HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 12-02-19 Item 8-a - Minutes 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 2, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-a
SUBJECT: Minutes
DEPARTMENT: Board of County
Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board
919-245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board as
listed below.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
November 7, 2019 BOCC Regular Meeting
November 14, 2019 BOCC Work Session
FINANCIAL IMPACT: NONE
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: NONE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: NONE
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
1
1 Attachment 1
2
3 DRAFT
4 MINUTES
5 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
6 REGULAR MEETING
7 November 7, 2019
8 7:00 p.m.
9
10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session on Thursday, November
11 7, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, N.C.
12
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Penny Rich and Commissioners Jamezetta
14 Bedford, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Mark Marcoplos, and Renee Price
15 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
16 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
17 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
18 Travis Myren, and Deputy Clerk Sherri Ingersoll (All other staff members will be identified
19 appropriately below.)
20
21 Chair Rich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
22 Chair Rich congratulated Tuesday's election winners, and thanked all who put their
23 name in to run.
24
25 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
26
27 Chair Rich noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
28 • 6-a - PowerPoint presentation
29 • Petition regarding Swim for Charlie
30 • Closed session item added
31 "To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other
32 businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list
33 of economic development incentives that maybe offered by the public body's
34 negotiations" NCGS 143-318.11(a)(4)
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene for
37 the Board to add the Closed Session item.
38
39 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
40
41 PUBLIC CHARGE
42 Chair Rich acknowledged the public charge.
43
44 Arts Moment
45 Tinka Jordy, Arts Commission member, introduced the artist:
46 Arshia Simkin is a graduate of North Carolina State University's MFA in Creative Writing
47 program. She writes stories about her Pakistani heritage and about contemporary American
48 society. Prior to attending NC State's MFA program, she was a staff attorney at a legal aid firm
49 in upstate New York, where she represented survivors of domestic violence. Currently, she is
2
1 the co-founder of the Redbud Writing Project, the Triangle's only adult education creative
2 writing school, which offers six-week courses in memoir, fiction, and poetry.
3 Arshia Simkin read an excerpt from the Redbud Writing Project called Baby Talk.
4
5 2. Public Comments
6 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
7 Riley Ruske said nine weeks ago, he petitioned the Board of County Commissioners
8 (BOCC) to recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each meeting. He said in a few
9 days, veterans will be recognized, who have pledged their lives and allegiance to this country.
10 He asked if it is too difficult to do this act of patriotism, and invited the people in the room to
11 stand, remove their caps, and join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, which people did.
12 He asked if there is a reason that the BOCC cannot agree to this simple act.
13 Jonathan Klein said he is present to speak about the Swim for Charlie endeavor. He
14 said he has served on the Board of Health, and serves as the Chair of Swim for Charlie. He
15 said Charlie was his friend, and his death was the impetus for this program, which sponsors
16 youth-based water safety programs. He said it coordinates with the schools to bring 2nd
17 grade students to the Sportsplex to learn about water safety. He said Guilford County has
18 gained support with its program, which consists of eight 45-minute sessions. He said the first
19 classes will be for around 250 students at Efland Cheeks, Central and New Hope Elementary
20 Schools starting in the spring of 2020, with the goal of expansion throughout the county and
21 region in the coming years.
22 Meg Pomerantz said she supports this water initiative. She said she is the Executive
23 Director of Girls on the Run, serving girls in grade 3-8, and has seen firsthand how these
24 types of initiatives can affect lives. She said she was the "swim test lady" at UNC for many
25 years, and still has past students tell her of the impact of this on their lives. She said
26 teaching a 7-year old is easier than teaching an adult, and generally children learn through
27 swimming lessons provided through the support of their parents, but not everyone has this
28 opportunity. She said the program's goal is to make children safer in the water, and studies
29 have shown that formal swimming lessons reduce child drowning by 80%. She said she is
30 confident these programs will help children in the community to be safer.
31 Jim Tucker said he is a 22-year resident of Orange County, and he learned to swim at
32 age 3.5 years, when encouraged by his grandmother, because she lost her brother to
33 drowning. He said this type of program can help create great family memories. He said he
34 understands how public/private initiatives can start, and this program is starting with three
35 schools and with the Board's help, would like to expand, school by school. He also petitioned
36 the County to fund a full rental waiver during the day to get the program off the ground for the
37 spring 2020.
38 Seamus O'Neill said she supports the petition to open BOCC meetings with the
39 Pledge of Allegiance. He said he grew up in the Bronx, New York, an area that was very
40 diverse with a lot of immigrants, and many different cultures, seeking a safe place to grow
41 their families. He said despite these differences, all community meetings started with the
42 Pledge or the national anthem, which everyone supported. He asked the Board to act
43 positively upon this request.
44
45 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
46 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
47 below.)
48
49 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
3
1 Commissioner Bedford said that the Town of Chapel Hill and Chapel Hill Carrboro City
2 Schools (CHCCS) have an agreement with local pools to support Special Olympics and other
3 programs, so perhaps the County could look to them regarding the Swim for Charlie program.
4 Commissioner Bedford referred to the reported lack of diversity on the Climate Action
5 Committee, and asked if this was being addressed. She petitioned to reexamine the list of
6 appointments to add diversity to this committee.
7 Commissioner Marcoplos said a list of roster spots was sent out to the agencies and
8 governments across the County, who, in turn, made the appointments. He said there was
9 some diversity at the first meeting, and all entities are very concerned with diversity, and the
10 word has been put out there.
11 Chair Rich asked if Commissioner Bedford received the draft minutes from the last
12 meeting, and if Sherri Ingersoll could send them to Commissioner Bedford.
13 Commissioner Bedford said Governor Cooper gave an Executive Order in April
14 banning questions by state agencies on pay history. She petitioned to review Orange
15 County's HR practices and policy on this matter, and consider changes if those types of
16 questions are being asked.
17 Commissioner Bedford said she attended the recent Cardinal Innovations (CI) Board
18 meeting, and they are reorganizing as a five county Central Region Health Council, and there
19 will be a local Orange County community council. She said one must apply by November 24
20 for a seat, if interested. She requested that the County administration promote this need, and
21 possibly ask Cl to extend the deadline for the local Orange County advisory council
22 application process, to encourage better participation.
23 Commissioner McKee said he would like to echo the comments to those who ran, and
24 congratulate those who won the election.
25 Commissioner Marcoplos said the commuter rail project study is to be completed by
26 the end of the year, and in January the committee expects to have some questions
27 answered, and the study will be able to shed some light on which configurations look best.
28 He said the Hillsborough extension might be in the first phase to go to Mebane, or possibly
29 towards Johnston County. He said he is on the GoTriangle negotiating committee with the
30 NC railroad, and one of its goals is to get early commitments on the division of
31 responsibilities, and the timetable for agreements.
32 Commissioner Marcoplos said he went to the Regional Transportation Alliance (RTA)
33 event on bus rapid transit. He said several groups discussed the challenges of this in various
34 regions, and shared information, which is available on the RTA website. He said RTA has a
35 map that shows bus transit across the State, and one of the maps was for NC 54. He said
36 the Board will need to look ahead to the primaries, and see how transit can be extended to
37 get voters to the polls.
38 Commissioner Marcoplos said he also attended the recent Solid Waste Advisory
39 Group (SWAG) meeting, where they discussed organic recycling options and a possible
40 textile-recycling program.
41 Commissioner Price thanked all who put together the Farm to School tour. She said it
42 was a great opportunity to allow children to understand agriculture and the environment. She
43 said she also attended a tour of the Chapel Hill High School renovations, which was very
44 exciting. She reminded everyone of the upcoming Veterans Day programs, including the
45 Saturday grappling tournament, and Monday's Veterans memorial program with David Price.
46 Commissioner Price congratulated all who ran and won elections. She said she spoke
47 with the Board of Elections, who will have a meeting on 12/5 to decide on the hours for
48 weekend voting for the 2020 primaries.
49 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like to follow up on his petition about universal
50 pre-K. He said the Board's colleagues in Durham are moving ahead with this program, and
4
1 Orange County can learn a lot about this from them. He said Durham is investing in training,
2 certifications, technical assistance, and funding with their program, and are considering it an
3 economic development program for minority-owned businesses.
4 Chair Rich said this topic was discussed at Agenda Review, and the plan is to discuss
5 this with Durham.
6 Commissioner Greene said she also enjoyed the tour of the Chapel Hill High School
7 construction, and the garden tour, and thanked the Orange County Food Council for putting
8 this on. She said there is a part-time coordinator assigned to this project to make certain
9 things work together. She said three commissioners attended the school public meeting
10 about the districting plan, and there was lots of discussion about communication and needs.
11 Commissioner Greene said she attended a meeting sponsored by the Visitors' Center,
12 where someone spoke about what the Visitors Bureau could do to expand its tourism efforts.
13 She said sporting events vastly outweigh everything else. She said today was "Big Ideas"
14 day at the Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce.
15 Chair Rich said she would like to see a response to her request about the census
16 efforts. She said the Daily Tar Heel reported on this, and it would be good for the Board to
17 be able to discuss and provide input.
18 Chair Rich referred to the issue of needing transportation for voting, and said there is
19 a possibility of putting a satellite office in Chapel Hill for the Board of Elections (BOE), as IDs
20 will be needed for the 2020 election. She said the BOE in Hillsborough will provide a free ID,
21 but it can be hard for people to get to Hillsborough. She said the next election is March 3,
22 2020. She said the Board of Elections website was quirky for this election, and it was difficult
23 to find information, and the state website went down. She said March is going to be
24 confusing, and this process must be simplified.
25 Chair Rich said she went to the Wealth Gap Conference, and the income
26 achievement gap was a prominent topic, especially related to schools. She said the Board
27 must be mindful of its policies, and getting the desired outcomes. She said there is a great
28 disparity of funding per student across the state.
29 Chair Rich said she received a call regarding the creation of a high school for trades,
30 and asked if there was an update on this idea. She said 8% of East Chapel Hill High
31 students will not go to college, and she wants to see this idea fully researched.
32 Chair Rich said she gets a number of calls about school funding, and she and Mark
33 Marcoplos had a meeting with Paul Laughton, Finance and Administrative Services, to get a
34 budget booster shot. She passed out a page from the budget regarding the Phillips Middle
35 School water infiltration problem, as an example. She said this item was in the Board's
36 budget ($175,000), but the problem was not fixed. She said overall, the schools' Capital
37 Investment Plan (CIP) is $34 million, and she petitioned for the Board to get a quarterly report
38 from the schools on when and how maintenance is being done and completed.
39 Commissioner Marcoplos said it is good idea to know this type of information, as the
40 County budgeted the money, but it was not utilized for the budgeted need. He said the Board
41 could share this information with the public. He said this money is negotiated between the
42 schools and the County, to meet as many needs as possible.
43 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the schools asked for, and were given the money,
44 and asked if the schools have just not yet done the work
45 Chair Rich said it is unsure, and that is why she is petitioning for the quarterly
46 maintenance report. She said receipts come in from the schools, and the County transfers
47 money to the schools, but it is unclear if the maintenance is actually being done. She said it
48 is not for the County to decide on how the money is spent; it provides money to the schools,
49 and the schools decide how to use the money.
5
1 Commissioner Dorosin said it is unclear, and the money still may be used to fix this
2 problem. He asked if once the money is given to the schools, if the schools can prioritize its
3 spending.
4 Chair Rich said that is correct, and the money can be moved around as deemed
5 appropriate by the schools.
6 Commissioner Bedford said, when she took the tour of Chapel Hill High School, the
7 contractors said they were already working on the Phillips problem, which is complex.
8 Chair Rich said it is a storm water mitigation problem.
9 Commissioner Bedford said the School Board spent close to $1 million for this type of
10 work when she was on the School Board, but it is an ongoing problem and more money will
11 probably be needed.
12 Chair Rich said this petition is to better understand what is happening, and have
13 accurate information to share with the public.
14 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Board receives a report of what was actually spent
15 at the end of the year.
16 Paul Laughton said the information received, as part of the budget process, is not to
17 that level of itemization. He said the schools show the actual expenses by purpose, but do
18 not give specific detail of projects.
19
20 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
21
22 a. Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation
23 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation designating November 9, 2019
24 as Orange County's Caregiver Day of Care, and recognizing November 2019 as Family
25 Caregivers Month.
26
27 BACKGROUND: November is National Family Caregivers Month, an observance that began as
28 National Family Caregivers Week in the mid-1990s. Former President Bill Clinton signed the
29 first National Family Caregivers Month Presidential Proclamation in 1997, and every president
30 since has followed suit by issuing an annual proclamation recognizing and honoring family
31 caregivers each November. The importance of family caregivers has gained recognition over
32 the years, and the National Family Caregivers awareness week has grown into an awareness
33 month due to former President Barack Obama's proclamation in 2012.
34
35 Family caregivers fulfill a variety of roles. In addition to becoming experts about their loved
36 ones' health, they act as liaisons with healthcare providers, insurance companies, and legal and
37 financial entities. They prepare meals, perform housekeeping duties, transportation and
38 hygiene duties, and often provide very sophisticated care, including managing complex
39 medication schedules. Caregivers sometimes deal with problem behaviors, and offer
40 socialization for those suffering from long-term illnesses. At this time of year, with holidays
41 approaching, families are often overwhelmed by emotional distress as they cope with losses
42 and memories of past times.
