 Travis Myren said parts of these funds are for a feasibility study to look at both proposed
24 sites, and the rest is for the architect to proceed on a design once the site is chosen.
25 Commissioner McKee said he is fine with leaving the funds as they are.
26
27 • Ag Center: He said he has some concerns over the evolution of the idea of this center.
28 He said $3 million has been allocated for this upcoming year, and many people in the
29 Agricultural community know nothing about the proposed changes. He said there
30 should be conversations with the community, as this project has changed radically from
31 its original scope. He suggested moving this project out to year 3, to clarify what is
32 wanted and to include the agricultural community in the conversations.
33
34 Commissioner Burroughs said she may be in agreement with moving the project out one
35 year, but asked Travis Myren if this will put it in a pinch year.
36 Travis Myren said since it was in year one, the debt service would be included in the
37 subsequent years. He said if the project was moved out one year, it would not be in a pinch
38 point.
39 Commissioner Burroughs said she agreed that this project may not be ready for next
40 year.
41 Commissioner McKee said he wanted to continue to look at the project, but he feels
42 strongly that the user community needs to be consulted.
43 Commissioner Price asked if the purpose of the $3 million in year one could be
44 explained.
45 Travis Myren said that number is sized to be the renovation of the current facility on the
46 current site, and would accomplish the interior renovations assuming the center stayed on
47 Revere Road. He said the BOCC also asked if alternative sites could be considered, including
48 a Cornelius Street option, and a mixed-use idea on the current site.
49 Commissioner Price said she there is no project ready with which to proceed, and she
50 would rather wait too.
10
1 Commissioner Jacobs said he understood that the BOCC would receive a report in late
2 fall from Asset Management Services (AMS) about the various options. He said he agreed with
3 Commissioner McKee, and really wants to incorporate the wishes of the agricultural community.
4 He said he is inclined towards a new build, as it could be made specifically to suit the needs of
5 the community. He said he does not have a strong feeling regarding time, and would defer to
6 staff to make a plan that includes the agricultural community.
7 Chair Dorosin said he is strongly opposed to pushing the project back, as it has been
8 around for some time, and it is good to have time pressure to keep things moving. He said it is
9 his understanding that if the reports about alternative sites prove unhelpful, then the plan is to
10 proceed with the renovations at the current site, which included feedback from the agricultural
11 community. He said once reports are received in November, the community can be engaged if
12 necessary, and the plan can proceed or be pushed back as necessary.
13 Commissioner McKee said he will not make an issue of this right now, but he wants to
14 make sure that the agricultural community is engaged before the BOCC makes any decisions.
15 Chair Dorosin said if affordable housing is going to be considered, this should be
16 discussed in the fall as well.
17 Bonnie Hammersley said funds are not borrowed until staff is ready for requests for
18 proposals (RFP). She said staff will be sure to create a plan that includes the relevant
19 stakeholders.
20 Commissioner Rich asked if the Town of Hillsborough will continue to lay their fiber, or
21 will it hold off as well.
22 Travis Myren said the year one project will stay in the CIP, which is the partnership with
23 Hillsborough. He said there have been good preliminary discussions with the Town already.
24 Commissioner Price referred to the Southern Branch Library project, and said there is
25 nothing in year one. She asked if funds are being carried over from previous years.
26 Bonnie Hammersley said there are planning funds from previous years, and year 2
27 reflects what Carrboro also has in their project. She said year 2 has construction costs.
28
29 • Other Funds Budget Amendment List and Decision Items for Other Funds FY2017-18
30 Budget
31
32 2. Accept the FY2017-22 Capital Investment Plan and Approve the Intent to Adopt
33 Capital Funding for FY2017-18
34
35 County Capital Projects:
36 • Parking Lot Improvements
37 • Southern Orange Campus Expansion
38 • Information Technology Fiber Connectivity
39 • Information Technologies Governance Council Initiatives
40 • EMS Substations
41 • Orange County Radio/Paging System Upgrades
42 • Register of Deeds Automation
43 • Blackwood Farm Park
44 • Millhouse Road Park
45 • Northeast District Park
46 • Detention Center (change to Project Description only)
47 • Environment and Agriculture Center (change to Project Description only)
48 • Orange County Southern Branch Library (change to name of project as well as to
49 Project Description)
50
11
1 School Projects:
2 • Durham Technical Community College (Orange County Campus)
3 • As mentioned in the June 13, 2017 Budget Work Session abstract, adjustments have
4 been made to the School Capital Projects in regards to the FY 2017-18 budgeted ADM
5 percentages, as well as budgeted Article 46 Sales Tax proceeds, to be consistent with
6 the FY 2017-18 Manager's Recommended Operating Budget.
7
8 Water and Sewer Projects:
9 • Buckhorn EDD — Efland Sewer to Mebane, Phase 2 Extension
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
12 accept the FY2017-22 Capital Investment Plan and Approve the Intent to Adopt Capital Funding
13 for FY2017-18 on coral sheet.
14
15 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
16
17 3. FY2017-18 Annual Operating Budget Decision Items
18
19 Paul Laughton said that which the BOCC decides now will determine what staff puts in
20 the resolution of intent to adopt. He said officially, approving the amendments for the operating
21 budget and a decision on funding for the CHCCS and OCS would be the next discussion. He
22 said in regards to the $2.1 million, the decision would be as to how to direct those funds.
23 Commissioner Burroughs asked if funds for the schools have to be directed.
24 Paul Laughton said it has to be done by purpose or function, which is normally by
25 current expense, that goes against the per pupil, or recurring capital.
26 Commissioner Jacobs asked if it has to be done this way.
27 Paul Laughton said there is some funding outside of those categories, such as nurses,
28 and school resource officers (SRO).
29 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the BOCC does not want to make a practice of spending
30 one-time funds, but is in fact spending one-time funds, can the BOCC make a line item of "one-
31 time funds."
32 Paul Laughton said that is at the discretion of the Board, and under the statutes it must
33 be by purpose or function, and he thinks Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion could be achieved
34 by "purpose".
35 Bonnie Hammersley said a precedent was set when the health and safety contracts
36 were completed, and she would recommend the Board do another purpose called "one-time
37 funding".
38 Commissioner Burroughs said she agrees that the Board can do this, and her only
39 caveat is that it is split by ADM.
40
41 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs
42 for the County to add a category called one-time funding, and split by ADM the amount of$2.1
43 million to the schools.
44
45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
46
47 Commissioner Marcoplos said he talked to some community members about SROs, and
48 whether this funding might be better spent on direct educational personnel or projects. He said
49 the Board received a letter from National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
12
1 (NAACP) asking that this idea be considered. He proposed that the Board treat the SRO
2 question as a proposal for next year, and see if the school boards are interested.
3 Commissioner Burroughs said it is a serious issue, and it is ultimately a school board
4 decision.
5 Commissioner Jacobs suggested adding this topic to their next joint school board
6 meeting in the fall.
7 Paul Laughton clarified that the current expense funding is remaining as it is in the
8 Manager's recommended budget, which is $80,745,847, with $48.5 million to CHCCS and
9 $32.2 million to OCS.
10 Chair Dorosin said any changes that were going to be made were already done, and
11 now all seem prepared to adopt the Manager's recommendations.
12
13 • Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2017-18 Annual Operating Budget at the Board of
14 County Commissioners Regular Meeting on June 20, 2017
15
16 Adopt Manager's Recommendation:
17 • Funding for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools
18 • Current Expense (Per Pupil) Funding — $80 million: $48.5 million to Chapel Hill and
19 $32.2 million for OCS.
20 • • Recurring Capital
21 • • Long-Range Capital
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
24 fund the CHCCS and OCS as voted on before, keep the recommended Current Expense (Per
25 Pupil) and approve the Recurring Capital and Long Range Capital as recommended in the
26 Manager's Recommended Budget.
27
28 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
29
30 • Tax Rate Decisions
31 i. Ad Valorem Tax
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to set
34 at the Ad Valorem Tax rate at 83.77 cents per $100 of assessed valuation.
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 ii. Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Special District Tax
39
40 A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to maintain
41 the CHCCS Special District Tax rate of 20.08 cents per$100 of assessed valuation.
42
43 Chair Dorosin said it may be a small amount, but lowering this tax is a symbolic step
44 towards reducing the funding disparity between the two school districts.
45
46 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner Marcoplos)
47
48
49 iii. Fire District Tax Rates
50
13
1 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
2 approve the proposed Fire District Tax Rates for FY2018-19 as recommended in the Manager's
3 Recommended Budget.
4
• Cedar Grove 8.10
• Greater Chapel Hill Fire Service District 14.91
• Damascus 10.30
• Efland 6.78
• Eno 8.68
• Little River 4.92
• New Hope 9.94
• Orange Grove 6.81
• Orange Rural 9.15
• South Orange Fire Service District 9.68
• Southern Triangle Fire Service District 10.30
• White Cross 11.37
5
6 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7
8 Chair Dorosin said he is interested in how other entities manage the volunteer fire
9 departments in regards to paid employees versus volunteers.
10 Commissioner McKee said there is no set pattern in North Carolina.
11 Commissioner Jacobs said he would be interested in how the County can help them
12 more.
13
14 • County Fee Schedule
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
17 adopt the County Fee Schedule to include changes included in the FY2017-18 Manager's
18 Recommended Annual Operating Budget.
19
20 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
21
22 4. Break(to allow Finance and Administrative Services to formulate Draft Resolution
23 of Intent to Adopt FY2017-18 Budget) at 9:25 p.m.
24
25 Break occurred and Meeting resumed at 9:58 p.m.
26
27 5. Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2017-18 Annual Operating Budget
28
29 • Approval of Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2017-18 Annual Operating Budget at
30 the Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting on June 20, 2017
31
32 Paul Laughton summarized this document.
14
1 Commissioner Jacobs asked Paul Laughton if he would add an * to those positions that
2 fund themselves.
3
4 Resolution of Intent to Adopt the 2017-18
5 Orange County Budget
6
7 The items outlined below summarize decisions that the Board acted upon June 15, 2017 in
8 approving the FY2017-18 Orange County Annual Operating Budget.
9
10 WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has considered the Orange County
11 FY2017-18 Manager's Recommended Budget; and
12
13 WHEREAS, the Commissioners have agreed on certain modifications to the Manager's
14 Recommended Budget as presented in the FY2017-18 County Manager's Recommended
15 Budget on May 2, 2017;
16
17 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
18 expresses its intent to adopt the FY2017-18 Orange County Budget Ordinance on Tuesday,
19 June 20, 2017, based on the following stipulations:
20
21 1) Property Tax Rates
22
23 a) The ad valorem property tax rate shall be set at 83.77 cents per $100 of assessed
24 valuation.
25
26 b) The Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools District Tax shall be set at 20.08 cents per
27 $100 of assessed valuation.
28
29 c) The Fire District and Fire Service District tax rates shall be set at the following rates
30 (all rates are based on cents per$100 of assessed valuation):
31
32
• Cedar Grove 8.10
• Greater Chapel Hill Fire Service District 14.91
• Damascus 10.30
• Efland 6.78
• Eno 8.68
• Little River 4.92
• New Hope 9.94
• Orange Grove 6.81
• Orange Rural 9.15
• South Orange Fire Service District 9.68
• Southern Triangle Fire Service District 10.30
• White Cross 11.37
33
15
1
2 2) County Employee Pay and Benefits Plan
3
4 Provide a County employee pay and benefits plan that includes:
5
6 a. A total wage increase of 2.0% for all permanent employees hired on or before June 30,
7 2016, effective July 1, 2017. The maximum salary of each salary range shall also be
8 increased to accommodate the wage adjustment.
9 b. Meritorious Service Awards — recommends three levels as one-time performance
10 bonuses, effective with employee Work Planning and Performance Review (WPPR)
11 dates from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018:
12 o $500 — proficient performance
13 o $750 — superior performance
14 o $1,000 —exceptional performance
15 c. Compression Reduction Program — a total of $250,000 for salary compression
16 adjustments to affected employees, effective July 1, 2017.
17 d. A Living Wage increase from $13.15/hour to $13.75/hour, for all regular and temporary
18 County employees.
19 e. Continue the $27.50 per pay period County contribution to non-law enforcement
20 employees' supplemental retirement accounts and the County matching employees'
21 contributions up to $63.00 semi-monthly (for a maximum annual County contribution of
22 $1,512) for all general (non-sworn law enforcement officer) employees, and continue the
23 mandated Law Enforcement Officer contribution of 5.0% of salary; and continue the
24 County's required contribution to the Local Governmental Employees' Retirement
25 System (LGERS) for all permanent employees.
26 f. Continue funding the Traditional and High Deductible Health Plans for employees and
27 pre-65 retirees with no changes to employee premiums for FY2017-18.
28 g. Include in the current health plan design trans-inclusive health care coverage, effective
29 July 1, 2017.
30 h. Provide prescription coverage with a Pharmacy Benefits Manager, effective July 1,
31 2017, for all regular and temporary County employees.
32 i. Continue funding the Dental Program for employees and pre-65 retirees with no
33 changes to employee premiums for FY2017-18.
34 j. An additional eight hours of annual leave to be awarded at an employee's anniversary
35 date, prorated for part-time employees.
36 k. Implement a six-week paid paternal leave policy, effective July 1, 2017.
37 I. Continue the voluntary furlough program.
38 m. Directs the Human Resources Department to develop an implementation plan during
39 FY2017-18 to increase the living wage for permanent employees only (this does not
40 included temporary employees) to $15.00/hour.
41
42
43 3) Modifications to County Manager's FY2017-18 Recommended Annual Operating
44 Budget
45 The following modifications to the County Manager's Recommended Budget are made
Adjustments to the Manager's Recommended FY2017-18 Budget
On June 16, 2017, the Board of County Commissioners approved the following changes to the Manager's
Recommended annual operating budget for the 2017-18 fiscal year. The information below summarizes
changes made by the Board.
