HomeMy WebLinkAboutShaping OC Task Force memo 092001 MEMORANDUM
TO : David Stancil , Director , ERC
FROM : Annette M . Moore , Director
RE : Shaping Orange County Future Status Report
DATE : September 20 , 2001
"Task Force Recommendation 1 - 1 a . Increase opportunity for residents of
different geographical areas of the County and different backgrounds to
work together . "
County Response
• Orange County Women ' s Agenda Assembly - 126 women from Orange
County . October 2000
• " Building Bridges from Tolerance to Acceptance " 2 - day Youth Summit —
attended by more than 130 Orange County youth . February 23 - 24 , 2001
• Outreach Meetings ( 4 ) - 75 women in Central and Northern Orange
February - April 2001
• Community Unity Gathering — October 4 , 2001
" Task Force Recommendation 1 - 1 d . Create more all - county shared events . "
County Response
• " Building Bridges from Tolerance to Acceptance " Youth Summit -
February 23 - 24 , 2001
• Pauli Murray Awards Ceremony — February 25 , 2001
• Southeast Regional Civil Rights Summit - April 23 - 27
• La Fiesta de Pueblo — County provided funds to co - sponsor La Fiesta —
September 8 - 9 , 2001
• Community Unity Gathering - October 4 , 2001
Employment Equity Meetings - August — November 2001
" Task Force Recommendation 1 - 2a . Form a broad - based coalition lead by
the OC Human Rights and Relations Commission to develop a plan to
foster multiculturalism . "
County Response
• The Department is currently helping to build capacity in organizations such
as El Centro Latino , the Triangle Urban League , Community 2000 , and
Advocacy for North Carolina Asian Pacific Americans (the first advocacy
agency for the APA community in the Southeast ) . Through our capacity
building relationship we are working to build the trust necessary to form a
broad based coalition to work on multi - cultural collaborative efforts .
"Task Force Recommendation 1 - 2b . Create a position for a full -time County
Disability Services Coordinator . "
County Response
Has not been addressed by HRR .
"Task Force Recommendation 1 - 2c . Continue to improve services for
Latinos / Hispanics and other non = English speaking populations . "
County Response
Orange County is currently developing a comprehensive Limited English
Proficiency Policy to ensure that persons with limited English proficiency
can access core services in Orange County government .
• The Orange County Board of County Commissioners adopted a Multi -
Lingual Hiring Policy . November 1999
• Orange County has an on - going intense Spanish language -training
program for employees to enable them to assist department with providing
assistance to the limited English proficient population . The training
program includes sending qualified employees to an immersion language
program .
• Orange County is currently conducting Cultural Diversity training for all
Orange County employees and has a standing Cultural Diversity
Resource Group .
• Continuing to improve services for the Hispanic and other non - English
speaking populations key government documents are being translated , a
signage committee is working to translate signs , and departments are
coordination translation and interpreter services . Ongoing .
"Task Force Recommendations 1 - 2d . Encourage diverse citizens
participation in local - decision making . "
County Response
• Orange County Women ' s Agenda Assembly - 126 women from Orange
County . October 2000
• Outreach Meetings (4 ) - 75 women in Central and Northern Orange
February - April 2001
Planning & Inspections Comments on
Recommendations of the SOCF Task Force
( Note : Format is the same as Attachment C )
Sustainability and Community Building - Summary Table of Action Strategies
There are 67 Action Strategies . Strategies are designated as ST = short term (0-3 years ) ; MT = medium term (4- 10 years ) ; and LT = long-term ( 11 + years ) . Many items may need ongoing action . In these
cases the timeframes noted in the table are meant to indicate when substantial action should be taken by.
Abbreviations : BOCC = Board of County Commissioners , CHTC = Chapel Hill Town Council , CBA = Carrboro Board of Aldermen , HC = Hillsborough Commission Participation of the public in implementing
the action strategies is implicit, and citizen participation should be fully encouraged.
pGoall : Put
oals Page Action Strategies Progress of the Orange County Planning Department
#
22 1 - 1c) Promote neighborhood design that encourages community interaction . Guidelines for greater community interaction have been approved in Planned
ity Building Development and flexible development village option .
First 23 1 -2d) Encourage diverse citizen participation in local decision-making . Public notice and outreach programs encourage all citizens to engage in local
government decision making .
