HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-08-20181
APPROVED 3/20/2018
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 8, 2018
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, March 8,
2018 at 7 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services 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: None
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 7:01 p.m.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Dorosin dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
The following items were noted at the Commissioners’ places:
- Pink sheet: Commissioner Rich’s Proposed Draft Gun Violence Resolution, Add as item 4b
- White sheet: Commissioner Price’s friendly amendment to Commissioner Rich’s Gun
Violence Resolution
- Blue sheet: Updated Attachment for 6-a-1, Historical Use of Social Safety Net and Social
Justice Reserve Fund
- PowerPoints for item 6-b
- Item 8 -e, pulled at staff’s request: Resolution of Approval – Conservation Easement
Amendment for Keith Arboretum-- to be brought back at first meeting in April.
Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:05 p.m.
Arts Moment – Jeffery Beam
Katie Murray, Arts Commission Coordinator, introduced the artist and reviewed the
following information:
Jeffery Beam's award-winning works: Broken Flower, Gospel Earth, Visions of Dame Kind,
Elizabethan Bestiary: Retold, New Beautiful Tendons, a CD What We Have Lost, Jonathan
Williams: Lord of Orchards, and Spectral Pegasus/Dark Movements – a poetry/painting
collaboration with Welsh painter Clive Hicks-Jenkins (January 2019 Connecticut’s Kin Press).
Composer collaborations: Lee Hoiby—Carnegie Hall premiere Life of the Bee (2001 Albany
Record's New Growth); Steven Serpa—Heaven's Birds (2008 Boston’s World AIDS Day), An
Invocation (2016 Austin Symphony), The Creatures: A Bestiary (2016 Austin Opera); Holt
McCarley—The Hyena (2015, St. Louis); and Daniel Thomas Davis—Family Secrets
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w/Beam’s Porch Song (2015 UNC-CH, 2016 NC Opera). Forthcoming—a children’s book The
Droods (English artist Phil Cooper). Retired botanical librarian (2011 UNC-CH). Beam lives
with his husband Stanley of 38 years in Hillsborough.
Jeffrey Beam read some of his poems.
2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
Phillip Nasseri, White Cross Fire Department Fire Chief, said he wanted to inform the
Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) of a collaborative effort between all of the fire
departments/law enforcement/Emergency Services to create a countywide training facility, and
that this group has asked the federal government for a $330,000 grant for the initial facility of a
structure. He said this group has secured the matching funds of 10%, based on the County’s
population. He said land has been chosen for this facility, and this group may reach out in the
future for assistance. He said his goal tonight is to make the Board of County Commissioners
(BOCC) aware of this process, and it is a unique opportunity, the collaboration for which has
never existed before. He said this building will allow all first responders to train in a more
efficient and safe manner. He asked the BOCC if it would provide written support of the
project.
Commissioner Price asked if the support will be expressed as a united board, or as
individual Commissioners.
Chair Dorosin said as a united board.
Tony Blake said he is the president of the White Cross Fire Department Board of
Directors (BOD), and the community is in support of this project. He said it will be funded
through the fire departments, and not from the Board of County Commissioners. He stressed
the importance of this proposed joint training facility.
Laura Streitfeld said she is with Preserve Rural Orange (PRO), and she sent an email
request to all of the Board. She said PRO is concerned about many event centers that are
being presented as barns; equitable information distribution; and transparency. She said PRO
is asking the BOCC to look at the items that it can address. She said PRO would like the
BOCC to help with the following: access to information from Board of Adjustment (BOA)
meetings; ordinances being enforced consistently; appoint independent counsel to the BOA, to
prevent dual roles by legal staff; appoint independent staff to coordinate all BOA
communications; clarify public records, policies and procedures; post full record of public
documents pertaining to each event center proactively, separately, and in a searchable format;
and to clarify the rural special events in the unified development ordinance (UDO). She said
she had requested information in an electronic format, in accordance with the law, but in the
last two months she has only received paper copies. She asked if the BOCC would take
action on all of PRO’s requested items, and if it would make sure BOA meetings are recorded.
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
Commissioner Burroughs had no comments.
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Commissioner McKee said the comments from Phillip Nasseri were reviewed at the Fire
Chiefs Council last night, and this is a collaborative effort among volunteer fire departments,
Emergency Services and law enforcement.
Commissioner Jacobs petitioned the Manager’s office to provide a comprehensive
response to Ms. Streitfeld’s requests.