16
Revenues Increase I Decrease
Manager's Recommended Revenue Budget $217,178,727
Reduce the General Fund Reserve to 16% 1,951,864
Additional revenue identified in Environmental Health 51,405
Recognize grant funds to offset the cost ofwomens'health screening 1,020
Additional one-time funds identified due to closing out 2014 capital projects 400,000
and using excess proceeds for debt service payments.
Total Revenue Changes $ 2,404,289 $0
Revised Revenue Budget 219,583,016
Expenditures Increase I Decrease
Manager's Recommended Expenditure Budget $217,178,727
Add partial funding for Bike Safety Campaign from general fund and partial from 10,000
the Visitors Bureau occupancy tax.
Include Funding for WHUP 1,000
Increase cell phone allowance for BOCC from $35 to $53 1,296
Eliminate the membership fee to Chapel Hill Carrboro Chamber of Commerce (9,500)
and Hillsborough Orange Chamber of Commerce in the Economic Development
appropriation
Reduce BOCC contingency line-$15,000 for Veteran's Memorial and $1,296 (16,296)
to offset additional cell phone allowance costs
Add Veteran's Memorial Challenge Fund to match other donations 15,000
Allocate One-Time discretionary funds to Schools from lowering GF reserve 2,100,000
(split by ADM)
Continue time-limited Property Development Technician position using 51,405
additional revenue identified in Environmental Health
Identified two errors in the recommended budget: 1)The funding of$67,778
was not appropriated for the displacement funds and 2)funds for retiree health 1,384
insurance was over stated ($66,394)
Add one-time funds to operating capital for county departments 250,000
Total Expenditure Changes $2,430,085 ($25,796)
1 Revised Expenditure Budget $219,583,016
2
3 Changes in County Staff Positions (Increase in FTE Approved).
17
Department Position FTE
Criminal Justice Resource Office Misdemeanor Diversion Program Coordinator 1.000
Criminal Justice Resource Office Administrative Assistant II 0.500
Criminal Justice Resource Office Mental Health Liasion for Court-Involved Youth 0.500
Department of Environment,
Agriculture,Parks&Recreation Recreation Program Assistant 1.000
Planning&Inspections Property Development Technician-(Time-Limited,lyear) 1.000
Planning&Inspections Property Development Specialist-(Time-Limited,1year) 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Driver 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Driver 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Driver-effective October 1,2017 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Driver-effective October 1,2017 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Driver-effective January 1,2018 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Driver-effective January 1,2018 1.000
Orange Public Transportation Public Transportation Scheduler/Dispatcher 1.000
Orange Public Transportation TDM Coordinator(Communication Specialist) 1.000
Social Services Community Social Services Technician 0.500
Social Services Community Social Services Technician 0.500
Social Services Community Social Services Technician 0.500
Social Services Child Welfare Social Worker-(Time-Limited,6 months) 1.000
Social Services Child Welfare Social Worker-(Time-Limited,6 months) 1.000
Housing,Human Rights,&
Community Development Housing Rehabilitation Specialist-effective January 1,2018(Housing Fund) 1.000
Housing,Human Rights,& Housing Resource Specialist-effective January 1,2018(Time-Limited,6 months)
Community Development (Community Development Fund) 1.000
Health Property Development Technician-convert to Permanent(Time-Limited,1 year) 1.000
Human Service Coordinator II-WIOA Adult Dislocated Worker Grant(Grant
Social Services Funded,Time-Limited) 1.000
1 Totals 20.500
2
3
18
1 5) General Fund Appropriations for Local School Districts
2
3 The following FY 2017-18 General Fund Appropriations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City
4 Schools and Orange County Schools are approved:
5
6 a) Current Expense appropriation for local school districts totals $80,745,847 and
7 equates to a per pupil allocation of $3,991
8
9
10 1) The Current Expense appropriation to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
11 is $48,530,521.
12
13 2) The Current Expense appropriation to the Orange County Schools is
14 $32,215,326.
15
16 b) Recurring Capital appropriation for local school districts totals $3,000,000
17
18 1) The Recurring Capital appropriation to the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools
19 totals $1,803,000.
20
21 2) The Recurring Capital appropriation to the Orange County Schools totals
22 $1,197,000.
23
24 c) School Related Debt Service for local school districts totals $15,074,910.
25
26 d) Additional net County funding for local school districts totals $5,454,000.
27
28 (1) School Resource Officers and School Health Nurses Contracts - Total
29 appropriation of$3,354,000 to cover the costs of School Resource Officers
30 in every middle and high school, and a School Health Nurse in every
31 elementary, middle, and high schools in both school systems.
32 (2) One-time discretionary funding of$2,100,000 by ADM is allocated to the
33 school systems by the following: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
34 appropriation is $1,262,100 and Orange County Schools' appropriation is
35 $837,900.
36
37
38 6) County Fee Schedule
39
40 To adopt the County Fee Schedule to include changes included in the FY2017-18
41 Manager's Recommended Annual Operating Budget.
42
43 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
44 approve the Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY2017-18 Annual Operating Budget at the Board of
45 County Commissioners Regular Meeting on June 20, 2017.
46
47 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
48
49 Chair Dorosin suggested a media blast of some of the highlights of this resolution.
50
19
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
2 adjourn the meeting at 10:08 p.m.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 Mark Dorosin, Chair
7
8 Donna Baker
9 Clerk to the Board
10
1
1 Attachment 5
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 REGULAR MEETING
6 June 20, 2017
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, June 20,
10 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, N.C.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
13 Mark Dorosin, Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, Renee Price and Penny Rich
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
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 Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
21
22 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
23
24 Chair Dorosin noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
25 - Yellow sheet: Item 4a revised proclamation for Orange High School Softball Team
26 - Pink sheet: Item 4-d Commissioner Jacobs- historical resolution on Fracking
27 - Green sheet: Item 6a- Budget Ordinance- Commissioner Price's request for budget
28 amendment
29 - Orange/Coral sheet: Item 6-d Signed Operation agreements for 2 Community Centers
30 - White sheet: PowerPoint for Item 6-a
31 - White sheet: PowerPoint for Item 6-d
32 - White sheet: Item 6a- Resolution of intent and county benefit plan
33 - Blue sheet: Item 8-d- RENA Signed agreement
34 - White sheet: PowerPoint from Commissioner Jacobs — 2045 Metropolitan Transportation
35 Plan
36 (MTP)- Deficiency Analysis
37
38 Chair Dorosin suggested moving item 11- b: Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB)
39 Appointments, up to position 4-e, as the Chair of the ASAB and the Director of the Department
40 were present.
41 The Board agreed by consensus.
42
43 PUBLIC CHARGE
44
45 Chair Dorosin dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
46
47 2. Public Comments
48 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
49
2
1 Roland Russell reviewed a written summary from Human Relations Committee
2 (HRC) Town Hall Meeting pertaining to the question: "The Confederate Flag: Does It
3 Belong In Our Schools?" He also reviewed details about the upcoming "Community
4 Read" Book. He thanked the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for its ongoing
5 support.
6
7 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
8 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
9 below.)
10
11 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
12 Commissioner McKee said he was glad Mr. Russell brought the Community Read book
13 to the Board's attention.
14 Commissioner Jacobs said he asked Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, if
15 he would provide an analysis of HB 795, which has been sent to the Board. He asked if the
16 Board would deem it appropriate to send this analysis on to the North Carolina Association of
17 County Commissioners (NCACC).
18 Commissioner Jacobs requested that the Department of Environment, Agriculture,
19 Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) make a presentation to the Board in the fall about the Lands
20 Legacy program.
21 Commissioner Jacobs said something went from the OUTBoard directly to the
22 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) agenda, without the Board or the Town of Carrboro
23 seeing it first, and this process should be improved.
24 Commissioner Jacobs reviewed the Deficiency Analysis PowerPoint at the
25 Commissioners' places, which looks at the changes between now and 2045. He said page 14
26 refers to regional travel times and is particularly interesting. He said alternatives are being
27 studied, such as managed motorways or smart highways, which the MPO will be studying.
28 Commissioner Rich said the one-year celebration of the Cedar Grove Community
29 Center was held this past Saturday.
30 Commissioner Burroughs said she had no comments.
31 Commissioner Price asked if the agenda review committee could find a creative process
32 to get advisory chair reports to the Board of County Commissioners. She said this does not
33 have to be a long report, and could be more akin to a flyer or a poster.
34 Commissioner Price said the Raise the Age Bill has been placed in the budget, and
35 there may be some legislators who support the bill but do not support the budget. She said this
36 is unfortunate.
37 Commissioner Price said the youth representative at the NCACC annual conference will
38 be Zachary Sellers from Orange High School.
39 Commissioner Marcoplos said he had no comments.
40 Chair Dorosin said to add Commissioner Price's request to the advisory board work
41 session in the fall.
42 Chair Dorosin asked if there was any opposition from the Board in authorizing Steve
43 Brantley and Bonnie Hammersley to proceed with Commissioner Jacobs' request regarding the
44 analysis of HB 795.
45 There was no opposition from the Board.
46 Chair Dorosin instructed Steve Brantley and Bonnie Hammersley to proceed.
47 Chair Dorosin asked if there could be greater clarification regarding the communication
48 process between the OUTBoard and MPO.
49 Commissioner Jacobs said this particular communication affected Carrboro's
50 jurisdiction, and it was the Town of Carrboro that brought it to the attention of the MPO. He
3
1 said the BOCC did not review this project before it was forwarded. He said Orange County is
2 receiving very little funding from the MPO, and he believes the OUTBoard was being more
3 aggressive in a good faith attempt to secure more funds, but there needs to be a clearly defined
4 process.
5 Chair Dorosin said the entire BOCC just came from the groundbreaking of the Rogers
6 Road water and sewer line installation.
7
8 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
9
10 a. Proclamation Recognizing Orange High School Softball Team Winning the 2017
11 State Championship
12 The Board considered approving a proclamation recognizing the Orange High School
13 Softball Team for winning the 2017 State Championship and authorizing the Chair to sign.
14 Eddie Davidson, Orange High School's Softball Coach, and team members were in
15 attendance.
16 Commissioner Jacobs read the proclamation:
17
18 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
19 PROCLAMATION OF RECOGNITION ON
20 ORANGE HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM
21 WINNING THE 2017 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
22
23 WHEREAS, on June 3, 2017, the Orange High School Softball Team captured the North
24 Carolina High School Athletic Association's (NCHSAA) 3A State Softball
25 Championship; and
26
27 WHEREAS, under the guidance of Coach Eddie Davidson, the Orange High School Softball
28 Team earned its first NCHSAA State title in Orange High history; and
29
30 WHEREAS, the Lady Panthers completed the season with a 26-3 record; and
31
32 WHEREAS, the Orange High School Softball Team included the Gatorade North Carolina
33 Softball Player of the Year for 2016-17, Mia Davidson; and
34
35 WHEREAS, through hard work, dedication, teamwork, and commitment, the Lady Panthers
36 brought honor upon themselves, Orange High School, the Orange County
37 School District, and Orange County;
38
39 NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
40 expresses its sincere appreciation and respect for the Orange High School
41 Softball Team and Coach Davidson, for the Panthers' outstanding
42 achievement, and their inspiration to youth across North Carolina through their
43 dedication, teamwork, and athletic prowess.
44
45 This the 20th day of June 2017.
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
48 Board to approve the proclamation recognizing Orange High School's Softball Team for winning
49 the 2017 State Championship and authorized the Chair to sign the proclamation on behalf of
50 the Board.
4
1
2 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
3
4 b. Proclamation Recognizing Carrboro High School Women's Soccer Team Winning
5 the 2017 State Championship
6 The Board considered approving a proclamation recognizing the Carrboro High School
7 Women's Soccer Team for winning the 2017 State Championship and authorizing the Chair to
8 sign.
9 Coach Jared Drexler and team members were present.
10 Commissioner Burroughs read the proclamation:
11
12 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
13 PROCLAMATION OF RECOGNITION ON
14 CARRBORO HIGH SCHOOL WOMEN'S SOCCER TEAM
15 WINNING THE 2017 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
16
17 WHEREAS, on May 27, 2017, the Carrboro High School Women's Soccer Team captured the
18 North Carolina High School Athletic Association's (NCHSAA) 2A State
19 Women's Soccer Championship; and
20
21 WHEREAS, under the guidance of Coach Jared Drexler, the Carrboro High School Women's
22 Soccer Team earned its fourth NCHSAA State title, also winning the State title
23 in 2012, 2015 and 2016; and
24
25 WHEREAS, the Lady Jaguars completed the season with a 21-1-1 record; and
26
27 WHEREAS, through hard work, dedication, teamwork, and commitment, the Lady Jaguars
28 brought honor upon themselves, Carrboro High School, the Chapel Hill /
29 Carrboro City Schools District and Orange County;
30
31 NOW, THEREFORE, be it proclaimed that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
32 expresses its sincere appreciation and respect for the Carrboro High School
33 Women's Soccer Team and Coach Drexler, for the Jaguars' outstanding
34 achievement, and their inspiration to youth across North Carolina through their
35 dedication, teamwork, and athletic prowess.
36
37 This the 20th day of June 2017.
38
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for
40 the Board to approve the proclamation recognizing the Carrboro High School Women's Soccer
41 Team for winning the 2017 State Championship and authorized the Chair to sign the
42 proclamation on behalf of the Board.
43
44 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
45
46 c. USDA Rural Business Development Grant Award for the Piedmont Food &
47 Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) and Approval of Budget Amendment#10-B
48 The Board received a brief presentation from staff from the United States Department of
49 Agriculture (USDA) (Henderson, NC Area Office) regarding the Letter of Conditions, along with
50 the Draft Addenda, for the award of a USDA Rural Business Development Grant in the amount
5
1 of $145,511 to Orange County and the Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center;
2 consider approving Budget Amendment#10-B to accept the award, its Conditions and the
3 associated Draft Addenda, subject to final review and approval by the County Attorney's Office;
4 and authorize the Manager to sign any paperwork associated with grant subject to final review
5 and approval by the County Attorney's Office.