25 1 -7a) Increase developer and citizen awareness of significant historic resources and the Historic commissions make citizens and developers aware ; local legislation for
need to protect them ; and offer rewards to developers who successfully historic district enforce historic guidelines ; tax credits for rehabilitation available .
incorporate/preserve county history.
26 1 -8a ) Improve/expand park and recreation facilities . Parks are in process of being expanded in the county, with a number of new
parks funded . Programming and league support interaction is necessary.
26 1 -8b) Fund acquisition of land and easements for future parks , rustic woodland trails , and Funding has been provided and is proposed to be expanded in the upcoming
bikeways . bond.
26 1 -8c) Increase community access to parks located in the County. Park locations have been spread throughout the county in an effort to increase
accessibility .
28 2- 1a) Convene a short-term committee for each ETJ to look at making Town elected boards
more responsive to citizens residing in ETJ/ transition areas .
Goal 2: Address 28 2-4a ) Continue efforts to make government an open process in full public view. Progress continuing through web and public newspaper notices .
Citizen Concern
about Representation
in Government
Goal 3: 29 3- 1a) Create a jointly4unded , countywide intergovernmental Data Center for the purpose of Work in progress ; data sharing has taken place in Land Records and Planning
Create and Maintain collecting , analyzing and distributing data . and as a base for Adequate Public Facilities .
a Centralized
Information Base for
Decision-making
Goal 4: 31 4- 1 a) Create a coordinated Government Efficiency Project to build on current efforts and Innovation and Efficiency Committee is reviewing , Planning and Inspections
Improve Government study the feasibility of combining some town and county services to greater efficiency contracts out building to Hillsborough and Erosion Control countywide .
Efficiency and and effectiveness in service provision .
Effectiveness 32 4-2a ) Initiate and support efforts to change state legislation to allow for Home Rule , and Through the Smart Growth Task Force and contact through local representatives ,
local authority to institute desired programs , such as Transfer of Development Rights , these efforts have been encouraged , but not yet passed by the legislature.
Impact Taxes , and Inclusionary Zoning .
32 4-3a ) Research feasibility and impact of creating alternative revenue sources including Several proposals have been studied . Impact fees have been increased .
consideration of a local sales tax, a real estate transfer tax, and increasing impact
fees (or taxes ) .
32 44a ) Adopt coordinated Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances for entire county. APFO currently under consideration in committee
32 44b ) Determine carrying capacity of land and decide where to invest resources : water, Included in efforts of comprehensive plan . Ongoing in process of updating the
sewer, landfill , parks , etc. comprehensive plan .
32 44c) Coordinate local and regional water/sewer boundaries with urban growth boundaries . Urban growth boundaries have been studied at the county and municipal levels.
In some cases, water/sewer limits have been reached.
32 44d) Ensure water/sewer extensions to rural areas to address failed systems are designed Recommendation is followed and noted in yet unadopted Water & Sewer
to serve only the failure area. Boundary Management Plan. Rural densities need decrease to reduce likelihood.
32 44f) Ask school systems to collaborate up front with local governments in school site Collaborative efforts are followed as much as possible . Planning assists in the
selection process. selection of school sites .
33 4-5a ) Do a cost of service study to examine "real" costs of different types of land uses Study needs to be funded .
(agriculture , residential , commercial , office , industrial).
33 4-7a) Examine current extraterritorial and planning jurisdictions to see if boundaries are Progress is ongoing with new Comprehensive Plan .
still consistent with land use patterns and efficient service provision and planning .
33 4-7b) Look at existing MPO boundaries (Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Burlington Suggestions have been made to the MPO. No changes are imminent at this time .
Alamance) to see if they adequately meet needs and involve all stakeholders in
transportation planning .
33 4-7c) Look at the existing Triangle J Council of Governments boundaries to see if they Progress is ongoing
reflect the Triangle region and meet local needs .
33 4-8a) Institute a mechanism that ensures all local government staffs communicate and are Triangle J Council of Governments is helping in this area .
aware of the initiatives and programs of other local governments .
33 4-9a ) Improve and streamline the development review process for commercial and Expedited review not yet implemented ,
residential development in areas targeted for development.
Goa/ 5. 34 5- 1a) Create a set of sustainability indicators using the SOCF Sustainability Committee Sustainability indicators have been developed but unadopted .
Adopt Policies to indicators as a starting point.