43 Family caregivers who care (mostly) at home for loved ones with debilitating, long-term health
44 conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, often do so with little to no
45 information or training. The Orange County Department on Aging aims to change that by
46 providing several programs and services catered to family caregivers by appreciating the hard
47 work they tirelessly do.
48
49 In honor of National Family Caregivers Month, the Department on Aging will hold its first annual
50 Caregiver's Day of Care event on November 9, 2019 at the Seymour Center from 10 a.m. — 2
6
1 p.m., in an effort to honor family caregivers for caring selflessly for loved-ones. Staff hopes this
2 day of care will provide needed respite for family caregivers, while enabling attendees to
3 engage in wellness, education and supportive services.
4
5 The Department of Aging recognizes that family caregivers are truly the backbone of their
6 families and communities. Many however are under great stress and do not always have
7 the information they need when taking responsibility for a loved one's care. This November,
8 the Department is proud to offer a variety of caregiving related programs and services for
9 individualized and community caregivers, which include:
10 • Special designation in the Senior Times publication for activities and events geared
11 towards supporting caregivers;
12 • A Care Partner Collaborative respite co-op group;
13 • Caregiver Support groups;
14 • Dementia Education Collaborative;
15 • Trainings for community partners and individuals;
16 • Memory Caf6s;
17 • In-home caregiver assistance;
18 • Options Counseling;
19 • Memory Screenings; and
20 • A Caregiver monthly E-Newsletter.
21
22 For many years the Orange County Board of Commissioners has issued proclamations for
23 older adults throughout Orange County. If approved, this will be the first year the Board joins
24 with the Federal and State governments in designating the month of November as Family
25 Caregivers Month as a time to honor family caregivers and care partners for their tireless work
26 in service to their loved ones and as the unsung heroes of both their families and communities.
27
28 Janice Tyler, Director on Aging, said this will be the first time the County has
29 celebrated National Caregivers Month. She introduced Sheila Evans, who represents over
30 20,000 caregivers across the county.
31 Sheila Evans said several years ago her husband developed dementia, and she had
32 to retire to take care of him. She said she got through this journey through a support group
33 she attended with her husband at the Seymour Center; adult day care; and by becoming part
34 of the Project Engage program to teach seniors to become leaders in the community. She
35 said through that program, she received support and learned about resources. She said the
36 Senior Center has a program that gives people a way to try out medical equipment. She said
37 she received some respite and medical services for herself and her husband, and the
38 incredible support she received through the Seymour Center helped her through her journey,
39 and now she is able to help others get the resources they need.
40 Janice Tyler read the proclamation:
41
42 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
43 PROCLAMATION
44
45 FAMILY CAREGIVERS MONTH — NOVEMBER 2019
46 "CAREGIVER DAY OF CARE" — NOVEMBER 9, 2019
47
48 WHEREAS, Orange County estimates suggest there are more than 20,000 family caregivers in
49 Orange County; and
50
7
1 WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes that making time for yourself and family protects a
2 family caregiver's own health, strengthens family relationships, prevents burnout and can
3 enable a care recipient to stay at home up to three times longer. The chance to take a breather
4 and re-energize is vital in order for one to be as good a caregiver tomorrow as you were today;
5 and
6
7 WHEREAS, Orange County understands 6 out of 10 family caregivers juggle everyday life
8 tasks, such as preparing children for school, managing household responsibilities, and working
9 full or part-time, and as vital members of care teams, have the responsibility of advocating for
10 their loved ones and making decisions that lead to the best care outcomes, whether it be for an
11 older adult with Alzheimer's or related dementia or living with a chronic condition; and
12
13 WHEREAS, National Family Caregivers Month — celebrated each November — is a time to
14 recognize and honor family caregivers across the country, and celebrating Family Caregivers
15 during National Family Caregivers Month enables all of us to:
16 • Raise awareness of family caregiver issues;
17 • Celebrate the efforts of family caregivers;
18 • Educate family caregivers about supportive resources; and
19 • Increase support for family caregivers;
20
21 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
22 November 2019 as Family Caregivers Month in Orange County, recognize a Caregiver Day of
23 Care on November 9, 2019, and urge Orange County residents to take time this month to
24 recognize family caregivers as the unsung heroes of our families and community.
25
26 This, the 7th day of November, 2019.
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene
29 for the Board to approve a proclamation designating November 2019 as Family Caregivers
30 Month and November 9, 2019 as Orange County's Caregiver Day of Care, and authorized the
31 Chair to sign it.
32
33 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
34
35 5. Public Hearings
36 None
37
38 6. Regular Agenda
39
40 a. NC 54 West Corridor Study— Phase 2
41 The Board received a presentation on the NC 54 West Corridor Study from VHB and
42 had the opportunity to provide comments and consider endorsing the Technical Committee
43 recommendations.
44
45 BACKGROUND: The NC 54 corridor study was started in September 2017 by the Durham-
46 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHC MPO) and North Carolina
47 Department of Transportation (NCDOT). The study area is from Old Fayetteville Road in
48 Carrboro west to the 1-85/1-40 interchange in Graham. It includes Burlington-Graham
49 Metropolitan Planning Organization (BG MPO) and Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization
50 (TARPO). VHB is the consultant assigned to the study and they completed the final report in
8
1 November 2018, with every member jurisdiction participating in the consultant's and MPO's
2 public process. A copy of the full report is available online at www.nc54west.com/Report. The
3 final recommendations serve to identify projects for consideration in the future Strategic
4 Prioritization of Transportation (SPOT) processes.
5
6 The NC-54 west corridor covers multiple local jurisdictions and regional transportation planning
7 agencies. A breakdown of each jurisdiction and agency is provided below and in Attachment 1.
8 By local jurisdiction
9 o Graham 1.7 miles 8% (does not include ETJ)
10 o Swepsonville 1.2 miles 6% (does not include ETJ)
11 o Alamance County 7.3 miles 35%
12 o Orange County 8.6 miles 42%
13 o Carrboro 1.8 miles 9% (includes ETJ)
14 Total 20.6 miles 100%
15
16 By MPO/RPO
17 o BG MPO 10.2 miles 50%
18 o TARPO 5.8 miles 28%
19 o DCHC MPO 4.6 miles 22%
20 Total 20.6 miles 100%
21
22 The primary recommendation of the study is the widening of NC 54 from NC 119 in Alamance
23 County to Old Fayetteville Street in Carrboro to four lanes with a median and sidepath for
24 bicycle and pedestrian travel. The study also recommends installing several roundabouts along
25 the corridor to improve traffic flow and safety at major intersections. If the MPO Board were to
26 adopt the study, staff would then implement the recommendations by working with NCDOT to
27 develop a project for the widening of NC 54, which would include recommending local points for
28 such a project in SPOT.
29
30 On November 1, 2018, the BOCC received a presentation on the NC 54 West Corridor Study
31 from Orange County Transportation Planning staff, which also included the Orange Unified
32 Transportation Board's (OUTBoard) comments. All comments were addressed at the November
33 14, 2018 DCHC MPO Public Hearing.
34
35 On February 5, 2019, the BOCC approved NC 54 West as a County Priority for consideration in
36 DCHC MPO and Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (TARPO) Strategic Prioritization of
37 Transportation (SPOT) process. An update on the corridor was provided to BOCC August 3,
38 2019.
39
40 In February 2019, Carrboro - through the DCHC MPO - requested VHB review and confirm
41 Phase 1 conclusions through a phase 2 study to analyze trends and forecasts, transit
42 alternatives as mentioned in the final report, widening impact on local roads, and other
43 improvements not on NC 54. VHB will present the results of the Phase 2 analysis (Attachment
44 (2). The following is a highlight of the findings:
45 • Trends and forecasts were confirmed through StreetLight data. This is a subscription
46 based third party cellphone data collection company that assists in the analysis of trips.
47 • Adopted DCHC MPO Transportation Regional Model was deemed conservative in
48 comparison to StreetLight.
49 • It is a supplement to the original Final Report. All recommendations are carried forward,
50 including bike/ped and transit.
9
1 • All transit service providers were actively involved in the process, 3 additional park-and-
2 ride lots in Orange County have been added to the recommendations.
3 • Inclusion of a shared use path is optional and subject to NCDOT's new Complete
4 Streets Policy.
5
6 The MPO will consider taking action on the Study on November 13, 2019 following a public
7 hearing. Transportation planning staff, in coordination with Orange County Community
8 Relations, issued a public notice of all public meetings on the County website. No comments
9 were received for Orange County. Two local jurisdictions have taken separate action on the
10 study:
11 Graham City Council — November 6, 2018 — unanimously approved the study
12 Carrboro Board of Aldermen — October 15, 2019 — Unconditional rejection of Phase 1 (Old
13 Fayetteville Road to Dodson Crossroads) recommendations.
14 TARPO and BG MPO are working with local jurisdictions as they address their unique priorities.
15 Those entities will take action on the study only after local jurisdictions have considered their
16 portion of it. Orange County has prioritized the corridor to address multimodal, congestion,
17 safety and mobility for all users. It has also submitted the project - NC-54 Improvements: Widen
18 NC-54 from Orange Grove Rd to Old Fayetteville Road with multimodal facilities - to TARPO for
19 SPOT consideration. However, the County has not taken formal action on the study
20
21 The County priority cannot be considered for SPOT in DCHC MPO as it is not in the adopted
22 2045 Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP). DCHC MPO must adopt the study in order to
23 pursue local input points for its portion of the corridor.
24
25 OUTBoard Comments - October 16, 2019:
26 The following comments were provided by the OUTBoard:
27 • Include more information on technology and/or Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
28 at intersections and along the road.
29 • Include more information on bike/ped safety along the corridor.
30 • Include more information on how to prevent or manage caterpillering — bumper to
31 bumper traffic along the road, (e.g. managing speed).
32
33 A summary of all comments and responses have been collected (Attachment 3). This includes
34 Orange County Transportation Planning staff, DCHC MPO Technical Committee, Carrboro
35 Board of Alderman, Chapel Hill Town Council, and comments from an October 24th public
36 meeting in Carrboro.
37
38 DCHC MPO Technical Committee (TC) Recommendation - October 23, 2019:
39 The DCHC MPO TC recommended the DCHC MPO Board receive the study, proceed with
40 safety improvements along the corridor using information from the study, and that the local
41 jurisdictions work together with DCHC MPO to identify future roadway improvements.
42
43 Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Planner II, introduced Donald Bryson from VHB, who
44 gave the following presentation:
45 Donald Bryson said this study was completed among various agencies:
46
10
AHE
NC 54 WEST CORRIDOR STUDY
146 i.Gr.Wa ro Grrboro
Ll Orange County Board of Commissioners
t/oyprnbpr 7.2019
2
NC 54 Study Overview
•Analyze existing&future transportation&land use
conditions along this�20-mile corridor between Graham&
Carrboro
•Review existing plans&proposed prcpas
•Clarity needs&long-term vision for the corridor
Safety
-Multimodal options
-Community rhararler&envi rowrxilA prese don
-Econ is viability
Identify&evaluate brade•offs:
-Low Mast,low Impart racily implemented near•lerm salucions
-Longer-term infrastructure improvements
-Supportive land uses&development poUdea
3 ..,r
4
5 Donald Bryson said this study tried to quantify the tradeoffs. He resumed the
6 presentation:
NC 54 Planning Jurisdictions
7
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1
2 Donald Bryson said the study looked at things from the long-term perspective, taking
3 into account any short-term fixes that occurred. He resumed the presentation:
Highway Segment Analysis
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5
NC 54 Traffic Volumes
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6
7 Donald Bryson said that there is faster growth on the Alamance side, which is still
8 increasing. He resumed the presentation:
Options
Recommendations
12
Main Findings
✓4 lanes eventually needed throughout the corridor
✓Phasing is feasible(ends 4 middle)
✓Access management will be critical,especially along
existing 5-lane section
✓Most likely 23-foot raised grassed median with
ditches east of NC 119
Potentially narrower median in limited locations
•Curb-&-gutter appropriate in some(orations
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13
Implementation
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2
Supplemental Analysis
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5 Donald Bryson said that there is information available on Google to see who uses 54.
6 He resumed the presentation:
7
14
Figure IOn TRM&PTAM Population GmMh(2013-2065)
17
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i lgu.e 11h:TftM&PTRM Employment Gm h J2013-20451 J`
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3
4 Donald Bryson said the question arises as to what difference would exist if the road
5 were widened. He resumed the presentation:
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4 not much density along the area. He resumed the presentation:
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1 Donald Bryson said the study shows there are around 700 to 1,400 people employed by
2 UNC or the Hospital who live in this region, which is not a lot for public transit. He resumed the
3 presentation:
h b.
5 Commissioner Price said the studies seem to focus on increasing the number of cars,
6 but TARPO and the MPO have had discussions about how to reduce the number of cars and
7 increase public transit. She said these seem be in conflict, and asked if this was looked into via
8 the study.
9 Donald Bryson said this was reviewed as best as it could be, but in a rural area there is
10 not much dense development and it is difficult to get enough people to use alternative
11 transportation.
12 Commissioner Price asked if providing a Park-and-Ride from Alamance would be
13 helpful.
14 Donald Bryson said it would be helpful, but there are many different destinations in the
15 area, and it does not look like it would be enough to do this in the time frame being considered.
16 Commissioner Price said it sounds like widening the road will lead to people using it
17 more.
