HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-03-2017 1
APPROVED 10/17/2017
MINUTES
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
October 3, 2017
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, October 3,
2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Dorosin and Commissioners Mia Burroughs,
Barry Jacobs, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, Renee Price and Penny Rich
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Chair Dorosin said that Commissioner McKee will be late this evening.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
DEFERRED: 11a -Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointments
A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
defer this item -Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee appointments to a later
meeting.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
ADDED:
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to add
this item to the agenda: 8-j-proposed-Approval of Ownership of Transfer/Purchase of Cedar
Valley and Efland Properties
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
add an additional closed session item to the agenda:
"To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations," NCGS § 143-
318.11(a)(4).
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
The following items were noted at the Commissioners' places:
- PowerPoint for Item 6-a
- PowerPoint presentations for Item 6-c
- PowerPoint for Item 6-d
- Copy of Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) calendar for Item 6-e
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Dorosin dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
NONE
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
(These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
below.)
3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
Commissioner Burroughs had no comments.
Commissioner Rich had no comments.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he went to the International Bluegrass Musicians
Association (IBMA) event this past weekend, where he heard an artist named Molly Tuttle, who
was the first female IBMA guitarist of the year. He said her guitar of choice was a pre-war
guitar made in Hillsborough.
Commissioner Price petitioned the Board to consider a draft resolution in the next
month or so in reference to a PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING DECEMBER 6, 2017 AS
ABOLITION DAY.
Commissioner Price asked if the Planning Department could provide maps to insure
consistency in various meetings, like SWOT analysis.
Commissioner Jacobs said he and Commissioner Price attended the Greenways
Conference this past Sunday, and a report will be released this week about the benefits of
greenways and open spaces. He said he spoke with someone from the Virginia Department of
Recreation and Open spaces, who said the ratio of spending to return is 60 to 1. He said he
will forward the report to the BOCC once he receives it.
Commissioner Jacobs said he and Commissioners Marcoplos and Rich met yesterday
for a discussion to review possible County transportation projects, both proposed and possible,
in time to submit them for the October DCHC MPO meeting, which is scheduled for
Wednesday, October 11th. He said they would do this with an eye toward establishing a
regular process for advancing Orange County priorities, and gaining funding for same. He
said the idea is to begin meeting periodically to anticipate planning deadlines for both the
DCHC and Burlington-Graham MPOs, and determine what are Orange County's preferences
and priorities at a more collaborative level. He said beyond that, we can discuss important
concepts, plans and concerns for other processes and venues including the quarterly meetings
with DOT staff. He said follow up reports would be provided from time to time to the entire
BOCC.
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Commissioner Jacobs said next Monday there will be a meeting in response to a
petition from Commissioner Marcoplos about the JPA anniversary, and staff invited planners
from Chapel Hill and Carrboro to attend.
Chair Dorosin had no comments.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Endorsement of Proposed National Register of Historic Places Nomination for the
Efland Home (NC Industrial Home for Colored Girls)
The Board considered the Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation that the
historic property known as the Efland Home be submitted for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places, and to authorize the Chair to sign the attached Elected Official Comment
Letter.
Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator, made a PowerPoint presentation of
photographs, and reviewed the following information:
BACKGROUND:
The process for listing a property in the National Register of Historic Places includes a
provision allowing the BOCC to offer an opinion for or against the listing of a particular historic
property within its jurisdiction. The owners of the Efland Home initiated the National Register
Nomination process for their property as part of their long-term effort to protect the property
and ensure that its important history is documented and shared. The Historic Preservation
Commission undertook this project to prepare the National Register Nomination as one of its
program goals for 2017. Funding was provided through the County's Lands Legacy Program,
which includes as one of its priorities the protection of"lands of historic, cultural, or
archaeological significance".
The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) fully supports the nomination of this property to
the National Register. The Commission held an informational meeting and received public
comment about this National Register Nomination at its regular meeting on September 27,
2017. A letter from the HPC Chair in follow-up to that meeting is provided at Attachment 3.
The National Register is an honorary designation that carries no local regulatory burden but
does provide a federal and state process for protection in the case of projects receiving federal
or state funding, or projects that require some form of federal or state permit or license.
Examples include highways, pipelines, wetland disturbance and cell towers.
The attached excerpt of the National Register Nomination document provides a detailed
discussion of the history of the Efland Home. The information details its statewide significance
as North Carolina's first reform institution for African American girls when it opened in 1925.
The project was spearheaded by Dr. Charlotte Hawkins Brown, a nationally recognized black
educator and social reformer. Funds to build and operate the Efland Home were raised by
black women across the state under the auspices of the NC Federation of Colored Women's
Clubs.
Commissioner Jacobs said he thought the significance of the home was known at the
time that the solar installation was put in next door.
Peter Sandbeck said the home was known of, but it was not on the historical register.
He said federal law only protects a property once it is on the register.
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Chair Dorosin asked if an historical marker can be secured.
Peter Sandbeck said he talked with the owners, and they are shy about doing this, and
are also concerned about vandalism, but he said he will continue to pursue this. He said the
home can also be a County landmark, which would entitle it to a property tax benefit, and
some additional protections.
Chair Dorosin asked if the owners' permission would be needed in order to place a
marker on Route 70. He said he would like there to be a marker.
Peter Sandbeck said he would consult with the owners, and he would be best to let
them know, but their permission is not needed.
Commissioner Price said the owners do have reservations about a marker by their
house, but hopefully they will consider a marker on Hwy 70. She said she appreciated the
Historic Preservation Commissioner bringing this forward.
Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:26 p.m.
A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Price for
the Board to endorse the National Register Nomination of the Efland home and authorized the
Chair to sign the Elected Official Comment Letter (Attachment 4).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5. Public Hearings
NONE
6. Regular Agenda
a. Interlocal Agreement Between Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough for
Construction and Operation of Water and Sewer Facilities in the Hillsborough Area
Economic Development District of Orange County
The Board reviewed and considered approving the interlocal agreement with the Town
of Hillsborough that sets forth conditions of utility installation and operation with associated
land use consistency with prior cooperative planning efforts and authorized the Chair to sign.
BACKGROUND:
Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough have been coordinating planning efforts around
the common interest land fringes of the Town of Hillsborough since 2002. These efforts led to
more a formalized 2007 acceptance of an area `Strategic Growth Plan' and the pursuit of an
interlocal agreement that proposed additional implementation steps by both local governments.
The Interlocal Agreement between Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough for
construction and operation of water and sewer facilities in the Hillsborough Area Economic
Development District of Orange County was presented at the May 2, 2017 Board of County
Commissioners meeting.
Following this meeting, the attorney for the Town of Hillsborough suggested modifications to
the agreement to further define how the determination of capacity is made by the Town. This
includes consistency with Hillsborough's adopted Future Land Use Plan for the specific area in
the southwest quadrant and further limits connections to "industrial and commercial". In
addition, the word "only" was deleted from Section 4 which allows the consideration of"other
aspects outlined herein" (such as land use, reservation period, etc.) to be operative instead of
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"only" a capacity determination. This agreement does not include proposed expansions to the
WASMPBA primary area, if approved, which were primarily (over 80%) in the southeast
quadrant. The proposed agreement is included in Attachment 1. The agreement was
presented and approved at the Hillsborough Board of Commissioners meeting on September
25, 2017.
Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said this has been a project involving many County
departments and the Town of Hillsborough. He said this item was in front of the Board of
County Commissioners (BOCC) on May 2nd when the BOCC approved it, and it subsequently
went to the Town, who wanted more specific language to be consistent with the joint plan. He
said the addition of the changes included that this has to do with non-residential development;
there is a capacity of 108,000 gallons; and the agreement lasts for five years.
