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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCFE 110998 ORANGE COUNTY PLANNING DEPARTMENT 306F REVERE ROAD HILLSBOROUGH , NORTH CAROLINA 27278 6oynq °T ® I ( OVE ..r��7 :/ 4= � o IT 52 �. 7 Nov - 4 10998 s 0P0 Cato MEMORANDUM TO : Orange County Commission for the Environment FROM : Gene Bell , Interim Planning Director SUBJ : Agenda for Meeting 12 of the Commission for the Environment DATE : November 3 , 1998 The twelfth meeting of the Orange County Commission for the Environment ( CFE ) is scheduled for Monday , November 9 , 1998 at 7 : 30 PM . The meeting will be held in the Homestead Community Center located approximately 0 . 6 mile east of Calvander on Homestead Road . The agenda and attachments for this meeting are enclosed . An important item on the agenda is number IV . Election of Char and Vice Chair. Pleased refer to Article II . B . of the Rules of Procedure for the Commission for the Environment ( copy enclosed) which specifies that election of the Chair and Vice Chair take place at the November meeting . If you have questions or will not be able to attend the November 9 meeting please let me know . I can be reached at extension 2592 at 732 - 8181 (Hillsborough) , 967 - 9251 ( Chapel Hill/Carrboro ) , and 688 - 7331 (Durham ) . • a AGENDA ty Commission for the Environment ( CFE ) I i F(Itni k = ( ill Homestead Community Center < < ! t. 600 Homestead Road , Chapel Hill , N . C . 27516 40 - --'—~- -- E November 9 , 1998 - 7 : 30 PM 7 : 30 I . Call to Order - Dr . Loraine Kohorn , Chair 7 : 31 II . Consideration of Additions or Changes to Agenda 7 : 33 III . Approval of Minutes - October 12 , 1998 7 : 3 5 IV . Election of Chair and Vice Chair 7 : 45 V . Report on November 4 Public Hearing on Environment and Resource Conservation Department - Loraine Kohorn 7 : 55 VI . Report on November 5 Triangle Open Space Network/ Shaping Orange County ' s Future Meeting - Loraine Kohorn and Rosalinda Lidh 8 : 05 VII . Update on Efforts to Recruit New CFE Members - Gene Bell 8 : 10 VIII . Additional Discussion on CFE Liaison to the Water Resources Committee 8 : 15 IX. 4Breakout Sessions of Air Quality , Biological Resources , and Education Committees to Discuss Priority Issues for December 5 County Commissioner Goal - Setting Retreat 9 : 15 X . Reconvene to Receive Oral Reports from Committees and Discuss Items to Recommend for County Commissioner Consideration 9 : 55 XI . Next Meeting - December 14 , 1998 10 : 00 XII . Adjournment ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT DRAFT Summary of Meeting Ten , October 12 , 1998 Held in Homestead Community Center , Chapel Hill , NC (Prepared by Adhir Kackar, Temporary Planner I , Orange County Planning Department) Members Present : June Dunnick , Roy Fortmann , Vice Chair, William Glaze , Commissioner Alice Gordon, Annette Jurgelski , Loraine Kohorn , Chair, Rosalinda Lidh , Daniel Okun . , Richard Pratt , Kris Price , and Jane Sharp - MacRae . Excused Absences : Lee Rafalow . Unexcused Absences : Andrew Burke , Scott Martin, and Stephen Whalen . Visitors : Don Cox , Chair , Orange County Water Resources Committee , Staff Present : Gene Bell , Interim Planning Director, David Stancil , Planner II (Land Use and Environment) and Adhir Kackar, Planner I ( Temporary) . I . Call to Order Chair Loraine Kohorn, called meeting to order at 7 : 35` PM . II . Consideration of Additions or Changes to Agenda No changes to the meeting agenda were proposed . III . Approval of September 14 , 1998 Minutes Chair Kohorn suggested that minor changes be made to the minutes , primarily typos , at the top of page 5 . These changes were approved as amended . IV. Report on Public Hearing on Horace Williams Property Rosalinda Lidh gave an overview of the Town of Chapel Hill ' s September 14 , 1998 public hearing regarding development plans for the Horace Williams Property : Rosalinda Lidh remarked that : • The mixed use plan prepared by Chapel Hill for development of the Horace William property had been revised ; • Plan revisions do not impact the environment in either a positive or negative way ; • UNC - CH ' s appears to be backing off their initial support of the mixed use plan . Ms . Lidh indicated that the consultants felt that they lacked enough time to review the plan , but will get back to her with their comments . Additionally , Ms . Lidh stated that she has a revised copy of the plan that Commission members are welcome to see , although she suspects that changes to the latest version of the plan will be forthcoming . 