18 Donald Bryson said it is not about creating trips, but rather is about helping trips use this
19 corridor instead of finding alternative rural routes. He said, in terms of safety, a four-lane road
20 is much safer. He said some of the intersection improvements will help the side roads, and
21 relieve some of the congestion, but the traffic is just a shift.
22 Commissioner Marcoplos said there are several populated areas in White Cross and, in
23 thinking about Park-and-Ride, it may be worth a pilot project by Dodson's Crossroads or White
24 Cross. He said there may not be enough ridership to utilize buses, but possibly carpooling,
25 especially on Carolina game days, would be beneficial. He said a bus may actually be
26 warranted on game days, as so many people travel that direction.
27 Donald Bryson said an inexpensive Park-and-Ride could be put out there, but a bus
28 service would be expensive due to the distance being 10 miles, and the majority of the
29 population being on the lower end. He said there is a breakpoint in the numbers where it
30 makes sense, and perhaps at a trailhead in the future.
31 Commissioner Marcoplos said he appreciates the Orange Grove Road improvements,
32 which have helped with the congestion.
33 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the slide about cross sections, which includes a
34 median that help to cut down on access, and if there will be left turn lanes to make U-turns.
35 Donald Bryson said the major intersections would have U-turns, as well as breaks
36 between the major intersections, which would not have to be signalized.
37 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the turn lane would be taken out of the median.
38 Donald Bryson said yes.
39 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a bike/ped path on one side or on both sides.
17
1 Donald Bryson said this is hard to do and expensive, and probably unwarranted to put
2 on both sides. He said it seems to work better on the north side for Orange County, and shift to
3 the south side in Alamance County.
4 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that one would need to be able to safely cross 54.
5 Commissioner Greene asked if there are reasons to justify curb and gutter.
6 Donald Bryson said there are some areas that already have clusters of parking near the
7 road, and curb and gutter helps save the parking.
8 Commissioner Greene said she does not want to introduce curb and gutter in rural
9 areas.
10 Donald Bryson said it would only be in the areas where there are already businesses
11 with parking.
12 Chair Rich asked if changing the road will affect stormwater flow with pervious versus
13 impervious surfaces.
14 Donald Bryson said that is a problem, and one of the tradeoffs to consider.
15 Chair Rich asked if there is a method for people to cross the street currently.
16 Donald Bryson said people try to avoid it. He said the study showed minimal bike and
17 pedestrian activity. He said there have not been many pedestrian or bike crashes, because
18 people avoid the area; but when crashes do occur, they are serious, with some fatalities.
19 Commissioner McKee asked if crossings would be placed outside of signalized
20 intersections.
21 Donald Bryson said no; crossings would be at specialized, signaled crossings only.
22 Damon Seils, Carrboro Mayor Pro Tem, said staff agrees with this recommendation, and
23 both DCHC-MPO and Carrboro support the recommendation to receive the report, carry on with
24 the safety improvements and encourage local jurisdictions to collaborate more toward solutions.
25 He said Carrboro is not in favor of widening 54 west of town, as it impacts watersheds and
26 residential properties. He said Carrboro has received the same presentation, and will have a
27 resolution next week.
28 Chair Rich said comments were also made and received at the MPO meeting.
29 Nisthith Trivedi discussed the Manager's recommendation.
The Manager recommends the Board:
Receive the presentation,Draft NC 54 VVest Study
Final Report and Phase 2(Attachment 1):
Discuss as appropriate;and
Consider endorsing the DCHC MPo Technical
Committee recommendation that the DCHC MPO
Board receive the study,proceed with safety
improvements along the corridor using information
from the study,and that the local jurisdictions
(including participation by TARPO)work together
with DCHC MPO to identify future roadway
improvements.
30
18
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Orange County watersheds
s
— _� ORANGE COUNlY
2 ._ raaneuuuui .
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
5 to:
6 1. Receive the presentation, Draft NC 54 West Study Final Report and Phase 2 outlined in
7 Attachment 1;and
8 2. Endorse the DCHC-MPO Technical Committee recommendation that the DCHC-MPO
9 Board receive the study, proceed with safety improvements along the corridor using
10 information from the study, and that the local jurisdictions (including participation by
11 TARPO) work together with DCHC-MPO to identify future roadway improvements
12
13 Commissioner Dorosin asked if widening is still on the table.
14 Damon Seils said Carrboro's recommendation is that the BOCC receive the report, but
15 not adopt it. He said widening is still being considered, and the study offers a ton of
16 information. He said Carrboro is not rejecting the work that was done, just rejecting the
17 recommendation of widening the road. He said there needs to be more conversation between
18 jurisdictions, as this involves significant resources. He said there are several safety
19 improvements that can be made at this time.
20 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that the report is not being rejected.
21 Damon Seils said that is correct, and Carrboro is rejecting the recommendation to widen
22 the road.
23 Chair Rich said the importance of receiving, but not adopting, the report is that the
24 safety changes can proceed, while further discussions take place about the other aspects of the
25 report.
26 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are timelines in place.
27 Damon Seils said the MPO Board will hold a public hearing next week.
28 Aaron Cain, DCHC-MPO, said the next step is that the MPO staff will have information,
29 and be able to evaluate if projects should be put forward for state funding. He said if the report
19
1 is adopted, MPO staff would pursue funding to widen the road; but if the report is just received,
2 MPO staff can await further direction in March or April 2020.
3 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that decisions will be made in March or April 2020, as to
4 whether to pursue funding or not.
5 Aaron Cain said there is already funding for the intersection and safety improvements,
6 but the decision about widening would be made in the spring. He said funds are scheduled for
7 Right-of-Ways in the next budget year, with construction start in a few years.
8 Nishith Trivedi said this only relates to the section between Orange Grove Road and Old
9 Fayetteville Road.
10 Commissioner Price asked if the Burlington Graham MPO is involved.
11 Wannetta Mallette, Burlington Graham MPO (BGMPO), said Phase 1 of this plan was
12 presented a year ago. She said the BGMPO received the study, but did not take any action at
13 that time. She said there were a number of concerns about safety improvements from NC119
14 to Hwy 54, and the BGMPO is interested in looking into ideas of surrounding MPOs.
15 Matt Day, Triangle Area Regional Planning Organization (TARPO), said TARPO's
16 decision schedule is a bit different that the MPO, with decisions being made in February. He
17 said widening NC 54 is on TARPO's draft list of projects to submit for funding. He said this
18 draft list is open for public comment now until January 16, 2020.
19 Commissioner Price asked if the Burlington Graham MPO needs to be included in item
20 #3.
21 Aaron Cain said it can be; the DCHC-MPO has no objection.
22 Commissioner Greene said she likes the idea of collaboration, instead of making
23 decisions now. She said to make sure rumble strips are in the plan for safety improvements.
24 Aaron Cain said yes, that would take place in the engineering phase.
25 Commissioner Bedford asked if the impending 1-40 improvements were incorporated
26 into this study.
27 Nishith Trivedi said yes, these improvements have been considered.
28
29 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
30
31 b. Approval of a Planning Framework for Updating the Orange County Transit Plan
32 The Board considered voting to approve a planning framework for updating the Orange
33 County Transit Plan and to appoint two Commissioners to serve as representatives to the Policy
34 Steering Committee.
35
36 BACKGROUND: In 2012, the Board of Orange County Commissioners along with the Durham-
37 Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization and GoTriangle adopted the Orange
38 County's first comprehensive Transit Plan. This Plan was funded using a newly adopted Article
39 43 Half-Cent Sales Tax, and it included investments in new and expanded bus service, new
40 capital infrastructure projects such as the Chapel Hill North-South Bus Rapid Transit Project,
41 the Hillsborough Train Station, and the Durham-Orange Light Rail Project. The Plan was most
42 recently updated in 2017 to meet federal requirements associated with the Durham-Orange
43 Light Rail Project.
44
45 In March 2019, the Durham-Orange Light Rail Transit Project was discontinued. This project
46 was central to the Transit Plan. It was the Plan's primary investment, represented a critical
47 partnership between Durham and Orange counties, and served as the transit infrastructure
48 around which other transit services and growth strategies were planned. In response to the
49 discontinuation of the light rail project, a staff team began the process of creating a potential
20
1 planning framework to create a new Orange County Transit Plan that prioritizes investments,
2 funds service improvements, and improves the resiliency of the public transit network.
3
4 The proposed planning framework would be led by a Policy Steering Committee composed of
5 two (2) Commissioners serving as Co-Chairs, and one representative each from Chapel Hill,
6 Carrboro, Hillsborough, and Mebane. The County and/or municipal appointees should also
7 represent the interests of GoTriangle and the Durham-Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan
8 Planning Organization (DCHC-MPO).
9
10 The Policy Steering Committee would be supported by a staff team which would be led by
11 County staff and include representatives from the same organizations as well as staff support
12 from the Triangle J Council of Governments, the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization,
13 and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
14
15 Both the Policy Steering Committee and the staff team would provide direction and guidance to
16 a consulting firm responsible for analyzing data, facilitating public input processes, soliciting
17 feedback from specific stakeholders, and drafting the Transit Plan. The new Plan would outline
18 transit investment priorities through 2040. Specific consultant responsibilities detailed within a
19 request for qualifications would include:
20 • Creating an overview of services and capital improvements that have been made
21 possible through prior iterations of the Orange County Transit Plan,
22 . Affirming that recently adopted short range plans provide an appropriate, seamless
23 continuum of bus services,
24 • Establishing a process for how improvements are prioritized, so that priorities are
25 understood and supported by elected officials and residents,
26 • Identifying transit dependent populations in Orange County and strategies to serve
27 these populations,
28 • Reporting on public preferences regarding transit services and future investments,
29 • Creating performance measurement criteria that can explain how different existing
30 and planned services meet community goals and preferences,
31 • Creating a Regional Connections Opportunities assessment that examines:
32 o NCDOT studies and projects underway that could be modified to include a transit
33 component
34 o Remnant sections of the Durham-Orange Light Rail alignment that might still be
35 used as high-capacity transit corridors
36 o Travel market needs that link Orange County with Durham County's resident and
37 business needs to build, expand, and support cross-county line transit networks.
38 The Plan should also examine emerging transit needs and opportunities that
39 cross into Alamance and Chatham counties,
40 • Proposing year-by-year implementation recommendations for transit investments
41 through 2040,
42 • Creating a risk assessment to identify potential implementation barriers for new transit
43 projects,
44 • Examining transit recommendations through a racial and social justice lens, establishing
45 agreed upon benchmarks through which to achieve equitable outcomes,
21
1 • Preparing a financially sound plan that considers the costs and benefits of debt
2 financing using a 20 year financial model,
3 • Preparing all necessary maps and exhibits, and
4 • Writing a succinct, user-friendly, easy to understand and meaningful - Final Report and
5 Documentation with an executive summary.
6
7 The Final Orange County Transit Plan would be approved by Orange County, GoTriangle, and
8 the DCHC MPO.
9
10 Travis Myren said the purpose of this item is to go from a policy perspective on the next
11 duration of the Orange County transit plan, which was necessitated by the discontinuation of
12 the light rail project. He said since this was originally proposed, the County has done numerous
13 things: it has increased the contribution level to the Chapel Hill north-south Bus Rapid Transit
14 (BRT); done a light rail study; negotiated GoTriangle Administrative costs; and is transitioning
15 small capital project responsibilities to County staff from GoTriangle.
16 Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
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4 Commissioner Greene asked if Phase 1 of the Morgan Creek greenway is completed.
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2 Commissioner McKee asked if the involved staff could be identified.
3 Travis Myren said staff is from the County, the DCHC-MPO, Carrboro, Chapel Hill,
4 Mebane, GoTriangle and Hillsborough on the Steering Committee.
5 Commissioner McKee asked if there are any GoTriangle Staff or transit providers on the
6 Steering Committee.
7 Travis Myren said GoTriangle staff have been included in the discussions, and will be
8 needed to adopt the plan.
9 Commissioner McKee said it is important to know and understand what the County and
10 its residents need, and not just consider the provider needs.
11 Commissioner Price clarified that the providers would not make the selections.
12 Travis Myren said that is correct; the BOCC, GoTriangle, and the DCHC-MPO would
13 need to approve the plan, and the towns do not.
14 Commissioner McKee said the Towns have representation, but it is County money and
15 thus the County has two representatives. He said his only concern would be that GoTriangle or
16 DCHC-MPO would have a larger say than the County.
17 Travis Myren said neither the GoTriangle Board, nor the DCHC-MPO Board, would have
18 appointed representatives.
19 Chair Rich said the final vote is between GoTriangle, the MPO and Orange County; the
20 towns are on the Steering Committee, but are not involved in the final vote.
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21
22 Commissioner Marcoplos said he is impressed with what has happened since the light
23 rail was discontinued, and the County has not missed a beat. He said it would be a good idea
24 to publicize this progress.
25 Travis Myren said staff has a one-page info-graphic that can be published for the public.
26 Commissioner Dorosin agreed, and said there is still a transit plan in place, which is
27 moving forward.
28 Chair Rich asked if this information is on the County's website.
29 Travis Myren said GoTriangle has the report on its website.
30 Commissioner McKee said not to forget that getting to this point wasted millions, which
31 could have been spent on the current plan. He said it is vital not to forget this waste.