Craig Benedict said there was previous consideration of expanding the water and
sewer boundary agreement. He said the County approved this expansion, contingent upon
Hillsborough's approval. He said Hillsborough has not yet approved this item, and so this does
not affect or include a larger area. He said this can be amended at a later date if needed.
Craig Benedict said this does not mandate annexation into the Town, but a resident
who wanted water and sewer agreement would sign a voluntary annexation agreement to be
acted upon by Hillsborough at such time in the future.
Commissioner Rich asked if the residential annexation could be clarified.
Craig Benedict said there would have to be a voluntary annexation agreement, which is
a signed document that does not cause the process to begin, but Hillsborough would have it in
hand, and could act upon it at a later date.
Commissioner Rich asked if there are other examples of where this has happened.
Craig Benedict said this would also occur in the Eno Economic Development District
(EDD), and Mebane annexation zones.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
Board to:
1. Receive the interlocal agreement between Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough
as detailed in this abstract and contained in Attachment 1; and
2. Authorize the Chair to sign the interlocal agreement with County Manager approval for
outlined aspects of the agreement pending County Attorney review.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Expansion of the Role of the HOME Program Review Committee and Renaming the
Committee as the "Orange County Local Government Affordable Housing
Collaborative"
The Board reviewed and considered an expanded scope of the HOME Program
Review Committee. The expanded scope would allow for broader discussions about, as well
as seek collaborative solutions to affordable housing issues in the County. In addition, the
expansion serves as a response to community input shared during discussions on the 2016
Affordable Housing Bond as it relates to intergovernmental collaboration.
BACKGROUND:
The Orange County HOME Program Consortium was formed in 1992 to receive federal HOME
Program funds. Partners in the Consortium include the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and
Hillsborough, as well as Orange County. In 2000, several elected officials from the participating
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jurisdictions expressed an interest in having more involvement in the evaluation of funding
applications and development of the annual HOME Program Plan. Thus the Orange County
HOME Program Review Committee was approved by all participating jurisdictions in the
Consortium. Initially the Committee met on a quarterly basis. In recent years, the Committee
has met during the budget period to evaluate funding applications.
At a recent Assembly of Governments Meeting, elected officials indicated an interest in having
the staff and HOME Program Review Committee expand its scope to include broader
discussions about the County's affordable housing issues, as well as seek to create
collaborative strategies and solutions. Furthermore, during discussions regarding the 2016
bond for affordable housing, members of the community stressed the importance of
intergovernmental collaboration as a way to maximize public funds used for affordable housing
purposes.
Sherrill Hampton, Housing, Human Rights and Community Development Director, made
the following PowerPoint presentation:
Expansion of the Role and Renaming of the HOME Program Review Committee
October 3, 2017
Decision Points
• Review and consider revisions to the HOME Program Review Committee's role
o Expand the Committee's role to include the following:
a.) strategize about funding options
b.) provide updates on projects and affordable housing efforts, as well as code
or policy changes
c.) develop shared targets and goals for affordable housing preservation and
development and track progress over time
d.) tell the story of the impact of the County's affordable housing initiatives
e.) serve as advocates (elected officials) for affordable housing in Orange
County
f.) Continue to provide guidance on the administration of HOME Program
activities as required by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development
(HUD) and other resources.
• In light of the proposed expansion of the Committee's role, the Committee would be
renamed the "Orange County Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative".
Background
• Orange County HOME Program Consortium formed in 1992 to receive federal HOME
Program funds.
• HOME Program Consortium members include the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill,
Hillsborough and Orange County.
• In 2000, based on elected officials interest in having more involvement in the evaluation
of funding applications and the creation of the annual HOME Program Plan, the
Orange County HOME Program Review Committee formation was approved by the
participating jurisdictions
Current Function of the Committee
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• To provide guidance on the administration of the HOME Program activities as required
by the US Department of Housing & Urban Development, including the following:
— recommend priorities and criteria for HOME Program funding
— annually evaluate applications for HOME funding and provide a
recommendation to the elected bodies of each jurisdiction in the Consortium
Rationale for the Proposed Revisions
• Members of the Orange County community expressed, during the 2016 Affordable
Housing Bond discussions, the importance of intergovernmental collaboration as a way
to maximize public funds for affordable housing purposes.
• Elected officials at a recent Assembly of Governments Meeting indicated an interest in
having the staff and HOME Program Review Committee expand its scope to include
broader discussions about the County's affordable housing issues, as well as seek to
create collaborative strategies and solutions as it relates to affordable housing issues.
Recommendation for Consideration
Approve the resolution in Attachment 1 to expand the scope of the HOME Program Review
Committee's role and form the "Orange County Local Government Affordable Housing
Collaborative" to allow for broader discussions on the County's affordable housing issues,
including the creation of collaborative strategies and solutions.
Commissioner Price said this is a consortium, and asked if the consortium can review
the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
Sherrill Hampton said this could be included in the broader discussion.
Commissioner Price asked if data could be compiled on the amount of local and other
dollars that are leveraged when using federal dollars.
Chair Dorosin clarified that the committee is now staffed by Orange County Housing,
and has one representative from the Towns and the County.
Sherrill Hampton said yes. She said the Carrboro elected official position is currently
vacant, but the Assistant Town Manager participates.
Chair Dorosin asked if the four elected members are the voting members.
Sherrill Hampton said she believes staff makes recommendations, and the committee
votes. She said she will verify this information.
Chair Dorosin said this is a great idea, and he believes the consortium is underutilized.
He said this is a structure that is already in place to address issues, and defining more
structure and specific outcomes is good.
Chair Dorosin said he spoke to one of their colleagues in Carrboro, and suggested
adding an Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) board member and staff member to
this group. He asked for the Board's feedback on this suggestion.
Commissioner Price agreed with this suggestion, especially if the group is going to be
looking at CDBG funds. She asked if Hillsborough water should also be included.
Chair Dorosin said the Town of Hillsborough oversees that water, and its existing
representative in the group is likely sufficient.
Commissioner Marcoplos clarified whether the BOCC is saying it wants an OWASA
representative, or if the BOCC is asking OWASA to consider being part of the group.
Chair Dorosin said he would like the BOCC to invite OWASA to be a part of this group.
Commissioner Jacobs said OWASA has repeatedly resisted this position, and he would
support inviting OWASA to participate, leaving the choice to OWASA.
Commissioner Jacobs said Hillsborough water is intertwined with the Town.
Commissioner Marcoplos said it would be good to invite OWASA to participate.
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Commissioner Jacobs said one way to initiate a conversation is to ask OWASA to
present to the BOCC at some point.
Chair Dorosin suggested inviting OWASA, and asked Sherrill Hampton on how to
proceed.
Sherrill Hampton said she would recommend that staff speak to the other staff, as well
as the Chair send a letter to other elected boards suggesting this invitation. She said if
OWASA does not want to participate, it could present updates to the BOCC periodically.
Bonnie Hammersley said there is a meeting tomorrow morning with the affordable
housing managers and staff from the various jurisdictions, and staff will bring it up and work
towards bringing OWASA in.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
Board to approve the resolution in Attachment 1 to expand the scope of the HOME Program
Review Committee to form the "Orange County Local Government Affordable Housing
Collaborative" to allow for broader discussions on the County's affordable housing issues,
including the creation of collaborative strategies and solutions.
Commissioner Price said to add that the consortium will look at CDBG funding, and
keep track of leveraging dollars.
Commissioner Rich asked if this needs to be in the motion, since it was suggested to
bring this up as they move forward.
Sherrill Hampton said staff will capture that information in future discussions and
reports, whether it is part of the motion or not.
Commissioner Price suggested adding this since Chapel Hill receives and oversees the
CDBG funding for everyone.
