HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE 090902 os
S E P - 4 2002
Memorandum -
To : Commission for the Environment
From : Roy Fortmann , Chair
Date : September 3 , 2002
Re : September 9 Meeting Agenda
Please find attached the agenda and materials for the next meeting of
the Commission for the Environment , on
Monday, September 9, 2002
7 . 30 p . m .
Southern Human Services Center
2505 Homestead Road
Chapel Hill , NC
If you have questions , or will be unable to attend , please contact Carol
Melton ( 245 - 2590 , cmelton@co . orange . nc . us ) by the Friday before the
meeting .
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AGENDA
Orange County
Commission for the Environment
September 9 , 2002
7 : 30 p . m .
Southern Human Services Center
2505 Homestead Road , Chapel Hill , NC
Time Pg # Item
7 : 30 I . Call to Order
7 : 30 II . Additions or Changes to Agenda
7 : 32 Z III Approval of Minutes (August 12 )
7 : 35 IV . Committee Breakout Sessions - State of the
Environment 2002 (Attachment to be handed out)
8 : 45 V . State of the Environment Report — Report Back
Committees report back on their discussion and progress .
9 : 00 VI . Updates
■ Comprehensive Plan Land Use Committee
■ Natural Areas Element of the Plan (Attachment 1 )
■ Environmental Impact Ordinance ( next steps )
9 : 15 11 VII . BOCC Agenda Items Update
Please see Attachment 2 .
9 : 20 VIII . Next Meeting — October 14
9 : 30 Ix . Adjournment
COUNTY OF ORANGE
COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
DRAFT Summary of Meeting Held August 12, 2002
Orange County Southern Human Services Center
Chapel Hill , NC
Members Present : Roy Fortmann , Cara Crisler , Annette Jurgelski , Hervey McIver ,
Dan Okun , Lee Rafalow , Johnny Randall , Mark Smith , Julie Tucker , Rebecca Vidra ,
Chris Wachholz , Richard Whisnant , Jean Wright and Alice Gordon
Excused Absences : Laura Cotterman , Richard Pratt
Guests : Ron Holdway
Staff Present : Rich Shaw , Land Conservation Managers Bradley Decker ERCD
Research Associate and Carol Melton , ERCD staff
I . Call to Order
Chair Fortmann called meeting to order at 7 : 30 p . m .
II . Additions to the Agenda
There were no changes or additions to the agenda .
III . Approval of Minutes ( June 10 , 2002 )
MOTION : Whisnant motioned to approve the June 10th minutes . Seconded by
Wright .
VOTE : Unanimous ,
IV . State of the Environment 2002
Decker reviewed information that he prepared for developing the State of the
Environment ( SOE ) report . Using information he gathered from each committee ,
Decker compiled a list of proposed environmental indicators , data sources and
whether there is enough data to show trends . He distributed an updated list of
Transportation and Air Quality Indicators .
Decker 's information included a draft format for the SOE report , a list of proposed
environmental indicators , and a set of questions for which he requested answers
and further guidance .
. Members discussed the intended audience of the SOE report . They concluded that
the BOCC would be the primary audience and a ( later ) second version would be
Page 1 of 4
DRAFT SUMMARY August 12 , 2002
directed at the public at large . Rafalow asked if there was a specific plan and a
budget for distributing a public version of the report . Staff will find out and report
back on funding for report distribution . Shaw noted that the report would be
posted on the ERCD web site . It was suggested that if there are not adequate
funds to produce and distribute a public version , then perhaps the newspapers
could summarize the BOCC version into a form for the general public .
Fortmann noted that the SOE report is due to the BOCC early December so the CfE
would need to complete the report in November . Decker noted that completing the
report was his primary task while working with ERCD through the month of
December .
Other points discussed or mentioned related to the SOE report included :
➢ Need to deliver high - quality report to the BOCC
➢ Report should include a summary of recommendations
➢ Each indicator should have a recommendation
➢ Report should include an Executive Summary
➢ Public version should include information on `show to get involved "
➢ Is there need for indicators outside of the three identified categories , i . e . ,
sprawl
➢ Something to measure sprawl of urban areas , density of development in rural
buffer
Members reviewed the Decker ' s list of Key Questions made the following
suggestions :
➢ Less than 10 indicators per section
➢ Sections need not include equal number of indicators
➢ Data available for each indicator will dictate whether we can report trends
➢ Even with short timeframes , trends can be reported if compared to other
counties/ locations
➢ Use indicator even if only recent data available to establish baseline for
future reports
➢ Use per capita water consumption as an indicator for the water resources
➢ Key issues for Orange County should be highlighted in the front of the report
➢ Report on future data needs , conservation needs
➢ Include " positives if such as the Land Legacy program preserving 800 acres
➢ Consider better name for " Biological Resources " ( e . g . , Land / Biological
Resources )
➢ Include list of important plant and animal species for the county
➢ Concentrate on issues of concern for CfE ; consider adding more sections in
future years , such as solid waste issues .