32
33 PUBLIC COMMENT
34 Riley Ruske said he is thankful for Commissioner McKee's comments. He said he
35 understands the discussion, but does not understand the cost benefit to the residents. He said
25
1 Orange County has high taxes and fees, and threw away millions of dollars on the ill-fated light
2 rail system. He said there must be someone in charge, who is responsible to the taxpayers for
3 these expenditures.
4 Commissioner McKee asked for clarification on further light rail studies, as he is not
5 aware of any.
6 Travis Myren said a total of$14 million was allocated to the Chapel Hill north-south
7 BRT, and the Board added $8 million to its current obligation several months ago.
8 Commissioner McKee asked for clarification on what the County is receiving for the
9 $500,000 it is spending on consultant costs. He said he ran in 2010 based on the cost of
10 consultants. He said some consultants are invaluable, and asked if this $500,000 could be
11 broken down into the benefits received.
12 Travis Myren said $500,000 is the placeholder in the transit plan for potential consultant
13 services. He said the current scope is more limited, so it should cost less. He said the Board
14 will have a chance to approve the contract at a later time.
15 Commissioner Bedford referred to slide 16, item #4, and asked if the working staff is
16 also the MPO Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
17 Travis Myren said this is different than the MPO Technical Advisory Committee. He said
18 the staff working group was created to make recommend changes to the transit plan, which is
19 related to the TAC, but not the same.
20 Commissioner Bedford asked if the towns' planners were involved.
21 Travis Myren said the towns have representatives, and the by-laws contained a voting
22 rubric, which had the voting members as Orange County, Go Triangle, and the DCHC-MPO.
23 He said inclusion of the towns needs to be revisited, as some may be interested in being voting
24 members.
25 Commissioner Bedford asked if this will be reviewed, as a part of this plan, and the
26 towns could possibly be included.
27 Travis Myren said all towns participate in the dialogue, and there have been no major
28 votes as yet.
29 Commissioner Bedford referred to page 2 of the abstract agenda, and said she liked
30 that there will be a 20-year finance horizon, depending on the recommendations. She said
31 there might also be other ways to ensure representation.
32 Chair Rich said there may end up being two members from Chapel Hill and Carrboro,
33 and only one from Hillsborough and Mebane, which could shift the weighting of the steering
34 committee.
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Price for
37 the Board to:
38 1) Approve the planning framework for updating the Orange County Transit Plan; and
39 2) Authorize staff to proceed with implementing the planning framework and issuing
40 request for qualifications for consulting services as outlined in this abstract.
41
42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
44 Commissioner Dorosin referred to recommendation #3, and proposed putting the Chair
45 on the Committee, as well as Commissioner Marcoplos, since he has been the Board's point
46 person on transportation.
47 Commissioner McKee said he would prefer the Board not consolidate its transportation
48 group representation to one or two people, and would rather see it spread across the Board.
49 He said this would allow different perspectives to be involved.
26
1 Commissioner Dorosin referred to page 15, and thought the idea was the representation
2 from GoTriangle and the MPO would be achieved by the County and municipal appointments.
3 Chair Rich said that is correct.
4 Commissioner Bedford said the way it reads to her is that the towns would be included.
5 Commissioner McKee said he thinks it would be difficult to represent both GoTriangle
6 and a competing group at the same time. He said he would like to appoint people to this group
7 who are not currently holding any other transportation positions.
8 Commissioner Marcoplos asked Commissioner McKee if he has noticed competing
9 interests.
10 Commissioner McKee said not at all, but having different people can bring different
11 perspectives.
12 Commissioner Price said she is concerned that Commissioner Dorosin's
13 recommendation will not provide for any additional representation from the northern part of the
14 County, other than Hillsborough, and there will not be representation from the a rural part of
15 Orange County.
16 Commissioner Greene said the Board represents the entire County as at large
17 members.
18 Commissioner Price said understands that, but the interests are different in the northern
19 part of the county.
20 Commissioner Bedford said she would recommend Commissioner Greene and
21 Commissioner Marcoplos, who have experience living in the more rural parts of the County, as
22 well as experience with Chapel Hill Transit.
23 Chair Rich said she thinks it is important for Commissioner Marcoplos to be on this
24 committee, as his focus and dedication is very well respected.
25 Commissioner Greene said she is happy to serve if called.
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Price to
28 appoint Commissioner Marcoplos and Commissioner Greene to serve as co-chairs of the Policy
29 Steering Committee.
30
31 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
32
33 Commissioner Dorosin said it is important to be clear that the comment about the Board
34 spending $14 million on light rail is inaccurate.
35 Chair Rich said, additionally, the Board did not spend $100 million on light rail; but rather
36 spent 16% of$130 million.
37 Commissioner Dorosin said he takes objection to Commissioner McKee's comment that
38 this was a waste of money. He said Duke and the State killed the light rail project, and he
39 thinks it was a good investment and the project would have been an invaluable asset to the
40 County.
41 Commissioner McKee said he asked about the $14 million, because he knows that was
42 not spent. He said he respectfully disagrees with Commissioner Dorosin, and while there was
43 some benefit, most of the money was wasted. He said this is his opinion.
44 Commissioner Greene said the Board took a calculated risk, and it was a big idea and
45 had a chance of success until the very end.
46 Commissioner McKee said that is why this iteration must address the citizen's needs,
47 and must have citizen input.
48 Commissioner Marcoplos said he has spent a lot of time at GoTriangle Board meetings
49 advocating for Orange County to be a stronger participant in the triangle feature of the region,
50 with some success.
27
1 Commissioner McKee said he does not question this at all, and he appreciates all the work
2 done by Commissioner Marcoplos.
3
4 c. Application Modifications for Volunteer Advisory Boards and Commissions
5 The Board discussed modifications to the application for volunteer advisory boards and
6 commissions, consider approving a new application format, and consider holding or canceling
7 the November 14, 2019 regular work session.
8
9 BACKGROUND: At the October 3, 2019 regular work session, the Board expressed an interest
10 in making advisory boards and commissions more inclusive and improving diversity, and it was
11 noted that the lengthy application may be negatively impacting public response.
12
13 The Board discussed reducing the size and complexity of the application to two pages.
14
15 Proposed changes to streamline the current application are listed below:
16 1. Remove "Additional Questions" for Selected Boards
17 • ABC Board
18 • Durham Technical Community College Board of Trustees
19 • Orange County Board of Adjustment
20 • Orange County Equalization and Review Board
21 • Orange County Planning Board
22 • OWASA Board
23 2. Remove Township question (can be verified by staff by address)
24 3. Remove domicile in Orange County question (can be verified by address)
25 4. Remove "Place of employment" and "Job title"
26 5. Remove "Are you at least 18 years of age"
27 6. Remove references to fax numbers (old technology no longer used by applicants)
28 7. Remove categories of phones with a space for one phone number.
29 8. Remove "Ethics Guidelines" from application
30 9. Add "Age Range"
31 10. Add "How would your participation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?"
32
33 An excerpt from the draft October 3Id minutes is included as Attachment 1 for reference.
34
35 If and/or when the Board approves the new application, the following next steps will need to be
36 implemented to switch to the new application and process. (The actions below will likely take
37 several weeks to accomplish.)
38 • Information Technologies (IT) will need to format the layout of the online application.
39 • IT will need to modify the current database fields for the additional questions.
40 • IT will need to modify the coding for the report package presented to the BOCC for
41 appointments.
42 • The Clerk's Office will need to contact the applicants on the boards up for appointment
43 to get a response for the additional questions (approximately 2 — 10 applicants per
44 board).
45
46 Additional BOCC decision:
47 Does the Board wish to move forward with the November 14 regular work session as a
48 trial run of the new appointment discussion process, using the current application (and
49 not the new one)?
50
28
1 The Board may want to consider reviewing the current pending appointments at the November
2 14 regular work session, based on the original application responses.
3
4 It should be noted that:
5 • The Board's next regular work session will be on February 11, 2020.
6 • February 2020 will mean some boards will wait for appointments for 6 to 9 months.
7 • Several pending appointments are based on town recommendations.
8 • Some appointments are re-appointments with no other applicants under consideration.
9 • If the BOCC wishes to see the responses to the new questions for specific boards,
10 those appointments could be postponed by the Board until the February work session.
11
12 A future discussion topic for the Board regarding appointments is:
13 In 2020 there are regular work sessions in February, March and April, then a 5-month
14 gap to September. Do additional work sessions need to be added? Does the BOCC
15 want to discuss appointments in budget work sessions?
16
17 David Hunt, Deputy Clerk, said during the October 3 Work Session discussion and
18 subcommittee meeting, suggestions were made and staff came up with proposed modifications
19 to the application.
20 Commissioner Dorosin said the previous discussions suggested that the lengthy
21 application was possibly preventing people from applying. He said the overall application was
22 shortened, and a few questions were added to understand what an applicant can contribute in
23 regards to diversity. He said the desire is to get more people recommended to sit on these
24 boards, and they do not have to be experts.
25 Commissioner Price agreed.
26 Commissioner Bedford thanked all involved for doing this so quickly.
27 Commissioner Greene said she likes the application, but does not entirely agree that
28 background and qualifications should be overlooked, but the diversity question gives the
29 applicant the opportunity to explain further.
30 Commissioner Price asked if an applicant can attach a resume.
31 David Hunt said not at this time.
32 Commissioner Dorosin said he is not certain that the length of the application is the
33 problem, and it may be more related to the larger issue of engagement and outreach,
34 responsibility for which falls on the County. He said having a shorter application will not
35 necessarily increase the number of applicants.
36 Chair Rich said engagement and outreach are common concerns among several local
37 governments.
38
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Price for
40 the Board to approving the proposed changes to the volunteer application for advisory boards
41 and commissions.
42
43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45 Chair Rich asked if the Board should hold the November 14 Work Session to review
46 applications submitted under the old format.
47 David Hunt said there are currently up to 10 boards and commissions awaiting
48 appointments.
49 Commissioner Price said this was discussed in the subcommittee, and since applicants
50 have already completed an application, it was deemed these applicants should not have to do it
29
1 again. She said the towns are ready to fill vacancies, and a delay seems inappropriate at this
2 time.
3 David Hunt said the Clerk's Office will adapt the reporting system and modify the
4 database with the new questions, and will try to systematically ask current applicants to submit
5 the responses to these new questions.
6 Commissioner Marcoplos said what will help this process the most is the Board taking
7 the time to have a fuller discussion. He said updating the application is useful, but the
8 increased dialogue is most important. He supported moving ahead with appointments on the
9 14t"
10 Commissioner Dorosin said changing the application, and having fuller conversations at
11 work sessions, were two separate tasks. He said the Board can make the appointments using
12 the existing applications and having the discussion, and if it goes well, the Board can continue
13 this new process going forward. He said he supports moving forward on the 14t"
14 Chair Rich said the Board will go ahead with the November 14I" Work Session. She
15 asked if staff should contact the applicants being considered, in order for them to answer the
16 new application questions.
17 Commissioner McKee said no, the Board should just continue.
18 The Board agreed by consensus.
19 Chair Rich acknowledged that Riley Ruske had signed up to speak on this item, but had
20 left the meeting.
21
22 d. Creation of a 1.0 FTE Deputy Sheriff I (School Resource Officer) Position in the
23 Orange County Sheriff's Office for Assignment to Eno River Academy, and
24 Approval of Budget Amendment #2-A
25 The Board considered voting to approve the creation of a 1.0 FTE Deputy Sheriff 1
26 (School Resource Officer) position in the Orange County Sheriff's Office for assignment to Eno
27 River Academy, and approval of Budget Amendment#2-A for the acceptance of offsetting
28 revenues from Eno River Academy to cover the full costs of the position.
29
30 BACKGROUND: At its July 12, 2018 meeting, the Eno River Academy Board of Directors
31 voted unanimously to move forward with discussions with the Orange County Sheriff to place a
32 School Resource Officer (SRO) on its K-12 campus. The Orange County Sheriff's Office
33 currently provides a School Resource Officer Program in the Orange County Public Schools.
34
35 One deputy is assigned to each elementary and middle school, as well as to the Partnership
36 Academy, while two deputies are stationed at each high school. Upon approval of the position,
37 the Sheriff's Office and Eno River Academy will enter into a previously reviewed and approved
38 Agreement.
39
40 At its June 11, 2019 Budget work session, and as part of the 2019-20 budget process, the
41 BOCC previously discussed the possibility of creating a 1.0 FTE Deputy Sheriff I position to
42 provide School Resource Officer (SRO) services at Eno River Academy. At that time, it was
43 proposed that Eno River Academy would provide reimbursement to the County for the 10-
44 month School Year associated expenditures. The minutes from that discussion detailing the
45 Board's decision to not move forward with the proposal are provided at Attachment 1.
46
47 The new current request entails Eno River Academy providing reimbursement to the County
48 based on a full fiscal year's (12 months) expenditures and on a Services Agreement Contract
49 outlining the SRO's services and related reimbursement to the County for FY 2019-20. The
50 expenses for FY 2019-20 would be pro-rated based on a commencement date of November 11,
30
1 2019, and both the Sheriff and Eno River Academy would have the option at the beginning of
2 each future fiscal year to approve, amend or discontinue the associated Services Agreement
3 Contract.
4
5 The SRO would maintain the same training and certification requirements as apply to all other
6 certified law enforcement officers in the Sheriff's Office and would be qualified to provide law
7 enforcement services in a manner consistent with customary law enforcement standards and
8 practices.
