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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 12-03-20181 APPROVED 1/22/2019 MINUTES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING December 3, 2018 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, December 3, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Building, in Hillsborough, N.C. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Penny Rich and Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, and Renee Price COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Donna Baker (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair Dorosin called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. Chair Dorosin read the following Resolution: Resolution of Commendation for Commissioner Mia Burroughs ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION FOR COMMISSIONER MIA BURROUGHS WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County elected Mia Burroughs to the Board of County Commissioners in 2014; and WHEREAS, Mia Burroughs has served the residents of Orange County regardless of geographic location faithfully and with honor, integrity and distinction for the past four years; and WHEREAS, Commissioner Burroughs has always been mindful of the interests and concerns of Orange County residents and has brought new and innovative ideas to the Board of Commissioners while continually encouraging the Board and staff to think “outside of the box”; and WHEREAS, during her tenure as an Orange County Commissioner, Mia Burroughs has shared her talent for leadership and public service through her work on numerous boards and commissions including serving as the Commissioner liaison/member to the Orange County Board of Health, the Orange County Partnership for Young Children, the Partnership to End Homelessness and Family Success Alliance; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners officially commends Mia Burroughs for her hard work, dedication and exemplary service to the people of Orange County, and wishes her and her family the very best in their future endeavors. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be presented to Mia Burroughs and that the Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting. This, the third day of December 2018. A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve the Resolution of Commendation for Commissioner Mia Burroughs. 2 VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Burroughs said one does not get to be a Commissioner without the support of the voters, and she is deeply grateful, and this has been a life changing experience. Commissioner Burroughs said the County has a lot of employees, and she only met about a hundred out of the 966. She said the County has a lot of unsung heroes who serve the County and the people very well. She asked if the department heads would express her gratitude to the staff in their departments. Chair Dorosin read the following Resolution: Resolution of Commendation for Commissioner Barry Jacobs ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION FOR COMMISSIONER BARRY JACOBS WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County elected Barry Jacobs to the Board of County Commissioners in 1998 and re-elected him in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014; and WHEREAS, Barry Jacobs was elected Chair of the Board of Commissioners in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013 and 2014; and, Vice Chair in 2001, 2005 and 2007; and WHEREAS, Barry has proven himself to be a dedicated and effective public servant who has gained the respect of all who have known him in both the public and private sectors; and WHEREAS, Barry has taken a special interest in affordable housing, local agriculture, environmental protection, recycling and solid waste, education, economic development, land use, governmental efficiency, parks and recreation, libraries, social justice, and public access to decision-making; and WHEREAS, during his tenure as an Orange County Commissioner, Barry Jacobs has shared his talent for leadership and public service through his work on numerous committees, boards, and task forces at the state, regional and local levels; and WHEREAS, he has provided strong support for the local agricultural community through programs such as the Annual Agricultural Summit (in its 20th year), the establishment of the David Price Farmers’ Market Pavilion, adding a county agricultural economic developer, maintaining a strong Lands Legacy Program, and the Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center; and WHEREAS, Barry has encouraged improving communication and dialog with governing partners, including the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the Triangle J. Council of Governments, Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization, and the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Mebane; and WHEREAS, Barry has advocated to have partner participation on efforts including the Solid Waste Advisory Group, the Rural Buffer, the Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement, the Criminal Justice Advisory Council, Little River Regional and Hollow Rock Parks, PFAP, and the Durham Orange Light Rail Transit Plan; and 3 WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners desire, on behalf of County officials and employees, and the residents of Orange County, to express their deep appreciation and gratitude for the services rendered by Commissioner Jacobs to the County over the past 20 years. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Orange County Board of Commissioners offers Barry our very best wishes for success, happiness, prosperity and good health in his future endeavors. This, the third day of December 2018. A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by to approve Resolution of Commendation for Commissioner Barry Jacobs. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs read the following comments: NINE IMPERATIVES I TRIED TO FOLLOW FROM THERE TO HERE Hold the door open. Be a conduit for the aggrieved. Listening costs little beyond time, but may matter a great deal. If you don’t listen it’s difficult to empathize or have genuine compassion. If you don’t act with compassion or empathy you become that bureaucrat we all love to hate. No future. Don’t lose touch with Orange County values, and don’t let anyone convince you there’s no such thing. All 15 commissioners with whom I’ve served, and many before us, maintained an unflagging commitment to support quality public education, to remain frugal but generous, and to help those least able to help themselves. We also didn’t forget that, while some say children are our future, there is no future without a healthy environment. Words matter. Those in attendance tonight or watching at home or on-line are NOT the audience. They’re the public. This is not a performance and we’re not here to entertain, although a good laugh now and then is welcome. Speaking of word choice, land that is undeveloped is not vacant. There are living things there, even if someone can’t readily exploit them. At all times resist euphemisms, arcane acronyms and stupid terms of art like passive recreation, a contradiction in terms. Stop rolling downhill like a snowball headed to hell, to quote Merle Haggard. Quit pretending to transparency if you stow items of import on the consent agenda, where you know they’re hidden in plain sight. There’s little openness in sacrificing public consideration to shorten a meeting or avoid discomfort. Act sincere, even if you don’t mean it, to quote Harry Truman. Politicians calculate everything by its impact on their electoral prospects, and never stop running. Public servants try foremost to do what principle and common sense tell them is best for their constituents, human and otherwise, and shoulder the consequences of their decisions. Guide and guarantee. 4 The land-use plan is a communal guarantee of how government will adapt to change. For nearly 40 years close adherence to growth according to that design has largely protected Orange County’s communities and natural features and kept us happily distinct from our neighbors. Cautiously approach alterations for the sake of convenience or to make another buck that will not change our economic destiny any more than investing in small or existing businesses. Say no to negativity. Avoid dwelling on what went wrong or who was at fault. Get past north and south, rural and urban, pro and anti. Our job is to bring people together, to promote teamwork and to identify or forge common ground. We don’t need schemes, electoral or otherwise, that promote division. We have too much of that already in our state and national life. No man is a subdivision. Working together can be far more powerful than acting alone. Plentiful grant funding for partnerships at Little River Regional Park and PFAP proves as much. Don’t skimp on reaching out regularly to residents or across jurisdictional boundaries to discuss policy with other elected officials. You get free snacks at the meetings, too. Remember to enjoy what you’re doing. Learn to lose votes gracefully and move on. Appreciate being part of a team that encompasses the county’s dedicated staff and volunteers. Embrace public service even when the hours, the mental and emotional demands, the grating of colleagues’ personalities and agendas, the objectionable decisions, the thwarted initiatives, the insoluble dilemmas, the dictates from on high, threaten to overwhelm. What a privilege and honor it is to serve. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Price thanked both Commissioners for their service, and said she enjoyed working with both of them and wished them the best. She suggested that they work on the historic preservation book that has been underway for 15 years. Commissioner Rich thanked both Commissioners, and said she learned much more from Commissioner Burroughs than just about schools. She said she greatly appreciated her willingness to learn and her flexibility. Commissioner Rich said it was going to be weird without Commissioner Jacobs and his institutional knowledge. She said he mentored her when she first came onto the Board, and she will still reach out via phone. Commissioner McKee said it had been a pleasure to work with Commissioner Burroughs, watching her grow into the position and has admired her approach and efforts. Commissioner McKee said he and Commissioner Jacobs have not always agreed on everything, but he has learned a great deal from him. He said Commissioner Jacobs has been a mentor in many ways, and he will miss their discussions. He wished them both the best. Commissioner Marcoplos said he is going to miss the breakup of his first team, which has been a great experience these last two years. He said Commissioners Burroughs is reasonable and unflappable, and Commissioner Jacobs brings so much knowledge on many issues. He wished good luck to them both. Chair Dorosin echoed everyone’s comments, and said Commissioner Burroughs had grown as a commissioner in the last 4 years. He said he appreciated the grace, openness and thoughtfulness that she brought to the position. Chair Dorosin said Commissioner Jacobs was a mentor to him, and he learned a lot about being the Chair from watching him. He said his historical knowledge will certainly be 5 missed, and will present some challenges while also signifying real change. He said he appreciated Commissioner Jacobs’ candor, and his giving of praise and encouragement, as well as critique and constructive criticism. Chair Dorosin introduced Senator Foushee and Representative Graig Meyer and asked them to come to the podium for a special presentation. Representative Graig Meyer thanked Commissioner Burroughs for her service, and said he is here tonight with a special recognition for Commissioner Jacobs for his service, not only to the County, but to people of the State of North Carolina. He reviewed the following highlights of Commissioner Jacobs’ years of service: In 1985, Barry Jacobs applied to and was granted a seat on the Orange County Planning Board, the beginning of his public service journey. Within six months of appointment he was elected Chair of the Board. Barry Jacobs served on the team that created the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Joint Planning agreement, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in October. In 1995 he was appointed as Orange County Representative to the Board of Directors of OWASA, where he served for five years. He was elected to the BOCC in 1998. As commissioner, Jacobs worked to create the Orange County Lands Legacy Program, which provides for the acquisition and protection of highly important natural and cultural resource lands. In the past 20 years, the county’s natural areas and farmland protection programs have leveraged $5 million in state and federal grants and protected more than 3,000 acres of land. Commissioner Jacobs has ensured Orange County pays a living wage to all county employees, and has continually supported funding for the Orange County and Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools, taking pride in making sure every single school has a full time nurse. He also supported the commercial redevelopment plan for the Fairview community in Hillsborough, including the redevelopment of the Fairview Community Park. Commissioner Jacobs has been a champion of historic preservation, becoming the site supervisor of the Historic Moorefields Estate in 1978. He created a nonprofit, Friend of Moorefield, to assume responsibility of the property. He has advocated for additional historic sites within the state through nominating all of them for the National Register of Historic Places. These sites included the Greensboro Train Station, the Edenton Peanut Factory, the Durham Hosiery Mill, and the Glencoe Mill Village Historic District. Representative Meyer said we would be remiss if we did not thank Commissioner Jacobs for his service to all of us, for his role as a freelance writer, authoring five books, hundreds of articles on sports history and the environment for newspapers, magazines, and the internet, writing multiple copies of fans guides to ACC basketball and continuing through today as a weekly sports columnist for the Raleigh ‘News and Observer,’ fostering one of our many favorite things about North Carolina: basketball rivalry. Senator Foushee thanked Commissioner Burroughs for her service and friendship, and her sacrifice of time away from her family. Senator Foushee said she came to the Board with some reservations about being well received, but Commissioner Jacobs took her in and got to know her, rather than listening to what others may have said about her. She said she served as vice chair with Commissioner Jacobs as Chair, and were able to discuss the County and its future. She said Commissioner Jacobs helped the board move forward from 5 members to 7 members, despite not being in favor of it initially. She said she may not have always agreed with Commissioner Jacobs, but she will boldly proclaim that there is no other resident of Orange County who loves this county 6 any more than he, and has sacrificed more of him/herself to ensure that Orange County was always first. Representative Meyer said on behalf of the State of North Carolina, and Governor Cooper, they are proud to present Commissioner Jacobs with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine: Among the honors and awards the Governor of North Carolina can bestow, none is more valued than The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. Since its creation in 1963, it has been presented to honor persons who have a proven record of service to the State of North Carolina or some other special achievement, and to others as a gesture of friendship and good will. Upon being named to The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the honoree receives a certificate by which the Governor confers upon the recipient “…the rank of Ambassador Extraordinary privileged to enjoy fully all rights granted to members of this exalted order among which is the special privilege to propose the following North Carolina Toast in select company anywhere in the free world: ‘Here’s to the land of the long leaf pine, The summer land where the sun doth shine, Where the weak grow strong and the strong grow great, Here’s to “down home”, the Old North State! Oaths of Office for Board Members • Senator Valerie Foushee administered the oath to Commissioner Earl McKee • Senator Valerie Foushee administered the oath to Commissioner - Elect Jamezetta Bedford • Judge Samantha Cabe administered the oath to Commissioner - Elect Sally Greene Commissioner McKee expressed deep appreciation to the folks of Orange County for allowing him the honor of serving a third term and he said he takes the role of senior member seriously, and will endeavor to do help move the Board along in an expeditious manner. Commissioner Greene said her heart is filled with gratitude to serve everyone in Orange County, and she announced her office hours: Saturday, January 26th at the Cup-A-Joe in Hillsborough from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. She said she looks forward to hearing from residents, and will have been through a bit of training by that time. Commissioner Greene thanked the other elected officials and former officials here tonight, and said she looks forward to serving on the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Commissioner Bedford said she is a CPA and a numbers cruncher, and she will be brief. She thanked the voters for allowing her to serve, and her family for its support, and those who served with her previously and helped with her campaign. She pledged to serve all the residents of Orange County, regardless of location or any other factor, and she will always put health and safety as her first priority. Board Organization a. Election of Chair and Vice-Chair VOTE: 7-0 For Chair: Commissioner Rich VOTE: 7-0 For Vice Chair: Commissioner Price Chair Rich thanked Commissioner Dorosin for his service as chair, noting she learned a great deal from him. Commissioner Price said she is looking forward to this opportunity. 