➢ Decide on graphics/ printing after determining budget
➢ Recommend goals for certain indicators and compare to current status
➢ Map of surface water quality including impaired waters
➢ List sources of data in the Appendix
Page 2 of 4
DRAFT SUMMARY August 12 , 2002
The members asked Gordon for any guidance or preferences expressed by the
BOCC from the previous reports . Gordon recommended that the report highlight
issues of great importance to the county . She noted key indicators , such as the
loss of prime forestland and water shortage issues . She recommended including
statistics from the recent USGS ground water reports .
Fortmann asked committee members to meet with Decker within the next two
weeks to discuss the proposed environmental indicators and the available data .
V . Proposed Environmental Summit
Shaw reviewed the revised draft summit proposal included in the meeting
materials . He noted that changes were made based on the June meeting
discussion . Shaw called members ' attention to the Actions Needed /Timeline , and
pointed out that the concept for a summit and county Conservation Award would be
presented to the BOCC for their consideration in September .
MOTION : Tucker motioned to approve the Environmental Summit and
Conservation Award proposal as written and to authorize ERCD staff to do prepare
agenda abstract for BOCC consideration and approval . Seconded by Rafalow .
VOTE : Unanimous
VI . Updates
• Comprehensive Plan Land Use Committee
In absence of McIver and Crisler ( CPLUC committee representatives ) , who had
departed early , Gordon reported that the first two meetings were to establish a
process and distribute orientation information .
• Natural Areas Element of the Plan
Shaw reviewed the draft outline of the Natural Areas Element of the Orange County
Comprehensive Plan . He said portions of a draft document would be shared with
the CfE in September and then a revised draft in October .
Members asked for a status of the Environmental Impacts Ordinance ( EIO )
committee . Members questioned whether is would be appropriate to make changes
to the EIO or get it incorporated in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan . Whisnant
recommended that all CfE members read Decker 's June 12 report on Orange
County ' s Environmental Impact Ordinance for the CfE to consider his findings at the
September meeting . It was suggested that the CfE 's CPLUC representatives could
introduce any specific desires of the CfE into the CPLUC committee discussion .
Fortmann asked for members to review the report and bring back thoughts on next
steps to be addressed and discussed at the next meeting .
Page 3 of 4
DRAFT SUMMARY August 12 , 2002
i ?
• Lands Legacy Priorities — 2002 - 2007
Shaw said he would hold off on this item in order to allow time for committee
breakout session . Wachholz requested a copy of the 10 - year plan .
Fortmann reiterated that each committee should meet with Decker within the next
two weeks to discuss environmental indicators and data sources for the SOE report .
VII . Committee Breakout Sessions
VIII . Adjournment ( next meeting — September 9 , 2002 )
The CfE adjourned at 10100 p . m .
Page 4 of 4
DRAFT SUMMARY August 12 , 2002
Vol
ATTACHMENT 1
Natural Areas Element Draft Goals (7- 3M2) Clean version
Goals for Protection of Natural Areas and Wildlife Habitat
Natural Environment , Biodiversity and Resource Conservation
Goal One : The conservation and protection of Orange County ' s
most important natural environments .
Objective 1 . 1 Protect the following significant Public Interest Areas and
Resource Protection Areas from adverse development impacts :
• Wetlands
• Floodplains and alluvial soils ( 100 -year floodplains )
• Steep slopes ( greater than 15 % )
• Water Supply Watershed Critical Areas ( lands within 1/2- mile
of an existing or proposed water supply impoundment , such
as University Lake or Lake Orange ) ;
• High - priority natural areas , wildlife corridors and wildlife
habitats , including :
Sites listed in the Orange County inventory of natural
areas and wildlife habitats ( 1988 and 2002 )
Wildlife corridors identified in the Orange County
Comprehensive Plan
Sites identified in the Orange County inventory of lands
having prime habitat for native wildlife ( 1999 )
• Biologically significant aquatic habitat
• Publicly owned parkland ( e . g . , Eno River State Park )
• Research oriented lands ( e . g . , Duke Forest )
• Privately owned lands protected by conservation easements
Objective 1 . 2 Restrict or prohibit uses in flood hazard areas that are
dangerous to health , safety and property due to potential flood
heights or velocities . Protect the hydrologic function of the
floodway to provide passage for 100 - year floods without
increasing flood levels upstream and downstream .
Goal Two : The conservation of native biological diversity , natural
resources , and open space in Orange County in such a way
that ensures the long -term viability of indigenous animal
and plant populations .
