HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-20-20181
APPRIVED 4/17/2018
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
REGULAR MEETING
March 20, 2018
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Tuesday, March 20,
2018 at 7 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, 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 Asst. Deputy Clerk II Sherri Ingersoll (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Chair Dorosin suggested moving item 11-a, Appointments to the Animal Services
Hearing Panel Pool, to after item 4-d.
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) agreed by consensus.
Chair Dorosin noted the following items at the Commissioners’ places:
- 4-a: Elections PowerPoint
- 4-c: Revised Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights Amendment
- 6-b: Update on Manufactured Homes
- 7-a: Orange County Transportation Update PowerPoint
Commissioner Rich requested moving item 6-c (UDO Text Amendments on Regulating
Flagpoles and Flags) to the beginning of the regular agenda, since the re are a lot of members of
the public present to speak on the issue and the Board agreed.
PUBLIC CHARGE
Chair Dorosin dispensed with the reading of the public charge.
Arts Moment
Katie Murray, Arts Commissioner Director, read the following introduction:
Thomas Mira y Lopez is the author of The Book of Resting Places (Counterpoint Press,
2017). He holds an MFA from the University of Arizona and has received fellowships from The
MacDowell Colony and Colgate University. Originally from New York, he lives in North Carolina
where he is currently the Kenan Visiting Writer at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill.
Thomas Mira y Lopez thanked the Board of County Commissioners for having him, and
read an excerpt from one essay in his book, “The Book of Resting Places – a Fan for the
Afterlife.”
Chair Dorosin thanked him for coming, and said that it is always nice to be reminded of
the vibrant role the arts play in the community.
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2. Public Comments
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
None
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
Commissioner Price said she had attended the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) meeting. She said the MPO voted to approve
version 6 and the update on the 2025 transportation plan, and adopted these. She said she
also attended a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) event on
Sunday regarding “All Labor has Dignity”, in remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. She said
this was a good presentation , and was a reminder that there is still a lot of work to be done
regarding racial inequity.
Commissioner Marcoplos had no comments.
Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to see the actual version that the MPO
approved and adopted. He said he went to th e Millhouse Road Temporary Waste Facility
meeting, which will be closing on April 3 at noon, with the new facility on Eubanks Road opening
at the same time.
Commissioner Jacobs provided a report on the meeting of the Justice Advisory Council;
most of the meeting discussion was about fines and fees in the NC court system, which
disproportionately impacts those of lower means. He said it was a good conversation, and this
problem is not unique to NC. He said many states use fines to keep people in jail, but 1.2
million people in NC are stuck in this situation. He said consequently, they could lose jobs and
family due to not being able to pay the fine. He said Judges are no longer allowed to waive
fees, and those affected need approval from any entity that the County gives to before lowering
the fine.
Commissioner Rich said she attended a meeting at the White House, with about 300
other representatives from North Carolina. She said they met with some of President Trump ’s
directors and secretaries, and spoke about school safety and infrastructure, in particular
broadband. She said infrastructure often means water, sewer, and transportation, but this
conversation focused on money going out to the states for broadband.
Commissioner Rich said the Food Council is going to present the REI groundwater
presentation (3 hours) at the Whitted building on April 8, and interested people can sign up at
the Food Council website. She said there will be a $5 fee.
Commissioner Rich spoke about an article she read about the unemployment rate, and
Orange County is currently at 3.8%, which is one of the lowest in the State. She said this is
encouraging, but the County can always do better.
Commissioner McKee had no comments.
Commissioner Burroughs had no comments.
Chair Dorosin said he also attended the NAACP program, and it was very informative.
He said he has no formal petition, but wants to get clarification on whether or not a policy exists
to allow staff to act on one Commissioner’s request, as opposed to always requiring Board
consensus. He said all Commissioners are equals, and he does not know when items should
be brought back to the Board.
Commissioner Price said that a refresher is always good.
Commissioner Jacobs said there is a long-standing policy of a certain threshold of staff
time, after which, approval of the County Manager and/or the BOCC Chair is required. He said
he believed the threshold was anything above two hours of work. He said that this is an
important policy of which to be reminded.
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Chair Dorosin said that he would like the Board to review the policy.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Presentation on Upcoming Elections and Voting Machines
The Board received an update on upcoming elections and voting machine security.
BACKGROUND: The May 8, 2018 primary election is fast approaching, below are some
highlights concerning this election:
• A list of candidates filed can be found on the County’s Board of Elections website, and
sample ballots will be posted as soon as they become available
• Absentee voting by mail begins March 19
• Voter registration deadline, including party changes, is Friday, April 13
• Early voting begins April 19 and ends May 5. Locations and times are:
April 19 – 20 (Th – F) 9 am – 5 pm *Board of Elections Office
Only*
April 21 (Saturday) 9 am – 3 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 23 – April 27 (M – F) 9 am – 5 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 28 (Saturday) 9 am – 3 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
April 30 – May 4 (M – F) 9 am – 5 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
May 5 (Saturday) 9 am – 1 pm Board of Elections Office
Carrboro Town Hall
Rachel Raper, Elections Director, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Absentee Voting by Mail May 8, 2018
Primary: March 19th – May 1st at 5 pm
Registration Deadline (including party changes)
Friday, April 13th
Same Day Registration is available during One-Stop Voting (proof of residency is required)
Locations and times for one-stop absentee voting
BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE-208 S. Cameron Street, Hillsborough
Thursday & Friday, April 19th & April 20th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
BOARD OF ELECTIONS OFFICE-208 S. Cameron Street, Hillsborough
CARRBORO TOWN HALL – 301 W. Main Street, Carrboro
Saturday, April 21st, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday, April 23rd – April 27th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday, April 30th – May 4th, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 5th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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CHAPEL OF THE CROSS – 304 E. Franklin St, Chapel Hill
EFLAND RURITAN CLUB BUILDING – 3009 Forrest Ave, Efland
SEYMOUR SENIOR CENTER – 2551 Homestead Road, Chapel Hill
Saturday, April 21st, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday, April 23rd – April 27th, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 28th, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*Chapel of the Cross will be closed Saturday, April 28th*
Monday– Friday, April 30th – May 4th, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 5th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
North Carolina House Districts 50 & 56 have changed for some Orange County voters:
Weaver Dairy, Weaver Dairy Satellite, Cedar Falls, Booker Creek and Eastside precincts were
in District 50 and are now part of NC House District 56.
West Hillsborough, Cameron Park, Hillsborough, Grady Brown, Coles Store and St. John
precincts were in District 56 and now a part of District 50.
Elections Director Rachel Raper said the May election is fast approaching, and would
like to review the information that is available. She said the Elections office keeps information
updated regularly, and sample ballots are now available. She said in Orange County there is no
Republican ballot for the primary, and links to a lot of information are available on the website.
She said the voter registration deadline is April 13, and same day registration is available, but
requires proof of residency, such as a formal government document with name and address.
She said one stop voting starts April 10. She said there were some recent House district
changes that have affected some residents, and the office has some voter education outreach
coming up to inform those affected. She said packets are also being prepared for the affected
areas.
Rachel Raper said concerns have been brought forth about the voting machines that
Orange County uses, but the County’s machines are very safe. She said the machines are
never connected to the Internet, which is where most of the problems occur across the country.
She said modems are no longer used in reporting the results, and the machines have not been
equipped with modems since 2015. She said the County also does not use the touch screens,
which are crux of many of the problems. She said every vote is recounted by hand, by a
bipartisan team, to make certain they are the same as the machine count, regardless of the size
of the election. She said chain of custody forms are required for all materials, and all equipment
is kept behind lock and key with limited access by staff. She said her staff is very thorough and
dedicated in what they do.
Chair Dorosin asked if the voters who live in the affected precincts have gotten any
written notice from the state or the Elections office.
Rachel Raper said her office does not send out these types of notices unless there is a
call to action, such as an address change, because voters typically ignore additional mailings
around election time. She said the office notifies residents when something needs to be done,
which is why there will be outreach meetings in these various areas.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if information is available about the district changes, and
about the status of the State Board of Elections.
Rachel Raper said the State Board of Elections is being dissolved.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if this affects the status of the Orange County Board of
Elections.
