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HomeMy WebLinkAboutShaping OC future - Solid Waste 2001 .. +..\.\\......v.. .. .\..: ..\a.. . ... . .. v.. .t. .. ..\a \ \.: 1::.:• 1• .\I.•. . 11•\.:l.tlt\. . . ,. .l\ .11:' 1}` .. . ; \:'. .\\. . . . .. . • .. . . \ . . . . . .. . . .. \ •. t , \ a.\ .l \l.. .. .. . . . ,. . t.. .. . . . . . . . . . . .. \ \\ . . . .. . . . . \ .t'.. .. .t. . \_\ _. .l\.\�... ... ... .:t' :t:i\:..�.1 : ...\�.i`.\ 1. . . . .... .\ . :�t:l.. ..\:l': Ala .. ... . .il:'.I .t.. .\.., .. . . .. . . . . . f \ .. . .. . ... . . 1 . . . . , Memorandum To . David Stancil , ERC Director From. Gayle Wilson, Solid Waste Management Director Subject. Status Report — Shaping Orange County Date : September 14 , 2001 Please find below the status report requested by the Manager: Goal 5 : Adopt Policies to Move the Community Toward Sustainability Recommendation #4 A . Adopt green building standards for all new government construction. Status — SW Department routinely provides information and advocates for using materials containing recycled content. No standards have been developed. B . Adopt a policy to systematically replace older government vehicles with new low/no emissions vehicles that are alternatively fueled and/or fuel- efficient. Status — No policy yet adopted. E . Have each local government establish a comprehensive reduction, reuse , and recycle program. Status — SW Department has primary responsibility county- wide for promotion/education regarding waste reduction, reuse, and recycling , provision of recyclables collection and processing services , and providing assistance in development of such sustainable policies . In February 2001 SW Department conducted a regional "Buy Recycled" workshop on developing policies giving preference to purchasing products containing recycled content. Orange County government has an informal buy-recycled policy. Goal 4 : Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction Recommendation 4 A . Continue and enhance efforts to promote reduction, reuse and recycling of solid waste and elimination of the use of toxic chemicals ; meet Orange County ' s adopted goals of 45 % solid waste reduction by 2001 and 61 % by 2006 . Status — Solid Waste Advisory Board examining ways to finance implementation of adopted Orange County Solid Waste Management Plan that will provide means by which 61 % goal will be met. Current waste reduction rate is approximately 36% . SW Department will introduce new "Toxicity Reduction Improvement Program" proposal to BOCC at next work session. Department currently has adopted numerous programs/practices whose goal is to IF reduce/limit toxicity of Orange County wastes . Our household hazardous waste program is part of a region-wide effort in the Triangle. Promotion and enhancement of waste reduction, reuse and recycling is a fundamental countywide responsibility of the SW Department. . . ,., . B . Develop and enforce standards for non-toxic building materials . Status — No such policy is currently under development. C . Encourage building reuse rather than demolition. Status — SW Department advocates and provides technical and market assistance for deconstruction . Proposed ordinance currently under consideration by BOCC encourages consideration of deconstruction vs . demolition . SW Department has also facilitated building relocation (moving) as an alternative to demolition. D . Require manufacturers to be responsible for taking back packaging to encourage reuse and internalize the cost of disposal . Status — SW Department has no authority to require this action. E . Raise solid waste tipping fees and institute a "pay as you throw" system. Status — PAYT fee systems typically are implemented in conjunction with garbage collection systems . SW Department does not collect garbage . The adopted Solid Waste Management Plan includes an element that recommends that Orange County governmental garbage collection agencies adopt PAYT fee systems ( or other regulatory alternatives) once the recycling infrastructure recommended in the Plan is developed. Arbitrarily raising tipping fees , absent consideration of regional pricing structures and waste stream flows , is not a policy the SW Department supports . We believe this concept to be counterproductive and contrary to progressive solid waste management practices and responsible administration of a solid waste enterprise fund . The SW Department recommends the BOCC reevaluate the benefits of this Task Force recommendation . Tipping fees are adjusted to meet solid waste management budget needs and are now among the highest in the region/state . F . Encourage more regional planning regarding recycling and management of solid waste , including locating a materials transfer site that would include C &D building materials . Status — Considerable effort has been expended regarding identification of regional opportunities for recycling and management of solid waste . SW Department participates in the Triangle J Regional Council of Governments Solid Waste Planning Committee , with SW Director Gayle Wilson being the current Chair. Outside the Triangle J context, various staff level meetings and discussions have taken place with Alamance, Durham, Chatham and Wake Counties . The pursuit of regional opportunities is ongoing . The concept of a regional transfer operation is not being actively pursued due to various operational, economic , and siting factors . Each regional opportunity must be thoroughly evaluated to ascertain risks , benefits , etc . Attachment B C Process for Completing Shaping Orange Couhty 's Future 1 . County department heads to prepare bullet- style status report that identifies how recommendations from Task Force in their area have been/are being addressed (By September 10) 2 . Status reports from department heads compiled into report , presented to Board of Commissioners in September 3 . Board reviews and adds to report , before sending to Carrboro , Chapel Hill and Hillsborough with a request that Towns likewise add to status report . 4 . Send status reports to Task Force , with instructions to reconvene for 1 - 2 meetings to address only omissions from Provisional Report and Recommendations and items from County/Town status reports . Purpose of Status Reports • Task Force did not distinguish between recommended new actions and continuation of actions already underway — make sure they are aware of what ' s being done toward this end • Recognize and publicize activities that already exist • Point out economic/financial consequences of recommendations , where known Example of Status Report Format " Task Force Recommendation 1 - C . Promote mountain - climbing and rappelling at Occoneechee Mountain " County Response • New recreation program established September 1999 = "Eno River Edge- Climbing ': Program served 200 citizens in first year with six weekend climbing sessions. Attachment 0 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 (4A0 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. Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Implementation Suggested # Timeframe Goal 1 : 22 1 - 1 a) Increase opportunities for residents from different geographic areas of the County BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , ST Go Community- and different backgrounds to work together. Building First 22 1 -1b) Create multi-use community facilities . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, relevant government departments LT 22 1 -1c) Promote neighborhood design that encourages community interaction . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, town and county planning departments ST 22 1 -1d) Create more all-county shared events. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, relevant government entities, such . as the OC Arts ST Commission 22 1 - 1e) Improve relations between the University and County residents . UNC Department of Community Relations , representatives from the towns and ST county elected boards 22 1 - 1f) Publish an Orange County community handbook/calendar. OC Managers Office , Clerk to BOCC office , UNC-CH ST 22 1 - 1 g ) Establish partnerships between urban and rural residents through community support Agriculture Districts Advisory Board , OC Environment and Resource ST for local farming . Conservation , OC Cooperative Extension , OC Economic Development, OC Soil and Water District, agriculture advocacy groups 23 1 -2a) Form a broad-based coalition lead by the OC Human Rights and Relations OC Human Rights and Relations Commission , existing local organizations that ST Commission to develop a plan to foster multiculturalism . address multiculturalism , other interested citizens . 23 1 -2b) Create a position for a full-time County Disability Services Coordinator OC Human Rights and Relations Dept. , Dept. of Social Services , BOCC. ST 23 1 -2c) Continue to improve services for Latinos/Hispanics and other non-English speaking All governmental departments dealing with the public, local non-profits dealing ST populations . with human services and advocacy for Latinos/Hispanics . ) Encourage diverse citizen participation in local decision-making . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education , all ST town and county advisory boards and relevant staff a) Have all elected boards adopt an ordinance to integrate community-building into their BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , and the school boards ST procedures . 2441b ) Have elected officials support and commit to participate in ongoing community- BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education ST building training . 25 1 -4a) Provide and promote gallery space in all public and quasi-public buildings . OC Arts Commission , all local governments ST 25 f Encourage displays of art and arts performances in public spaces and in businesses . OC Arts Commission , local businesses ST 25 Create partnership between high schools and community to create cultural arts OC Arts Commission , OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education , MT centers which are accessible and low-cost for community event use . interested local arts non-profits 25 1 -4d) Establish a space for arts and community groups to have shared offices/meeting OC Arts Commission , local arts non-profits MT space to plan projects and foster partnerships . OC Arts Commission local realtors MT 25 1 -4e) Promote the accessibility of space to use for artists' studios and cooperatives . , Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Implementation Suggested # Timeframe 25 1 -5a) Create incentives to support local artists . OC Arts Commission , BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC ST 25 1 -5b ) Create a public-private partnership to fund arts . OC Arts Commission , local arts non-profits , BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC MT 25 1 -6a) Develop a county arts incubator OC Arts Commission , Economic Development Commission , BOCC ST 25 'i -6b) Establish a community arts resources center to be a central place for information OC Arts Commission , BOCC MY provision and sharing , a resource library for artists to build skills in marketing , etc. , and to serve as a meeting place. 25 1 -6c) Broaden OC Arts Commission database to include rural and immigrant arts . OC Arts Commission , BOCC ST 25 1 -7a) Increase developer and citizen awareness of significant historic resources and the Town and county historic preservation commissions and supporting departments ST need to protect them ; and offer rewards to developers who successfully incorporate/preserve county history. 25 1 -7b) Identify important corridors , areas , and sites of historic and cultural significance . Town and county historic preservation commissions and supporting departments 'ST 25 1 -7c) Encourage heritage tourism by protecting historic and archaeological sites and Town and county historic preservation commissions and supporting departments , MT opening selected sites for a County historic "trail". Economic Development Department 25 1 -7d) Support the preservation and sharing of the County's history through displays , Town and county historic preservation commissions and supporting departments MT museum exhibits , etc. 26 1 -8a) Improve/expand park and recreation facilities. BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, Mebane Town Board , town and county parks and ST recreation departments , OWASA 26 1 -8b) Fund acquisition of land and easements for future parks, rustic woodland trails, and BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , town and county parks and recreation departments , OC ST bikeways . Environment and Resource Conservation Department, OC Commission for the Environment, OWASA 26 1 -80 Increase community access to parks located in the County. BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , School Boards , town and county parks and recreation ST departments, OWASA 26 1 -8d ) Provide more outdoor education services including nature interpretation , and lessons Town and county parks and recreation departments , BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC ST to MT in outdoor skills and sports . Goal 2: 27 2- 1a ) Convene a short-term committee with geographical representation and BOCC and study committee Address Citizen racial/gender/ethnic diversity charged to come up with recommended options for ST Concerns about changing the elective process for the County Commission to choose from and put on Representation in a referendum for County vote. Government 2-1b) Make sure any new electoral systems options address diversity and look at previous work and other types of reform voting methods. 28 2-2a) Convene a short-term committee for each ETJ to look at making Town elected CHTC, CBA, HC, Mebane City Council , and study committees ST boards more responsive to citizens residing in ETJ/ transition areas. 28 2-3a) Continue to ensure all advisory boards have broad-based representation. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC ST 28 24a) Continue efforts to make government an open process in full public view. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC ST Goal 3, 29 3- 1 a) Create a jointly-funded, countywide intergovernmental Data Center for the purpose of BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, a newly created joint, county-wide Data Center, MT Create and Maintain collecting , analyzing and distributing data. planning departments and other relevant staffs a Centralized Information Base for Dec/slon-making Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Implementation Suggested # Timeframe Goal 4: 31 41 a) Create a coordinated Government Efficiency Project to build on current efforts and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, staff from relevant departments MT Improve Government study the feasibility of combining some town and county services to greater efficiency 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 BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , local legislative delegation , and work with other local ST to MT local authority to institute desired programs , such as Transfer of Development Rights , governments to lobby legislature as well Impact Taxes , and Inclusionary Zoning . 32 4-3a) Research feasibility and impact of creating alternative revenue sources including BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, local legislators ST consideration of a local sales tax, a real estate transfer tax, and increasing impact fees (or taxes). 32 44a) Adopt coordinated Adequate Public Facilities4 Ordinances for entire county. BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , OC Board of Education, CH-C Board of Education , town ST and county planning departments 32 44b ) Determine carrying capacity of land and decide where to Invest resources: water, BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , Mebane Town Board , local planning and environmental ST sewer, landfill , parks , etc. departments 32 44c) Coordinate local and regional water/sewer boundaries with urban growth boundaries . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , OWASA ST 32 44d ) Ensure water/sewer extensions to rural areas to address failed systems are designed BOCC, OWASA, water and sewer providers in Orange County to serve only the failure area . ST 32 44e ) Explore new water/waste water technologies created over time and proven effective . OC Environmental Health Department, OC Board of Health MT to LT 32 44f) Ask school systems to collaborate up front with local governments in school site BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education ST selection process . 32 44g ) Provide equal funds per sq . ft. building space to city and county school systems for BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education MT building of new schools and remodeling or renovating old ones . 33 4-5a) Do a cost of service study to examine "real" costs of different types of land uses Local planning departments or an outside planning consultant ST (agriculture , residential , commercial , office , industrial) . 33 4-6a) Follow up on recommendations of the joint UNC and Town of Chapel Hill Task Force Representatives from the University , UNC Health Care System , and Chapel Hill , ST to MT on Fiscal Relationships to examine in more detail the positive and negative tax Carrboro and Orange County elected boards revenue implications of future University and UNC Health Care System growth . 