Commissioner Jacobs said the Department of Transportation (DOT) is putting up a
pedestrian fence on the Orange Grove Road Bridge.
Commissioner Jacobs said the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) received an
email that Paylor Street is now a NCDOT road.
Commissioner Jacobs said he and the County management office met with the Director
of GoTriangle last week, and presented a list of issues of interest to the BOCC. He said there
is a handout at the Commissioners’ places that provides an overview of this meeting. He said
he received positive responses on all of the items, and the BOCC will receive a change in
areas where dissatisfaction exists.
Commissioner Jacobs petitioned the BOCC to write a resolution urging the State of
North Carolina to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
Commissioner Marcoplos referred to the Greene Tract, and said the competitiveness of
solar power may make it possible to install a community solar generating facility as a part of an
affordable housing area. He asked if staff would review this suggestion.
Commissioner Price said the BOCC received an email about Marcy’s law, and
petitioned the Board to look at a resolution as a joint effort. She said she will write up a draft.
Commissioner Price said she attended the National Association of Counties (NACo)
Legislative Conference, where she met with the Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). She learned that the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
and Home funds have bi-partisan support to keep them in the budget.
Commissioner Price said she heard from DJ Gribbin, Special Assistant to the President
on Infrastructure, who said that the federal government has given 14% on average for
transportation/infrastructure projects around the country. She said 14-20% is likely to be the
most any project would receive, and it will be important to have a plan for how the remaining
parts of a project will be funded.
Commissioner Price said she also attended a USDA meeting about broadband and
digital infrastructure.
Commissioner Rich said the Board normally puts draft resolutions up, and waits until
the next meeting to vote; however, some resolutions are time sensitive. She said her
proposed resolution this evening is such a resolution. She asked if the BOCC would put its
policies about resolutions and timeliness on an upcoming meeting agenda.
Commissioner Rich said she received a resolution from Planning Board member Kim
Piracci about a month free of plastic straws in September, and she would bring this back in the
future.
Commissioner Rich read the proclamation that was put forth in 1987 for Women’s
History Month.
Chair Dorosin followed up on Commissioner Jacobs’ petition about the BOA. He said
the list of concerns included some matters on policy discussion, and he asked if this could be
added to agenda review for a possible future meeting.
Chair Dorosin asked if the BOA meeting on Monday, March 12th could be recorded. He
said one issue raised is related to the substance of the event centers’ usage, which is out of
BOCC control; but the dissemination of information and transparency is something the BOCC
can address.
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A motion was made by Chair Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Price to hold the
March 12th BOA meeting in a facility where it can be recorded, or streamed, or audio recorded,
or video recorded.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Rich asked if all BOA meetings will be recorded, or just the one on
March 12th.
Chair Dorosin said that question would be resolved when the BOCC has the policy
discussion, but recording the March 12th meeting is a show of good faith by the BOCC.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Resolution Opposing a Change from Election of Judges
The Board considered voting to approve a draft Resolution Opposing a Change from
Election of Judges, and if approved, authorizing the Chair to sign.
BACKGROUND:
At the January 23, 2018 Regular Board meeting, the Board requested that a resolution be
prepared for the Board’s consideration expressing support for the current system of electing
judges in North Carolina and opposing any change to that system.
Commissioner Price read the resolution:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION OPPOSING A CHANGE FROM ELECTION OF JUDGES
WHEREAS, the North Carolina State Constitution [Constitution] established three branches of
government: Executive, Legislative and Judicial; and
WHEREAS, the Constitution also established the roles and responsibilities of each said branch
of government, and how individuals seeking to serve in each branch is to be elected; and
WHEREAS, this delineation of separate branches is essential to the maintenance of a balance
of powers that ensures the unfettered and effective function of our democratic form of
government; and
WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly currently is debating the merits of amending
the Constitution so as to allow the appointment of judges rather than the historical and
Constitutional method of electing judges by a vote of the people; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners [BOCC] believes that members of
the judicial branch of government should continue to be elected by the voters, as opposed to
being selected by members of the legislative branch or by some other process that may be
established by the legislative branch; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports maintaining the current
Judicial District System, and opposes division into sub-districts; and
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WHEREAS, forcing judges to run for election on a frequent basis, such as every two years,
has the potential of politicizing their decision-making, thus undermining the independence that
is at the heart of a free and fair judiciary; and
WHEREAS, at its regular meeting on March 8, 2018, the BOCC voted unanimously to send
this resolution to its state legislative delegation as well as to the boards of county
commissioners of all other 99 North Carolina counties;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners herewith opposes any amendment to the North Carolina Constitution that
would abridge or impinge upon the right of the people of North Carolina to elect their judges;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
affirms its position in favor of an independent judiciary, as now provided in the North Carolina
State Constitution.
