HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 02-02-2021 Virtual Board Meeting; 8-a - Minutes 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: February 2, 2021
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-a
SUBJECT: Minutes
DEPARTMENT: Board of County Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes (Under Separate Cover) Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board, 919-
245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the draft minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board
as listed below.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
Attachment 1: December 7, 2020 Virtual Business Meeting
Attachment 2: December 15, 2020 Virtual Business Meeting
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
Attachment 1
1
1
2 MINUTES
3 ORANGE COUNTY
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
6 DECEMBER 07, 2020
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Monday,
10 December 07, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford, Mark Dorosin,
13 Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton and Renee Price
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren, Interim Clerk to the Board Greg Wilder, and Assistant Deputy Clerk II Allen
18 Coleman (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below)
19
20 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a Virtual
21 Business Meeting on December 07, 2020. Members of the Board of Commissioners participated
22 in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to view and
23 listen to the meeting via live streaming video at orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on
24 Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
25
26 In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
27 • Written submittals by email
28 • Speaking during the virtual meeting
29
30 Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this
31 agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
32
33 Commissioner Price called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
34 Commissioner Price acknowledged and welcomed Commissioners Hamilton and Fowler
35 to the Board, who took the oath of office earlier today.
36 Commissioners Hamilton and Fowler expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the
37 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC), and thanked the public for voting them into office.
38 Commissioner McKee acknowledged the re-election of Commissioner Price to her third
39 term.
40 Commissioner Price acknowledged the re-election of Commissioner Dorosin to his third
41 term.
42 Commissioner Price asked the Commissioners to accept a roll call.
43 Roll call ensued.
44 Vice-Chair Price asked if the BOCC would accept a resolution of commendation for
45 former Commissioner Mark Marcoplos.
46 Commissioner Dorosin read the resolution.
47
48
2
1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
2
3 RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION
4 FOR
5 COMMISSIONER PENNY RICH
6
7
8 WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County elected Penny Rich to the Board of County
9 Commissioners in 2012; and re-elected her in 2016; and
10
11 WHEREAS, Commissioner Rich was elected Chair of the Board of Commissioners in 2018 and
12 again in 2019; and Vice Chair in 2016 and 2017; and
13
14 WHEREAS, Commissioner Rich has served the residents of Orange County regardless of
15 geographic location faithfully and with honor, integrity and distinction for the past
16 eight years; and
17
18 WHEREAS, Commissioner Rich has always been mindful of the interests and concerns of
19 Orange County residents and has brought new and innovative ideas to the Board
20 of Commissioners while continually encouraging the Board and staff to think
21 "outside of the box"; and
22
23 WHEREAS, during her tenure as an Orange County Commissioner, Penny has shared her
24 talent for leadership and public service through her work on numerous boards and
25 commissions, including the Orange County Visitors Bureau Board of Directors,
26 Triangle Council of Government, NACo — Nation Association of County
27 Commissioners Telecommunications and Technology Committee, Orange County
28 Food Council, TARPO (Triangle Rural Area Planning Organization), Chatham
29 Orange Work Group, Durham Orange Chapel Hill Work Group, School
30 Collaboration Work Group, NCDOT Quarterly Work Group, Legislative Issues
31 Work Group, Fire Chief's Association of Orange County and Solid Waste Advisory
32 Work Group;
33
34 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
35 officially commends Penny Rich for her hard work, dedication and exemplary
36 service to the people of Orange County, and wishes her and her family the very
37 best in their future endeavors.
38
39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be presented to Penny Rich and that the
40 Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting.
41
42
43 This the 7th day of December 2020.
44
45
46 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
47 approve the resolution.
48
49 Roll call ensued.
3
1 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2
3 Commissioner Price asked if the BOCC would accept a resolution of commendation for
4 former Commissioner Penny Rich.
5 Commissioner Greene read the resolution:
6
7 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
8
9 RESOLUTION OF COMMENDATION
10 FOR
11 COMMISSIONER MARK MARCOPLOS
12
13
14 WHEREAS, the residents of Orange County elected Mark Marcoplos to the Board of County
15 Commissioners in 2016; and
16
17 WHEREAS, Commissioner Marcoplos has been a dedicated and effective public servant who
18 has gained the respect of all who have known him in both the public and private
19 sectors; and
20
21 WHEREAS, Commissioner Marcoplos has served the residents of Orange County regardless
22 of geographic location faithfully and with honor, integrity and distinction for the past
23 four years; and
24
25 WHEREAS, Commissioner Marcoplos has taken special interest and invested substantial effort
26 in environmental protection, climate change, solid waste, public transit, and
27 homelessness; and
28
29 WHEREAS, during his tenure as an Orange County Commissioner, Mark Marcoplos has served
30 on many boards and commissions, including the Family Success Alliance,
31 GoTriangle Board of Trustees, Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning
32 Organization, Durham Tech Community College Board of Trustees, Chatham
33 Orange Work Group, Durham-Orange-Chapel Hill Work Group, Jordan Lake One
34 Water, Orange County Climate Council, Legislative Issues Work Group, Solid
35 Waste Advisory Group and Partnership to End Homelessness;
36
37 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners
38 officially commends Mark Marcoplos for his hard work, dedication and exemplary
39 service to the people of Orange County, and wishes him and his family the very
40 best in their future endeavors.
41
42 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be presented to Mark Marcoplos and that the
43 Resolution be spread upon the minutes of this meeting.
44
45 This the 7th day of December 2020.
46
47 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
48 approve the resolution.
49
4
1 Commissioners Greene and Dorosin acknowledged the exceptional and tireless
2 leadership displayed by former Commissioner Rich during the Covid crisis.
3
4 Roll call ensued
5
6 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7
8 Board Organization
9
10 a. Election of Chair and Vice Chair
11 John Roberts said this process is typically done by paper ballot, which is not possible
12 this year. He reviewed the nomination and roll call vote process that would be used for this
13 year's voting.
14
15 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
16 elect Commissioner Price as Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
17
18 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
19 close the nominations.
20
21 Roll call ensued for motion #2
22 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
23
24 Roll call ensued for motion #1
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
28 elect Commissioner Bedford as the Vice Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
29
30 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
31 close the nominations.
32
33 Roll call ensued for motion #2
34 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
35
36 Roll call ensued for motion #1:
37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
38
39 Chair Price acknowledged the public charge.
40
41 Jackie Shelton-Green, Poet Laureate of North Carolina, read a piece of her writing to
42 mark the formation of this new Board.
43
44 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
45 Bonnie Hammersley requested the Board consider removing agenda item 8-n, Voluntary
46 Agricultural District Designation: Multiple Farms. She said the item needed additional
47 clarification, and would come back before the Board at an upcoming meeting.
48 Commissioner McKee asked if this could come back at the December 15t" meeting.
49 Bonnie Hammersley said staff would try its best to do so.
5
1 Commissioner McKee noted that today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor,
2 which led the United States to enter the Second World War. He encouraged all to honor
3 Veterans of this war, and all wars.
4 Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager, recognized Chair Price for an award she
5 received over the summer. She introduced Kevin Leonard, Executive Director of the North
6 Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) to speak about it further.
7 Kevin Leonard said Chair Price was the recipient of the Outstanding County
8 Commissioner of the Year Award. He read some comments of commendation.
9 Chair Price noted some items at the Commissioners' places for items 4-a and 4-b.
10
11 Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting.
12
13 2. Public Comments
14
15 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
16 Rob Golan said he is a 23-year resident of Efland, and has lived in Orange County for
17 over 40 years. He said he is very concerned about the possible Buc-ee's development in
18 Efland, and despite paying close attention the news, he has heard nothing about this proposal.
19 He said the lack of information is upsetting. He said he would like to know why this proposal
20 has not been more publically discussed. He asked if the lack of information was purposeful on
21 the part of Buc-ee's. He said if Buc-ee's is such a great idea, it should be announced from the
22 rooftops.
23 Catherine Matthews said she is concerned about the environment and climate change,
24 and is glad that Orange County is not like the rest of North Carolina in its standards and
25 practices regarding the environment. She said she is opposed to Buc-ee's coming to Efland.
26 Tim Spruill said he has lived in Efland for 21 years, and in Chapel Hill for 7 years before
27 that. He said the small town character in Efland originally attracted him and his wife to the area.
28 He said he is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development. He said growth and
29 development are good things, but must be done in a suitable manner, protecting the rural
30 character. He said the BOCC should oppose the rezoning request for projects such as Buc-
31 ee's. He said voice4efland.com is a good source of information for the BOCC to review. He
32 said there are many other more appropriate economic development projects that County staff
33 can review.
34 Lib Hutchby thanked the BOCC for the opportunity to speak, and said she is opposed to
35 the monstrous Buc-ee's proposal. She said the residents of Efland do not want it, and it would
36 ravage rural farmland. She said the BOCC and County staff must do proper research prior to
37 voting to approve anything. She said she is concerned about the environmental impact of a
38 fossil fuel company. She said she will submit further written comments to the Board.
39 Anthony Weston said he is a resident of Durham, and teaches at Elon University. He
40 said he was one of the co-founders of Common Ground EcoVillage (formerly Hearts Mill) in
41 Efland. He said he has been very impressed by the BOCC's historical commitment to the land
42 and the environment. He said he is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development. He said
43 he would like to consider other ways the land could be developed such as an electric charging
44 station, a solar farm, a concert venue, etc. He said this is an opportunity to cherish the land into
45 the future.
46 Diana Montgomery said she moved to Orange County 41 years ago, and has been in
47 Efland since 1997. She said Orange County has always been forward thinking and
48 environmentally focused. She said the BOCC has made commitments towards the environment
49 and clean energy. She said she is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development, as it is
6
1 completely out of line with the County's stated goals and commitments. She said the residents
2 of Efland are very unhappy, and she urged the Board to vote no to any zoning changes.
3 Lamar Proctor said he has been a resident of Efland since 2005, and has two children in
4 Orange County Schools (OCS). He said he is opposed to the Buc-ee's development, and
5 encouraged the Board to vote no on zoning changes. He said Orange County is progressive,
6 and this proposal is not. He said he is also interested in bringing the Board's attention to the
7 possible annexation of properties in his neighborhood by the Town of Mebane. He said the
8 Town of Mebane is trying to turn western Orange County into an industrial dumping ground,
9 which is conflict with the local plan. He said the BOCC and the Town of Mebane need to have
10 better communication, and he expects his elected officials to stick up for his neighborhood.
11 Rhonda Parker said she would like to add her voice along with 3,800 others in
12 opposition to the Bu-cee's development. She said she has worked at Camp Chestnut Ridge for
13 over 20 years, and has dedicated her life to the Efland Community. She said Buc-ee's is not
14 good for the long term future of this area, and there are already 2 gas stations in Efland that
15 adequately meet the needs of the area. She said Buc-ee's would not serve the local community
16 in any way, but rather would benefit the corporate world and the owners in Texas. She said the
17 proposed project would have significant negative impacts on the environment. She said a
18 massive fossil fuel development will be a step backwards.
19 Ryan Bliss said he is 19 years old, and the youngest person that has spoken this
20 evening. He said he has lived in Efland his entire life, and is proud to call it home. He said his
21 family is committed to the area, but is considering leaving if Buc-ee's is built. He said he is
22 opposed to Buc-ee's, and asked the BOCC to vote no on rezoning. He said there is so little
23 information about this proposal. He said he is very curious as to why the BOCC is even
24 considering this Texas based project.
25 Nelson Campbell said he lives near the proposed Buc-ee's site, and is opposed to its
26 development. He echoed the comments of all previous speakers. He said the Developer has
27 made false claims about traffic patterns in this area, and he has never had any problems. He
28 said the pursuit of profit cannot lead the decision making process. He said he understands the
29 need for tax revenue, but there are other more appropriate ways to meet this need.
30 Hope Norton said she is very thankful to be a resident of Cheeks Township. She said
31 she is also a founder of the Common Ground EcoVillage, and is so proud of Orange County's
32 commitment to the environment. She said she is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's
33 development, and was shocked to hear it was even being considered. She said the proposal
34 will bring large amounts of light and noise pollution, in addition the fossil fuels and water
35 contamination. She said the proposal brings no value when compared to the cost.
36 Chair Price said the BOCC will receive a presentation on the Buc-ee's development at
37 the December 15 BOCC meeting.
38
39
40 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
41 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
42 below.)
43
44 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
45
46 Commissioner McKee said he had no comments.
47 Commissioner Greene said she attended the Justice and Public Policy Committee
48 meeting with the NCACC. She said it was interesting, and she was happy to advocate for the
49 County's goals in that setting, including funding for mental health and criminal justice reform.
7
1 She said she recommended more funding for law enforcement training in the social sciences,
2 but it did not gain any traction at this time.
3 Commissioner Hamilton said she had no comments.
4 Commissioner Fowler said she looks forward to working with the BOCC, and said she
5 just transitioned off of the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools' (CHCCS) Board, where a new
6 Superintendent was just hired.
7 Commissioner Bedford welcomed the new Commissioners. She said she attended the
8 Cardinal Innovations Board meeting last Friday, and is very pleased to announce the Cardinal
9 Innovations Board removed the contingencies in funding related to Club Nova.
10 Commissioner Dorosin said he had no comments.
11 Chair Price recommended that the BOCC have a joint meeting with the City of Mebane
12 in the upcoming year. She encouraged staff to review County policies, as they pertain to
13 inequities in Orange County.
14 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like staff to gather information about this Mebane
15 annexation plan as soon as possible.
16 Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager, said staff has an information item scheduled for
17 the next meeting, and a presentation scheduled for January 19, 2021.
18 Commissioner Greene encouraged the meeting with Mebane to happen as soon as
19 possible.
20
21 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
22
23 a. OWASA Update on Unpaid Bills
24 The Board received a presentation and information from the Orange Water and Sewer
25 Authority (OWASA) on impacts to customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
26
27 Ryan DuBose, OWASA Board Chair and Orange County Appointee, reviewed the item
28 below:
29
30 BACKGROUND: At the October 20, 2020 BOCC Meeting Commissioner Mark Dorosin made a
31 petition regarding the Board and OWASA to identify ways to assist residents experiencing back
32 payments during COVID-19. A request was made to Executive Director Todd Taylor to provide
33 information to the Board at a future meeting.
34
35 The Orange County Emergency Housing Assistance fund provides rent and utility assistance to
36 avoid shut offs and eviction using investments from the County and the Towns of Carrboro,
37 Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. Assistance is available to Orange County residents at or below
38 60% of Area Median Income and in 2020 has provided more than $2 million in assistance to
39 almost 900 County residents. Of that, $17,502 was paid to OWASA to pay arrears and avoid
40 shut offs.
41
42 Ryan DuBose, OWASA Board Chair and Orange County Appointee, Mary Tiger,
43 OWASA Sustainability Manager, and Todd Taylor, OWASA Executive Director, presented the
44 following PowerPoint presentation:
45
46
8
1 Slide#1
Customer Assistance for
OWASA Bills
An update to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners
December 7,2020
2
3
4
•Background on OWASA
•COVID-19 Billing Decision-makingTimeline
•FiscalYear 202I Challenges
•Extent of Past DueAccounts
•Affordability Outreach and CustomerAssistance
•Questions and Collaboration
5
6
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public servire a9enry tleliverin9 high
quality water,wastew-,,pnd
renmmea wpreservl�es.
7
8
9
Key OWASA Obligations
•Rates based on"cost-of-service"
•"Benefiting"party to pay for all utility extensions
•Revenue used for utility operation only
•Nearly 50%of customer rates fund water and
wastewater infrastructure projects,including debt service;
other half spent on operations
•Bond holder obligations
•Supported by users fees(water&sewer bills),
10 not taxes
11
9
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County declares Stare of pp—MI dg,w
Emergency Budget with no race
Gorernor issues Goeemork Oren a Cou OWASA to
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pryme[cM1arges retiredm expire
1 Mamh I2113 M-1,31 June I I July 29 Dec.31 Lke,30 days after State of
Emergenq ends
Fiscal Year 2021 Challenges
•$5.4 million of capital projects delayed;no pay
increases for staff
•Budgeted$2.2 million less than normal in water
sales for Quarters 1 and 2(July-December)
➢Sales have been just at our projections
•Assumed water sales would return to normal in
Quarters 3 and 4
•Operational spending has been limited to
essential expenses it
3
4
5
Affordability Outreach Program,
Specific COVID-19 Outreach CARE to
•Regular communications:partners M SHARE
and customers with past-due
balances
•Care to Share promotion
•Letters of Support for funding
6
7
8
.—_•ram°" vivzozo
C—ti,560+indiAdWI,.m drezidendal
cuzromers are 60+days past due.
9
10
10
AGENDA BUSINESS ITEM
E 4A
Currenegaverage pa due vnoune for indiNdually-
,e d residential customers is$267.
2
CollectionStandard
•Active outreach to customers once a payment is missed
•Customers are eligible for disconnection after due date of
second,concurrent missed payment.