2 William Glaze asked for clarification on the major environmental issues that were impacted by the proposed development plan for the Williams property . Rosalinda Lidh highlighted the following issues , in response : • Despite having good environmental language the plan lacks specifics . For instance there are no provisions that outline possible types of recourse that can be taken if developers fail to meet environmental concerns ; • Exceedingly , too much detail and attention is paid to building locations and dimensions and not enough to environmental issues ; • Given the 25 year time horizon for plan implementation , developers will have a significant amount of time during which they will not be subject to any environmental regulations . Rosalinda Lidh also stated her willingness to continue to attend meetings and hearings , regarding the development of the Horace Williams property , as a community member and/ or as a representative of the Commission for the Environment . Commissioner Gordon inquired if the plan contained a "reserved section" to plug - in future environmental language . She felt if the plan did not then the Commission could request that such a section exist . Additionally , she reinforced Lidh ' s prior statements , by remarking that in her prior reading of the plan the environmental language was also very vague . June Dunnick felt that the authors of the plan were not in tune to . the environment and consequently had developed a mixed use plan , that in actuality , did not promote mixed use development . Chair Kohorn inquired about the schedule for future meetings to which Lidh responded that discussions regarding future meetings are scheduled . Commissioner Gordon requested the Chair and Ms . Lidh to get on the mailing list to receive future meeting notices and agenda abstracts . V. CFE Liaison to Water Resources Project Chair Kohorn introduced Don Cox , Chair of the Orange County Water Resources Committee and highlighted Mr . Cox ' s request for a liaison between the Water Resources Committee and the Commission , as stipulated in his letter of September 23 , 1998 to the Commission for the Environment . Mr . Cox briefly outlined the status of the Water Resources Project and the consequent need for a liaison . His remarks are as follows : • The Water Resources Committee (WRC ) has been focusing on technical analysis and modeling efforts , the purpose of which is to identify areas of groundwater recharge in the county , amounts of existing groundwater and relationship between impervious surface and groundwater recharge , • The results of the work of the Committee will constitute the tools used to determine impacts that future policy will have on groundwater resources in the county and how groundwater protection can be phased into the County ' s Land Use Plan ; 3 • The Water Resources Committee would like a liaison who possesses the ability to understand models , use of mapping overlays , and how they can be utilized . Daniel Okun asked about the charge of the committee and if it extends to surface water issues , or is just concentrated on groundwater . Don Cox responded that the scope of the committee has been limited given the existence of prior studies that have been devoted to examining surface water supplies in the county . Additionally , Cox mentioned that the focus on groundwater is also valuable for surface water suppliers as they devise their polices for meeting the county ' s water needs . William Glaze inquired if Mr . Cox could provide a recommendation on the qualities needed in a liaison , to which Don Cox provided the following traits : • An individual with significant time to devote to the Water Resources Committee , for approximately the next four to five years ; • Someone who possesses an interest in the interaction between surface and ground water, and between ecology and biology ; Mr . Glaze then asked for a clarification on whether the liaison would need to have significant technical knowledge in his/her position . Don Cox indicated that the modeling is straight forward and comprehensible , and that technical support can be provided by planning experts . Chair Loraine Kohorn then asked Don Cox about activities of the WRC during phase II of their study . Mr . Cox described the work of the Water Resources Committee as focusing on :. 1 . Determining and mapping the location of current and new wells in the county ; 2 . Gathering spatial , data on groundwater contamination sites in the county ; such as landfills , lagoons , etc . ; 3 . determining sensitivity of certain areas from possible dispersal of groundwater contaminants ; David Stancil , added that as an outgrowth of the WRC ' s work in phase II , participants will be trained in wellhead protection and the committee ' s analysis will ultimately be utilized in conjunction with prior surface water studies to establish a picture of water resources in the county . Daniel Okun outlined the role that he felt the Commission could play in furthering the work of the Water Resources Committee . First, he felt that the Commission should advocate that development be discouraged in the areas where groundwater is not adequate . According to Okun this may necessitate regulation that requires developers to show that that local water