Rachel Raper said that Orange County is still a three-member board, and the state
board meets tomorrow. She said it is unclear how this will affect Orange County, and currently
the votes need to be unanimous. She said the board may become a 4-member board, and
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votes will no longer need to be unanimous. She said Orange County’s board has always been
able to work together, and she does not foresee a problem.
Commissioner Jacobs said the presentation was very helpful, and he finds the final
piece of information a bit unsettling.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if it is know who will pick the fourth member.
Rachel Raper said that State Board picks the fourth member.
b. Women’s History Month Proclamation
The Board officially proclaimed the month of March 2018 as “Women’s History Month” in
Orange County, and authorized the Chair to sign the proclamation.
BACKGROUND: Women’s History Month had its origins as a national celebration in 1981 when
Congress authorized and requested the President to proclaim the week beginning March 7,
1982 as “Women’s History Week". Over the next five years, Congress continued to approve
joint resolutions designating a week in March as "Women’s History Week”.
In 1987 after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project, Congress designated
the month of March 1987 as “Women’s History Month”. Between 1988 and 1994, Congress
approved additional resolutions requesting and authorizing the President to proclaim March of
each year as Women’s History Month. Since 1995, Presidents Clinton, Bush, Obama and
Trump have issued a series of annual proclamations designating the month of March as
“Women’s History Month”.
The Department on Aging is celebrating “National Women’s History Month” on Thursday, March
29 with a special performance – Maya Angelou’s Celebration of Women. The 2018 National
Women’s History theme – NEVERTHELESS SHE PERSISTED: Honoring Women Who Fight
All Forms of Discrimination against Women – will be commemorated at the Seymour Center in
Chapel Hill with a special dramatic performance by Diane Faison as Maya Angelou. Faison will
breathe life and wonder into the words of one of America’s greatest poets, Maya Angelou with a
free performance at the Seymour Center on Thursday, March 29 from 2 – 3 p.m.
Commissioner Rich read the proclamation:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS , women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic
contributions to the growth and strength of our County in countless recorded and unrecorded
ways; and
WHEREAS , Orange County women have played and continue to play a critical
economic, cultural, and social role in every sphere of the life of the County; and
WHEREAS , women of every race, class, and ethnic background served as early leaders
in the forefront of every major progressive social change movement; and
WHEREAS , women have been leaders, not only in securing their own rights of suffrage
and equal opportunity, but also in the abolitionist movement, the emancipation movement, the
industrial labor movement, the civil rights movement, and other movements, especially the
peace movement, which create a more fair and just society for all; and
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WHEREAS , despite these contributions, the role of women in history has been
consistently overlooked and undervalued in the literature, teaching and study of American
history; and
WHEREAS , women constitute a majority of the Orange County labor force working
inside and outside of the home; and
WHEREAS , currently, women do not receive equal pay for equal work;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North
Carolina, do hereby proclaim March 2018 as “WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH” in Orange County
and challenge County residents to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies,
and activities.
THIS THE 20th DAY OF MARCH, 2018.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights Amendment
The Board voted to approve a Resolution in Support of the Equal Rights Amendment.
BACKGROUND: At the March 8, 2018 Board meeting, the Board asked staff to present for
Board consideration a Resolution in support of the Equal Rights Amendment.
The Equal Rights Amendment affirmed the equal application of the Constitution to all citizens;
which read: "Men and women shall have equal rights throughout the United States and every
place subject to its jurisdiction." The amendment was introduced in every session of Congress;
and was approved in reworded form by the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives on
March 22, 1972.
The proposed 27th Amendment to the Constitution was sent to the States for ratification, and
fell three states short of ratification; including the State of North Carolina. The State of Nevada
recently approved the amendment, becoming the 36th state to approve.
Commissioner Jacobs read the proclamation:
RES-2018-018
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF THE EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT
WHEREAS, Orange County forthrightly supports equal rights for all residents of
Orange County; and
WHEREAS, women continue to confront a lack of political parity, workplace
discrimination, health care inequities, disparate rates of poverty, rape and domestic violence
assaults; and
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WHEREAS, the United States Constitution fails to guarantee explicitly that all rights
that it purports to protect are held equally by all residents without regard to sex; and
WHEREAS, the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment never has been
interpreted to guarantee equal rights for women; and
WHEREAS, the Equal Rights Amendment [ERA] was drafted to help correct systemic
discrimination based on sex, i.e., by situating sex as a suspect category invoking strict judicial
scrutiny, as with race, national origin and religion; and
WHEREAS, the ERA was passed by Congress in 1972 and ratified by 35 of the 38
states necessary to put it into the Constitution, yet was assumed to have expired in 1982; and
WHEREAS , Congress can alter time limits in the proposing clauses of amendments,
and the deadline for the ERA appeared only in the preamble as opposed to the actual
legislation; and
WHEREAS, the State of Nevada became the 36th state to approve the ERA in 2017;
and
WHEREAS, Senator Floyd B. McKissick, Jr. and Representative Carla Cunningham
introduced ERA ratification bills in the NC General Assembly in the 2017 long session, with
Senator Mike Woodard co-sponsoring the Senate bill and Representative Henry M. Michaux
co-sponsoring the House bill; and
WHEREAS, US Representative David Price, Representative Alma Adams, and
Representative G.K. Butterfield have previously co-sponsored bills in Congress to adopt an
ERA, and to lift the time limits on states for ratifying the ERA; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners adopted a resolution regarding the
Equal Rights Amendment on November 15, 2016 with language similar to that appearing
below;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners calls on the US Congress to pass into law a bill to adopt an Equal Rights
Amendment, or to remove the time limit for ratification of the ERA so that ratification shall be
achieved upon the affirmative vote of 38 states, of which 36 already have ratified; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County
Commissioners calls on the NC General Assembly to pass into law a bill to ratify the Equal
Rights Amendment to the United States Constitution as proposed by Congress on March 22,
1972.
This the 20th day of March 2018.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
approve the resolution.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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d. Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims
The Board approved a Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to
Victims and authorized the Chair to sign the Resolution.
BACKGROUND: At the March 8, 2018 Board meeting, the Board voiced an interest in
considering a Resolution in Support of Better Protections and Safeguards to Victims.
Commissioner Renee Price drafted the attached resolution.
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent report, “Crime in the United
States”, in 2013, a total of 33,700 North Carolinians were the victims of Violent “Index Crimes”
including: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft and
arson.
Voters in California passed the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008, also known as Marsy’s Law,
and other states are enacting similar laws to guarantee victims’ rights and provide victims with a
voice.
House Bill 551/Senate Bill 595, a bill to amend the Law and Constitution of North Carolina, has
been introduced in the North Carolina General Assembly in the spirit of Marsy’s Law to provide
better protections and safeguards to victims of crimes.
Commissioner Price read the resolution:
RES-2018-019
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
RESOLUTION
IN SUPPORT OF BETTER PROTECTIONS AND SAFEGUARDS TO VICTIMS
WHEREAS , Marsy’s Law For North Carolina and advocacy organizations statewide are
dedicated to guaranteeing victims’ rights and providing a voice; and
WHEREAS, Marsy’s Law For North Carolina supporters agree that victims should
always be treated with fairness and respect throughout the criminal justice process, protected
from the defendant, reasonably heard at public proceedings regarding their case, and given a
voice through the process of the case; and
WHEREAS, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) recent report,
“Crime in the United States”, in 2013, a total of 33,700 North Carolinians were the victims of
Violent “Index Crimes” including: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny,
motor vehicle theft and arson; and
WHEREAS, Marsy’s Law for North Carolina will ensure that victims receive the same
rights that are afforded to criminals, and have rights to notification of release, hearings,
appropriate restitution and the right to speak during criminal proceedings; and
WHEREAS, voters in California passed the Victim’s Bill of Rights Act of 2008
[Proposition 9], also known as Marsy’s Law, and other states are enacting similar laws; and
WHEREAS, victims’ rights are a non-partisan, non-political issue, and Marsy’s Law is
one approach to ensuring victims’ rights;
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NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of
Commissioners does hereby stand in support of House Bill 551/Senate Bill 595, a bill to amend
the Law and Constitution of North Carolina to provide better protections and safeguards to
victims of crimes; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
encourages all residents of Orange County, North Carolina, to join in the commitment to protect
the rights of victims of crime in North Carolina.
This 20th day of March, 2018.