9
10 Lisa Bair, Executive Director of Eno River Academy (ERA), said the State charges a
11 school principal with the safety of the school, and she and her staff are concerned about the
12 safety issue. She said when one looks at the numbers and response time, versus the time it
13 takes for an event to happen, most of the destruction would be done before there is a response.
14 She said a School Resource Officer (SRO) can help the school with that opportunity. She said
15 a SRO is also a motivator or advocate for the students, because they are trained. She said
16 when one considers social equity, all schools have the right to safety. She said her school will
17 put up 100% of the funds if the County will approve the position.
18 Mike O'Malley, Vice Chair ERA Board of Directors, said school safety is not taken lightly,
19 and ERA is willing to work collaboratively with the Sheriff's Department to keep all kids safe.
20 Amy Simonson, ERA Community At-Large Board member, said it is important to
21 connect the community and the school in positive ways. She said SROs are a fundamental
22 member of the community, and having one at ERA is highly supported by the school. She said
23 ERA has agreed to pay for the SRO, including benefits and transportation, and the position
24 would be at no cost to the County. She said this would provide prevention and interaction, and
25 ERA would like to see a statewide SRO program in place.
26 Sarah Yagnow said her son and daughter's safety is her#1 concern. She said this
27 position would be at no cost to the County, and would foster a culture of safety that the SRO is
28 trained to do.
29 Kristi Anspach, Eno River Academy Board Chair, said she is a lifelong resident of
30 Orange County and a product of local public schools. She said there was an incident at Efland
31 Cheeks while her son was there, which was very concerning, but private schools were not an
32 affordable option. She said ERA offered an alternative, and she has seen the school grow and
33 offer alternatives to many families. She said the ERA Board approved 100% funding for this
34 SRO position, and this is the type of precedent that the Board of County Commissioners should
35 want to set: valuing child safety, and being fiscally responsible.
36 Brad Tapper, ERA Board member, said he is an advocate for the SRO as safety is a top
37 concern, and is near and dear to his heart. He said earlier the BOCC spoke about safety
38 concerns and wanting rumble strips on the road, and now ERA is asking for the same thing:
39 safety at the school. He said ERA will fund this position completely, and is asking the BOCC to
40 put ERA students on a level playing field with everyone else.
41 Sheriff Blackwood said the County currently does not have an SRO at the school. He
42 said his department has been encouraged by the school to walk through the halls to identify
43 safety concerns. He said since 2017 there have been a total of 463 calls to the school involving
44 suspicious activity, response to alarms, locked keys in cars, minor crashes, etc. He said the
45 position would be fully funded by ERA, and would cost $70,069. He said the decision tonight is
46 not whether or not to assign an SRO to the school, as he plans to do this anyway. He said the
47 decision tonight is whether the Board will offer him an opportunity to get an FTE for him to
48 offset this SRO, which will be paid for by the school. He said he hopes the Board will concur
49 that leaving a school without an SRO is a bad decision, and he also hopes the Board would not
50 force him to diminish his services in other areas to fulfill this important need.
31
1 Commissioner Price asked if the school funds this position for a year, and then decides
2 it no longer wants the SRO, would the person be out of work.
3 Sheriff Blackwood said yes, it would be a one-year contract with that person.
4 Commissioner Price asked if this would be a person who is already serving on the
5 Sheriff's staff, and would this person have a job if the school no longer wants the services.
6 Sheriff Blackwood said, no the person would not have a job at the end of the contract,
7 should ERA not want to renew the contract. He said the school has new construction, and he
8 anticipates ERA may want to increase the number of officers there.
9 Commissioner McKee said it is a question of equity, and SROs are being provided in
10 other schools. He said his concern is the safety of the children, regardless of where they attend
11 school.
12 Commissioner Greene said the Board previously discussed this, and asked if the Board
13 provides SROs for all of the charter schools in the County.
14 Commissioner Bedford said no, and asked if other charter schools have high schools.
15 Commissioner McKee said other schools have not requested a SRO, nor agreed to pay
16 for one.
17 Commissioner Bedford said the County provides SROs at the taxpayer's expense, to all
18 schools in the Orange County School district. She said Orange County Schools pays the
19 County back for these positions.
20 Bonnie Hammersley said the schools pay for the SROs, and the Sheriff's office is
21 reimbursed.
22 Commissioner Greene said she is not opposed to this position as the Sheriff is
23 responding to ERA with frequency already. She said there is a difference between a fully public
24 school and a charter school.
25 Sheriff Blackwood said he understands the distinction, and knows the BOCC is
26 concerned with the safety of all students in Orange County.
27 Commissioner Dorosin said there is a larger issue of SRO`s in general. He said the
28 Board should have a broader conversation about having them in any schools, as studies
29 question SRO effectiveness. He said children in schools with SROs are more likely to be
30 arrested for non-serious, non-violent crimes; and videos show SRO misconduct. He said if
31 there are security concerns, the schools should address them with security officers that do not
32 have the authority to arrest, and he hopes for a broader conversation. He said if the BOCC
33 does continue to support the use of SROs, there should be memorandums of understanding
34 (MOUs) that limit the roles of SROs, in order to prevent abuses and criminalization of low-level
35 crimes. He said he will continue to push for not using SROs at all, or having MOUs with the
36 schools to address the statistics.
37 Sheriff Blackwood said he appreciated Commissioner Dorosin's comments, but
38 suggested he talk with Cait Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Department, about Orange
39 County numbers. He said his office does have MOUs with the schools, which limit the authority
40 of the officers within school, and are recognized as the most effective MOU in the State. He
41 said the top two reasons children are arrested in North Carolina are disorderly conduct and
42 fighting, for which his staff do not arrest unless it becomes dangerous to the life and property of
43 another person. He said the schools handle disorderly conduct and fighting. He said the local
44 SROs take great care to ensure that children do not leave schools with unnecessary arrest
45 records, and he take offense that Commissioner Dorosin would accept that a study from
46 another county could represent the work being done in Orange County.
47 Commissioner Marcoplos said brought this topic up at a joint meeting with the school
48 boards a few years ago, and the school boards want SROs. He said he appreciates that
49 Orange County has a lighter arrest record and practice. He said it is great if a school is willing
50 to pay for the SRO, and the County should allow it.
32
1 Commissioner Bedford said she can see both sides. She said she there was an incident
2 at Chapel Hill High School, and the violent incident ruined a teacher's life, who was an excellent
3 teacher. She said incidents do happen. She said the impetus for having SROs started with a
4 7t" grade middle student who committed suicide at Culbreth Middle School. She said the goal
5 needs to be continually refocused on preventing child injury. She said Orange County has the
6 luxury of having progressive law enforcement departments, and have done the crisis training
7 voluntarily, and times have changed. She said there are many ways for the officers to help at
8 the schools, and while it is sad that SROs are needed at all, if there is a school willing to take
9 on this cost then she can support the request.
10 Commissioner McKee said the Board can have policy and academic discussions and
11 arguments until it's blue in the face, but if the Board does not approve this request, and
12 something happens at ERA, then the BOCC Board would be as responsible as the person who
13 does the violent action.
14 Commissioner Dorosin asked if ERA will have to sign a MOU.
15 Sheriff Blackwood said yes, and has already agreed to do this.
16 Chair Rich asked if this is a one-year contract, which will be revisited annually.
17 Sheriff Blackwood said yes.
18 Chair Rich asked if the other schools have a multiple year contract, and if MOUs are
19 reviewed.
20 Sheriff Blackwood said his predecessor rarely renewed them, but he saw the need and
21 heard the argument at the state level, and will renew MOUs every year. He said times change,
22 studies change, philosophies change, and these issues need to be addressed regularly. He
23 said his department addresses actions with warning citations, and takes its actions within the
24 schools very seriously. He said his department is not interested in children having unwarranted
25 criminal records, and is confident that those involved in criminal justice would back him up.
26 Commissioner McKee referred to the recent incident with the special needs child, and
27 said that person needs to be punished for a long time.
28
29 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Price for
30 the Board to:
31 1) Create a 1.0 FTE Deputy Sheriff I Position in the Orange County Sheriff's Office for
32 Assignment to Eno River Academy; and
33 2) Approve Budget Amendment#2-A and the acceptance of offsetting revenue to cover
34 the pro-rated costs of the position for November 11, 2019 through June 30, 2020.
35
36 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner Dorosin)
37
38 7. Reports
39 None
40
41 8. Consent Agenda
42 . Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
43 Commissioner McKee pulled item 8-f.
44
45 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
48 approve items 8-a through 8-e, and item 8-g on the Consent Agenda.
49
50 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
33
1
2 a. Minutes
3 The Board approved the minutes from the October 3 Work Session and October 15, 2019
4 Regular Meeting as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
5 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
6 The Board voted to adopt a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor
7 vehicle property tax values for five taxpayers with a total of six bills that will result in a reduction
8 of revenue in accordance with NCGS 05-381(a)(1).
9 C. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
10 The Board voted to adopt a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property
11 tax values for nineteen taxpayers with a total of thirty-three bills that will result in a reduction of
12 revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381(b).
13 d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
14 The Board voted to adopt a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, for fourteen untimely
15 applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem taxation for forty-nine bills for the 2019
16 tax year.
17 e. North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program: Orange County Sheriff's
18 Office Traffic Safety Project and Approval of Budget Amendment#2-13
19 The Board voted to adopt the North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program Local
20 Governmental Resolution accepting federal funding for traffic safety projects to the Sheriff's
21 Office; authorized the Chair to sign the Resolution; and approved Budget Amendment#2-B
22 accepting the $20,000 from federal grant funds.
23 g. Budget Amendment#2-C —Approval of an Intermediate Budget for the Link
24 Government Services Center Remediation Project
25 The Board voted to approve Budget Amendment#2-C, authorized the County Manager to
26 execute a lease for 405 Meadowlands Drive, and ratified the Manager's signature for a lease for
27 115 East King Street.
28
29 Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
30
31 f. Modifications to the Board of County Commissioners' "Rules of Procedure" for
32 Meeting Classifications and Clarification on Public Comments at BOCC Meetings
33 The Board considered voting to approve changing all references to the Board's formal meetings
34 from "Regular Meeting" to "Business Meeting" going forward; and the modifications to the Rules
35 of Procedure as submitted by the County Attorney in Attachment 3 clarifying opportunities for
36 public comment at Board meetings.
37
38 Commissioner McKee said this change will take a massive amount of effort to update
39 documents.
40 David Hunt said this is merely used as a reference going forward involving changes in
41 the Rule of Procedure and the calendar at this time, and staff will correct items going forward.
42 He said staff is not looking to retroactively make changes to historical documents.
43 Commissioner McKee said he is referring to other documents that are currently in use,
44 and he does not understand the issue between a regular meeting and a business meeting.
45 John Roberts said State Statute defines any board meeting as a regular meeting, and
46 jurisdictions must have a minimum of one regular meeting per calendar month. He said
47 historically, the BOCC has referred to regular meetings as only those meetings where votes are
48 taken. He said in an effort to try to separate this, David Hunt came up with the idea to use the
49 term `business meeting', like other towns do.
50 Commissioner McKee said it is not worth arguing over.
34
1 Commissioner Price said she has a concern about this also, but if staff says it is easy,
2 then she is fine with it. She said changing the names does not get to the point of the discussion
3 that regular meetings are when people can talk. She said work sessions are for the Board to
4 deliberate and discuss.
5 David Hunt, Deputy Clerk, said that by State Statute, all of the Board's meetings could
6 be considered as regular meetings. He said staff is proposing using the term 'business
7 meeting' to help clarify this.
8 John Roberts said staff has included definitions, and specifically defined when the public
9 can speak.
10 Commissioner Greene said it makes sense to her, and the Town of Chapel Hill does the
11 same. She said Item 6 is good; and it is just a change in terminology, and the second concern
12 is communication. She said this is a good start.
13
14 A motion was made by Commissioner Marcoplos, seconded by Commissioner Greene
15 to approve changing all references to the Board's formal meetings from "Regular Meeting" to
16 "Business Meeting" going forward; and the modifications to the Rules of Procedure as
17 submitted by the County Attorney in Attachment 3 clarifying opportunities for public comment at
18 Board meetings.
19
20 VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nays, 1 (Commissioner McKee)
21
22 9. County Manager's Report
23 None
24
25 10. County Attorney's Report
26 None
27
28 11. Appointments
29 None
30
31 12. Information Items
32 The Board received the following information items:
33
34 • October 15, 2019 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
35 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
36 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
37 • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under$100
38
39 13. Closed Session
40 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos to
41 go into closed session at 10:16 p.m. for the purposes below:
42
43 "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on
44 the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS §
45 143-318.11(a)(5).
46
47 "To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of
48 appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or
49 prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or
50 grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee." NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(6)
35
1
2 "To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of industries or other businesses in
3 the area served by the public body, including agreement on a tentative list of economic
4 development incentives that maybe offered by the public body's negotiations" NCGS 143-
5 318.11(a)(4)
6
7 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
8
9 RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
12 reconvene into regular session at 11:35 p.m.
13
14 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
15
16 14. Adjournment
17
18 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
19 adjourn the meeting at 11:35 p.m.
20
21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
22
23 Penny Rich, Chair
24
25
26 Sherri Ingersoll
27 Deputy Clerk
1
1 Attachment 2
2
3 DRAFT
4 MINUTES
5 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
6 WORK SESSION
7 November 14, 2019
8 7:00 p.m.