supplies meet the water needs generated by their development . He cited septic suitability requirements as a current example of such a regulation . Second , Okun stated that the Commission could promote the establishment or water reclamation policies . Mr . Okun , stated that : • in urban areas surface water is a primary source of water ; • surface water supply and quality can be a problem in urban areas , although in NC this is not presently the case ; • b 4 • Despite instances in Raleigh and Cary the state is characterized by rich supplies and low demand ; • As the state urbanizes the problems associated with surface water quality may in fact increase thereby necessitating policies such as water reclamation ; • Water reclamation refers to the process whereby wastewater is treated and used for non- potable purposes4lushing toilets , lawn care , etc . , • Water reclamation is both feasible and when done prior to development economical ; • OWASA has indicated interest in water reclamation and reclamation could be used in the development of Meadowmont and refurbishing of Finley Golf Course . To this , Jane Dunnick replied that given the issuance of special use permits in the Meadowmont development it will be difficult to force the developer of Meadowmont to install a water reclamation system . Okun mentioned that the phasing of Meadowmont provides a window of opportunity to require water reclamation . He added that irrespective of its applicability to Meadowmont water reclamation is sound policy that should be promoted by the Commission, so that future developers will conserve water and also recognize the added benefits of water reclamation . Okun reiterated such benefits to include : 1 ) constant supplies of water for residential and non- residential uses ; 2 ) economical before development . Following this , Richard Pratt asked if the charge of the water resources committee includes developing rules that determine off- set requirements for the purpose of wellhead protection . Additionally,: Pratt inquired that , if so then are the established rules based on scientifically sound data that is: relevant to Orange County . Mr . Cox responded that calculation of recharge areas can be done at the sub basin level with greater ease than at a site specific level . Mr . Pratt then stated that in his opinion establishing guidelines based on tangible , scientific evidence was a political as well as technical issue , and that his concern was whether or not any established rules were going to be based upon science . Mr . Cox replied stating that rules established by the committee will be based on tangible evidence , and that all of the physical attributes of the land will have an impact on determining recharge areas . William Glaze then inquired about the when the Water Resources Committee will conclude its task and when the Commission for the Environment will inherit their work . According to David Stancil , the Water Resources Committee will conclude their work by mid- 2000 . Dan Cox added that when the Commission for the Environment was formed it was assumed that the Water Resources Committee would eventually be imported into the Commission . The WRC asked that this not occur until after the work that WRC was doing with the United States Geologic Survey (USGS ) had concluded . Given this Glaze questioned the usefulness of a CFE liaison, at this juncture . Cox felt that a liaison would be useful because that person could gain significant insight into the process and knowledge presently employed by the Water Resources Committee . William Glaze suggested that possibly one of the prospective new members of the CFE may be an ideal candidate for the liaison position . Commissioner Gordon offered the suggestion that given the current three committee structure of the CFE and the addition of new members , a fourth 5 committee dealing with water resources could possibly be formed . Additionally , she felt that this would minimize any possible hiatus between the work of the WRC and the Commission for the Environment . Richard Pratt indicated that he would be willing to serve as the new liaison and inquired about WRC ' s meeting schedule . Don Cox indicated that the committee meets on the fourth Thursday of alternating months . Commissioner Gordon felt that it would be useful to obtain a complete description from Don Cox regarding the activities of the WRC , in the meantime Commission members could contact persons that they feel would be interested in the liaison position or in serving on a water resources committee . Loraine Kohorn stated that she supported Commissioner Gordon ' s call to have a smooth transition between the WRC and CFE , but was concerned about having two separate Water Resource committees in simultaneous existence . Additionally , she wanted to know how a member of a CFE water resources committee would fit into the proposed Resource Conservation Department . Commissioner Gordon , indicated that the Chair Kohorn ' s concerns should not present any problems . Don Cox mentioned that the WRC will present an interim report to the Orange County Board of Commissioners (BOCC ) on November 17 , 1998 . David Stancil added that this meeting will take place at the Southern Human Services Center . Alice Gordon suggested that one or two CFE members should attend the November 17 BOCC meeting to hear the report of the WRC . Don Cox then extended to members of the Commission the opportunity to increase familiarity between the WRC and CFE and eventually ease the transition between the two groups . Loraine Kohorn summarized the discussion by stating that it appeared that the Commission had decided to select a liaison from either its new or current membership and that the next meeting would be a good time to discuss the formal selection process . Lastly , Commissioner Gordon requested that David Stancil prepare a summary of the work of the WRC and needs for the next CFE meeting . VL _Update . on Triangle Open Space Forum David Stancil briefed the Commission on the scheduled Open Space Forum . The forum is scheduled to take place at Stanback Middle School on November 5 , 1998 . Stancil stated that the forum is part of a pilot project established for the Shaping Orange County ' s Future Project ( SOCF ) and co - sponsored by the Triangle Open Space Network (TOSN) . According to David Stancil , the purpose of the forum is to : 1 ) educate citizens about the existing , inventoried open space resources that exist in the County ; 2 ) share what preservation strategies have succeeded in the triangle ; and 3 ) describe tools that have been used for preservation purposes . In addition, Mr . Stancil stated that Jonathan Howes will assist in the explanation of preservation tools . Loraine Kohorn , added- that the Open Space Forum is one in a series of meetings in the region that is being sponsored by the Triangle Open Space Network . VII . Update on CFE membership and Re - appointment of Members whose terms expire December 31 , 1998 . Gene Bell informed the Commission that terms expire for the following five members : 1 ) Andrew Burke ; 2 ) Rosalinda Lidh ; 3 ) Roy Fortmann ; 4 ) Scott Martin ; and 5 ) Stephen Whalen . Based on phone conversations and e -mail correspondence with members , Gene Bell stated that Roy Fortmann and Rosalinda Lidh were the only members who have expressed interest in retaining their membership . According to Bell , Scott Martin has declined because of an increased workload , Stephen Whalen currently lives in Chatham County thereby making him ineligible to serve and Andrew Burke has not responded to inquiries . Additionally , Gene Bell 6 indicated that election of members will occur at the November meeting and that existing members are eligible to serve consecutive terms . In response to Roy Fortmann ' s question about the status of new members , Commissioner Gordon stated that the County Clerk has initiated the recruitment process . In response to requests by Glaze and Kohorn , Gordon asked Bell to speak with the County Clerk , so that she can keep CFE members abreast of the recruitment process . In closing , Chair Kohom reminded current Commission members to keep any persons who they feel may be interested in serving informed . VIII . Expanded Report on Formation of the Environment and Resource Conservation Department Commissioner Gordon briefed Commission members on the formation of the Environment and Resource Conservation Department . Gordon stated the following : • Initial proposals for the department have lacked specific details ; • At the October 20 , 1988 BOCC meeting , the BOCC will determine more specific details about the new department ; • Proposal for the new department will go to a public hearing on November 4 , 1998 ; • There is no target date for the implementation of the department , given the necessity to have citizen input before formal acceptance ; • Commission members are encouraged to attend the November 4 , 1998 hearing to show their support for the new department ; • Any members anticipating that they will attend should contact Commissioner Gordon ; • The mission of the department is to focus and coordinate the county ' s environmental program ; • The first mission is to acquire and oversee a land acquisition program , this is of particular importance given the lack of expertise available to identify and purchase properties in the county and the plenitude of funding sources and purchasing opportunities available to the county ; • Land acquisition is a needed supplement to zoning if the county desires to protect natural resources ; • If the county can leverage funds and obtain grant money then the county can develop a successful voluntary easement program ; • The proposed department will enable the development of a comprehensive resource database ; • David Stancil and John Link did a very good