Chair Dorosin suggested amending the second bullet point to state, "provide guidance
on administration of the HOME program activities, and other affordable housing resources in
the County."
Commissioner Price said this would be acceptable.
Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Rich withdrew previous motion.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs seconded by Commissioner Rich for the
Board to approve the resolution in Attachment 1 to expand the scope of the HOME Program
Review Committee to form the "Orange County Local Government Affordable Housing
Collaborative" to allow for broader discussions on the County's affordable housing issues,
including the creation of collaborative strategies and solutions, and provide guidance on
administration of the HOME program activities, and other affordable housing resources in the
County.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization 2045
Metropolitan Transportation Plan Alternatives Analysis
The Board received a presentation from Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro (DCHC)
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) staff on the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan
(MTP) Alternatives Analysis, and considered potentially endorsing comments from the Orange
Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard).
BACKGROUND:
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The DCHC MPO, which is responsible for long-range transportation planning for Durham
County and parts of Orange and Chatham counties, is updating its MTP. The MTP, which is
required by Federal law, recommends major transportation projects, policies and strategies
designed to maintain existing transportation systems and serve the region's future travel
needs. The Plan must be fiscally constrained, which means that projected revenues must
cover the anticipated costs. Projects must be in the 2045 MTP to receive any state and federal
transportation funding through the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Projects
are drawn from the MTP and put forward to the State's prioritization process for inclusion in the
STIP, which is a 10-year funding program.
Alternatives Analysis
An Alternative is a combination of a transportation network, which includes a set of highway,
transit and other transportation improvements, and a land use scenario that depicts the
distribution of population and employment for the year 2045. These Alternatives are then
analyzed using the Triangle Regional Model (TRM) which forecasts future travel statistics
based on assumptions concerning the highway network, transit service and other
transportation facilities. It is very unlikely that one of the Alternatives in its entirety would be
advanced as the Preferred Option. Most likely, the final MTP will be a combination of the
various Alternatives.
Due to the length and depth of the Alternatives Analysis, staff has prepared a presentation
(Attachment 1) that summarizes some key areas of interest to Orange County. Greater detail
on the Analysis and other process components can be found on the DCHC MPO website:
http://www.dchcmpo.org/programs/transport/2045mtp.asp#tabs7 1
Attachment 2 is a list of Orange County (including municipal) major highway projects in the
Alternatives Analysis. Any specific comments on the list are welcome at this time and may
assist with the selection of highway projects to be included in the Preferred Option (draft 2045
Plan). The MPO staff has identified the projects least likely to be included in the draft 2045
Plan at the bottom of the first page and continuing to the second page of Attachment 2. In
October, the MPO Board will decide on the list of projects to be included in the draft 2045 MTP
that gets released for public comment. Transit, bicycle and pedestrian project lists are not yet
available from the MPO. However, it is expected that the Orange County transit projects, which
are to be funded through a combination of state, local, and federal funds, will be taken from
the Orange County Transit Plan (2017).
Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard)
Comments The OUTBoard received a presentation from MPO staff at its September 20, 2017
meeting. Its comments are summarized in Attachment 3. Comments collected from the
OUTBoard and any added by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) will be conveyed to
the DCHC MPO Board, which also has a representative and alternate from the Orange County
BOCC.
MPO Next Steps
The Alternatives Analysis has been released for public comment. Over the next few months,
the DCHC MPO Board will use comments collected from the public and local governments to
direct the development of a Preferred Option. The Preferred Option is the draft 2045 MTP
which will be released in October 2017. The final 2045 MTP is scheduled to be adopted by the
MPO Board in December 2017.
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Review of Projects Currently Funded
Attachment 4 provides a list of the County's transportation projects considered during the last
prioritization process (SPOT 4.0) and indicates, with shading, the five projects currently funded
in the 2018-2027 STIP. During SPOT 3.0, only one of Orange County's projects from its
original list was funded in the 2016-2025 STIP. This project was the Hillsborough Train Station,
which is scheduled for construction in 2021. Each STIP includes a schedule of the work type
(activity) that is to occur each fiscal year for purposes of tracking a project through Project
Development and Environmental Analysis, Design, Property Acquisition, and Construction.
Following is a link to a new online tool developed and maintained by NCDOT for viewing STIP
projects: https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/pages/state-transportation-
improvementprogram.aspx
Orange County Transportation Planning staff developed project tracking flowcharts during the
SPOT 4.0 process that it used to share information with the BOCC and public. However, the
flowchart did not and does not include tracking of County projects from the previous SPOT 3.0
process or the SPOT 5.0 process, which has just begun. Over the course of the next several
weeks, Transportation Planning staff will be working to expand upon its flowchart concept in
hope to provide a more sophisticated project tracking tool that includes the County's projects
submitted over multiple SPOT/STIP cycles with linkages to the specific work type and schedule
that is provided in each STIP.
Craig Benedict made the following PowerPoint presentation:
New Transportation Funding Formulas passed in 2013
o STI (Strategic Transportation Investments)
• Implemented through a SPOT
• Strategic Prioritization Office
• Process every two years creating a 10 year program of multiple projects
Each 2 years SPOT cycle is known as SPOT X.X
o SPOT 2.0 2014-2023 (adopted)
o SPOT 3.0 2016-2025 (adopted)
o SPOT 4.0 2018-2027 (almost adopted)
o SPOT 5.0 2020-2029 (starting 2 year process)
SPOT is primarily driven by data at different levels
• State— 100 points
• Regional— 70 points
• Division— 50 points
What is the 2045 (MTP) Process? (chart)
Orange County— Population/Employment Projections (graph)
Regional Travel Times (map)
Steps for Prior Submitted Projects and New Projects in New SPOT Cycle
o Add prior SPOT funded(1st five years) projects
o Add prior SPOT developed(2nd five years)
o Add prior unfunded projects (past 10 years)
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o Add new or amended projects (limited number)
Adopted 2018-2027 STIP SnapShot (photo)
Transportation Decision Making Process SPOT 5.0 (chart)
SPOT to STIP (chart)
Chair Dorosin said a more basic primer is needed, as this whole process is trying to get
projects funded by DOT. He said the County does not build roads, and does not contribute
funding.
Craig Benedict said the County can contribute 20% to bike and pedestrian projects,
and some of the data driven scoring criteria can evolve if local governments can acquire right
of ways or help with design work.
Chair Dorosin said the options to get things done in Orange County is to take steps to
enhance scores through this process, or fund projects with County funds.
Commissioner Jacobs said they did talk about sidewalks and pedestrian access, and
whether this should be part of the budget process with matching funds. He said a lot of these
projects are not in the County's jurisdiction, and DOT will not allow a sidewalk in their right of
way in rural areas, nor will they maintain it.
Commissioner Jacobs said DOT members attend MPO meetings, but the County does
not have a policy about sidewalks, rather everything is ad hoc. He said they also talked about
projects that are not high in the queue, and looking at County plans over the last 10 to 15
years that propose transportation improvements that have totally fallen off the radar.
Commissioner Jacobs said Orange County is getting the short end of the stick at both
MPOs, and this needs to improve.
Commissioner Rich agreed.
Commissioner Price said there are four counties involved with Triangle Area Rural
Planning Organization (TARPO), and there was an agreement to split up projects so each
county gets some projects. She said they also need to work with DOT staff.
Commissioner Jacobs said, when rural planning organizations were formed over 10
years ago, Orange County decided not to let the Durham-Chapel Hill MPO take the entire
County as the rural interests would fall to the bottom of the list. He said Orange County is
involved with TARPO, DCHC MPO and the Burlington-Graham MPO.
Andy Henry, DCHC MPO, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Today's Objective
Understand role of Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Plan Organization (DCHC MPO).