6
7 BACKGROUND:
8 Orange County and the Piedmont Food and Agricultural Center applied for funding through the
9 USDA Rural Business Development grant program and have been awarded $145,511. Of these
10 funds, $92,186 will be used to purchase additional capital equipment with which to expand the
11 capabilities and capacity of PFAP to serve the region's food entrepreneurs. In addition, $53,325
12 is directed at providing business support services and creation of a "road map" for start-up food
13 businesses in collaboration with Carolina Farm Stewardship Association (CFSA).
14
15 A pre-condition of accepting the award is a presentation of the grant conditions to the governing
16 board of the grant recipient, in this case the Board of Commissioners for Orange County. A
17 representative from the Henderson, NC Area Office will provide a brief presentation at the
18 meeting, after which it is proposed that the Board approve Budget Amendment#10-B to accept
19 the award, its Conditions and the Draft Addenda, subject to final review and approval by the
20 County Attorney's Office.
21
22 Mike Ortosky, Orange County Agricultural Economic Developer, presented the
23 background information.
24 Mike Ortosky introduced Eric Hallman, PFAP Executive Director, and Hilda Hawkins,
25 Community Program Specialist with Rural Development Agency of the USDA.
26 Eric Hallman gave background.
27 Hilda Hawkins reviewed the grant, and the scope of the work.
28 Commissioner Jacobs said he represented the Board of County Commissioners on the
29 PFAP board, and over time the board has realized that some of the equipment is not useful,
30 and thus has sold some equipment, and is acquiring more appropriate equipment. He said this
31 is a 4-county project, and PFAP is working as it was intended: growing businesses that then go
32 out on their own. He said they are in an interim stage, where there are a lot of clients, but they
33 are small clients.
34 Commissioner McKee said PFAP should stand for opportunity.
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
37 for the Board to:
38
39 • to approve Budget Amendment#10-B to accept the award, its Conditions and the
40 associated Draft Addenda, subject to final review and approval by the County Attorney's
41 Office; and
42 • Authorize the Manager to sign any paperwork associated with grant subject to final
43 review and approval by the County Attorney's Office.
44
45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
46
47 d. Proposed Resolution Regarding Reduction of Methane Emissions
48 The Board considered adopting a resolution to petition the Governor of North Carolina to
49 enact certain measures intended to reduce emissions of methane related to the use of natural
50 gas and power generation.
6
1
2 BACKGROUND:
3 As initially introduced at the June 6, 2017 Board of County Commissioners meeting, this
4 resolution petitions the Governor of North Carolina to take steps to reduce emissions of
5 methane associated with the increased use of natural gas produced through the process of
6 hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"). Natural gas is often termed a "bridge" interim source of energy
7 on the path to a future where renewable energy sources dominate. However, the production
8 and use of natural gas often includes sizeable releases of methane, a very significant
9 greenhouse gas.
10
11 This resolution asks the Governor of North Carolina to take steps to reduce the use of natural
12 gas in North Carolina that is produced by fracking, as well as prevent the transport of natural
13 gas produced by fracking through North Carolina, and prevent the construction of new natural
14 gas fired power plants and pipelines in the state while existing natural gas fired power plants
15 and pipelines are replaced with sources of renewable energy.
16
17 Commissioner Marcoplos said every "Whereas" in the resolution is followed by a
18 footnote, which can be reviewed in detail by reading the resolution on line.
19 Commissioner Marcoplos read the resolution:
20
21 RESOLUTION TO SLOW THE CLIMATE CRISIS BY REDUCING METHANE EMISSIONS
22 FROM THE FRACKED GAS AND POWER INDUSTRIES
23
24 WHEREAS, an unprecedented, three-year global heat wave,' ongoing sea level rise and
25 increasingly intense weather extremes are already devastating communities, wildlife and
26 property in North Carolina and around the world;2 and
27 WHEREAS, those least responsible for causing this crisis have been hurt first and worst,
28 primarily low-wealth communities and people of color, and humanity is quickly running out of
29 time to slow this enormous challenge before it accelerates under its own momentum beyond
30 our control; Sand
31 WHEREAS, methane is 80-100 times more potent than carbon dioxide at trapping Earth's
32 heat,3 and has become the driving force behind the rapid heating of the planet;4 and
33 WHEREAS, large amounts of natural gas —which is mostly methane — are being vented and
34 leaked directly into the air from various gas equipment, with emissions measured at rates of up
35 to 12% of the total gas produced by wells using fracking technology;5 and
36 WHEREAS, these emissions make burning natural gas for electricity at least three times worse
37 for the climate than coal,6 in addition to other health impacts and explosion risks;' and
38 WHEREAS, the recent surge in methane emissions is largely due to the US fracking boom,$
39 which is being driven by Duke Energy and other utilities' expanded use of gas to generate
40 electricity;9 and
41 WHEREAS, most US gas and electricity corporations are fighting efforts to reduce methane
42 emissions; 10 and
43 WHEREAS, reducing methane emissions can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively while
44 creating thousands of jobs;11 and
45 WHEREAS, immediately reducing methane emissions from the US natural gas industry can
46 slow global warming enough to allow time to replace fossil fuels with cheaper clean energy such
47 as solar, wind and storage technologies;12 and,
48 NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper shall use his
49 constitutionally-granted executive authority to ensure that:
7
1 • by December 31, 2018 no natural gas originating from fracking operations is used in or
2 transported through North Carolina;
3 • by December 31, 2022 no other natural gas is used in or transported through North
4 Carolina unless it can be verified that the methane emissions associated with its
5 production, transportation, and end use are at most 0.5% of gas pumped from the well;
6 and
7 • no new natural gas-fired power plants or pipelines are constructed in North Carolina,
8 and all existing gas plants and pipelines are phased out expeditiously and replaced with
9 clean, renewable energy.
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
12 adopt the resolution.
13
14 Commissioner Jacobs said the hot pink sheet at the Commissioners' places is a 2012
15 Board of County Commissioners' resolution opposing Shale Gas development.
16 Commissioner McKee said he does not dispute any of the "whereas" statements, and he
17 has extreme concerns about the fracking industry. He said he will be prevented from voting for
18 this due to the "be it resolved" statement, where it reads "by December 31, 2018 no natural gas
19 originating from fracking operations is used in or transported through North Carolina." He said
20 there is no way to differentiate what gas is in the pipelines, and so he sees this as
21 unenforceable.
22 Commissioner McKee said he also has concerns with "by December 31, 2022 no other
23 natural gas is used in or transported through North Carolina unless it can be verified that the
24 methane emissions associated with its production, transportation, and end use are at most
25 0.5% of gas pumped from the well," as he does not know what "the well" means, or how the
26 content of the gas can be differentiated.
27 Commissioner McKee said the final point, which states, "no new natural gas-fired power
28 plants or pipelines are constructed in North Carolina, and all existing gas plants and pipelines
29 are phased out expeditiously and replaced with clean, renewable energy" is also troublesome
30 for the same reasons. He agrees that renewable energy is the only long-term solution, but he
31 does not believe that it is possible or appropriate to set a deadline of 2018 or 2022, as it is
32 unrealistic. He said if the gas lines are shut down in the short term, the impact will fall heaviest
33 on those least able to afford it, as it must be replaced either by coal or some other more
34 expensive option.
35 Commissioner McKee asked if the motion maker and seconder would be willing to
36 replace the "be it resolved" section with the language from the 2012 resolution, which he read:
37 "NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
38 does hereby urge the North Carolina General Assembly to maintain existing laws and
39 regulations that prevent the use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing in the State and to
40 take no action that would weaken these laws and regulations before it is fully demonstrated that
41 North Carolina public health, waters, land, air, economy, and quality of life can be protected
42 from impacts that may occur by allowing the development of shale gas resources in the state."
43 He proposed this change as a friendly amendment.
44 Commissioner Marcoplos said he could not accept this.
45 Commissioner Price said she has concern with mentioning Duke Energy by name. She
46 proposed a friendly amendment to list all gas companies, or none at all.
47 Commissioner Marcoplos said he would not accept that friendly amendment either,
48 because Duke Energy is the largest utility in North Carolina, and one of the largest in the world,
49 and great strides can be made on climate change if Duke Energy can accept a renewable
50 energy future.
8
1 Commissioner Marcoplos said there is someone in the audience that can speak on the
2 measurement piece, to which Commissioner McKee referred.
3 John Runkle said he is a counsel for NC Warn, and he said the reason it needs to go to
4 the Governor is because he has strong executive powers. He said the Governor has already
5 kept North Carolina in the Paris Climate Accord, and it is recommended that he conduct a
6 green ribbon panel to study how to measure the difference between the fracked and non-
7 fracked gas. He said there is also a great deal that the agencies can do, so even if it cannot be
8 measured the sources can be identified. He said the Governor would have to develop a
9 process to move forward with this, and it is a real emergency.
10 Commissioner Marcoplos said economics are always a factor in discussions like these,
11 and it is becoming clear that the most costly thing that can be done is doing nothing at all. He
12 said the impact of energy must be lowered.
13
14 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner McKee)
15
16 a. Animal Services Advisory Board —Appointments
17 The Board will consider making appointments to the Animal Services Advisory Board.
18
19 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
20 appoint the following to the Animal Services Advisory Board:
21
22
23 • Appointment to a third full term (Position #1) "Veterinarian from the Health Board"
24 representative for Dr. Susan Elmore expiring 06/30/2020. (This position was changed
25 to a 3-term position during the June 6, 2017 by the BOCC by approval of a change
26 in the By-Laws of the Animal Services Advisory Board).
27 • Appointment to a partial term (Position #4) "Town of Chapel Hill" representative for
28 Heather Payne expiring 06/30/2018.
29 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #8) "Non-Municipality" representative for Diane
30 Fentress Obeid expiring 06/30/2020.
31 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #10) "Animal Welfare/Animal Advocacy"
32 representative for Dr. Maureane Hoffman expiring 06/30/2020.
33 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #11) "Animal Welfare/Animal Advocacy"
34 representative for Dr. Molly Mullin expiring 06/30/2020.
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 5. Public Hearings
39
40 a. Public Hearing and Adoption of Bond Order and Resolution Related to $5.9 Million
41 Two-Thirds School Bonds
42 The Board conducted a public hearing as outlined in the two-thirds bond authorization
43 schedule and adopted the bond order and resolution to publish the bond order. The bond order
44 authorizes the issuance of two-thirds General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed
45 $5.9 million to support school facilities, and the bonds replace the General Fund pay-as-you-go
46 funding in FY 2017-18 and a portion in FY 2018-19, as reflected in the Capital Investment Plan
47 (CIP).
48 Gary Donaldson, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed the background information:
49
50 BACKGROUND:
9
1 Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute 159-48, local governments can issue General
2 Obligation bonds each year in an amount equal to two-thirds of the principal amount of debt
3 retired in the previous year. Two-thirds General Obligation bonds may be issued without
4 referendum but are subject to approval by the Local Government Commission in the same
5 manner as other debt financings.
6
7 The County will retire $8.8 million in principal on outstanding General Obligation bonds in FY
8 2016-17. The Statutes allow the County to issue up to two-thirds of the $8.8 million in principal
9 retired or an additional General Obligation bond capacity of $5.9 million in FY 2017-18. This
10 bond capacity cannot be accumulated or carried forward to future years. The Board adopted a
11 resolution at its May 2, 2017 meeting providing preliminary approval of this bond issue. The
12 bond order was introduced at the May 16, 2017 BOCC meeting and a resolution authorizing
13 tonight's public hearing was adopted as well. Two-thirds bonds can be used for substantially all
14 the purposes for which voter-approved bonds may be issued except to fund auditoriums,
15 coliseums, stadiums, convention centers, art galleries, museums, historic properties, urban
16 redevelopment, public transportation or cable television systems.
17
18 After review of the County's CIP and in consultation with the County's financial advisor, County
19 staff recommends that the County proceed to authorize and issue the two-thirds bonds for
20 school renovations and facility improvements for both school systems, as well as the costs of
21 issuance for the bonds. The bond proceeds would be allocated on the average daily
22 membership for both school systems, with Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS)
23 receiving approximately $3.5 million and Orange County Schools (OCS) receiving $2.4 million.
24 Examples of school renovation and improvement projects include: Athletic Facilities,
25 Classroom/Building improvements, Mechanical Systems, Roofing projects, and School
26 Safety/Security improvements. Both school systems maintain flexibility in the process at this
27 point, but some of the currently planned projects include:
28
29 Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS)
30 • Athletic Field Improvements at Chapel Hill High School
31 • Athletic Field Improvements at Carrboro High School
32 • Classroom Improvements in Science classrooms at Phillips Middle School
33 • Cooling Tower Replacement at Scroggs Elementary
34 • Cooling Tower Replacement at East Chapel Hill High School
35
36 Orange County Schools (OCS)
37 • Upgrade Science classrooms at Cedar Ridge High School
38 • Roofing Project at Central Elementary
39 • Roofing Project at New Hope Elementary
40 • School Safety Initiatives district-wide
41 • Food Service Facility Improvements at Grady A. Brown Elementary and Orange High
42 School
43
44 As noted above, the two-thirds bonds for schools are separate from the November 2016 bonds
45 for schools. However, for time and cost efficiency, the financing plan will combine the issuance
46 of the two-thirds bonds with the issuance of the first bonds authorized by the November 2016
47 referendum. That bond sale is planned for September 2017.
48
49 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
50 open the public hearing.
10
1
2 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
5 close the public hearing.
6
7 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
10 adopt the bond order and resolution to publish the bond order.