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Rich to
approve the resolution and authorize the Chair to sign.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11. *Appointments (MOVED)
a. Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool
The Board considered making the following appointments to the Animal Services
Hearing Panel Pool:
• Appointment to a first full term (position #2) “Town of Carrboro” for BOCC Selection
expiring 03/31/2021.
• Appointment to a first full term (position #5) “Town of Hillsborough” for BOCC Selection
expiring 03/31/2021.
• Appointment to a first full term (position #11) “At-Large” for George Goldbeck expiring
03/31/2021.
• Appointment to a second full term (position #14) “At-Large Unincorporated County” for
Brenda Baldwin Scott expiring 03/31/2021.
• Appointment to a second full term (position #17) “Animal Services Advisory Board
Member” for Beth Grooms expiring 03/31/2021.
POSITION NO.
NAME
SPECIAL
REPRESENTATIVE
EXPIRATION DATE
2 BOCC Selection Town of Carrboro 03/31/2021
5 BOCC Selection Town of Hillsborough 03/31/2021
11 George Golbeck At-Large 03/31/2021
14 Brenda Baldwin
Scott
At-Large Unincorporated
County
03/31/2021
17 Beth Grooms Animal Services Advisory
Board Member
03/31/2021
NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
f. Position #1--- “At-Large Town of Carrboro” position----- expiring 03/31/2020. This
position has been vacant since 03/31/2017. Recruitment efforts have been
underway continuously.
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g. Position #6--- “Town of Hillsborough” position----- expiring 03/31/2019. This position
has been vacant 03/31/2017. Recruitment efforts have been underway
continuously.
• Position #8--- “Public Safety Field” position----- expiring 03/31/2021. This position will
be vacant 03/31/2018. Recruitment efforts have been underway continuously.
Bob Marotto, Animal Services Director, said that three of the app ointments are merely
re-appointments of people who have already served, and have indicated a willingness to
continue. He said there are two additional appointments requested, who are new applicants
who fit the criteria. He said if all five persons are appointed, there will be three remaining
vacancies.
Commissioner Price asked if there are additional applications
Bob Marotto said no.
Commissioner Dorosin confirmed there are five vacant positions to be filled.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
approve the reappointment of po sitions #11, 14 and 17.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to appoint
those listed to positions #2 and 5 to fill the vacant positions.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5. Public Hearings
NONE
6. Regular Agenda
c. UDO Text Amendments on Regulating Flagpoles and Flags (MOVED)
The Board considered approving process components and schedule for proposed
amendments to the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to establish height
and size regulations for flagpoles and flags.
John Roberts reviewed the following background information:
BACKGROUND: Orange County residents have expressed concern that a text amendment to
the UDO, specifically adopting regulations governing the height, location, and number of
flagpoles as well as the allowable size of flags may be needed for Orange County.
While Orange County elected officials and staff understand this concern it is important to
remember that the right to Free Expression is a fundamental right of every person and the
Board of County Commissioners has a long history of supporting and defending this
right. The display of flags is a traditional means of Free Expression and the staff and elected
officials of Orange County should approach the regulation of this method of expression with
care and circumspection. Both the North Carolina and United States Constitutions protect Free
Expression. Freedom of Expression is a right of every person and as such it may not be
prohibited. There is, however, a substantial amount of case law that provides for the reasonable
regulation of constitutionally protected rights such as Freedom of Expression.
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The UDO has existing content-neutral provisions that regulate flags as banners and signs,
however, in the past there have been no complaints involving flags that have created an
enforcement situation in Orange County.
In order to clarify for the public that flags and flagpoles are reasonably regulated in Orange
County, it may be necessary to amend the UDO in a content neutral manner to expressly set
out regulations that apply to flags and flagpoles while continuing to enforce the existing UDO
language as it may apply to flags and flagpoles. In consideration of this, the Planning Director
has initiated a text amendment to the UDO, specifically to adopt regulations governing the
height, location, and number of flagpoles as well as the allowable size of flags. For more
information please refer to Attachment 1.
John Roberts said the community has expressed a desire for additional language in the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regarding flags. He said the current UDO is content
neutral, but it needs to be made clearer. He said any amendments would apply to all content
universally. He said the U.S. and N.C. constitutions both protect free expression, and the Board
of County Commissioners has a long history supporting this also. He said this issue needs to
be approached very carefully, and be limited to the question of size only. He said if the Board of
County Commissioners wants to go forward, the Planning Department has outlined how staff
will proceed, which will go before the Planning Board, and then to public hearing.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Ivy Barger read a statement, on behalf of Hillsborough Progressives Taking Action
(HPTA), which was written by Heather Reading. She said First Amendment rights are critical,
however are not immune to regulation, and content neutral language protects this. She said
HPTA supports this proposal, and any symbol of white supremacy has no place in our
community.
Grace Barger said she attends college out of town, but Hillsborough is her home. She
said she was part of the Hate Free Schools Coalition at Cedar Ridge High School, and others
tried to intimidate this group’s actions about limitations on clothing. She said white supremacist
messages cannot be so prominently displayed.
Chuck Willingham said one of the first t-shirts he saw after joining the Hate Free Schools
Coalition last year challenged him to review history, and he took the challenge to review
confederate history. He said his parents did not teach him that if one believes that races are
equal, then racial disparities must be the result of racial discrimination. He said, in essence,
race is an outcome throughout our society, and the Confederate flag is a symbol of that. He
said Swastikas no longer fly in Germany, or the Rhodesian flag in South Africa. He said the
Confederate flag should no longer be allowed in the United States.
Hillary MacKenzie said she has lived in Orange County her entire life, and most people
felt being racist was terrible when she was growing up. She said raising a giant confederate
flag that reflects and promotes intimidation does not seem to represent the Orange County she
knows. She said any sign of this scale does not seem in keeping with the small town values
she grew up with, and she hopes the Board can find a way to preserve free speech but limit the
size of these flags.
Maya Little said she is a resident of Carrboro. She said that the confederate flag was not
popular until the 1950’s, under Jim Crow, when white supremacists used it to threaten and
intimidate, and police accompanied Blacks. She said churches were bombed, and people
humiliated, in places where these flags were used. She said the flag is used to intimidate
people of color, and promotes an atypical history of the civil war. She said freedom of speech
is important, but so is freedom from racial harassment and intimidation.
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Marc Xavier said he believes the Board of County Commissioners is trying its best to
find a solution, and believes in freedom of speech. He said he too supports everyone’s right to
freedom of speech. He said the Bible talks about Sodom and Gomorrah, which he summarized.
He asked what would happen if God came to Orange County, and what would he/she say about
the way Orange County residents treat other people. He said it is important to do the right
thing, and to solve the flag issue by finding a solution to make the flag insignificant.
Katherine Walker said she is an Orange County/Hillsborough resident, and she thinks
the size of the flagpole should be regulated. She said there are those who will see any
regulation as a threat to freedom of speech, but she encouraged the BOCC to continue its
positive work.
Jennifer Bremer spoke in support of UDO limitations. She said it is important to be
welcoming to all and include freedom of speech, but there has been much push back against
the decisiveness of displays in the businesses and homes. She said economic growth may be
hindered due to divisive displays, and the community must move towards better harmony. She
said she strongly encourages modification to put reasonable limits on flags and banners.
Commissioner Marcoplos thanked the public for sharing its views, and for the
reasonable approach to this issue. He said he has concerns about how to impose limitations
without limiting one’s right to free expression. He said it is important that the BOCC preserves
the right of free expression, as it may turn around and bite them later. He said through the
comments he heard at the last meeting, as well as this evening, he has a deeper appreciation
as to why these changes need to be made.
Commissioner Price said she may offend some people, but the BOCC will be making a
step in the right direction if it limits the size of this symbol. She said the BOCC has heard that
the Confederate flag is offensive, and while it is part of southern heritage, it offends too many
people. She said there are other ways to celebrate south ern heritage, and some things are
offensive because of the offensive history.
Commissioner Jacobs said he has heard discussion about gun limitations lately, and he
was thinking about the larger fabric of this. He said it embodies the discussions about flags, as
well as about guns. He said there is a societal hollowness that allows the acceptance of
persons in power who belittle, demean and insult the powerless, and a government that does
not respond to the needs of the people, and that this is a time when it is hard to find
commonality. He said he appreciates the tone of the public comments this evening, and wishes
there had been some people present to share why they wish to display the confederate flag. He
said nothing can move forward without conversations taking place, and society is splintering into
groups that do not talk to each other. He said a participatory discussion is needed, or things will
proceed in the wrong direction at a faster pace.