•Resumption of standard collection practices
•30 days notice
•Offer extended payment plans,free of interest and penalty
(18 months)
•Restart the calendar for customer payments
3 •Direct customers to utility bill assistance(ongoing)
4
Assistance available to customers
•Interest and penalty-free extended payment plan(12-18
months)
•Utility bill assistance
-State Fundwngi!SIG HOPE
•Orange County Emergency HousingAssistance
•CDBG-CV
•Care to Share
•Other
5
6
7
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VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
AGENDA ITEM 4A
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8
9
10 Commissioner Dorosin asked if clarification could be given on the Standard Collection
11 Practices, and what happens when one cannot make a payment on time. He asked if water is
12 shut off after two months of non-payment.
11
1 Todd Taylor said yes, that is correct, and during those two months, OWASA makes
2 many attempts to reach the customer and work out a plan to get the debt settled. He said there
3 are options to help customers such as payment plans, third party assistance, etc. He said shut
4 off is a final tool to try to secure payment.
5 Commissioner Dorosin asked what happens after water is shut off, and OWASA is left
6 with unpaid accounts.
7 Todd Taylor said most often customers pay the bill, but sometimes customers move out
8 of the service area, or simply do not have the means to pay the bill. He said the next step is to
9 engage a third party collections agency. He said State law forbids OWASA from forgiving the
10 debt, or using other customer monies to pay off the debt.
11 Commissioner Dorosin asked if a judgement in Court has ever been served to
12 individuals who are unable to pay.
13 Todd Taylor said he does not think this has ever happened. He said if an account goes
14 to a collections agency, it is difficult for the customer to secure service in any other areas.
15 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the collection agencies receive some percentage of the
16 bill.
17 Todd Taylor said he is unsure, but assumes this is correct.
18 Commissioner McKee asked if clarification could be provided on accounts that are in
19 arrears, but are participating in a payment plan of sorts.
20 Todd Taylor said OWASA works with these customers, keeping the service intact as
21 payment plans are paid off.
22 Commissioner McKee said there are about 500 accounts in arrears, and asked if the
23 total number of OWASA customer accounts is known.
24 Todd Taylor said OWASA has 22,000 service accounts, but the previously referenced
25 562 accounts are specifically residential. He said the 22,000 accounts include commercial
26 accounts.
27 Commissioner McKee asked if having 562 accounts in arrears is higher than normal.
28 Todd Taylor said yes.
29 Commissioner McKee said the PowerPoint presentation referenced $5.4 million of
30 capital projects that are delayed, and asked if these are critical projects, and if the cost of these
31 projects will only double in cost with the passage of time.
32 Todd Taylor said all the projects are critical, and OWASA has just moved them out in its
33 timeline. He said these projects will have to be done, and the cost to do so will ultimately
34 increase customer rates. He said the longer these projects are delayed, the more they will cost.
35 He said there has been no rate increase this year, which will lead to a higher rate increase down
36 the line.
37 Commissioner McKee said the infrastructure cannot be delayed too long.
38 Commissioner Hamilton clarified that standard collection procedures will not resume until
39 the spring.
40 Todd Taylor said the resumption of Standard Collection practices is connected to when
41 the County ends its declared state of emergency. He said resumption will occur 30 days after
42 the state of emergency ends, as long as it is not in place for many months (a year).
43 Commissioner Hamilton said customers will have debts to pay, and asked if OWASA will
44 work out payment plans.
45 Todd Taylor said yes, and the payment plans will likely be 12 to 18 months long.
46 Commissioner Hamilton said this seems realistic, as Covid will have far reaching
47 impacts. She referred to the capital projects, and asked if a large part of the reduction in
48 revenue is really due to UNC not using as much water as is typical.
49 Todd Taylor said he does not know of a monetary amount, but UNC typically makes up
50 20% of OWASA's water sales. He said this is having the biggest impact on OWASA.
12
1 Commissioner Hamilton said she brings this up, as the burden of this situation should
2 not fall on the poor. She said she hopes the County can be a strong partner is protecting the
3 vulnerable.
4 Chair Price referred to a letter received by the BOCC, which stated 1,000 community
5 members donated $1,400. She asked if that was a typo.
6 Mary Tiger said $1,400 was received on a monthly basis, and from an annual
7 perspective this totals $15,000.
8 Chair Price asked if one adds onto a bill, by rounding up, for example.
9 Mary Tiger said it was originally was a round up program, but now people are being
10 asked to give a dollar or two per bill.
11 Commissioner Price referred to the 12-18 months payment plans, and asked if these
12 lengths are firm.
13 Todd Taylor said no, they are not firm and longer payment plans are an option.
14 Commissioner Price asked if there is a reconnect fee, to which customers would be
15 subject, if one's water has been cut off.
16 Todd Taylor said yes, there is a charge. He said there are also late fees. He said when
17 standard practices resume, each customer would get a reset button, and not be late at that time,
18 and can work on the payment plan concurrently.
19 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the donations program could be explained further, and
20 how OWASA determines which accounts receive funds.
21 Todd Taylor said Inter-Faith Council (IFC) manages the funds, and OWASA directs
22 customers there.
23 Mary Tiger said currently IFC caps bill assistance, per applicant, at $200. She said there
24 is discussion about keeping or changing this amount.
25 Commissioner Hamilton said it is her understanding that OWASA reserves cannot be
26 used to pay debt, and asked if the permitted uses of the reserves could be identified.
27 Todd Taylor said reserves are available in the case of a catastrophic event, unexpected
28 capital expenditure, or in the event of OWASA could not collect revenue for a month. He said
29 having these reserves plays into OWASA's bond ratings as well.
30 Commissioner Dorosin said his concern is that people are suffering, and cannot pay
31 OWASA bills. He said he would like to find a way to provide direct support to these residents,
32 but it seems that OWASA is not permitted to help in many ways, other than payment plans. He
33 said the total debt is $280,000, which is not astronomical, and he would like the County, the
34 towns, and UNC to partner together to pay off some/all of this debt, so that OWASA could write
35 off the debt. He said the current plan just drags debt along, and he would like to make a bolder
36 move. He asked if his suggestion is one that could be explored, or can OWASA only do
37 payment plans. He said OWASA revenues are higher than budgeted, and expenses are lower.
38 He said there has to be a way to help people in arrears from losing water service.
39 Todd Taylor said OWASA is open to exploring any and all possibilities to provide relief to
40 residents. He said OWASA will work with County staff.
41 Commissioner Bedford agreed with Commissioner Dorosin, and all other comments.
42 She asked if it was worth lobbying the legislature for changes in the law, or are there other ways
43 to move money around to pay off some of these debts. She said this is a health crisis, and
44 washing hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of Covid, but without
45 water one cannot wash one's hands. She asked if there are other sources of revenue that could
46 be used.
47 Todd Taylor said he wanted to provide some clarity around the notion that there is a net
48 profit at OWASA right now. He said OWASA assumed revenues would be down due to the
49 pandemic, but did not expect this for the whole year. He said water sales have not rebounded,
50 and the budget was cut back as much as possible. He said these were not trivial cuts, and they
13
1 were made in hopes of saving money now to help weather the storm over the next 6 months.
2 He said OWASA needs to find $2 million over the next 6 months, and typically budgets very
3 frugally. He said there is no surplus of funds, as has been intimated. He said OWASA may
4 have to use reserves.
5 Todd Taylor said the lion's share of the budget comes from customer revenue, and it
6 simply cannot be used to pay off debts. He said the money has to be put back into the system.
7 He said customers cannot be charged different rates. He said larger cities are trying out some
8 different practices, but OWASA's rules/restrictions remain intact.
9 Commissioner Bedford commended OWASA staff for not having a pay raise this year.
10 Chair Price asked Bonnie Hammersley if the County could work with the towns and
11 UNC, per Commissioner Dorosin's suggestion.
12 Bonnie Hammersley said staff would follow up on this.
13 Chair Price also suggested starting a conversation with legislative delegates about
14 changing restrictions placed on OWASA.
15 Commissioner McKee said there are two parallel conversations going on: OWASA's
16 business model, and its restrictions therein; and how does the County help alleviate financial
17 burdens of citizens. He said the state laws are what they are. He said he does not see much
18 change coming there. He said he would like the County/Towns/UNC to do something similar to
19 the IFC funding to help residents alleviate debt. He said social justice funds could be used.
20 Commissioner Dorosin said Commissioner McKee's comments are well taken, but he
21 wants a straight answer from OWASA as to whether or not it can write off the debt. He said the
22 total debt is $280,000, and asked if the County/town/UNC paid off some of this, would OWASA
23 be open to this.
24 Chair Price said staff will work on this.
25 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like to hear from OWASA, as some portion of this
26 $280,000 will be uncollectable, and if local governments and UNC could pay some of it, could
27 the remaining portion be written off.
28 Todd Taylor said OWASA is obligated to try and collect the debt, and cannot write off a
29 portion of it, due to current laws and constraints. He said OWASA typically writes off very little,
30 and doing more would be a financial red flag to auditors/creditors. He said it is illegal for
31 OWASA to say it will not pursue certain debt, or write it off.
32 Commissioner Dorosin asked it would be appealing to OWASA for the local
33 government/UNC to pay a large chunk of this now, as opposed to getting some of it over the
34 next 12-18 months.
35 Todd Taylor said the proposal was certainly appealing, but OWASA is constrained on
36 what it can do. He said OWASA wants to help customers in any way that it can. He said one
37 avenue to make changes is through changing state law, but that is unlikely to get any traction.
38 Commissioner Price said staff will pursue working with other local governments and
39 UNC.
40 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are any other avenues that can be pursued to
41 make this process easier.
42 Todd Taylor said appealing to the state legislature for grant funding is another avenue.
43 He said there are other ways to get the money, but state law handcuffs OWASA.
44
45 b. Resolution in Support of Reparations for African American/Blacks
46 The Board considered voting to adopt a Resolution in Support of Reparation for African
47 American/Blacks on the 155t" Anniversary of the 13t" Amendment.
48
49 Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations Director, reviewed the item below:
50
14
1 BACKGROUND: The first unfree Africans arrived in the English Colony of Virginia in August
2 1619. This period marked the beginning in American history where people of African descent
3 were taken forcibly from their homeland, transported to the American colonies, and committed
4 to lifelong slavery. On December 6, we mark the 155th Anniversary of the ratification of the 13tn
5 Amendment to the United States Constitution, which abolished slavery in the United States.
6 After ratification in 1865, the immediate impact of the 13th Amendment was to stop chattel
7 slavery in the southern states and involuntary servitude. Section 2 of the 13th Amendment
8 further authorized Congress to "enforce" the ban on slavery and indentured servitude through
9 "appropriate legislation."
10
11 In 1883, the Supreme Court interpreted Section 2 as "empower[ing] Congress to do more" than
12 pass direct enforcement legislation. The Supreme Court indicated that Congress should "pass
13 all laws necessary and proper for abolishing all badges and incidents of slavery in the United
14 States." The Civil Rights Cases, 109 U.S. 3, 20 (1883). Congress has used the 13th
15 Amendment to enact civil rights laws that target the badges and incidents of slavery by
16 prohibiting racial discrimination in areas such as contracting, housing, and hate crimes.
17
18 The Supreme Court in The Civil Rights Cases found that the 13th Amendment promised the
19 freed slaves "universal civil and political freedom." It determined that Congress was to use
20 appropriate legislative concepts to assist freed people in fulfilling the promise of universal civil
21 and political freedom. The pledge provided that freed people would receive the full complement
22 of federal civil rights and protections to fully enjoy citizenship denied to them at this Country's
23 inception. This promise however continues today to be an unfulfilled promise of the full
24 complement of rights of citizenship.
25
26 After the emancipation of slaves, governments were more concerned with providing
27 compensation to former slave owners for losing their"human property" rather than ensuring the
28 rights of freed people. In 1865, General Sherman's Field Order No. 15 divided abandoned and
29 confiscated plantations in South Carolina and low country South Carolina into 40 acres lots. The
30 newly freed slaves were given a lot along with a mule. Later, the policy was rescinded by
31 Andrew Johnson, and the land returned to former slave owners. Southern Reconstruction was
32 overtaken quickly by "Redemption" led by While Liners, Red Shirts, and Klansman bent on
33 subjecting freed Black Americans to racial terror, including lynching, to keep them in their place.
34 Federal Union troops withdrew from the South in 1877, leaving the Black citizens to fend for
35 themselves as they had to navigate racial terrorism and governmental laws that allowed them to
36 be segregated, disenfranchised, held for debt peonage, convict leasing, and in semi-servitude.
37
38 The government has enacted laws that have disenfranchised Black citizens politically, socially
39 and economically. Roosevelt's omnibus programs, passed under the Social Security Act of
40 1935, was drafted in race-neutral ways that disenfranchised a majority of Black citizens.
41 Congress enacted the Social Security legislation, leaving out farmworkers and domestics;
42 nationally, 65% of black people were disenfranchised, and 70-80% of those Blacks people lived
43 in the South. The Federal Housing Administration ("FHA") was created in 1930 to assist
44 average Americans in purchasing homes. The FHA underwriters warned realtors that even one
45 or two non-whites in the suburbs could undermine property values. In the 1930s, the federal
46 government institutionalized a national appraisal system that used race as a factor in real
47 property assessments. Between 1934 and 1962, the federal government underwrote $120
48 billion in new housing loans; less than 2% of those dollars went to non-whites.
49
50
15
1 Consequently, many Black veterans returning from the wars were unable to benefit from the GI
2 Bills VA loans. Redlining, blockbusting, restrictive covenants, predatory contract sales practices
3 all served to deprive Black people of building economic wealth, and kept neighborhoods racially
4 segregated. Today, the average net worth of white families and black families continues to be
5 disproportionate.
6
7 The proposed Resolution in support of Reparations for Black/African Americans is seen as a
8 way forward to address and give redress to the unfulfilled promises in the Constitution of the
9 United States "that all men are created equal," and to the subsequent Amendments, including
10 the 13th for the government to use its authority to remove all badges and incidents of slavery so
11 that Black people can enjoy the full complements of rights of citizenship.
12
13 Commissioner Dorosin said he is grateful this resolution is being brought forward. He
14 said the 13th amendment abolished slavery, but it also included an exception for those convicted
15 of a crime, which has enslaved people of color in a different way.
16 Commissioner Hamilton said this resolution is important to remind everyone of American
17 history, and how it was built on the exploitation of people, particularly those of African descent.
18 She said this exploitation has continued and is embedded in many institutions, leading to many
19 disparities in outcomes. She said resolutions are words, and actions are just as important.
20 Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations Director, said she is honored to be
21 employed by Orange County, and thanked the BOCC for bringing this issue to the table. She
22 reviewed the Board's commitment to addressing racism, as well as the history of ongoing
23 systemic racism throughout the country, which is in direct conflict with the 13th amendment. She
24 said the 13th amendment made a promise of reparations. She asked the BOCC to pass the
25 resolution.
26 Chair Price read the resolution below:
27
28 RES-2020-073
29
30 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
31 RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF REPARATIONS FOR BLACK/AFRICAN AMERICANS
32
33 WHEREAS, on December 6, 1865, the United States Congress ratified the 13th Amendment to
34 the Constitution thus abolishing slavery in the United States, stating: "Neither slavery nor
35 involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly
36 convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction"; and
37
38 WHEREAS, the 13th Amendment, along with subsequent Constitutional Amendments, civil
39 rights legislation and voting rights acts have sought to recognize and establish equality for
40 people of the Black African diaspora who had been unjustly enslaved and oppressed prior to
41 and since the founding of the United States of America; and
42
43 WHEREAS, Black/African Americans nevertheless have been segregated, marginalized,
44 disenfranchised, wrongfully incarcerated and lynched through intentional policies and practices
45 including Jim Crow laws, racial terror and the exception clause in the 13th Amendment; and
46
47 WHEREAS, Black/African Americans have been denied equal access to education and skills
48 development, healthcare, housing, mortgages, neighborhoods, job opportunities and
49 advancement, government grant and loan programs for farms and businesses, and equal rights
50 and equal protections under the law; and
16
1
2 WHEREAS, since the desegregation of schools, Black/African American students still are
3 denied access to quality learning, are directed away from advanced courses, and face
4 disciplinary actions at a disproportionate rate from white counterparts; and
5
6 WHEREAS, as evidenced in morbidity/mortality rates, Black/African Americans received and
7 still receive inadequate and sometimes detrimental healthcare and biased treatment by medical
8 professionals; and
9
10 WHEREAS, Black/African Americans have been and continue to be unjustly targeted,
11 mistreated and abused by law enforcement and the criminal justice system; and
12
13 WHEREAS, systemic racism in America, which originated over 400 years ago and has evolved
14 and persists to the present day, has manifested itself as a specific trauma within Black/African
15 Americans and the Black experience, and has affected American society as a whole;
16
17 NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County
18 Commissioners, on behalf of the people of Orange County, affirms the dignity and humanity of
19 all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity,
20 religion or creed; and
21
22 BE IT RESOLVED, that Orange County apologizes for its role in the enslavement of
23 Black/African American people, its enforcement of segregation, its promotion of prejudicial
24 policies, and its implementation of discriminatory and detrimental practices and procedures; and
25
26 BE/T FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners calls on the
27 federal government to work toward the immediate enactment of the following policies and bills:
28
29 a. A program to provide reparations to the descendants of enslaved Africans sufficient to
30 eliminate the racial wealth gap;
31 b. A program to provide a universal basic income to all citizens sufficient to meet each
32 person's basic needs;
33 c. A program to provide a guaranteed federal or federally-funded living-wage job to all
34 citizens;
35 d. An increase in the federal minimum wage to $15/hr. or higher, with regular increases
36 to account for increases in cost of living and inflation;
37 e. A program to provide universal health care;
38 f. H.R. 40, a bill to establish a federal Commission to Study and Develop Reparations for
39 Black/African Americans.
40
41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners hereby
42 is committed to working toward the elimination of racial bias and individual racism, the
43 dismantling of institutional racism and the eradication of structural racism; and
44
45 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners will
46 support and augment the work of the One Orange Government Alliance on Race & Equity
47 [GARE] Team; and
48
49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners will
50 proceed to collaborate with schools boards, county departments, governmental agencies,
17
1 private entities and financial institutions with the express purpose of investing in our
2 Black/African American students and their families, investing in Black-owned farms and
3 businesses, investing in Black/African American workers and investing in communities of color
4 as first steps in providing long overdue reparations for the centuries of suffering, loss, anguish,
5 injustice and trauma inflicted upon Black/African American women, men and children; and
6
7 BE IT MOREOVER RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners shall
8 forward this resolution to the Governor of North Carolina, the North Carolina General Assembly,
9 the Orange County Delegation to the US House of Representatives, and the North Carolina
10 Members of the United States Senate.
11
12 Signed this 7th day of December 2020.
13
14
15 Chair Renee Price
16 Orange County Board of County Commissioners
17
18
19 Commissioner Greene said she had additional language to add regarding federal
20 reparations. She said other local governments are interested in joining together to call for
21 federal steps towards reparations. She read the proposed language, which is referenced in
22 above resolution, in the first "be it further resolved" section.