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13
14
15 6. Regular Agenda
16
17 a. Approval of Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget Ordinance, County Grant Projects, and
18 County Fee Schedule
19 The Board considered approving the fiscal year 2017-18 Budget Ordinance, County
20 Grant Projects, and County Fee Schedule.
21 Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
22
23 Budget Adoption
24 June 20, 2017
25 Southern Human Services Center
26
27 Decision Points
28 • Approve the Amended Intent to Adopt Resolution
29 o Added Community Paramedic Coordinator—fully offset by outside revenue
30 o Corrected typographical errors
31 • Discuss Restoration of Chamber of Commerce Dues - $9,500
32 o Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber- $8,500
33 o Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber- $1,000
34 o Could use $112,309 funds from the amendment process
35 • Redirect Balance of Funds - $102,809 if Chamber funding is restored
36 o Option 1 — Save money in the General Fund
37 Increase undesignated reserve from 16% to 16.05%
38 Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate of
39 20.18 cents
40 o Option 2 — Reduce the Countywide Tax Rate
41 Reduce the County Ad Valorem Tax rate by 0.06 cents to 83.71 cents
42 Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate of
43 20.18 cents
44 o Option 3— Distribute to Undesignated One Time Funds for School Districts
45 Provide $61,788 in one time funds to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
46 Provide $41,021 in one time funds to Orange County Schools
47 Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax Rate to 20.18 cents or reduce
48 the District Tax Rate to 20.13 cents
49 • Redirect Balance of Funds - $112,309 if Chamber funding is not restored
50 o Option 1 — Save money in the General Fund
11
1 Increase undesignated reserve from 16% to 16.06%
2 Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate of
3 20.18 cents
4 o Option 2 — Reduce Countywide Tax Rate
5 Reduce the County Ad Valorem Tax rate by 0.06 cents to 83.71 cents
6 Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate of
7 20.18 cents
8 o Option 3 - Distribute to Undesignated One Time Funds for School Districts
9 Provide $67,497 in one time funds to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
10 Provide $44,812 in one time funds to Orange County Schools
11 Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax Rate to 20.18 cents or reduce
12 the District Tax Rate to 20.12 cents
13 • Approve the Manager's Recommendation for the FY2017-18 Budget Ordinance, County
14 Grant Projects and County Fee Schedule
15 • Approve the Manager's Recommendation for the Five Year Capital Investment Plan and
16 Year 1 Project Approvals
17
18 Commissioner Price submitted a budget amendment, which she read.
19
20 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
21 restore the Chamber funding of $9,500- $8,500 to Chapel Hill Chamber and $1,000 to the
22 Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber; and for the Manager and Steve Brantley to examine
23 membership options, and return a recommendation to the BOCC regarding membership in the
24 two Chambers that will benefit all parties.
25
26 Commissioner Burroughs said she supported this resolution, and noted that there is a
27 lot of complexity in the relationship between the County and the contributions made by the
28 chambers. She said the chambers were leaders in the advocacy around the Bond. She said
29 she would like staff to review all options, and the BOCC to revisit the topic next year.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said he agreed up to a point, but not entirely. He agreed that
31 both chambers have been supportive of the goals and values of Orange County. He said he is
32 willing to leave the basic dues from the County in the budget for both chambers, but not dues
33 from other departments that are being paid by the County. He said to move Chamber
34 memberships to the Manager's office, and for the Manager to investigate how many
35 departments are contributing to the chambers, and bring a report to the BOCC in the fall.
36 Commissioner Jacobs said the BOCC can still express its fiscal and verbal support to
37 both chambers, but not keep spending money while unsure from whence it came.
38 Commissioner Price said her concern is that the BOCC is unsure of what is being given
39 and the benefits, and thus it is unclear what the consequences of any change may be, and the
40 County may jeopardize relationships with other members of the Chambers.
41 Commissioner Marcoplos said he agreed with Commissioner Jacobs, and he would
42 want to know more information about the donations being made by the County departments
43 before making a final decision. He said it is appropriate to make the County's $9,500
44 commitment to the Chambers, and then sort out the other ancillary dues.
45 Commissioner McKee said the discussion at Thursday night's BOCC meeting, where
46 the Board chose not to fund these organizations, was done on the fly, and he voted on
47 information that was given at that time, but was not factual. He said this Board prides itself on
48 transparency and process, and the Board can vote tonight. He said Commissioner Price's
49 motion goes to process, and it would let staff have time to develop a process and address this
50 with a budget amendment.
12
1 Chair Dorosin said he was surprised to learn that various departments were paying dues
2 to both Chambers.
3 Chair Dorosin asked Travis Myren if he had a rough estimate of the total of these dues.
4 Travis Myren said staff is putting together an itemized list, but the dues totaled about
5 $20-25,000 in 2016, with most of that coming from the Visitors Bureau.
6 Chair Dorosin said that is a lot of money, and this needs to be analyzed. He said he
7 would be willing to support some lesser amount than the proposed level, in recognition of the
8 historical collaboration.
9 Chair Dorosin said he is not comfortable with the County being a member of an
10 advocacy organization. He said he appreciates the services provided by the Chambers, but the
11 County can always contract for those services if need be. He said an analysis is needed.
12 Commissioner Rich said she started working on this a couple of months ago, and at that
13 time she thought they had the correct information, but they did not. She said she had no idea
14 last week that other departments were paying dues, besides the Department of Economic
15 Development. She said she has a problem going back to the $8,500, but she is supportive of
16 maintaining a good relationship, and could compromise on a lesser amount.
17 Commissioner Rich said she cannot support Commissioner Price's motion.
18 Commissioner McKee said this is not the only advocacy organization that the Board
19 supports with County dollars, and said another example is the Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood
20 Association (RENA). He said the Chambers will advocate for or against County positions,
21 according to the interest of its membership. He said Commissioner Price's motion allows the
22 Board to look at the issue, and the conversation can continue as early as the first meeting in
23 September.
24 Commissioner Marcoplos said it should not be a long or complicated process to sort this
25 out, and asked if staff could have an answer in a month or two.
26 Bonnie Hammersley said staff will take care of the analysis over the summer, and bring
27 it back to the Board at its first meeting in September.
28 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if it is Commissioner Jacobs' intent to eventually get to
29 one payment.
30 Commissioner Jacobs said he has a substitute motion to make, and would propose one
31 payment.
32 Commissioner Jacobs said he agreed with Commissioner McKee to a degree, but the
33 Board cannot pay annual fees, and then revisit if it is paying annual fees at a September
34 meeting.
35 Commissioner Jacobs proposed a friendly substitute motion:
36 "The Board will reinstate its basic membership in both the Chapel Hill — Carrboro Chamber and
37 the Hillsborough — Orange County Chamber, and suspend all other payments from County
38 entities until the Manager is able to identify all the various County funders; and that going
39 forward, the County will locate all Chamber funding in the Manager's Office and that the Board
40 asks the Manager to report back at the first meeting in September."
41
42 Chair Dorosin asked John Roberts if he could clarify the motion process.
43 John Roberts said there is no such thing as a substitute motion, and if Commissioner
44 Jacobs' motion is not accepted as a friendly amendment, then it would have to be considered a
45 hostile amendment, and voted on in that order.
46 Commissioner Jacobs said his motion can be considered as an alternative motion.
47
48 Commissioner Marcoplos seconded Commissioner Jacobs' alternative motion.
49
50 Commissioner Jacobs re-read his motion:
13
1 "The Board will reinstate its basic membership in both the Chapel Hill — Carrboro
2 Chamber and the Hillsborough —Orange County Chamber, and suspend all other payments
3 from County entities until the Manager is able to identify all the various County funders; and that
4 going forward, the County will locate all Chamber funding in the Manager's Office, and that the
5 Board asks the Manager to report back at the first meeting in September."
6
7 Commissioner Rich asked if Commissioner Jacobs could define "basic funding."
8 Commissioner Jacobs said he is suggesting $8,500 to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro
9 Chamber of Commerce and $1,000 to the Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber; and have all
10 other departmental dues suspended to both chambers until further analysis is completed.
11 Commissioner Burroughs said she is concerned about the Visitors Bureau (VB) dues.
12 Commissioner Rich said the VB is not funded by any tax dollars, but is funded by
13 occupancy taxes. She said it is a separate board, and runs as a separate entity.
14 Commissioner Jacobs said he thought about including the VB in the motion, but he
15 assumed the Manager will examine what the VB is paying, and how that relates to the County's
16 payments. He said Chapel Hill is the only town that contributes to the VB, and it is purposely
17 not a member of the Chamber.
18 Chair Dorosin said if the Board says no now, and the dues are due, entities can join
19 later on.
20 Commissioner Rich said the VB board voted on its budget without contributing to the
21 Chambers.
22 Commissioner Burroughs asked if this was a new practice for the VB.
23 Commissioner Rich said yes, this was a policy change for the VB. She said she can get
24 more information, and that the VB did not always contribute to the Chamber, then it did, and
25 now does not again. She said that information can be added to the report.
26 Commissioner Price said her concern is she does not like the idea of double dipping,
27 and she does not want to make a decision without knowing the consequences, and she is
28 concerned about the process. She asked if the Board can even entertain the budgets of other
29 departments.
30 Bonnie Hammersley said the Board can absolutely look at these budgets, and the
31 Economic Development department uses general fund monies to pay its dues. She said all
32 departments are general fund departments, except for the VB.
33 Chair Dorosin said his concern is that the County is unknowingly paying for things. He
34 said it is unclear what services are being received in return, and this needs to be analyzed.
35 Commissioner Burroughs asked Travis Myren if he could clarify that the bulk of the
36 money being paid was from the VB.
37 Travis Myren said about $10,000 of the total amount is from the VB, as well as some
38 other sponsorship that the VB paid.
39 Commissioner Rich said the VB did not vote to stop sponsoring, only to stop paying
40 membership dues to the Chamber. She said the VB will be a Chamber member if it can be
41 included in the one membership fees paid by the County, as opposed to departmental
42 payments.
43 Commissioner Burroughs said the Board has made a mountain out of a molehill.
44
45 VOTE: (on Commissioner Jacobs') alternative motion — $9,500 paid, with all other dues
46 suspended pending a report from the Manager, and all future payments come through the
47 Manager's office.
48
49 Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Jacobs, Chair Dorosin, Commissioner Marcoplos); Nays, 4
50 (Commissioner Burroughs, Commissioner Rich, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Price)
14
1
2 MOTION FAILED
3
4 This failed vote puts Commissioner Price's motion, as stated on green sheet, back on
5 the table.
6 Commissioner Rich asked if the motion intends that the funds will come out of the
7 Economic Development office.
8 Commissioner Price said yes, her motion intends to keep the current status quo, and
9 any changes can be discussed after the investigation.
10 Commissioner Marcoplos clarified that the motion is restoring a status quo amount,
11 which is unknown but estimated to be between $20,000-$25,000.
12 Chair Dorosin said yes.
13
14 VOTE: Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Price, Commissioner Burroughs, and Commissioner McKee);
15 Nays, 4 (Commissioner Jacobs, Chair Dorosin, Commissioner Marcoplos, and Commissioner
16 Rich)
17
18 MOTION FAILED
19
20 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
21 restore payment to both Chambers - $8,500 to Chapel Hill-Carrboro and $1,000 to the
22 Hillsborough/Orange County Chamber for a total of $9,500 at this time; and that the Board
23 defers any decisions on departmental dues and the Visitors Bureau dues until staff analysis is
24 received in September.
25
26 Chair Dorosin asked if this decision can be deferred, and clarified that only the $9500
27 will get paid in this budget. He asked if this is different from Commissioner Jacobs' motion.
28 Bonnie Hammersley said Commissioner McKee did not direct for staff to move all dues
29 to the Manager's office, staff would come back with information, and decision on other
30 departmental dues would be deferred.
31 Commissioner McKee said the decision regarding moving this to the Manager's office
32 can be made in September, and the Manager's office will do an analysis on everything.
33 Commissioner Rich clarified that with Commissioner McKee's motion, Economic
34 Development is the only member of the Chamber.
35 Commissioner McKee said no, Orange County is a member, and other decisions are
36 deferred until September.
37 Commissioner Rich said Commissioner McKee's motion leaves the funds coming out of
38 Economic Development, and if he wants it to come from the Manager's office, this needs to be
39 added to his motion.
40 Chair Dorosin said the funds for both Chambers at this point will come out of the general
41 fund.
42 Commissioner McKee said that is correct and the County will be the named member
43 with all other departments being suspended until further decision.
44
45 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner Rich)
46
47 MOTION PASSES
48
49 Commissioner Marcoplos suggested that the miscellaneous budget amendments be
50 discussed earlier in the budget process, and have a deadline for proposed amendments.
15
1 Chair Dorosin said he made that point to the Manager.
2 Commissioner Jacobs suggested that the Board may want to discuss in September
3 having the Chamber support its positions, and if the Chamber does not support County
4 positions it should communicate as such to the Board prior to taking a contrary position publicly.
5 Travis Myren said it is staffs' understanding that the Board wants to redirect the Balance
6 of Funds of$112,000 to offset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools' district tax rate. He said
7 general fund dollars would be conveyed into the school district tax fund, and this must be done
8 by ADM. He said with $9,500 going to Chamber dues, there is $102,809 remaining. He
9 reviewed the following options:
10
11 • Option 1 — Save money in the General Fund
12 o Increase undesignated reserve from 16% to 16.05%
13 o Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate of 20.18
14 cents
15 • Option 2 — Reduce Countywide Tax Rate
16 o Reduce the County Ad Valorem Tax rate by 0.06 cents to 83.71 cents
17 o Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate of 20.18
18 cents
19 • Option 3— Distribute to Undesignated One Time Funds for School Districts
20 o Provide $61,788 in one-time funds to Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
21 o Provide $41,021 in one-time funds to Orange County Schools
22 o Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax Rate to 20.18 cents or reduce the
23 District Tax Rate to 20.13 cents
24
25 Commissioner McKee said to go with Option 1, as he anticipates there will be some
26 needs in the Department of Social Services.
27 Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner McKee with Option 1, and he would
28 also suggest scheduling a discussion at the BOCC retreat about a possible strategy to equalize
29 the district tax, and if that is a desirable goal.
30 Commissioner McKee said he would endorse Commissioner Jacobs' addition.
31 Commissioner Price agreed, but noted there is the social justice fund, and asked how
32 much is in it.
33 Bonnie Hammersley said $250,000 is in the budget as of today; the same amount was
34 carried forward for FY2017-18 that was in their last year.