Commissioner Rich said she thinks of the Confederate flag as a symbol of terrorism, and
Orange County deserves better. She said she is glad the public came this evening, and she
hopes they will return to speak during the public hearing. She said a proposed timing schedule
is in the agenda.
Commissioner McKee said the BOCC is often called to make decisions that will not
make everyone happy, and, in such situations, he asks himself: is this reasonable; is the
process deliberate and not reactionary; is it fair; and is it defensible. He said in this situation the
answer to each of these questions is yes.
Chair Dorosin said there are many strong feelings about this symbol, and about freedom
of speech. He said this seems like a good approach to use; and it was done in Durham with the
Bob Evans flag, and limits can be set. He said this is an important step, and he echoed
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Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Jacobs’ comments about the public input, and the
exercise of discussion to move this forward.
Commissioner Marcoplos asked about the timeframe of the public hearing in May, and if
the BOCC will make a decision at that time.
Chair Dorosin said the BOCC could make a decision at the public hearing.
Commissioner Marcoplos recommended moving the public hearing and vote to May 1, to
move things along.
A motion was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner
Marcoplos to approve the proposed amendment to the Orange County Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO) to establish height and size regulations for flagpoles and flags.
Commissioner Rich reminded the audience that the Planning Board Meeting is on April
4, and materials will be available for review on the website.
Commissioner Price asked if there will be a community conversation about this topic.
Chair Dorosin said that was not decided.
Commissioner Price said a public hearing does not really allow for back and forth
conversation. She said there may be public interest in having a further dialogue about this,
where the BOCC is able to respond.
Commissioner Jacobs said another local government brought up the idea of further
dialogue, but he does not think it is a bad idea. He said there could be structure in place to
allow for respectful conversation, and have parameters of what is being discussed. He said it
could be a useful exercise, if a framework is set out in advance.
Chair Dorosin asked if the Human Relations Commission could take on this task
sometime between now and the public hearing.
Bonnie Hammersley said the Human Relations Commission had a community
conversation on this topic last June, but this could happen again.
Commissioner Price said it would be good to have a meeting where the Commissioners
can attend.
Chair Dorosin said to have another opportunity for such dialogue.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Blackwood Farm Park – Proposed Revised Master Plan
The Board considered approving amendments to the Blackwood Farm Park Master Plan
map to incorporate updated plans for infrastructure improvements and park facilities.
David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director,
reminded the BOCC that there is no action being requested at this time about funding. He said
this item is about the proposed revisions to the Blackwood Farm Park master plan, and some
plan amendments would be needed for improvements. He reviewed the following information:
BACKGROUND: At the December 12, 2017 BOCC meeting, the Board received an update on
plans for improvements at Blackwood Farm Park located on NC 86 and New Hope Church
Road between Chapel Hill and Hillsborough. The park opened with limited facilities and hours of
operation in June 2015.
Blackwood Farm Park is a 152-acre regional park that currently features several miles of natural
surface trails, fishing, a historic farmstead with interpretive signage, a small picnic shelter, and a
10-space parking area located along the existing narrow driveway. Due to limited facilities, the
park is currently open only on weekends. The park master plan, adopted in 2011, reflects a
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design that features the many natural and cultural resources present on the site, adding several
low-impact recreation or community gathering features.
As noted in the December 12 memo, the first step in bringing the park’s planned amenities to
fruition is the completion of several infrastructure needs (known as Phase 2-A) that will enable
more visitors to access and enjoy the park. Funding for this infrastructure was previously
approved. Specifically, the components that would be constructed with the existing funds are:
• A new entrance and turn lane on NC 86, to be located further north on NC 86 (please
see the attached “Proposed Revised Master Plan” map)
• A parking area with approximately 60 spaces and room for bus turnarounds; and
• Lighting, septic and stormwater measures needed to accommodate the infrastructure
improvements
In conjunction with these infrastructure improvements, a planned child-friendly “Discovery Trail”
with nature and environmental signage would also be added. In addition, ongoing stabilization
work of the Blackwood Farmhouse would continue (using existing funds).
Some of these infrastructure features are refinements from the original adopted master plan,
and in some cases additional changes are suggested based on these refinements, the
relocation of the planned Parks Operations Base, and additional plans and discussions of the
past seven years.
Accordingly, the Proposed Revised Master Plan includes the following primary changes or
additions:
• Realignment of the planned park entrance drive and parking area to a more site
sensitive, scenic and efficient design;
• Addition of the Discovery Trail;
• Deletion of the Parks Operations Base and associated yard space; and addition of a
small Park Office in its place (pending future decisions on potential new County
campus);
• Addition of the re-established Blackwood Farm Orchard;
• Relocation of the trailhead;
• Addition of a disc golf course;
• Deletion of a planned northern boundary road and parking areas;
• Deletion of the possible Informal Multi-Use Field;
• Selection of a preferred amphitheater site (the original master plan had three options);
• Identification of the Agricultural Exhibits and Garden Area; and
• Addition of new picnic shelters and restrooms.
Of the additions, refinements and changes detailed above, the only significant change is the
proposed creation of a disc golf course, a concept that was discussed in the 2016 and 2017
Capital Investment Plan (CIP) review and discussions, and informally authorized by the Board.
The deletion of the Parks Operations Base from this location and its inclusion at a new site is
also based on previous Board discussions, and deletion of the planned northern road and
parking areas is based on discussions with neighbors whose homes back up to the northern
boundary of the park, and the lack of need for these facilities based on the updated design with
the disc golf course.
Staff has communicated the Proposed Revised Master Plan to park neighbors who have
expressed appreciation for the deletion of the planned road and northernmost parking lot.
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Adoption of a revised master plan will enable staff to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
for an engineering and design firm to prepare detailed construction documents for the park
infrastructure using existing funding. It is recommended that the scope of work for this
consultant also include the planned future park construction (Phase 2-B), if current timetables
remain in place. Staff anticipates bringing a design/engineering consultant recommendation to
the Board for approval by the summer break.
Marabeth Carr, Landscape Architect, said staff has had the opportunity to see the park
in action, and have seen some deficits. She said a major deficit is bringing large groups to the
site, and it is a challenge for school buses to drop off kids safely. She said the new design will
solve this issue. She said it is very similar to the initial design, with the exception of the disc golf
course. She said staff has chosen the area for an amphitheater in an area that has been used
in the past.
Chair Dorosin asked where people would sit.
Marabeth Carr said the stage would be in the hollow, which is just off the map, and the
County had a Jazz Festival there in the past.
Commissioner Rich asked if there is a definition for a regional park.
David Stancil said this is fairly standard terminology, and that it is a larger park that has
agricultural and natural components, but no sports fields. He said Little River is a regional park.
Commissioner Price asked if Emergency Services vehicles would enter through the
lower end only.
David Stancil said yes.
Commissioner Price asked if the proposed layout gives enough access, if there was an
emergency at the back end of the property, and the main entrance was unavailable.
Marabeth Carr said there will be mowed paths that could provide access.
Dinah Jeffries, Emergency Services (EMS) Director, said it can be accessed, but it is
important to consider the larger vehicles that accompany EMS, like fire trucks. She said she
cannot give an absolute yes, but EMS has accessed smaller areas before.
Marabeth Carr said this has already gone to the Planning Department for courtesy
review, and will be reviewed formally by a new engineer. She said the plan will then go out to
EMS, the Sheriff, etc. for comment.
Sheriff Blackwood said he has already begun conversations with Commissioner Jacobs
about the need to be able to access all of County parks. He said the Sheriff’s Office works
closely with Emergency Services, and there will need to be a way to get his people in as well.
He said it is important to keep these conversations at the front of the agenda.
Commissioner Price said she is concerned about being able to get the necessary
equipment to where it is needed.
Marabeth Carr said the Sheriff’s department is always so helpful, especially with
controlling traffic for field trips.
David Stancil said this entire process will involve a great deal of discussion of all of these
concerns.
Commissioner Marcoplos referred to the vault toilets mentioned on the map, and asked
if these could also be useful at Millhouse Road Soccer Park.
David Stancil said there is an active vault toilet at Occoneechee Mountain, and they
have pros and cons. He said they are self-contained, but expensive to build and require
maintenance.