This the 8th day of March, 2018.
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
adopt the proposed resolution and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. A Resolution in Support of Local Youth-led Efforts Calling for State and National
Action to Prevent Gun Violence in Schools and Communities Nationwide.
Commissioner Rich added this item to the agenda, with no abstract, along with a
friendly amendment version from Commissioner Price.
Commissioner McKee said he has concerns with bringing forth a resolution without
public notice, as such action lacks transparency.
Commissioner Rich said she and Commissioner Price spoke about this resolution, and
Commissioner Price is recommending changing the wording in the second to last paragraph
from “whereas” to “therefore be it resolved.”
Commissioner Rich read the resolution:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
A RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LOCAL YOUTH-LED EFFORTS CALLING FOR STATE
AND NATIONAL ACTION TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES
NATIONWIDE
WHEREAS, gun violence is a crisis in the United States, especially for children; and
WHEREAS, the US has the highest rate of gun violence among its peers, including nearly six
times the gun homicide rate of Canada, more than seven times that of Sweden, and nearly 16
times that of Germany; and
WHEREAS, on average, two dozen children are shot every day in the United States; and
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WHEREAS, more than 150,000 students attending at least 170 primary or secondary schools
have experienced a shooting on campus since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999;
and
WHEREAS, along with school shootings, countless other lives are impacted by gun violence
that do not make headlines every day. Ninety-six Americans are shot and killed and hundreds
more are wounded each day in this country; and
WHEREAS, every child deserves to learn in a school that is safe and adults must do more to
protect our students and schools from gun violence; and
WHEREAS, young people in our community are taking the lead, in solidarity with Marjory
Stoneman Douglas High School, in calling for action by state and national leaders and asking
that adults listen and follow their lead; and
WHEREAS, these grassroots and youth-led efforts build on the momentum of Black Lives
Matter, the Dream Defenders, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, Americans for
Responsible Solutions, and other efforts to amplify the majority of voices who support sensible
gun control legislation in the U.S; and
WHEREAS, these youth are taking part in protests and other actions to demand that they be
kept safe in their schools; and
WHEREAS, we reject arming teachers or other acts that would put more guns and fear in our
schools;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports
our youth in their assertions that sensible gun control legislation efforts including universal
background checks, waiting periods, and an assault weapon ban will prevent gun violence;
and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
supports the youth-led actions to make their voices heard and calls on the community and
State and federal elected leaders to act on sensible gun control legislative measures to
prevent further gun violence in our schools and in our communities; and
BE IT MOREOVER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be forwarded to Senators
Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, Congressman David Price, and Governor Roy Cooper.
This the 8th day of March, 2018.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to
approve the resolution and forward to designated individuals.
Commissioner McKee asked if Commissioner Price’s friendly amendment is asking for
a total ban of assault weapons, including confiscation of existing assault weapons, or the
future purchase of assault weapons.
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Commissioner Price said she did not amend this portion of the resolution, rather she
just changed the “whereas” clause to a “therefore be it resolved.”
Commissioner Rich said it refers to the ban on purchasing automatic rifles.
Commissioner McKee asked if Commissioner Rich would accept removing that
language and replacing it with, “a ban on the future purchase of assault weapons that will
reduce gun violence.”
Commissioner Rich accepted this language change.
Commissioner McKee offered a friendly amendment to say, “Be it therefore resolved
that the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports efforts to reduce the availability of
violent movies, games, and other media, and supports efforts to address mental health issues
through additional funding of services on the state and federal level.”
Commissioner Rich said she would not accept this wording, but asked Commissioner
McKee if he would like to break this wording down into separate items. She said she does not
see game or media violence as part of the spirit of this resolution.
Commissioner McKee said they fundamentally disagree about this, but he is willing to
drop the first part of his proposal, and asked if Commissioner Rich would accept the wording
about mental health services.
Commissioner Rich said she does think this wording belongs in this resolution, as the
resolution solely seeks to support youth lead protests against gun violence.
Commissioner McKee said he cannot support this resolution.
Commissioner Rich said mental health issues are completely different than gun
violence.
Commissioner McKee clarified that the resolution is aimed at simply supporting the
youth effort.