9
10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in a work session on Thursday,
11 November 14, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill,
12 N.C.
13
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Penny Rich and Commissioners
15 Jamezetta Bedford, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Mark Marcoplos, Earl McKee and Renee
16 Price
17 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None
18 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
19 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County
20 Manager Travis Myren, and Deputy Clerk Sherri Ingersoll (All other staff members will be
21 identified appropriately below.)
22
23 Chair Rich called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
24 Chair Rich requested to add a Closed Session Item "To discuss matters related to the
25 location or expansion of industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body,
26 including agreement on a tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered
27 by the public body in negotiations," NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(4)
28
29 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Bedford
30 to add the Closed Session item to the agenda.
31
32 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
33
34 1. Presentation from UNC Student Team
35
36 BACKGROUND: A student team from Dr. Allison De Marco's class in the UNC School of
37 Social Work will provide a presentation to the Board.
38
39 Commissioner Greene said for the past several years, Dr. Allison Demarco has
40 asked the four Commissioners who serve on the Partnership to End Homelessness Board
41 to come to her class and propose a project to test the idea of racial justice and economic
42 justice in the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina (UNC). She said
43 this year she brought a proposition that the County only invest significant dollars in
44 affordable housing that is on transit lines because the cost of transportation is a part of
45 affordable housing equation, and one should not pay more than 30% of one's income
46 towards basic housing costs including transportation. She said this is complicated in
47 Orange County, and the proposition may not be a good idea, but she asked the students to
48 see if this would work.
49 Valerie Lucas, student, thanked the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) for its
50 involvement. She introduced the other team members: Tara Murray and Jane
2
1 Stonehouse. She made the following PowerPoint presentation to discuss the students'
2 research and findings:
Affordable Housing and Transit
Placement through the Lens of
Racial Equity
Valcric Lucas,Tara Murray,Jano Stonchouse
r::+-
OR"E COUNTY
NORTH CAROL INA
3
What is the Racial Equity Toolkit?
The racraI e=tty too lia Is a fran[ewarK that works Ic operabona llze equity In
the Centefn or a po hcy or to mmu n Iry o ecrswn.
t 3 i 5 fi
4
Step One
pesaibe the policy.Refer ba_k to the poky thro ughaut IhO praCess
5
Potential Policy: Affordable Housing and
Transit Placement
Limit Orange County affordable housing
dollars to new developments only near public
transit,generally defined as with'/z mile of a
transit stop,also known as"location efficient."
6
Step Two
Step Two!Re�ie an.1 collect data.Establish a facluai bass for anarysis.
1 • 7 3 � 5 fi
7
3
1 Valerie Lucas said 54% of renters need cost efficient housing, which is less than
2 30% of income.
54%
the pe rcentage of renters In our a tea that meet HUD's criteria for cost-burdened;
they pay more Ihan 30%of their income towards housing,and therefor0 may
struggle to meet other basic needs,like Food or calling
3
Research Methods
• Policy Background
Acad"C research
n Housing and Urban Development
p Town and county sources
• Stakeholder Intervie•,vs
o Damn Soils.Aldo rman.Campo ro
Karen Slegmen,CO LiMilvrpman.Town of Chapel Hill
o Emilie Su¢on.Dsrecto r,Ore We County Housing and Urban Development
o Janice Tyler,Director.Ora We County Depa rtnlent on Aging
c Yvette Mathews,Community Orgain ze r.Community Empowerment Fundl
• Case Study:Durham Courny
4
Research Outcomes
• For wary dollar a ww-Incc mo household saves on housing,it spends an
additional TS on transit
■ Strong reed for more affordable horsing in Orange Cc arty
• Possibly larger future sa mica area for busses in the future
• Broad support for aflordah le hous•ng on transit
Is Community COnCent Obc!Lit N I MRYSm
■ Durham County:Loan fund thAl nonprgfd ager'y^:e5 Lan accOsS when They wan}
to compete with market rate deve apersfor sires on transit
5
6 Valerie Lucas said that the 77 cents is based on a national average, and Orange
7 County may be better than this rate, as there are alternative systems available.
Step Three
Define the benefits and burdens of the policy,focusing on race.
1 ' i 5 6
8
9 Tara Murray continued the presentation:
10
4
Benefits and Burdens
(of implementing policy)
• ennp•M[N io w•rKgne taysii�, • mme neopleexpMen[Irp nws%-'A]
.n..ewi.rbwv M•� nsece¢r
• awn une aowr�ea e.cgienei vemnm • Como he usM mli svfp decreased
' hnin,cnrnrq n.annvnm aiforaa0le rws»g
m Oyrerge vr[wrcty • [vexu»,e.we•..wyngeauEe3ly
• m..ynwti�n elpr•t.e
e�� ryulrtg or o-ans[wsdOca1YA OriM1•
re p011irel wllma'M YHWl9iOMn 9..rrr far ean.nwly eazlusbRreowaN
• on erwiwHon e'maaY "Mn,
YWt oivt�MYuier
• lase rwW onlre emkernen[
• � canny
i*ovc9vtl A'np vrtetla otµmpv Xurgv
1
Benefits and Burdens
(of not implementing policy)
• I[kely ha more afforcah a housing • may nct be as tranc_i"c_essible
units in the county ■ isc late lewer-income
• more affordable homes -OMMunRies and limit their
• potential for those transit lines to access to communiy and scic ial
Change and expand enwoeme nt
• policy Coutgn-1 be used to stall ■ urban Sprawl in ge nerar Is
aver(lat)re ho Using oeve k]Jment LltnlBte ly bad for the
environment
2
Step Four
Strategize for rac iar equ¢y.using data and be me r-burden analyses
i 3 5 fi
3
How Racial Equity Intersects with
Affordable Housing
• filty incorporate the views a!low income community members
• fe91s We tha additidn of harriers ao afforda bte hoi irq
• facilitatirg incentiviaetion in place of a policy
• allocate more funds to the areas that are working to daveiop
affordable housing on.transil
4
5 Jane Stonehouse continued the presentation:
Stop Fine
❑Pscri6P the plan for implementation and gig pc licy recommendatons
1 • i 3 � 5 6
6
5
Our Recommendation
We recommend that the county create an aco nomic ince nttvo(porhaps in tha farm
of a'honus')that vro.ld nudge C—Iop eis to build aflortlahte hauling witl in Yones
of p ub'ic tra rsrt:
F-or affordable housing that ru not'location effrcienL'we recommend potentlaiy
funding once ma nd shuthes to provide Some level of tra nspodation.
Corder nee[rvc r�dm�aapmen!cppca�umcs,tic Ephuy:Fordnam(o[I�ni:�uvynv[fx 9w.e He
d 1,ol,
1
2 Jane Stonehouse said the research shows that a lack of affordable housing greatly
3 impacts people of color, and their research confirms the recommendation for on-demand
4 shuttles, which Carrboro Alderman Seils suggested. She said, as of July 14, new zoning
5 requirements for single-room occupancies may make housing costs more affordable and is
6 a more feasible option for low-income people.
Step Six
Ensure accounta bility thro ugh evaeRHian and prag r"monitoring-
•
• i 3 4 5 6
7
Next Steps
1. Wnek to deepen relationships vllh the[0w income community through
community advocacy argai¢atians,like the Cc mmu n ity E mpawe rment Fund.
2. Veve 10p an Incentive structure With of the needs of the low-InCome co mmunlfY
in mind-
3. Che mown rac lel equity by su pporlfrg mlxeduse xomnp that wiA not only allow
but also encourage the sac ial inclusion of the low-income community by
rote MMXing&eatirvc rodeve la pme nt prajgcts.
8
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to the follow)ng contributars who hoped us co ntextua lice th is
in[reasingty compl:catod and nlulti.dimensionat issue:
Aldo rman Oa mon Seifs.Cc uncilwomon Karen Stegman,Emle Sutton.Janice Tyler,
Yvette Manhews,and Karen Ledo.
9
10 Valerie Lucas said she hopes the Board will find this tool useful, and it is always
11 important to consider the racial impact.
12 Chair Rich asked how long the students worked on this project.
13 Jane Stonehouse said it has been ongoing for several weeks, and most of the
14 interviews were pulled together a while back.
15 Chair Rich asked if the County's website was helpful, and information accessible
16 and easy to find.
6
1 Valerie Lucas said the site is helpful, but the organization of it is challenging.
2 Jane Stonehouse said this is a multi-dimensional issue, and it takes a lot of
3 research to understand the terminology being used in the documents.
4 Commissioner Dorosin said this is great work. He referred to the recommendation
5 for an incentive structure, and asked if the students have thought about what this would
6 look like. He said the County has tried some incentives in the past, such as density
7 bonuses, but has been unsuccessful. He said incentives are not big enough to encourage
8 affordable housing close to transportation. He said developers are happy to eschew those
9 incentives to build larger homes.
10 Tara Murray said the students were thinking mostly about the towns, and Chapel Hill
11 may be best able to consider Orange County as a part of its strategy. She said if this type
12 of incentive has not worked in the past, she would consider increasing it, as the need is
13 great. She said the group feels strongly that an incentive would work, if the right size.
14 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the slide that mentioned the 77 cents average
15 additional cost for transportation, and said the land is so much cheaper in the County, and
16 wondered if the number of units could be maximized and residents be given a car, as
17 opposed to building on more expensive land in the towns. He said the piece of the pie
18 where transportation is available is not growing and the cost of incentives would be too
19 high. He asked if there is a tipping point between having affordable housing near public
20 transit, and having it more removed but providing vehicles. He said the same issues arise
21 about have affordable housing near public water and sewer, but the costs become
22 prohibitive.
23 Tara Murray said that is why the group supports the recommendation for on-
24 demand shuttles, but this would be a long time coming and remains in the idea stage.
25 Jane Stonehouse said that Durham County has a new program, and while she is not
26 certain of all that Durham County does, there is a loan program that helps affordable
27 housing developers to compete with the market. She said Orange County may be able to
28 apply the idea of a loan program to get a foot in the door, as affordable housing and
29 transportation is challenging.
30 Commissioner Marcoplos said another concern is parking, which is appropriate in an
31 urban setting. He said where public transportation is available; one could reduce the
32 amount of parking to build more units, which could result in a reduction in rent.
33 Commissioner McKee asked if the students looked at the Orange Public Transit
34 (OPT) system and whether it could be reconfigured or revamped to accommodate building
35 away from the urban centers.
36 Tara Murray said the students think that urban transportation is important, but if
37 County transportation was more sustainable, due to lower costs, and the amount of transit
38 available could be increased, it might work; but community inclusiveness becomes a
39 concern.
40 Commissioner McKee said he is also concerned about creating islands of affordable
41 housing. He asked if the students reached into the deeper layers of the community who
42 are most affected, when conducting interviews.
43 Jane Stonehouse said she interviewed Community Empowerment Fund (CEF)
44 members, and the overwhelming consensus is that there is a need for affordable housing,
45 and that most felt stifled by anything that would limit affordable housing in general.
46 Commissioner McKee suggested going further than community activist groups or
47 organizers, and to speak to people at the street level (community centers, churches, etc.).
48 Jane Stonehouse said the people at CEF are on the street level, facing
49 homelessness, and are in current search for affordable housing.
50 Commissioner McKee said he misunderstood what she had said.
7
1 Commissioner Price said it is important to include people in the community, because
2 there is a tendency to propose an idea that may not be what people want. She said even in
3 some outlying areas, people feel differently. She said she liked the idea of the on-demand
4 services. She applauded the students for their work, and encouraged them to remember
5 there are different perspectives.
6 Jane Stonehouse said people do not want apartment buildings. She said she spoke
7 with several Rogers Road residents, and this is a concern. She said it is a balance
8 between securing housing and meeting desires.
9 Commissioner Price said maintaining community character is important, and having
10 people be proud of their neighborhood.
11 Commissioner Greene said she appreciates all of the time and thoughtful
12 conclusions. She said a twist on the dilemma with transit is that one should not spend more
13 than 30% of income on housing, but also often do not have their own cars. She asked if
14 the County could subsidize housing and transportation so the amount does not exceed 38%
15 total, which would help to equalize things. She said she spoke with a homeless woman
16 who became homeless because she needed her car to get to work. She chose to get her
17 car fixed and live in it, due to not being able to afford housing.
18 Commissioner Greene said single room occupancies (SROs) are approved now in
19 the Blue Hill Zoning District in Chapel Hill and created a good situation, despite typically
20 having a bad rap. She said putting affordable housing on the Greene Tract does not meet
21 the County's density requirements to justify transit, but maybe the County could run a bus
22 out there anyway. She said the sentiment of CEF is that the County will only approve
23 affordable housing on transit routes. She said she has chosen to accept this as
24 information, and there is a part of our community that is deeply skeptical of the County's
25 intentions regarding affordable housing. She said it would be wise for the County to
26 change that perception.
27 Jane Stonehouse said some of the input from CEF is rooted in feelings of lack of
28 inclusion in these discussions; not everyone at CEF is experiencing homelessness, and
29 low-income people have all sorts of needs.
30 Tara Murray said she sat in on a CEF community meeting where the Greene Tract
31 was discussed, and a Chapel Hill Town Councilmember said there was no way affordable
32 housing could be built there, due to the lack of transit.