7 b. Designation of Voting Delegate for all North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) and National Association of Counties (NACo) Meetings for Calendar Year December 1, 2018-2019 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to appoint Commissioner Dorosin to the NCACC for Calendar Year December 1, 2018-2019. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Price volunteered to serve at the NACo representative for Calendar Year December 1, 2018-2019. Commissioner McKee seconded. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Commissioner Price asked if staff could provide an update on light rail. Bonnie Hammersley said she would work with staff to provide an update on this item under her comments later in the meeting. Commissioner Price asked to move up Item 11-a -Appointments to the Orange County Justice Advisory Council to Item 4-e. The Board agreed by consensus. PUBLIC CHARGE The Chair dispensed with the reading of the public charge. Katie Murray, Arts Commission Director, introduced Emily Buehler for the evening arts moment: Arts Moment – As a child, Emily Buehler wanted to be an artist, but she ended up studying chemistry. She attended graduate school at UNC, and then became a bread baker at Weaver Street Market, where she quickly noticed how much chemistry is involved in making bread. Teaching bread class for The Artscenter, where students responded enthusiastically to discussions of science, inspired Emily to write Bread Science, a book about the science and craft of baking, written in understandable language. She realized her childhood inklings had been correct, and she was meant to be a writer. Emily’s second book, Somewhere and Nowhere, is a memoir of a bicycle trip from New Jersey to Oregon that explores the benefits of living in the present moment. Self-help author Ragini Michaels describes the book as “An enjoyable and worthy read for anyone interested in living a more balanced and happy life.” Emily is currently working on a fiction novel. She also copyedits academic papers and fiction writing. She advocates for self-publishing and welcomes the new opportunities authors have in the digital age. Emily lives in Hillsborough, where you can often see her bicycling through town. She serves on the board of the Eno River Farmers Market. Her favorite things include letters sent through the mail, Made-in-the-USA knee socks, and very dark Fair Trade chocolate. She is also passionate about recycling. Emily Buehler read a short scene from her bicycle memoir, where she is in the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana in July, during very hot weather with minimal shade. She said she and her friend Mary arrived in the town of Darby and decided to stop for the night. 2. Public Comments 8 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Scott Washington said he is a Public Historian, Former Assistant Director of the Orange County Historical Museum, and Organizer of the annual Bill of Rights Day Community Bell Ringing Event in Orange County, NC, Birthplace of the Bill of Rights in Hillsborough's Historic Merchant District. He invited all of the Commissioners to come out on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at 12:00 Noon in front of the historic 1845 courthouse (104 East King Street, Hillsborough to “Bring Bells, Ring Bells” for 227 seconds (3 minutes, 47 seconds) in Hillsborough’s Historic Merchant District to celebrate Bill of Rights Day to mark the 227th anniversary of when the first ten amendments to the U. S. Constitution, the ones we call the Bill of Rights, went into force protecting Americans essential freedoms on that day on December 15, 1791. He reviewed the following information: The seventh annual community Bell Ringing event will be held in in Hillsborough to mark Bill of Rights Day. Bells will sound from area churches, historic sites. Historic Bells will also ring simultaneously from the belfries of five of the area's historic churches whose buildings date back to the 18th and 19th centuries (Dickerson Chapel AME, First Baptist of Hillsborough, Hillsborough Presbyterian, Hillsborough United Methodist, St. Matthews Episcopal) and in front of the 1845 historic courthouse on King Street and the 1771 Regulator Historic Site. Unique in the nation, 2018 marks the seventh year that Community Bell Ringing has been done to mark Bill of Rights Day in Orange County, Birthplace of the Bill of Rights. Started by Scott Washington, Public Historian and former Assistant Director of the Orange County Historical Museum back in 2012, this event has become a popular fun educational and meaningful way to mark the last great American holiday of the calendar year. It’s also the shortest, too. This is a non-partisan event. There are no speeches, only the sounds of bells of all sizes ringing at the same time, celebrating Bill of Rights Day and giving new meaning to the age-old refrain, “Let Freedom Ring.” b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Bedford had no comments. Commissioner Marcoplos said he would like for the Board to consider a resolution urging David Price to support the Green New Deal. He said he will write the resolution and would like to add it to the agenda for December 11th. Commissioner McKee petitioned the Board to back Commissioner Price’s request to get information from GoTriangle about the events that have happened over the last two weeks and months. He said he would like to have this information as soon as possible. Commissioner Marcoplos said he could address some of these issues. Commissioner McKee said all should keep in mind the passing of the 41st President of the United States, who, considering the political climate today, stands out as a shining example of a gentlemanly leader. 9 Commissioner Price said the annual Agricultural Summit will be on Monday, February 11th at Cedar Grove Community Center. She said all farmers are invited to participate and should contact Tyrone Fisher. Commissioner Price said she attended the Voluntary Ag District (VAD) breakfast and thanked the landowners that have been participating in that program, and she thanked the planners and organizers of this event and a shout out to Gail Hughes, Soil Conservationist. Commissioner Price said she did not see any information about the widening of I-40 on the website, and asked if staff could provide some. Commissioner Dorosin said today the UNC Board of Trustees (BOT) announced a proposal to spend $5.3 million to house the Silent Sam statue, as well as additional funds to maintain it. He petitioned the Board to send a letter opposing the restoration of the statue on campus and the exorbitant cost of this building. Commissioner Greene said the Chapel Hill – Carrboro holiday parade is this Saturday. Chair Rich also attended the VAD breakfast and some farmers came up to her and thanked her for the food council. She said she also learned the history of the Schley Grange. Chair Rich attended the Triangle J Council of Governments (TJCOG) meeting and they picked one challenge to work on this year, which is the recruitment and retention of law enforcement. She said this is an issue across the state, and came particularly from the Town of Garner. She said she talked with the Sheriff and it is not a problem here in Orange County. Chair Rich said she and Commissioner Marcoplos met with their representatives from OWASA and would like to do this quarterly. She said they discussed the water main break and learned a great deal. She said there is an independent study going on currently to determine the next steps. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Resolution of Recognition for James Stanford The Board considered voting to approve a resolution expressing gratitude and recognizing James (Jamie) C. Stanford for his service as Orange County Clerk of Superior Court and authorizing the Chair to sign. Commissioner McKee read the resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION FOR JAMES STANFORD WHEREAS, James (Jamie) C. Stanford has served as Orange County Clerk of Superior Court since May 2001 and was elected four times by the people of Orange County; and WHEREAS, under his leadership, 25 staff members have been responsible for all clerical record keeping functions of the General Courts of Justice; and WHEREAS, as judge of probate, the Clerk of Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over matters relating to the probate of wills and the administration of estates; and WHEREAS, the Clerk of Court also presides over many legal matters including adoptions, incompetency proceedings, condemnation of private lands for public use, and foreclosures; and WHEREAS, Mr. Stanford has provided area leadership as Chair of the Rules of Record Keeping Committee and Chair of the Estates and Special Proceedings Forms Committee with the NC Administrative Office of the Courts; and 10 WHEREAS, Jamie Stanford has diligently executed the duties of his office to the betterment of the residents of Orange County; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its deep appreciation, gratitude and respect to James C. Stanford for the services throughout the court system provided under Mr. Stanford’s leadership for the people of Orange County. This the 3rd day of December 2018. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to for the Board to approve the attached resolution expressing deep appreciation to Jamie Stanford for his services to the people of Orange County as Clerk of Superior Court, and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution on behalf of the Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Resolution of Recognition for Linda Foxworth The Board considered voting to approve a resolution expressing gratitude and recognizing Linda Foxworth for her service as Executive Director of KidSCope and authorizing the Chair to sign. Commissioner Bedford read the resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION FOR LINDA FOXWORTH WHEREAS, Linda Foxworth, Director of KidSCope, which launched on April 6, 1988, will be retiring after 30 years of leading the organization; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of Linda Foxworth, in 1999, KidSCope expanded to include the Children’s Learning Center, a Developmental Day Center, and Parent and Child (PACT), an infant/toddler program in Hillsborough; and WHEREAS, with statewide reform in mental health delivery, KidSCope moved in 2005 under the umbrella of Chapel Hill Training – Outreach Project (CHTOP); and WHEREAS, adapting to gaps in service and partnering with Orange County Early Head Start, Ms. Foxworth and her staff created a new Developmental Day Center, the KidSCope Early Learning Center (KELC), dedicated to a diverse, multi-cultural early childhood education, officially opening on October 8, 2015; and WHEREAS, through the years, Ms. Foxworth has served on numerous local and statewide committees and task forces, including serving as president of the North Carolina Association of Directors on Developmental Day Centers; and WHEREAS, Ms. Foxworth was one of the founding members of Child Care Service Association and served on the Board of Directors from 1980 until 2005; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its deep appreciation, gratitude and respect to Linda Foxworth for the services 11 provided to children and families under Ms. Foxworth’s leadership for the people of Orange County. This the 3rd day of December 2018. A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene to approve a resolution expressing gratitude and recognizing Linda Foxworth for her service as Executive Director of KidSCope and authorizing the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Resolution of Recognition for Susan Levy The Board considered voting to approve a resolution expressing gratitude and recognizing Susan Levy for her service to the people of Orange County as Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County and authorizing the Chair to sign. Commissioner Greene said she loves that the BOCC includes the social justice impact of items within the agenda abstract. She said this abstract lists this item as having no social justice impact, and she has to believe that Susan Levy’s departure from Habitat will leave some negative impact on the work she leaves behind. Commissioner Greene read the resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION FOR SUSAN LEVY WHEREAS, Susan Levy, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, will be retiring after 26 years of leading the organization; and WHEREAS, she has served nearly 40 years in the affordable housing field; and WHEREAS, under Ms. Levy’s leadership since 1992, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has changed lives by building affordable homes in safe and supportive communities; and WHEREAS, under the leadership of Susan Levy, Habitat now averages building about 12 new homes a year, and has partnered with Orange County to make effective use of public funds dedicated to expanding affordable housing options; and WHEREAS, Habitat is not just building new homes, it is also working with existing homeowners to help them stay in their homes and improve the look and feel of entire neighborhoods; and WHEREAS, since forming in 1984, Habitat for Humanity of Orange County has built or repaired 608 homes as of June 30, 2018; NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners expresses its deep appreciation, gratitude and respect to Susan Levy for the services provided throughout the community under Ms. Levy’s leadership for the people of Orange County. This the 3rd day of December 2018. A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Price for the Board to approve the attached resolution expressing deep appreciation to Susan Levy for her 12 service to the people of Orange County, and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution on behalf of the Board. d. Voluntary Agricultural District Designation – Multiple Farms The Board considered applications from eight (8) landowners/farms to certify qualifying farmland within the Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Schley/Eno, and Cane Creek/Buckhorn Voluntary Agricultural Districts; and vote to enroll the lands in the Orange County Farmland Preservation Voluntary Agricultural District program. Gail Hughes, Soil Conservationist, presented this item and reviewed brief farm descriptions on the farms: Brief Farm Descriptions: 1) Owners Bryant and Nancy Walker have submitted an application to enroll two (2) parcels of land totaling 72.25 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District program (VAD) in the Caldwell Agricultural District. The farm operation includes livestock, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 2) Owner Charles Blalock has submitted an application to enroll one (1) of parcel of land totaling 89.81 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program in the Caldwell Agricultural District. The farm operation includes livestock, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 3) Owners Walter and Tammy Havener have submitted an application to enroll one (1) parcel of land totaling of 30.0 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program located in the Caldwell Agricultural District. The farm includes hay crops and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 4) Owners of Latta’s Egg Ranch, Paul, Mark, and Frank Latta, have submitted an application to enroll nine (9) parcels of land totaling 569.53 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program in the Schley/Eno Agricultural District. The farm operation includes poultry, beef cattle, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 5) Owners David and Gaye Walker have submitted an application to enroll one (1) parcel of land totaling of 126.19 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program located in the Schley/Eno Agricultural District. The farm includes vegetable crops, livestock, pasture, hay crops and managed woodland. The farm has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 6) Owners Randall Williams and Lisa Joyner have submitted an application to enroll one (1) parcel of land totaling 8.7 acres as qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program in the Cane Creek/Buckhorn Agricultural District. The farm operation includes livestock, pasture, vegetable crops, flowers, and agro-forestry/ managed woodland. The farm property has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 13 7) Owners Tracy Lafleur and Robert VanVeld have submitted an application to enroll one (1) parcel of land totaling 39.94 acres of qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program in the Cedar Grove Agricultural District. The farm operation includes vegetable crops, hay crops, and beehives. The farm property has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. 8) Owners Stephen and Marsha Scarlett have submitted an application to enroll additional acres into the VAD program. A revision of ownership on one (1) parcel of land, totaling 53.94 acres, will increase the acres in the program by 23.27 acres of qualifying farmland for the Voluntary Agricultural District program in the Cedar Grove Agricultural District. The farm operation includes livestock, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland. The farm property has been evaluated against each of the VAD certification requirement standards and meets or exceeds all of the measures above. Gail Hughes made the following PowerPoint presentation: Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District Program Orange County Board of Commissioners Meeting December 3, 2018 Orange County VAD/EVAS Program Benefits of Agricultural Districts  Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) is a 10-year commitment for farm to be in active farm production, but the landowner can withdraw from the VAD at any time, for any reason, with a 30-day notification to the Agri. Preservation Board.  Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) is an irrevocable 10 year commitment to be in active farm production, therefore the “enhanced” qualifies farm for up to 90% cost share rates and a priority for state and federal grants funds. Benefits include: (listing a few)  Makes public more aware of the local agricultural and its vital role in the economics of the county;  Recorded notice of agricultural district property is recorded at County Land Records office;  Land search on all properties within a ½ mile radius has notification of the agricultural status; therefore, the agricultural landowner has increased protection from nuisance lawsuits.  Agricultural Preservation Board can request public hearings for proposed condemnation of VAD land and utility assessments may be suspended or waived on EVAD land if not connected to the utility.  Farm may receive up to 25% of gross sales from the sale of non-farm products and still maintain its zoning exemption as a bona fide farm. (EVAD only)  VAD District signs are placed on farms, for public to know location of VAD/EVAD farms Bryant and Nancy Walker • VAD – 72.25 acres – Caldwell Agricultural District – 2 parcels of land • Livestock, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland • Century Farm –same family ownership over 100 years Charles Blalock 14 • VAD – 89.81 acres - Caldwell Agricultural District – 1 parcel of land • Livestock, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland. Walter and Tammy Havener • VAD – 30.0 acres – Caldwell Agricultural District - 1 parcel of land • Hay crops and managed woodland Paul, Mark, and Frank Latta -- Latta’s Egg Ranch: • VAD – 569.53 acres – Schley /Eno Agricultural District – 9 parcels of land • Poultry, Beef cattle, pastures, hay crops, and managed woodland • Century Farm –over 100 years in same family ownership David and Gaye Walker • VAD – 126.19 acres – Schley/ Eno Agricultural District -1 parcel of land • Beef, vegetables crops, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland • Century Farm – farm owned by same family since 1754- • Charter from the King of England Randall Williams and Lisa Joyner – Fireside Farm • VAD- 8.7 acres – Cane Creek/Buckhorn Agricultural District – 1 parcel of land • Goats, pasture, vegetables, flowers, and agro-forestry/ managed woodland. Tracy Lafleur and Robert VanVeld • VAD- 39.94 acres – Cedar Grove Agricultural District – 1 parcel of land • Vegetable crops, hay crops, and bee hives • Started farming at the Breeze Farm, and now moving operation to their land Stephen and Marsha Scarlett • Farmers currently have land in the VAD program. • Revision of ownership on one parcel of land, 53.94 acres, will increase program acres by 23.27 acres • VAD - Cedar Grove Agriculture District –1 parcel of land • Livestock, pasture, hay crops, and managed woodland Orange County Voluntary and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Program • The Agricultural Preservation Board has approved the farms as presented. • Requesting approval from Commissioners to accept eight (8) farms into the VAD program. 960 acres* in the Voluntary Agricultural District program * = rounded acres Commissioner Marcoplos asked if agro-forestry could be defined. Gail Hughes said they are managing their forestry, but are also running their goats in the forestry area. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos for the Board to certify the eight (8) farm properties noted above totaling 960 acres* (VAD); designate the properties as Voluntary Agricultural District farms within the Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Schley/Eno, and Cane Creek/Buckhorn Voluntary Agricultural Districts; and enroll the lands in the Orange County Farmland Preservation Program Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) program. 15 With approval of these additional acres, the Orange County Farmland Preservation program will have enrolled 109 farms totaling 11,737 acres* in the VAD and 2,566* acres in the EVAD, for a total of 14,303 acres** (rounded) in the program. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Dorosin asked if any farms can be found in the Hillsborough or Chapel Hill Townships. Gail Hughes said there are some on the edge, but not in the townships. She said she is talking with someone on the edge of Carrboro, but in the township is unlikely, as the land would likely not meet the necessary criteria; but she is open to talking with any interested parties. Item 4-e (moved up item 11-a) e. Appointments to the Orange County Justice Advisory Council The Board considered voting on position changes to the Justice Advisory Council (JAC) structure and making appointments to the Justice Advisory Council. Caitlin Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Director, reviewed the proposed changes below: • Delete the Emeritus Position. The current appointee, former Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier, thought that it was an important position for the transition from the Justice Advisory Work Group to the JAC, but believes the position is no longer necessary, as does former Commissioner and JAC Chair Barry Jacobs; • Convert the above position to a Domestic Violence Advocate position. The CJR staff is recommending Cordelia Heaney, the Director of the Compass Center; and • Add a Town and Campus Partnership position. The CJR staff is recommending Elinor Landess, the Director of the Campus & Community Coalition of the Downtown Partnership, for this position. Commissioner Bedford said she does not know much about the history of the group, but the list of positions is very traditional, and she asked if there is a plan to consider members such as an advocate from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), or other civil rights groups. Cait Fenhagen said there are 3 formerly justice system involved individuals that serve, and they give a very important perspective. She said there are other people that may be appropriate to ask, and this would be a wonderful addition. Chair Rich suggested that the Committee discuss this idea at its next meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to approve the positions changes to the Justice Advisory Council (JAC) structure and making appointments to the Justice Advisory Council. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings a. Orange County Consolidated Plan – FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan Needs Assessment Public Hearing The Board received comments from the public regarding the housing and non-housing needs to be included in the Action Plan Update for FY 2019-2020 (the fifth year of the 5-Year 16 Plan) as it relates to the Consolidated Housing Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange County and vote to close the public hearing. Sherrill Hampton, Housing Director, provided the following background information: BACKGROUND: Programs in Orange County was developed and approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. This document details the housing needs of very low, low and moderate-income individuals, families and special population groups in addition to outlining the strategies and plans for addressing those needs. The Executive Summary of the FY 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan is attached. In addition, the electronic link for the full document (Attachment 4) is noted above. Each year, local communities are required to reassess the needs of the community. This public hearing provides an opportunity for the public, public agencies and other interested parties to provide input into the Annual Action Plan Update. In addition, the public may comment on proposed uses of an estimated $504,948 in FY 2019-2020. This amount includes $401,340 in HOME funds, $90,302 in local match funds, and $13,306 in program income funds. The amount listed is only an estimate of the monies to be received and available for use. Information regarding actual Congressional allocation for the HOME Program is not available at this time. Once the Federal budget has been approved, HUD will make the determination of the final award amount. FY 2019-2020 will be the fifth year of the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. Eligible HOME Program activities include: acquisition, new construction, single- and multi-family rehabilitation, rental assistance and homebuyer and down payment assistance. The FY 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan will be submitted to HUD on or about May 15, 2019 after approval by the HOME Consortium members. The HOME Consortium members include the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, along with Orange County. Orange County serves as the lead entity for the HOME Consortium, which is known as the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative. In order to inform the general public of this opportunity to provide input and comments, as well as encourage participation, notices were placed in The Herald-Sun and La Noticia newspapers. Copies of the notice were also sent to local non-profit agencies and placed on Orange County’s website. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that applications are out and waiting to be received, but this evening only focuses on the big plan. Sherrill Hampton said yes the identified needs for the year, as every year they must update the annual action plan, which includes any new projects that come out of the recommended applications approved by the BOCC and each jurisdiction. Commissioner Price said it was advertised in the Herald Sun, and asked if any ads were placed in the News of Orange County. Sherrill Hampton said no, and noted that an interpreter is present this evening for anyone who needs those services. Commissioner Price suggested that the ads also go into the News of Orange, as it is widely read in Hillsborough and the northern part of the County. Commissioner Price referred to the priorities, and said housing for seniors was not listed as a high priority. She asked if this referred to past priorities, or to future ones as well. Sherrill Hampton said senior housing is a high priority need in the consolidated plan, as well as housing for the disabled. 17 PUBLIC COMMENT: Corey Root, The Partnership to End Homelessness (PTEH) Coordinator, expressed thanks to the BOCC for its support of the PTEH. She said a large function of the PTEH is coordinating services among all the various providers. She said in 2016-17, the PTEH mapped the local homelessness system to determine a gap analysis. She asked if the BOCC would consider the homeless system gaps when looking over the consolidated plan and HOME funds. She said the two highest priority gaps are a rapid rehousing program (housing subsidy plus services), and income based rental units. Delores Bailey, Executive Director of EmPowerment, invited the BOCC to the EmPowerment fundraiser at The Franklin Hotel this Saturday. She acknowledged her support for the plan that Sherrill Hampton has brought forth, especially the 15 vouchers that will go to low-income residents. She also mentioned the great needs in the County, including several mobile home parks whose residents are facing displacement. She said HOME dollars will likely be needed to help address this problem. She is in favor of maximizing dollars as much as possible. Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the Tar Heel mobile home park is located south of the Homestead/MLK intersection. Delores Bailey said yes, it is on MLK across from Pinnacle Bank. Chair Rich said there are 12 units that the developer wants to get rid of at the front of the mobile home park, and plans to rebuild the gas station and a storage facility. She said there will be space for 5 units to remain. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Home group would reach out to Corey Root, and other providers, about the needs she mentioned, and to ensure that the funding application process is publicized and understood. Sherrill Hampton said the rapid re-housing fund this year was in to be leveraged against the local voucher program. She said an application has been submitted to the State, and are waiting to hear if funding was received. Sherrill Hampton said they have re-released guidelines for the risk mitigation and housing displacement program. She said this program has three areas: solely for landlords (to incentivize landlords to stay within the program); housing stabilization; and for displacement mitigation, which is only available to people coming through the manufactured home park initiative. Commissioner Dorosin said these housing issues come up to the Board in a piecemeal way, and he knows Sherrill Hampton has worked hard to knit these issues together and to maximize the funding, which he appreciates. Sherrill Hampton said she will send a corrected and updated copy of the consolidated plan to the BOCC. Jess Brandes, CASA, was unable to attend the Public Hearing due to previously scheduled engagements, and requested that the following comments be included in the public record: On behalf of our CEO Mary Jean Seyda, our staff, our board, and the 46 Orange County families and individuals who are spending the holidays in a safe, permanent CASA home, thank you for your support of our work to end homelessness in the Triangle. Orange County has been and continues to be a key partner in CASA’s work to build and manage homes for the most vulnerable members of our community since we started this work nearly 27 years ago. I am submitting these comments regarding the Annual Action Plan for Orange County. Past County support for CASA’s work with these federal funding sources has allowed us to create or preserve homes for families who have been homeless, persons with severe mental illness, and 18 low and moderate-income households who are squeezed out of the housing market. Our apartments mean safety, stability and hope for our tenants. In the next year, CASA plans to continue to take action to create and preserve more housing for those in our community who need it most. To do so, CASA requests that the County continue to prioritize available funding for rental housing serving those below 50% of AMI, with a priority for persons with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness. Orange County CAN get to zero homeless households. CASA stands ready to help do just that. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Regular Agenda NONE 7. Reports a. River Park Improvements Update The Board reviewed planned improvements to River Park in downtown Hillsborough prior to submittal to the Town of Hillsborough Historic District Commission. David Stancil, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR) Director reviewed the information below: BACKGROUND: River Park is a nine-acre park in downtown Hillsborough between the Orange County Courthouse/Justice Facility/District Attorney’s Office on East Margaret Lane and the Eno River. The park includes the David Price Farmers Market Pavilion, the Stillhouse Creek Stream Restoration Project, a portion of the Hillsborough Riverwalk, and an area of open space between the buildings and the river. Trails and a pedestrian bridge for the park were built consistent with a master plan for the park that was completed in conjunction with the Justice Facilities Expansion Project in 2010. The Farmers Market Pavilion was completed in 2008. Since that time, the pavilion and the park have been used for regular farmers markets, movies in the park, community egg hunts, concerts and other events. The site continues to be a desirable destination for events and is regularly scheduled for a range of activities. In June 2015, the Board approved funding in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and capital budget to build the remaining facilities in the 2009 master plan. This work includes several components (some of which are completed or underway): • A performance stage/shell for the concerts and events that the park hosts; • Realignment of the Riverwalk (part of the NC Mountains to Sea Trail) across a sturdier pedestrian bridge (completed); • Refurbishing and renovation of the Occoneechee Village (underway); • Electrical improvements near the Farmers Market Pavilion (completed), and the addition of more park benches; and 19 • A new pedestrian entrance into the park from Churton Street, concurrent with the Town’s pedestrian and transit improvements, including two new trail connecting segments and a stormwater control measure. Staff and an engineering consultant (Mike Hammersley of CRA Associates, Inc.) have been working for the last several months to complete the needed design work for the remaining improvements above, for eventual Town permit approvals. In the last few months, staff has explored potential sponsorship or naming opportunities for a larger performance stage/shell (please see attached pictures) which could accommodate concerts and performances that the site has been shown to attract. The Orange County Arts Commission has expressed interest in this expanded performance stage/shell and sees this as a possible fundraising opportunity that may be attractive to County and Town community and business interests. David Stancil made the following PowerPoint presentation River Park Improvements Update • Realignment of Riverwalk segment • Occoneechee Village refurbishing • New Churton Street entrance / path • Performance Stage/Shell Map of Park Katie Murray continued the presentation: She said the Arts Commission has spent recent years researching