33 4-6b) Continue efforts to achieve and maintain fiscal equity between the University and Representatives from the University, UNC Health Care System , and Chapel Hill , ST UNC Health Care System and the Orange County community. Carrboro and Orange County elected boards 33 4-7a) Examine current extraterritorial and planning jurisdictions to see if boundaries are BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, Mebane City Council still consistent with land use patterns and efficient service provision and planning . ST 33 4-7b) Look at existing MPO boundaries (Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Burlington Governments of each area within the MPO's , NC DOT ST 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 Triangle J governments MT reflect the Triangle region and meet local needs. 33 4-8a) Institute a mechanism that ensures all local government staffs communicate and are BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , Mebane City Council ST aware of the initiatives and programs of other local governments . 33 4-9a) Improve and streamline the development review process for commercial and BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , town and county planning departments ST residential development in areas targeted for development. Attachment 0 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 (4A0 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. Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Implementation Suggested # Timeframe Goal 1 : 22 1 - 1 a) Increase opportunities for residents from different geographic areas of the County BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , ST Go Community- and different backgrounds to work together. Building First 22 1 -1b) Create multi-use community facilities . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, relevant government departments LT 22 1 -1c) Promote neighborhood design that encourages community interaction . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, town and county planning departments ST 22 1 -1d) Create more all-county shared events. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, relevant government entities, such . as the OC Arts ST Commission 22 1 - 1e) Improve relations between the University and County residents . UNC Department of Community Relations , representatives from the towns and ST county elected boards 22 1 - 1f) Publish an Orange County community handbook/calendar. OC Managers Office , Clerk to BOCC office , UNC-CH ST 22 1 - 1 g ) Establish partnerships between urban and rural residents through community support Agriculture Districts Advisory Board , OC Environment and Resource ST for local farming . Conservation , OC Cooperative Extension , OC Economic Development, OC Soil and Water District, agriculture advocacy groups 23 1 -2a) Form a broad-based coalition lead by the OC Human Rights and Relations OC Human Rights and Relations Commission , existing local organizations that ST Commission to develop a plan to foster multiculturalism . address multiculturalism , other interested citizens . 23 1 -2b) Create a position for a full-time County Disability Services Coordinator OC Human Rights and Relations Dept. , Dept. of Social Services , BOCC. ST 23 1 -2c) Continue to improve services for Latinos/Hispanics and other non-English speaking All governmental departments dealing with the public, local non-profits dealing ST populations . with human services and advocacy for Latinos/Hispanics . ) Encourage diverse citizen participation in local decision-making . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education , all ST town and county advisory boards and relevant staff a) Have all elected boards adopt an ordinance to integrate community-building into their BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , and the school boards ST procedures . 2441b ) Have elected officials support and commit to participate in ongoing community- BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education ST building training . 25 1 -4a) Provide and promote gallery space in all public and quasi-public buildings . OC Arts Commission , all local governments ST 25 f Encourage displays of art and arts performances in public spaces and in businesses . OC Arts Commission , local businesses ST 25 Create partnership between high schools and community to create cultural arts OC Arts Commission , OC Board of Education , CH-C Board of Education , MT centers which are accessible and low-cost for community event use . interested local arts non-profits 25 1 -4d) Establish a space for arts and community groups to have shared offices/meeting OC Arts Commission , local arts non-profits MT space to plan projects and foster partnerships . OC Arts Commission local realtors MT 25 1 -4e) Promote the accessibility of space to use for artists' studios and cooperatives . , Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Implementation Suggested # Timeframe Goal 5: 34 5Aa) Create a set of sustainability Indicators using the SOCF Sustainability Committee BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic Adopt Policies to indicators as a starting point. Development Commission , Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee , Carrboro ST Move the Community Environmental Committee , and departments of Environment and Resources Toward Conservation , Economic Development, Social Services, Health , Housing , Sustainability Planning (both town and county) 34 5-1 b ) Create a permanent County database for these key indicators . BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic ST Development Commission , Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee , Carrboro Environmental Committee , and departments of Environment and Resources Conservation (ERC) , Economic Development, Social Services , Health , Housing , Planning (both town and county) w/ OC ERC taking lead in creating the database 34 5- 1 c) Track progress toward sustainability with annual reports to the community. OC Environment and Resource Conservation Department in conjunction with above departments and boards. ST 34 5- 1 d ) Use the indicators to help determine effectiveness of current policies and identify BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic ST to MT needed policy changes. Development Commission , Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee , Carrboro Environmental Committee , and departments of Environment and Resources Conservation , Economic Development, Social Services , Health , Housing , Planning (both town and county) 34 5-2a ) Examine status and trends of each natural resource based on a small number of key OC Environment and Resource Conservation Department in conjunction with ST to MT indicators , above departments and boards . 34 5-2b) Establish a general guide of standards and criteria based on resource limits that will BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic ST to MT help to define parameters of sustainability in Orange County. Development Commission , and departments of Environment and Resources Conservation , Economic Development, Social Services , Health , Housing , Planning (both town and county) w/ OC Environment and Resource Conservation taking lead in developing the guide 35 5-3a) Work with Durham and Chatham counties and their municipalities to develop a BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , boards of Durham and Chatham County, town and ST to MT 'Triangle West" regional vision and plan , county planning dep'ts and boards, and committee members 35 5-3b) Lobby the NC General Assembly for a statewide planning mechanism that would BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, and work with boards from other jurisdictions to lobby as ST to MT require regional planning and local government cooperation . well 35 54a) Adopt green building standards for all new government construction . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , town and county planning departments ST to MT 35 5=4b) Adopt a policy to systematically replace older government vehicles with new low/no BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC ST to MT emissions vehicles that are alternatively fueled and/or fu &efficient. 35 5-4c) Establish program to reduce vehicle miles driven by government employees . BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC ST 35 54d) Establish government policies to purchase products made using fair labor practices . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , town and county purchasing departments MT 35 5-4e) Have each local government establish a comprehensive reduction , reuse , and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC town and county solid waste/public works departments ST recycle program . 