35 Commissioner Marcoplos agreed with Option 1 and Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion.
36 Commissioner Burroughs agreed, and said the Board needs to have that discussion.
37 Commissioner Rich said she agreed, and the Board needs to set some type of policy on
38 the equalization of the district tax.
39 Chair Dorosin agreed about the discussion, but he is going to support Option 2.
40
41 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
42 approve Option 1: Save money in the General Fund
43 - Increase undesignated reserve from 16% to 16.05%
44 - Reset the Chapel Hill-Carrboro District Tax rate to revenue neutral rate
45 of 20.18 cents
46 - schedule a discussion at the retreat regarding the equalization of the
47 district tax
48
49 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Chair Dorosin)
50
16
1 MOTION PASSES
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 ORD-2017-014
9
10 Fiscal Year 2017-18
11 Budget Ordinance
12 Orange County, North Carolina
13
14 Be it ordained by the Board of Commissioners of Orange County
15
16 Section I. Budget Adoption
17
18 There is hereby adopted the following operating budget for Orange County for this fiscal year
19 beginning July 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018, the same being adopted by fund and activity,
20 within each fund, according to the following summary:
21
Current Interfund Fund Total
Fund Balance
Revenue Transfer Appropriated Appropriation
$206,121,37
General Fund 3 $3,765,600 $9,769,060 $219,656,033
Emer•enc Tele•hone Fund $595,350 $0 $158,110 $753,460
Fire Districts Fund $5,726,068 $0 $0 $5,726,068
Section 8 (Housing) Fund $4,211,164 $262,066 $0 $4,473,230
Community Development
Fund $843,900 $549,634 $41,000 $1,434,534
Efland Sewer Operating Fund $214,500 $144,885 $0 $359,385
Visitors Bureau Fund $1,509,271 $0 $118,588 $1,627,859
School Construction Impact
Fees Fund $3,353,000 $0 $0 $3,353,000
Solid Waste/Landfill
Operations Enterprise Fund $11,149,208 $0 $1,981,434 $13,130,642
Sportsplex Enterprise Fund $3,402,574 $168,009 $0 $3,570,583
Community Spay/Neuter Fund $46,600 $0 $14,250 $60,850
Article 46 Sales Tax Fund $3,511,492 $0 $0 $3,511,492
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
17
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 Section II. Appropriations
10 That for said fiscal year, there is hereby appropriated out the following:
11
Function Appropriation
General Fund
Services $14,331,974
General Government $9,954,091
Public Safety $25,583,899
Human Services $37,508,468
Education $89,916,598
Support Services $14,101,197
Debt Service $26,759,536
Transfers to Other Funds $1,500,270
Total General Fund $219,656,033
Emergency Telephone System Fund
Public Safet $753,460
Total Emer•enc Tele•hone S stem Fund $753,460
Fire Districts
Cedar Grove $247,659
Greater Cha•el Hill Fire Service District $272,664
Damascus $98,895
Efland $501,796
Eno $693,273
River $227,309
New Hope $627,958
Orange Grove $552,907
Orange Rural $1,268,521
South Orange Fire Service District $548,153
Southern Trian•le Fire Service District $220,100
White Cross $466,833
Total Fire Districts Fund $5,726,068
Section 8 (Housing) Fund
$4,473,230
Total Section 8 Fund $4,473,230
Community Development Fund (Urgent Repair
Program)
Human Services $666,563
Total Community Development Fund(Urgent Repair
Pro•ram $666,563
Community Development Fund (HOME Program)
Human Services $597,469
18
Total Community Development Fund(HOME
Program) $597,469
Community Development Fund (Homelessness
Partnership Program)
Human Services $170,502
Total Community Development Fund(Homelessness
Program) .... $170,502.....
Total Community Development Fund Programs $1,434,534
Efland Sewer Operating Fund
Community Services $359,385
Total Efland Sewer Operating Fund $359,385
Visitors Bureau Fund
Community Services $1,627,859
Total Visitors Bureau Fund $1,627,859
School Construction Impact Fees
Transfers to Other Funds $3,353,000
Total School Construction Impact Fees Fund $3,353,000
Solid Waste/Landfill Operations
Solid Waste/Landfill Operations $13,130,642
Total Solid Waste/Landfill Operations $13,130,642
SportsPlex Enterprise Fund
Community Services $3,570,583
Total Sportsplex Enterprise Fund $3,570,583
Community Spay/Neuter Fund
Community Services $60,850
Total Community Spay/Neuter Fund $60,850
Article 46 Sales Tax Fund
Community Services $3,511,492
Total Article 46 Sales Tax Fund $3,511,492
1
2 Section III. Revenues
3
4 The following fund revenues are estimated to be available during the fiscal year beginning July
5 1, 2017 and ending June 30, 2018, to meet the foregoing appropriations:
Function Appropriation
General Fund
Property Tax $151,557,768
Sales Tax $23,566,784
Licenses & Permits $328,000
Intergovernmental $16,035,147
Charges for Services $11,551,045
Investment Earnings $265,000
Miscellaneous $2,817,629
Transfers from Other Funds $3,765,600
Appropriated Fund Balance $9,769,060
19
Total General Fund $219,656,033
Emergency Telephone System Fund
Char•es for Services $595,350
A••ro•riated Fund Balance $158,110
Total Emergency Telephone System Fund $753,460
Fire Districts
Pro•ert ....Tax .... $5,724,102.....
•
$1,966
Total Fire Districts Fund $5,726,068
Section 8 (Housing) Fund
Intergovernmental and General Government $4,211,164
From General Fund $262,066
Total Section 8 Fund $4,473,230
Community Development Fund (Urgent Repair Program)
Intergovernmental $325,000
From General Fund $341,563
Total Community Development Fund(Urgent Repair
Pro•ram $666,563
Community Development Fund (HOME Program)
Intergovernmental $392,711
Pro•ram Income $39,783
From General Fund $164,975
Total Community Development Fund(HOME Program) $597,469
Community Development Fund(Homelessness
Partnership Program)
Intergovernmental $86,406
From General Fund $43,096
Appropriated Fund Balance $41,000
Total Community Development Fund(Homelessness
Partnership Program) $170,502
Total Community Development Fund Programs $1,434,534
Efland Sewer Operating Fund
Charges for Services $214,500
From General Fund $144,885
Total Efland Sewer Operating Fund $359,385
20
1
Visitors Bureau Fund
Occu•anc Tax $1,278,341
Sales & Fees $500
Intergovernmental $230,330
Investment Earnin•s $100
A..ro.riated Fund Balance $118,588
Total Visitors Bureau Fund $1,627,859
School Construction Impact Fees Fund
Impact Fees $3,353,000
Total School Construction Im•act Fees Fund $3,353,000
Solid Waste/Landfill Operations
Sales & Fees $8,673,911
Intergovernmental $218,000
Miscellaneous $191,050
Licenses & Permits $130,000
Interest on Investments $40,000
General Fund Contribution for Sanitation Operations $1,896,247
A••ro•riated Reserves $1,981,434
Total Solid Waste/Landfill Operations $13,130,642
Sportsplex Enterprise Fund
Charges for Services $3,402,574
From General Fund $168,009
Total Sportsplex Enterprise Fund $3,570,583
Community Spay/Neuter Fund
Animal Tax $27,000
Intergovernmental $8,000
Miscellaneous $11,600
Appropriated Fund Balance $14,250
Total Community Spay/Neuter Fund $60,850
Article 46 Sales Tax Fund
Sales Tax Proceeds $3,511,492
Total Article 46 Sales Tax Fund $3,511,492
2
3 Section IV. Tax Rate Levy
4 There is hereby levied for the fiscal year 2017-18 a general county-wide tax rate of 83.77 cents
5 per $100 of assessed valuation. This rate shall be levied in the General Fund. Special district
6 tax rates are levied as follows:
7
8
Cedar Grove 8.10
Greater Chapel Hill Fire Service District 14.91
Damascus 10.30
Efland 6.78
Eno 8.68
Little River 4.92
21
New Hope 9.94
Orange Grove 6.81
Orange Rural 9.15
South Orange Fire Service District 9.68
Southern Triangle Fire Service District 10.30
White Cross 11.37
Chapel Hill-Carrboro School District 20.18
1
2 Section V. General Fund Appropriations for Local School Districts
3 The following FY 2017-18 General Fund Appropriations for Chapel Hill-Carrboro
4 City Schools and Orange County Schools are approved:
5
6 a) Current Expense appropriation for local school districts totals $80,745,847, and equates
7 to a per pupil allocation of$3,991.
8 1) The Current Expense appropriation to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools is
9 $48,530,521.
10 2) The Current Expense appropriation to the Orange County Schools is
11 $32,215,326.
12 b) Recurring Capital appropriation for local school districts totals $3,000,000
13 1) The Recurring Capital appropriation to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
14 totals $1,803,000.
15 2) The Recurring Capital appropriation to the Orange County Schools totals
16 $1,197,000.
17 c) School Related Debt Service for local school districts totals $15,074,910.
18 d) Additional County funding for local school districts totals $5,454,000
19
20 (1) School Resource Officers and School Health Nurses Contracts - Total
21 appropriation of$3,354,000 to cover the costs of School Resource Officers
22 in every middle and high school, and a School Health Nurse in every
23 elementary, middle, and high schools in both school systems.
24 (2) One-time discretionary funding of$2,100,000 by ADM is allocated to the
25 school systems by the following: Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
26 appropriation is $1,262,100 and Orange County Schools appropriation is
27 $837,900.
28
29 Section VI. Schedule B License
30 In accordance with Schedule B of the Revenue Act, Article 2, Chapter 105 of the North Carolina
31 State Statutes, and any other section of the General Statutes so permitting, there are hereby
32 levied privilege license taxes in the maximum amount permitted on businesses, trades,
33 occupations or professions which the County is entitled to tax.
34
35 Section VII. Animal Licenses
36 A license costing $10 for sterilized dogs and sterilized cats is hereby levied. A license for un-
37 sterilized dogs and a license for un-sterilized cats is $30 per animal.
38
39 Section VIII. Board of Commissioners' Compensation
40 The Board of County Commissioners authorizes that:
22
1 • Salaries of County Commissioners will be adjusted by any wage increase and/or any
2 other general increase granted to permanent County employees. For fiscal year 2017-
3 18, the approved budget includes a total 2% wage increase, effective July 1, 2017.
4 • Annual compensation for County Commissioners will include the County contribution for
5 health insurance, dental insurance and life insurance that is provided for permanent
6 County employees, provided the Commissioners are eligible for this coverage under the
7 insurance contracts and other contracts affecting these benefits.
8 • County Commissioners' compensation includes eligibility to continue to participate in the
9 County health insurance at term end as provided below:
10
11 o If the County Commissioner has served less than two full terms in office (less
12 than eight years), the Commissioner may participate by paying the full cost of
13 such coverage. (If the Commissioner is age 65 or older, Medicare becomes the
14 primary insurer and group health insurance ends.)
15
16 o If the County Commissioner has served two or more full terms in office (eight
17 years or more), the County makes the same contribution for health insurance
18 coverage that it makes for an employee who retires from Orange County after 20
19 years of consecutive County service as a permanent employee. If the
20 Commissioner is age 65 or older, Medicare becomes the primary insurer and
21 group health insurance ends. The County makes the same contribution for
22 Medicare Supplement coverage that it makes for a retired County employee with
23 20 years of service.
24
25 o Annual compensation for Commissioners will include a County contribution for
26 each Commissioner to the Deferred Compensation (457) Supplemental
27 Retirement Plan that is the same as the County contribution for non-law
28 enforcement County employees in the State 401 (k) plan. For fiscal year 2017-
29 18, the approved budget continues the County contribution of $27.50 per pay
30 period and a County contribution match of up to $63.00 semi-monthly.
31
32 Section IX. Budget Control
33 General Statutes of the State of North Carolina provide for budgetary control measures to exist
34 between a county and public school system. The statute provides:
35
36 Per General Statute 115C-429:
37 (c) The Board of County Commissioners shall have full authority to call for, and the Board of
38 Education shall have the duty to make available to the Board of County Commissioners, upon
39 request, all books, records, audit reports, and other information bearing on the financial
40 operation of the local school administrative unit.
41
42 The Board of Commissioners hereby directs the following measures for budget administration
43 and review:
44 That upon adoption, each Board of Education will supply to the Board of County
45 Commissioners a detailed report of the budget showing all appropriations by function and
46 purpose, specifically to include funding increases and new program funding. The Board of
47 Education will provide to the Board of County Commissioners a copy of the annual audit,
48 monthly financial reports, copies of all budget amendments showing disbursements and use of
49 local moneys granted to the Board of Education by the Board of Commissioners.
50
23
1 The Board of Commissioners hereby approves the following financial policies:
2 • The County will not initiate pay-as-you-go funding until October 1 of each fiscal year,
3 and pending a review of the first quarter financial report, with the exception of County
4 appropriations to the school districts and any other County Manager exceptions.
5 • The County will initiate measures to recoup sales tax proceeds on school capital
6 projects through the conveyance of school property to the County with the school
7 property reverting back to the school districts at the end of the construction period.
8 • The County will ensure that all monthly general ledger postings occur by the 10th work
9 day of each month.
10 • The County will ensure that monthly financial reports are available by the 15th work day
11 of each month.
12 • The County will not issue debt for a project until a bid award date and construction start
13 date is established.
14 • Whereas, it is a best practice for governments to account for capital assets separate
15 from their operating funds, and; Whereas, enterprise funds generally establish Renewal
16 and Replacement Capital Funds to account for the acquisition of capital assets;
17 Therefore,
18 a. The Solid Waste Renewal and Replacement Capital Fund is established to
19 account for sources of income earmarked to fund the County Capital Investment
20 Plan. Sources of income including debt financing proceeds, pay-as-you-go
21 funds, and any other sources earmarked to finance acquisition of capital assets.