Commissioner Marcoplos said the need may exceed such an option at Blackwood, with
events like Localfest.
David Stancil said portable restrooms would be needed for festivals, and other large
events.
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Commissioner Rich said that the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group discussed the
disc golf course, and is very excited about this as it can be another draw to the area.
David Stancil said this group will be engaged in future conversations. He said this group
can sometimes bring funding and other assistance to the table.
Chair Dorosin asked if some of the trails shown on the phase 2 map already exist.
Marabeth Carr said all of the trails exist, and the Discovery Trail is ready to open, but will
be somewhat separate as it is geared towards children.
Marabeth Carr said the different trail colors relate to different trail names.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the Discovery Trail is the one proposed by staff in soil
and water.
David Stancil said yes, and this staff has been heavily involved.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve the proposed revised master plan changes.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Update on the Manufactured Home Parks Initiative and Approval of the
Parameters for a Contract for Relocation Coordination Services
The Board received an update on the activities undertaken to date on the Manufactured Home
Parks Initiative and considered voting to approve entering into an agreement with
Empowerment for “Relocation Coordination” services and authorized the Manager to execute
agreements.
BACKGROUND: On November 20, 2017, the Affordable Housing Land Banking/Manufactured
Home Park Work Group presented the Board of County Commissioners (NC) with its
recommendations on strategies for mitigating resident displacement and relocation challenges
due to park closures and redevelopment efforts. The NC approved the recommendations and
requested that County staff develop a Rapid Response Protocol in order to allow for timely,
coordinated action when manufactured home park closures occur. The Rapid Response
Protocol was created, reviewed by the Work Group and presented to the NC in February 2018.
Currently, there are two (2) manufactured home parks that are in threat of closure: Lakeview in
Chapel Hill and Homestead located on NC 86 South. The Town of Chapel Hill is taking the lead
and working with the proposed developer on strategies to relocate the residents in Lakeview
Mobile Home Park. Residents in the Homestead Mobile Home Park have been given until
March 31, 2018 to relocate, and the County is leading the effort to provide relocation options for
these residents.
UPDATE/RECENT ACTIVITIES:
• February 24, 2018 – A meeting was held with the residents of the Homestead Mobile
Home Park to gather their input and comments, as well as ascertain their needs given
the proposed manufactured home park closure and their displacement. There are a total
of seven (7) occupied manufactured homes and up to five (5) families have the potential
of being displaced; three (3) families met with staff. Two (2) remaining families are afraid
of retaliation and thus refused to speak with County staff. Two (2) additional families
have some work affiliation with the manufactured home park owner and also will not
speak with County staff.
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• On March 6, 2018, the Rehabilitation Specialists in the Housing and Community
Development Department conducted an inspection of three (3) of the units at the
Homestead Mobile Home Park. The Rehabilitation Specialists determined that none of
the manufactured homes could be moved safely without significant investment.
• On March 7, 2018, the graduate interns working in the Housing and Community
Development Department, along with other UNC-Chapel Hill graduate students, held a
“phone-a-thon” to contact the 100 manufactured home park owners in the County to
gather information and identify available vacancies.
**In mid-April 2018, an information session will be held with manufactured home park owners to
provide information gathered during the “phone-a-thon”.
• The Rapid Response Team met on March 13, 2018 to review a draft proposal of
services for residents of the Homestead Mobile Home Park.
• On March 17, 2018, staff will meet again with the residents of Homestead Mobile Home
Park to discuss and evaluate potential options for relocation.
Staff is proposing two options to relocate residents at Homestead:
Option 1 – Assisting residents with locating alternative affordable housing and providing
displacement funds to facilitate the relocation. Working with the Community Home Trust, staff
has identified vacancies at the Landings at Winmore as one potential relocation option. These
units are dedicated to serving low and very low income individuals and families.
Option 2 – Contracting with Empowerment Inc. to provide Relocation Coordinator Services.
Staff is recommending that the County allocate up to $280,000 to enter into an agreement with
Empowerment Inc. to provide mitigation displacement services to the low and very low income
individuals and families living at the Homestead Mobile Home Park. Empowerment would
purchase manufactured homes to be used by eligible individuals and families and would provide
property management services for the units purchased.
Empowerment would provide services such as:
• Determining program participant eligibility;
• Using the County’s centralized database of manufactured home park owners to find
available manufactured homes and/or spaces for lease;
• Ensuring that any manufactured home purchased are sold or leased to families earning
no more than eighty percent (80%) of the HUD Area Median Income;
• Ensuring the long-term affordability of the manufactured homes (twenty (20) years);
• Providing written leases and lease-purchase agreements with residents, as appropriate;
and
• Providing general maintenance on manufactured homes to ensure continued standard
housing conditions.
The Orange County Housing and Community Development Department, along with the
Permitting and Inspections Division in the Planning Department, would conduct all the
necessary inspections to ensure that the housing is adequate, safe and sanitary. The County
would ensure the long term affordability of the manufactured homes through the legal
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agreement with Empowerment, Inc. On March 17th, staff discussed options with residents and
continued with efforts to identify other housing options.
Staff also is continuing to conduct due diligence on the Millhouse Road site. As staff identifies
additional options and strategies, the Board will continue to receive updates.
Sherrill Hampton, Housing Director, reviewed the updates since the February meeting,
and is asking the BOCC for parameters for a contract as to how to move forward. She said the
additional handout is the proposed strategy for the two mobile home parks slated for closure:
Lakewood in Chapel Hill, and Homestead in Orange County.
Sherrill Hampton said there are nine spots in the Homestead Mobile Home Park, and
seven are occupied. She said of the seven, employees of the park occupy two; and two have
already found other arrangements, moving in with family. She said these families are afraid of
retaliation, and will not speak with County staff. She said that leaves three families remaining.
She said she hopes the two families that have moved will return and work with the County. She
said the Department is working with the database from the Planning and Tax Assessors office,
and has been trying to get in touch with current park owners to identify available spots. She
said she would like to hear from other park owners if there are available spots in the County.
Sherrill Hampton said she is thankful that all departments are working together to create
strategies, as well as the schools. She said this is a fluid process, and appreciates BOCC
support throughout. She said the team is building the airplane while flying it. She said two
options are being brought tonight for consideration, as the Homestead residents are being
relocated. She said these residents are under a serious time crunch, and the owner is not
responsive. She said these families have to move by 3/31/18, and are very anxious. She said
the families did not select option 1, which was expected based, on the last year’s survey.
Sherrill Hampton said staff are working with option 2, and prefer a recommendation for
this approach if possible, since it is asset creation by ownership. She said there is an
immediate need for services. She said the handout shows parameters for working with
Empowerment. She said the Department would like to enter into an agreement for relocation
services, and Empowerment has the capacity and experience to do this quickly. She said it is
important to not put residents in a situation with a large cost burden, and she would like to ask
for flexibility for the County Manager to be able to make decisions as other situations arise. She
said a lease-purchase opportunity is shown, with a sliding scale for those residents in a
purchase situation through Empowerment.
Commissioner Price asked if clarification could be provided as to whether there are three
or five families.
Sherrill Hampton said staff has budgeted for 5 families, but two are currently afraid to
talk with the County. She said she hopes this will change, and, as such, have planned for all
five.
Commissioner Price asked if five families are approved, and two do not return, could the
remaining funds be used for other families.
Sherrill Hampton said that the estimate is a “not to exceed” amount, and the Housing
Department would need to go back to the County Manager for approval if other families need
the assistance. She said she would ask that these particular funds be left open specifically for
the Homestead Park residents for 6 months to a year, in order to allow time to build trust and
rapport.
Chair Dorosin confirmed that seven families are being displaced from the Homestead
Park.
Sherrill Hampton said she thinks there are five families being displaced, as the two
remaining families are affiliated with the park owners, who also refuse to speak with County
staff. She said the park owner has not said what will be done with the site.
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Chair Dorosin clarified that a new mobile home , or a refurbished one, will be purchased
by Empowerment, and that home will be located in a site that has a vacancy. He asked if the
resident will be paying rent to the park owner for the lot.
Sherrill Hampton said Empowerment will coordinate these details. She said the lots
would be rented to Empowerment, and the lease payment would go to Empowerment for
continued case management.