Move the Community 34 5- 1 b) Create a permanent County database for these key indicators . To be included in work with the updating of the comprehensive plan
Toward 34 5- 1 c) Track progress toward sustainability with annual reports to the community. Sustainability process and report to the community has begun with hearings to
Sustainability
begin soon for the Board of Commissioners
34 5- 1 d ) Use the indicators to help determine effectiveness of current policies and identify Progress is ongoing . No effectiveness report has yet to be published .
needed policy changes .
34 5-2a) Examine status and trends of each natural resource based on a small number of key
indicators .
34 5-2b) Establish a general guide of standards and criteria based on resource limits that will Progress is ongoing . Report to Commissioners to be completed in the near
help to define parameters of sustainability in Orange County. future .
35 5-3a) Work with Durham and Chatham counties and their municipalities to develop a Not yet addressed .
"Triangle West" regional vision and plan .
35 5-3b) Lobby the NC General Assembly for a statewide planning mechanism that would Lobbying is ongoing . Most of the recommendations are integrated into the Smart
require regional planning and local government cooperation . Growth Task Force report.
Critical Areas to Maintain or Improve Quality of Life - Summary Table of Action Strategies
There are 140 Action Strategies . Strategies are designated as ST = short term (0-3 years ) ; MT = medium tern (4- 10 years ) ; and LT = long-term ( 11 + years) . Many items may need ongoing action . In these
cases the timeframes noted in the table are meant to indicate when substantial action should be taken by . Abbreviations : BOCC = Board of County Commissioners , CHTC = Chapel Hill Town Council , CBA =
Carrboro Board of Aldermen , HC = Hillsborough Commission , MCC = Mebane City Council . Participation of the public in implementing the action strategies is implicit, and citizen participation should
be fully encouraged.
Goals Page Action Strategies Progress of the Orange County Planning Department
Environment 42 ENVml - 1 a . Develop a countywide plan to focus two-thirds of future growth into Chapel Hill , Carrboro , Upcoming new comprehensive plan will incorporate these concepts
and Land Use Hillsborough , Mebane and "transition areas", and limit growth in rural areas . Create an inter- including ultimate and interim urban growth boundaries .
Goal 1 : governmental " Growth Management Board" to cooperatively develop a growth plan .
Promote Land 42 ENV- 1 - 1 b . Growth Management Board should explore existing and new ideas for growth management New zoning schemes have been and will be presented to the Board of
Use Patterns that and recommend their findings to local planning boards , including : Commissioners . Water/Sewer service boundaries have been accepted
Meet Our Citizens ' Evaluate and explore the range of zoning options to use for managing orderly growth . by the county and municipalities . An APFO is currently being considered
Needs While (There are many unique cases that often do not easily and equitably fit this sometimes in committee . PDR programs have been encouraged , . and the Smart
Protecting Natural rigid formulation. It is important to look at zoning theories that are partially based on Growth Task Force has recommended giving authority to implement
Resources performance standards and requirements . ) TDR programs .
• Limit extension of water and sewer, to work together with the county and region to
establish boundaries for extending these services .
■ Evaluate Adequate Public Facilities Ordinances to manage growth and encourage
development to pay for its real costs .
■ Encourage a program for voluntary purchase of development rights and also of lands to
preserve contiguous areas of environmental importance (including farmlands) that should
not be developed.
• Seek to establish a Transfer of Development Rights program .
■ Provide positive incentives to developers who build in targeted areas.
■ Pursue infill and redevelopment of land in Chapel Hill , Carrboro , Hillsborough and
Mebane , but only where appropriate .
43 ENV- 1 -2a ) Within municipalities and their ETJs promote "compact mixed-use development (CMUD ) in Guidelines have been established (i . e . Planned Development EDD
areas of Towns targeted for growth . Establish guidelines and design standards for compact design guidelines ). Updates are necessary. Municipalities are pursuing
mixed-use development. their own guidelines within their jurisdictions .
43 ENV- im2b) In Transition Areas , create "village" style development to focus development in these areas Planned development and flexible development village option needs re-
and develop highly diverse communities with a genuine sense of place to live and grow. evaluations .
F44
ENV- 1 -2c) In Rural Areas support development of Small Area Plans for the County's five identified rural Work is ongoing for small area plans for rural nodes
community centers . Support creation of non water and sewer dependent small "hamlets" in
these areas . Explore feasibility of expanding the existing Rural Industrial Node .
ENV- lm2d ) Create a joint land use plan with a focus on preserving and protecting the rural and farm Being incorporated into comprehensive plan process
lands . Ideas must come from citizens working with elected officials and funds must be
provided .
Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy
# Implementation
44 ENV-1 m3 ) Adopt a process to develop , in small increments , large-scale areas as Hamlets , Villages , or Work is ongoing using input from utility providers such as Hillsborough ,
Compact Mixed- Use Developments using a citizen-driven process through the following Durham , Mebane and OAWS.
action steps:
a ) Identify , with citizen input, relatively undeveloped large-scale areas where planned growth
is preferable.
b) Create a Small Area Plan designing the layout for each growth area .
c) Allow development of relatively small parcels of incrementally over time.
d ) Within design guidelines and performance standards allow market-driven development.
Environment 45 ENV-2-1 ) Use the Lands Legacy program to develop a comprehensive Countywide Natural Areas Incorporate in Comprehensive Plan.
and Land Use Conservation/Open Space Plan that addresses the following :
Goal 2. a) A program to protect important natural areas .
Conserve Natural b ) Identify and protect the most important prime farmlands .
Areas, Farmland c) Recognize that open space needs vary in different parts of the county.
and Other d ) Set annual goals as benchmarks for preservation of certain natural areas and wildlife
Important Open habitat (x acres/year) .
Space e) Integrate all of the above to maintain as best as possible : a viable ecosystem for plants
and wildlife , corridors critical for animal migration , critical habitats , an agricultural
landscape , and outdoor recreational opportunities .
46 ENV-2-2) Achieve Natural Areas/Open Space Conservation Plan through : Many examples such as Little River have taken place , and work is
a) Fee-simple acquisition of the most important/ threatened areas; ongoing to create new natural areas element of Comprehensive Plan .
b) Purchase of conservation easements;
c) Purchase of Development Rights , where appropriate;
d ) Transfer of Development Rights;
e) Tax exemptions for actively farmed land and managed forestland ;
f) Possible development of a forest banking system;
g ) Purchase of timber rights .
46 ENV-2-3 ) Secure & increase funding for acquisition of land and development rights : Suggested in the upcoming bond . Work is ongoing in other areas to
a) Increase local funding through bonds for open space and natural areas . permit transfer of development rights (TDR) .
b) Create a dedicated local funding source for acquisition of these areas .
c) Aggressively pursue grants for state and federal agencies to assist in acquisitions .
d ) Increase advocacy for state and federal funding for programming , land acquisition , and
farmland preservation .
e) Maximize purchasing power through use of federal , state , and land trust partnerships .
f) Explore development of a land conservation revolving fund .
46 ENV-24 ) Educate and encourage homeowners , landscapers , and nurseries to use native or non- Landscape code needs revision .
invasive exotic plants in landscaping .
Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy
# Implementation
Environment 47 ENV-3- 1 a ) Conduct a scientifically-valid survey of a representative sample of residents to determine UNC is evaluating campus expansion and modes of access .
and Land Use interest and willingness to use various alternative forms of transportation .
Goal 3: 47 ENV-3-2a ) Designate specific locations for public transportation nodes through the county. Nodes will Some nodes have been acknowledged , such as downtown Hillsborough ,
Create accommodate pedestrians , parking and bicycle racks , and be interconnected by dedicated and Hillsborough EDD , downtown Chapel Hill , and the Meadowlands
Environmentally public transportation corridors . development. Rail lines need focus .
Sustainable 47 ENV-3-2d) Expand the public and special transportation network , both in frequency and location . TTA buses now run to Chapel Hill and Hillsborough , with planned rail
expansion in the future .
Transportation
Systems that Meet 47 ENV-3-2e) Place park and ride lots at appropriate locations . Park and ride lots exist throughout the county and in all municipalities but
People 's Needs an adopted map would be helpful .
48 ENV-3-3c) Encourage Hillsborough to explore the possibility of creating an auto- limited zone in a portion Study conducted by Hillsborough but courthouse expansion needs to be
of the downtown areas. considered .
48 ENV-34a ) Build bicycle lanes on all major thoroughfares within urban areas of the county. Many bicycle lanes have been built in Chapel Hill and Carrboro . Lanes
in the northern part of the county are in the planning stages .
48 ENV-34b) Include paved shoulder (4' wide) for all upgrades to major and minor thoroughfares (re- Must work with NCDOT.
paving or widening ) .