23 Commissioner Hamilton asked for broader language regarding healthcare disparities
24 amongst African Americans in the 6t' whereas. She proposed the following language:
25 "whereas, as evidenced in morbidity mortality rates, black African Americans have worse health
26 outcomes due to the effects of systemic racism, including poor access to quality health care,
27 higher rates of poverty, increased likelihood of living in a polluted environment, more stress, and
28 sometimes biased treatment by medical professionals."
29 Commissioner Dorosin said he appreciated Commissioner Hamilton's remarks, and
30 asked if access to health insurance could be included. He said gender expression should be
31 added to the first "be it resolved".
32 Commissioner Bedford said gender should also be included.
33 Commissioner Fowler said ability should also be added.
34 Commissioner Bedford asked if Commissioner Greene could provide clarity about her
35 additional language, as it seems very broad. She said she supports all the wording, but
36 wondered if it is too broad.
37 Commissioner Greene said it is the exact same language that is being used in the
38 Carrboro resolution. She said the language is not specific to Black African Americans, but it is
39 certainly applicable.
40 Commissioner McKee said he supports the original resolution and the wording added by
41 Commissioner Hamilton, but referred to the first "be it further resolved" and said he cannot
42 accept letters "b" and "c". He said letter"d" will cause low wage workers to lose their jobs,
43 unless it is brought in very slowly. He referred to letter"a", and asked if a monetary number
44 could be suggested. He asked if seizure of property or taxes will pay for this proposal.
45 Commissioner Greene said the argument is being made by "From Here to Equality"
46 authors, Darity and Mullen, that descendants of slaves and white Americans will never be on a
47 level plane if only jobs are considered. She said the issue goes back to net worth, and the
48 proposal calls for millions and millions of dollars to be paid to those who can prove they are
49 descended from slaves. She said there would be a federal commission to oversee this process.
50 She said this conversation has started at the federal level.
18
1 Commissioner McKee said he can understand this argument, and sees his own success
2 in life being connected to inherited property and others benefits. He said he sees a reparations
3 plan costing trillions of dollars, not millions, and struggles to support a resolution prior to
4 discussing the implication of the action. He said he supports HR 40 and universal health care.
5 He said the minimum wage being increased to $15 would eliminate low wage work. He said he
6 cannot support letter"c," as it is without any clarification or boundaries. He said the resolution
7 overall is important, as it address the past, present and future, but it is important to really
8 consider the future as we cannot remain a divided country.
9 Commissioner Greene said she hoped the BOCC could pass this resolution
10 unanimously. She said she would be willing to leave out letters b and c if it would earn
11 Commissioner McKee's vote.
12 Commissioner McKee said no, he has concerns with the entire section. He said
13 conversations need to lead to specifics, and this is too general.
14 Commissioner Dorosin said the entire section is important.
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
17 approve the Resolution in Support of Reparations for Black/African Americans, and authorize
18 the Chair to sign the resolution.
19
20 Commissioner Fowler asked if Commissioner McKee would be willing to vote for the
21 resolution if Commissioner Greene's additional "Be It Further Resolved" were removed in its
22 entirety.
23 Commissioner McKee said yes, absolutely.
24 Chair Price asked if the motion makers would approve the removal of letters "a" through
25 "e" in the "be it further resolved".
26 Commissioners Dorosin and Greene said no.
27 Commissioner Hamilton said she would vote for this resolution, but wanted to
28 acknowledge Commissioner McKee's concern that looks to resolutions calling on others to do
29 something. She said Orange County should look at itself, and see what it can do to address
30 systemic racism. She is hesitant to just put out words, and fail to follow up with specific actions.
31 Commissioner Greene said she referenced the Darity/Mullen book as one approach to
32 reparations, and, of course, there are other approaches. She said the intent is to move the
33 conversation forward, which this resolution does.
34
35 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
36
37 VOTE: 6 Ayes; 1 Nay (Commissioner McKee)
38
39 MOTION PASSES: 6-1
40
41 5. Public Hearings
42 NONE
43
44 6. Regular Agenda
45
46 a. County Commissioners: Boards and Commissions Assignments
47 The Board considered selecting Boards and Commissions on which Board members
48 would like to serve during 2021.
49
50
19
1 Greg Wilder, Interim Clerk to the Board, reviewed the item below:
2
3 BACKGROUND: BOCC members serve on various County and County-related boards and
4 commissions. On an annual basis, BOCC members indicate their desire to continue serving on
5 specific boards or commissions or their desire to make changes.
6
7 The Board discussed the various positions, and went the through the process of
8 choosing where to serve.
9
10
BOARD NAME MEETING BOCC MEMBER BOCC Member BOCC Member
DATE Serving 2020 Serving 2021
STATUTORY
ABC Board Monthly, Third Commissioner Not Commissioner Commissioner
Tues 8:30 AM- Required (non- Dorosin McKee
ABC offices in voting member)
Hillsborough Intra-county (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
Board of Health Monthly, 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Typically Required McKee Hamilton
Fourth Wed Intra-county
7:00 PM-at (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
Health Dept in ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Hillsborough Dec 2022)
Board of Social Monthly, Third 2 appointees ( one Commissioner Commissioner
Services Monday- 4:00 citizen) Bedford McKee
PM at DSS Commissioner not
offices in required but usually (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
Hillsborough a Commissioner ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
serves Dec 2022)
-Intra-county
Cardinal TBD Regional Commissioner Commissioner
Innovations Price Price
County
Commissioner (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Advisory Board Dec 2018 through Dec 2018 through
Dec 2022) Dec 2022)
20
INTERGOVERNMENTAL and OTHER
GROUPS WITH BOCC MEMBERS
Burlington/Graham 6x/year-(or Requires Commissioner Commissioner
MPO more as 1 Commissioner Bedford — McKee -- Member
Transportation needed) member Member
Advisory Tuesdays at 1 Alternate
Committee 5pm in Commissioner (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Burlington Regional Dec 2018 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022) Dec 2024)
Commissioner Commissioner
Marcoplos - Bedford —
Alternate Alternate
(2020-2024)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2018 through
Dec 2022)
Cardinal Orange 2nd Mondays — Commissioner Commissioner
County 1:00 pm Bedford Bedford
Community
Advisory Council
Chatham Orange 3x/year- 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Joint Planning alternates Regional Dorosin - Member Dorosin - Member
Task Force between
Orange County (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
and Chatham Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
County Dec 2023) Dec 2023)
Commissioner Commissioner
McKee — Hamilton —
Alternate Alternate
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2023) Dec 2024)
Chapel Monthly 1 BOCC member Commissioner Commissioner
Hill/Carrboro Intra-county McKee Hamilton
Chamber of Third
Commerce Thursdays at (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
8:30am at ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Chamber Dec 2022)
21
Climate TBD 1 BOCC member Commissioner Commissioner
Committee Intra-county Marcoplos Dorosin
(2019-2021)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Community Home Monthly-2nd 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Trust BOD Thursdays at Required Greene Dorosin
6pm at CHT Intra-county
office (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
Cooperative March 9, June 1 Commissioner Commissioner
Extension 8, Sept 14, Bedford
Leadership 2021 &
Council December (Potentially Serve
Retreat Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Durham- Chapel Monthly- 2nd 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Hill — Carrboro Wednesday at 1 Commissioner Price — member Bedford —
Metropolitan gam in Durham Alternate member
Planning Regional
Organization (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
(MPO)- Dec 2018 through Dec 2020 through
Transportation Dec 2022) Dec 2024)
Advisory
Committee
(DCHC-MPO)
Chair Rich — Commissioner
Alternate Greene —
(2019-2023) alternate
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024)
22
Durham- Orange- Quarterly- at 2 BOCC Members Commissioner Commissioner
Chapel Hill Work noon - rotates Regional Greene Fowler
Group locations-
Durham/ (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Chapel Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Hill/Orange Dec 2023) Dec 2024)
County
Commissioner Commissioner
Marcoplos Bedford
(2019-2023)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024
Durham Tech 6x/per year- 2 Appointees— one Commissioner Commissioner
Board of Trustees usually 4t" Commissioner Dorosin Dorosin
Tuesday of Regional
month at 4- (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
6pm (locations One resident- Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
move about) already appointed Dec 2023) Dec 2023)
Plus there are
committee
meetings
Family Success Meets 6x per 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Alliance year- Mondays- Intra-county- Greene Greene
1-3pm
Alternates — (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
northern and Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
southern Dec 2021) Dec 2021)
Orange County
Commissioner Commissioner
Bedford Bedford
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2021)
Fire Chief's Bi-monthly— Commissioner not Chair Rich Commissioner
Association of first Weds, required as member (2020-2022) McKee
Orange County 7pm — but can attend as
guest(s) (Potentially Serve
Intra-county Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
23
Food Council Meets 1/x per 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Month (usually Intra-county McKee Greene
the 1st Monday
at 4:00) (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Alternates Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
between Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
Chapel Hill and
Hillsborough
Go Triangle Board Monthly 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
of Trustees 3rd Wed-12pm Regional Marcoplos Price
in Durham (2019-2023)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024)
Go Triangle Meets every 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Special Tax Board January (more required McKee McKee
often if needed) Regional
in Durham at (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
GoT office Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
Dec 2023) Dec 2023)
Commissioner Commissioner
Price Fowler
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2018 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022) Dec 2024)
Go Triangle 6x per year ( 1 Board of County Commissioner Commissioner
Transit Advisory assuming they Commissioners Bedford Bedford
Committee- will meet at Go Liaison
T offices) Regional (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
Dec 2023) Dec 2023)
Healthy Meeting Commissioner not Commissioner Commissioner
Carolinians Schedule for required —often Price Hamilton
2021 being same BOCC
developed Member as on the (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Board of Health Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Intra- county Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
24
Orange County Quarterly 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Local Government Required Dorosin Greene
Affordable Intra-county
Housing (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
Collaborative (the ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Collaborative) Dec 2022)
Intergovernmental Meets 2-3 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Parks Work Group times per year Member McKee — member Hamilton —
at 5:30pm-on 1 Alternate member
Wed. Commissioner (Two Year service
at SHSC Intra-county ends Dec 2020) (Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Commissioner
Dorosin —
alternate Commissioner
Fowler— alternate
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through (Potentially Serve
Dec 2021) Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Joint Public Safety Meets as 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Training Facility needed at ES Intra-county Price McKee
Work Group
(Two Year service (Potentially Serve
ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Commissioner Commissioner
Marcoplos Hamilton
(2020-2022)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Jordan Lake One Meets the third 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Water Association- Wednesday of Regional Marcoplos Dorosin
Elected Officials every other (2019-2023)
month from (Potentially Serve
9:00 AM to Dec 2020 through
11:00 AM at Dec 2024)
TJCOG
25
Justice Advisory Quarterly 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Council (Friday Intra-county Greene Price
afternoons-
3:30pm) in (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
Hillsborough ends Dec 2020) Dec 2019 through
Dec 2021)
Commissioner Commissioner
Price Dorosin
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
JCPC (Orange Meets 6-7x per 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
County Juvenile year (every Intra-county Bedford Fowler
Crime Prevention other month)
Council) Fridays at noon (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
LIWG ( Legislative Meets as 2 Commissioners Chair Rich Commissioner
Issues Work needed Term - one year (2020) Price
Group) Commissioner (2021)
Dorosin Commissioner
(2020) Fowler
(2021)
NACo Voting 1 Commissioner Chair Rich Chair Price
Delegate Required (2020) (2021)
NCACC Voting 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Delegate Required Bedford Greene
May have alternate (2020) (2021)
N/S BRT As needed 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
(North/South Bus Intra-county Price McKee
Rapid Transit)
policy committee (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
26
Orange Co Every other 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Behavioral Health month (IntraCounty) Bedford Fowler
Task Force 3:30-5pm
Hillsborough (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
Hospital ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Orange County Bi-monthly- 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Partnership for Last Intra-county Bedford Hamilton
Young Children Wednesday-at
8:30am- (Two Year service (Potentially Serve
alternates — ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Chapel Hill/ Dec 2022)
Hillsborough
Partnership to End Monthly-3rd 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Homelessness Mondays Greene Bedford
(Two Year service (Potentially Serve
ends Dec 2020) Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Piedmont Food 5-6 times per 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
And Agricultural year Regional Marcoplos Greene
Processing (2020-2024)
(PFAP) Center (Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024)
Small Business Meets as 1 Commissioner Chair Rich Commissioner
Loan Program needed to vet Intra-county (2020-2022) Fowler
applications
received (Potentially Serve
(7:30am on Dec 2020 through
Fridays) Dec 2022)
27
Solid Waste Meets as 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Advisory Group needed Intra-county Marcoplos Bedford
(SWAG) (2019-2021)
Chair Rich (Potentially Serve
(2019-2021) Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Commissioner
Hamilton
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Strategic Meets as 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Communications needed Commissioners Dorosin Dorosin
Work Group (internal)
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2021)
Chair Rich Commissioner
(2020-2022) Price
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2022)
Transit Planning Meets as 2 Commissioners Commissioner Commissioner
Committee needed Intra-local Greene Greene
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2019 through
Dec 2023) Dec 2023)
Commissioner Commissioner
Marcoplos Dorosin
(2020-2024)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024)
28
Triangle Area Bi-monthly- 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Rural Planning meetings at Member Greene Fowler— member
Organization 12pm, 1 Alternate
(TARPO) alternates Commissioner (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Transportation counties —Lee Regional Dec 2018 through Dec 2020 through
Advisory and Chatham Dec 2022) Dec 2024)
Committee
Commissioner Commissioner
Marcoplos Price — alternate
(2019-2023)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024
TJCOG Meet 1 x per 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
month- Last 1 Alternate Greene — Greene —
Wednesday Regional member member
6pm-
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2018 through Dec 2018 through
Dec 2022) Dec 2022)
Chair Rich — Chair Price —
alternate alternate
(2019-2023)
(Potentially Serve
Dec 2020 through
Dec 2024)
Upper Neuse Bi- monthly at One Director Commissioner Commissioner
River Basin 9:30am- Position Greene — Bedford —
Association 12:OOpm Two Alternate member member
(meets in Positions
Butner) Regional (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2018 through Dec 2019 through
Dec 2022) Dec 2023)
Commissioner Commissioner
Bedford — McKee —
alternate alternate
(Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2023) Dec 2024
29
Workforce Meets monthly Does not require a Nancy Coston Nancy Coston
Development in various Commissioner-
Board — Regional counties- usually has been 1
Partnership Non-Voting
Liaison
Visitor's Bureau 8:00 am third 1 Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner
Wed., monthly, Required Bedford Greene
no meeting in Intra-county
July/December (Potentially Serve (Potentially Serve
Dec 2019 through Dec 2020 through
Dec 2021) Dec 2022)
1
2
3 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin for
4 staff to fill in the Commissioners selections and bring the item back to the Board of County
5 Commissioners on consent agenda at the December 15t", 2020 Virtual Business meeting.
6
7 Commissioner Hamilton suggested staff put this process into an excel spreadsheet for
8 future years.
9 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
10
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 b. Extension of 2021 Tax Listing Period
14 The Board considered voting to extend the 2021 Tax Listing Period until February 28,
15 2021 and voting to approve a resolution for the extension.