the needs of the arts community, and one on of the main needs to be identified is space for the arts both indoor and outdoor. She said the subject of the staging area came up after some discussion with DEAPR. She said festival space is greatly needed, especially in Hillsborough, and many stakeholders are discussing the needs to insure that plans will be adequate to meet the needs. Planned Improvements • Gathered feedback from stakeholders regarding needs for festivals, concerts and outdoor performing arts • Exploring funding options with local partners Public Art: • Arts Commission partnering with Hillsborough Arts Council and Town of Hillsborough • “Gateway” Sculptural work to include wood from fallen Calvin St. Tree • National call with priority given to NC artists Next Steps / Recommendation David Stancil said they are here to share this information with the Board, and they do need to move ahead with discussions. He said they are asking the Board for approval to: 20 • Continue discussions about the stage • Review and discuss planned improvements • Authorize staff to proceed with other permits and pre-construction efforts FINANCIAL IMPACT: Prior years funding of $400,000 was appropriated for all of the planned work outlined above, with a basic stage concept. Approximately $370,000 remains from those funds. It is estimated that the enhanced performance shell and related appurtenances being discussed could cost an additional $125,000, with fundraising efforts potentially addressing some or all of these costs. Commissioner Marcoplos said the Farmers Market Pavilion has water barrels around it and this would be a great opportunity to lift them up higher to make them useful. David Stancil said there have been some challenges with those cisterns, but staff wants this water to be used and can look at a better collection process. Commissioner Price referred to the map and asked if the dotted line is behind the stage. David Stancil said yes, the stage is located just outside of the floodplain. Commissioner Price said she hopes the stage is far enough away, and can be protected from rains and storms. David Stancil said there is a natural amphitheater there. He said despite all the recent flooding, it has tended to stay within the boundaries of the 100-year floodplain; however, these massive weather events are happening more frequently. Commissioner Price referred to the budget, and asked how much of the remaining budget is going to the stage and how much to other projects. David Stancil said the stage can be widely variable, and the funding that is approved if for a basic stage, approximately $100,000. He said to do a nicer stage would require considerable additional funding. Commissioner Dorosin referred to three pictures of stages, and clarified that the first picture is the type of stage that could be built within the existing budget. David Stancil said none of these are within the existing budget, and he said the range would be an additional $125,000-$300,000. Commissioner Dorosin clarified that staff is seeking the authority to submit information to the Hillsborough Historic District and to continue discussions. He asked if this is possible without the BOCC having to make decisions about the stage and funding. David Stancil said staff would like to continue the conversations with the stakeholders and with the Historic District Commission (HDC). He said the question has been raised as to whether there is another site on the location that would be better for a stage. He said these details need to be worked out, and staff can go to the Historic District Commission without have all the details hammered out. Commissioner Greene referred to the cost, and asked if there is a possibility to work with private funders. David Stancil said yes, and staff is actively pursuing this. Commissioner Marcoplos said most of the events that he has seen at the park have been elevated, and asked if there has there been a discussion about building an elevated stage. Marabeth Carr, DEAPR, said this has been discussed, but it must be ADA compliant, and the higher the stage, the more expensive it is to make it compliant. She said several scenarios will be presented to the HDC, and staff will ask for approval to build the maximum, but may only be able to actually build the minimum. She said some height would also help to further avoid flooding issues. Commissioner Bedford asked if there were restrooms, would they be available during the daytime. 21 Marabeth Carr said this would need to be decided, but public restrooms are often vandalized at parks. David Stancil said there are restrooms in the back of the District Attorney’s building, but these are only open when the pavilion is in use. He said restrooms would need to be winterized, and are tend to avoid vandalism when there is an active on-site staff presence, which there would not be at this location. Marabeth Carr said performers would like restrooms at the stage. She said the ADA access is logical not only for those with disabilities, but also for those with strollers, bikes, etc. She said the bus stop shelter will be paid for by transportation funds, and this stop will require a retaining wall to support it, which makes it more expensive than a standard bus stop. Chair Rich referred to the Gateway Art, and asked if it is known who will be on this committee. Katie Murray said it is herself and members of Arts Commission, Peter Sandbeck, Marabeth Carr, Stephanie Trueblood from the Town of Hillsborough, and Todd Stabely, who owns the home where the historic tree fell. She invited the Commissioners to be involved as well, if interested. Chair Rich asked if Katie Murray would send an all email about this to the BOCC. The Board agreed by consensus for staff to proceed with this process. 8. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda Chair Rich removed Item e Commissioner Price removed Items g and h • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the remaining items on the Consent Agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda e. Award of Blackwood Farm Park Professional Services Agreement The Board considered voting to approve and authorize the Manager to execute an Agreement with Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture, PLLC for park pre-construction design and engineering services to secure permits, conduct engineering work, and create construction drawings and specifications for bid documents for Blackwood Farm Park. Chair Rich said she pulled this to make a point that the Board is doing what it said it would do, and this is an “all women” job. A motion was made by Chair Rich, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve and authorize the Manager to execute an Agreement with Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture, PLLC for park pre-construction design and engineering services to secure permits, conduct engineering work, and create construction drawings and specifications for bid documents for Blackwood Farm Park. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 22 g. Efland Sewer System – Transfer of Ownership to City of Mebane The Board considered voting to transfer ownership of the Efland Sewer utility infrastructure to the City of Mebane and authorize the Chair to sign. h. Orange County/Orange Alamance Water System (OAWS) Efland Sewer Billing and Town of Hillsborough / Orange County Efland Sewer Treatment Agreement Resolution and Termination Action The Board considered voting to approve a resolution recognizing two entities for collaborating with Orange County and recommend actions to terminate the 1988 agreement with Orange Alamance Water System (OAWS) for sewer billing and the 1987 Town of Hillsborough/Orange County agreement for sewer treatment of the Efland Sewer system since the City of Mebane will be assuming those roles before the end of 2018. Commissioner Price said she pulled these two items to make sure the customers have all of the information. Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said the Efland sewer system transfer of ownership from the Efland system that flows to Hillsborough, will eventually flow to Mebane and be part of their ownership. He said the Orange Alamance Water System has been the billing agent for Efland customers, and this will continue in the short term in order to accommodate a seamless transfer. He said since Mebane will be the owner, the treatment costs will be funded through the sewer bills. He said staff has created a brochure for customers, and this transfer has been promoted for 18 months. He said another brochure is being created for those who may wish to build a new house in Efland. He said item H says monies will no longer need to be sent to Hillsborough for sewer treatment, as Mebane will be doing this. Commissioner Price said she pulled item H along with this, as she often receives questions from students at UNC about whether Orange County works collaboratively with other entities. She said this is an example of Orange County doing so, and wanted to note this. Craig Benedict said staff and the various entities have worked together to make a better functioning system for the residents. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to approve the transfer ownership of the Efland Sewer utility infrastructure to the City of Mebane and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (Item g) A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to approve a resolution recognizing two entities for collaborating with Orange County and recommend actions to terminate the 1988 agreement with Orange Alamance Water System (OAWS) for sewer billing and the 1987 Town of Hillsborough/Orange County agreement for sewer treatment of the Efland Sewer system since the City of Mebane will be assuming those roles before the end of 2018. VOTE: UNANIMOUS (Item h) a. Minutes The Board approved the minutes from November 8 and 13, 2018 as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds 23 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor vehicle property tax values for six taxpayers with a total of eight bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with NCGS. c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax values for twelve taxpayers with a total of seventeen bills that will result in a reduction of revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381. d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion The Board considered nine untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem taxation for nine bills for the 2018 tax year. e. Award of Blackwood Farm Park Professional Services Agreement The Board approved and authorized the Manager to execute an Agreement with Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture, PLLC for park pre-construction design and engineering services to secure permits, conduct engineering work, and create construction drawings and specifications for bid documents for Blackwood Farm Park. f. Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System for Moinear Lane and Cairns Way in Dunhill Subdivision The Board made a recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT), concerning a petition to add Moinear Lane and Cairns Way in Dunhill Subdivision to the State Maintained Secondary Road System. g. Efland Sewer System – Transfer of Ownership to City of Mebane The Board voted to transfer ownership of the Efland Sewer utility infrastructure to the City of Mebane and authorized the Chair to sign. h. Orange County/Orange Alamance Water System (OAWS) Efland Sewer Billing and Town of Hillsborough / Orange County Efland Sewer Treatment Agreement Resolution and Termination Action The Board approved a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, recognizing two entities for collaborating with Orange County and recommend actions to terminate the 1988 agreement with Orange Alamance Water System (OAWS) for sewer billing and the 1987 Town of Hillsborough/Orange County agreement for sewer treatment of the Efland Sewer system since the City of Mebane will be assuming those roles before the end of 2018. i. Change in BOCC Regular Meeting Schedule for 2019 The Board considered two changes to the County Commissioners’ regular meeting calendar for 2019 to move the February 12, 2019 work session to the Whitted Building in Hillsborough and to add meeting with the Fire Departments prior to the work session. j. Street and Driveway Access Permit and Encroachment Agreement for 10’ Multi- Purpose Pathway Associated with Southern Campus Expansion, Seymour Center The Board voted to 1) Approve a Street and Driveway Access Permit Application for new driveway access off Homestead for the Southern Campus Expansion site work; and 2) Approve a Three Party Right of Way Encroachment Agreement regarding a 10’ wide concrete multi-purpose pathway between the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), Orange County, and the Town of Chapel Hill; and 3) Authorize the Manager to sign the Encroachment Agreement contingent upon County Attorney review of the Agreement. k. Authorization for the County Manager to Execute Contracts for Backup 9-1-1 Center Equipment The Board voted to authorize the County Manager to execute contracts for the purchase and installation of equipment for the Backup 9-1-1 Center. (The Board previously approved a budget amendment to finance this project at the November 13, 2018 regular meeting). 24 l. Approval of a Contract and Budget Amendment #3-B for Remediation, Repair, and Reconstruction of the Battle Courtroom The Board voted to approve a construction contract with Sasser Companies, Inc. for the remediation, repair, and reconstruction of the Battle Courtroom under emergency conditions and to approve Budget Amendment #3-B to finance the project. 9. County Manager’s Report Bonnie Hammersley said she would defer the questions about GoTriangle to Commissioner Marcoplos, since a lot of these issues and information has not been in staff hands. Bonnie Hammersley said that in regards to the Northern Campus update, she said staff is looking more closely at how to address the budget situation, and staff decided that it will not delay the project if staff brings an update to the Board in January as opposed to on December 11th. Commissioner Marcoplos said he will start with the Duke issue: GoTriangle addressed the initial issues raised the next day, and many of the issues had been addressed but the media had spring-boarded off the letter. He said there are productive discussions going on, and it was a surprise to everyone that Mr. Goodman resigned as chair of the private fundraising committee. He said this resignation has raised concerns and angst amongst the businesses, which is being actively addressed right now. Commissioner Marcoplos said in the midst of all this has come the news of a felon working on this project. He said the previous director of the light rail project knew of this sub- consultant’s record, and he has been terminated. Commissioner Marcoplos said the other issue is the Rail Operations and Maintenance Facility, ROMF, which has raised a lot of concerns from neighbors, with the issue of sound being the most talked about. He will ask Jeff Greene to send the Board of County Commissioners a memo on this issue. He said the noise may not be as loud as people expect. Commissioner Marcoplos said there are several negotiations on going as the deadline at the end of December approaches. He said there are discussions with the railroads, as much of the route runs near the railroads. Commissioner Marcoplos said his experience of being on the GoTriangle board is that staff is working overtime and very hard on this project; and this is because the state imposed schedule on the project, as well as the funding decreases made by the General Assembly. Commissioner Marcoplos said things are moving forward, and there is a greater grasp on the details and agreements than the media has led on. Commissioner Marcoplos said he said GoTriangle will be releasing their responses from Duke soon. Commissioner Price asked if there is an update about the Blackwell station. Commissioner Marcoplos said it is being worked on and there is great effort being made to make it bike/pedestrian accessible. He said there will have to be some type of resolution by the deadline. He said it is hard to understand in what all the concerns are rooted, and this is the murkiest issue in his opinion. Travis Myren said when the state imposed the funding limitations Durham agreed to pick up the $57 million gap. He said approval will be needed to amend the changes to the cost share agreement, likely in January or February. Chair Rich asked if the City of Durham will be voting on the ROMF tonight. Commissioner Marcoplos said yes. He said the Chapel Hill Town Council considered it the other night, and the discussion was informative. He said the Council will bring it back next week, and while many issues were raised, the staff did recommend approval. 10. County Attorney’s Report 25 John Roberts said the legislature ratified two bills today: one for increased economic development incentives, and the other for hurricane relief. He said the big item that has everyone’s attention is voter ID, and this is in House committee. He said the Senate approved the bill, and one can listen to this on the Ethics and Election Committee website. 11. *Appointments a. Appointments to the Orange County Justice Advisory Council – DONE ABOVE 12. Information Items • November 13, 2018 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Tax Collector’s Report – Numerical Analysis • Tax Collector’s Report – Measure of Enforced Collections • Tax Assessor's Report – Releases/Refunds under $100 13. Closed Session NONE 14. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price to adjourn the meeting at 9:40 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Penny Rich, Chair Donna Baker Clerk to the Board