36 54f) Have all local governments join the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, town and county planning departments , O . C. ST Environment and Resource Conservation Department r�36 5-5a) Institute a county-wide program administered at the county level to promote concepts BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, O . C. Environment and Resource Conservation ST to MT of sustainability and educate the public on sustainability. Department 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 term (4A0 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 Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe Environment 42 ENVA1 la . Develop a countywide plan to focus two-thirds of future growth Into Chapel Hill , Carrboro , BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, Durham City, UNC, planning ST to MT and Land Use Hillsborough , Mebane and "transition areas", and limit growth in rural areas . Create an inter- departments and boards , and other relevant departments and boards 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 BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, Durham City, UNC, planning ST to MT Use Patterns that and recommend their findings to local planning boards , including : departments and boards , and other relevant departments and boards Meet Our Citizens ' Evaluate and explore the range of zoning options to use for managing orderly growth . Needs While (There are many unique cases that often do not easily and equitably fit this sometimes Protecting Natural rigid formulation . It is important to look at zoning theories that are partially based on Resources performance standards and requirements .) ■ Limit extension of water and sewer; to work together with the county and region to - also OWASA, Orange Alamance Water Systems 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 ENVA1 2a) Within municipalities and their ETJs promote "compact mixed-use development (CMUD ) in CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , town planning boards and departments ST areas of Towns targeted for growth . Establish guidelines and design standards for compact mixed-use development. 43 ENVAm2b) In Transition Areas , create village" style development to focus development in these areas BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , town and county planning boards and MT and develop highly diverse communities with a genuine sense of place to live and grow. departments 44 ENV- -2c) In Rural Areas support development of Small Area Plans for the County's five identified rural BOCC , county planning board and planning department ST to MT 1 community centers . Support creation of non water and sewer dependent small "hamlets" in these areas . Explore feasibility of expanding the existing Rural Industrial Node . 44 ENVA1 2d ) Create a joint land use plan with a focus on preserving and protecting the rural and farm BOCC ; CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , Durham City Council , town and county ST to MT lands . Ideas must come from citizens working with elected officials and funds must be planning boards and departments provided . Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Implementation Suggested # Timeframe Goal 5: 34 5Aa) Create a set of sustainability Indicators using the SOCF Sustainability Committee BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic Adopt Policies to indicators as a starting point. Development Commission , Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee , Carrboro ST Move the Community Environmental Committee , and departments of Environment and Resources Toward Conservation , Economic Development, Social Services, Health , Housing , Sustainability Planning (both town and county) 34 5-1 b ) Create a permanent County database for these key indicators . BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic ST Development Commission , Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee , Carrboro Environmental Committee , and departments of Environment and Resources Conservation (ERC) , Economic Development, Social Services , Health , Housing , Planning (both town and county) w/ OC ERC taking lead in creating the database 34 5- 1 c) Track progress toward sustainability with annual reports to the community. OC Environment and Resource Conservation Department in conjunction with above departments and boards. ST 34 5- 1 d ) Use the indicators to help determine effectiveness of current policies and identify BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic ST to MT needed policy changes. Development Commission , Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee , Carrboro Environmental Committee , and departments of Environment and Resources Conservation , Economic Development, Social Services , Health , Housing , Planning (both town and county) 34 5-2a ) Examine status and trends of each natural resource based on a small number of key OC Environment and Resource Conservation Department in conjunction with ST to MT indicators , above departments and boards . 34 5-2b) Establish a general guide of standards and criteria based on resource limits that will BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, OC Commission for the Environment, OC Economic ST to MT help to define parameters of sustainability in Orange County. Development Commission , and departments of Environment and Resources Conservation , Economic Development, Social Services , Health , Housing , Planning (both town and county) w/ OC Environment and Resource Conservation taking lead in developing the guide 35 5-3a) Work with Durham and Chatham counties and their municipalities to develop a BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , boards of Durham and Chatham County, town and ST to MT 'Triangle West" regional vision and plan , county planning dep'ts and boards, and committee members 35 5-3b) Lobby the NC General Assembly for a statewide planning mechanism that would BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, and work with boards from other jurisdictions to lobby as ST to MT require regional planning and local government cooperation . well 35 54a) Adopt green building standards for all new government construction . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , town and county planning departments ST to MT 35 5=4b) Adopt a policy to systematically replace older government vehicles with new low/no BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC ST to MT emissions vehicles that are alternatively fueled and/or fu &efficient. 35 5-4c) Establish program to reduce vehicle miles driven by government employees . BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC ST 35 54d) Establish government policies to purchase products made using fair labor practices . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , town and county purchasing departments MT 35 5-4e) Have each local government establish a comprehensive reduction , reuse , and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC town and county solid waste/public works departments ST recycle program . 36 54f) Have all local governments join the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign. BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, town and county planning departments , O . C. ST Environment and Resource Conservation Department r�36 5-5a) Institute a county-wide program administered at the county level to promote concepts BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, O . C. Environment and Resource Conservation ST to MT of sustainability and educate the public on sustainability. Department 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 term (4A0 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 Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe Environment 42 ENVA1 la . Develop a countywide plan to focus two-thirds of future growth Into Chapel Hill , Carrboro , BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, Durham City, UNC, planning ST to MT and Land Use Hillsborough , Mebane and "transition areas", and limit growth in rural areas . Create an inter- departments and boards , and other relevant departments and boards 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 BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, Durham City, UNC, planning ST to MT Use Patterns that and recommend their findings to local planning boards , including : departments and boards , and other relevant departments and boards Meet Our Citizens ' Evaluate and explore the range of zoning options to use for managing orderly growth . Needs While (There are many unique cases that often do not easily and equitably fit this sometimes Protecting Natural rigid formulation . It is important to look at zoning theories that are partially based on Resources performance standards and requirements .) ■ Limit extension of water and sewer; to work together with the county and region to - also OWASA, Orange Alamance Water Systems 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 ENVA1 2a) Within municipalities and their ETJs promote "compact mixed-use development (CMUD ) in CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , town planning boards and departments ST areas of Towns targeted for growth . Establish guidelines and design standards for compact mixed-use development. 