Understand role of Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) and how to review it.
Provide any feedback to DCHC MPO and Orange County staff.
What is the DCHC MPO?
**Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization
- Responsible for long range transportation planning in Durham City and County, and
Parts of Orange County and Chatham County.
- Federal mandate — MPO must plan and approve use of federal transportation funding
- Policy Board -- Composed mostly of local elected officials from member jurisdictions
and counties:
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Commissioner Jacobs — Member
Commissioner Rich —Alternate
What is the DCHC MPO? (map)
- Most funding designated in cooperation with NCDOT, but some discretionary funding
is distributed based on the MPOs policy framework.
- All urbanized area must be in the MPO planning boundary.
Transportation Planning Framework- chart
What is the 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP)
- Lists highway, transit and other transportation projects to address future
transportation deficiencies through year 2045.
- Assumptions — based on future land use, population and employment.
- Fiscal Constraint—Anticipated revenues must cover anticipated project costs.
- Funding -- Projects must be in MTP to receive state and federal funding (via
Transportation Improvement Program —TIP)
- Used for Planning
e.g., In development review, use LRTP to reserve right-of-way for future highway and
fixed guide way projects
What is the 2045 (MTP) Process
1. Goals and Objectives
2. Socioeconomic Data (population and employment forecasts)
3. Deficiency Analysis
4. Alternatives Analysis- We Are Here!
5. Preferred Option- Oct. Dec 2017
6. Final MTP- Dec. 2017
What is the Alternatives Analysis?
- A combination of a transportation network, which includes a set of highway, transit
and other transportation improvements, and a land use scenario that depicts the
distribution of population and employment (2045).
- Alternatives run in the Triangle Regional Model (TRM) to produce metrics that
describe how well Alternatives meet future travel demand.
- Final 2045 MTP expected to be a combination of projects and policies from the
various Alternatives.
What are the Alternatives?
*2045 Land Use Scenario + Transportation Network=Alternative
Land Use--SE Data Guide Totals* Chart
What Information is Available?
-Triangle Regional Model Output
• Performance Measures
• Travel lsochrones
• Travel Time
• Congestion Maps (V/C)
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2045 No-Build —Congestion Map
Key Conclusions from Alternatives Analysis
Demographics
• Orange County will continue to experience population and employment growth
• Orange County employers will continue to attract commuters from outlying counties
Congestion
• Alternatives show significant improvements in travel time over the no-build scenario
• Travel times will increase even with roadway improvements that are beyond the budget
Rail and Land Use
• Light rail and other transit investments significantly increase non-motorized modes in
those corridors
• Higher density and mixed land uses in rail station areas increases non-motorized
modes and improves travel time
Sample Projects- Highways
1-40: widening and interchange improvements
1-85: widening and interchange improvements
US 15-501: widening, super streets and intersection/interchange improvements
NC 54: superstreet and intersection improvements
S Churton St: widening
Sample Projects- Transit
• Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit (D-O LRT) between Chapel Hill and Durham.
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) North-South corridor in Chapel Hill.
• Expanded fixed-route and express bus service.
• Funding for vehicle and bus facilities.
• Funding for park-and-ride lots, transit centers, bus stop improvements, and transit
emphasis corridor.
OUTBoard Comments
Commissioner Marcoplos referred to bullet 3 on Attachment 3, and asked if it is
possible to be more vigilant with technology
Andy Henry said it is important to just to be cognizant of such things as autonomous
vehicles (AV) and communicating vehicles (CV). He said they are not sure about the impact of
these, thus it is not in their model yet, but there will be a report that will discuss these new
technologies.
Commissioner Price said these issues are coming since monies are being put into
these types of research.
Commissioner Rich said if the Board endorses this, can there be changes made down
the line.
Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning Supervisor, said it is fine to submit the OUTBoard
comments as they are, and this is not the final stage, and additional comments will be
accepted. He said there will also be a public hearing.
Commissioner Marcoplos referred to number 18 under the 4.0 funded projects,
Operation Improvements Orange Grove Road to Old Fayetteville Road, which is listed as a
2023 completion. He asked if this is the one with which Carrboro had a problem.
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Commissioner Jacobs said yes.
Commissioner Price said DOT wanted to widen Highway 54 from Carrboro to
Alamance, but Carrboro did not want this area widened in its jurisdiction, and would rather
pursue "modernization" such as buses, lights, etc.
Commissioner Marcoplos said this item seemed to reflect those concerns.
Chair Dorosin said these are general comments, and the Board can revise them as
needed before final draft.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
endorse the OUTBoard comments (Attachment 3) as written or modify as appropriate to reflect
BOCC comments for staff to convey to the DCHC MPO Board.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Alternative comments
Commissioner Jacobs said it would be helpful having maps for each recommended
improvement, to better see that which is being discussed, and the vision. He said he would
like to look at#10: the intersection of Hwy 86 and 70. He asked if this includes the slip lane
south of highway 70 on North Churton Street before the intersection, and to have an
illustration of this area.
Andy Henry said he can make this change with a comment.
Commissioner Jacobs said an illustration would be most helpful.
Andy Henry directed the BOCC to the MPO webpage, 2045 MTP, where there are
maps with all of these projects as they are proposed in the plan.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if staff would include these into agenda abstracts going
forward.
Chair Dorosin echoed this suggestion.
d. Proposed Projects for Golden LEAF Foundation's Community Based
Grantsmaking Initiative
The Board reviewed and considered selecting up to three grant proposals, totaling no
more than $1.5 million for all three proposals, and authorize the County Manager to submit by
October 20th to the Golden LEAF Foundation's FY2018 Community Based Grantsmaking
Initiative.
BACKGROUND:
The Golden LEAF Foundation is North Carolina's designated tobacco settlement trust agency
that makes grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental entities across North Carolina.
Approved grants focus on three core priorities: agriculture, economic development job growth
and retention, and workforce preparedness. Projects that focus on other opportunities to
support and develop economic strength in tobacco-dependent, economically distressed, and/or
rural communities are considered. The Foundation's mission is to transform the economy of
rural, tobacco-dependent and economically distressed areas of the state. In calendar year
2016, the Golden LEAF Foundation Board of Directors awarded over $105 million in grants.
On August 7th County staff attended a presentation by Golden LEAF Foundation President
Dan Gerlach, who outlined the agency's "Community Based Grantsmaking Initiative" for FY 17-
18 that is now focusing on the 15-county North Central Region of the North Carolina. The 1
presentation is attached for review. Orange County is included in the designated region, which
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the State of North Carolina calls the North Central Prosperity Zone. For the North Central
Region, Golden LEAF has budgeted $11 million for the initiative, and anticipates it may see
total grant requests rise to $22.5 million if all 15 regional counties each receive a maximum
grant capped at $1.5 million per county.
Orange County is eligible to submit up to three projects totaling no more than $1.5 million for
all projects. The due date for the County's initial grant application to be submitted to Golden
LEAF is October 20, 2017, and a final decision will be made on April 5, 2018. Approved grant
applications require a 20% cash match at the local level. Grant applications that have the best
chance for approval and funding are those that address economic development, education,
workforce development, physical infrastructure (including health care infrastructure), and
agriculture.