job on preparing the present report proposing the creation of the Environment and Resource Conservation Department , David Stancil remarked that if created, the new department offers a great opportunity to coordinate the county ' s resource preservation program and that it will hopefully be amenable to as many people as possible . Alice Gordon added that the origins for the department date to four years ago when the BOCC defined resource preservation as a commissioners ' goal . In response to William Glaze ' s inquiry about the existence of other resource conservation departments in the United States and North Carolina, Gordon stated that there were other examples throughout the US . Stancil added that Forsyth County , NC was one of the best examples in NC . Richard Pratt asked about the status of Triangle J Council of Governments ' (TJCOG) environmental conservation activities . Gordon answered that the since their restructuring , TJCOG ' s role in conservation has been greatly reduced . Annette Jurgelski inquired about the role of the proposed department with the Commission for the Environment . Gordon indicated that the CFE would be the primary citizen committee involved with the new department and the proposed department would provide staff services to the Commission . Price inquired about the concerns that citizens had at the October 6 , 1998 BOCC meeting about the proposed department . Gordon stated that the concerns of the two citizens were centered on increased county spending for land acquisition and future use of data gathered by the new department in identifying agricultural operations in the county . Richard Pratt asked for clarification on the staff needs of the new department . Stancil and Gordon both stated that there would be four full time staff in the new department . Gordon added that there would also be one half-time position and one shared position that would transition between the planning and environment , resources conservation department . In response to Kris Price ' s question about whether the new department will support any CFE efforts at developing Air Quality standards , Gordon responded that the new department will staff CFE directives , including the drafting of air quality standards . Roy Fortmann indicated that the CFE needs to make a formal statement to the BOCC supporting the formation of the new department . Loraine Kohorn felt that the CFE should first determine if it supports the new department and then decide who will go . William Glaze then inquired about a letter written by the Orange County Environment Health Department , detailing their concerns about the formation of the new department . Commissioner Gordon stated that their comments were in response to prior drafts of the department proposal and had could be addressed through the proper coordination of activities between impacted departments . Chair Kohorn inquired if the joint listing of Shaping Orange County ' s Future and farmland preservation on page 1 of the department proposal indicated that both goals were of equal importance . Commissioner Gordon responded that there will be certain aspects of SOCF efforts that will impact the work of the new department . Annette Jurgelski felt that the importance placed on goals will depend upon the staff that is hired in the department . Commissioner Gordon indicated that hiring is the prerogative of the county manager and the head of the new department . Chair Kohorn inquired if the CFE wanted to make a move to endorse the proposal drafted by Link and Stancil . Roy Fortmann seconded the proposal and William Glaze suggested that the Chair should present the CFE recommendation of the new department . A vote was held and the CFE unanimously approved the Stancil and Link proposal and the chair accepted CFE members request that she represent the Commission at the November 4 public hearing . Kohorn requested that any thoughts regarding the department be sent to her via e - mail . Lastly , Commissioner Gordon suggested that the following points be presented to the BOCC at the November 4th hearing : • History of the BOCC ' s commitment to resource conservation ; and consequent need for the department ; • Accessibility of the concept of resource conservation to the public . IX . Discussion of Identity and Purpose of the New Education Committee (formerly Environmental Indicators Committee) 8 Richard Pratt initiated discussion by recounting e - mail from Lee Rafalow, indicating the possibility of the Education Committee taking on the task of developing indicators for sprawl . Kris Price added that the education committee has brainstormed ideas about what their role should be , but have yet to reach a consensus . Pratt followed up by reminding the group that the function of the Education Committee should be commensurate with their resources . Reacting to Rafalow ' s e - mail , *Commissioner Gordon questioned the sensibility of such