43 ENVAm2b) In Transition Areas , create village" style development to focus development in these areas BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , town and county planning boards and MT and develop highly diverse communities with a genuine sense of place to live and grow. departments 44 ENV- -2c) In Rural Areas support development of Small Area Plans for the County's five identified rural BOCC , county planning board and planning department ST to MT 1 community centers . Support creation of non water and sewer dependent small "hamlets" in these areas . Explore feasibility of expanding the existing Rural Industrial Node . 44 ENVA1 2d ) Create a joint land use plan with a focus on preserving and protecting the rural and farm BOCC ; CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , Durham City Council , town and county ST to MT lands . Ideas must come from citizens working with elected officials and funds must be planning boards and departments provided . Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe 44 ENV-lm3) Adopt a process to develop , in small increments , large-scale areas as Hamlets, Villages , or BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , town and county planning boards and ST to MT Compact Mixed- Use Developments using a citizen-driven process through the following departments 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 marketAriven development. Environment 45 ENV-2A ) Use the Lands Legacy program to develop a comprehensive Countywide Natural Areas BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , OC Commission for the Environment, ST and Land Use Conservation/Open Space Plan that addresses the following . OC Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. , recreation and Goal 2. a) A program to protect important natural areas. parks departments 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 : BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, OC Commission for the Environment, ST to MT a ) Fee-simple acquisition of the most important/ threatened areas; OC Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. , local legislative b) Purchase of conservation easements; delegation c) Purchase of Development Rights , where appropriate; d ) Transfer of Development Rights ; town and county planning boards and departments 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 : BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, OC Commission for the Environment, ST to MT a ) Increase local funding through bonds for open space and natural areas . OC Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. , appropriate federal , b) Create a dedicated local funding source for acquisition of these areas. state and non-profit groups 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- OC Commission for the Environment, OC Environment and Resource ST invasive exotic plants in landscaping . Conservation Department, UNC Botanical Garden I i i t i Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy F;Timeframe uggested f# Implementation Environment 47 ENW3- 1 a) Conduct a scientifically-valid survey of a representative sample of residents to determine Town and county planning departments , possibly an outside ST and Land Use interest and willingness to use various alternative forms of transportation . transportation consultant Goal 47 ENV-3-2a) Designate specific locations for public transportation nodes through the county. Nodes will BOCC , CHIC , CBA, HC, MCC , relevant MPOs , Triangle Transit ST Create accommodate pedestrians , parking and bicycle racks, and be interconnected by dedicated Authority , Orange Public Transit, town and county planning departments Environmentally public transportation corridors . and boards Sustainable 47 ENV-3-2b ) Increase bus service between Hillsborough and Chapel Hill/Carrboro . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC, relevant MPOs , Triangle Transit ST Authority Orange Public Transit, town and county planning departments Transportation and boards Systems that Meet People 's Needs 47 ENV-3-2c) Lobby for increased federal and state funding for public transportation . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , relevant MPOs , Triangle Transit ST Authority, NC DOT , UNC-CH 47 ENW3-2d) Expand the public and special transportation network, both in frequency and location . BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , relevant MPOs , Triangle Transit ST to MT Authority , Orange Public Transit, town and county planning departments and boards , UNC-CH 47 ENV-3-2e) Place park and ride lots at appropriate locations . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC, relevant MPOs , Triangle Transit ST Authority, Orange Public Transit, town and county planning departments and boards , UNC-CH 48 ENV-3-3a) Work with UNC to make the main UNC campus an auto-limited zone . UNGCH , BOCC , CHTC , Triangle Transit Authority, CH Transit, relevant ST town and county planning depts and boards 48 ENV-3-3b) Conduct an analysis of potential areas and a way to transition to auto4imited zones in CHTC , CBA, town planning boards and departments ST downtown Chapel Hill and Carrboro . 48 ENV-3-3c) Encourage Hillsborough to explore the possibility of creating an auto-limited zone in a portion HC , Hillsborough and county planning boards and departments , BOCC ST to MT of the downtown areas. 48 ENV-3-3d) Provide frequent shuttle service from park and ride lots to the University and downtowns . UNGCH , BOCC , CHTC, CBA, Triangle Transit Authority, relevant town ST and county planning departments and boards 48 ENV-3-3e) Provide dedicated bus-only lanes to shuttle people from park and ride lots to UNC campus , UNC-CH , BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , relevant MPOs, Triangle MT downtown discharge nodes and other frequently visited destinations . Transit Authority, NC DOT , town and county planning departments and boards 48 ENV-3-3f) Encourage phasing out of use of private auto lots at high schools. BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , school boards MT 48 ENV-3-4a) Build bicycle lanes on all major thoroughfares within urban areas of the county . CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , NC DOT , MPOs , town planning departments MT and boards 48 ENV-34b ) Include paved shoulder (4' wide) for all upgrades to major and minor thoroughfares (re- BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , NC DOT, MPOs , town and county ST paving or widening ) . planning departments and boards 48 ENV-340 Require all urban thoroughfares to have sidewalks and all rural thoroughfares to have BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , NC DOT, MPOs , town and county ST shoulders for bicyclists and pedestrians. planning departments and boards 48 ENV-34d) Build sidewalks between schools and residential areas. BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC, town and county planning departments ST and boards ST to MT 48 ENV-3-4e) Create safe pedestrian crossings to transverse major highways where needed . CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , NC DOT, town planning departments Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation- Timeframe 48 ENW3-5) Encourage use of additional transportation demand management strategies for large BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, relevant MPOs , Triangle Transit ST to MT employers including carpools/vanpools , compressed work weeks , flexible work schedules , Authority, NC DOT, town and county planning departments and boards , telecommuting , provision of HOV lanes (if judged efficient) , and mixed use development. UNC=CH and other large employers 49 ENW3-6a ) Promote ownership of low emission motor vehicles . Seek legislative approval to grant local BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , schools , local legislative delegation ST tax incentives for this . 49 ENV-3-6b) Have the County and Towns take the lead in instituting ozone action plans as models for BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , OC Commission for the Environment, ST other local governments and industries . OC Env't and Resource Conservation Dept. , 49 ENV-3-60 Institute hourly monitoring of air quality in central districts of the four towns . CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , NC Division of Air Quality ST 49 ENW3-6d) . Lobby for more stringent state inspection of heavy-duty trucks . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , local legislative delegation ST 49 ENV-3-7a-b) Reduce congestion and pollution with minimal new road construction by making BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , MPOs MT to LT development of multl-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 BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, NC DOT, MPOs , local legislative ST creative and authoritative role for local governments. delegation , state associations of county officials , and state municipal associations 49 ENV-3-8b ) Encourage inter-govemmental cooperation and facilitate greater citizen interest and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , NC DOT, MPOs , Citizens' Roundtable ST participation in evaluating transportation plans and planning Environment 50 ENV-4- 1 a ) Continue current efforts to guide growth away from public water supply watersheds to prevent BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC, town and county planning departments ST and Land Use new discharges into these watersheds. and boards , OC Comm . for the Env't, OC Env't and Res/ Conser'n Dept. Goal 4: 1 50 ENV-4- 1b) Fund expanded inspection programs to insure individual water systems , are not polluted and BOCC, OC Board of Health , OC Division of Environmental Health ST Pollution individual waste water systems and underground storage tanks are non-polluting . Prevention and 50 ENW- l c) Lobby for state construction projects to come under local authority for sedimentation and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , local legislative delegation , OC Erosion ST Waste Reduction erosion control monitoring and enforcement, or lobby state to adopt regulations as stringent Control , state erosion control office , OC Comm . for the Env"t, OC Env't & as those of Orange County. Resource Conservation Dept. ENV-4-1 d ) Push state to develop and release information about stream assimilative capacity. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , local legislative delegation , NC Div. of ST Water Quality, OC Water Resources Committee F50 ENV-4A e ) Continue to improve well construction methods . OC Board of Health , OC Environmental Health Dept. ST ENV-4- 1f) Identify wellhead protection areas that should be protected for ground water quality. OC Water Resources Committee , OC Env't and Resource Conservation ST to MT Dept., OC Environmental Health Dept. 50 ENV471g ) Develop an ongoing , long-term groundwater monitoring program OC Water Resources Committee , OC Env't and Resource Conservation ST to MT Dept. , OC Environmental Health Dept. 51 ENV4-2a) Provide fast-track approval for subdivisions and commercial buildings using environmentally BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, town and county planning boards and ST friendly design standards departments 51 ENV4-2b) Achieve legislation to allow a local property tax break for solar houses/green built houses and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, local legislative delegation , NC General ST to MT commercial buildings . Assembly 51 ENV4-20 Adopt low impact development design standards for management of stormwater runoff. BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, town and county planning boards and ST departments 51 EN +2d ) Modify development standards to reduce the amount of impervious surfaces created . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, town and county planning boards and ST departments Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe 51 ENN/4-2e) Create fee structure for stormwater management based on property size and with reductions BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , town and county planning boards and ST to MT for smaller percentages of property consisting of lawns or high maintenance vegetation . departments ft 51 ENV44 2f) Improve tree-planting requirements for parking lots in order to reduce pollution from auto gas BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , town and county planning boards and ST evaporation . departments 51 ENV44 2g) Establish environmental standards that all development proposals must meet for approval . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , town and county planning boards and ST to MT departments 51 ENV4-3a) Initiate simple energy accounting studies in all new major construction projects to monitor BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC, town and county planning boards and ST trends in energy use , particularly per capita use. departments 51 ENV4-3b) Conduct a study to consider subsidizing alternative electrical production . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , outside consultant to do study ST to MT 52 ENV44a) Continue and enhance efforts to promote reduction , reuse and recycling of solid waste and BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , OC Solid Waste Dept. ST to MT elimination of the use of toxic chemicals ; meet Orange County's adopted goals of 45% solid waste reduction by 2001 and 61 % by 2006 . 52 ENV44b) Develop and enforce standards for non-toxic building materials. BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , town and county. planning boards and ST to MT departments , environmental health departments 52 ENV44c) Encourage building reuse rather than demolition . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , town and county planning boards and MT departments 52 ENV44d ) Require manufacturers to be responsible for taking back packaging to encourage reuse and BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC MT internalize the cost of disposal . 52 ENV-44e) Raise solid waste tipping fees and institute a pay as you throw system . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, OC Solid Waste Dept. ST 52 ENV-44f) Encourage more regional planning regarding recycling and management of solid waste , BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , OC Solid Waste Dept. , governing boards ST to MT including locating a materials transfer site that would include C&D building materials . of Durham , Chatham , Alamance and Wake counties and relevant staff 52 ENV=44g ) Support regional efforts to prevent Shearron Harris from becoming a statewide site for storing BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC ST used fuel rods . 11 Environment 53 ENV-5- 1a) Continue current methods and develop new methods to ensure that planned communities BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, OWASA, Orange Alamance Water ST to MT and Land Use have sufficient water. Systems , town and county planning departments Goal 5: 53 ENV-5- 1 b ) Protect groundwater and limit use to recharge rates/carrying capacity, as determined through BOCC , OC Water Resources Committee , OC Environment and ST Protect Our Water scientific studies (such as the current Water Resources/USGS effort) . Resource Conservation Dept. , OC Environmental Health Dept. , OC Commission for the Environment Supply 53 ENV-5-2a) Establish a water conservation program for all water providers within the county. BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, OWASA, Orange Alamance , OC Water ST Resources Committee , OC Env't and Resource Conservation Dept. , OC Comm . for the Environment 53 ENV-5-2b) Develop a water reclamation program for all water providers , identifying possible users of BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , OWASA, Orange Alamance , OC Water MT reclaimed water and providing incentives for use. Resources Committee , OC Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. , OC Commission for the Environment, OC Env'I Health Dept. 53 ENV-5-20 Permit use of gray-water for landscape watering , flushing toilets and other appropriate uses. BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , MCC , town and county planning departments MT and boards , OC Environment and Resource Conservation Dept. , OC Comm . for the Environment, OC EnVI Health Dept. P13 1 ENV-5-2d) Use cisterns to collect rainwater on public buildings to provide gray-water and lessen impact BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC, OWASA ST on stormwater runoff. Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe Economy 55 ECO- 1A ) Adopt a set of criteria for supporting current businesses and recruiting new businesses that BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC, OC Economic Development ST Goal 1 : will support sustainability goals and work off of current and emerging economic strengths Commission and Dept. Support a Diverse (suggested criteria are on pg . 55) . Economy that 55 ECO- 1 -2a) Work with the Chambers of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission to Local Chambers of Commerce , OC Economic Development ST Meets Local establish and fund a public/private task force to recruit and support desirable businesses that Commission, BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC Needs meet the adopted criteria . 55 ECO- 1 -2b ) Make development regulations more flexible to accommodate desired businesses . CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, town planning departments ST 56 ECO- 1 -20 Have County and Towns construct a shell spec building in order to attract companies needing BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC ST - MT immediate space . When sold , build another. 