Other factors that can influence Golden LEAF's favorable review of a grant application include
the following: • Description of need in the County • The County's process to select the project
being nominated for a grant, and how it is a direct fit with Golden LEAF's core priorities • The
County's past planning efforts, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT)
analyses, and related studies that focus on the nominated projects • The County's and related
agencies' ability to conduct the work, achieve results, and manage all reporting documentation
requirements • Examples to show broad community support for the project • A description of
the 20% local cash match by the County • Any previous Golden LEAF grants in the past (such
as Golden LEAF's funding assistance with the Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing
Center (PFAP) food processing incubator) • The impact and potential outcomes, and
population served in the County by the proposed projects
Five potential projects have been submitted to the County Manager's office for consideration
and are summarized in Attachment 1. Orange County Proposals • Eno Economic Development
District (EDD) Gravity Sewer Extension • Buckhorn-Mebane EDD Gravity Sewer Extension •
Hillsborough EDD Water and Sewer Infrastructure Town of Carrboro Proposal • Old NC 86
Light Industry/Flex Park Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) Proposal •
Regional Cold-Chain and Co-packing Initiative
Carrboro Mayor Lydia Lavelle has provided a letter at Attachment 3 in support of the Old NC
86 Light Industry/Flex Park grant requested by the Town. 2 Additional information on the grant
applications, provided as Attachment 4, is only available electronically at:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/xof3dc6ovOcu1m1/AABp5axggCzOID OUii6myoZa?d1=0
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The Golden LEAF grant application process requires a 20% cash match
for any grant proposal. The County's water and sewer projects are already budgeted with debt
service being paid through Article 46 funding. As a result, Article 46 funds would serve as the
match for those projects. The Town of Carrboro plans to utilize the US Department of
Agriculture Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant Program (USDA REDLG),
administered through Piedmont Electrical Coop, under which the town would pay back over a
10 year period at 0% interest to cover its 20% local match requirement. PFAP would be
seeking Article 46 funding to cover the 20% local match ($70,000.) If one of the County's
sewer infrastructure projects is selected and funded with grant funds, Article 46 funds
dedicated to debt service may be reallocated to other projects.
Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, made the following PowerPoint
presentation:
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Community Based Grantsmaking Initiative
October 3, 2017
Characteristics of Competitive Projects
• Will "do the most good for the most people"
• Demonstrate a timeliness of need and an ability to put grant funds to work quickly
• Focused on action, not planning
• Leverage additional funds —20% local Cash match
• Will leverage previous community planning processes
• Are sustainable
• Have strong support from variety of county citizens/organizations
CBGI — The Competition
• $11 million budgeted for this initiative
• Each county in the North Central Zone can submit 1-3 projects that total no more than
$1.5 million per county
• The counties in the North Central Zone are Chatham, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin,
Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Orange, Person, Vance, Wake, Warren
and Wilson.
• Not all counties will have funded projects
CBGI Timeline - chart
PFAP Cold-Chain and Co-Packing
Regional cold-chain and co-packing
• $120,000 to expand the existing freezer capacity
• $160,000 to install the co-packing line and to hire and train staff
Hillsborough EDD-Water and Sewer Infrastructure
• Will serve up to 184 acres located along the Interstate 40
• Scheduled for completion in March 2019
• Grant funds will be utilized for design and construction work
Eno EDD-Gravity sewer extension
• 7,700 feet of gravity sewer infrastructure
• Will serve up to 150 acres located along the Interstate 40/85 and US 70 corridor
• Scheduled for completion in November 2018
• Grant funds will be utilized for construction work
Buckhorn-Mebane EDD-Gravity sewer extension
• 10,000 feet of gravity sewer infrastructure
• Will serve up to 281 acres located along the Interstate 40/85 corridor
• Scheduled for completion in December 2022
• Grant funds will be utilized for design and construction work
Old 86 Light Industry/Flex Park- Town of Carrboro
Infrastructure cost of a light industry/flex park
• 3500 foot extension of sewer to the site and needed road improvements
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• Will serve up to 22 acres of town owned property located at 7917 Old 86, in a rural
area of Orange Co.
• Scheduled for completion in June 2019
Recommendations:
Submit three projects totaling $1.5 million
• Hillsborough Economic Development District water and sewer infrastructure - $400,000
• Town of Carrboro light industry/flex park - $820,000
• Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) Proposal Regional Cold-Chain
and Co-packing Initiative - $280,000
Commissioner Burroughs referred to Carrboro's application, and asked if Carrboro has
already applied for the USDA funds.
Annette Lafferty, Carrboro Economic and Community Development Director, said no,
not yet, and this would be the next step, with the USDA making a decision in December.
Commissioner Price said three EDDs made a proposal, and asked if there was a
process to choose one.
Bonnie Hammersley said staff chose the EDD that would be ready the soonest, which
is the Hillsborough EDD.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Jay Bryan reviewed the following comments:
October 2, 2017
To the County Commissioners
Re: Development of Carrboro owned property on Old 86 for industrial land uses
Since January, 2017, more than three months since Carrboro officials met with the County
Commissioners, the Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee (NTAAC) has asked the
town for specifics about the idea of creating an industrial zone for property it owns on Old 86.
The town has afforded the Committee few details of the plan, including its desire to apply for
grant funds for water and sewer. The Committee has stressed its interest in the details so it
could make a report and recommendation to the Commissioners, who represent the county
citizens in the Northern Study/Transition Area, and in particular, its concern for a public
process for allowing input about the idea of zone and review by the Committee and residents
before any final decision is reached. The NTAAC has not received any information about the
public input process, nor has a public hearing been held to allow residents to comment.
I do not personally support the idea of developing light manufacturing and maker's space at
this location. I am including the following list of reasons, based on my current knowledge, and
subject to the understanding that I may offer other reasoning if discussions of such an idea
continue. Committee members share my concerns but have felt as a body that without more
specifics, they cannot make a final recommendation to the Commissioners:
1. The town has not presented to the NTAAC and residents sufficient analysis which
supports the idea that the project is economically feasible or viable in terms of an
appropriate return for the town versus its negative features.
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2. Based on information from the town, the project is not feasible without subsidy for
sewer, at a minimum, from the County, which money, at such difficult financial times for
county residents, is better spent on more pressing projects.
3. The location is fraught with challenging traffic conditions including but not limited to, an
entrance at the bottom of a steep hill and curve, poor sight distance to the south due to
a hill obscuring car driver vision, and a potential entrance across the location to the
Twin Creeks Park as well as a potential entrance/exit some three to four hundred feet
south on Old 86, each with sizeable traffic impacts and congestion. The traffic on Old
86 has steadily increased, and the increase should be expected to only continue due
to the eventual opening of the Twin Creeks Park, the middle school and the
development of the Zinn property at the corner of Old 86 and Eubanks Road.
4. Upon information and belief, there has been at least one death and other motor vehicle
accidents along the approach to and from the existing entrance to the site.
5. Commercial development of any kind is not in keeping with the residential nature of the
surrounding community as well as with Twin Creeks Park.
6. The property would better serve the general residents of Carrboro as an altruistic
example with a low-impact use such as community gardens, like Anathoth Gardens in
Cedar Grove, which could continue the local trend in the county of farm to table local
consumers and children at Morris Grove and an anticipated middle school on the Twin
Creeks Park property.
7. Upon information, there are other properties in Carrboro, in the ETJ and in town, which
could be used for such development.
8. What uses would be allowed on the property in terms of manufacturing cannot be
guaranteed. If developed, the property should be on well and septic to assure limited
growth.
Thank you.
Sincerely yours,
Jay Bryan
Cc: Jeff Kleaveland and NTAAC members (by email)
Jay Bryan asked if the Board would delay its vote on this item.
Commissioner Rich asked if there is a timeline on this item.
Steve Brantley said the deadline for submitting bids for grants is October 20th at noon.
Commissioner McKee said Buckhorn was mentioned in the materials as the only EDD
with rail, and asked if further expansion of water and sewer in this area would enhance the
development potential of this area.
Steve Brantley said it is the largest EDD, and it is unique to have rail. He said it is
almost impossible to market the northern area of the EDD because there are no utilities, and at
the moment it is not ready to go.