Objective 2 . 1 Protect enough, land in and around biologically significant areas ,
and enough connections among these areas , to allow for the
maintenance of native wildlife and plant populations and the
functional relationships among wildlife , habitat , and nutrient
cycles .
Page 1 of 4
`ems/
Natural Areas Element Draft Goals (7- 3042) Clean version
Objective 2 . 2 Promote land uses that minimize fragmentation of natural areas
and wildlife habitat , and prohibit land uses that lead to increased
fragmentation .
Objective 2 . 3 Protect Orange County' s aquatic habitats for its indigenous
aquatic species ( plant and animal ) .
Objective 2 . 4 Ensure that at least 10 percent of the County ' s land area (or
25 , 600 acres ) is in some form-of protected status by 2010 .
Objective 2 . 5 Maintain and protect land that contains valuable productive
resources , such as prime farmland , managed and unmanaged
forest areas , and potential reservoir sites , by directing
incompatible development away from these areas .
Objective 2 . 6 Encourage forest management practices on both public and
private land that minimize disturbance and fragmentation of
intact hardwood forests .
Objective 2 . 7 Encourage long -term productivity of farm and forest lands
through best land - use management practices and . conservation
agreements .
Objective 2 . 8 Limit public access to ecologically sensitive areas .
Growth Management
Goal Three . The management of growth so that it is directed to areas
where growth is desirable and can be accommodated
without compromising goals for protecting natural diversity
in Orange County .
Objective 3 . 1 Use the following criteria to designate the most appropriate
location for the various Land Use Plan Categories : natural
environment constraints ( land slope , hydrology , flora and fauna ,
soil conditions ) ; availability of public services and utilities ;
transportation system access and capacity ; impact on energy
resources ; existing land uses ; presence of productive
agricultural or forested land ; appropriate population densities ;
and the presence of unique natural , historic , or cultural features .
Objective 3 . 2 Direct intensive land uses to existing urban areas and away
from natural areas , agricultural and forest lands , water supply
watersheds , water quality critical areas , and stream corridors .
Objective 3 . 3 In the rural landscape , rather than low- density rural sprawl ,
encourage small nodes of high - density development in
Page 2 of 4
Natural Areas Element Draft Goals (7- 3M2) Clean version
conjunction with dedicated natural areas and open space
surrounding these nodes .
Objective 3 . 4 Designate an urban growth boundary around Chapel Hill ,
Carrboro , Hillsborough , Mebane , and Durham (within Orange
County ) , and direct intensive land uses to those areas .
Goal Four : Residential development and neighborhoods that maintain
residents ' access to undeveloped land ( i . e . , land allowed to
evolve naturally) .
Objective 4 . 1 Encourage major subdivisions to locate all planned residential
lots within one - quarter mile of public parkland , recreation area ,
or dedicated open space .
Objective 4 . 2 Promote residential developments that cluster houses and
dedicate large areas of undisturbed land for residents and
wildlife to use . Where feasible , these areas should be
contiguous to neighboring tracts of undisturbed land belonging
to neighboring developments .
Objective 4 . 3 Ensure that existing neighborhoods do not lose access to
nearby undeveloped land .
Goal Five : Maximum availability and use of open space , natural
environments , recreational land , and facilities to serve
citizens at both the county and community levels , in a
manner that also supports Goals One and Two .
Objective 5 . 1 Locate parks and recreational facilities close to residential areas
to encourage informal interaction with nature , to create islands
of habitat within the heavily populated areas , and to reduce long
trips for recreational purposes .
Objective 5 . 2 Landscape parks and recreational facilities with native
vegetation . Prohibit use of known invasive non - native species in
county facilities .
Objective 5 . 3 Encourage the design of existing public and institutional
buildings , and the plantings of grounds around them , for wildlife
habitat , informal nature education , and passive recreation in
nature as well as for their primary uses . Practice ecological
landscape design by minimizing practices such as clearing of
land , cutting of trees , planting of high - maintenance lawns and
vegetation that requires watering , and by requiring the use of
native plant species in all revegetation / landscaping .
Page 3 of 4
�.
Natural Areas Element Draft Goals (7-30- 02) Clean version
Objective 5 . 4 Require that all major subdivisions include within their
boundaries adequate open space suitable for low- impact
recreation and wildlife habitat ( i . e . , areas of natural vegetation ) .
Objective 5 . 5 Ensure public access to County- owned parks and nature
preserves , but direct trails away from the most ecologically
sensitive sites .
Page 4 of 4
ATTACHMENT 2
Update Items
Last Month ' s Board of
Commissioners Meetings
The attached are selected materials of interest from the previous
month ' s Board. of Commissioners agendas . Where appropriate,
action taken on the item is written on the top of the abstract .