16
17 Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, reviewed the item below:
18
19 BACKGROUND: North Carolina General Statute 105-307(a) establishes that the annual tax
20 listing period begins on the first business day of January and ends on January 31. It also
21 allows for the County Board of Commissioners to extend the time during which property is to
22 be listed for taxation by resolution.
23
24 Due to current public health concerns related to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Tax
25 Administration office doors are currently closed, the number of staff in the office is kept to
26 approximately half, and taxpayer entrance is limited to ensure that we help mitigate the spread
27 of the virus. Because of this, we anticipate that taxpayers will need additional time to obtain
28 assistance with completing and with submitting their 2021 listing forms.
29
30 For those who do not intend to visit the office for assistance, staff is available by phone, email,
31 regular mail and chat. As always, the listing forms may be mailed and may be placed in the
32 drop box located outside the main entrance to the Tax Office in Hillsborough.
33
34 Each year there is a significant number of taxpayers who request in-person assistance to
35 complete the forms. The number of in-person visits averages 20 per day for the month of
36 January. In addition, on average, 20 people per day drop off the forms, and although a lengthy
30
1 visit is not required, they do request that their form be reviewed when submitting it. For 2021,
2 we anticipate that the requests for in-person assistance will increase, especially for businesses
3 whose day-today activities have been altered significantly by the impact of the pandemic. To
4 ensure that we are able to provide assistance to all taxpayers who indicate a need, and keep
5 staff and taxpayers as safe as we can, we are requesting that the tax listing period be
6 extended.
7
8 RES-2020-074
9 NORTH CAROLINA
10 ORANGE COUNTY
11
12 EXTENSION OF TAX LISTING PERIOD RESOLUTION (Approval)
13 Whereas, North Carolina General Statutes 105-307(b) allows the Board of County
14 Commissioners to extend the time during which property is to be listed for taxation for up to 60
15 additional days in a revaluation year; and
16
17 Whereas, the Board has found it reasonable and prudent to extend this period for 2021.
18
19 NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
20 COMMISSIONERS OF ORANGE COUNTY THAT the time during which property is to be listed
21 for taxation in 2021 be extended until February 28, 2021.
22
23 Upon motion duly made and seconded, the foregoing resolution was passed by the following
24 votes:
25 Ayes: Commissioners
26 Noes:
27 I, Greg Wilder, Interim Clerk to the Board of Commissioners for the County of Orange, North
28 Carolina, DO HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing has been carefully copied from the
29 recorded minutes of the Board of Commissioners for said County at a regular meeting of said
30 Board held on said record having been made in the Minute Book of
31 the minutes of said Board,
32 and is a true copy of so much of said proceedings of said Board as relates in any way to the
33 passage of the resolution described in said proceedings.
34
35 WITNESS my hand and the corporate seal of said County, this day of
36 12020.
37
38 Clerk to the Board of Commissioners
39
40 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
41 approve the resolution.
42
43 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
44
45 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
46
47 7. Reports
48 None
49
50
31
1 8. Consent Agenda
2
3 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
4 -Item 8-n already removed earlier in the meeting
5 -Item 8-a recommended for removal by staff for factual corrections
6
7 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
8
9 Commissioner Greene expressed congratulations to all of the artists who received Arts
10 Commission grant funding.
11
12 Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
13
14 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
15 approve the consent agenda.
16
17 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
18
19 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
20
21 a. Minutes
22 The Board approved the draft minutes from November 5, 12, and 17, 2020 as submitted
23 by the Interim Clerk to the Board.
24 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
25 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release motor
26 vehicle property tax values for six taxpayers with a total of fourteen bills that will result in a
27 reduction of revenue in accordance with the NCGS.
28 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
29 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property
30 tax values for fourteen taxpayers with a total of twenty-one bills that will result in a reduction of
31 revenue in accordance with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
32 d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
33 The Board approved nine untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem
34 taxation for nine bills for the 2020 tax year.
35 e. Advisory Boards and Commissions —Appointments
36 The Board approved the Advisory Boards and Commissions appointments as reviewed
37 and discussed during the November 12, 2020 Work Session.
38 f. Approve a Construction Contract for the Main Building Roof Replacement of the
39 Orange County Sportsplex Building
40 The Board approved a construction contract with Bar Roofing and Maintenance for the
41 main building roof replacement at the Orange County Sportsplex; and consider authorizing the
42 County Manager to execute the Agreement and execute any subsequent amendments for
43 contingent and unforeseen requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the
44 Board.
45 g. Memorandum of Agreement Renewal with Town of Hillsborough — Fairview Park
46 The Board voted to renew an existing Memorandum of Agreement with the Town of
47 Hillsborough for certain activities and operations of Fairview Park.
48 h. Proposed One-Year Extension to ABB's Inc.'s Incentive Performance Agreement
49 Concerning the Company's Employment & Investment Target Dates
32
1 The Board received and reviewed a request from ABB, Inc. for the Board to approve a
2 waiver to the original Performance Agreement, waive Section 6. B (Delay in Inducement
3 Package Initiation) in the Performance Agreement, and consider voting to approve a 1-year
4 extension in the company's contractual requirement to achieve overall employment hiring and
5 investment goals over the first 5 years, and authorize the Chair to sign.
6 L Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System for
7 River Stone Road and Running Cedar Lane in the Cabe Crossing Subdivision
8 The Board forwarded a petition for Addition to the State Maintained System to the
9 NCDOT for River Stone Road and Running Cedar Lane in the Cable Crossing Subdivision; and
10 recommended the Department of Transportation accept the roads for maintenance as a State
11 Secondary Road.
12 j. First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance Priority Care
13 Ambulance
14 The Board approved on First Reading the granting of a franchise by ordinance to Priority
15 Care Ambulance Inc. (Priority Care) and the Franchise Agreement under which they will
16 operate, for a five-year term. The Board will consider bringing back the Franchise Agreement for
17 a second reading approval at the Board's December 15, 2020 Business Meeting; and if
18 approved authorize the Chair to sign.
19 k. First Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance UNC Campus EMS
20 The Board approved on First Reading the granting of a franchise by ordinance to UNC
21 Campus EMS and the Franchise Agreement under which they will operate, for a five year term.
22 The Board will consider bringing back the Franchise Agreement for a second reading approval
23 at the Board's December 15, 2020 Business Meeting; and if approved authorize the Chair to
24 sign.
25 I. Board of Equalization and Review
26 The Board voted to remove one member of the Board of Equalization and Review.
27 m. Orange County Arts Commission 2020-21 Annual Grant Recipients and 2020
28 Operations Support Grants
29 The Board acknowledged local artist and arts organization receiving 2020-21 Orange
30 County Arts Grants and 2020 Operating Support Grants.
31
32 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
33 approve 8-a minutes with the following corrections:
34
35 -page 11, which reads $1,500,000 but should read $165,840
36 -page 22, which reads Club Nova, but should read Cl (Cardinal Innovations)
37
38 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
39
40 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
41
42 9. County Manager's Report
43 Bonnie Hammersley reminded the Board of its next meeting on December 15, 2020.
44 She said the primary agenda item is the Efland Station Public Hearing. She said if a large
45 number of the public sign up to speak, the Board should consider if it may like to add additional
46 meetings to allow all the public to speak, and, if so, when these meetings should occur.
47
48
33
1 10. County Attorney's Report
2 NONE
3
4 11. * Appointments
5 NONE
6
7 12. Information Items
8
9 • November 17, 2020 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
10 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
11 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
12 • Memorandum Regarding Further Regulation of Aggressive Dogs
13 • Survey Results for Stipend Pay for BOCC Participation on Statutory, Intergovernmental,
14 and Other Boards
15
16 13. Closed Session
17
18 "Pursuant to G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(3) "to consult with an attorney retained by the Board in order
19 to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the Board."
20
21 Approval of Closed Session Minutes.
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, second by Commissioner Fowler to go
24 into closed session at 11:17 p.m.
25
26 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
27
28 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
29
30
31 RECONVENE INTO REGULAR SESSION
32
33 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Fowler to reconvene
34 into regular session at 11:35 p.m.
35
36 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
37
38 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
39
40
41
34
1 14. Adjournment
2
3 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee seconded by Commissioner Fowler to adjourn the
4 meeting at 11:35 p.m.
5
6 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
7
8 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
9
10
11 Renee Price, Chair
12
13
14 Recorded by Allen Coleman, Assistant Deputy Clerk II and
15 Gregory A. Wilder, Interim Clerk to the Board
16
17 Submitted for Approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board
Attachment 2
1
1
2 MINUTES
3 ORANGE COUNTY
4 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
5 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
6 DECEMBER 15, 2020
7 7:00 p.m.
8
9 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday,
10 December 15, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
11
12 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
13 and Commissioners Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, Amy Fowler, and Jean Hamilton
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren, Interim Clerk to the Board Greg Wilder, and Assistant Deputy Clerk II Allen
18 Coleman (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
21
22 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a Virtual
23 Business Meeting on December 15, 2020. Members of the Board of Commissioners participated
24 in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to view and
25 listen to the meeting via live streaming video at orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on
26 Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
27
28 In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
29 • Written submittals by email
30 • Speaking during the virtual meeting
31
32 Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this
33 agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
34
35 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
36
37 Chair Price noted the following items at the Commissioners' places:
38 PowerPoint Presentations (from staff and Applicant) for item 5-b
39
40 Chair Price said there are 111 people signed up for public comment on 5-b, and it is not
41 possible to hear all of those this evening. She said the Board of County Commissioners
42 (BOCC) should determine how many speakers are heard this evening. She said staff
43 suggested hearing from the first 20 individuals tonight, and scheduling a follow up meeting to
44 hear from the remaining speakers. She said it is up to the Board if more speakers are allowed
45 to sign up in the interim. She proposed several possible dates for follow up meetings.
46 Commissioner McKee suggested December 16, 17 and 21. He said he is open to
47 hearing from 20 speakers this evening, and would like to hear from everyone within the month
48 of December, and does not think it fair to the public to wait until January.
49 Chair Price said the audio/video team is not available on December 17.
50 Commissioner Dorosin said holding a meeting tomorrow seems unreasonable. He
51 agreed it will likely take 3 meetings, which will push into January. He said he thinks 25
2
1 speakers can be heard from this evening. He said the speakers are just one part of the
2 equation, and the BOCC needs to also have time for its own discussion. He proposed two
3 consecutive meetings in early January.
4 Commissioner Hamilton said she appreciated having this conversation up front. She said
5 it will likely extend into January, and agreed two additional meetings will be necessary. She
6 agreed with hearing from just 20 speakers this evening.
7 Commissioner Greene agreed with holding 3 meetings, and reminded the BOCC that it
8 cannot vote at this evening's meeting, due to required 24 hour waiting period, post virtual
9 meeting. She suggested having this evening's meeting, two additional meetings in January,
10 prior to the 19th, which will allow the BOCC to discuss and vote at the already scheduled
11 January 19th meeting.
12 Bonnie Hammersley said this proposal would meet all necessary requirements.
13 Commissioner McKee reiterated his desire to not carry the meetings into January. He
14 said there has been a great deal of communication from the public, and he does not want the
15 public to feel shuffled off to the side.
16
17 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to
18 limit the number of Public Speakers for tonight's meeting to 20 for agenda item 5-b.
19
20 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
21
22 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair Price, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Hamilton,
23 Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Bedford); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Dorosin and
24 Commissioner Greene)
25
26 MOTION PASSES
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
29 reconvene the Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 and Tuesday, January 12, 2021
30 and consider making a final decision on January 19, 2021.
31
32 Chair Price called each Commissioner by name (roll call).
33
34 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair Price, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Greene,
35 Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Hamilton); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Fowler and
36 Commissioner McKee)
37
38 MOTION PASSES
39
40 Chair Price read the names of the 20 members of the public who will make public
41 comment this evening.
42
43 Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting.
44
45 2. Public Comments
46
47 Chair Price read the Public Charge
48
49
3
1 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
2 Janine Zanin said she is resident of Mebane, and urged the BOCC to listen to the
3 Mebane City Council meetings from November 10 and December 7. She said she is very
4 concerned about the lack of transparency and public input regarding the plan. She asked the
5 BOCC to not approve any updates to the utility service agreement that would provide water and
6 sewer to existing parcels outside the economic development district (EDD). She said any such
7 changes would impact the zoning maps and plans. She said the public should be heard from
8 prior to any such changes being made. She said Mebane staff and council members have also
9 expressed concern about this process, and a lack of transparency with the BOCC.
10
11 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
12 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
13 below.)
14
15 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
16 Commissioner Greene said she had no comments.
17 Commissioner McKee expressed appreciation to everyone who has written, emailed,
18 and called the BOCC regarding the proposed Buc-ee's development. He said the BOCC is
19 committed to a public process, with transparency.
20 Commissioner Bedford wished everyone a happy and safe holiday season.
21 Commissioner Hamilton echoed Commissioner McKee's comments, and pledged to
22 read/listen to every word from the public.
23 Commissioner Dorosin said yesterday the Governor's Task Force for Racial Equity and
24 Criminal Justice released a report on many topics. He said the BOCC should consider this
25 document carefully, and some recommendations are very locally based. He said one example
26 suggests that law enforcement receive written consent from a driver prior to searching a vehicle.
27 He said he brought this up with the Sheriff's department a few years ago, but it was not enacted
28 at that time. He petitioned the Board to resume this conversation with the Sheriff about an
29 informed consent to search policy.
30 Commissioner Fowler echoed comments made by Commissioners McKee and Hamilton.
31 Chair Price recommended the Board consider the length of the BOCC meetings. She
32 said it may be wise to have a check in at 10pm to see how everyone is doing. She said she
33 wants to be respectful of everyone's time, those working other jobs, and insure that everyone
34 has fresh minds to participate in meetings.
35 Chair Price said the Assembly of Governments (AOG) meeting usually occurs early in
36 the year, and it is very difficult to do via Zoom. She said she has spoken with the Mayors, and
37 suggested meeting with them and their Managers.
38 Chair Price said she would present a resolution recognizing January as National
39 Mentoring Month.
40 Chair Price said she will also bring forward a resolution honoring Dr. Kizzie Corbit, who
41 has been very involved in the development of a Covid vaccine.
42 Chair Price said the Ag Summit will be in February (likely the 8th and 9th), and will be held
43 virtually.
44 Chair Price said 2021 is the 60th anniversary of the Freedom Riders, and she wants to
45 commemorate this somehow.
46
47 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/Special Presentations
48
49
4
1 a. Presentation of The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award to Former Orange County
2 Commissioner Dr. Alice M. Gordon
3 The Board recognized former Orange County Commissioner Alice Gordon for receiving
4 The Order of the Long Leaf Pine ward from Governor Roy Cooper, the highest honor the
5 Governor can confer on individuals. The award recognizes her significant contributions to the
6 state and her community through her exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
7
8 BACKGROUND:
9 Dr. Alice Gordon served as an Orange County Commissioner for 24 years, 1990-2014. Her
10 most outstanding contributions recognized by this award are in the areas of environmental
11 protection, school excellence, and improved regional transportation. Of these contributions, the
12 most memorable are as follows: (1) She created Orange County's innovative and national
13 award-winning Lands Legacy Program, which has now protected over 3000 acres of Orange
14 County's most precious natural and cultural lands (2) She championed excellent public schools,
15 with special attention for many years to the renovation of older schools, for which she was
16 recognized when the "Alice Gordon Science Building" at Culbreth Middle School was named in
17 her honor and (3) As Chair of the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning
18 Organization Board, she was co-leader of a successful cooperative effort to craft a multi-
19 jurisdictional agreement, the Triangle's first ever joint Long Range Transportation Plan, which
20 received a national planning award. She was also known as a public servant with integrity, who
21 always remained true to her core values.
22
23 Environmental Protection. With the approval of her fellow commissioners, Alice Gordon created
24 the national award-winning Lands Legacy Program in 1998, the first comprehensive county land
25 acquisition program in North Carolina, which won a national planning award in 2007 for its
26 innovation. The program has protected some of Orange County's most critical natural and
27 cultural resources, such as forests, watershed riparian buffers, prime farmlands, and future
28 parklands. Also with the commissioners' approval in 1998, she created a new environmental
29 department (now part of the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation) so
30 that environmental protection would be a separate function and focus of Orange County
31 government, a special advantage in this era of climate change. The Lands Legacy Program
32 and Alice's other initiatives to protect the environment will be among her most enduring
33 contributions to Orange County. Having the institutional structure for environmental stewardship
34 in place to protect critical resources, such as clean air and clean water, will help Orange County
35 mitigate some effects of a warming planet.
36
37 School Excellence. Alice was a dedicated champion of high quality education for all public
38 school children in Orange County, and consistently supported the funding necessary to foster
39 school excellence because of her commitment to the success of all students. She led the effort
40 to pass the Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance so that new schools would be built
41 when needed. She also promoted a systematic program to renovate all of the older schools in
42 Orange County, and worked toward that goal for many years. For her achievements, the Alice
43 Gordon Science Building at Grey Culbreth Middle School in Chapel Hill was named in her honor
44 in 2014.