Commissioner Burroughs asked if this opportunity will come around again in the future.
Steve Brantley said the state has seven or eight prosperity zones, and Orange County
is in the Central Piedmont one of 15 counties. He said Golden LEAF is staging its fund giving
by each calendar year, selecting one or two of them. He said he has not seen this come to
Orange County before.
Commissioner Rich clarified that this opportunity will not arise for another four or five
years.
Steve Brantley said he does not know the frequency, but he said Golden LEAF is an
option if there were an active industrial project outside of this grant cycle.
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Chair Dorosin said Golden LEAF is designed to provide grants for the more distressed
counties, and Orange County is a Tier 3 county.
Steve Brantley said Golden LEAF liked the County's EDDs near to the interstates, and
neighboring Alamance County is a Tier 2 County, and Caswell County is a Tier 1 County, to
the north of Orange County. He said the labor draw, within one hour, to the EDDs is also
considered and valued. He said the Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAF)
project left a favorable impression, and it does not cost the County anything to make a bid on
one to three events.
Commissioner McKee said it is important to pick projects that are shovel ready and
laser focused. He said these are agriculture monies, and Orange County use to be a major
player in tobacco. He prioritized the projects as follows:
- Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center - $280,000. He said he would rank
this project as a number one priority.
- Hillsborough EDD- $400,000. He said it is critical to move this forward.
- Buckhorn EDD — he said he thinks it is critical to push this forward as fast as possible,
and infrastructure in this area is vital.
- Eno EDD — he said it is unclear what is needed and wanted here, and this is not ready
to proceed.
- Town of Carrboro- Light Industry/Flex Park- he said the BOCC received a
presentation last fall on this item, and has heard little since. He said there needs to
be more of a public conversation on this item.
Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner McKee's prioritizations, and he is
disappointed in the Carrboro project, finding the way that it has come forward to be
disrespectful. He said there has never been a public hearing on this project, which is
disrespectful to the public. He said the lack of a collaborative process is not good, and it has
been a year since the joint entities discussed this and asked questions, with no response from
Carrboro on anything. He reviewed minutes from the October 16th 2016 joint meeting with
Carrboro, and said the Town has completely failed to respond to any of the BOCC's concerns
and questions.
Commissioner Jacobs said the Town of Carrboro blew off Orange County, and he will
never support this project until the BOCC receives responses to their questions, and the public
is informed. He said he is disappointed that this project was even allowed to be included in
these proposals. He said the BOCC represents the residents in this area, not Carrboro.
Commissioner Burroughs said she is torn with the Carrboro project, and one of her
concerns is that she is not sure this is a viable application since you have to have funds in
hand as a match, and the USDA funding decision may not come forward until December.
Bonnie Hammersley said she brought this project forward as a courtesy to the Town of
Carrboro and for her to have stopped it at her desk would not have been the right thing to do,
and thus it was brought forward to the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he agreed with Commissioner McKee's assessment, and
the Buckhorn EDD is a promising place to provide jobs, and should be looked as often as
possible. He said this is the first time he was involved in this process, but he did hear the
proposal from Carrboro last year, which could be a good project; but the community has not
been involved like it should be. He said the BOCC has a responsibility to the residents in that
area. He said he hopes the details will be pursued, but the project does not seem ready at this
time.
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Commissioner Price said there is a difference in the minimum for the Buckhorn EDD
and the Carrboro project, and asked if this matters should the BOCC decide to swap out the
Carrboro project for the Buckhorn EDD.
Bonnie Hammersley said they would have to back in to the $820,000.
Chair Dorosin said they would submit less than the minimum that is listed.
Commissioner Price asked if this would work with $820,000.
Steve Brantley said Carrboro's estimate for total cost was $1.5 million, and he said the
original request by the Town was $1.25 million. He said when the Manager's office, and the
Economic Development Department, reviewed all five projects; the final recommendation was
to include the Carrboro proposal at $820,000.
Chair Dorosin said the question is if Buckhorn EDD is put in, and there is only $820,000
left, does this affect the proposal.
Bonnie Hammersley said it would not, and there are Article 46 monies allocated to that
EDD.
Commissioner Rich asked if this does get switched out, Carrboro can apply to the
County for Article 46 funds.
Bonnie Hammersley said all towns can request Article 46 funds from Orange County,
and she said the challenge with that is the debt service is being used with most of the Article
46 funds. She said staff would evaluate any requests as they come in, and weigh them
against the priorities of the BOCC.
Commissioner Rich asked if the percentage of Article 46 monies that have been spent
on the towns is known.
Steve Brantley said the EDD's infrastructure takes 60% annually, and the loan and
grant programs are almost exclusively in the Towns. He said some funds go to the LaUNCh
program in Chapel Hill.
Commissioner Rich said she is interested in funds that have gone to infrastructure.
Steve Brantley said some funds paid for a sewer line repair in Carrboro.
Bonnie Hammersley said there have been no other infrastructure projects in the urban
areas.
Steve Brantley said the original core use for Article 46 funds was debt service for
utilities in the EDDs. He said the use of the money, since the referendum was passed in 2011,
has essentially followed that intent. He said it is at the discretion of the BOCC to maintain or
change this intent as it sees fit.
Chair Dorosin said he thought Commissioner Jacobs' comments were unfair to the
Town of Carrboro, and if the BOCC is not receiving requested information, it should be
following up. He said this project is on the agenda for the BOCC's joint meeting with the Town
of Carrboro. He said the Golden LEAF opportunity came about very recently. He said he
would support the recommendation, but noted it is important to the Board's relationship with
the Town to move forward. He said residents' concerns should be heard and considered, but
they are under a tight timeline. He said he doubts that two EDD projects will be funded, and
the Carrboro project is valid and worth exploring further. He said he will not support a motion
that does not include the Carrboro project.
Commissioner Jacobs said he is not being unfair to Carrboro, and rather Carrboro is
being unfair to Orange County. He said Carrboro has had 12 months to get this information to
the County and the public, but Carrboro is not paying close attention. He said the BOCC
would be irresponsible to agree to put water and sewer in a rural area, without knowing the
consequences. He said the best way to limit its applicability to other parcels is to size it so
small that it will not be that effective to spend the money on it. He said if it is going to be big
enough for other development, then the BOCC must consider the consequences before
21
signing off. He said if Carrboro wanted to be inclusive, it could have asked to be put on the
BOCC agenda to provide information prior to the BOCC needing to make a decision.
Commissioner McKee said his intent is not to disparage any of the projects, but he
finds two are not fully cooked. He said all of this is a long shot, as Orange County is seen as a
wealthy county.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs for
the Board to authorize the Manager to submit Letters of Inquiry to Golden LEAF for the
following three projects totaling $1.5 million:
1. Piedmont Food & Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) Proposal Regional Cold-Chain
and Co-packing Initiative - $280,000
2. Hillsborough Economic Development District Water and Sewer Infrastructure -
$400,000;
3. Buckhorn-Mebane EDD - $820,000; and
Chair Dorosin said it is not fair to penalize Carrboro because of the timing of the
Golden LEAF opportunity. He said there is a broader disagreement among the BOCC about
extending water and sewer generally.
Commissioner Burroughs said these projects have potential, but she wants to submit
the projects that are most likely to succeed in the application process. She said she does not
want to throw away money from Orange County.
Commissioner Price agreed, and has concerns with putting forth a proposal with
controversy and funding concerns. She said the Carrboro project seems like a valuable one,
but needs further discussion and information. She said there are other funding options that
could be pursued with Carrboro.
Commissioner McKee said the Buckhorn project is a larger acreage project, and gives
access to rail, which is why he proposed this financial break down. He said he understands
the Chair's concerns over the BOCC's partnership with Carrboro, and he shares that concern.