August 20 Board Meeting
Tuscany Ridge Preliminary Subdivision
Drought Impacts on Farming
Amendment to the Joint Planning Agreement ( JPA - 1 - 02 ) to Provide a
Linkaqe with the Water and Sewer Management , Planning and
Boundary Agreement
August 29 Worksession
http m, // www , co , oranqe , nc . us / OCCLERKS / 020829updf ( agenda face )
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date : August 20 , 2002
lop Action Agenda
Item No . . ,p " a
SUBJECT : Tuscany Ridge Preliminary Subdivision
DEPARTMENT : Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING : (YIN ) No
ATTACHMENT ( S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT :
08/ 12/02 Memo from Craig N . Benedict to Board of Craig N . Benedict , ext . 2592
County Commissioners
Dist of Citizen Issues and Staff Responses ' TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Map of Area Hillsborough , 732 =8181
Plan of Subdivision Chapel Hill 9684501
06/27/02 Subdivision Abstract and Resolution of Durham 6884331
Approval Mebane (336) -227-2031
07/ 10/02 Planning Board Verbatim Minutes
08/ 15/02 letter from Geoffrey Gledhill
PURPOSE : To give a special report on issues and answers concerning the approved Tuscany
Ridge Subdivision .
BACKGROUND : The Tuscany Ridge Subdivision ( project within the Rural Buffer) was
recommended for approval by the Planning Board on June 6 , 2002 and approved by the Board of
County Commissioners , on June 27 , 2002 , The Tuscany Ridge subdivision is a 224ot project on
55 : 6 acres with 17 . 6 % open space . Citizens In the Arthur Minnis Road Area voiced opposition to
the subdivision in early July because they had not been notified . ( Notification is not required in this
area ) . Staff suggested they bring these concerns to the July 10 , 2002 Planning Board meeting
where they had the ability to present their issues . More than ten ( 10 ) residents spoke and their
comments are included in the verbatim minutes attached . At that meeting , staff explained that the
project was consistent with the zoning of the area and that the project had been approved by the
BOCC based on the full evaluation of all code items .
In addition , staff commented that their input is important as we examine the general issues of new
development and compatibility with existing land use . pattems as the County , undertakes the
Comprehensive Plan update process .
FINANCIAL IMPACT : None at this time .
RECOMMENDATION ( S) : The Manager recommends that the Board receive the information
regarding Tuscany Ridge .
1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date : August 20 , 2002
Action Agen a
Item No .
SUBJECT : Drought Impacts on Farming -
DEPARTMENT : N . C . Cooperative Extension PUBLIC HEARING : (YIN ) No
ATTACHMENT ( S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT :
Dr. Fletcher Barber, Jr. , 245 -2050
Orange County Cooperative Extension Randy Yarbrough , 7324301
Drought Relief Efforts TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Hillsborough 732 =8181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 6884331
Mebane 336 =227 -2031
PURPOSE : To provide an update on the present drought situation in Orange County , the effect
It is having on the farming community , and the response from agriculture related agencies .
BACKGROUND : As of July 23 , 2002 Orange County , along with 72 other counties in North
Carolina , were declared agricultural disaster areas .
The N . C . Cooperative Extension Service , in collaboration with the local Farm Service Agency
and other agricultural related agencies , has been working closely with local farmers to
determine relief efforts and the impact of the drought on these farming enterprises .
Attached is a list of Cooperative Extension activities in response to the drought . The County
Extension Director as well as Local County Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency will
be present at the Board meeting to brief the Commissioners on the educational and federal
assisted programs being offered for drought relief and respond to any questions .
FINANCIAL IMPACT : There is no additional County cost in the administration of these drought
relief related efforts .
RECOMMENDATION ( S ) : The Manager recommends that the Board receive the presentation
as information .
Orange County Cooperative Extension
Drought- related Efforts
• Articles and one program so far on landscape management under drought
conditions .
• Information on home landscape drought management at Carrboro and
Hillsborough Farmers Markets .
• Dairy and Livestock newsletters dealing specifically with nutritional issues ,
forage and feed supply issues , related to the drought and drought recovery .
• Web page link to drought related information and mosquito borne illnesses .
• Planning dairy and livestock meetings on feeding with by-product and
commodity feeds and on forage options for the fall and winter.
• Individual consultations with agricultural producers on issues related to
drought .
r
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM{ ABSTRACT
Meeting Date : August 20 , 2002
Action Agenda
Item No .
SUBJECT : Amendment to the Joint Planning Agreement (JPA- 1 = 02 ) to Provide a Linkage with
the Water and Sewer Management , Planning and Boundary Agreement
DEPARTMENT : Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING : (Y/ N ) No
ATTACHMENT( S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT :
Craig N . Benedict , ext . 2692
+ April 17 Joint Planning Public Hearing Minutes Gene Bell , ext . 2589
• .Chapel Hill and Carrboro Resolutions of Adoption
• Text of Proposed Amendments TELEPHONE NUMBERS ,
Resolution of Adoption Hillsborough 732r8181
Chapel Hill 968 -2700
Durham 6884331
Mebane (336) 227w2031
PURPOSE : To consider adoption of a proposed amendment to the Joint Planning Agreement to
provide a linkage with the Water and Sewer Management , Planning and Boundary Agreement .