45
46 Improved Regional Transportation. Alice promoted public transit and improved regional
47 transportation planning, and she served as Chair of two multi-jurisdictional regional
48 transportation boards, Triangle Transit (now GoTriangle) and the Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro
49 Metropolitan Planning Organization. As Chair of the latter board, she led a cooperative effort to
5
1 create the joint 2035 Long Range Transportation Plan, the first plan for the entire Triangle
2 region, a successful endeavor that received a national planning award in 2009.
3
4 Before becoming a commissioner, Alice was Chair of the Orange County Planning Board and
5 President of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools PTA Council. As a commissioner, Alice
6 served as both Chair and Vice Chair of the Board of County Commissioners.
7
8 Alice Gordon's other honors and awards include the 2006 Goodmon Award presented by
9 Leadership Triangle for"Exemplary Regional Leadership by an Elected Official" and her
10 designation as a "Town Treasure" by the Chapel Hill Historical Society in 2012.
11
12 RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board congratulate former
13 Orange County Commissioner Dr. Alice M. Gordon for receiving The Order of the Long Leaf
14 Pine award.
15
16 Chair Price said Commissioner Gordon has served as a mentor to her, and she was
17 delighted to write a letter to the Governor recommending this award. She said the award is long
18 overdue.
19 Commissioner Bedford said Commissioner Gordon did exemplary work for the
20 community, and was an inspiration to women interested in politics.
21 Senator Mike Woodard said he, too, was delighted to join the chorus in nominating and
22 recommending Dr. Gordon for this award. He said he has enjoyed working with Dr. Gordon,
23 and she stands out as one of the hardest working and most knowledgeable public servants he
24 has ever seen. He said they share an interest in protecting the environment and regional
25 transportation, and have served on many committees together. He said his work with Dr.
26 Gordon has made him a better legislator.
27 Representative Insko said she and Dr. Gordon served on the BOCC together, as the
28 fourth and fifth female Commissioners. She said Dr. Gordon is a feminist and a norm breaker,
29 from whom she has learned a great deal.
30 Carrboro Town Council member Randee Haven O'Donnell said she was happy to initiate
31 this nomination, and said Dr. Gordon has served with exemplary leadership in everything she
32 has done. She said she has a laser like focus, and has made significant contributions to the
33 County, with special focus on the environment, in school excellence, and regional
34 transportation. She offered her congratulations to Dr. Gordon.
35 Representative Graig Meyer expressed his congratulations to Dr. Gordon. He said Dr.
36 Gordon's public service is done, but her advocacy is most certainly not. He said she is an
37 active participant in many local meetings. He said he is disappointed that this award cannot be
38 presented in person. He read the text of the award.
39 Former Commissioner Gordon thanked all for their kind comments, and said she is
40 overwhelmed by their generosity. She thanked all for serving with her over the years. She
41 recognized her husband and family, and thanked them for their partnership in her years of
42 public service. She said she is very grateful for this award.
43 Commissioner Greene congratulated Dr. Gordon, and thanked her for her
44 encouragement and mentorship over the years.
45 Commissioner McKee congratulated Dr. Gordon, and thanked her for being a mentor to
46 him. He said she is most deserving of the award.
47 Commissioner Hamilton echoed the comments above, and said it was wonderful to work
48 with Dr. Gordon.
49 Commissioner Fowler congratulated Dr. Gordon, and thanked her for her service.
50 Commissioner Dorosin extended congratulations on a well-deserved honor.
6
1 b. Proclamation Recognizing David Hunt
2 The Board considered approving a proclamation recognizing and expressing gratitude to
3 David Hunt for his devotion and service to the people of Orange County, and authorizing the
4 Chair to sign the proclamation.
5
6 Greg Wilder, Interim Clerk to the Board, reviewed the item below:
7
8 BACKGROUND:
9 After over 17 years of service to the Board of Commissioners in the Clerk to the Board's Office,
10 David Hunt is retiring as the Deputy Clerk to the Board/Information Specialist.
11
12 After a career in the private sector, David Hunt joined the Clerk to the Board's Office in 2003 as
13 the Deputy Clerk to the Board/Information Specialist. In his initial years, Mr. Hunt managed
14 Orange County's public information efforts developing press releases, drafting public hearing
15 notices, monitoring and updating the County website, and compiling multiple materials to inform
16 the public of County activities and projects. Mr. Hunt has also become a trusted resource in the
17 Clerk's Office for the Board of Commissioners and staff Countywide, including developing a
18 substantial bank of photographs utilized by County Departments and others to highlight services
19 and promote events associated with Orange County. Mr. Hunt has also over the years served
20 as a valuable contributor serving the needs of the public at the Emergency Operations Center
21 during weather and other hazardous events.
22
23 More recently, Mr. Hunt became the point person for the Board of Commissioners and multiple
24 County staff for conducting virtual meetings. David has served as the principal County contact
25 for organizing Board of Commissioners' meetings virtually, as well as interacting and
26 coordinating with presenters, members of the public wishing to speak, and others involved.
27
28 It should also be noted that while serving the County, Mr. Hunt has also been an active member
29 in the community, including serving as a dedicated volunteer with the New Hope Volunteer Fire
30 Department.
31
32 RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the
33 Chair to sign the attached proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to David Hunt
34 for his service to the people of Orange County and wishing him well in his retirement.
35
36 Deputy Clerk Thom Freeman said it has been his pleasure to work with David Hunt over
37 the past 8 years. He said David Hunt is a gentle giant, and produces excellent results. He said
38 David Hunt is painfully thorough, and is a valued member of the team. He wished him the best
39 for his future, and said it has been a privilege to serve with him.
40 Allen Coleman said he has such appreciation for David Hunt's patience and support over
41 the years. He wished him well for the future.
42 Greg Wilder thanked David Hunt for his creativity, expertise and attention to detail. He
43 said David Hunt has made a great difference in the Clerk's Office, and has showed great
44 leadership since Donna Baker's passing. He said David Hunt's work on all of the virtual
45 meetings is immense, and the success of these meetings is due to him. He wished him well for
46 the future.
47 Commissioner McKee said "painfully thorough" is a high compliment, and this attention
48 to detail has kept the Commissioners prepared and informed. He read the following resolution:
49
50
7
1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
2 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND EXPRESSING GRATITUDE TO
3 DAVID HUNT,
4 RETIRING DEPUTY CLERK/INFORMATION SPECIALIST
5
6 WHEREAS, David Hunt, after working in the private sector for multiple years, joined the
7 Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners Office in 2003; and
8 WHEREAS, during his early years with Orange County, Mr. Hunt managed Orange
9 County's public information efforts by developing press releases, drafting public hearing
10 notices, monitoring and updating the County website, and compiling multiple materials to inform
11 the public of County activities and projects; and
12 WHEREAS, David has become a trusted resource in the Clerk's Office serving the Board of
13 Commissioners and staff Countywide, including developing a substantial bank of photographs
14 utilized by County Departments and others to highlight services and promote events associated
15 with Orange County; and
16 WHEREAS, Mr. Hunt has also over the years served as a valuable contributor serving
17 the needs of the public at the Emergency Operations Center during weather and other
18 hazardous events; and
19 WHEREAS, more recently, David became the point person for the Board of
20 Commissioners and multiple County staff for conducting virtual meetings, and has served as the
21 principal County contact for organizing Board of Commissioners' meetings virtually, as well as
22 interacting and coordinating with presenters, members of the public wishing to speak, and
23 others involved; and
24 WHEREAS, Mr. Hunt is retiring from Orange County on December 31, 2020, after over
25 17 years in service to the County and its residents, and will be missed;
26 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
27 recognize and express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by David Hunt
28 to the Orange County community, and wish him well in his retirement.
29 This the 15th day of December 2020.
30
31 Renee Price, Chair
32 Orange County Board of Commissioners
33
34 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to approve
35 the resolution.
36
37 Roll call ensued
38
39 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
40
41 c. Proclamation Recognizing Dinah L. Jeffries
42 The Board considered a proclamation recognizing and expressing gratitude to Dinah L.
43 Jeffries for her devotion and service to Orange County.
44 Kirby Saunders, Emergency Management Coordinator, reviewed the following
45 information:
46
47 BACKGROUND:
48 After 37 years of dedicated service to the Orange County community, Dinah Jeffries is retiring at
49 the end of December 2020.
8
1 Dinah Jeffries began her career of service with Orange County in 1983 as a temporary youth
2 counselor in a summer program with the Recreation Department. Three months later, Dinah
3 started her public safety journey when she was hired as Telecommunicator with the Emergency
4 Services department. Dinah was promoted to a Communications Shift Leader in 1988, a role
5 she served in for five years until transferring to a training position. In 2007, Dinah assumed the
6 role of Communication Operations Manager and lead the 9-1-1 Communications Division
7 through the implementation of new technologies, adoption of national protocols, and a re-design
8 of the current center at Meadowlands Drive.
9
10 Dinah Jeffries made history in 2016 when she became the first woman and the first woman of
11 color charged with leading the Emergency Services department. In 2020, Ms. Jeffries provided
12 invaluable leadership in guiding the Countywide response to the COVID-19 Pandemic alongside
13 Health Director, Quintana Stewart. In addition to her service to Orange County, Dinah also
14 made significant contributions to her profession by serving as a board member to the North
15 Carolina 911 Board and the NC Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communication
16 Officials (APCO) Executive Board. For 37 years, Dinah Jeffries has led with integrity,
17 compassion, professionalism and unwavering dedication to her communities and those she had
18 been charged to lead.
19
20 RECOMMENDATION(S):
21 The Manager recommends that the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign the attached
22 proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Dinah Jeffries for her service to the
23 people of Orange County and wishing her well in her retirement.
24
25 Kim Woodward, Emergency Medical Services Operations Manager, said it has been her
26 honor to serve with Dinah Jeffries, and she has been a mentor to her. She said Dinah Jeffries is
27 simply the best, and she wished her well in her retirement.
28 Lysa May, Administration Officer, said all previous comments are completely true, and
29 she wished Dinah Jeffries the best.
30 Jason Shepherd, Fire Marshall, reiterated comments previously made, and said Dinah
31 Jeffries is an incredible leader. He said he hoped to call her friend for many years to come.
32 Kevin Medlin, Communications Operations Manager, said he is one of the few people
33 left who grew up with Dinah Jeffries. He thanked her for her leadership and mentorship.
34 Jeryl Anderson said working with Dinah Jeffries is one of the best decisions she has
35 ever made, and thanked her for her friendship and mentorship over the years. She wished her
36 well in the future.
37 Sheriff Charles Blackwood said he and Dinah Jeffries grew up together in the County,
38 and it has been his honor to serve alongside her. He said her leadership in Emergency
39 Services has been exceptional. He said she and her staff are knowledgeable, prepared and
40 professional. He said she has been a friend and confidant, and he will miss her greatly in his
41 daily working life. He said everyone works towards retirement, and it should be celebrated, but
42 he is selfishly very sad to see her go. He said he is thankful she will be nearby.
43
44 Chair Price read the following proclamation:
45
9
1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
2 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING
3 DINAH L. JEFFRIES,
4 RETIRING DIRECTOR, ORANGE COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES
5
6 WHEREAS, in 1983, Ms. Jeffries embarked on a career of public service by joining the
7 Emergency Management Department as a full-time 9-1-1 Telecommunicator; and
8 WHEREAS, in 1988, Ms. Jeffries was promoted to serve as a Communications Shift
9 Leader, an Emergency Management Training Specialist in 1993, and the
10 Communications Operations Manager in 2007; and
11 WHEREAS, in 2016, Dinah Jeffries made history by becoming the first woman and first
12 woman of color to be charged with leading the Orange County Emergency Services
13 Department; and
14 WHEREAS throughout her distinguished career, Dinah has helped to advance the 9-1-1
15 system throughout Orange County with the implementation of advanced technologies and
16 national protocols for EMS, Fire, and Police dispatch; and
17 WHEREAS, Ms. Jeffries has served as a faithful advocate, representing both the Orange
18 County community and the State of North Caroling by serving on the North Carolina 911 Board
19 and the North Carolina Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Officials (APCO) Executive
20 Board; and
21 WHEREAS, as Director, Ms. Jeffries provided invaluable mentorship, led the effort to
22 create the local Peer Support program for first responders, and exemplified steady
23 leadership in challenging times, including guiding the County's response to the 2020
24 COVID-19 Pandemic ; and
25 WHEREAS, Dinah's work in Orange County has ensured that the Emergency Services
26 Department is diverse and thriving and is capable of sustaining such for generations to
27 come; and
28 WHEREAS, Ms. Jeffries is retiring from Orange County on December 31, 2020, after 37
29 years in service to our communities, and will be missed;
30 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby
31 recognize and express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by Dinah
32 Jeffries to the Orange County community, and wish her well in her retirement.
33 This the 15th day of December 2020.
34
35 Renee Price, Chair
36 Orange County Board of Commissioners
37
38 A motion was made by Chair Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the
39 proclamation.
40
41 Roll call ensued
42
43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45 Commissioner McKee said he has enjoyed walking alongside Dinah Jeffries, and
46 appreciated her ever-calming presence in difficult times.
47 Commissioner Dorosin expressed his thanks and said she will be greatly missed.
48 Dinah Jeffries said this is humbling and emotional, and she does not enjoy being in the
49 spotlight. She thanked everyone for their support of her department, and acceptance of her as
10
1 a peer and leader. She said her team will be fine, and she is confident in her leaders. She said
2 she is just a phone call away.
3
4 5. Public Hearings
5
6 a. NCDOT Public Transportation Division/Public Transportation — 5311 Community
7 Transportation and 5339 Combined Capital Program Grant Applications for FY
8 2022
9
10 Theo Letman, Transportation Services Director, reviewed the following information:
11
12 BACKGROUND:
13 Each year, the NCDOT Public Transportation Division accepts requests for capital, operations
14 and administrative needs for county-operated community transportation programs. OCPT is
15 eligible to make application for both capital and administrative funding. NC DOT has allotted a
16 combined total of$1,230,025 for funding.
17
18 Detailed breakdown is outlined in the table below:
19
5311 Grant Application: 5339 Combined Capital Grant: Totals:
Total $ 182,325 $1,047,700 $ 1,230,025
Federal $ 145,860 $838,160 $ 984,020
Local $ 36,465 $209,540 $ 246,005
20
21
22 RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board:
23
24 1) Approve submittal of 5311 and 5339 Combined Capital Grant applications for FY 2022 in
25 the total amount of$1,230,025 with a local match total of$246,005 to be provided when
26 necessary;
27 2) Approve and authorize the Chair to sign the 5311 Program Resolution, the
28 DBE/MBE/WBE/HUB Anticipated Vendor Awards, the DBE Good Faith Efforts
29 Certification the Local Share Certification and the Title VI Program Report;
30 3) Authorize the Chair to sign the annual Certifications and Assurances documents (when
31 these legal documents are issued by the federal register) and upon final review by the
32 County Attorney;
33 4) Close the public hearing;
34 5) Authorize the acceptance of written comment(s) via e-mail to the Board at
35 ocbocc(D_orangecountync.gov or by delivery to the Orange County Transportation
36 Services office at, 600 Hwy 86 N Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, until 9:00 a.m. on
37 Thursday December 17, 2020.
38
39 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
40 open the public hearing.
41
42 Roll call ensued
43
44 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
I PUBLIC COMMENT:
2 None
3
4 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded to by Commissioner Fowler to
5 close the public hearing.
6
7 Roll call ensued
8
9 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
10
11 Bonnie Hammersley said this item will come up for Board approval at the January 19tn
12 BOCC meeting. She said written public comments can be received for another 24 hours.
13 John Roberts said the BOCC can approve the item, leaving the 24 hour written comment
14 period, especially if there is a deadline to meet. He said if no comments are received, the vote
15 will stand, and if comments do come in, the BOCC can hold another vote, thereafter.
16 Theo Letman said there is a pending deadline.
17 Bonnie Hammersley asked if the BOCC would vote on the item to allow staff to meet its
18 deadline.
19
20 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
21 approve the item.
22
23 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the 100,000 miles requirement for the retirement of a
24 vehicle, and said this seems awfully low. He said most vehicles can run longer. He asked if
25 there is any flexibility on this number, and if there is any return on the sale of these vehicles.
26 Theo Letman said these are cutaway vans, and 100,000 miles is the federal standard.
27 He said these vans are run hard, and many of them are over 100,000 miles. He said viable
28 vehicles can be used as spare vehicles, and others are auctioned off.
29 Commissioner Dorosin said this seems wasteful, and he would like to bring this up to the
30 legislature.
31 Commissioner McKee said community centers are often in need of transportation
32 vehicles, and asked if these older vehicles could be used for such a purpose.
33 Theo Letman said yes, it is possible. He said as long as the federal interest has been
34 satisfied, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) can be petitioned for use of the vehicles for
35 County purposes. He said the BOCC approved, and staff procured, three vans for the
36 community centers, but that does not prevent some of these viable vehicles from also being
37 used for other purposes.
38 Commissioner Fowler asked if the funds raised from the sale of vehicles are used for a
39 particular purpose.