56 ECO- 1 -2d ) Support maintenance and start-up of desirable businesses through a variety of means. BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , OC Economic Development ST Commission , local Chambers of Commerce , local lending institutions F56 ECO- 1 -3) Seek Federal and State and private funding to support sustainable development initiatives. BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , MCC , OC Economic Development ST Commission ECO- 1 -4) Improve farming viability by supporting farming — traditional and new — through a BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC , OC Economic Development ST to NIT public/private partnership . Commission , OC Cooperative Extension Service , OC Agricultural Districts Advisory Board 56 ECO- 1 -5a) Examine the potential negative impacts of e-commerce on loss of local shopping and BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, MCC , OC Economic Development ST to MT business profitability. Commission , local Chambers of Commerce 56 ECO- 1 -5b ) Support local e-businesses. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, MCC, OC Economic Development ST Commission , local Chambers of Commerce 57 ECO- 1 -6 ) Encourage local Chambers of Commerce to appoint a group to address housing affordability Local Chambers of Commerce , local developers and business people , ST and diversity as an economic/business issue , and get the business community more involved housing advocates in seeking solutions. 57 ECO- 1 -7a ) Make the Skills Development Center a comprehensive classroom skills training and job BOCC, Durham Technical Community College , Town of Chapel Hill ST placement center. 57 ECOA1 7b) Develop a center with facilities for hands on technical skills application . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , Skills Development Center, Durham Technical ST to MT Community College LECO- 1 -8) Develop a partnership involving the Skills Development Center, high schools , and higher Skills Development Center, local high schools , Durham Technical ST to MT education institutions with the business community to train workers and provide job Community College, UNC-CH , local Chambers of Commerce , local - 1 opportunities . businesses 57 ECO -9) Lobby legislature to locate a branch of Durham Technical Community College in Orange BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, local legislative delegation ST County. Housing 58 HOU- 1 - 1a) Encourage support of a range of housing options , including : (see text on page 58 -59 ) . BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , UNC-CH , non-profits involved in housing ST Goal 1 : issues , local legislative delegation , local housing departments Ensure 59 HOUwl1 lb) Encourage the University to develop options for UNC employees to have affordable homes UNC-CH , BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , non-profits involved in housing ST to MT Availability of on University land . issues , local housing departments Affordable, 59 HOLJ - 1 - 1c) Encourage the University to increase considerably the proportion of students housed on UNC-CH , BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC , non-profits involved in housing ST to MT Quality Housing campusm issues , local housing departments FGoals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe 59 HOU- 1 -1 d ) Work with the legislative delegation to pass legislation on impact taxes , inclusionary zoning , BOCC, CHTC, CBA, HC, local legislative delegation , non-profits involved ST and a real estate transfer tax, in housing issues , local housing departments 59 HOU- 1 - 1e) Examine means to promote affordable housing that will stay affordable in the long-term . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , town and county planning boards , non-profits ST involved in housing issues , local housing departments 59 HOU- 1 - 1f) Continue to support the development of a land trust to maintain affordability and encourage BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, non-profits involved in housing issues, local ST making public land available to non-profits . housing departments 59 HOU- 1 -1 g ) Develop a dedicated source of revenue from public and private sources or from adequate BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , non-profits involved in housing issues , local ST to MT and substantive bond issues , to provide funding for non-profit ventures for low-income housing departments , local lending institutions housing for both rural and urban residents . 59 HOU-1 -2a) Increase funding for housing rehabilitation and repair programs for seniors , low income, and BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , local housing departments ST persons with disabilities . 59 HOUA1 2b) Strengthen and enforce the Housing Code to bring sub-standard housing up to standards . BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , local housing departments ST 59 HOU- 1 -2c) Strive for excellence in product design , and produce homes that are safe , durable , BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , local housing departments , housing non- profits ST comfortable , cost effective , energy efficient, and appropriate to the existing community . 59 HOU- 1 -3) Work with lending institutions to establish innovative financial asset guarantee programs to BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , local housing departments , housing non- ST make it possible for low-income individuals to qualify for loans . Fprofits , local lending institutions Human Services 60 HUM- 1 -1a) Ensure provision of child care for county families in high quality, safe facilities with educated BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , local child care advocacy organizations , OC MT Goal 9 : child care providers supervising all young children . Dept. of Social Services Ensure 60 HUM- lAb) Involve parents in total process through classes and hands on experience . Local child care advocacy organizations , OC Social Services ST Availability of 60 HUM- 1 - 1c) Create additional affordable (sliding scale) after-school and summer programs , available to BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , local child care advocacy organizations, OC ST Affordable, all children , including those with disabilities , using highly trained , well-paid staff with trained Dept. of Social Services , School Boards Quality Child Care high school students as assistants . 60 HUMAA d) Develop strategies to ensure that early childhood specialists (teachers) are compensated BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, local child care advocacy organizations , OC ST fairly, Including benefits. Dept. of Social Services 60 HUM- I! A e) Encourage businesses to adopt parental leave policies to make it possible for parents to care BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC , local child care advocacy organizations, OC ST for their children at home in their first years. Encourage governments to establish model Dept. of Social Services , local Chambers of Commerce and local policies . Resolve conflict between such policies and the WorkFirst program . Search for businesses ways to encourage small businesses to adopt policies_, and establish a public awareness campaign . 61 HUM- 1 -2a ) Work with legislative delegation to encourage public funding for child care , similar to KA 2 BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , local child care advocacy organizations , local MT levels ; and in the mean time create a plan with identified money sources to ensure that all legislative delegation families are able to access affordable child care . 61 HUMA1 2b ) Share child care costs with private sector through on-site day care. Local businesses , local child care advocacy organizations, OC Dept. of ST Social Services , local Chambers of Commerce Human Services 62 HUM-2- 1 a) Develop a major public relations campaign that focuses on eliminating child abuse and OPC Area Programs , OC Dept. of Social Services , OC Health Dept. , ST LGol 2: spousal abuse and promoting positive family relationships . local public safety departments , BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC mote Publlc62 HUM-2- 1b) Improve treatment for victims of abuse . OPC Area Programsty 62 HUM-2- lc) Provide appropriate treatment and punishment for abusers . OPC Area Programs , local police , local legislative delegation ST Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested # Implementation Timeframe HUW2-2a) Expand community policing . Town and County public safety offices ST 62 HUW2-2b) Encourage neighborhood watch programs in all neighborhoods . Town and County public safety offices ST 62 HUW2-2c) Discuss safety issues in a common-sense , non4armist manner with children in schools and Town and County public safety offices, local school staff ST adults in other venues . 