BACKGROUND : The Water and Sewer Management , Planning and Boundary Agreement was
developed by a task force over a period of seven years . Task force membership included elected
officials and staff from Orange County , Chapel Hill , Carrboro , Hillsborough , and OWASA . The
Board of County Commissioners on December 3 , 2001 adopted the agreement in its final form .
The preamble to the agreement states the following purposes :
1 . To provide a comprehensive , County-wide system of service areas for future utility
development and interest areas for dealing with private water and wastewater system
problems in areas without public water and sewer service .
2 . To complement growth management objectives ; land use plans and annexation plans in
existing agreements , such as the Orange County,Chapel Hill -Carrboro Joint Planning
Agreement and Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan ,
3 . To resolve in advance and preclude future conflicts about future service areas and
annexation areas .
4 . To provide for predictable long range water and sewer capital improvement planning and
financing .
5 . To provide for limitations on water and sewer service in certain areas , as defined .
Linking the Water and Sewer Management , Planning and Boundary Agreement with the Joint
Planning Agreement is part of an overall strategy to align local government land use decisions with
public water and sewer permitted areas. Accordingly , inconsistent requests for land use
A
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amendments by third persons seeking connection to public water and sewer systems would not be
recommended for approval . This method is used in other areas around the country to ensure that
local government utility plans and land use plans are not thwarted through demands by land
owners and the development community insisting that public water and sewer connections be
made contrary to the planned service area of the utilities .
The Water and Sewer Management , Planning and Boundary Agreement already contains a
reference to the Joint Planning Agreement in Section II . H . The proposed amendment incorporates
the Water and Sewer Management , Planning and Boundary Agreement into the Joint Planning
Agreement thus formalizing its provisions , as land ' use planning requirements that have the effect of
law .
Proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Agreement include .
1 . Addition of the word " LINKAGE " at the end of ARTICLE 1 . PURPOSE , DEFINITIONS ,
EFFECTIVE GATE ;
2 . Inclusion of a new Section 1 .4 entitled " Linkage with the Water and Sewer Management ,
Planning and Boundary Agreement ; " and
3 . Incorporation of Appendix A , the map entitled Water and Sewer Management Planning and
Boundary Agreement, as Exhibit B to the Joint Planning Agreement .
Proposed text amendments are depicted in bold underline in the attachment.
This item was presented at the April 17 , 2002 Joint Planning Area Public Hearing . Resolutions of
adoption were approved by the Chapel Hill Town Council on May 29 , 2992 and the Carrboro Board
of Aldermen on June 11 , 2002 . Both resolutions are included0as attachments .
The Orange County Planning Board considered this item on August 7 and recommended approval .
FINANCIAL IMPACT , None .
RECOMMENDATION ( S ) : The Administration recommends approval of the proposed amendments
to the Joint Planning Agreement ,
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA
BOCC Work Session
August 29 , 2002 _
7 : 30 p . m .
Southern Human Services Center
Chapel Hill , NC
(7 : 30 — 7 : 45 ) 1 . Orange County 250' Anniversary Celebration
(7 : 45 — 8 : 45 ) 2 . Short and Long Term Water Supply Issues
( 8 : 45 — 9 : 10) 3 . . Update on the Status of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use
Committee (CPLUC)
(9 : 10 — 9 : 35 ) 4 . Report on Growth Controls in Large Residential Projects
(9 : 35 — 10 : 00) 5 . Orange County/Durham I- 85 / US 70 Economic Development
District Area
1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meetings Date : August 29 , 2002 .
Action Agenda
Item No .
SUBJECT : Orange County 250 ' Anniversary Celebration
DEPARTMENT : Economic Development PUBLIC HEARING ; (Y/ N ) Na
Commission
ATTACHMENT ( S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT ; ,
Dianne Reid , ext 2325
TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Hillsborough 732 -8181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 688 -7331
Mebane 336 "2274031
PURPOSE : To update the Board on plans for the celebration of Orange County' s 250 "'
anniversary .
BACKGROUND : September 9 , 2002 marks the 250t' anniversary of the first colonial court of
the County of Orange , held at Grayfields along the Eno* River. A planning group — The Orange
County 250 Committee has been meeting regularly to plan a series of celebration activities for
the year. Plans for the kickoff celebration have been finalized , as follows :
On Sunday , September 8 , the public is invited to celebrate Orange County's 250th Anniversary
with a walk through history . Attendees may park vehicles in the lot by the Orange County
Sheriffs Department on East Margaret Lane in downtown Hillsborough . Shuttles will begin
leaving at 12 : 30 pm to take people to Moorefields , near the site of the first colonial court in
Orange County ,
At Moorefields , the Orange County 4 - H will provide a presentation on farming in Orange County .