40 Theo Letman said these funds are intended to go back into the program for further
41 vehicle replacement.
42 Commissioner Dorosin asked if purchased vehicles can be hybrid or electric.
43 Theo Letman said yes, and staff is looking into these options. He said the state contract
44 has electric options with larger mass transit vehicles (such as buses), but he hopes that smaller
45 electric vehicles will be added to the state contract.
46
47 Roll call ensued
48
49 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
50
12
1 b. Zoning Atlas Amendment: Master Plan Development Conditional Zoning District
2 (MPD-CZ) for Efland Station (formerly Beaver Crossing)
3
4 The Board considered holding a public hearing, receiving the Planning Board/staff
5 recommendation and public comment, closing the public hearing, and scheduling action for a
6 specific future date on an applicant initiated Zoning Atlas Amendment for parcels within the
7 Cheeks Township of Orange County.
8
9 Specifically, Buc-ee's Limited is seeking to rezone 2 parcels totaling approximately 104 acres to
10 Master Plan Development Conditional Zoning (MPD-CZ) district. As indicated herein, due to the
11 size of the application, it is available electronically on the County website at:
12 https://www.orangecountync.gov/1722/Current-Interest-Projects.
13
14 Craig Benedict, Planning and Inspections Director, reviewed the following information:
15
16 BACKGROUND:
17 On August 7, 2020 a Zoning Atlas Amendment application was received proposing to rezone 2
18 parcels, further identified utilizing Orange County Parcel Identification Numbers (PIN) 9854-16-
19 1576 and 9854-36-3711 (hereafter `the Property'):
20 FROM: Office/Research and Manufacturing (O/RM); Upper Eno Protected
21 Watershed Protection Overlay District; Major Transportation Corridor
22 (MTC) Overlay District ; Efland Interstate Overlay District.
23 TO: Master Plan Development Conditional Zoning (MPD-CZ) district; Upper
24 Transportation Corridor (MTC) Overlay District ; Efland Interstate Overlay
25 District.Eno Protected Watershed Protection Overlay District ; Major
26 (map of parcels)
L. � i �i .r .�t r r r-,i• rrnrrr r i rs 1 �
a te ` c e ♦ ®J a ����,���'
m ���, •° PIN 9854-36-3711
O O �c •
O �
1,
Ant,
YL
a
PIN 9854-16-1576
27
I IV
13
1 The basic facts concerning this application are as follows:
2 Applicant: Buc-ee's Limited (LTD)
3 327 FM 2004
4
5 Lake Jackson, TX 77566
A ent s : Elizabeth (Beth) Trahos Kelsey W. Hall, P.E. Earl Lewellyn, P.E.
Attorney Kimley-Horn Kimley-Horn
Nelson-Mullins 300 Morris Street 300 Morris Street
4140 Parklake Ave Suite 200 Suite 200
Raleigh, NC 27612 Durham, NC 27701 Durham, NC 27701
6
7 Parcel Information: A. Parcels and Size: Subject parcels, identified utilizing Orange
8 County Parcel Identification Numbers (PIN), are:
9 1. PIN 9854-16-1576: An approximately 92 acre parcel.
10 2. PIN 9854-36-3711: An approximately 12 acre parcel.
11 If approved, the new MPD-CZ district would be approximately
12 104 acres in area. A vicinity map denoting the location of the
13 parcels, and current zoning, is contained in Attachment 2.
14 B. Township: Cheeks.
15 C. Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Designation: Both parcels are
16 located within the Commercial Industrial Transition Activity
17 Node. A copy of the FLUM Map is contained in Attachment 3.
18 D. Growth Management System Designation: Both parcels are
19 Urban Designated. A copy of the Growth Management System
20 Map is contained in Attachment 3.
21 E. Existing Conditions/Physical Features: Varying topography
22 with wooded areas, cleared area apparently used as pasture for
23 farm animals, and water features (i.e. ponds, streams, wetland
24 areas).
25 F. Roads:
26 1. North: Southern Drive (roadway located within the
27 Southern railroad right-of-way). Neither Property has
28 direct frontage and/or access to Southern Drive;
29 2. South: Interstate 85/40 including interstate on/off ramp;
30 3. West: Mt. Willing Road;
31 4. East: US Highway 70/1-85 Connector road.
32 G. Water and Sewer: Water utility services are provided by
33 Orange-Alamance Water System (OAWS). Wastewater utilities
34 (i.e. sewer) are provided by the City of Mebane.
35 Surrounding Land Uses: North: Railroad, Single-family residential land uses on
36 parcels zoned Rural Residential (R-1), Home park
14
1 on a parcel zoned R-1; Undeveloped 6 acre parcel
2 zoned Office/Research and Manufacturing (O/RM);
3 South: Interstate 85/40;
4 West: Mt. Willing Road, restaurant and gas station on
5 parcels zoned Neighborhood Commercial (NC-2),
6 Single-family residential land uses on parcels zoned
7 R-1;
8 East: US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road and Ben
9 Johnson Road, large undeveloped parcels of
10 property zoned Agricultural Residential (AR).
11 MPD Conditional Zoning (CZ) Process: Involves review/action of a rezoning petition and a master
12 concept development plan allowing for the development of specific land use(s). Applications are
13 processed in a legislative manner (i.e., does not require sworn testimony or evidence) and
14 decisions are based on the BOCC's determination that the project is consistent with the purpose
15 and intent of the Comprehensive Plan.
16
17 As this is a MPD-CZ proposal, a formal site plan is not required to be submitted. Applicants are
18 required to produce a concept plan consistent with the provisions of Section 6.7 of the Unified
19 Development Ordinance (UDO). The typical cadence for review is as follows:
20 First Action — Planning staff schedules a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM).
21 Staff Comment — DONE. This meeting was held in an on-line format on
22 September 15, 2020. Notes from this meeting are contained within Attachment 5.
23 Please note, staff held a follow-up information meeting on October 28, 2020 to
24 review modifications to the application package (i.e. name change, land use
25 buffer/access management changes, etc.).
26 • Second Action — The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting and
27 makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
28 Staff Comment. The Planning Board completed its review of the Project at its
29 November 4, 2020 regular meeting, voting unanimously to recommend approval.
30 • Third Action — The BOCC receives the Planning Board recommendation and makes a
31 decision at a previously advertised public hearing.
32 Staff Comment— If the public hearing is held remotely, there is a 24-hour waiting
33 period required before a decision can be effective per State legislation regarding
34 virtual/remote meetings. The purpose of the 24-hour waiting period is to allow for
35 submission of written comments.
36 Per Section 2.9.2 (F) (3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions can be imposed as part
37 this process only if they address:
38 1. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
39 2. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways and access points, parking, pedestrian and
40 vehicular circulation systems, screening and buffer areas, etc.) and/or
41 3. All other matters the County may find appropriate or the petitioner may propose.
15
1 If approved, the Zoning Atlas will be amended and the zoning designation of the property shall be
2 changed to MPD-CZ. Development, including permitted land uses, would be in accordance with
3 the approved development proposal and conditions imposed as part of the atlas amendment
4 process.
5
6 Development of the Property shall only be permitted through the review and approval of site plan
7 application(s) in accordance within Section 2.5 of the UDO. This is so staff can verify all imposed
8 conditions are adhered to and allow for final review by members of the Development Advisory
9 Committee (DAC) as detailed within Section 1.9 of the UDO.
10 Proposal: The applicant is proposing to rezone the Property to MPD-CZ district allowing for the
11 development of Efland Station, formerly known as Beaver Crossing, summarized as follows:
12 i. Intended to: `... create a mixed-use unified development providing a variety of retail,
13 service, hotel, dining, light industrial/office flex space uses consistent with the Orange
14 County 2030 Comprehensive Plan ...';
15 ii. Construction of approximately 500,000 sq.ft. of building area supporting various land uses,
16 specifically:
17 a. A Travel Center including a 120 pump gas station and approximately 64,000 sq.ft.
18 of retail;
19 STAFF COMMENT: The applicant has clarified it will be 60 pumps with
20 120 actual fuel nozzles/hoses (i.e. 2 fuel nozzles per pump).
21 b. 120-room multi-story hotel;
22 c. 150,000 sq.ft. of Office/Service/Manufacturing land uses;
23 d. 8,000 sq.ft. of medical office space;
24 e. 30,000 sq.ft. of retail space;
25 f. A 3,500 sq.ft. drive-in bank;
26 g. 12,000 sq.ft. of casual restaurant(s); and
27 h. 20,000 SF of high-turnover sit-down restaurant(s) space.
28 iii. Designation of parcel for development of transit facilities/amenities along the northern
29 portion of the Property (south of railroad);
30 iv. Preservation of approximately 38% or 40 acres (1,742,400 sq.ft.) of open space;
31 v. Roadway access proposed off of:
32 a. Right-in/right-out driveways off of the Interstate 85/40 on/off ramp;
33 b. Driveway access off of US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road; and
34 c. Mt. Willing Road.
35 Development will be completed in 2 phases with the travel center completed in Phase 1 and
36 remaining land uses in Phase 2 (hereafter `the Project').
37 The applicant is proposing imposition of development and design standards (i.e. architectural
38 design, signage, internal and external setback limits, height limits, landscaping/buffer standards,
39 outdoor lighting standards, erosion control/stormwater, etc.)governing overall development of the
40 project if the MPD-CZ district is approved by the County.
16
1 STAFF COMMENT.• Proposed land uses, excluding the Travel Center, are currently
2 permitted within the existing O/RM general use zoning district. Development of these
3 uses would be `permitted by right' (i.e. staff administrative review of site plan without
4 advisory board/elected official review/comment). The applicant has elected to go
5 through the MPD-CZ process for the following reasons:
6 • Development of the Property `as a whole' rather than subdividing land into
7 separate parcels for independent development (i.e. separate access points,
8 parking, stormwater facilities, grading/land disturbance, access drives, etc.);
9 • Employment/use of comprehensive traffic access management strategies;
10 • Maximize preservation of open space;
11 • Provide for comprehensive stormwater management/treatment;
12 • Minimize the overall land disturbance/grading activities associated with the
13 Project; and
14 . Seek approval for the proposed Travel Center land use.
15 Staff has heard concerns from residents the MPD-CZ designation allows for more
16 intensive development activity than currently permitted. This is not necessarily correct.
17 If approved, the Project would result in more open space area and less overall
18 constructed building area than what is permitted by-right with the existing zoning
19 designation. The main difference between the existing O/RM district and the MPD-CZ
20 is the potential development of the proposed travel center as detailed herein.
21 Staff has also heard concerns approval of the MPD-CZ will eliminate existing Planning
22 Board and BOCC involvement with the review and approval of site plans.
23 As staff has detailed in numerous meetings, and herein, the majority of proposed land
24 uses are currently permitted `by right'. This means the Planning Board and BOCC
25 already have no involvement with site plan review or approval.
26 For example, a 120 room hotel could be developed on the property today without
27 public notice/review/comment or review/action by Planning Board/BOCC members.
28 Staff would review/take action on a site plan submitted in accordance with Section 2.5
29 of the I LIDO.
30 The MPD-CZ process is providing an opportunity for more public review/comment than
31 would currently be allowed under the current general use zoning designation.
32 Access: The Project is proposing phased access improvements, namely:
33 i. Two right-in/right-out driveways off Interstate 85/40 on/off ramp, developed in Phase 1
34 (initial development) as shown below:
7 1
Access drive—app.600 ft.
=` , ai►7a " �t':t'•.^ - west of the US Highway 70/1-
_ Aa ,r •' '*' tl � 7 - 85 Connector Road
t:�.*.
:.-y •i,4.
• 5".r.i.i,T.,,. i i�
,. �r, ,:«..:�e..... °. ..�,....•,,.,a.,... � ''�!,ice
- Access drive—app.
600 ft.east of Mt. interstate 85/40
Willing Road -
35
17
1 ii. Driveway off of US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road, developed in Phase 1, 500 ft. north
2 of Ben Johnson Road including installation of a new traffic signal (shown below):
"Y�- - -- ------- -_- .
��
■jr
q" New driveway s., t
+" _
-sy
sue.
s Yellow areas denote roadway
• improvements(i.e.road widening/new
pavement)including new travel lanes.
AST
i
3
4
5 iii. Access of off Mt. Willing Road across from Turner Street controlled by a Stop Sign
6 constructed in Phase 2 (shown below):
18
Sl'0!
TURNER ST - _ _ _- - - - _ - _ _ -
�i- - - - - - - - - -
r��r
New driveway - -`
-
i
i IL -�
1 Ll
s `
2 iv. Elimination of westbound Exit 160 off 1-85/40 (i.e. the Efland/Mt. Willing Exit) in Phase 1.
3 The exit will be combined with existing Exit 161 (US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road).
4 As staff understands it, signage will be added indicating Exit 161 allows access to 'Efland'
5 and 'Mt Willing Road'. To access Mt. Willing Road from west bound 1-85/40, travelers will
6 be required to:
7 a. Exit the Interstate at Exit 161;
8 b. Stop at the proposed new stoplight;
9 c. Go straight through the intersection, driving onto the existing Interstate 85/40 on/off
10 ramp;
11 d. Travel approximately 3,200 ft. west arriving at Mt. Willing Road.
12 STAFF COMMENT: The current configuration (i.e., Exits 161 and 160) of the
13 interchange is commonly referred to as a "braided ramp interchange" where
14 entrance/exit points overlap. Vehicular traffic utilizes shared access roadways
15 resulting in weaving conflicts between traffic attempting to exit and access the
16 Interstate using these same travel lanes.
17 The current interchange configuration was designed approximately 25 years ago using
18 traffic volumes based on anticipated land use and traffic growth/distributions
19 assumptions in place at that time.
20 In reviewing the matter with NC DOT, the current layout is not particularly desirable
21 due to inherent operational and safety problems associated with the traffic movement
22 conflicts and relatively short distance provided for deceleration/acceleration for
23 motorists'. Current traffic weaving maneuvers result in potentially unsafe conditions
24 which would be significantly exacerbated by increases in traffic volumes.
25 While it is fair to say this Project has accelerated the need to consider revising the
26 existing interchange, Planning staff have been informed by NC DOT that
27 improvement(s)to the interchange would eventually be made to address public safety
19
1 issues. These `improvements' would likely have involve eliminating westbound Exit
2 160 to address public safety issues as traffic volumes increase in the area.
3 The elimination of westbound Exit 160/reconfiguration of Exit 161, requires additional
4 review as part of NC DOT and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) processes,
5 which are independent of this zoning atlas amendment process.
6 If approved, the project will move forward consistent with the master concept plan. If
7 denied, the applicant will have to address modification(s) at a future date.
8 As a practical matter, the processing of this rezoning request is the first step in this
9 process.
10 During our initial review of the Project, staff made the following recommendation(s)
11 concerning the proposed location of right-in/right-out driveway points (Attachment 4):
12 ➢ Eliminating the access drive(s) on the interstate on/off ramp west of US
13 Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road altogether; OR
14 ➢ Limit the two proposed access drives to an `entrance only' east of Mt. Willing
15 Road and an `exit only' west of the US Highway 70/1-85 connector road versus
16 a right-in/right-out for both driveways as current designed.
17 If the proposed access drives were eliminated altogether, motorists would access
18 Interstate 40/85 from the Project either via the US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road
19 or Mt. Willing Road. Staff made this recommendation in an effort to preserve Exit 160
20 as currently configured and reduce anticipated traffic conflicts.
21 NC DOT staff have indicated westbound Exit 160 may be
22 eliminated/relocated/redesigned to address anticipated traffic safety needs as traffic
23 volumes increase in the area. Further, the applicant expressed concern over not
24 having direct access to the Project via the on/off ramp.
25 Staff still believes there is merit to continue investigating limiting the proposed access
26 drives to be an `entrance only' and/or `exit only' thereby reducing potential vehicular
27 conflicts and continued study on preserving westbound Exit 160, recognizing the
28 ultimate decision on these components of the Project have to go through a separate
29 State and Federal review process.
30 ii. Installation of new traffic signals (i.e., new driveway/Exit 161 intersection with US Highway
31 70/1-85 Connector Road and the intersection of the 1-85/40 on/off ramp with Mt. Willing
32 Road) in Phase 1;
33 iii. Turning Ben Johnson Road into a `right turn only'. Vehicles attempting to access the
34 Interstate from Ben Johnson Road will turn right onto US Highway 70/1-85 Connector
35 Road, complete a U-turn at the proposed signal approximately 500 ft. north, and access
36 the Interstate via the existing on/off ramp. This work would be completed in Phase 1;
37 iv. Numerous roadway improvements (i.e. widening for adding of turning lanes, development
38 of traffic stops, etc.).