Chair Dorosin asked if the resident will be paying something, such as a lot cost and
potentially some rent for the unit.
Sherrill Hampton said the resident will pay the lot cost, and there are two options for
rent. She said there can be a sub-lease, with Empowerment providing ongoing maintenance,
based on a sliding scale for income; or a straight lease/purchase arrangement. She said if a
purchase arrangement is made, and successfully met over a period of 10-15 years,
Empowerment will transfer ownership.
Chair Dorosin asked if it is possible that the five displaced families will no longer live
together in the same place.
Sherrill Hampton said she is having a difficult time talking with other owners, as they
have no available spaces. She said people currently living in other parks are frightened that
their homes may be next to be sold. She said some people are trying to be proactive, and move
out of lots that may be sold soon.
Chair Dorosin asked if Millhouse Road or other County properties could be used for
mobile homes, if other spaces cannot be found for the five families. He said these spots would
need some infrastructure, but this may be a possibility if difficulty arises.
Sherrill Hampton said this has been considered, and the Health Department has been
tasked with looking into some of these places for well and septic. She said there are some
other possibilities near the Fairview community in Hillsborough, and some areas owned by
Housing Authority.
Commissioner Rich asked if it is an option to temporarily house these residents in
apartments, so they have a roof over their heads.
Sherrill Hampton said this has been considered, and staff has been trying to manage
expectations. She said large work equipment and pets create problems for two of the families.
She said animal services may be able to help.
Commissioner Rich said there are only 15 days to get a roof over the heads of these
families, and she knows it is complicated, but does not want to see people homeless.
Sherrill Hampton said staff has been working late into the night, and is pulling out all the
stops. She said the needs are complicated and great.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if The Landings allows animals.
Sherrill Hampton said that one family has five dogs of different sizes, and no complex
will allow five pets. She said one family has moved in with relatives; and one family has found
another mobile home park slot, and will meet with Empowerment, pending BOCC approval this
evening.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a timeframe for which staff can report back on
the possibility of using the Millhouse area as an option.
Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said that Asset Management Services has hired a
consultant to work on infrastructure analysis of the parcel, and hopes to have information before
the break in June.
Commissioner Marcoplos asked if having this information in June will allow the BOCC to
somewhat predict when it will be available for occupancy, or is it too soon to determine that.
Craig Benedict said staff will have a timeline of the various processes, but the area will
need rezoning, which takes time.
Commissioner Marcoplos said it would be good if the Lakeview residents could have a
pre-arranged place to relieve some pressure of looking for alternatives.
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Craig Benedict said there are a lot of moving parts, and he is uncertain. He said it will
be at least 2019.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he appreciate s the short and long term work being done
to keep this process moving forward.
Commissioner McKee asked if sewer and water is being explored in the area, to
increase the density.
Craig Benedict said there will be no land use changes, and density may be collapsed
from a 78-acre parcel to a certain limited area. He said 3 options will be considered: sustain
normal septic systems; a new innovative system; and public water and sewer as a last resort.
Commissioner McKee says he thinks all available options should be explored. He said
density may be able to be more increased by going to sewer and water, and avoid many of the
problems associated with any and all septic systems.
Commissioner Jacobs said he understands and appreciates the commitment to getting
this brought forward in June, but suggested that the Board of County Commissioners could
have a special meeting over the summer, if needed, to keep the issue moving forward. He
suggested that there may be a possibility to look at something different at Millhouse Road due
to the rural buffer, though extending water and sewer into the rural buffer should be a last resort.
He said it is important to communicate the BOCC’s intentions clearly with the public. He said
the BOCC has no desire to destroy the rural buffer, and it does not plan to turn the entire
Millhouse Road property into a mobile home park.
Craig Benedict said 8-10 acres will be used, and the desire is to pursue well and septic,
with water and sewer extension being the last resort.
Commissioner Price asked if areas beyond Chapel Hill/Carrboro are being considered.
Sherrill Hampton said the entire County is being considered.
Commissioner Price asked if there are school-aged children involved.
Sherrill Hampton said one of the three families, who are working with the County, has
children, and staff has learned that one family, who is not working with the County, also has
children. She said staff is working with both school districts to work out these complications.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Josh Kirchner, a resident at 6806 Millhouse Road, commended the Board of County
Commissioners for all of its efforts, and said he feels for the families. He said he has concerns
about changing the zoning at the Millhouse Road site to accommodate higher density, and the
addition of a mobile home park. He said the original owner of this land intended for it to be used
as a park, and sold it to the County for this reason. He said the County is now considering
using it as a park and high-density housing, which he finds to be disingenuous. He said he has
concerns about water quality and septic, and has asked for a map, but has not been given one.
He said he has been told this will be developed as far from his property as possible, but that
would locate it next to the abandoned landfill, which raises concerns about radioactive residue
in wells. He said this puts these residents, who are already disadvantaged, in a suspect
situation. He said he does not like the idea of manufactured housing, but is fine with the idea of
densely built housing with sewer and water.
Delores Bailey, Empowerment Executive Director, said her organization recently spoke
with the Homestead Mobile Home community, and the residents are distraught about where
they will live. She said she appreciates the foresight of the Board of County Commissioners to
face these situations; and believes these are positive solutions to the problem.
Sarah Geer, Empowerment Board of Directors, said she appreciates the opportunity to
participate in this process. She said manufactured housing is a new area for Empowerment, but
their experience can address this situation.
Claudia Yerena is a mediator between the Homestead community and the County. She
thanked the BOCC for its efforts on behalf of these residents, and said the County is the only
hope the residents have.
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Commissioner Burroughs said that the typical stereotype of government employees has
been blown out of the water by this situation, and the County staff is amazing.
Sherrill Hampton said she has had conversations with Commissioner Jacobs about the
Millhouse area, and Orange County is at the forefront of the issue of mobile home parks. She
said Chatham County is also dealing with this issue, and the BOCC has stepped up and allowed
staff the latitude to work this out. She said her vision for Millhouse Road is a brick entrance,
green space, a playground, a resident-owned community, and permanent foundations. She
said she would like to see a beautiful community with a variety of affordable housing types,
preserving neighborhoods. She referred to ROCUSA, as an example, and said she would
never support any development in which she herself would not want to live, or live next to. She
asked if high density could be further defined .
Craig Benedict said in this situation it means about 34 units on 10 acres gross, and
mobile homes parks could be a bit higher. He said this is comparable to a small family
neighborhood.
Sherrill Hampton said when significant information is available there will be thorough
conversations with the community, and she invited the BOCC to continue exploring all options
with her.
Commissioner Rich asked if a map can be provided to Mr. Kirchner.
Commissioner Jacobs confirmed that there are two families from Homestead who are
ready to move.
Sherrill Hampton said that there are three now, with the possibility of five . She said staff
has found a spot for one family.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the families could be reviewed again.
Sherrill Hampton said there are 5 families, two of which will not speak with staff. She
said of the three remaining families, one has found an alternate spot, and the remaining two
await a solution. She said of the remaining two families, one has large work equipment and the
second has 5 dogs.
Chair Dorosin clarified that the one family, for whom staff has found an alternate spot,
still requires the BOCC to approve this so that staff can move forward in helping them.
Sherrill Hampton said yes.
Commissioner Jacobs clarified that two are being approved that are not yet needed, but
are expected to be needed later.
Sherrill Hampton said yes, and they have moved in with children and will therefore still
need some direct assistance.
Commissioner Jacobs said he would prefer to use modular housing, as opposed to
mobile homes, if immediate action is not required. He said he would rather not appropriate
money for two more mobile homes, and would rather look at getting a handle on modular
houses, whether on County owned parcels or otherwise. He said he is hesitant to commit to
mobile homes due to their depreciating value. He said the County has limited capacity to
provide housing, and he is uncomfortable using these funds to provide something with
depreciating value. He said he lives across from a modular community, and would feel more
comfortable if the County could pursue this option.
Sherrill Hampton said modular homes will cost more, at least $79,900. She said there
are three families that will be without a home very soon.
Commissioner Jacobs said he would be more comfortable buying manufactured houses
for those in imminent need, and buying modular housing for those in more speculative need, to
be built on County owned land. He said modular homes would be less intrusive to people’s
sense of what a community is. He said it may cost more short term, but will be worth more in
the long term.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he agreed, and it is important to be flexible to meet the
immediate needs. He said with modular homes, there is another $15,000-20,000 to be spent
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preparing the lot, building the foundation, and other work to connect the house to utilities. He
said, even so, it should definitely be considered.