At 1 : 00 pm , participants join in a 3 . 5- mile hike back to downtown Hillsborough , stopping along
the way to experience Orange County history . John Blackfeather Jeffries , of the Occaneechi
Band of the Saponi Nation , will discuss Native American history in Orange County . Hikers will
pass the old slave cemetery on West Margaret Lane and hear Jack Payne , an African American
storyteller. The hike is sponsored by the Trading Path Preservation Association .
After the walk , participants can return to the Old Orange County Courthouse on King Street at
4 : 00 pm to hear a keynote address by Harry L . Watson , PhD . Mr. Watson serves as Director of
the UNC Center for the Study of the American South and .coTeditor of its journal , Southern
Cultures . He is also a professor in the UNC- Chapel Hill Department of History . His specialties
are the antebellum South , Jacksonian America , and the history of North Carolina . The
Hillsborough Historical Society Is sponsoring the address .
2
For those not interested in the 3 . 5 mile hike , Colonial Guides of Hillsborough will provide a free
guided walking tour of downtown OHillsborough , on Sunday afternoon . The tour will begin at the
Orange County Sheriffs Department on East Margaret Lane at 2 : 00 pm and will include a tour
of the Dickson House , the Regulator Marker, the Courthouse , and many of Hillsborough ' s other
historic sites . The tour, which lasts for approximately 1 Y2 hours , will conclude at the Old
Courthouse in time for the lecture .
On Monday , September g , beginning at 110.40 am at the Old- Courthouse in downtown
Hillsborough , the acoustic band Mapparnundi will play instrumental selections from their
Colonial American music program . At noon , there will be a ringing of church bells across
Grange County , followed by a blessing by John Blackfeather Jeffries , Barry Jacobs , Chair of
the Orange County Board of Commissioners and chair of the 250th Anniversary Celebration
Committee , will tmake brief remarks , followed by remarks by University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill Chancellor Dr . James Moeser, State Senator Howard Lee , Hillsborough author Lee
Smith and Chapel Hill historian Dr. John Douglas Eyre . To close the program , Mappamundi will
sing two . selections .
FINANCIAL IMPACT : Thanks to corporate donations , there will be no financial impact to the
County . .
RECOMMENDATION (S ) : The Manager recommends that the Board review the proposed
activities and comment as necessary .
6a 5..j1
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date : August 29 , 2002
Action Agenda
Item No . 2
SUBJECT : Short and Long Term Water Supply Issues.
DEPARTMENT : County Engineer/ PUBLIC HEARING : (YIN ) No
Cooperative Extension
ATTACHMENT ( S ) :
8/23/02 County Engineer Memo INFORMATION CONTACT ,
8/23/02 Town of Hillsborough Draft Stage Paul Thames , 245w2303
VI Restrictions Drought Ordinance Fletcher Barber, 245-2051
Revision .
8/ 14/02 Orange County Health Department TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Drought Response Report Hillsborough 732 =8181
Orange County Cooperative Extension Chapel Hill 9684501
Drought Relief Efforts Durham 6884331
8/ 14/02 Town of Hillsborough Staff Paper Mebane 336 =227 -2031
PURPOSE : To receive and discuss reports on the drought situation , including current and
pending water supply allocations and restrictions , and effects on the agricultural community .
BACKGROUND : Public water supplies throughout Orange County have continued to decline
in recent weeks as the drought worsens . County staff have collaborated with municipal and
other governmental officials , as well as Orange County public water suppliers , to analyze the
drought' s implications for short-term water supplies and options for promulgating additional
water restrictions . It is likely that by the time of this August 29 work session , the water level in
Lake Orange will have dropped below the point at which the imposition of Stage VI restrictions
will have been triggered by the provisions of the County' s drought/water use ordinance and the
Eno River Capacity Use Agreement , The County Engineer has prepared the accompanying
memo to outline issues of immediate concern . He will provide a brief verbal report and respond
to the Board ' s questions at this work session . The Board may also wish to discuss and provide
direction to staff regarding longer term water supply considerations , such as a follow up to the
County' s Water Summit held earlier in 2002 .
As noted in the accompanying staff paper , the Health Department has engaged in • outreach
efforts to inform well owners about potential drought effects on their water supplies and
measures they might consider to preserve their own individual water supplies . Health
Department representatives will provide follow up to Commissioners ' questions and comments
as appropriate ,
6 i .