22 b. The Sportsplex Renewal and Replacement Capital Fund is established to
23 account for sources of income earmarked to fund the County Capital Investment
24 Plan. Sources of income including debt financing proceeds, pay-as-you-go
25 funds, and any other sources earmarked to finance acquisition of capital assets.
26 • Whereas, the County intends to undertake Capital Projects as approved in Year 1 (FY
27 2017-18) of the Capital Investment Plan, as well as approved Vehicle Replacements for
28 FY 2017-18, use its own funds to pay initial Project costs, and then reimburse itself from
29 financing proceeds for these early expenditures. The expected primary type of financing
30 for the Projects is installment financing under Section 160A-20. The financing may
31 include more than one installment financing, and may include installment financings with
32 equipment vendors and installment financings that include the use of limited obligation
33 bonds. The Manager and Finance Officer have advised the Board that it should adopt
34 this resolution to document the County's plans for reimbursement, in order to comply
35 with certain federal tax rules relating to reimbursement from financing proceeds.
36
37 Section X. Internal Service Fund - Dental and Health Insurance Fund
38 The Dental Insurance Fund accounts for the receipt of premium payments from the County for
39 its employees and from the employees for their dependents, and the payment of employee
40 claims and administration expenses. Projected receipts from the County and employees for
41 fiscal year 2017-18 are $521,054 and projected expense for claims and administration for fiscal
42 year 2017-18 is $521,054.
43
44 The Health Insurance Fund accounts for the receipt of premium payments from the County for
45 its employees and from the employees for their dependents, and the payment of employee
46 claims and administration expenses. Projected receipts from the County and employees for
47 fiscal year 2017-18 is $9,435,744 and projected expense for claims and administration for fiscal
48 year 2017-18 is $9,435,744.
49
50 Section XI. Internal Service Fund -Vehicle Replacement Fund
24
1 The Vehicle Replacement Fund will centralize and account for the purchase and replacement of
2 County vehicles purchased with revenues and funding provided by the Governmental Funds of
3 Orange County (General Fund, Special Revenue and Grants Funds). Projected sources of
4 revenues and funds for fiscal year 2017-18 will be $757,514 of short-term installment financing
5 and internal reserves, and the projected expenses for the purchase of vehicles for fiscal year
6 2017-18 will be $757,514.
7
8 Section XII. Agency Funds
9 These funds account for assets held by the County as an agent for other government units, and
10 by State Statutes, these funds are not subject to appropriation by the Board of County
11 Commissioners, and not included in this ordinance.
12
13 Section XIV. Encumbrances
14 Operating funds encumbered by the County as of June 30, 2017 are hereby reappropriated to
15 this budget.
16
17 Section XV. Capital Projects & Grants Fund
18 The County Capital Improvements Fund, Schools Capital Improvements Fund, Proprietary
19 Capital Funds, Community Development Fund and the Grant Projects Fund are hereby
20 authorized. Appropriations made for the specific projects or grants in these funds are hereby
21 appropriated until the project or grant is complete.
22
23 The County Capital Projects Fund FY 2017-18 budget, with anticipated fund revenues of
24 $14,202,058 and project expenditures of $14,202,058 is hereby adopted in accordance with
25 G.S. 159 by Orange County for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30,
26 2018, and the same is adopted by project.
27
28 The School Capital Projects Fund FY 2017-18 budget, with anticipated fund revenues of
29 $6,612,082, and project expenditures of $6,612,082 is hereby adopted in accordance with G.S.
30 159 by Orange County for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018,
31 and the same is adopted by project. Note: the funding amounts do not include Lottery
32 proceeds of $1,356,362; specific lottery funded projects will be presented to the Board of
33 County Commissioners as part of separate budget amendments during FY2017-18, when
34 quarterly lottery funds are distributed by the State.
35
36 The Proprietary Capital Funds FY 2017-18 budget, consisting of Water and Sewer Utilities,
37 Solid Waste, and Sportsplex, with anticipated fund revenues of $2,325,268, and project
38 expenditures of $2,325,268 is hereby adopted in accordance with G.S. 159 by Orange County
39 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018, and the same is adopted
40 by project.
41
42 The County Grant Projects Fund FY 2017-18 budget, with anticipated fund revenues of
43 $811,880, and project expenditures of $811,880, is hereby adopted in accordance with G.S.
44 159 by Orange County for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2018,
45 and the same is adopted by project.
46
47 Any capital project or grant budget previously adopted, the balance of any anticipated, but not
48 yet received, revenues and any unexpended appropriations remaining on June 30, 2017, shall
49 be reauthorized in the FY 2017-18 budget.
50
25
1 Section XVI. Contractual Obligations
2 The County Manager is hereby authorized to execute contractual documents under the
3 following conditions:
4
5 1. The Manager may execute contracts for construction or repair projects that do not
6 require formal competitive bid procedures, and which are within budgeted departmental
7 appropriations, for which the amount to be expended does not exceed $250,000.
8
9 2. The Manager may execute contracts for general and/or professional services which are
10 within budgeted departmental appropriations, for purchases of apparatus supplies and
11 materials or equipment which are within the budgeted departmental appropriations, and
12 for leases of property for a duration of one year or less and within budgeted
13 departmental appropriations for which the amount to be expended does not exceed
14 $89,999.
15
16 3. Contracts executed by the Manager shall be pre-audited by the Chief Financial Officer
17 and reviewed by the County Attorney to ensure compliance in form and sufficiency with
18 North Carolina law.
19
20 4. The Manager may sign intergovernmental service agreements in amounts under
21 $90,000.
22
23 5. The Manager may sign intergovernmental grant agreements regardless of amount as
24 long as no expenditure of County matching funds, not previously budgeted and
25 approved by the Board, is required. Subsequent budget amendments will be brought to
26 the Board of County Commissioners for revenue generating grant agreements not
27 requiring County matching funds as required for reporting and auditing purposes.
28
29 6. The Manager and Attorney will provide a quarterly report to the County Commissioners
30 showing the type and amount of each intergovernmental agreement signed by the
31 Manager.
32
33 This budget being duly adopted this 20th day of June 2017.
34
35 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs for
36 the Board to adopt the FY2017-18 Budget Ordinance, the FY2017-18 County Grant Projects,
37 and the FY2017-18 County Fee Schedule, consistent with the parameters outlined in the
38 Board's "Resolution of Intent to Adopt the FY2017-18 Orange County Budget".
39
40 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
41
42 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
43 Approve the Manager's Recommendation for the FY2017-18 Budget Ordinance, County Grant
44 Projects and County Fee Schedule.
45
46 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
47
48 b. Acceptance of the Five-Year Capital Investment Plan and Approval of the Orange
49 County CIP Projects of$24,495,770 for FY2017-18
26
1 The Board considered accepting the FY2017-22 Orange County Five-Year Capital
2 Investment Plan, and approving the Orange County CIP Projects of$24,495,770 for FY2017-
3 18.
4
5 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs for
6 the Board to accept the FY2017-22 Orange County Five-Year Capital Investment Plan, and
7 approve funding for FY2017-18, as stated in Attachment 2, Year 1 (FY2017-18) in the Capital
8 Investment Plan; and adopt the FY2017-18 County Capital projects as stated in Attachment 3
9 and FY2017-18 School Capital projects as stated in Attachment 4.
10
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 c. Community Home Trust Acquisition of The Landings at Winmore
14 The Board considered approving Community Home Trust's request, as outlined in the
15 attached letter, for BOCC approval of the acquisition of The Landings at Winmore, and
16 modifying the terms of the Development Agreement attached to the property allowing the
17 acquisition of the property.
18 Annette Moore, Housing, Human Rights, and Community Development Interim Director,
19 reviewed the background information:
20
21 BACKGROUND:
22 In 2007, Orange County as a member of the Orange County HOME Consortium awarded
23 Community Home Trust (CHT) and The Landings at Winmore, LLC $300,000 in HOME funds to
24 acquire land in Carrboro to develop a low income tax credit property. The property, The
25 Landings at Winmore, is a fifty-eight (58) unit tax credit housing development with rental
26 housing specifically for 15 families earning less than 40% area median income ("AMI"), 21
27 families earning less than 50% AMI and 22 families earning less than 60% of AMI.
28
29 On April 13, 2011 Orange County entered into a Development Agreement with The Landings at
30 Winmore LLC, Crosland LLC, Community Home Trust, outlining the terms of the loan. In
31 addition, the parties entered into a declaration of restrictive covenant ensuring the long term
32 affordability of the project and a deed of trust and promissory note securing the loan on the
33 property. The loan of HOME funds to the Landings at Winmore, LLC was a 30-year loan at two
34 percent (2%) interest with a monthly payment of $1,108.86. The balance of the loan is currently
35 $252,090.51.
36
37 In a separate agreement, the Community Home Trust (formerly The Orange Community
38 Housing and Land Trust) was given an option, by the Owners of the property, to purchase the
39 units at the end of the tax-credit qualifying period of sixteen years.
40
41 The Owners of the Landings at Winmore are now interested in transferring the property to the
42 Community Home Trust. The affordability restrictions attached to the property would continue to
43 insure that the apartment units would be rented to individuals and families earning 60% or less
44 of area median income. However, a portion of the development agreement that describes the
45 agency that could purchase the property would need to be modified.
46
47 The current language describes the qualifying agency as an agency that exclusively serves
48 families with incomes not exceeding 80% of area median household income:
49
27
1 "If Owner no longer uses the Property as rental property or is unable to continue
2 ownership, then the Owner must sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its interest in the
3 Property only to an agency with similar interest in affordable housing and serve families
4 with incomes not exceeding 80% of the area median household income by family size,
5 as determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the time
6 of transfer. The non-profit fund, foundation, or corporation of like purpose must have
7 established its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue
8 Code."
9
10 Since the Community Home Trust serves families who are purchasing properties with incomes
11 up to 110% of area median income, the language would need to be broadened to allow the
12 purchasing agency to serve other individuals and families up to 110% of area median income.
13 Community Home Trust currently serves families with incomes under 80% of area median
14 income but not exclusively. The language could be modified as follows to broaden the
15 population served by the purchasing agency:
16
17 "If Owner no longer uses the Property as rental property or is unable to continue
18 ownership, then the Owner must sell, transfer, or otherwise dispose of its interest in the
19 Property only to an agency with similar interest in affordable housing that serves families
20 with incomes under 80% of the area median household income by family size, as
21 determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the time of
22 transfer. The non-profit fund, foundation, or corporation of like purpose must have
23 established its tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code."
24
25 The Community Home Trust has done due diligence on the property and has reported the
26 following:
27 1. The property has been losing money for the past several years;
28 2. The Owners have drawn down their operating reserves by more than 50%;
29 3. An inspection revealed the need for several immediate repairs —with an estimated
30 cost of about $50,000;
31 4. Community Home Trust is commissioning a phase I environmental assessment;
32 5. Community Home Trust has met with representatives of the management company
33 who provided them with their perspective on the tensions at the Property;
34 6. Community Home Trust has met with a tenant to hear her perspective on what is
35 working and what is not working; and
36 7. Community Home Trust has also met with Justice United.
37
38 Community Home Trust will contract with a property management company certified by the
39 North Carolina Housing Finance Agency to manage the property.
40
41 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the agreement will be changed to indicate that residents
42 could buy housing based on the allowances of the CHT, which would be up to 110%; or if they
43 would have to adjust their policy to only allow up to 80%.
44 Annette Moore said in this particular development there is 99-year affordability
45 documentation, so CHT cannot rent these properties to anyone that earns more than 60% of
46 area median income.
47 Commissioner Jacobs said he does not see this information in the abstract.
48 Annette Moore said that information is in the declarations, which the Commissioners do
49 not have before them this evening. She said there are the documents that are part of the
50 affordability legal documents; there is a deed of trust; a declaration of restrictive covenants,
28
1 which has the 99-year affordability period; a development agreement, which is from where this
2 language comes; and there is a promissory note. She said all of these documents secure the
3 loan, as well as the terms that the Department of Housing and Urban Development requires.
4 Chair Dorosin said the property has the 60% restriction, and the other documents that
5 Ms. Moore is describing would prohibit any entity, that serves anybody above 60%, from being
6 involved in the project. He said the 60% will stay on the project, but the agreement is being
7 changed to say that even though CHT goes up to 80% to 110%, it cannot rent the properties to
8 those above 60%.
9 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the percentage of the area median income made by
10 schoolteachers, firefighter, police officer, etc. could be identified.
11
12 Annette Moore said she in not exactly sure of the numbers, but would say it is between
13 80% and 110%, and it depends on how many people are in one's family.
14 Robert Dowling, CHT Executive Director, said this is a rental project and CHT will not
15 rent to anyone above 60%, and he said CHT would adhere to those restrictions.
16
17 PUBLIC COMMENT:
18 Robert Dowling said CHT is in the home ownership business, but this is a rental project
19 and CHT is not in the rental business yet. He said this is a development that he has been
20 involved in, and this property is struggling and the owner is out of town and wants to convey the
21 property to CHT, subject just to the loans. He said CHT has done a lot of due diligence, and it
22 seems that this property needs CHT to own it in order for it to succeed. He said CHT is local,
23 up to the challenge, and understands the restrictions. He said he is not seeking additional
24 funds or changes to the interlocal agreement, but knows he can and will come to the BOCC if
25 he needs help in the future.
26 Commissioner Rich asked if the property manager has to be certified.
27 Robert Dowling said the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) controls
28 most of the funding for this project, and as a result this agency gets to call the shots. He said
29 NCHFA is fine with CHT being the owner but is not willing for CHT to be the manager, due to its
30 lack of experience with tax credit projects; and, as a result, CHT must use a Management
31 Company approved by NCHFA. He said he has asked NCHFA if there is an Orange County
32 based Management Company that is approved, and has yet to receive an answer. He said he
33 has spoken to three Management Companies, that are not based in Orange County, about
34 managing this property, and it is currently being managed by an out of town Management
35 Company.
36 Annette Moore said to become a NCHFA certified property Management Company, one
37 must take a three-day test. She said it would be possible to have a local company become
38 certified, but this has not yet happened.