33 Commissioner Dorosin said seeking to concentrate affordable housing only where
34 there is transit and water and sewer is a real problem. He said the County does not have
35 primary control over the areas around Chapel Hill and Carrboro, and has minimal influence
36 to make this happen. He asked if the County should have more influence.
37 Commissioner Dorosin said the common metric of not more than 30% of one's
38 income going to housing typically includes utilities but does not include transit.
39 Jane Stonehouse said Alderman Seils suggested 40% to include housing and
40 transit.
41 Commissioner Greene said the nature of incentives is money, as voluntary density
42 incentives do not work. She said if there is enough cash to partner with a for-profit
43 developer, on an existing site to create affordable housing, one would not have to worry
44 about zoning.
45 Commissioner Marcoplos said the County owns some parcels along Fordham
46 Boulevard.
47 Commissioner Dorosin said this will cost a great deal of money to make it work.
48 Commissioner Greene said one development that was discussed is a bus corridor in
49 Arlington, VA where affordable housing came to fruition, but the state of Virginia put in
8
1 money to make it happen, as well as the city of Arlington, and has a dedicated tax for
2 affordable housing. She said this type of money is not available locally.
3 Commissioner Price said the State of New York also has a large fund for this. She
4 said one must consider that the cost of living in our area is very high, when one includes
5 cell phones and Internet access. She said as there are no state funds, she wonders what
6 the County can do with regard to the costs (such as permitting, etc.).
7 Commissioner Greene said Chapel Hill does waive inspection and other fees for
8 affordable housing.
9 Jane Stonehouse referred to Commissioner Dorosin concerns, and said one thing to
10 consider is pushing out the Rural Buffer, as the shortage of available land is a critical issue.
11 She said Chapel Hill Transit goes to the edge of Rural Buffer, and it is a pretty stark area
12 and an extra half-mile of development would go a long way.
13 Commissioner Marcoplos said the Rural Buffer has created a great place to live,
14 and he would argue strongly against touching the Rural Buffer until the Greene Tract has
15 been used properly. He said it does not make much sense to change the Rural Buffer
16 without taking advantage of other opportunities first. He said the Greene Tract is the least
17 expensive path towards the most housing.
18 Commissioner Dorosin said it only works if the land inside the Rural Bis developed
19 intensely. He said infill is a larger problem than just the Greene Tract.
20 Commissioner McKee said the County could look at the structural part of the
21 transportation system in depth. He said it is very expensive around Chapel Hill and
22 Carrboro, and the base problem is that it is possible for a developer to build a large home
23 versus multiple affordable units. He said building affordable housing affects one's profit.
24 He said one can focus on areas that are not in the Rural Buffer if it makes sense, like along
25 new NC 86, and make those areas affordable. He said it is not appropriate along Orange
26 Grove Road or Highway 54, as there is no infrastructure.
27 Chair Rich thanked the students for the presentation, and said everyone gets an A.
28 Chair Rich said that at the Commissioner's places, there is a report from the
29 Cooperative Extension breakfast and maps from Commissioner Marcoplos regarding
30 transportation.
31
32 2. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointment Discussion
33
34 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
8 Tiketha Collins At-Large Partial Ter 0 613 0/2 0 2 1
or
Karen Green-
3 5 McElveen
36 NOTE: As outlined in the Advisory Board on Aging Policies and Procedures, of the twelve (12)
37 voting members, seven (7) must be over the age of Sixty (60) years. This would mean that no
38 more than five (5) members can be under the age of Sixty (60) years. Please see the specifics
39 below that are outlined in the Advisory Board on Aging Policies and Procedures:
40
41 SECTION III: MEMBERSHIP
42
43 A. Authority
44 1. North Carolina General Statute 153A-76 grants boards of county commissioners the
45 authority to establish advisory boards and to appoint members to and remove members
46 from those advisory boards. In acting on this authority the Orange County Board of
9
1 Commissioners hereby establishes certain general conditions to which applicants and
2 members of advisory boards should conform.
3
4 B. Composition
5 1. The Advisory Board on Aging is composed of twelve (12) voting members.
6 2. Members shall consist of seven members over the age of 60 years, one person who
7 is a resident of the Town of Chapel Hill, one person who is a resident of the Town of
8 Carrboro, one person who is a resident of the Town of Hillsborough, and two
9 persons who are residents of unincorporated areas.
10
11 During the September 17, 2019 BOCC Regular meeting, the commissioners appointed three
12 (3) individuals to fill vacant positions. Two (2) of those appointees were not over the age of
13 Sixty (60) years. At the time, there was only one position that would accommodate a person
14 under the age of Sixty (60) years.
15
16 Chair Rich said the BOCC's last appointment to this Board was not in the right age
17 bracket, as one of the appointments must be over age 60.
18 Thom Freeman-Stuart, Clerk's Office, said that both previous appointments were
19 under the age of 60, and the positions on the advisory board for persons under 60 years old
20 are limited to five.
21 Chair Rich said the BOCC had no way of knowing an applicant's age.
22 Thom Freeman-Stuart said this was a surprise after the appointments were made,
23 and staff has not run into this problem before. He said the requirement is in the advisory
24 board's bylaws.
25 Chair Rich asked if there was a way the BOCC could have known.
26 David Hunt said the BOCC does not know the applicant's age from the application,
27 and staff was not aware of the problem until it actually happened. He said, historically, the
28 Advisory Board makes the recommendation, as it does know the requirements of the
29 positions that are available. He said the BOCC and staff were not aware of the problem. He
30 said tonight's task it to narrow it down to one appointment.
31 Commissioner Marcoplos asked if this is discriminatory because of age.
32 David Hunt said it is based on State guidelines that a certain percentage of
33 members need to be over 60.
34 Chair Rich said in the future the BOCC will need this information.
35 Thom Freeman-Stuart said, going forward, he will make that notation on the
36 abstract. He said this issue has never happened before.
37 David Hunt said the new application includes an age category.
38 Commissioner Dorosin said knowing the age of the person is helpful, but the BOCC
39 should be made aware of any Board that has these types of requirements, via the abstract.
40 He said it is also important for the public to know of any statutory requirements.
41 Thom Freeman-Stuart said position numbers generally list any special
42 requirements.
43 Commissioner Price said, in looking at the responses, she feels Karen Green-
44 McElveen gave more positive responses in her experience, expressed a stronger desire to
45 be on the Board, and appears to be better qualified.
46 Commissioner Marcoplos agreed, and said he also considers how long an applicant
47 has been a part of the community.
48 Commissioner Dorosin said the other candidate has more work-related experience,
49 and working in the field of aging would be more relevant. He said he puts less stock in how
50 long someone has lived in Orange County, versus the experience one might have.
10
1 Commissioner Price asked if Ms. Collins is already serving on a board.
2 Thom Freeman-Stuart said both applicants are already serving on other boards.
3 Commissioner Price asked if the attendance records on other boards is available.
4 Thom Freeman-Stuart said yes, it's available but it's not included in the abstract.
5 Commissioner Greene agreed that Tiketha Collins' experience is strong.
6 Chair Rich asked if the Board can move forward given that there are divided
7 opinions. She said the goal of these discussions is to reach conclusions prior to voting at a
8 business meeting.
9 Commissioner Dorosin said if anyone has any other information, it should be shared
10 publicly, as this was the reason for these more in depth discussions. He said the Board
11 should be respectful of people's interests and feelings, but if others know relevant
12 information about an applicant, it is important to share openly and candidly so the Board
13 can make the best decision.
14 Commissioner Price said she does not have verifiable proof of information that has
15 been shared with her about either of the candidates.
16 Commissioner Dorosin said if this potential information is important, then
17 Commissioner Price could seek verification and return to the Board with an update. He
18 said the process is not going to work if the BOCC does not all have the same information.
19 Chair Rich said yes, this was the intention of changing this process.
20 Commissioner Dorosin said if more information is desired, this is the time to ask for
21 it.
22 Chair Rich said she is not aware of more information, and she could go with either
23 person based on the information provided.
24 Commissioner Bedford said she has known Karen Green-McElveen for many years,
25 and it was a surprise when the Board made the other appointment. She said she created
26 an excel spreadsheet, and the BOCC is fortunate to have two African-American women,
27 which is an important factor. She said she believes Tiketha Collins would round out that
28 Board more, because she has administrative expertise based on the application. She
29 recommended appointing Tiketha Collins for this particular advisory board.
30 Chair Rich asked if all Commissioners accepted Tiketha Collins being put on the
31 consent agenda for appointment.
32 The Board agreed by consensus.
33
34 3. Agricultural Preservation Board —Appointments Discussion
35
36 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
37
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
4 Dr.Jane New Hope/Hills- Second Full Tenn 06/30/2022
Saiers Vol.A .Dist.
6 Michael Cane First Full Term 06/30/2022
McPherson CreeklBuckham
Vol.Ag.Dist-
9 Stephen P. At-Large First Full Term 0613012022
Finle
10 Renee Parker At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2022
13 Jeff Sykes At-Large First Full Term 05/30/2022
38 14 Beth Myers At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2022
39
40 Chair Rich said this board is eager to be at full capacity.
41 Commissioner McKee said he knows all of these applications, except Dr. Jane
42 Saiers. He said all of the applicants are all very involved in agriculture, and would like to
43 serve.
11
1 Commissioner Marcoplos said they are all good applicants.
2 Chair Rich asked if these should all go on the consent agenda for appointment.
3 Commissioner Bedford said this is a 15-person board, and only one person will be a
4 minority.
5 Chair Rich said diversity will be a challenge with this board due to the composition of
6 farmers in Orange County.
7 Commissioner McKee said the BOCC can recruit to try and change this lack of
8 diversity.
9 Commissioner Marcoplos said the Board needs to have a discussion about this
10 challenge of recruitment. He said the County must spread the word about these boards to
11 more diverse groups and people within the community. He said he is not sure of the best
12 way to achieve this, but it will be the most fruitful way to diversify the applicant pool.
13 Commissioner Price said all of these boards have been in place for so long, with the
14 same people, and the BOCC tends to say OK. She said this causes some applicants to
15 think it is not worth the time to apply.
16 Commissioner Marcoplos said this needs to change.
17 Chair Rich said the BOCC can charge this advisory board with this challenge of
18 greater diversity.
19 Commissioner Price said diversity is a challenge across the County, and something
20 needs to be done overall. She said the County claims to value diversity, but needs to show
21 people that their voices are wanted; people need to feel included.
22 Chair Rich asked if the BOCC should move these recommendations to the consent
23 agenda, as well as reach out to the advisory board to encourage more diverse recruitment.
24 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the staff person is who is assigned to this Board
25 could be identified.
26 Thom Freeman-Stuart said Peter Sandback.
27 Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC could charge Peter Sandback to reach out to
28 other organizations related to people of color involved in agriculture. He said the County
29 needs be creative and break out of this rut, and task itself to be more inclusive.
30 Bonnie Hammersley said can speak to all staff reps for the Boards and
31 Commissions, and discuss outreach for diversity on the BOCC's behalf.
32 Commissioner Price said she and Thom Freeman-Stuart have plans to go to some
33 organizational meetings, and are in the process of coordinating this.
34 Commissioner McKee said the BOCC also needs to take responsibility. He said
35 there are some applicants and advisory board members that he has personally recruited,
36 and if BOCC members know, or meet, people who are impressive and align with these
37 committees, the BOCC members should reach out.
38 Commissioner Marcoplos said it is fine to reach out to staff to get this going, but it is
39 important to also look at how the Board can impact getting more diverse applicants, so it
40 does not just fall on the various boards and commissions. He said there needs to be a
41 systematic approach and process.
42 Commissioner Bedford asked if it is a requirement that the applicants own a farm.
43 Thom Freeman-Stuart said no it is not a requirement.
44 Commissioner Bedford said farmhands might be good to approach.
45 Commissioner Dorosin said perhaps the Food Council could help.
46 Commissioner Greene said perhaps the Breeze Farm could also help.
47 Commissioner Bedford said perhaps Cooperative Extension, to broaden the scope.
48 Commissioner Price said County also needs to build a culture of inclusiveness, and
49 people need to feel they will get something out of serving on a board.
12
1 Commissioner Dorosin said changing the culture is a different challenge than
2 getting diversity on the boards. He said a lot of these issues are part of this, and there is a
3 micro and macro aspect.
4 Chair Rich said these appointments can all go on one consent item, and staff can
5 talk with this board specifically.
6
7 4. Carrboro Board of Adjustment—Appointments Discussion
8
9 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
1 John Baker ETJ Partial Term 02l28 2020
BOCC Appointee
2 Will Heflin Transition Area First FuII Term 02I2812022
10 BOCC Appointee
11
12 Commissioner Greene asked if there is a reason that the BOCC is appointing John
13 Baker, as he lives within the Carrboro City limits.
14 Commissioner Bedford said this position has been vacant for so long, and Carrboro
15 can make recommendations after 90 days. She said all four applicants were white males.
16 David Hunt said the position was for the ETJ representative, and since vacancy was
17 for so long, Carrboro could appoint it if the Board of County Commissioners does not take
18 action within 90 days. He said it is in front of the Board now to make an official
19 appointment.
20 Commissioner Dorosin asked if these ETJ seats are required by statute.
21 John Roberts said yes, but there are no applicants from the ETJ.
22 Commissioner Dorosin said there are many people who live in the northern
23 transition area, who have expressed interest in this area in other discussions, and asked if
24 any of them would be willing to serve.