Commissioner Rich said yes, that is the spirit of the resolution.
Commissioner McKee said he would support the resolution with reservations, and at
some point, he would like the Board to have a discussion as to whether or not it supports
violent movies and games, as he believes this media plays into the mental health of children.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5. Public Hearings
NONE
6. Regular Agenda
a. Request to Utilize Social Justice Funds for Emergency Assistance Payments
The Board considered allocating $125,000 from the Social Justice Fund for emergency
assistance payments for Orange County residents.
BACKGROUND:
The Department of Social Services (DSS) supports individuals and families experiencing
financial crises through emergency payments for rent, utilities, deposits and other essentials.
Although federal and state sources provide some of this support, the County provides most of
these funds.
As of the end of January, the County had served over 800 Orange County residents and at the
current rate would serve nearly 1,400 during fiscal year 2017-18. In fiscal year 2016-17 these
funds served 1,240 clients. Although some of the increase in emergency assistance this year
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is explained by demand, much is related to rising housing costs. In previous years, a greater
percentage of funds was spent on utilities but now a greater percentage is spent on rents,
deposits and related costs.
From July through January of the current fiscal year, DSS has made $120,919 worth of rent
payments on behalf of 325 households as compared to $94,812 during all of the previous
year. In addition to rent, the County has also spent $93,546 on electric bills and $19,680 on
water bills thus far this fiscal year.
DSS has also assisted with some extremely difficult situations this year and those cases have
been more costly. Often these included serious safety issues for a child, a senior or a person
with a disability. Extreme weather also contributed to higher needs as DSS tried to assure that
all families were safe during the recent cold temperatures.
Based on current spending trends, DSS will need approximately $125,000 in additional funds
to meet the need for the remainder of the fiscal year and is requesting this amount from the
existing Social Justice Fund.
Nancy Coston, Department of Social Services (DSS) Director, said this year DSS has
had a dif ficult time staying within its budget, due to demands for emergencies, with rising
housing costs being a large issue. She said DSS is requesting the use social justice funds to
offset some of these emergency costs.
Commissioner Jacobs referred to the revised information on the blue sheet in the
Commissioners’ packet, and said this has been a long-standing commitment of Orange
County. He said this type of need is the intended purpose of the social justice fund.
Nancy Coston said DSS always seeks to use federal funds first, but sometimes those
funds do not cover the needs.
Chair Dorosin asked if this as more of an anomalous situation, or if this is a trend of
higher level of expenses.
Nancy Coston said it is both, and there have truly been some extenuating situations
this year. She said expenses vary from year to year, but she does not anticipate these costs
going down.
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
approve the allocation of $125,000 from the Social Justice Fund to the Department of Social
Services to address the continuing need for emergency assistance.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Framework for the First Annual Orange County Local Festival
The Board considered voting to establish a financial and programming framework for
Orange County’s First Annual Local Festival.
BACKGROUND:
The FY2017-18 Budget authorized up to $15,000 in Article 46 sales tax proceeds to begin
planning for an Orange County Local Fest. The County conducted a request for proposal
process and retained Evan Hatch as the Event Planner. Mr. Hatch has fifteen years of
experience in folk arts and cultural programming, which includes experience in event planning
and festival production. Mr. Hatch has been working with a group of Orange County
departments to create a financial and programming framework for Local Fest.
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Orange County Local Fest is intended to be a local, grassroots festival that celebrates and
promotes Orange County’s commitment to its heritage, diversity, culture, sustainable living and
agriculture. The event is proposed to be held at the Blackwood Farm Park on Saturday,
September 29, 2018.
Revenue generated by the event is proposed to support the Breeze Farm Incubator. The
Breeze Farm provides a place for individuals who are interested in learning to farm, but may
not have access to the land or equipment required to start a farming business. The Breeze
Farm provides tools, infrastructure, and services as part of the lease agreement with these
individuals. These resources help to minimize the risk and capital investment needed to start a
small farm. Historically, the Breeze Farm generated approximately $30,000 in revenue by
hosting the annual Farm to Fork Event. That event has relocated to outside of Orange County,
resulting in a loss of revenue to the Breeze Farm.
The programming element of Local Fest is proposed to include music, agricultural and food
demonstrations, local artists, educational opportunities for children, and revenue generating
activities, food, and beverage sales. Music and dance stages will feature a diverse mix of local
musicians and artists. Examples of agricultural and food demonstrations include a
demonstration kitchen, sheep herding and shearing, molasses processing, fabric weaving and
dying, and quilting. The activities are expected to include pony rides, draft horse hayride tours,
a hollering contest, and a baking contest. The County will contract with musicians, vendors and
demonstrators using standard contract protocols, and artists will be juried by the Orange
County Arts Commission staff. The proposed programming model does not include areas or
booth rentals for nonprofit advocacy or political organizations.