48 ENV-3-4c) Require all urban thoroughfares to have sidewalks and all rural thoroughfares to have Sidewalks now required in new developments in municipalities . Orange
shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians. County needs to set new standards differentiating between rural and
suburban .
48 ENV-34d ) Build sidewalks between schools and residential areas. Code revision necessary.
48 ENV-34e) Create safe pedestrian crossings to transverse major highways where needed . Progress ongoing
48 ENV-3-5 ) Encourage use of additional transportation demand management strategies for large Suggestions have been made through the MPO to achieve these
employers including carpools/vanpools , compressed work weeks , flexible work schedules , objectives .
telecommuting , provision of HOV lanes (if judged efficient) , and mixed use development.
49 ENV-3-7a-b)Reduce congestion and pollution with minimal new road construction by making Comprehensive Plan housing density could help .
development of multi-modal alternatives and redesign of congested intersections primary
goals in the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) .
49 ENW3-8a ) Develop a new relationship between NC DOT and local Governments to build a more Ongoing meetings .
creative and authoritative role for local governments .
49 ENV-3-8b ) Encourage inter-govemmental cooperation and facilitate greater citizen interest and Public knowledge of development gained through outreach programs
participation in evaluating transportation plans and planning and public notice . Increased governmental cooperation taking place
(courtesy review agreements , joint councils , i .e .) .
Environment 50 ENV441 a) Continue current efforts to guide growth away from public water supply watersheds to prevent Work ongoing in the planning stages as part of Comprehensive Plan .
and Land Use new discharges into these watersheds .
Goal 4 :
Pollution
Prevention and
Waste Reduction
50 ENV-4- 1 c) Lobby for state construction projects to come under local authority for sedimentation and County erosion control has expanded and authority grown . Lobbying
erosion control monitoring and enforcement, or lobby state to adopt regulations as stringent as those of continues .
Orange County.
50 ENV-4- 1 f) Identify wellhead protection areas that should be protected for ground water quality. USGS study needs evaluation and then its effect on sustainable lot size.
50 ENV4- 1 b) Develop an ongoing , long-term groundwater monitoring program Planning & Inspections to work with Environmental Health .
51 ENV4-2a) Provide fast-track approval for subdivisions and commercial buildings using environmentally Code revision necessary.
friendly design standards
51 ENV4-2b) Achieve legislation to allow a local property tax break for solar houses/green built houses and Benefits for solar panel use have been approved in Chapel Hill
commercial buildings .
51 ENV4-2c) Adopt low impact development design standards for management of stormwater runoff. Evaluate existing and amend to update .
51 ENV-4-2d) Modify development standards to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces created . Code revision necessary .
51 ENV4-2e ) Create fee structure for stormwater management based on property size and with reductions Evaluation necessary.
for smaller percentages of property consisting of lawns or high maintenance vegetation.
51 ENV4-2f) Improve tree-planting requirements for parking lots in order to reduce pollution from auto gas Landscape Code revision necessary.
evaporation .
51 ENV4-2g ) Establish environmental standards that all development proposals must meet for approval . Code re- review necessary.
51 ENV4-3a) Initiate simple energy accounting studies in all new major construction projects to monitor Building Code partially addresses .
trends in energy use , particularly per capita use .
52 ENV-44b) Develop and enforce standards for non-toxic building materials . Building Code partially addresses .
52 ENV44c) Encourage building reuse rather than demolition . Progress ongoing
Environment 53 ENV-5-1 a) Continue current methods and develop new methods to ensure that planned communities Location of Planned Development is critical .
and Land Use have sufficient water.
Goal 5: 53 ENV-5- 1 b) Protect groundwater and limit use to recharge rates/carrying capacity, as determined through Zoning requirements altered in critical water areas. Watershed under
Protect Our Water scientific studies (such as the current Water Resources/USGS effort) . studies for further needs .
Supply 53 ENV-5-2a) Establish a water conservation program for all water providers within the county. Multi-utility coordination is necessary .
Economy Goal 1 : 55 ECO-1 -2b ) Make development regulations more flexible to accommodate desired businesses . EDD standards and process was revamped .
Support a Diverse 56 ECO- 1 -2d ) Support maintenance and start-up of desirable businesses through a variety of means . Process acknowledged and ongoing
Economy that
Meets Local
Needs
Housing 58 HOU- lAa ) Encourage support of a range of housing options , including : (see text on page 58-59 ) . Courtesy review process allowing for greater diversity in housing stock
Goal 1 : through work with the municipalities and utility providers.