Commissioner Price said she understands the concerns, but people may have different
values about their housing types, and there are only a few days to get this resolved.
Chair Dorosin asked if the BOCC can appropriate the money, and adjust if needed.
Commissioner Rich asked if the fund balance could be provided, should the BOCC
decide to appropriate these funds.
Bonnie Hammersley said that the funds are coming from the Land Banking fund, and the
County has only spent this money for the first part of the bond.
Paul Laughton, Budget Director, said there is $1.7 million left.
A motion made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
approve the use of funds for the relocation coordination services, and authorize the County
Manager, subject to legal review and approval by the County Attorney, to execute any
agreements, amendments and renewals to the agreement for the provision of these services.
Commissioner Jacobs said the golden sheet at their places very specifically says, “5
new manufactured homes.” He said he does not support this, but does support Chair Dorosin’s
suggestion to look at the same amount of money, with three definitely being mobile homes, and
staff working on other options based on need, timing, funds, and available sites.
Commissioner Price said her motion was based on the recommendation.
Commissioner Jacobs said he is asking if there can be clarification.
Chair Dorosin suggested a friendly amendment to the motion to have three units as
mobile homes, and use the remaining money for other affordable housing.
Bonnie Hammersley said that Board of County Commissioners can simply approve a
total amount, not to exceed, without any further specifications.
Commissioner Price and Burroughs expressed preference for the Manager’s suggestion.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Jacobs said he would like to follow up on Commissioner Rich’s
suggestion of knowing where money is being spent, and what funds remain.
Bonnie Hammersley said staff will continue to provide balances to the BOCC as the
process moves forward, and this information is typically included in the abstract.
Commissioner McKee asked if he could be excused from the meeting for health
reasons.
7. Reports
a. Orange County Public Transportation Year in Review
The Board received Transportation Department updates, accomplishments and annual
operating statistics from the prior year.
BACKGROUND: Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) is the lead transportation
agency for public and human services transportation in central and rural Orange County.
In addition OCPT provides transportation to qualified Medicaid recipients for transit to: non-
emergency medical appointments, the workplace, job interviews, job fairs, job readiness
activities, or GED classes.
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OCPT now operates three fixed routes covering key destination points within the Orange
County service area: Hillsborough Circulator, Orange-Chapel Hill Midday Connector and the
Orange Alamance Connector.
OCPT has also provided rural general public transportation on a seat-available basis for many
years on three (3) deviated fixed-routes (one Hillsborough area route and two transfer routes
from the Chapel Hill area) that are also designed to provide transportation to work opportunities
and programs for persons with developmental disabilities. The period of OCPT performance is
for 2017 - January 1, 2017 through December 30, 2017.
Theo Letman, Transportation Director, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Orange County Public Transportation 2017 Year in Review
2017 was the first full year of Orange County Public Transportation being its own department
within Orange County Government.
It was a year full of change: new personnel, new vehicles, new services and amenities, and
activities to improve service delivery and boost employee morale. OCPT successfully met
challenges along the way and had many noteworthy achievements.
Here are a few of things your Public Transportation system has accomplished in 2017.
Personnel
Orange County Public Transportation (OCPT) added new personnel in 2017. Starting with its
first Transit Director, Theo Letman, who started in January and immediately started to
implement change and challenge the new organization to grow into its potential of being a
robust county wide transit operation providing safe, customer focused and quality service to ALL
of Orange County.
• With the approval of the Board of County Commissioners 5 full time driver positions were
added. Additionally, a full time, Transit Dispatch/ Scheduler became part of the
supervisory staff.
• Transit Demand Coordinator- Allyson Coltrane was also added to bring awareness of
Transit and Mobility options in Orange County. Her efforts to market the service are
helping residents learn about transit and hopefully get them moving with transit.
• By the end of the year, due to vacated positions, a transit supervisor was promoted and
a new Transit Administrator- Teleishia Holloway was added to lead our operation thus
rounding out the department management team.
• In 2018, we are looking forward to adding a new position in collaboration with Asset
management Services, who oversee the maintenance of our fleet. We will soon be
adding a Transit Asset Mechanic to meet the growing maintenance and compliance
needs of our fleet.
Service Improvements
In 2017 Orange County Public Transportation started a rebranding and marketing effort that
resulted in a name change from “OPT” (Orange Public Transit) to OCPT (Orange County Public
Transportation) to highlight it as a County-wide Public Transportation Service.
With the help of the Communications Department, a new logo was adopted to distinguish and
provide identity to a transit service that wasn’t visible in the community it serves. Bus schedule
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brochures were also redesigned and introduced to provide clarity of service times and other
pertinent information.
OCPT added three new 28” Light Transit Vehicles (LTV’s), to expand service delivery and
replace older vehicles which has long reached their useful life.
A new route, which had been previously approved, was implemented. The Orange Alamance
connector provides midday service from northern Hillsborough out to Cone Health facility in
Me bane, then back to southern Hillsborough, and through the heart of the historic downtown
area.
The Department on Aging and OCPT, worked collaboratively, and were able to win a challenge
grant awarded by the AARP, and purchase new, innovative bus stop signs called Simme Seats.
These bus stop signs provide a seating amenity for patrons waiting on buses.
Operations and Performance
• In 2017 OCPT successfully completed several key compliance audits, enabling us to
continue receiving funding and provide key transportation services to constituents.
OCPT successfully passed NC DOT compliance and safety audits.
• OCPT also passed Department of Aging contractor audits and Department of Social
Services audits as a Medicaid contractor, and was successful in becoming certified as a
Medicaid provider.
In an effort to equip our workforce with better skills and training opportunities OCPT became
active members of Transit industry organizations such as: APTA (American Public Transit
Association), CTAA (Community Transportation Association of America), the National Safety
Council, and the Institute of Transportation Engineers.
• Staff also attended various training and industry conferences in Concord, Chapel Hill,
Raleigh, NC and Atlanta, GA. We also contracted with a training consultant who
provides quarterly, on-site driver skills training, thereby meeting NCDOT training
requirements.
• To recognize excellence in our workforce we initiated an employee recognition effort: the
Employee of the Month program, which recognizes employees who go accident free,
have perfect attendance and provided excellent customer service.
Here are the awardees:
George Sellars: September 2017
Zenda Corbett: October 2017
Steve Guild: November 2017
Ken Becker: December 2017
Robert Locklear: January 2018
Public Outreach
OCPT staff participated on and provided presentation to various boards: BOCC, Transit
Outboard, Go Triangle DO-LRTP Staff Working Group, Chapel Hill Transit BRT Project Group,
Burlington-Graham MPO, DCHC MPO, and supporting the Department on Aging Master plan.
OCPT staff participated and presented at public meetings with civic organizations such as
CHALT, the Fairview Community Center, and Cedar Grove Community Center hosting public
meetings and forums for the DO-LRT Plan, and the OC Transit Plan.
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Statistics and Data
2017 Ridership by Route (chart)
Annual statistical comparison: 2016 vs. 2017 (chart)
Planning and Projections for 2018
• Short Range Transit Planning & Outreach:
Nelson\Nygaard, in conjunction with OCPT staff, will develop a 10-year plan that illustrates how
OCPT could address future growth scenarios.
The plan will match the horizon for both Go Triangle and the Wake County Bus Plan. The plan
will consider strategic issues such as regional coordination and transit initiatives, future
development, and light rail integration. Also being developed will be an implementation plan to
prioritize service improvements and identify reasonable stages of implementation over the next
10 years and beyond. Recommendations will consider potential implications on staffing, vehicle
fleet, capital needs, and state and federal funding.
Public meetings will be held to discuss the shared needs of OCPT. Consultant group, Nelson-
Nygaard will coordinate and integrate the results of any internal outreach efforts with the
community. Community conversations will also be held to help determine the acceptable
balance ridership and coverage in Orange County.
• Potential Projects: Hillsborough Circulator II
Last year, OCPT was contacted by the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning
Organization (DCHC MPO) about submitting transit projects for the State Transportation
Planning process referred to as SPOT 5.0.
The Hillsborough Circulator II was submitted because it would provide direct connections to
jobs, schools, social services and other points of interests in and around Hillsborough for
seniors, disabled, impoverished, minority and car free communities. This route would help
alleviate the capacity on the Hillsborough Circulator and potentially exceed its ridership.