39 Commissioner Rich said she would like to keep the property manager local, if possible.
40 Annette Moore said 80% of median area income for a family of 4 is $58,650.
41 Commissioner Jacobs asked Robert Dowling if there is a plan for unit maintenance.
42 Robert Dowling said CHT is asking the Orange County tax collector for tax exemption,
43 and CHT is eligible by the State statute for property tax exemption, which the current owner is
44 not. He said the property is losing money, and the difference between losing money and
45 breaking even is the property taxes.
46 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the amount of the property taxes is known.
47 Robert Dowling said they were around $43,000 in 2016, which declined to $27,000 in
48 2017, due to revaluation.
49 Commissioner Jacobs asked if Robert Dowling is confident that $27,000 is sufficient to
50 maintain 58 units.
29
1 Robert Dowling said no. He said the property lost $50,000 last year, with the taxes at
2 $43,000. He said there is also an arrearage of an Orange Water and Sewer Authority
3 (OWASA) bill, which requires a $2,000/month surcharge. He said the Carrboro Board of
4 Alderman agreed to pay this off when CHT takes possession, and between these two changes
5 the property should move from the red barely into the black. He said CHT will make a 20 year
6 pro forma, and put the freed up cash flow into the reserves to maintain the property.
7 Commissioner Jacobs said Robert Dowling has intimated a return to the Board in the
8 future to ask for financial assistance, and asked if CHT is starting this project in a position that
9 almost guarantees a return to the Board.
10 Robert Dowling said CHT will be entering into negotiations with the current owner, and
11 he would prefer not to say any more.
12 Commissioner McKee said he liked the model CHT is proposing, but he agreed with
13 Commissioner Jacobs that this project does not address workforce housing. He said he likes
14 the idea, but not the project. He said he owns rental property, and one can either make money
15 or get badly bit, and he fears the latter will occur with this project. He said the maintenance
16 issue must be addressed, and he would like to know more about the project and the financials
17 before buying into this project. He said he anticipates this project having a large financial
18 appetite.
19 Robert Dowling said the County already has money in the deal, and it will either go
20 below the waves or be kept propped up.
21 Commissioner McKee said he is concerned about how much farther in the County will
22 be.
23 Chair Dorosin said 40% of median area income for a family of 4 is $29,325; 50% is
24 $36,656, which is about the starting salary of a teacher; and 60% is $43,988. He said these
25 numbers are all in the range for working class people, and thus this project seems meant for
26 working class people. He said the BOCC has made a priority of affordable rentals at lower
27 median incomes, which requires a greater subsidy. He said these units could be made
28 available to section 8 voucher holders.
29 Robert Dowling said 39 of the 58 units currently house section 8 voucher holders.
30 Chair Dorosin said there have been social justice issues with the current management
31 and the residents of this property. He said he appreciates the questions and concerns, but
32 these are 58 units that could fail and possibly be lost, if not for some form of intervention.
33 Commissioner Burroughs said when the BOCC was awarding the $2.5 million in
34 affordable housing projects; she was struck by how few projects there were. She said the
35 County needs to focus on preserving the existing affordable housing stock, which this project
36 would do. She said she also deals with rental housing, and it is challenging, but it cannot be
37 more expensive to preserve 58 existing units than it is to create 23 from scratch, and as such
38 she supports this project.
39 Commissioner Price agreed with Commissioner Burroughs, and feels strongly about
40 neighborhood preservation. She said it may not make a lot of money, but it provides homes to
41 families.
42 Commissioner Jacobs said he is not opposed to the project, but he is trying to get a
43 more realistic picture of the costs and the vulnerabilities that are not being articulated. He said
44 this project provides more units than were approved through the provision of the $2.5 million,
45 and he wishes this project had come forward during the bond funds discussion.
46 Commissioner McKee said this addresses need and he will not vote against it, but that
47 does not alleviate his concerns that the County will be feeding this project going forward. He
48 asked if CHT would keep the Board of County Commissioners updated, especially pertaining to
49 costs and upgrades.
50
30
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
2 approve the request and approve the Community Home Trust's request to acquire the property
3 and approve the modifications to the Development Agreement as described in this abstract.
4
5 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6
7 Robert Dowling thanked the Board and the staff for its ongoing support, and said he
8 does not expect that CHT will come back to the Board for money. He said it is a possibility, but
9 he does not expect it to be the case.
10
11 d. Operations Agreements - Cedar Grove and Efland Cheeks Community Centers
12 The Board considered entering into operating agreements with non-profit organizations -
13 Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association and United Voices of Efland Cheeks - for the operation
14 of the County's Cedar Grove Community Center and Efland Cheeks Community Center,
15 respectively.
16 David Stancil, DEAPR Director, reviewed the following information:
17
18 BACKGROUND:
19 In June 2016 Orange County began regular operating hours at the Efland Cheeks Community
20 Center (built 1992) and the Cedar Grove Community Center (a 2016 renovation of a 1950
21 building). During FY 2016-17, the County has worked with community groups at each location
22 to operate the centers and provide for community programs and access, with a goal of
23 completing operating agreements at each center for a community non-profit to eventually take
24 over the operation of the centers on a regular schedule. This is a similar approach to the one
25 taken at a third County-owned community center, the Rogers Road Community Center
26 (operated under an existing agreement by the non-profit Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood
27 Association).
28
29 (The Rogers Road / RENA Operating Agreement is a five-year agreement that runs through
30 February 2, 2019. As such, a separate addendum to that agreement incorporating new
31 provisions has been drafted and is included on tonight's June 20, 2017 meeting agenda as a
32 separate Board action.)
33
34 In recent months, a new association has formed and achieved incorporation and non-profit
35 status with the intention of contracting with the County to operate the Cedar Grove Community
36 Center, while an existing incorporated non-profit association has done likewise with the
37 intention of contracting to operate the Efland Cheeks Community Center.
38
39 The United Voices of Efland Cheeks (UVEC) is an existing community non-profit organization in
40 the Efland Cheeks community that has provided for local activities, programs and services over
41 the past two decades. Since the plans to reopen and rejuvenate the existing Efland Cheeks
42 Center began in 2015, United Voices has worked with the County to jointly offer programs (such
43 as a Summer Enrichment Program for area youth in summer 2016) and has met with County
44 staff on a number of occasions regarding center improvements, and needed equipment. Over
45 the last few months, UVEC has begun reviewing a draft operating agreement modeled on the
46 Rogers Road/RENA agreement, and has reached a tentative agreement to sign the draft
47 agreement (attached) and take over operation of the Efland Cheeks Community Center on the
48 days and hours designated as of August 1, 2017.
49
31
1 During the same timeframe, a group of residents in the Cedar Grove community have also
2 come together to form an incorporated non-profit association. The Cedar Grove Neighborhood
3 Association (CGNA) was incorporated in late 2016 and has also provided a number of
4 community events, services, activities and programs (including a Summer Enrichment Program
5 for community youth in summer 2016) at the new Cedar Grove Community Center, which
6 opened on June 18, 2016. Like their counterparts in Efland Cheeks, CGNA has also been
7 reviewing a nearly-identical draft operating agreement over the past few months, and has
8 reached a tentative agreement to sign the draft agreement (attached), and take over operations
9 of the Cedar Grove Community Center on the days and hours designated as of August 1, 2017
10 to give the associations time to hire staff.
11
12 Both agreements:
13 • are two years in length to allow for revisions or changes if provisions are found to need
14 adjustment.
15 • detail use and operation expectations for CGNA/UVEC and the County.
16 • provide for operation of the centers by the respective associations during Monday-
17 Friday from 10 am —7 pm.
18 • provide for the potential for community rentals on Saturdays, Sundays and between 7-
19 10 pm on weeknights. However, both CGNA and UVEC would have priority booking
20 opportunities for any association weekend events that are scheduled in advance
21 (subject to availability); and have the ability to use the center during weekend and
22 evening hours where no rentals/reservations exist.
23 • outline insurance and access provisions (including volunteer training, certification and
24 duties), along with usual language of operations agreement.
25
26 One area of distinction from the 2014 Rogers Road/RENA Agreement is in Section 2(b), which
27 explains the new funding approach to be used for the two community centers and the operating
28 entities. Rather than treating UVEC and CGNA as outside agencies that request funds each
29 year, these agreements recognize that these community non-profit associations are contracting
30 with the County to operate a County-owned facility and thus more internal to County functions
31 than external. The language in Section 2(b) of the agreements provides that each association
32 will develop a budget proposal each winter and submit the budget to the County Manager for
33 consideration and discussion, as a County department would. Upon final decision of the funding
34 level (approved by the Board as part of the annual budget), funds would be disbursed to each
35 association in three main budget categories — Personnel, Operating, and Recurring Capital.
36
37 The Personnel funding would be the County's contribution toward the hiring of a Center staff
38 person(s), which would be an employee of UVEC or CGNA respectively. For FY 2017-18, funds
39 to allow for a Center staff person at 40 hours per week at the living wage would be provided,
40 along with an additional amount to provide 10 hours per week of backup staffing time by a
41 temporary employee. CGNA and UVEC will be responsible for hiring these staff persons as
42 they see fit, within the provisions of the agreement. An annual budgeted amount for operating
43 costs and recurring capital costs is provided in the FY 2017-18 budget, and planned for and
44 addressed in future budgets.
45
46 Both CGNA and UVEC boards have reviewed the draft agreements and have indicated their
47 approval. Since actual transfer of center operations will not occur until August 1, 2017,
48 operations by the neighborhood associations will begin prior to the Board's return from summer
49 break. As such, it may be desirable to authorize the Manager to execute the Agreements and
50 fix
32
1 the date for actual transfer of operation to the associations, if it differs from the planned August
2 1 date and occurs prior to September 5, 2017. This scenario would also require some use of
3 the budgeted funds for the two associations, since the County does not have budgeted funds
4 for community center staff and operations after July 1.
5
6 FINANCIAL IMPACT: The financial impact of the operating agreements is that the County
7 commits to appropriating an amount of funding for each center as part of the annual County
8 budget. For FY 2017-18, this equates to $89,609 for the Cedar Grove Community Center and
9 $85,881 for the Efland Cheeks Community Center. Both of these amounts include $38,485 for
10 personnel (employees of CGNA and UVEC respectively, to be hired by the associations) and
11 $3,000 in recurring capital. The slight difference in operating costs ($3,728) for FY 2017-18 is
12 based on the difference in the requested budget and outside agency funding from the two
13 associations. A prorated portion of this amount would be used by the County for the month of
14 July 2017 if the associations do not take over operations until August 1.
15
16 For FY 2018-19 (and future years if renewed), UVEC and CGNA will work with County staff to
17 develop a budget proposal concurrently with the development of the County budget, which will
18 be forwarded to the County Manager for consideration in the creation of the Manager's
19 Recommended Budget for that year.
20
21 A budget amendment will be brought forward after the summer break to provide for the
22 revenues and associated costs for center rentals and reservations, which will be managed by
23 the County (with priority booking for the associations) and part of the County budget as in prior
24 years.
25
26 David Stancil made the following PowerPoint presentation:
27
28 Operations Agreements
29 Cedar Grove and Efland Cheeks Community Centers
30 June 20, 2017
31
32 Orange County Community Centers
33 Efland Cheeks Community Center (1992)
34 Rogers Road Community Center (2014)
35 Cedar Grove Community Center (2016)*
36 * Formerly Cedar Grove School (1950)
37
38 The Operations Agreements
39 Based on RENA Agreement from 2014
40 RENA Agreement continues through 2019 (separate consent agenda item — update)
41 New Agreements - neighborhood associations:
42 United Voices of Efland-Cheeks
43 Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association
44
45 Efland Cheeks Summer Enrichment 2016 (photo)
46
47 Major Provisions of the Agreements
48 • Two-year terms, renewable
49 • Detail use and operation expectations
50 • Insurance, volunteer and access
33
1 • Provides for Monday-Friday 10am - 7pm
2 o Assn's may use other hours if not rented
3 o Assn's may "priority book" other dates
4
5 New Funding Arrangement
6 • Added to the new agreements (and addendum to current RENA agreement)
7 • Associations develop annual budgets
8 • County provides funds for personnel, operating and recurring capital
9 • Develop as part of annual budget process
10
11 Status of Agreements
12 • Several drafts created and reviewed with CGNA and UVEC
13 • Both associations have approved and signed the agreements
14 • Effective date set for August 1, 2017
15
16 Recommendation
17 • Approve the Operations Agreements for
18 o Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association
19 o United Voices of Efland Cheeks
20 • Authorize the County Manager to sign and execute the agreement (between August 1
21 and September 5, 2017, if needed).
22
23 Commissioner McKee asked if there was any interaction between the Hillsborough
24 Youth Athletic Association (HYAA) and the centers regarding the baseball fields, and if this
25 would change the arrangement.
26 David Stancil said this does not change the arrangement, and he said there is a
27 separate license agreement with HYAA, which runs for a few more years. He said HYAA is
28 very accommodating, particularly with field number 1, which is historically part of the old Cedar
29 Grove School.
30 Commissioner Price said this document is fine, but suggested putting the terms for
31 using the parking and the park in a separate document or addendum.
32 Commissioner Rich asked if there is room in the two year period to address changes or
33 issues.
34 David Stancil said yes, upon mutual consent of the two parties, amendments could be
35 made.
36 Commissioner Jacobs asked if usage fees could be explained.
37 David Stancil said the centers will set up their own structure for reservations and rentals
38 allowed during the period of time they control the center, and outside of that it will work through
39 the County fee schedule and facilities use policy.
40 Commissioner Jacobs asked if the County will pay fees during the time that the centers
41 are in control.
42 David Stancil said the agreement does not speak to that, and some County departments
43 have used the centers for meetings. He said it would be up to the associations to determine
44 whether that was allowable or not, during their operating hours.
45
46 PUBLIC COMMENT:
47 Elvira Mebane said she is President of United Voices of Efland Cheeks, and she
48 thanked the BOCC for allowing the staff to work with them to get this done.