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On July 23 , 2002 , Orange County , along with 72 other counties in North Carolina , was declared
an agricultural disaster area . The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service , in
collaboration with the local Farm Service Agency and other agricultural related agencies , has
been working closely with local farmers , to determine relief efforts and the impact of the drought
on these farming enterprises . Staff have prepared a list of Cooperative Extension activities in
response to the drought , and will attend the work session to provide further information on the
educational and federally assisted programs being offered for drought relief.
FINANCIAL IMPACT ; There is no financial impact associated with receiving and discussing
these staff reports . However, the County will need to devote additional staff resources towards
the public education effort and if necessary , financial resources towards mitigating adverse
consequences for County human service clients who lack the resources to deal with the worst
drought impacts . There are also some costs , not yet quantified , associated with the use of new
water coolers in lieu of existing water fountains and water-free hand cleaning supplies in County
facilities .
RECO111 MENDATION ( S ) : The Manager recommends that the Board :
1 ) receive and discuss the reports , .
2 ) endorse changes to the drought/water use ordinance that would mandate the use of single
service in County restaurants ;
3 ) endorse the recommended public information strategies as outlined in the County
Engineer' s report ,
4 ) endorse the use of water conservation technologies in County facilities where appropriate ;
and
5 ) provide additional direction , as appropriate , to the Manager and staff.
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ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting .Date : August 29 , 2002
Agenda
Item No .
SUBJECT : Update on the Status of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Committee
( CPLUC )
DEPARTMENT : Planning and Inspections PUBLIC WEARING : (YIN ) FNo
ATTACHMENT (S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT :
Attachment 1 : Memo on Comprehensive Plan Land Use Craig N . Benedict , ext . 2592
Committee ( CPLUC ) Activities Thomas R . Tempia , ext . 2579
Attachment 2 : List of CPLUC Members and Alternates TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Attachment 3 : Charge , Purpose , and Outcomes of the Hillsborough 732-8181
CPLUC Chapel Hill 9684501
Attachment 4 : Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element Durham 688 -7331
Tentative Process and Schedule Mebane ( 336) 227 =2031
PURPOSE : To update the Board of County Commissioners ( BOCC ) on activities and status
of the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Committee ( CPLUC ) .
BACKGROUND : At their April 16 , 2002 meeting , the BOCC authorized the Planning and
Inspections Department to proceed with the first step of the comprehensive planning
process , the CPLUC . The BOCC appointed members of the various County Boards to
CPLUC at the May 21 meeting . When the BOCC , at the June 18 , 2002 meeting , confirmed
the charge and parameters of the CPLUC . The CPLUC has met three times on June 24ti' ,
July 22 ' , and August 19t' . The notebooks , which contain all of the handouts , work products ,
agendas , and minutes from the CPLUC , have already been distributed to BOCC .
Attachment 1 : Memo on Comprehensive Plan Land Use Committee (CPLUC)
ides a brief summary of the three CPLUC meetings .
Activities, This memo prov
Attachment 2 : List of CPLUC Members and Alternates This document lists the 9
Committee members and 7 alternates appointed by the Board of County Commissioners ,
Attachment 3 : Charge, Purpose, and Outcomes of the CPLUC. This attachment explains
the charge and parameters of the CPLUC as well as what the anticipated outcomes are .
Attachment 4 : Comprehensive Plan Land Use Element Tentative Process And
Schedule, This document illustrates how the CPLUC fits into the proposed overall
Comprehensive Planning Process ,
FINANCIAL IMPACT : None at this time .
RECOMMENDATION ( S ) : No action required at this time .
r
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date : August 29 , 2002
Action Agenda
Item No . 1-
SUBJECT : Report on Growth Controls in Large Residential Projects
DEPARTMENT : Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING : (YIN ) No
ATTACHMENT ( S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT :
1 . June 18 , 2002 BOCC Report and Action Craig Benedict , ext . 2592
2 . Planning Board Letter of May 6 , 2002 . TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Hillsborough 732 =8181
3 . Staff Report — Growth Control Issues Chapel Hill 968 =4501
Durham 688 =7331
Mebane (336 ) =227 -2031
PURPOSE : To provide a report on various elements associated with the implementation of growth
controls in large residential projects .
BACKGROUND : On May 6 , 2002 , the Orange County Planning Board forwarded a letter to the
Board of County Commissioners regarding the need for growth controls in large residential
developments . This topic was also broached at a joint Board of Commissioners / Planning Board !
meeting on June 6 , 2002 . On June 18 , the Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution
(see attached ) regarding what actions and issues need to be researched prier to further
deliberation . The Planning Board discussed these issues within their purview on August 7 , 2002 .
The attached report outlines the preliminary findings .
FINANCIAL IMPACT : None at this time .
RECOMMENDATION ( S) : The Manager recommends that the Board discuss the information
presented and provide direction to staff on a course of action .
`` fi
_ T 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION AGENDA ABSTRACT
Meeting Date : August 29 , 2002
Action Agenda
Item No .