a task given prior CFE discussion ( see CFE meeting minutes of 9/ 14/ 98 ) about wanting to avoid duplicating the work of the SOCF sustainability indicators committee . Pratt stated that Rafalow ' s suggestion resulted from the need for the Education Committee to do something in the interim until their status is defined . Additionally , Pratt suggested that the Education Committee could look at the work that is going on in other jurisdictions , with reference to environmental education and share that with the new Environmental , Resource Conservation Department ( ERCD ) and possibly advise them as well on initiating any education activities . Gordon felt that the Education Committee could investigate alternative modes of transportation and educate the public about the new department . Chair Kohorn expressed that the Education Committee could counsel Orange County Government on the direction that county environmental policy should take . Pratt indicated that there are two differing types of education that the committee could engage in . First, the committee could inform the public of where they could dispose of their waste , minimize air quality pollution, etc . or second , gather data to document the state of the county ' s environment . He added that the latter could be formed into a newsletter . Kohorn indicated that documenting the county ' s environmental record is precisely the type of role she feels the education committee can and should take on . In response to Gordon ' s comment that the Education Committee could examine alternative transportation, Price indicated that she liked the idea and would appreciate further elaboration . Commissioner Gordon responded by reiterating the need for the county to develop a coordinated effort that examined alternative transportation . Additionally , Gordon felt that at least within the CFE this task may be best accomplished by the Air Quality Committee . The Commissioner then went on to emphasize the need for there to be a group that educates Orange County about what land is worth preserving . William Glaze indicated that , based on his reading of the September 14 CFE meeting minutes , he is not sure if the creation of the Education Committee indicates a desire on the part of the CFE to abandon developing indicators . Pratt responded to Glaze ' s concern by recounting that the creation of the Education Committee was a response to the concerns expressed by the Indicators Committee that their work was paralleling and possibly duplicating the work of the SOCF Sustainability Indicators Committee . William Glaze then brought up the point that SOCF will have completed their work within nine months . Price added that following the SOCF work there will exist a need for the indicators to be translated into policies and programs . To this Glaze remarked that he felt the ERCD will have the technical resources for policy formation . Pratt reminded the Commission that the Education Committee still valued education and would like to coordinate their activities with SOCF . Gordon surmised that this indicated a possible need for both an Indicators and Education Committee , one of which could be formed with new membership . Kohorn questioned if the creation of a liaison position with SOCF was warranted . David Stancil indicated that following the completion of the work of SOCF consultant Kit McGinnis , the Sustainability Indicators kv Committee will reconvene ; at this juncture CFE members will have the opportunity to take part 9 in the SOCF indicator effort . Annette Jurgelski inquired about the status of SOCF indicator effort . Stancil responded by indicating that the SOCF Sustainability Indicators Committee is in a three month research phase and consequently not meeting . Commissioner Gordon , then reiterated her feeling that there may need to be two committees : indicators and education . Jurgelski brought up the point that given the research focus of the SOCF effort , any CFE indicator work will not overlap with the SOCF effort . Pratt reminded the group that the initial concerns felt by the Indicators Committee centered on their feelings that SOCF had the resources and was thus in a better position to develop indicators . Dunnick indicated that irrespective of who develops indicators they need to be developed soon so that development can be reduced . Glaze inquired about when the SOCF sustainability report will come be released . Stancil indicated that the report will be ready after the holidays and will contain information as to the measurability of developed indicators and the general direction in which the county is headed with respect to meeting these indicators . Kris Price inquired if Lee Rafalow had been able to meet with Kit McGinnis as proposed during the last Commission meeting . Given Rafalow ' s interest Kohorn felt that he should be contacted to become the indicators liaison between SOCF and the Commission . Lastly , Stancil reminded the Commission that the SOCF Sustainability Committee meets up to two times a month , although he anticipated that in reality future meetings would occur only once a month . X . Breakout Sessions At approximately 9 : 27 pm the three subcommittees broke out into smaller sessions . Gene Bell assisted Air Quality , while David Stancil assisted Biological Resources . Environmental Indicators was duly helped by David Stancil and Adhir Kackar . Break- out sessions lasted for 15 minutes until 9 : 45 at which point all three committees debriefed the Commission . VII . Committee Reports A . Environmental Indicators Kris Price indicated that the Education Committee will try to coordinate their indicator work with the SOCF effort . In the interim the committee will begin work on developing a Website designed to educate the public . B . Air Quality Roy Fortmann indicated that the scope of work required to apply for the Mobile Source Emissions Reduction Grant, was much larger than previously anticipated , consequently the grant will not be prepared this year . The Air Quality Committee intends to begin researching on the alternative transportation issues , focusing on the cost benefit of their use . William Glaze will take the lead on the committee ' s alternative transportation research . C . Biological Resources Loraine Kohorn stated that Biological Resources discussed the Eno River Association plans for acquiring a parcel of land that is currently a portion of Duke Forest . They have checked with Haven Wiley and Livy Luddington who are in the process of updating the Triangle Land Conservancy ' s 1988 Natural lands Inventory . • b 10 VII . Next Meeting The next meeting of the Commission for the Environment will be on November 9 , 1998 and will be held at the Homestead Community Center . IX. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 10 : 00 pm . County of Orange , Commission for the Environment Rules of Procedure , Adopted March 9 , 1998 RULES OF PROCEDURE ORANGE COUNTY COMMISSION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ARTICLE I - PURPOSE AND DUTIES A . Purpose The purpose of the Commission for the Environment shall be to advise the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC ) on matters affecting the environment , with particular emphasis on environmental protection . Be Duties The Commission for the Environment shall have the following specific duties : 1 . To advise the BOCC with regard to environmental policy , with particular emphasis on environmental protection . 2 . To educate the public and local officials on environmental issues . 3 . To perform special studies and projects on environmental questions as requested by the BOCC . 4 . To recommend environmental initiatives to the BOCC . 5 . To study changes in environmental science and environmental regulations in the pursuit of their duties . 6 . To perform other duties as requested by the BOCC . ARTICLE II - OFFICERS A. Officers The elected officers of the Commission for the Environment shall consist of a Chair and a Vice Chair . 1 . The Chair shall preside at all meetings and hearings of the Commission for the Environment and have the duties normally conferred by parliamentary usage on such officers . 1 County of Orange , Commission for the Environment Rules of Procedure , Adopted March 9 , 1998 2 . The Vice Chair shall serve as Acting Chair in the absence of the Chair, and at such times shall have the same powers and duties as the Chair . Be Election Procedures and Terms of Office The procedures for election of the Chair and Vice Chair shall be as follows : 1 . These officers shall be elected by the Commission for the Environment from among its members at the regular meeting in November of each year . They shall take office at the following regular meeting . 2 . The candidate for each office receiving a majority vote of the Commission for the Environment members present shall be declared elected . 3 . The officers shall be elected for a term of one year . They shall be eligible to succeed themselves for not more than three consecutive terms . 4 . Vacancies in the office shall be filled immediately for the unexpired term by the regular election procedure . ARTICLE III - MEMBERS A . Membership 1 . Members of the Commission for the Environment shall be Orange County residents . 2 . Members of the Commission for the Environment shall be appointed by , and serve at the pleasure of, the BOCC . 