49 Commissioner McKee said the thank yous go both ways, and the Efland Cheeks and
50 Cedar Grove associations pulled together and accomplished a lot in a short period of time.
34
1 Commissioner Jacobs said he wanted to compliment both community groups, the
2 Manager and David Stancil for creating a system that provides greater autonomy, funding for
3 each group, and allows the groups to take ownership of these facilities that are an integral part
4 of their communities. He said he hopes there can be a tacit agreement between the County
5 and the centers, where the County will not ask to use the centers during prime times, and in
6 turn the centers will not charge the County a fee for usage.
7
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs for the
9 Board to approve the Operations Agreements for 1) the Cedar Grove Community Center, with
10 Cedar Grove Neighborhood Association, and 2) the Efland Cheeks Community Center, with
11 United Voices of Efland Cheeks. Since the actual date of transfer of operations for the centers
12 is projected to occur on August 1, 2017 or a date to be determined but before September 5,
13 2017, it is also recommended that the Board authorize the County Manager to execute the
14 Operations Agreements to formally transfer center operations for the two centers on a mutually-
15 agreed upon date by the County and the respective neighborhood associations, if necessary,
16 prior to September 5, 2017.
17
18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
19
20 7. Reports
21 NONE
22
23 8. Consent Agenda
24
25 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
26
27 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
28
29 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
30 approve the Consent Agenda.
31
32 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
33
34 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
35
36 a. Minutes
37 The Board approved the minutes from May 16, 18 and 25, 2017 as submitted by the Clerk to
38 the Board.
39 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
40 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle
41 property tax values for four (4) taxpayers with a total of four (4) bills that will result in a reduction
42 of revenue, in accordance with the NCGS.
43 c. JCPC Certification for FY 2017-2018
44 The Board approved the Orange County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
45 Certification for FY 2017-2018 and authorized the Chair to sign.
46 d. Addendum to Current Operating Agreement— Rogers Road Community Center
47 The Board approved an addendum to the existing operating agreement with the Rogers
48 Eubanks Neighborhood Association for the Rogers Road Community Center to add provisions
49 that match with certain language in new operating agreements for Cedar Grove and Efland-
50 Cheeks community centers.
35
1 e. Easement Agreement with Duke Energy Related to the Orange County Animal
2 Services Center Property
3 The Board approved an easement agreement for the installation of overhead power lines
4 across the Orange County Animal Services Center property and authorized the Chair to sign.
5 f. Impact Fee Reimbursement Request— Habitat for Humanity
6 The Board reimbursed the impact fees requested by Habitat for Humanity in the amount of
7 $33,738 for six (6) homes constructed in Orange County for low-income persons.
8 g. Efland Sewer to Mebane, Phase 2 Extension —Construction Contract Agreement
9 Authorization
10 The Board approved a construction agreement with J. F. Wilkerson Contracting Company for
11 the construction of the Efland Sewer to Mebane, Phase 2 Extension at a total cost of
12 $3,586,121 to serve part of the Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane Utility Planning Area and authorized
13 the Chair to sign.
14 h. Efland Sewer to Mebane, Phase 2 Extension —Construction Engineering and
15 Inspection Services Contract for the Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane Utility Planning Area
16 The Board approved an agreement with McGill Associates (McGill)for the construction
17 engineering and inspection (CEI) related services for the Efland Sewer to Mebane, Phase 2
18 Extension to serve the Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane Utility Planning Area and authorized the Chair
19 to sign.
20 i. Resolution of Support for the Town of Carrboro's Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)
21 Extension Request
22 The Board approved a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, of support for the Town of
23 Carrboro's ETJ Extension request.
24 j. Fiscal Year 2016-17 Budget Amendment#10
25 The Board approved budget and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2016-17.
26 k. Orange County ABC Board Travel Policy
27 The Board approved the Orange County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board's adoption
28 and continued use of Orange County's travel policy.
29 I. Amended Contract Regarding Fee for FY 2016-2017 Audit
30 The Board approved a contract amending the fee for the FY 2016-17 audit by Mauldin &
31 Jenkins, PLLC from $78,500 to $84,500 due to increased State audit requirements for the
32 Medicaid audit program and authorized the Chair to sign.
33 m. Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Chapel Hill — Carrboro
34 City Schools (CHCCS) and Contingent Approval of Budget Amendment#10-A Related
35 to CHCCS Capital Project Ordinances
36 The Board approved an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
37 (NCDPI) to release proceeds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2016-17
38 debt service payments for Chapel Hill —Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS), and to approve
39 Budget Amendment#10-A (amended School Capital Project Ordinances), contingent on the
40 NCDPI's approval of the application and authorized the Chair to sign.
41 n. Rescission of Interlocal Agreement Between Orange County and the Town of
42 Hillsborough for Construction and Operation of Water and Sewer Facilities in the
43 Hillsborough Area Economic Development District of Orange County
44 The Board rescinded approval of and voided the interlocal agreement with the Town of
45 Hillsborough that sets forth conditions of utility installation and operation with associated land
46 use consistency with prior cooperative planning efforts; and authorized the County Manager,
47 County Attorney, and staff to continue to negotiate the interlocal agreement with the Town of
48 Hillsborough over the summer break and present a new proposed agreement for consideration
49 at a future Board meeting.
50
36
1 9. County Manager's Report
2 Bonnie Hammersley congratulated the Board on its adopted budget, and reminded the
3 Board to provide any feedback to staff regarding the budget process.
4
5 10. County Attorney's Report
6 None
7
8 11. *Appointments
9
10 b. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board —Appointments
11 The Board considered making appointments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
12
13 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
14 appoint the following to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board:
15
16 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #3) "At-Large" representative for Keith
17 Bagby expiring 06/30/2020.
18 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #4) "At-Large" representative for Mike
19 Lassiter expiring 06/30/2020.
20
21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
24 appoint Greg Jarvis as Chair to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
25
26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
28 c. Arts Commission —Appointment
29 The Board considered making an appointment to the Arts Commission.
30
31 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
32 appoint the following to the Arts Commission:
33
34 • Appointment to a first full term (position #9) "At-Large" for Chris Kubica expiring
35 03/31/2020.
36
37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
38
39 d. Board of Health —Appointments
40 The Board considered making appointments to the Board of Health.
41
42 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
43 appoint the following to the Board of Health:
44
45 • Appointment to a third full term (Position #1) "Veterinarian" representative for Dr. Susan
46 Elmore expiring 06/30/2020.
47 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #3) "Citizen/Commissioner Appointment"
48 representative for Jessica Frega expiring 06/30/2020.
49 • Appointment to a third full term (Position #4) "At-Large Nurse" representative for Liska
50 Lackey expiring 06/30/2020.
37
1 • Appointment to a partial term (Position #5) "Optometrist" representative for Dr. Bruce
2 Baldwin expiring 06/30/2018.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 e. Chapel Hill Library Board of Trustees —Appointment
7 The Board considered making an appointment to the Chapel Hill Library Board of
8 Trustees.
9
10 A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
11 appoint Virginia Baeckler to Position #1.
12
13 VOTE: Ayes, 3 (Commissioner Marcoplos, Commissioner Jacobs, Commissioner Rich); Nays,
14 4 (Chair Dorosin, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Price, Commissioner
15 Burroughs)
16
17 MOTION FAILED.
18
19 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to
20 appoint the following to the Chapel Hill Library Board of Trustees
21
22 • Appointment to a second full term (Position #1) "Orange County Resident BOCC
23 Appointee" representative for James R. Stroud expiring 06/30/2021*.
24
25
26 *NOTE —The positions on this Board are four year terms.
27
28 VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Chair Dorosin, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Price, Commissioner
29 Burroughs); Nays, 3 (Commissioner Marcoplos, Commissioner Rich, Commissioner Jacobs)
30
31 Commissioner McKee asked if feedback could be secured from all boards.
32 Donna Baker said James Stroud, and all boards, were invited to come to BOCC work
33 sessions in the spring, and he had not responded.
34 Commissioner Jacobs said he and former Commissioner Pelissier met with James
35 Stroud when he was appointed, and specifically requested periodic updates with the BOCC. He
36 said Mr. Stroud has ignored this request for four years.
37 Chair Dorosin said it would have been helpful if Commissioner Jacobs had mentioned
38 this information prior to the vote.
39 Commissioner McKee said that he would contact Mr. Strowd to impress the Board's
40 desire for, and expectation of, feedback.
41 Chair Dorosin implored the Board to share any relevant information about nominees in
42 the future.
43
44 f. Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission —Appointment
45 The Board will consider making an appointment to the Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways,
46 and Recreation Commission.
47
48 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
49 appoint the following to the Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways, and Recreation Commission:
50
38
1 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #1) "Orange County" representative for Emma
2 Armstrong-Carter expiring 06/30/2020.
3
4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5
6 g. Hillsborough Board of Adjustment—Appointments
7 The Board considered making appointments to the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment.
8
9 A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
10 appoint the following to the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment:
11
12 • Appointment to a first full term (position #1) "Alternate Hillsborough ETJ" for Rob Bray
13 expiring 06/30/2020.
14 • Appointment to a second full term (position #3) "Hillsborough ETJ" for David L.
15 Remington expiring 06/30/2020.
16
17 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
18
19 h. Historic Preservation Commission —Appointment
20 The Board considered making an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
23 appoint the following to the Historic Preservation Commission:
24
25 • Appointment to a first full term (Position #2) "At-Large" for Thomas Loter expiring
26 06/30/2020.
27
28 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
29
30 i. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointments
31 The Board considered making appointments to the Nursing Home Community Advisory
32 Committee.
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
35 appoint the following to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee:
36
37 • Appointment to a one year training term (Position #5) "At-Large Nursing Home
38 Administration" representative for Jennifer Moore expiring 06/20/2018.
39 • Appointment to a one year training term (Position #10) "At-Large One Year Training"
40 position for Peggy Iris Lanier expiring 06/20/2018.
41
42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44 12. Information Items
45
46 • June 6, 2017 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
47 • Memorandum Regarding TARPO Prioritization
48 • Memorandum Regarding Eno EDD and Hillsborough Area EDD Communications with
49 Public and Property Owners
50 • Update on the Affordable Housing Land Banking/Mobile Home Park Work Group
39
1 • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from June 6, 2017 Regular Meeting
2
3 13. Closed Session
4
5 A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
6 go into closed session at 9:41 p.m. for the purpose of:
7
8 "To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of
9 appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or
10 prospective public officer or employee" NCGS § 143-318.11(a) (6).
11
12 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
13 I don't have this information below yet because I did not sit in for this portion (Manager's
14 evaluation) so hopefully will get it at some point over the summer and will insert it.
15
16
17 RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION:
18
19 A motion was made by seconded by to go into regular session at .
20
21 VOTE UNANIMOUS
22
23 ADJOURNMENT
24
25 A motion was made by seconded by to adjourn the meeting at .
26
27 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
28
29 Mark Dorosin, Chair
30
31 Donna Baker
32 Clerk to the Board
33
34
1
1 Attachment 6
2
3 DRAFT MINUTES
4 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 Special Meeting
6 August 23, 2017
7 8:30 a.m.
8
9
10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a special meeting on Wednesday,
11 August 23, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. at the Whitted Building, 300 W. Tryon St. in Hillsborough,
12 N.C.
13
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Barry
15 Jacobs, Mark Marcoplos and Penny Rich
16 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioners Burroughs, McKee and
17 Price.
18 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT:
19 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: Deputy County Manager Travis Myren and Deputy
20 Clerk to the Board David Hunt
21
22
23
24 Chair Dorosin called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m.
25
26 Commissioner Marcoplos was recognized and read a proposed proclamation Recognizing
27 Labor Day 2017 as Living Wage Day in Orange County:
28
29 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
30
31 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING LABOR DAY 2017 AS
32 LIVING WAGE DAY IN ORANGE COUNTY
33
34 WHEREAS, chronic poverty is the biggest challenge to sustainable, diverse, and healthy
35 communities; and
36
37 WHEREAS, the minimum wage has not increased in North Carolina beyond the
38 federally mandated minimum of$7.25 set in 2009, which has lost nearly 10% of its value
39 due to cost of living increases; and
40
41 WHEREAS, the costs of housing, food, child care, and health care have increased
42 substantially in the eight years since the federal minimum was last raised; and
43
44 WHEREAS,many workers in Orange County make less than living wages; and
45
2
1 WHEREAS, a living wage can lift workers out of poverty and towards the middle class;
2 and
3
4 WHEREAS,more workers with higher incomes can afford to live in Orange County and
5 spend money locally; and
6
7 WHEREAS, employers who pay their workers a living wage report substantially less
8 turnover, better job performance, and higher levels of positive customer engagement; and
9
10 WHEREAS, Orange County Living Wage has certified 126 employers who voluntarily
11 pay a living wage and promotes those employers to the community to build a base of
12 engaged, informed consumers who support living-wage-certified businesses and
13 nonprofits; and
14
15 WHEREAS, Orange County Living Wage plans a month-long campaign in September
16 2017 to encourage people to do business with living wage certified employers; and
17
18 WHEREAS, Labor Day is a national holiday in recognition of the contributions of
19 workers to our economy; and
20
21 WHEREAS, Orange County, in honor of Labor Day, maintains its support of living wage
22 efforts and businesses that provide a living wage to all their employees;
23
24 NOW, THEREFORE, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, a living-wage-
25 certified employer, does hereby proclaim Labor Day 2017 as Living Wage Day in Orange
26 County and encourage consumers to support businesses paying their workers a living
27 wage.
28 This the 23rd day of August 2017.
29
30
31 Mark Dorosin, Chair
32 Orange County Board of Commissioners
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
35 Board to approve the proclamation Recognizing Labor Day 2017 as Living Wage Day in
36 Orange County and authorized the Chair to sign the proclamation.
37
38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS (Dorosin, Jacobs, Marcoplos, Rich)
39
40
41 This portion of the meeting was adjourned at 8:33 a.m.
42
43 Mark Dorosin, Chair
44
45 David Hunt
46 Deputy Clerk to the Board
47