It made it through the process and had been scored favorably by the State. The MPO was
charged with providing priority to projects to continue in the process. OCPT was asked to
remove the bus project in favor of larger regional efforts.
This $30K project (for one 28’ LTV) was removed by the DCHC MPO until a future SPOT
process, which may start in 2019, thereby meaning the circulator II, if approved, would be
operational by 2022. OCPT will continue to seek other sources of funding to implement this
route.
The Orange County Technical Committee representative did not vote in favor of removing the
Hillsborough Circulator.
Chair Dorosin referred to the cost of the vehicle, and said that $30,000 is not a lot of
money.
Theo Letman said this is the amount the State would pay, and the County pays the
balance.
Chair Dorosin asked if funds can be taken out of the social justice fund to pay the State’s
portion of $30,000. He said this could be discussed during the budget process.
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Conclusion:
OCPT is on the move and ready to provide SAFE, CUSTOMER FOCUSED, and QUALITY
Transportation services for our community, Orange County North Carolina.
Questions
Commissioner Jacobs asked if the total number of employees could be shared.
Theo Letman said 20 currently, and they will be advertising soon.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if OCPT is moving toward the automated counting of
passengers.
Theo Letman said yes.
Commissioner Jacobs said it is a significant initial investment, but the County can realize
more federal funds in the future.
Theo Letman said absolutely.
Commissioner Jacobs said at MPO meetings, Orange County does not get as much
money as other jurisdictions. He said it is an important investment, and he suggested adding
this information to the report.
Commissioner Price referred to page 16, and asked if more money is being made and
more service hours provided, how the average number of riders per day went down.
Theo Letman said this number went down as more days were counted in the 2016-17
report.
Commissioner Rich asked if there are other needs in the County.
Theo Letman said there is a need for more nimble “demand response” services to reach
out, such as a transit version of Uber and Lyft. He said currently most demand response
services are non-emergency medical transportation, but there are people who want to go
shopping or to a job interview; they could subscribe and transit could dispatch.
Commissioner Rich asked if there is a method to decide the cost of such rides.
Theo Letman said that would be at the discretion of the Board.
Commissioner Rich asked if there is currently a fee.
Theo Letman said the Hillsborough Circulator has no fee.
Commissioner Rich asked if the demand response services have a fee.
Theo Letman said there is a fee for these services, which are based on the type of grant
received.
Commissioner Rich clarified that fixed routes in rural areas are not ideal for
transportation.
Theo Letman said these routes could be useful, but nimble on-demand services would
be better.
Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the type of event, done in conjunction with CHALT,
could be identified.
Theo Letman said it was a presentation made by Craig Benedict during the Durham-
Orange light rail discussion.
Chair Dorosin asked, when the department is doing planning and public meetings, if the
Hillsborough planning department is involved or will be, due to increased growth.
Theo Letman said he would hope so.
Chair Dorosin applauded the recognition of employees of the month. He said he would
like to talk about the bus. He said the County was asking the State to put in $30,000, and, if
granted, the County would incur the rest of the expenses. He asked if there are funds available
to cover the $30,000 should the BOCC add this item to the budget.
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Bonnie Hammersley said she cannot answer that question at this time, but this would be
a Capital Budget item. She said she will discuss this with Theo Letman during the budget
process.
Chair Dorosin sa id this is a one-time expense, which seems applicable to the social
justice fund or the fund balance, and this seems to be low hanging fruit.
Bonnie Hammersley said that the vehicle cost is actually $90,000, and operational costs
would also need to be considered.
Chair Dorosin said maybe Hillsborough could kick in some money.
Commissioner Price asked if the MPO had approved the grant, would the County still be
responsible for the remaining $60,000.
Theo Letman said only a portion of it. He said other grant funds would have been
available.
Commissioner Marcoplos said this is all in the context of how much money the County is
willing to spend in addition to the $30,000. He said the notion that a bus route was killed,
because $30,000 was not pursued, is erroneous.
Commissioner Jacobs asked for an electronic copy of the presentation.
Chair Dorosin reminded staff to use double sided copies.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
Item b by Commissioner Price.
Item f by Chair Dorosin.
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to
approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
• Discussion of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
b. Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget Amendment #7
The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year
2017-18 for the Department of Social Services; Health Department; Library Services; Visitors
Bureau; Arts Commission; Criminal Justice Resource Department; Orange County Partnership
to End Homelessness; Planning and Inspections Department; and Department of Agriculture,
Environment, Parks and Recreation.
Commissioner Price said she wanted to highlight the great efforts of Café 13 and the
Department of Social Service (DSS).
A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
approve the budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2017-18 for
the Department of Social Services; Health Department; Library Services; Visitors Bureau; Arts
Commission; Criminal Justice Resource Department; Orange County Partnership to End
Homelessness; Planning and Inspections Department; and Department of Agriculture,
Environment, Parks and Recreation
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VOTE: UNANIMOUS
h. Letter in Support of the White Cross Volunteer Fire Department’s Grant
Application to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
The Board authorized the Chair to sign a letter to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
supporting the White Cross Volunteer Fire Department’s grant request.
Fire Chief Phillip Nasseri said this is a regional grant, and it is unique that all ten fire
departments, EMS and Sheriff’s office can work collaboratively on a training center to train on
various emergency services. He said matching funds are also now available, and this has
support from many legislators. He said this endorsement will hopefully help secure the grant
approved by Homeland Security. He sa id land has been selected, but it is hoped a better
location will be found.
A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Price to
approve a letter to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program supporting the White Cross
Volunteer Fire Department’s grant request.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the minutes from February 22 and March 8, 2018 as submitted by the
Clerk to the Board.
b. Fiscal Year 2017-18 Budget Amendment #7
The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year
2017-18 for the Department of Social Services; Health Department; Library Services; Visitors
Bureau; Arts Commission; Criminal Justice Resource Department; Orange County Partnership
to End Homelessness; Planning and Inspections Department; and Department of Agriculture,
Environment, Parks and Recreation.
c. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) – Receipt and Transmittal
of 2018 Annual Technical Advisory Committee Report
The Board received the 2018 Annual Report of the SAPFO Technical Advisory Committee
(SAPFOTAC), and authorized the Chair to sign the transmittal letter and transmit it to the
SAPFO partners for comments before certification in May.
d. Recommendation to Create Two Permanent Full-time Deputy Sheriff I Positions in
the Orange County Sheriff’s Office
The Board approved the recommendation of funding two full-time permanent Deputy Sheriff I
positions, replacing temporary positions at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office currently funded
in the FY2017/2018 budget.
e. University of North Carolina Health Care System Electronic Medical Record
System Access Agreement
The Board approved an agreement for $127,361 with the University of North Carolina Health
Care System (UNCHCS) to obtain the right for the Health Department to access and use
UNCHCS’s electronic medical records system, Epic Systems, as a better records system for the
Department over its current system and also make the Department compatible with UNCHCS
and authorize the Manager to sign.
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f. Letter in Support of the White Cross Volunteer Fire Department’s Grant
Application to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
The Board authorized the Chair to sign a letter to the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program
supporting the White Cross Volunteer Fire Department’s grant request.
g. Approval of Budget Amendment #7-A – Link Government Services Center Lower
Level Upfit
The Board approved Budget Amendment #7-A to appropriate $160,000 for the Link Government
Services Center Lower Level Upfit designed to serve the Judicial District 15-B Public Defender’s
office. This work will proceed concurrently with the other remodeling activity for the Human
Rights and Relations Department and a shared multipurpose conference room.
9. County Manager’s Report
Bonnie Hammersley reminded the Board of County Commissioners of the joint meeting
with Chapel Hill on Thursday at Southern Human Services Center; and the Work Session at
Whitted on March 27, with presentation about the Family Success Alliance budget, Economic
Development Summit, and Advisory Board and Commissions reporting procedures.
10. County Attorney’s Report
NONE
12. Information Items
• March 8, 2018 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Memo Regarding Online Interactive Tool - Transportation Projects Map and Website
Update
13. Closed Session
NONE
14. Adjournment
A motio n was made by Commissioner Burroughs, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to
adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Mark Dorosin, Chair
Sherri Ingersoll
Assistant Deputy Clerk II