He said the Eno EDD will also require a larger discussion, and for that reason he did not
propose that project, just as he did not propose Carrboro. He said discussions should
proceed, and he sees no reason why the BOCC and Carrboro cannot be good partners.
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Price, Commissioner Burroughs,
Commission Marcoplos, Commissioner Jacobs); Nays, 2 (Chair Dorosin and Commissioner
Rich)
Commissioner Rich asked Bonnie Hammersley if she would bring back a discussion on
how Article 46 funds are spent; the percentage of expenses spent on infrastructure in County
versus the Towns; and the revolving loans.
Commissioner Jacobs said he realized he was not being diplomatic in his comments,
but he feels very strongly about how this has been handled. He said his comments have no
bearing on whether he thinks it is a meritorious project.
e. Board of Commissioners — Discussion of 2018 Meeting Calendar
The Board discussed and considered approving the proposed meeting schedule for the
Board of County Commissioners for calendar year 2018.
BACKGROUND:
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In accordance with 143.318.12 of the North Carolina General Statutes, a schedule of regular
meetings shall be filed with the Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners. The schedule
must show the date, time and place of each meeting. The Board initially discussed the draft
2018 meeting calendar at its September 7, 2017 Work Session, and this item is a follow up to
that discussion.
Chair Dorosin said the BOCC previously discussed this item, and agreed to withdraw
the quarterly public hearings, and combine public hearings into regular meetings. He said all
meetings will begin at 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Decision Items:
(1) Should the legislative breakfast be deleted from the calendar as a stand-alone morning
meeting? (This meeting has been proposed as an agenda item at a regular meeting.)
Chair Dorosin said he spoke with the three legislators, who all agreed that having this
meeting as part of the regular agenda would be acceptable.
Commissioner Jacobs said if this change is made, it will be important to hold the
legislative public hearing prior to that regular meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
to remove the Legislative Breakfast as a stand-alone meeting and to incorporate this into a
regular meeting agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
(2) Meetings with the Towns: should these remain stand alone, or be combined with a work
session. If combined, should the meeting start earlier than 7:00 p.m.?
Commissioner McKee supported leaving these as stand alone meetings.
Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner McKee. He said there are more
opportunities to chat with one another and go into more depth as a board, with stand-alone
work sessions.
Chair Dorosin clarified that Commissioners Jacobs and McKee are in favor of keeping
the Town meetings as separate days, and not combined with work sessions.
Commissioner Jacobs said yes.
Commissioner McKee said he would be fine with adding an item or two after a meeting
with a Town, if time permitted. He said face-time with the Towns is important and is respectful.
Commissioner Marcoplos echoed support for leaving these as stand-alone meetings as
these meetings only happen once a year. He said there should be no pressure to move these
meetings along due to later agenda items. He said it is a way to show respect to the Towns.
Commissioner Price agreed, and suggested making the meetings more substantive.
Chair Dorosin said a meeting with the Town could be allowed flexibility if followed by a
work session. He said he would never want to squash a conversation simply due to a
timetable, and a full work session could be added into the calendar, if needed. He said he has
been trying to make meetings with the Towns more like a work session with pertinent
discussion topics planned on an agenda in advance. He said he believes the BOCC could
achieve this.
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Commissioner Burroughs agreed with Chair Dorosin, and believes the BOCC could
successfully combine Town meetings with work sessions, but it is seems the Board does not
want to do that at this time.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve leaving Town meetings as standalone meetings on separate dates.
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner Rich, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Price,
Commissioner Marcoplos, Commissioner Jacobs); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Burroughs and
Chair Dorosin)
(3) Staff Evaluations - starting at 5:30 p.m., before a budget work session. Manager on
one day, followed by Attorney and Clerk on another day.
Commissioner McKee is concerned about doing the Clerk and the Attorney on the
same night before a meeting.
Commissioner Price said she would prefer doing evaluations separately from other
meetings, and would be open to doing all three evaluations on the same day.
Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to hear input from the Clerk, Attorney and
Manager if they would mind the BOCC eating dinner during the evaluation process.
All said it would be fine for the BOCC to eat during evaluations.
Chair Dorosin suggested putting the evaluations before budget public hearings, as the
BOCC only listens during these, often shorter, meetings.
Commissioner McKee said he is concerned with starting at 5:30 p.m. and being able to
finish by 7:00 p.m., which would be necessary given the arrival of the public attending the
budget hearing.
Commissioner Price said she likes Chair Dorosin's suggestion.
Commissioner Burroughs said she is intrigued by the thought of doing the evaluations
in front of three separate meetings.
Commissioner Marcoplos agreed with Commissioner Burroughs.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Chair Dorosin to move staff
evaluations before Budget Public Hearings with the Manager on May 10th, and the
Clerk/Attorney on May 17th, with the meetings starting at 5:30 p.m.
Commissioner Jacobs said he would consider this motion if the evaluations started at
5:00 p.m.
Commissioner Rich and Chair Dorosin accepted Commissioner Jacobs' friendly
amendment.
Commissioner McKee asked if the motion maker would accept a friendly amendment to
do the Clerk and the Attorney two separate nights.
Chair Dorosin said to vote on the existing motion.
VOTE: Ayes, 2 (Chair Dorosin and Commissioner Rich); Nays, 5 (Commissioner Jacobs,
Commissioner Marcoplos, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Burroughs and Commissioner
Price)
A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner McKee
to schedule the staff evaluations as follows:
Manager— May 3rd
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Attorney— May 10th
Clerk— May 17th
Meetings to begin at 5:30 p.m.
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner Price, Commissioner Jacobs, Commissioner Marcoplos,
Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Burroughs); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Rich and Chair
Dorosin)
The Clerk was directed to bring back the draft calendar with proposed changes at the
next meeting on the Consent Agenda.
7. Reports
a. Passmore Center Expansion Update
The Board received a report outlining the design and project schedule for the
Passmore Center Expansion Capital Project.
Angel Barnes, Asset Management Services, reviewed the following information:
BACKGROUND:
The Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) appropriated capital funding of
$550,000 in the FY2016-17 Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for a needed expansion of
programming space for the Passmore Center in Hillsborough.
The contemplated expansion area was to enclose the patio area at the back of the facility near
the Florence Gray Soltys Adult Day Health Center. During the initial design dialogues between
staff and the design consultant, CRA Associates, all agreed that a more useful programming
space is at the front entrance of the facility.
This renovated entry will provide a more accessible front desk area. The expansion also
provides a more flexible and comfortable expanded space where residents and patrons tend to
gather in the facility.
A representative of CRA Associates will be available to review the design. The attached
Passmore Center Site and Floor Plan Illustrative provides plans and elevations of the
expanded space. CRA Associates will provide the BOCC an overview of these plans and
illustrative.
The proposed project schedule is as follows:
• Construction Bidding Phase, Agency Permitting: September to October, 2017
• Construction Contract Award: November, 2017
• Construction: November, 2017 to March, 2018
• Substantial Completion: April, 2018
Ken Redfoot, CRA Associates, made a brief PowerPoint presentation, which consisted
of photographs, site plans, and architectural renderings. He said the project will create a new
vestibule, a 1,200 square foot flexible area, and a reworking of the information desk.
Commissioner McKee said he has received calls about the proposed rendering not
having a covered portico, and he appreciated this idea being mentioned this evening. He
knows it will garner a lot of support.
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Commissioner McKee said he receives reports from residents that there is some
difficulty accessing the Passmore center from the Sportsplex without going outside.
Ken Redfoot said there has always been an access door from the Sportsplex to the
Senior Center.
Commissioner McKee said he would go look at this for himself.
Commissioner Price said the feedback she has received is that this doorway is locked.