25 David Hunt said they do not want to be on this board; they want to be on others.
26 Chair Rich asked if the Board should move this to the consent agenda.
27 Commissioner Dorosin said the BOCC should review the ETJ's at a future meeting,
28 and ask if towns should let people out of the ETJ, and put them back in the County, or
29 annex them into the towns. He said this conversation illustrates a real flaw with the whole
30 set up.
31 Chair Rich agreed, and said it is a huge problem. She said the BOCC can look at
32 this in the future, maybe at a work session.
33 Commissioner Dorosin said perhaps the BOCC can get a map of the ETJ's so it can
34 see the boundaries and where they overlap.
35
36 5. Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment—Appointments Discussion
37
38 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
39
40 NOTE: Position Two (2) listed below has been vacant for more than 90 days and the Chapel
41 Hill Council selected a Town of Chapel Hill resident.
13
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
_ TERM
1 Michaell JPA First Full Term 061301Y022
Murphy BOCC Appointee
2 Thomas ETJ or JPA Partial Term O613=21
Wortnlan (To=•.m of CMpel Hitl)
BHCC Appointee
NOTE-If the Individuals listed above are appolnted,the fallowing vacancies remain:
POSITION POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
NO. DESIGNATION DATE
3 ETJ or JPA 06.130i2020 This position has been vacant since
1 BOCC Appointee 0613012013.
2
3 Chair Rich asked if Chapel Hill has the same rules for 90 days.
4 Thome Freeman-Stuart said yes.
5 Commissioner Marcoplos said these applicants do not live in the ETJ.
6 Commissioner Dorosin said the County should reach out to the Rogers Road
7 community, as it is in the ETJ, and their voices are needed, especially in regards to the
8 Greene Tract. He said he would be happy to reach out to this community in regards to the
9 third position.
10 Commissioner McKee asked if the third position remain open until the BOCC finds
11 someone to fill it.
12 Commissioner Dorosin said yes.
13 Commissioner Price asked if the BOCC wants to approve the other two applicants.
14 Chair Rich said she shared Commissioner Marcoplos' concerns that these
15 applicants do not live in the ETJ, but if Chapel Hill is allowed to appoint after 90 days, she
16 does not know if there is much to be done.
17 Commissioner Dorosin said having the ETJ map would help the BOCC with
18 recruiting.
19 Chair Rich said to move these appointments forward to the consent agenda.
20 The Board agreed by consensus.
21
22 6. Chapel Hill Planning Commission —Appointment Discussion
23
24 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
2 Michael ETJ or JPA BOCC First Full Term 06130i2022
Everhart Appointee
NOTE-If the individuals listed above are appointed,the following vacancies remain:
POSITION POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
NO. ❑ESIGNATION DATE
1 ETJ or JPA 06/3012022 This position has been vacant since
BOCC Appointee 0810912019. (Due to other
25 commitments
26
27 Chair Rich said she is concerned about this position. She said the BOCC created
28 this seat when it decided to put Rogers Road and the Greene Tract in the ETJ, and desired
29 for this neighborhood to have representation on the Planning Board. She said none of
30 these applicants are from those areas. She asked if the Town is also able to appoint here
31 after a 90-day vacancy, because if so, this voids the BOCC's desire for representation.
32 Thom Freeman-Stuart said yes, this is also the case here.
33 Chair Rich said she does not think this is acceptable, as the reason for putting this
34 land in the ETJ was to ensure representation.
14
1 Commissioner Greene said she thought there had always been a representative of
2 the ETJ on the Chapel Hill Planning Board.
3 Chair Rich said the BOCC specifically wanted representation from the Rogers Road
4 community.
5 Commissioner Greene asked if there are now 2 county ETJ representatives on the
6 Chapel Hill Planning Board.
7 Thom Freeman-Stuart said there are two seats, but a specific community is not
8 defined.
9 Commissioner Price said the applicant for position #2 is not from the Rogers Road
10 community.
11 Commissioner Marcoplos said consistency is important, and the BOCC just needs to
12 have the greater ETJ discussion.
13 Commissioner Price said she is trying to figure out which position is which, and
14 asked if there is no one for position 1.
15 Commissioner Greene said the recommended appointment for position 2 is in the
16 ETJ, just not in the Rogers Road community.
17 Thom Freeman-Stuart said this is a reappointment. He said when the application
18 comes in he verifies the area. He said the first appointment was for a partial term.
19 Chair Rich asked if the BOCC needs to appoint for position 1.
20 Thom Freeman-Stuart said yes.
21 Commissioner Bedford said Chapel Hill did not recommend anyone for this position,
22 and so the BOCC can keep this open and recruit.
23 Commissioner Dorosin said to go ahead with Michael Everhart for position 2, as he
24 has a planning and environmental background.
25 Chair Rich said she is more concerned about the vacancy.
26 Commissioner McKee said there is no reason to not appoint Michael Everhart.
27 Chair Rich said the BOCC needs to reach out to people in the Rogers Road area, to
28 have their voice as a part of the conversation. She said to put Michael Everhart on the
29 consent agenda, and leave position #1 open for further recruitment.
30 The Board agreed by consensus.
31
32 7. Hillsborough Board of Adjustment—Appointment Discussion
33
34 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
2 Dustin ETJ One Year Term D913012020
35 Williams BOCC Appointee Extention
36
37 Chair Rich said the BOCC received a letter from Hillsborough with Dustin Williams'
38 attendance records.
39 Thom Freeman-Stuart said Hillsborough is looking for an additional one year term,
40 as Dustin Williams' first term was partial.
41 Chair Rich said if there are no objections, the Board can move forward with this one.
42 The Board agreed by consensus.
43
44 8. Hillsborough Planning Board —Appointment Discussion
45
46 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
15
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO, REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
1 1 Jeffrey Scott Hillsborough ETJ First Full Year 1013112022
2
3 Chair Rich said his first term was a partial term, and this is his first full term
4 appointment. She said to move forward with the appointment on the consent agenda.
5 The Board agreed by consensus.
6 Commissioner Greene asked if staff is certain that Jeffrey Scott lives in the ETJ.
7 Thom Freeman-Stuart said he will verify this and add it to the database.
8
9 9. Human Relations Commission —Appointments Discussion
10
11 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
4 Brenda At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2022
Amezquita-
Castro
6 Tomeka Ward- At-Large First Full Term 09130i2022
Satterfield
1 2 12 Dion Graham At-Lar a Partial Term D&.+3Di2D2D
13
14 Commissioner Bedford said she personally knows Tomeka Ward-Satterfield, and
15 she is a strong candidate.
16 Commissioner Price agreed.
17 Chair Rich said these are good candidates.
18 Commissioner Bedford said these recommendations offer good diversity, and this
19 board is good about diversity.
20 Commissioner Marcoplos said this Board is where the diverse candidates converge.
21 He asked if the BOCC could suggest that some of these applicants consider serving on
22 other boards, with the same perspective they sought to bring to the HRC.
23 Commissioner Price said the HRC is a good in-road to this type of service.
24 Commissioner Dorosin said it is a good idea, but diversity is at the core of this
25 commission, and this core needs to be extended to other boards. He said diversity is a
26 value, and the boards need to prioritize it.
27 Commissioner McKee said it can be prefaced that all applicants cannot be
28 appointed to the HRC, and there are needs on other boards should people be interested.
29 He asked if applicants typically apply for one board, or multiple.
30 Commissioner Dorosin said the application asks this question.
31 Thom Freeman-Stuart said about 30% apply for multiple boards on the same
32 application. He said the only thing you will see on the applicant interest list is if they are
33 already serving on a board currently.
34 Commissioner Marcoplos said it is important to recruit others.
35 Commissioner Bedford said these diverse applicants can also be asked to recruit
36 friends for other boards.
37 Commissioner Price said one will find more people of color on the Housing advisory
38 boards and the Human Relations Commission, as they are an area of comfort. She said on
39 some boards one may be the only person of color, which can be off putting.
40 John Roberts said Annette Moore was planning to be here tonight to discuss
41 diversity on the boards, but had a conflict arise. He said she and him have had discussions
42 about having a diversity board for the County, but decided to not do so at this time. He said
43 for the last couple of weeks, Annette Moore been working with the Human Relations
16
1 Commission on increasing diversity among other boards, and she should be able to come
2 to talk with the BOCC about this shortly.
3 Chair Rich asked if these recommendations can be moved to the consent agenda.
4 The Board agreed by consensus.
5
6 10. Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion
7
8 BACKGROUND: The following re-appointment information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
4 Stephanie At-Large Partial Term 0 613 012 0 2E
Boswell
NOTE-If the Individuals listed above are appointed,the following vacancies remain:
POSITION POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
NO. [DESIGNATION DATE
5 Nursing Home OMO/2020 This position has been vacant since
Administration 11512018.
7 Nursing Home 06/30/2020 This position has been vacant since
Administration 1 211 21201 8.
10 At-Large 06/30/2020 This position has been vacant since
11512018.
9
10
11 (NOTE: As of July 1, 2017, a new bill was passed in the North Carolina Legislature regarding
12 the training period for pending members of the "Adult Care Home Community Advisory
13 Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee". The bill is HB248 which
14 reverses the appointment of the applicant to a one year training term. Applicants will be
15 selected from our county "Applicant Interest List" for a more condensed training and if the
16 applicant successfully completes the training, they would be recommended for appointment.
17 Therefore, when an applicant is recommended for appointment, it would initially be for a one
18 year preliminary term and their training will have already been completed.
19
20 Chair Rich said the BOCC does have to follow the rules here, and only one person
21 is being recommended.
22 Thom Freeman-Stuart said the applicant has completed training and the training
23 term.
24 Commissioner Dorosin asked if this Board should be added to the legislative goals,
25 as this requirement seems excessive, and makes the positions difficult to fill.
26 John Roberts said yes, the Statutes require specific training.
27 Commissioner Dorosin asked if other counties have this problem.
28 David Hunt said staff has had a philosophical discussion about this. He said
29 if one looks at the positions for nursing home administration, there are a finite
30 number of people in Orange County, who could potentially be rating their own
31 business, and their competitors' establishments. He said this is awkward, yet
32 required.
33 Thom Freeman-Stuart said the Adult Care Committee moved away from this
34 requirement.
35 John Roberts said these two boards can be combined to have a fewer number of
36 positions, but they still have to complete the training. He said a representative from
37 Triangle J talked about this recently.
38 Commissioner Greene said there is a Triangle J meeting next week, and as the
39 BOCC rep, she can ask about combining the boards.
40 Commissioner Dorosin said he would be in favor of combining these.
41 Chair Rich asked if there is a process to combine these two boards.
17
1 John Roberts said the process is outlined in the Statutes.
2 Chair Rich said she would like to explore this.
3 John Roberts said he thinks it would reduce the number of seats to be filled by 5 or
4 6, should the boards be combined.
5 The Board agreed by consensus to explore combining the Adult Care Home and
6 Nursing Home Advisory Boards, and move this appointment to the Consent Agenda.
7
8 11. Workforce Development Board —Appointment Discussion
9
10 BACKGROUND: The following information is for Board consideration:
POSITION NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
NO. REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
1 Nancy Coston Department of Full Term 06/3012022
Social Services
BOcc
Apippointment
NOTE-If the individual listed above is appointed,the following vacancies remain:
1 1 NO LONGER TAKING APPLICATIONS FOR THIS BOARD.
12
13 Thom Freeman-Stuart said Department of Social Services Director Nancy Coston
14 called him to discuss instability on this Board, but that has cleared up, and the Board may
15 want to open this up for recruitment to seat two more people. He said staff has not sent out
16 a public notice yet.
17 Chair Rich asked if Nancy Coston wants to continue on this Board.
18 Thom Freeman-Stuart said yes.
19 Chair Rich asked if this appointment can be moved to the consent agenda.
20 The Board agreed by consensus.
21
22 Commissioner McKee said a resolution came out of conference committee today
23 about the NCDOT funding shortfall that passed in House and Senate to provide $750
24 million in five components of funding for different parts of DOT work. He said it is critical in
25 that it will put several hundred people in Orange County and several thousands of others
26 back to work. He said he has been involved with several legislators since this
27 announcement came out several months ago. He said the shortfall is possibly related to
28 mismanagement of DOT, and the major storm and hurricane costs, and legislature dealt
29 with a class action lawsuit about property lines being changed without compensating
30 landowners after major storms. He said there is about a $1 billion cost to this class action
31 suit, so it created a perfect storm.
32 Commissioner Marcoplos said the storms are also known as climate change.
33 Commissioner McKee said the State usually budgets $50 million a year for storm
34 damage, and the actual cost was between $200 and $400 million.
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene at
37 8:44 p.m. to move to Closed Session "To discuss matters related to the location or expansion of
38 industries or other businesses in the area served by the public body, including agreement on a
39 tentative list of economic development incentives that may be offered by the public body in
40 negotiations," NCGS § 143-318.11(a)(4).
41
42 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
43
18
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Bedford
2 to return to Open Session at 9:46 p.m.
3
4 VOTE: Unanimous
5
6 ADJOURNMENT
7
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Bedford
9 to adjourn the meeting.
10
11 VOTE: Unanimous
12
13 The meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.
14
15 Penny Rich, Chair
16
17 Sherri Ingersoll
18 Deputy Clerk