39 STAFF COMMENT. Both Planning and NC DOT staff have reviewed the proposal.
40 Comments are contained in Attachment 4.
41 Improvements will need to be made to Mt. Willing Road to accommodate the
42 current/anticipated traffic flow. County Comprehensive/Transportation Planning staff
43 have recommended a roadway design consistent with the approved Efland-Buckhorn-
44 Mebane Access Management Plan (EBM AMP).
20
1 As currently envisioned, the widening of Mt. Willing Road would be addressed through
2 the typical County/NC DOT roadway improvement process. The applicant has
3 indicated a willingness to reserve/dedicate necessary right-of-way to accommodate
4 roadway improvements and abide by the following consistent with the EBM AMP:
WX UN
!1 V
4 F MWMA ov
14' 1 }Td'L[W1M t/ 14' tp
wit
1pQ►p1[RlpMip►MMY
4 LANE DIVIDED(1T-S"RAISED MEDIAN)WITH CURB&GUTTER,
WIDE OUTSIDE LANES,AND SIDEWALKS
P05TEQSPEED 35-45 MPH
MR .;
4Gib Y 17' 11' 1T�'�11 1' f' 1O
YK 14
s �4rt wr
4 LANE DIVIDED(1T-6"RAISED MEDIAN)WITH CURB GUTTER,
BIKE LANES,AND SIDEWALKS
"IW SPEED 35-f5 MPH
5
6 Driveway access to the Project from Mt. Willing Road will be developed in a future
7 phase (i.e. will not be part of the initial development of the travel center in Phase 1).
8 The applicant has proposed a temporary access road from Mt. Willing Road for
9 emergency vehicle access (i.e., fire, ambulance, Sheriff, etc.). This temporary access
10 proposal has been approved by the County Fire Marshal.
11 Staff has concerns vehicles will be unable to access the proposed travel center directly
12 from Mt. Willing Road until Phase 2, the proposed elimination of Exit 160, and the
13 individual right-in and right-outs allowing access to the proposed Travel Center off of
14 the Interstate on/off ramp.
15 Utilities: The project is proposed to be served by public water (Orange-Alamance Water System)
16 and sewer (City of Mebane). Orange County is continuing to work with Orange-Alamance and
17 City of Mebane officials to address any and all necessary improvement(s) to accommodate the
18 Project. Sewer services shall be provided consistent with the existing inter-local utility agreement
19 between the County and the City of Mebane.
21
1 STAFF COMMENT: The application was forwarded to Orange-Alamance Water
2 System and City of Mebane staff. As of the writing of this abstract, staff has not
3 received formal comment(s) from Orange-Alamance staff but have received
4 acknowledgement, via email to the Director, they have capacity to serve the Project.
5 There are memorandums from the County Staff Engineer and City of Mebane in
6 Attachment 4 concerning provision of services.
7 Erosion Control/Stormwater Regulations: The applicant has indicated the project will abide by
8 existing stormwater, Section 6.14, and erosion control, Section 6.15, regulations of the UDO.
9 STAFF COMMENT: There have been numerous public comment(s) made over
10 stormwater runoff impacting adjacent parcels, including the County's Severn Mile
11 Creek Preserve. Staff has also heard complaint(s) from local residents over the
12 Project negatively impacting water quality.
13 The County has nutrient reduction strategies addressing water quality issues
14 consistent with State regulations. Typically these strategies are achieved with the
15 installation/management of stormwater control measures (SCMs).
16 State rules allow developers to pay `offset fees' to aid in meeting these regulations.
17 These fees are part of a `nutrient trading program' allowed under State rules to fund
18 riparian restoration/enhancement projects constructed elsewhere within the
19 watershed. The goal is to promote overall watershed health and compliance with
20 applicable nutrient reduction strategies.
21 Currently, the predominant strategy utilized in the State is the restoration and/or
22 enhancement of riparian forested buffers on agricultural lands.
23 The concern is use of offset payment methods will not address potential impacts to
24 adjacent water features (i.e. streams, wetlands, etc.). While the overall health of the
25 watershed may be `protected', the quality of local waterways could still be negatively
26 impacted.
27 It has been suggested by both staff and local residents the applicant be required to
28 either:
29 • Abide by nutrient reduction strategies as detailed in Section 6.14.7 of the UDO
30 without participation in the State recognized offsite mitigation program; or
31 • Any off-site mitigation has to occur in Orange County near the Property to
32 ensure preservation of local water quality.
33 Staff is supportive of imposing either as a condition.
34 Solid Waste: The applicant has indicated development within the project shall abide by the
35 Orange County Solid Waste Management Ordinance.
36
37 Land Use Buffers/Setbacks: The applicant is proposing:
38 PIN 9854-16-1576:
39 o Northern property line:
40 ■ 40 ft. land use buffer and setback;
22
1 STAFF COMMENT: Staff has recommended a 50 ft. land use buffer
2 and only allowing for vehicular access (i.e. travel lanes)within 75 ft. of
3 the northern property line. This effectively would impose a 75 ft.
4 setback for all structures.
5 The applicant has indicated they are amenable to a 50 ft. land use
6 buffer.
7 The applicant has offered, as a condition, to erect a 6 ft.wall outside of
8 the buffer creating additional shielding of the Project along the northern
9 property line as well.
10 o Western property line (Mt. Willing Road):
11 40 ft. land use buffer and setback;
12 STAFF COMMENT: Staff has recommended a 50 ft. buffer and
13 setback.
NORTH CARULINP, .1L•vr- �� - -
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14 MANAGEMENT FACILITY 1d TYPE A B1IFFER+UI%Ffi tlR7HWr 1
15
16 o Southern property line - Major Transportation Corridor(MTC) Buffer: The applicant is
17 proposing to develop/install/maintain an enhanced MTC Buffer as follows:
18 ■ A 100 ft. buffer extending approximately 1,000 linear feet east from the
19 intersection of Mt. Willing Road consistent with Section 6.6.4 of the UDO;
20 ■ 40 ft. buffer along approximately 1,220 linear feet of the interstate on/off ramp
21 in front of the proposed travel center;
23
1 STAFF COMMENT: Section 6.6.4 (A) (5) of the UDO allows for the
2 clearing of up to 50% of the MTC buffer to create a `visual break' along
3 the Interstate.
4 The applicant is proposing a managed buffer in this area versus a total
5 clearing of landscaping (i.e. foliage will be replanted and a buffer shall
6 be maintained in perpetuity).
7 ■ East of the 40 ft. managed buffer, the applicant will maintain a 100 ft. buffer
8 extending approximately 220 linear feet towards the US Highway 70/1-85
9 Connector Road;
10 ■ A 200 ft. enhanced MTC buffer running approximately 746 ft. east towards the
11 US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road.
12 The MTC buffer proposal is depicted as follows on the submitted master concept plan:
\.. 1 1. -1 .. A DEVELOPMENT
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13
14 o Eastern property line (US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road):
15 40 ft. land use buffer and setback.
16 STAFF COMMENT: Staff does not have a concern with this proposal.
17 PIN 9854-36-3711:
18 o Northern Property line (south of railroad):
19 40 ft. land use buffer and setback.
20 STAFF COMMENT: Staff does not have a concern with this proposal
21 relating to the setback/buffer from the railroad right-of-way.
22 o Western Property line (adjacent to existing Home Park):
23 40 ft. land use buffer and setback.
24 STAFF COMMENT: Development adjacent to the existing Home Park
25 (i.e. manufactured housing community) is limited to serving various
26 transit needs as determined by Orange County. There will be no
27 `commercial' development activities. As a result, staff does not have a
28 concern with this proposal.
24
1 Staff does recommend allowing for an access easement which would
2 allow residents from the Home Park to access the Project and, more
3 importantly, the development area intended to support regional transit
4 needs.
5 o Eastern Property line (US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road):
6 40 ft. land use buffer and setback.
7 STAFF COMMENT: Staff does not have a concern with this proposal
8 relating to the US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road right-of-way.
9
10
i
AGRICULTUIRAU
RESIDENTIAL USE ,
DEVELOPMENT `
AREA 6 W OVERHEAD
ENHANCED MLrry EASEMENT
40'TYPE D BUFFER
(MIXED OPTION)
STORMWATER
4T TYPE C BUFFER MANAGEMENT FACILITY
(OVERHEAD UTILITY OPTIOy)
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12
13 STAFF COMMENT: Per Section 6.8.12 (C) of the UDO, land use buffers are based on
14 proposed development as well as existing land use(s) on the adjacent parcel. Further,
25
1 Section 6.8.7 (D) (1) (a) of the UDO requires parking areas to provide a- landscape area
2 at least ten feet in width, exclusive of drainage and/or utility easements, between the
3 vehicular use areas and the right of way or adjacent property line.
4 Stream buffers shall be in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.13 of the UDO and range
5 from 65 to 80 ft. based on slope;
6 Environmental Assessment (EA): The applicant completed the EA for this project as required
7 under Section 6.16 of the UDO. At this time the EA indicates:
8 i. Project will not impact any environmentally sensitive areas;
9 STAFF COMMENT: Existing water features (i.e. streams, ponds, wetlands) are
10 located within identified open space areas. Stream buffers are protected consistent
11 with Section 6.13 of the UDO.
12 ii. Steep slopes along the southeastern property line are going to be preserved in established
13 open space/Major Transportation Corridor (MTC) buffers;
14 iii. No culturally/archeologically significant areas have been denoted on the properties;
15 STAFF COMMENT.- As detailed in within documents contained within Attachment 6
16 historic structure(s) were previously identified on the property in 1993. These
17 structures no longer possess physical integrity lending them to preservation efforts.
18 iv. There are no floodplains on the Property;
19 V. No endangered species have been identified as being on the Property.
20 STAFF COMMENT.- At this stage of review, staff has determined the master concept
21 plan appears to address protection of applicable on-site environmental features.
22 Further review by staff will be necessary, presuming approval of the rezoning
23 application, to address environmental impacts associated with anticipated
24 development.
25 Staff is concerned about fuel storage, and potential impacts arising from a leak, but
26 the UDO does not contain a measureable standard by which we can regulate. Storage
27 tanks are permitted through the State.
28 As presently configured, the Project proposes 6 double-walled concrete encased storage tanks
29 for fuel, each with a maximum capacity of 40,000 gallons of fuel storage. The permitting of these
30 underground tanks will be consistent with NC Department of Environmental Quality (NC DEQ)
31 standards. There are concerns over the potential impact(s) associated with the storage of the
32 necessary fuel supporting 60 gas pumps/120 gas nozzles that will have to be addressed during
33 future site plan review and State permitting of the fuel storage tanks.
34 On October 28, 2020 the applicant provided a response to staff's environmental assessment
35 review memo focusing on fuel storage and the oil/water separations that have to be included in
36 the stormwater inlet systems proposed for the Project. This information is contained in
37 Attachment 1.
38 Staff and the applicant have recommended the imposition of various condition(s) to address
39 development impacts as contained in Attachment 9.
40
41 Other pertinent information concerning the proposed MPD-CZ is as follows:
42 • Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Designation: As previously detailed herein, both parcels
43 are located within the Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node (CITAN).
26
1 The FLUM can be accessed utilizing the following link:
2 http://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4054/Future-Land-Use-Map-
3 PDF.
4 Comprehensive Plan: Per Appendix F, "Relationships Between Land Use Categories and
5 Zoning Districts Matrix"of the adopted Orange County Comprehensive Plan, the MPD-CZ
6 district is a permissible zoning designation for property located within a CITAN.
7 For more information on the definition of activity node, and to review the allowed zoning
8 designations permitted within same, the Comprehensive Plan can be accessed utilizing
9 the following link:
10 http://www.orangecountync.gov/1242/2030-Comprehensive-Plan.
11 • Growth Management System Map Designation: As previously indicated herein, both
12 parcels within an 'Urban' designated area.
13 STAFF COMMENT: The Growth Management System Map is a tool utilized by
14 staff to identify permit review thresholds for residential (i.e. subdivision) projects.
15 • Water and Sewer Management, Planning and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA): The
16 parcels are located within Orange County's Primary Service Area meaning public utilities
17 (i.e. water and sewer) could be extended. As detailed above, public utility service would
18 be provided by the Orange-Alamance Water System (OAWS) and the City of Mebane.
19 The document can be accessed utilizing the following link:
20 http://www.orangecountync.qov/DocumentCenter/View/4190/Water-and-Sewer-
21 Management-Planning-and-Boundary-Agreement-PDF.
22 Efland-Mebane Small Area Plan: The parcels are located within an area the small area
23 plan designates as supporting high-intensity/urban style development including non-
24 residential development(s).
25 The adopted plan can be accessed utilizing the following link:
26 https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenterNiew/4196/Efland-Mebane-Small-
27 Area-Plan-PDF.
28
29 Analysis: As required under Section 2.9.2 (E) of the UDO, the Planning Director is required to:
30 `... cause an analysis to be made of the application'and pass that analysis on to the reviewing
31 body. In analyzing this request, the Planning Director offers the following:
32 1. The application is complete in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.9.2 (C) of
33 the UDO;
34 2. The proposal appears consistent with the various goals outlined within the Comprehensive
35 Plan concerning development, including:
36 a. Land Use Overarching Goal: Coordination of the amount, location, pattern, and
37 designation of future land uses, with availability of County services and facilities
38 sufficient to meet the needs of Orange County's population and economy
39 consistent with other Comprehensive Plan element goals and objectives.
40 b. Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental
41 conditions and features and that protect natural resources, cultural resources, and
42 community character.
27
1 c. Land Use Goal 3: A variety of land uses that are coordinated within a program
2 and pattern that limits sprawl, preserves community and rural character, minimizes
3 land use conflicts, supported by an efficient and balanced transportation system.
4 d. Objective LU-1.1: Coordinate the location of higher intensity / high density
5 residential and non-residential development with existing or planned locations of
6 public transportation, commercial and community services, and adequate
7 supporting infrastructure (i.e., water and sewer, high-speed internet access,
8 streets, and sidewalks), while avoiding areas with protected natural and cultural
9 resources. This could be achieved by increasing allowable densities and creating
10 new mixed-use zoning districts where adequate public services are available.
11 e. Economic Development Objective ED-2.1: Encourage compact and higher density
12 development in areas served by water and sewer.
13 f. Economic Development Objective ED-2.10: Extend public water and sewer into
14 all three Economic Development Districts.
15 3. The proposal appears consistent with the various goals/policies outlined within the Efland-
16 Mebane Small Area Plan, approved by the BOCC in 2006. Specifically, the Project is
17 proposing development of high intensity non-residential land uses in an area reserved
18 specifically for such development as identified within the Plan.
19 4. The applicant has provided a basic environmental assessment as part of this submittal.
20 Staff has reviewed and determined there ought to be no significant environmental impact
21 from this project based on existing conditions.
22 Staff is recommending the imposition of a condition as part of the approval of this project
23 that additional environmental studies be prepared for all site plans as detailed in Section
24 6.16 of the UDO;
25
26 5. The proposed development is consistent with existing/anticipated development within the
27 area and the various land uses associated with the project are compatible with various
28 goals/policies as detailed herein.
29
30 During review of the Project, local residents identified the following concerns related to the
31
32 Project, which staff is including herein for information purposes only:
33 a. The Project is out of character with the rural Efland Community;
34 b. Development of a '120 nozzle gas station' is inconsistent with a County goal of
35 reducing dependency on fossil fuels;
36 c. Stormwater runoff from the Project will have a negative impact on adjacent
37 sensitive water features as well as the County's Seven Mile Creek Preserve;
38 d. Insufficient information has been provided ensuring adequate protection of
39 groundwater from fuel contamination;
40 e. The Project will significantly increase/exacerbate existing light pollution in the area;
41 f. There is no justification for an 80 ft. tall freestanding sign.
42 Neighborhood Information Meeting: A neighborhood information meeting for the project was held
43 on September 15, 2020 in accordance with Section 2.9.2 (D) of the UDO. The meeting was held
44 in an on-line format due to current public health concerns. A synopsis of comments made at the
45 meeting can be found within Attachment 5.
28
1
2 Planning staff held a virtual outreach meeting on October 28, 2020 to review applicant
3 modification(s) to the Project including, but not limited to: name change (from Beaver Crossing
4 to Efland Station), access management and landscaping modifications.
5
6 Public Notifications: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices were mailed via first
7 class mail to property owners within 1,000 ft. of the subject parcels providing the date/time of
8 the BOCC public hearing where the proposal is to be reviewed. These notices were mailed on
9 November 25, 2020, 19 days before the meeting. Staff also posted the subject parcels with
10 signs indicating the date/time of the public hearing on December 4, 2020, 11 days before the
11 meeting. For more information, please refer to Attachment 7.
12
13 Courtesy Review: This request was submitted to the City of Mebane and Orange-Alamance
14 Water System (OAWS) as part of our courtesy review program. To date, staff has not received
15 comment(s) from OAWS staff.
16 Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the zoning atlas amendment at
17 its November 4, 2020 regular meeting. At this meeting the Board voted unanimously to
18 recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 8) and the proposed Zoning
19 Atlas Amendment (Attachment 9).
20
21 Excerpts of the minutes from the meeting, as well as the Board's signed statement of consistency,
22 are included in Attachment 6. Agenda materials from the meeting can be viewed at:
23 https://www.co.orange.nc.us/AgendaCenter/Planning-Board-26.
24
25 Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
26 1. Statement of Consistency indicating the zoning atlas amendment(s) are reasonable
27 and in the public interest as contained in Attachment 8.