The total expense budget for the event is expected to be approximately $50,000. These
expenses include payments for entertainment and event set up, rentals, advertisements and
publicity, and event signage and wayfinding. Staff expects that sufficient capacity will be
available in the FY2018-19 Article 46 sales tax fund to fully support these expenses.
Revenue will be generated through event sponsorships, food and beverage sales, and
charges for activities such as pony and hay rides. Event sponsorships would include
opportunities to sponsor specific event areas or to support the event in general. Sponsorship
opportunities will follow a tiered sponsorship level model.
Food and beverage sales will be generated by a local food truck rodeo and beer garden. The
County will collect revenue through rental fees and/or collect a percentage of sales at the
event. Up to $30,000 of revenue would be transferred to the Breeze Farm to support the
incubator and its educational programming. This financial support would replace the revenue
that had been generated by the Farm to Fork event. Any revenue generated in excess of
$30,000 would be applied to offset the cost of producing the event. The financial model does
not currently rely on a fee for general admission.
Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Framework for First Annual Orange County Local Fest
March 8, 2018
Item 6 (b)
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Purpose
• To establish a financial and programming framework for Orange County’s First Annual
Local Festival
• Background
o FY2017-18 Budget - $15,000 for Local Fest Planning
o Funded through Article 46 Sales Tax
o Event Planner RFP and Contract
• Next Steps
o Begin marketing campaign – website, social and traditional media
o Formalize contractual relationships with vendors, demonstrators, musicians
o Formally secure outside sponsorships
Financial Framework
• Raise Funds for Breeze Farm Educational Programming
o PLANT Program – training on small scale sustainable farming techniques
o Replace revenue raised from Farm to Fork event ($30,000)
• Expense Budget
o Up to $50,000
o Entertainment, rentals, advertisement, publicity
o Expenses financed through Article 46 Sales Tax
• Revenue Budget
o No general admission fees
o Revenue sources
Sponsorships – tiered sponsorship model
Food and beverage sales
Beer Garden
Booth rentals for arts
Charges for some activities
o First $30,000 to Breeze Farm
o Excess event proceeds to offset event expenses
Programming Framework
• Local Festival
o Heritage, History, Culture of Orange County
o Blackwood Farm Park
o Saturday, September 29, 2018
Evan Hatch, Event Planner, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
LOCALFEST 2018
Blackwood Farm Park, Hillsborough, NC
The 5 W’s OF LOCALFEST
• Who – Presented by Orange County, NC Government in support of the Breeze Farm
Incubator
• What – A local, grassroots festival celebrating and promoting Orange County’s
commitment to its heritage, diversity, culture, sustainable living and agriculture.
• Where – Blackwood Farm Park, 4215 NC-86, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
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• When – Saturday, September 29, 2018 10 AM – 6 PM (9 AM -5 PM?)
• Why – To serve as a fundraiser for Breeze Farm Incubator. To promote agricultural and
economic stability models in Orange County, NC.
THE 6th W – HOW? WORKING TOGETHER.
• Orange County Visitor’s Bureau
• Orange County Arts Commission
• Orange County Cooperative Extension
• Orange County Emergency Management
• Orange County Public Health
• Orange County Information Technology
• Orange County Sherriff’s Office
• Orange County Solid Waste
• Orange County Public Transportation
• Orange County Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation
• Orange County Economic Development
WHAT HAPPENS AT LOCAL FEST?
• MUSIC AND DANCE STAGES
• DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN
• CRAFT VENDORS
• AGRICULTURE DEMONSTRATIONS
• FOOD TRUCKS
• BEER GARDEN
• KIDS AREAS AND ACTIVITIES
• EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
• AGRICULTURAL EXPERIENCES
A ROUGH OVERVIEW OF LOCALFEST (map)
MUSICAL AND DANCE ACTS
• Jake Xerxes Fussell
• Five Points Rounders
• Music Maker Relief Foundation Artist
• Mariachi de los Galleros
• Red Leaf Drum Group
• Green Level Entertainers
• Bouncing Bulldogs
AGRICULTURE & FARM DEMONSTRATIONS (photos)
KID’s AREA ACTIVITIES & DEMONSTRATIONS
• A GREAT opportunity to make money from donation$ and fee-based activitie$...