62 HUW2-3a) Develop crime prevention programs serving minority populations as well as especially Town and County public safety offices ST 62 T vulnerable populations . HUW2-3b) Develop relationships between the public safety providers and other service providers who Town and County public safety offices , county health and social services ST have special ties to those populations. dep 'ts , local advocacy groups for Hispanic/L.abno , and other populations E62462 ffi HIJW2-3c) Encourage public safety internships with youth from these populations . Town and County public safety oces ST HUW2-3d ) Recruit officers with foreign language capability , as needed. Town and County public safety offices ST 62 HUW24a) Pursue inter jurisdictionally coordinated (among towns and rural areas) , long-range planning OC EMS , fire departments, BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC ST to MT that considers rationalizing fire protection through cooperative agreements , or rationalization 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 , Town and County public safety offices and OC EMS ST and school programs. 63 HUW2-6a) Create a county-wide , integrated communications system for emergency management which Town and County public safety and emergency management offices , MT enables inter-departmental communication among jurisdictions . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC Human Services 64 HUW3A ) Maintain Seniors in the least restrictive environment through a continuum of readily available BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, OC Dept. on Aging , all relevant service MT to LT Goal 3: care. (see page 64 for services needed) providers Support Seniors 64 HUW3-2) Establish Senior Centers in communities throughout the county as a focus for integrated BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, OC Dept. on Aging , all relevant service MT Quality of Life services for seniors . providers 64 HUW3-3a) Lobby the legislature to raise the income cap under the Homestead Exemption Act to a BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, OC Dept, on Aging , local legislative delegation ST higher percent of median income. 64 HUM-3-3b) Look into the feasibility of allowing seniors on fixed incomes the option to defer local property BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, OC Dept. on Aging MT taxes until either their house is sold or their death . Look into possibility of charging interest on deferments. 64 HUW34) Provide tax and other financial incentives to encourage families to provide in-home care of BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC , OC Dept. on Aging , all relevant service ST the elderly. providers , local legislative delegation 65 HUW3-5 ) Provide appropriate work opportunities for seniors to re-enter the labor market OC Dept. of Aging , BOCC , Dept. of Social Services ST Human Services 66 HUM4A ) Focus local policies, priorities and funds on creating a healthy environment-for residents , and BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, OC departments of Health and Social ST to LT Goal 4: on promoting health behaviors . Policies and funding should support: Services, OPC Area Programs , health care providers , all relevant Promote Health A. Public awareness campaigns on the prevention of major diseases ; governmental departments and non-profits and Mental Health B . Provision of ample safe sites for physical activity ; C. Provision of nutrition education ; D . Provision of age-appropriate family life education to address problem of teen pregnancies and teen abortions , HIV, poor parenting , child abuse/neglect and sexual assault; E. A public awareness and education campaign Informing the public about mental illness, F . . A public awarenessleducation campaign informing public on substance abuse prevention . Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy Suggested ## Implementation Timeframe 66 HUM442 Evaluate adequacy of health care facilities in northern Orange County. BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, OC Dept. of Health ST to MT 66 HUM-43 Encourage and continue provision and enhancement of community based services that meet BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC , OC departments of Health and Social ST the demand for treatment for mental health , mental illness , and substance abuse for. Services , OPC Area Programs , health care providers , all relevant A. Children with developmental disabilities and behavioral issues . governmental departments and non-profits B . Adults with physical or mental disabilities , or mental illness. C. Victims of abuse or trauma. D . Teen or adult substance abusers . 67 HUM44 Advocate with the legislature and employers to provide adequate coverage/funding for BOCC , CHTC , CBA, HC, OC departments of Health and Social MT health/mental health services . Particularly address Services , OPC Area Programs, health care providers , all relevant A. Healthcare coverage for those not on a health plan governmental departments and non-profits , local legislative delegation , B. Prescription drugs coverage for seniors , and local businesses and Chambers of Commerce C. Mental health services . Education 68 EDU- 1 - 1 ) Have schools be part of multi-use facilities . BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, school boards and administrations, town and MT Goa/ 1 : county planning departments Provide Qualify K- 68 EDUA1 2) Encourage the school boards to look at the feasibility of making reduced class sizes and School boards and administrations ST to MT 12 Education smaller schools , while maintaining diversity. 68 EDUA1 3a) Foster cooperation between the two school system administrations . School boards and administrations ST 68 EDU- 1 -3b) Streamline provision of certain functions where appropriate by combining services of the two School boards and administrations ST to MT systems . 68 EDUA1 3c) Foster interaction among the schools so that children can build community with each other School boards and administrations ST across systems. 68 EDUA1 3d) Determine whether school merger would be appropriate . School boards and administrations ST to MT 69 EDU- 14) Continue developing a long-range technology plan , encouraging cooperation between the School boards and administrations ST two school systems and the University. 69 EDUA1 5a) Enhance opportunities for inclusion practices in school districts for student w/disabilities . School boards and administrations ST 69 EDUA1 5b) Add additional resources for Exceptional Education Support Services and early education School boards and administrations ST services . 69 EDU-1 -5c) Continue and enhance programs to provide families with advocates for special needs School boards and administrations ST children to help the family negotiate the system . 69 EDU-1 -6a) Continue to improve the teaching of English as a Second Language (ESL) in all schools. School boards and administrations ST 69 EDU -1 -6b) Provide basic skills training for those ESL students who need additional help . School boards and administrations ST 69 EDU-IlJa) Continue and improve special programs that prepare at risk pre-Kmchildren (i .e . four year School boards and administrations , SmartStart ST olds) for school . 69 EDU-1 -7b) Continue and improve remediation programs for older students. School boards and administrations ST 69 EDU9 1 -8a) Continue and enhance vocational training in all schools which prepares students for technical School boards and administrations ST to MT schools . Enlist participation of local businesses . 69 EDLI- l -8b) Continue and enhance skill development opportunities available in apprenticeships and on- School boards and administrations , local businesses and Chambers of ST the-job training . Commerce Goals Page Action Strategies Suggested Entities to be Involved in Strategy SUggested # Implementation Timeframe 69 EDU- 1 -8c) Continue and enhance mentor programs at the high school level exposing students to the School boards and administrations , local businesses and Chambers of ST nature of careers and career preparation in a variety of fields, such as business , teaching , Commerce law, medicine , and research . Education 70 EDU -2- 1a) Develop and circulate a calendar of community-based lifelong learning opportunities. UNC-CH , Durham Technical Community College , county and town ST Goal 2. schools Support Lifelong 70 EDU-2-1 b) Seek involvement of the University's Continuing Education Division in planning and UNC-CH Continuing Education Division , county and town schools ST to MT Learning and developing a range of non-credit, campus-based enrichment programs . Adult Education 70 EDU -2-2a) Ensure English as a Second Language (ESL) classes and literacy education are available for BOCC , CHTC, CBA, HC, Skills Development Center, Durham Technical ST all adults who need them . Community College , non-profits teaching ESL and literacy education 70 EDU-2-2b) Ensure citizenship education is available for immigrants seeking to become citizens and for BOCC, CHTC , CBA, HC, Skills Development Center, local high schools ST young people as they approach voting age.