Jeff Thompson, Asset Management Services Director, said in the original design (2007)
this door was designed as an under roof pass thru between the two buildings, and staff at that
time did not utilize it; so it was locked. He said staff will be re-visiting this issue to use this door
as a pass through, if requested by users.
Commissioner McKee asked if there is a reason why this door would not be open and
accessible at all times.
Jeff Thompson said the door is in the lobby of the Sportsplex, but goes through into
office space in the Senior Center. He said staff will work to reconfigure this and make it a
public space, which can allow public access.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if anything will happen to the patio area in back.
Ken Redfoot said it will stay the same.
Commissioner asked if this is due to budgetary restraints, or the fact that more space is
not needed.
Ken Redfoot said the back patio was designed, but it was determine that a better use
of funds would be to amend the front of the building, due to the greater use of this space. He
said the concern in developing the back of the building is that it would go unused.
Commissioner Price said she has concerns about the limited use of the back patio, due
to the limited access to this space. She said there is only one way to get to the back patio due
to landscaping and the wall. She said if one wants to use the patio, one must be able bodied.
Ken Redfoot said a wheelchair bound person could access it, but all must come outside
the building to access the patio.
Commissioner Price asked if it is possible to access the patio from the living room.
Ken Redfoot said staff likes the patio, and wanted to increase its size.
Commissioner Price said that would be an option, and there could be a section of patio
that is level with parking lot grade, and another section that is level with the floor of the
addition.
Ken Redfoot said this is a good idea, and he will look into it further.
Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, said the back patio was found space due
to an emergency exit being there.
Commissioner Price said her campaign is that everyone be able to get everywhere.
She said if this will remain a fire exit, then all do not need access through it; but should this
change then she would like all to have access.
Ken Redfoot said this will remain an emergency exit.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
8-j by Chair Dorosin
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
8-j: Chair Dorosin said he was not here for prior discussion on this topic. He referred to
the section that says the parcels will transfer under the "weed and seed initiative to a weed
and seed recipient, a private non-profit organization". He asked if the weed and seed recipient
is known, and who makes that decision.
Bonnie Hammersley said the recipient is not known, and the Board of County
Commissioners will decide whom that will be. She said some of the parcels will be connected
to the Cedar Grove Park.
Chair Dorosin suggested talking to affordable housing partners about applying for the
weed and seed grant.
A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Rich to approve this
item, and for staff to speak to affordable housing partners about applying for this grant
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes from September 5, 7, 11 and 19, 2017 as submitted by the
Clerk to the Board.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle
property tax values for two taxpayers with a total of two bills that will result in a reduction of
revenue, in accordance with the NCGS.
c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax
values for six taxpayers with a total of six bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in
accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
The Board approved six untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem
taxation for six bills for the 2017 tax year.
e. Resolution in Support of a One Percent (1%) Cost-of-living Adjustment for the Local
Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS)
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, encouraging the Board of
Trustees of the North Carolina Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS) to
approve a one percent (1%) cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for LGERS members effective
July 1, 2018 and authorized the Chair to sign.
f. Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendment Outline and Schedule — Revisions
to Public Hearing Process
The Board approved process components and schedule for government initiated amendments
to the Unified Development Ordinance regarding revisions to the public hearing process.
g. County Attorney Employment Agreement Amendment
The Board amended the Employment Agreement governing the terms and conditions of the
County Attorney's employment and authorized the Chair to sign.
h. General Obligation Bond Sale
The Board approved a resolution providing final Board authorization for general obligation
bond sale issues: 1) two-thirds school bonds in the amount of$5,900,000; 2) voter-approved
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school bonds in the amount of$40,000,000; and 3) voter-approved affordable housing bonds
in the amount of$2,500,000. This is the first issuance of school and affordable housing
general obligation bonds approved by the voters in the November 2016 election.
i. Changes in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2017
The Board approved changes to the County Commissioners' regular meeting calendar for
2017.
j. Approval of Ownership Transfer/Purchase of Cedar Valley and Efland Properties
The Board approved the ownership transfer/purchase of Cedar Valley and Efland Properties
and to:
o Purchase Parcel 2 not to exceed $95,000 from the Lands Legacy fund
o Purchase Parcel 4 not to exceed $80,000 from the Sheriff's Drug Forfeitures fund
• Instructed the County Attorney to contact the Assistant US Attorney in Greensboro to
coordinate the drafting of the necessary Memoranda of Understanding to transfer the
properties to their ultimate nonprofit recipients; and
• Authorized the Chair to sign the Memoranda of Understanding on behalf of the County
subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney to effectuate the transfer of Parcels 1-
6.
9. County Manager's Report
NONE
10. County Attorney's Report
NONE
11. *Appointments
a. **Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointments
The Board will consider making appointments to the Adult Care Home Community
Advisory Committee.
DEFERRED
b. Commission for the Environment—Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Commission for the Environment.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
to appoint the following to the Commission for the Environment:
• Appointment to a first full term (position #7) "At-Large" for Will Stanley expiring
12/31/2019.
• Appointment to a partial term (position #15) "At-Large" for Bradley Saul expiring
12/31/2018.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Hillsborough Planning Board —Appointment
The Board considered making an appointment to the Hillsborough Planning Board.
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A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs
to appoint the following to the Hillsborough Planning Board:
• Appointment to a first full term (Position #3) "Hillsborough ETJ / County" position for
Chris Johnston expiring 05/31/2020.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Human Relations Commission —Appointments
The Board considered making appointments to the Human Relations Commission.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
to appoint the following to the Human Rights Commission:
• Appointment to a partial term (position #1) "At-Large" for Anita Sue Kinzer expiring
06/30/2018.
• Appointment to a first full term (position #4) "Town of Chapel Hill" for April Chang
expiring 06/30/2020.
• Appointment to a second full term (position #5) "At-Large" for Marc Xavier expiring
06/30/2020. (see recommendation letter for attendance explanation).
• Appointment to a partial term (position #6) "At-Large" for Nora Spencer expiring
09/30/2019.
• Appointment to a first full term (position #8) "At-Large" for Ana Garcia-Turner expiring
06/30/2020.
• Appointment to a partial term (position #9) "At-Large" for Matt Case expiring
06/30/2019.
• Appointment to a partial term (position #16) "At-Large" for Nancy White expiring
06/30/2018.
• Appointment to a first full term (position #17) "At-Large" for Jacqulyn Podger expiring
06/30/2020.
• Appointment to a first full term (position #18) "Town of Carrboro" for Daniel Ryan
expiring 06/30/2020.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
e. Orange County Housing Authority—Appointment
The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange County Housing
Authority.
A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
appoint the following to the Orange County Housing Authority:
• Appointment to a first full term (position #5) "At Large" for Phil Venable expiring
06/30/2022.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
appoint the following to the Orange County Housing Authority Board:
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• Appointment to a partial term (position #6) "Resident Member" for Paul Reynolds
expiring 06/30/2019
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
f. Orange Unified Transportation Board —Appointment
The Board considered making an appointment to the Orange Unified Transportation
Board (OUTBoard).
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
appoint the following to the OUTBoard:
• Appointment to a second full term (position #3) "Cedar Grove Township" for Ed Vaughn
expiring 09/30/2020.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12. Information Items
• September 19, 2017 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
• Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
• Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
• BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from September 19, 2017 Regular Meeting
13. Closed Session-two items
A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
go into closed session at 10:33 p.m. for the purpose below:
"To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on
the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS §
143-318.11(a)(5).
"To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the
area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
development incentives that may be offered by the public body in negotiations," NCGS § 143-
318.11(a)(4).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
reconvene back into regular session at 11:15 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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14. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
adjourn the meeting at 11:15 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Donna Baker
Clerk to the Board