Ensure
Availability of
Affordable,
Quality Housing
59 HOU- 1 - 1 d ) Work with the legislative delegation to pass legislation on impact taxes , inclusionary zoning , New impact fees passed . Other progress pending legislative approval .
and a real estate transfer tax.
59 HOU- 1 - 1 e ) Examine means to promote affordable housing that will stay affordable in the long-term . Affordable Housing Task Force has put forth its recommendations and
they are being followed by all appropriate agencies .
59 HOU- l -2b ) Strengthen and enforce the Housing Code to bring sub-standard housing up to standards . Possibly set Orange County standard to enhance state Building Code ,
Human Services 62 HUM-2-2a ) Expand community policing . Police forces increased in manpower.
Goal 2: 62 HUM-2-2b) Encourage neighborhood watch programs in all neighborhoods.
Promote Public
Safety
62 HUW2-3a ) Develop crime prevention programs serving minority populations as well as especially Adopt Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED ) .
vulnerable populations .
62 HUW24a ) Pursue inter-jurisdictionally coordinated (among towns and rural areas) , long- range planning Recommendation is followed and efforts are ongoing
that considers rationalizing fire protection through cooperative agreements , or rationalization Evaluate growth optimum overlay design (GOOD) model .
of service areas around stations , in order to send the closest truck to the fire .
63 HUW2-5a) Incorporate disaster preparedness education into community policing , neighborhood watch , Disaster preparedness program in process .
and school programs.
63 HUW2-6a ) Create a county-wide , integrated communications system for emergency management which Evaluate telecommunication system .
enables inter-departmental communication among jurisdictions .
67 HUM44 Advocate with the legislature and employers to provide adequate coverage/funding for Recommendation is followed
health/mental health services. Particularly address
A. Healthcare coverage for those not on a health plan
B . Prescription drugs coverage for seniors , and
C. Mental health services .
Orange County Recreation & Parks Department
SHAPING ORANGE COUNTY ' S FUTURE
Task Force Recommendations - County Response
Page_26
1 - 8a) Improve/expand park and recreation facilities .
• Efland- Cheeks Community School Park opened in June , 2000 with the completion of
Phase I which includes athletic fields , basketball courts , walking track and picnic
shelter .
• Forty acres of land acquired at the Northern Human Services Center to improve septic
situations at the Center and to expand the park facilities .
• Improved baseball field site at Fairview Park and opened for use September, 2001 .
1 - 8b ) Fund acquisition of land and easements for future parks , rustic woodland trails , and bike
ways .
• In conjuction with ERCD , land was acquired at several locations in the County from
the 1997 Bond and from several grant funds .
1 - 80 Increase community access to parks located in the County.
• Park facilities that have been opened by the County in the last 2 years are available
for public use during day light hours and can be reserved for special activities .
1 - 8d) Provide more outdoor education services including nature interpretation and lessons in
outdoor skills and sports .
• County Recreation and Parks Department utilizes the services of the State Parks
rangers to provide nature interpretative programs at Eno River State Park and
Occaneechi Mountain for the summer camp program .
• Youth sports is the largest program area in the department ; offering soccer, football,
softball , wrestling and a variety of clinics .
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SHAPING ORANGE
DSS EFFORTS
SEPTEMBER 2001
1 -2b Create a position for a full-time County Disability Services Coordinator
No action by DSS
1 -2c Continue to improve services for Latinos/Hispanics and other non-English
speaking populations
• DSS staff have been identified who can provide translation services
• Translators are available through contract as needed for Spanish translation
• DSS is working with other departments to improve access for all persons with
Limited English proficiency by identifying available county resources and other
available resources (e. g. telephone translation)
• DSS is working with community groups to find ways to meet needs (e. g. outreach,
cross- training)
• Some DSS staff are participating in the Spanish classes
54a, 54b , 54d5 5 - 2b Sustainability
No action by DSS
HUM 14 a Ensure provision of childcare for county families in high quality, safe
facilities with educated childcare providers supervising all young children
• Orange County has a child care reimbursement system based on the Rated
License System . This system reimburses childcare facilities that meet a higher
license level at a higher rate of reimbursement.
• Training for childcare providers is planned and coordinated each year because
teacher credentials are directly related to quality childcare programs for
children .
• Technical assistance is offered to childcare providers to enable them to
participate in the DSS Child Care Subsidy Program .