• Paperhand Puppet Intervention Puppetry Workshop
• Muraling Activities with Cornelio Campos
• Volunteer-led Face Painting Station’s (Donation Potential)
• Pony Rides
• Draft Horse Wagon Rides
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• Story Telling Stage
DEMONSTRATION KITCHEN
• A fantastic opportunity to unify local food, farming and cooking on our sponsored
independent stage, creating contests, demonstrations, and educational opportunities
• A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR A STAGE SPONSORSHIP!!!!
• FERMENTATION, BUTCHERY, BAKING CONTESTS, KIDS KITCHEN DEMO!
FOOD TRUCK RODEO (SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE) BEER GARDEN & MORE
• Weaver Street Market
• Carrboro Coffee Roasters
• Margaret’s Cantina
• Monterrey
• Maple View Farms
• Vimala’s Curryblossom Café
• Hillsborough BBQ
• Mystery Brewing Company
• Full Stem Brewing
• Botanist and Barrel Cidery and Winery
• COMMUNITY BAKING CONTEST: Best Cakes, Pies, Breads, Tamales, Pan Dulces!
WHY DO ALL THIS?
• COMMUNITY
o Education
o Outreach
o Promotion
o Fundraiser
o Pride
o Coming Together
Commissioner Marcoplos said Full Steam Brewery is in Durham, and, while he very
much likes Full Steam, he suggested approaching Steel String Brewery in Carrboro, as it is in
Orange County. He said this is proposal is a great start, but he suggested charging $5 per car
load, which would encourage car-pooling, yet still make some funds.
Evan Hatch said the current plan is to not have cars on site, in order to keep in line with
sustainability and low impact. He said those showing at the festival will have parking rights,
while all others will be transported in from other sites.
Commissioner Marcoplos said maybe charging a dollar a person, or a suggested
donation.
Commissioner McKee asked Travis Myren if there is sufficient infrastructure at
Blackwood Farm to sustain such an event.
Travis Myren said generators will be brought in for power and portable toilets for
sanitary purposes.
Commissioner McKee asked if these costs are covered in the $50,000.
Travis Myren said yes.
Commissioner Price said because the festival is being funded by taxpayer dollars, she
would like to see “donations welcomed,” but no entry fee charged.
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Travis Myren said a fee structure for entry was discussed, but staff felt the BOCC may
prefer the event to be free. He said if the Board feels differently, staff can create a fee
structure for admission.
Commissioner Price said she is opposed to any entry fee.
Commissioner Jacobs said for other events, cars were parked at the middle school and
were shuttled in throughout the day.
Commissioner Jacobs said he has no particular affinity for this project, but he is willing
to support it; however, it is odd to tell the public that the County will spend $50,000 to raise
$30,000, instead of just giving $30,000 to the Breeze Farm. He suggested thinking about the
wording for this.
Commissioner Jacobs said he runs a small non-profit in the Hillsborough area, and he
is concerned about people such as him having to compete with Orange County for
sponsorships, and it will drain what few businesses that exist, and their ability to support
multiple non-profit operations. He said there are a number of small entities that depend on
one annual event to make or break their budgets.
Commissioner McKee said there are other festivals in Orange County, and asked if the
timing sequence of those events have been compared to the timing of this event.
Evan Hatch said Localfest would occur the same weekend as the Carrboro Music
festival, but most of Carrboro’s music activities are on Sunday. He said he is unsure about
Hog Day.
Commissioner McKee said the County has already allocated $15,000 to this event, and
now plans to allocate another $50,000. He asked if the receipts come in for $10,000 will
another $20,000 be added to give $30,000 to the Breeze Farm.
Travis Myren said only the amount raised, up to $30,000, goes to the Breeze Farm. He
said if only $5,000 is raised then that is the amount that will go to the Farm. He said the
exposure for the County next year would be $50,000. He said there will be a little left from the
$15,000 allocated this year, which will be applied to the $50,000. He said the Breeze Farm will
only benefit to the extent that funds are raised by the event itself.
Commissioner McKee said this information concerns him. He said if this is to replace
money to the Breeze Farm, he does not see how $30,000 cannot be given to the Breeze
Farm.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a target amount for funds raised by
sponsorships.
Evan Hatch said this is being worked on, and there will be a tiered structure for
sponsorships. He said he expects that no individual sponsorship would go over $20,000, but
there are currently no targets.