3 . The Commission for the Environment shall have fourteen appointed members plus one County Commissioner as follows : a . Five members with specific expertise in : • Air Quality • Biological Sciences • Engineering , (preferably in a field related to the environment) • Land Resources • Water Resources b . Nine at- large members with some knowledge of environmental science and/or environmental issues including , but not limited to experts in the following fields : • Education • Energy 2 County of Orange , Commission for the Environment Rules of Procedure , Adopted March 9 , 1998 • Law • Public Health • Public Policy • Solid Waste • Other areas that overlap with the five areas of specific expertise 4 . Appointed members shall serve a term of three years with initial terms staggered as follows : a . Air Quality - one year ; thereafter three years b . Engineering and Land Resources - two years ; thereafter three years c . Biological Sciences and Water Resources - initial term three years d . At- Large Members : • One year for four members • Two years for three members • Three years for two members Be Attendance 1 . Any member of the Commission for the Environment who misses more than three consecutive meetings or more than one - half of the meetings in a calendar year, for something other than an approved absence as determined by the Chair , may lose their status as a member and may be replaced by the BOCC . 2 . Absence due to sickness , death of an immediate family member, professional leave , or other valid reason shall be considered an approved absence and shall not affect the member' s status . 3 . In the event of a long illness or other cause for prolonged absence , the member may be replaced . ARTICLE IV - ADMINISTRATION A . Staff The Orange County Planning Department shall serve as staff to the Commission for the Environment . Be Secretary The Comprehensive Planning Supervisor or designee shall serve as Secretary to the Commission for the Environment . The Secretary shall keep all minutes and records of the Commission for the Environment and provide proper and legal notice of regular and special meetings to members and the public . 3 County of Orange , Commission for the Environment Rules of Procedure , Adopted March 9 , 1998 ARTICLE V - MEETINGS A . Regular Meetings Regular meetings of the Commission for the Environment shall be held the second Monday of each month at 7 : 30 p . m . at the Homestead Community Center north of Chapel Hill or other place within Orange County designated by the Chair . The meetings shall adjourn not later than 10 : 30 p . m . unless extended for the meeting in session by vote of the members . Be Special Meetings Special meetings may be called by the Chair or by the written request of at least three other members of the Commission for the Environment . The notice of such a meeting shall specify the purposes of the meeting and no other business may be considered except by unanimous consent of the Commission for the Environment members present . C . Meeting Notice The Secretary shall give five days notice for both regular and special meetings . D . Quorum 1 . A quorum shall consist of a majority of the regular appointed members of the Commission for the Environment . 2 . A quorum shall be present for conduct of formal business . E . Votinjj The vote of a majority of those members present shall be sufficient to decide all matters before the Commission for the Environment , provided a quorum is present . F . Conduct of Meetings 1 . All business to be considered shall be listed on the agenda . To secure such consideration , a request must be received by the Chair or Secretary at least seven days before any regular scheduled meeting . No other business may be considered except by unanimous consent of the Board members present . All special business or items not specifically noted on the regular meeting agenda may be deferred by the Commission for the Environment until the next regular meeting date . 4 County of Orange , Commission for the Environment Rules of Procedure , Adopted March 9 , 1998 2 . The order of business at regular meetings shall be : a . Call to order and roll call . b . Consideration of additions to the agenda . c . Call for approval of minutes of previous meeting . d . Consideration of remaining items on the agenda . e . Adjournment . 3 . The order of business for special meetings shall be as set out in the meeting call . 4 . All meetings of the Commission for the Environment shall be open to the general public . 5 . For procedures not covered by these rules , the Commission for the Environment shall follow the rules contained in Roberts Rules of Order, Revise' G . Cancellation of Meetings Whenever there is no business for the Commission for the Environment , the Chair may dispense with a regular meeting by giving notice to all members not less than twenty - four hours prior to the time set for the meeting . ARTICLE VI - AMENDMENTS These Rules of Procedure may , within the limits allowed by law, be amended at any time by an affirmative vote of not less than a majority of the full membership of the Commission for the Environment provided that such amendment shall have first been presented to the membership in writing at a regular or special meeting preceding the regular meeting at which the vote is taken , and provided further, that any amendment shall be reviewed by the BOCC . 5 • r