• DSS makes site visits to all new providers who enroll in the program to assure
quality programs
HUM 14b Involve parents in total process through classes and hand on experience
• The DSS Day Care Unit makes face-to face contacts with parents to assist them
with childcare subsidy and to offer them a variety of social work services.
• Parents receiving childcare subsidy are surveyed each year for their satisfaction
with the Child Care Subsidy Program and their Day Care Social Worker.
HUM 14 c Create additional affordable (sliding scale) after- school and summer
programs , available to all children, including those with disabilities , using highly trained,
well-paid staff with trained high school students as assistants
• DSS contracts with both the Orange County Schools and the Chapel Hill-
Carrboro Schools to provide after school care for children . Both school systems
have multiple programs.
• Some childcare centers and homes offer school- age care, including one new home
facility in northern Orange and one new center based program in Chapel Hill.
• DSS encourages programs to expand to serve school- age children and provides
subsidy for these services.
• Coordinated efforts to maximize resources occurs between Child Care Services
Association and DSS
HUM 14 d Develop strategies to ensure that early childhood specialists (teachers) are
compensated fairly, including benefits
• Programs at Child Care Services Association and through Smart Start funds such
as T. E. A . CH and the Wages Program address compensation
HUM Me Encourage businesses to adopt parental leave policies to make it possible
for parents to care for their children at home in their first year . Encourage governments to
establish model policies . Resolve conflict between such policies and the Work First
program . Search for ways to encourage small businesses to adopt policies , and establish
a public awareness campaign .
Work First allows parents to care for children for the first year. Some parents
volunteer to begin training during that time but it is not a program requirement.
HUM 1 -2a Work with legislative delegation to encourage public funding for child
care , similar to K- 12 levels , and in the mean time create a plan with identified money
source to ensure that all families are able to access affordable child care
• County staff continue to advocate for more day care funds and funds have
increased
• DSS and Child Care Services Association work together to maximize the
available funds
.,;
u .. . .. .. . . . .. ... . . . . .... .. . ..._ .__......_ _... _.... .
• County has appropriated funds to encourage private public effort to provide more
care
• Even though over $4 million in public funds is spent annually for subsidized day
care in the county, not all eligible families can be served. There are waiting lists
for subsidy.
HUM 1 -2b Share child care costs with private sector through on- site day care
• UNC has an on -site program and contracts with DOSS for subsidy for low income
employees. No other businesses have such care at this time
• Orange County has appropriated funds to use as seed money to encourage private
sector involvement in the provision of day care.
HUM 211nmma Develop a major public relations campaign that focuses on eliminating
child abuse and spousal abuse and promoting positive family relationships .
• DSS and other community organizations work well together to provide
information to the public about family issues
• Healthy Carolinians focuses on some of these issues
• DSS provides information and speakers at numerous community events
• Community Child Protection Team provides information on prevention to the
public
• Special events such as the Blue Ribbon campaign also increase awareness
HUM 2 - 3b Develop relationships between the public safety providers and other
service providers who have special ties to those populations
DSS has strong and effective working relationships with all public safety
providers, particularly as related to the protection of children and vulnerable adults
HUM 3 - 5 Provide appropriate work opportunities for seniors to re - enter the labor
market
No action by DSS
HUM 4 - 1 Focus local policies , priorities and funds on creating a health environment
for residents and on promoting health behaviors . Policies and funding should support :
D . Provision of age- appropriate family life education to address problem of tee-
pregnancies and teen abortion, HIV , poor parenting, child abuse/neglect a?
sexual assault
Adolescent Parenting program has been expanded in the school systei
Parenting Education Collaborative is active and effective with fami10
throughout the county
r:
HUM 4 - 3 Encourage and continue provision and enhancement of community-based
services that meet the demand for treatment for mental health, mental illness and
substance abuse for ,
A. Children with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues
Be Adults with physical or mental disabilities or mental illness
C . Victims of abuse or trauma
D . Teen or adult substance abuses
• DO'S and community agencies have worked together to find solutions to
the demand for community services
HUM 44 Advocate with the legislature and employers to provide adequate
coverage/funding for health/mental health services . Particularly address
A. Health care coverage for those not on a health plan
Be Prescription drugs coverage for seniors , and
C . Mental health services
DO'S has provided outreach and enrollment for all Medicaid and Health Choice
Is
programs. Whenever legislative increases occur, the DSS repeats those efforts to
assure that all families are aware of these services