Commissioner Rich said Hog Day is September 14-15.
Commissioner Rich clarified that the sponsorships will cover the cost of the $50,000
being put forth by the County, and asked if the funding source for the money for the Breeze
Farm could be identified.
Travis Myren said all of the revenue collected by the event, up to $30,000 will go to the
Breeze Farm first. He said these revenues will come from sponsorships, sales of food/goods
etc., and rentals.
Travis Myren said if $30,000 is raised, that amount will go to Breeze Farm, and the
County will pay $50,000. He said if the event raises $40,000, then $30,000 will go to Breeze
Farm and $10,000 will be applied to the County’s costs.
Commissioner Rich said it is important to communicate that this event will feature local
artists throughout all areas: musicians, food, beer, artists, etc.
Commissioner Price asked if the sponsorship money is expected to cover the County’s
$50,000 expenses.
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Travis Myren said it has not been considered by revenue source, but rather by amount.
He said once the Breeze Farm bucket is filled; the County’s expenses can be offset.
Commissioner Price asked the $50,000 will come out of the Article 46 sales tax.
Travis Myren said this would be part of the Manager’s budget proposal for next year,
but the planning/organizing needs to begin due to the event being in September.
Commissioner Price said staff is pursuing sponsorships now, and asked if the goal is to
cover expenses through these sponsorships.
Evan Hatch said that is the goal, but with this being a first year project, there are many
unknowns. He said he is dedicated to raising as much revenue as he can, but $50,000 is a
large sum. He said it is a goal for now.
Commissioner Price asked if any of the necessary entrance road improvements will be
completed prior to the event.
Bonnie Hammersley said the road will be improved after the event, and is already
allocated in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP ). She said this event will use the same model as
the 250th anniversary by shuttling people from offsite locations. She said the exact finances
are unknown, but the worse case scenario will be a $50,000 expense from the Article 46 tax
funds, minus the remaining funds from the $15,000 from this year.
Commissioner Marcoplos said the Farm to Fork event raised $30,000, via $100.00 per
person. He said in addition to major sponsors, a call could be put out inviting people to be
individual sponsors as “Friends of the Breeze Farm.”
Evan Hatch said sponsors from all over Orange County are being considered.
Commissioner McKee asked if this event ties into economic development.
Travis Myren said it is hoped that this event will draw tourists.
Commissioner McKee said he is reluctant to support this because there are people that
are being displaced from mobile homes, and the schools are in need of greater security. He
said it is difficult to explain to a resident, in extreme financial distress, why he voted to support
a “party.” He said he does not question whether it is a good event or not, but rather it is an
ethical question for him.
Chair Dorosin said he is excited about this festival, and this is a celebration of all things
local with a good outcome for Breeze Farm. He said it will be important to look closely at the
proposed outline, and he encouraged creativity with the artists that will be involved, as this is a
great opportunity to reach different constituencies. He said one cannot underestimate the
value of taking pride in, and celebration of, one’s community.
Commissioner Rich said it is important to think through and figure out the logistics of
the beer garden before moving forward on this.
Commissioner Price said this is a way of supporting local businesses, artists, and
culinary artists. She said any leftover food should not be thrown away, but rather donated to
food banks, Meals on Wheels, etc.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he has done some research on non-traditional county
fairs around the country, and many make a lot of money. He said this has the potential to be a
big money maker over the years.
Commissioner Rich said to add the Food Council to the list of collaborators.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the next steps could be outlined.
Travis Myren reviewed the final PowerPoint slide:
Decision Points
• Approve financial and programming framework for Orange County’s First Annual Local
Festival
• Next Steps
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o Begin marketing campaign – website, social and traditional media
o Formalize contractual relationships with vendors, demonstrators, musicians
o Formally secure outside sponsorships
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
approve the programming and financial framework for the Local Fest Event as described in the
abstract.
VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner McKee)
7. Reports
NONE
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
o Item 8-e: has been deferred to a future meeting
o Item 8-f: Boards and Commissions - Commissioner Assignments
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
approve the remaining items on the consent agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
f. Boards and Commissions - Commissioner Assignments
The Board considered approving the list of boards and commissions, on which
members of the Board of County Commissioners have chosen to serve.
Commissioner Jacobs said when the Board picked its boards and commissions last
month he said he would stay on GoTriangle, if no one else wanted it. He said Commissioner
Marcoplos has asked to serve on this board when Commissioner Jacobs is no longer doing so.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that this appointment start now.