SUBJECT : Orange Coun / Durham I - 85 / US 70 Economic Development District Area
DEPARTMENT : Planning and Inspections PUBLIC HEARING : (Y/N ) No
ATTACHMENT ( S ) : INFORMATION CONTACT :
Craig Benedict , ext . 2592
Map Dianne Reid , ext . 2326
Paul Thames , ext . 2303
TELEPHONE NUMBERS :
Hillsborough 7324181
Chapel Hill 9684501
Durham 688 =7331
Mebane (336) -227 -2031
PURPOSE : To update the Board of County Commissioners on progress of the Orange County /
Durham k85 / US 70 Economic Development District Cooperative Planning Area .
BACKGROUND : Respective Orange County and City of Durham staffs have developed some
preliminary recommendations regarding cooperative planning systems between both jurisdictions .
Discussion , research , and analysis have been in progress since June of 2001 to evaluate topics of
joint interest , Those topics include :
I . Planning
II . Water and Sewer
III . Annexation
IV . Financing of Utilities of areas near k85/ US70
After this progress report work- session , planning staffs are prepared to present our preliminary
reports to respective managers and then to governing boards in the next few months . The purpose
of these cooperative planning efforts is to improve land use and transportation decisions , improve
intergovernmental coordination and information sharing , and be able to consistently respond to
inquiries for development in the area , as well as , respond to public health emergencies such as
failed septic systems .
There are six companion studies , plans and agreements that affect this area .
I . Subject Areas - Planning Studies and Reports
A . 1 . Orange County Economic Development District ( EDD )
k85/ US Hwy 70
Adopted 3/ 1 /94 and amended thru 8 /20/96
r
2
Primary Development Area 287 acres
Secondary Development Area 100 acres
Open Space Area 186 acres
Right- of4ay 60 acres
2 . Commercial Industrial Activity Node
B . Stoney Creek , Basin Small Area Plan
Adopted 8/5/96
C . Durham Urban Growth Boundary and Study
D . Orange County Water and Sewer Management Plan and Boundary Map
( see Attachment #4 )
E . Town of Hillsborough and City of [Durham Water/Sewer Boundary Agreement
F . Resolution of Cooperation — A resolution of cooperation between the ' City of Durham ,
North Carolina , the Durham County , North Carolina , the Town of Chapel Hill , North
Carolina , and Orange County , North Carolina relating to land use planning along and
near jurisdictional boundaries .
Joint staffs are working on an abridged list of potential government actions by the respective
i jurisdiction . A map is attached which illustrates some areas of potential use and cooperation .
FINANCIAL IMPACT : None at this time
RECOMMENDATION (s ) : Receive the status report and offer comment and direction to the staff.
Additional
f(Ormation Items
Ift
Commission for the
Environment
Agenda
Report links sprawl to groundwater depletion .
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Posted on Thu , Aug . 29 , 2002
Report links sprawl to groundwater depletion
Mecklenburg official not swayed by claim
BRUCEHENDERSON -
Staff Writer
One more thing to blame on sprawl : the drought .
Suburban roads , driveways and rooftops cover so much land that billions of gallons of rainwater can ' t soak
into the ground , where it would recharge depleted groundwater, said a report released Wednesday by three
environmental groups .
The ground under the Charlotte - Gastonia - Rock Hill metro area alone loses 13 . 5 billion to 31 . 5 billion gallons
of water a year, the report said . The low end of that range is about as much water as Charlotte -
Mecklenburg Utilities pumps in four typical months .
" Sprawl is hanging us out to dry , " said Deron Lovaas of the Natural Resources Defense Council . The group
released the report with American Rivers and Smart Growth America .
Water experts agree that so - called impervious surfaces send rainwater toward streams and lakes instead of
into the ground . Critics say sprawl paves over more ground than compact , high - density development .
But the experts say there ' s no proof sprawl makes droughts worse .
" Making the jump that sprawl is the reason for water shortages , we can ' t make that jump , " said Dave
Canaan , Mecklenburg ' s water and land resources director .
Still , state officials factor in an area ' s amount of impervious surface when they calculate local water
resources .
While the four- year drought has sapped Piedmont lakes and streams , groundwater is also suffering . Water
levels in a U . S . Geological Survey well at Mecklenburg ' s Hornets Nest Park have dropped about 5 feet since
early 1998 .
While lakes and streams benefit from more rain , storm water_ also washes pollutants into them , said John
Bailey of Smart Growth America . The ground , in contrast , filters soaked - in rainwater before releasing it into
surface waters .
Bruce Henderson : (704) 358 - 5051 ; bhenderson@charlotteobserver. com .
http : //www . charlotte . com/mld/charlotte/3959513 . htm ?template=contentModules/printstor . aa 08 /29/2002