Commissioner Jacobs said he felt like he had a certain role that he was filling for the
Board: to corral something with which the Board was having difficulty. He said he is not sure
he has succeeded, and he suggested letting Commissioner Marcoplos become the GoTriangle
representative now.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like to do this.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
to approve the suggested substitution to GoTriangle Board of Trustees.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Price said she would volunteer to be the alternate for the Upper Neuse
River Basin Association (UNRBA).
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A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve this.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes from February 6, 15 and 20, 2018 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 four taxpayers with a total of seven bills that will result in a reduction of
revenue, in accordance with the North Carolina General Statutes.
c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax
values for three taxpayers with a total of three bills that will result in a reduction of revenue, in
accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
d. Approval of an Additional Automotive Mechanic Position
The Board approved an additional Automotive Mechanic position (1.0 FTE) to start by April 15,
2018 to work within the Fleet Maintenance Division of Asset Management Services, with
funding from an ongoing 5307 Federal Transit Administration Small Urban Grant appropriated
to Orange County Public Transportation (“OCPT”), as well as funds from the operating budget
of OCPT that will be used for the 50% match required by the grant.
f. Boards and Commissions - Commissioner Assignments
The Board approved the list of boards and commissions on which members of the Board of
County Commissioners have chosen to serve.
g. Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Amendment Outline
and Schedule – Four UDO Text Amendments
The Board approved process components and schedule for proposed amendments to the
Orange County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
9. County Manager’s Report
Bonnie Hammersley said there is a light rail presentation on March 12th at the Chapel
Hill Town Hall.
10. County Attorney’s Report
NONE
11. *Appointments
Commissioner Jacobs asked if County employees can serve on County Advisory
Boards.
Commissioner Price said only the Board of Health had a policy in its bylaws that
employees cannot serve on its board.
John Roberts said the Board of Health has this policy, and the County has a general
policy that says no nominee to a board shall be currently employed by Orange County
government and serve on a board that directly affects the employee’s work.
Donna Baker said if an employee completes a board application, her office contacts the
County Attorney before proceeding.
a. Arts Commission – Appointments
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The Board considered the following appointments to the Arts Commission:
Chair Dorosin said his partner is being proposed to fill one of the appointments. He
said there is no financial interest in her being appointed.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
appoint the following to the Arts Commission:
h. Appointment to a first full term (position #1) “At-Large” for Marcela Slade expiring
03/31/2021
i. Appointment to a second full term (position #2) “At-Large” for Tim Hoke expiring
03/31/2021
j. Appointment to a second full term (position #8) “At-Large” for Bronwyn Merritt expiring
03/31/2021
k. Appointment to a first full term (position #12) “At-Large” for Anita Mills expiring
03/31/2021
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau – Appointments
The Board considered the following appointments to the Chapel Hill Orange County
Visitors Bureau (CHOCVB).
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
appoint the following to the CHOCVB:
• Appointment to a partial term (Position #1) “At-Large Chapel Hill Town Council”
representative for Dr. Rachel Schaevitz expiring 12/31/2018.
• Appointment to a partial term (Position #16) “At-Large” for Libbie Hough expiring
12/31/2018
Commissioner Rich said this group has actively sought to diversify this board, and it is
still an ongoing effort.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee – Appointment
The Board considered the following appointments to the Nursing Home Community
Advisory Committee:
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
appoint the following to the Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee:
• Appointment to a first full term (Position #2) “At-Large” representative for Molly Stein
expiring 03/31/2021
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
d. Orange County Planning Board – Appointments
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The Board considered the following BOCC appointments to the Orange County
Planning Board.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos
to appoint the following the Orange County Planning Board:
• Appointment to a second full term (position #3) “Cheeks Township Resident” for
Patricia Roberts expiring 03/31/2021
• Appointment of Carrie Fletcher to a first full term (position #4) “Bingham Township
Resident” BOCC Appointment expiring 03/31/2021
• Appointment to a first full term (position #7) “At-Large” representative for Hunter Spitzer
expiring 03/31/2021
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12. Information Items
• February 20, 2018 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
• Memorandum - Updated Lands Public Access Table and Map
13. Closed Session
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Rich to go
into closed session at 8:49 p.m. for the purposes 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).
“Pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3) "to consult with an attorney retained by the Board in
order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board.”
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
to reconvene into regular session at 9:35 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14. Ad journment
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs
to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m.
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Donna Baker
Clerk to the Board