28 2. Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas, as well as imposing development conditions,
29 for the identified parcels as contained in Attachment 9.
30 Presuming:
31 a. BOCC and applicant acceptance of recommended conditions as contained in Attachment
32 9;
33 b. Direction from the BOCC, with the applicants consent as imposition of conditions must be
34 mutual, on imposition of the following addressing staff concerns on:
35 i. Stormwater:
36 Imposition of a condition that requires the applicant to either:
37 1. Abide by nutrient reduction strategies as detailed in Section 6.14.7 of
38 the UDO without participation in the State recognized offsite mitigation
39 program; or
40 2. Any off-site mitigation has to occur in Orange County near the Property,
41 within the County's Upper Eno Protected or Critical Watershed
42 Protection Overlay District, to ensure preservation of local water quality.
43 ii. Access Management:
29
1 1. Driveway access from the Interstate on/off ramp be restricted to 2
2 driveways, one allowing access to the Project east of Mt. Willing Road
3 (i.e. a right turn into the Project only) and one allowing access to the
4 on/off ramp west of the US Highway 70/1-85 Connector Road (i.e. a
5 right turn out of the Project only);
6 Staff shall continue to work with the applicant and NC DOT officials to preserve
7 westbound Exit 160 as being part of a dual westbound exit for both Exit(s) 160
8 and 161 at the existing Exit 161 location.
9
10 RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends the Board:
11
12 1. Receive the request;
13 2. Conduct the public hearing and accept comment;
14 3. Provide direction to staff and the applicant on any additional conditions consistent with
15 Section 2.9.2 (F) (3) of the UDO;
16 4. Close the public hearing
17 5. Authorize the acceptance of written comment(s) via e-mail to the Board at
18 ocbocc(c-)orangecountync.gov or by delivery to the Planning Department's office at 131
19 West Margaret Lane, 2nd floor, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, until 9:00 a.m. on
20 Thursday December 17, 2020;
21 STAFF COMMENT. In accordance with Session Law 2020-3 Section 4.31(a),
22 regarding remote meetings during declared emergencies, while voting may be
23 allowed on the night of the meeting, staff is recommending the Board vote at a
24 subsequent meeting due to the complex nature of the project.
25 Session Law 2020-3 further allows the record to be supplemented by written
26 comments on items heard at a public hearing by accepting written comments for
27 24 hours after the public hearing is closed. Due to the late hour at which this public
28 hearing is expected to conclude, staff is recommending an additional period of time
29 in excess of this 24 hour period to accept written comments.
30
31 6. Schedule a vote to approve the:
32 a. Statement of Consistency (Attachment 8), and
33 b. Zoning Atlas Amendment (Attachment 9)
34 at the Board's January 19, 2021 business meeting as recommended by the Planning
35 Board and Planning Director. No additional public comments shall be received on
36 this item at the January 19, 2021 business meeting.
37
38 Craig Benedict made the following Staff PowerPoint presentation:
39
30
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
AGENDA ITEM: 5 (b)
PUBLIC HEARING
Zoning Atlas Amendment
Master Plan Development Conditional
Zoning (MPD-CZ)— Efland Station
(Formerly Beaver Crossing)
Orange County Board of Commissioners
December 15, 2020
1
2
Meeting Cadence:
1. Staff presentation;
2. Applicant presentation of request;
3. Questions from BOCC;
4. Summary of recommended conditions;
5. Additional questions/comments from BOCC;
6. Public Comments;and
7. Board deliberation.
onnHr,�AUNTY
3
4
CONDITIONAL ZONING—WHAT IS IT? "°•'
• Tool designed to address impacts from land uses that
cannot necessarily be addressed by existing general
land use development standards/policies;
• Applicant proposes development standards addressing
potential impacts (i.e. lot size, setbacks, parking,
landscaping, open space management, traffic
management,signage,etc.);
• County can impose conditions;
• If approved, use of the property subject to approved
master plan and conditions created during the
application review process.
➢ Process,ultimately,creates a new zoning district.
CRaNGE C�JM1:I Y
6
Master Plan Development-CZ:
• Review/action on rezoning petition and a master concept
plan;
STAFF COMMENT: Does not involve approval of site
specific development plan(s),specific land uses,or tenants.
Formal site plan submittal not required per Section(s)
2.9.2 and 6.7 of the UDO.
• Processed in a legislative manner(i.e. does not require
sworn testimony or competent material evidence);
• Decisions based on determination Project is consistent
with Comprehensive Plan,Small Area Plans,and UDO.
STAFF COMMENT: If alternative design standards are
proposed, County determines if they meet spirit/intent of
existing regulations.
ORANGE COWT Y
7 v�xmi rw�n�H�
31
ROLES: "°°'
• Staff:
—Determine application completeness/consistency with
Comprehensive Plan and UDO;
—Determine compliance with applicable standards or
viability of proposed'design alternatives';
—Recommend imposition of conditions/action on
request.
• Planning Board:
—Hear from applicant,staff,and the general public;
—Review/discuss analysis and recommendation(s);
—Discuss/recommend imposition of conditions;
—Recommend approval or denial to the BOCC
ORMGE COUNTY
1 uixn r w�n.rvn
2
ROLES (continued):
• BOCC:
—Schedule/hold public hearing to receive application;
—Hear from applicant,staff,and the general public;
—Review/discuss staff and Planning Board's analysis
and recommendation(s);
—Review,discuss,and negotiate conditions;
—Close the public hearing;
—Approve or deny the request to approve Zoning Atlas
Amendment application with the imposition of
mutually agreed to conditions.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 �cmnrtnacx.wn
4
IMPOSITION OF CONDITIONS:
• Per Section 2.9.2 (F) (3) of the UDO: Mutually agreed
upon conditions can be imposed only if they address:
➢Compatibility of the development with surrounding
property,
➢Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways and access
points, parking, pedestrian and vehicular circulation
systems,screening and buffer areas,etc.)and/or
➢Other matters the County may find appropriate or
petitioner proposes.
• If approved,Zoning Atlas amended(property designated
MPD-CZ). Development consistent with approved
master concept plan and imposed conditions.
.max.
ORANGE COUNTY
5 -r-NA
6
BACKGROUND — Efland Station: '
• Application submitted on August 7,2020;
—Formally accepted for processing on August 12
—Originally called Beaver Crossing. Name changed to
Efland Station on October 16,2020.
• 2 parcels totaling approximately 104 acres of
land area;
• Rezone parcels to Master Plan Development
Conditional Zoning(MPD-CZ)district;
• Review/action on request in accordance with
Section 2.9 Conditional Districts of the Unified
Development Ordinance(UDO). ,
aRAa�E couNrr
32
PROPOSED ATLAS AMENDMENT.
Applicant is proposing to rezone the 2 parcels:
—FROM: Office/Research Manufacturing (O/RM);
Major Transportation Corridor(MTC)Overlay District;
Upper Eno Protected Watershed Protection Overlay
District;Efland Interstate Overlay District
—TO: MPD-CZ(Efland Station); Major Transportation
Corridor(MTC)Overlay District;Upper Eno Protected
Watershed Protection Overlay District; Efland
Interstate Overlay District
ORANGE CCK)NTY
2
SUBJECT PARCEL(S): °lo
f?�
1
f
ORANGE CDVNiY
4
Master Concept Plan: °
OkANa CCKXTY
6
Future Land Use Designation:
F. Future Land Use Map
(FLUM)of
Comprehensive Plan:
➢ Commercial-Industrial
Transition Activity Node'
➢ Per adopted
Comprehensive Plan,
I area intended for high
intensity development;
➢ Per Adopted Efland-
Mebane Small Area
-- Plan,parcels identified
as being suitable for high
intensity non-residential
_ land uses.
ORANGE COUNTY
7 aun ru ihw-x.i�n
8
33
PROCESS:
• Schedule,and Action:
First Action — Planning staff schedules a
Neighborhood Information Meeting(NIM).
— DONE.Meeting held on-line on September 15,2020.
Second Action — The Planning Board reviews the
application at a regular meeting and makes a
recommendation to the BOCC.
— Done. Meeting held on-line on November 4,2020.
Third Action — The BOCC receives the Planning
Board recommendation and makes a decision at a
previously advertised public hearing.
Occurring
1 . .
2
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT: °"°
• Development shall only be permitted through the
review and approval of site plan application(s) in
accordance within Section 2.5 of the LIDO.
- No additional Board review(i.e. Planning Board/
BOCC)shall be required.
STAFF COMMENT: No Board review (i.e.
Planning Board/BOCC)required for identified
'permitted' land under current zoning (i.e.
permitted uses listed in Section 5.2 of the
LIDO). Most of the proposed land uses could be
developed under existing zoning without additional
public comment(i.e.manufacturing,restaurant,hotel,
offices) ORANGE COUKUY
4
5 Beth Trahos, Lawyer with Nelson Mullins, made the following PowerPoint presentation
6 (Stan Beard, and Jason Harris of Buc-ee's; and Kelsey Westwood and Earl Lewellyn of Kimley
7 Horn also present):
8
Efland Station
Existing Base Zonings Oi
Proposed Base Zoning:MPD-CZ
W1� NELSON
1. MULLINS
9
10
34
r�
f
1
2
Two Parcels Totaling 104.55#Acres
i!=IRII LI#w PA-Sol �
ujto
3
4
North of 40185;West of 70185 Connector;South
of Railroad
IM A lip
lull
5
6
35
Existing Zoning
• Office/Research
Manufacturing(O/RM)with
F
- the following overlays:
Upper Eno Protected
".: �� Watershed Protection
Overlay district;Major
Transportation Corridor
Overlay;Efland Interstate
Overlay district
IL' Master Plan Development
T I Conditional Zoning(MPD-
CZ)retaining all overlays
1
2,
Comprehensive Plan—Future Land Use Map
Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node:Land near
major transportation routes that could be provided with public
water and wastewater services and is appropriate}or retail and
other commercial uses;manufacturing and other industrial
uses;office and limited(not to exceed 259 of ony Node)higher
density residential uses."
3
4
• Few Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Nodes in Orange
Cou my
• Location of this property appropriate for intense uses-
North of the corn tined Highways 40/85
125,000 cars drive hythis site everyday
•Travel Center(not a truck stop)will attract cars that are
already driving by
o West of the 70/85 Collector
t South of the railroad
Lots of light and noise in the area from highways and railroad
• Water and sewer are available to the property
5
6
36
Community Meetings and Interactions as a part
of the Rezoning Process
• Neighborhood Information Meeting on September 15,2020
• Created webs ite(www.EflandStation.com)to disseminate
information aboutthe proposal,including a FAQpage answering
communityquestions and a link to the Planning Department
information on the filing
• Planning Staff U pdate Meeting on October 28,2020
• United Voices of Efland-Sponsored Meeting on October29,2020
• Orange County Planning Board Meeting on November 4,2020
Planning Board unanimously recom mends approval of Efland
Station Zoning
1
2,
Changes Made in Response to Community and
Staff Feedback
Renamed the project Efland Station,formerly Beaver Crossing
Reduced the height and size of sign along highway from 100'to 80'
• Increased landscape plantings and added a fence inside the buffer
along the northern property line
Modified transportation improvements to address comments from
NCDDT
Altered permitted uses to more closely follow uDD-defrned uses
• Limited total square footage to 560,000 square feet of building area as
opposed to the more than 2,000,000square feet permitted under the
current zoning
Committed that at least 40 acres or 38%of site would be open space as
defined in the Master Plan.
3
4
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6
37
Mixed Use Project-Retail,Services,Hotel,Dining,
Office Flex Space/Light Industrial
• Amaximumvf 500,000 squarefee[vf building
L 5iggnniRcantlyless than 2,0M,000 square feet permitted under
eslsting. ng ti
Phase I-Buc-ee's Traml Center(Red Area an Master Plan);
Located ad)aoent[o highway and In the Interior ofthe site
GO fuelings[ativrw;l2A handles �
• Commitmen[toatleastlOEVchargi%stations B!i'
Carwash 8
Retailstvre
• Plentiful and famously clean bathrooms
• Family-friendly
• IJniqueshoppingexperienceincludinglvral,
North Carol Ina goods
• Notrac[vr-trailersallowed - �:
• III—emadefreshfood
1
2
�rure we
3
4
UNOERG Ra LJ N D STOR AG E TANK CO NSTRVGTI ON,I NSTALLATI ON,M ONITO R I NG
.. .O P
ues,a. iF-sn' r.,...,,•.�r�rr.«r�«
Each UST Ismuhl-layer
tkrpassImslndeuMe-walled _
—trn(tlon.
-
xu�rwrAwa
���� w.�IaW,xlkl,rHr,i4 i•ir,wiW q•.r. i� dGW@,r lr�u•M,•�r�x,,0.wix,i4.MH.r.,Hlrx�ik.kx�,NM '
•Nrw�pa wxew•gxweu6[ea
5
6
38
FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND STORMWATER QUAWY MEASURES
FYEL OELN9tY SYSrEM SMRM IrrLT 0111I.EA SEWIRATI.
Al product piping Is daubl-walledand mteratlbel AE'r°rrnwamr infers in haling area art
ego:epped witM1 OII{W ecer Seretar systems
Space is Rea6e�nwn.pored.
BUC-EPS ENMRONMEWAL RESppNSMUTV:
ww„d..�,.r....�.,r w,wAw.ki,..n 1N Nae.n�'run urH.rrpeeml.,M w'd
W>ga
aea.,�_x:.i w•.4w_«pw.h Y irw�n W ou�.11rM
1
2
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I t { h I
- I
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8
a
4
Mixed Use Project-Retail,Services, Hotel,Dining,
Office Flex Space/Light Industrial
Phase III
• Neighborhood service and retail shops;
• Full service,sit-down restaurants;
• Hotel with no more than 120 roams;
• Offices and financial services;
• Medical uses;
•Select light manufacturing uses
• Utilities and telecommunicationsuses
5 NELSON MULLINS
6
39
• Development area adjacent to railroad for transit facility/amenity
(Development Parcel 6-purple area)
• Open space area-23±acres surroundingenvironmentally
sensitive areas(green areas}
• Provision of an area for utility infrastructure including likely
water tower(light blue area)
Opportunity for broad band/telecommunication equipment to
be co-located on water tower to improve service in
community
1
2
Economic Development Benefits
175+full-time,good jobs ,
o Buc-ee's pays a living wage plus benefits APPLY
o Low barrier to entry NOW!
o Hard work is required
-STRRT'sl"171M.
;,Office,medical,manufacturing,hospitality jobs -4*t..Wwkw«ks
.3 Wvks Vacallen
• Ad valorem and sales taxes a•,i, „•
:.,Phase I-in excess of 51,000,000 401K
o At full build out,in excess of$2,000,000
• Hotel,retail and more restaurants choices forvisitors to the
nearby soccerfacility who currently have to stay in Alamance
Cou my
3
4
Landscaping and Open Space
• - 6
W
M _.. :zz--
5
6
40
Open Space
• A minimum of 40 acres of open space,38%of the site as
corn pared to a requirement of 30%of the site
• 23±acres clustered around environmentally sensitive areas
o 5tormwaterdevice5 will be located on 2.1±
o Walking paths are also proposed(gray lines)
1
2
Landscape Buffers - North
• 40-foot-wide planted buffer with a fence on the Efland Station
side of the buffer
• Open space,stormwate r device and protected environmentally
sensitive areas provides additional separation at certain locations
3
4
Landscape Buffers — Highway—South
• Buffering of varying widths consistentwith Major
Transportation Corridor(MTC)requirements
Red area is 100', area is 40', is 200'
• Existing NCDOT light pales in this area 99,100',107`and 120'
5
6
41
Proposed Zoning Has More Benefits
Than Existing Zoning
• Under existing O/RM,office,light industrial,limited retail use are
permitted with an administrative review process(withoutfurther
communityinput)
• Master Plan process allows more detailed commitments on.
o Permitted land uses
o Open space
oShared stormwater
❑Comprehensive traffic management
❑Maxim um building area
a Minimizes overall land disturbance
1
2
Development Under Existing Zoning
Of RM-Zoned Mattress Manufacturing Facility
ti
1��3 -
7a _ � �-
-
3
4
Development Under Existing Zoning
O/RM-Zoned ABB Facility
�'
A.
5
6
7
42
Transportation Improvements
Conservative Assumptions
■ Trrp generation based on data from 9 active Buc-ee's sites
■ Plus 10%
■ Peak hour factor(plus 11%)
■ Longer queuing assumptions
Clarifications
■ 120 fuelrng positions,not pumps
■ Trips—not cars
■ Majority of trips already on the network
■ Impact of trips when assigned to the network
1
2
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43
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2
3
4
YI I
-
5 -
44
Why Close Exit 160?
Ramp configuration is a substandard design
- Insufficient distance for merging/weaving traffic
• Compounded by speed of traffic interactions
■As volumes increase,capacity and safety problems will worsen
- Limited gaps and high speeds
Not just due to Buc-ee's
c Other less intense developments
Ambient background growth
1 -
2
F
i
.- I-
� F
3
4
ravo me from 140M Exit 161 RampUrough Service Road
WV0111ng Rd Intersection 1lndudirVdelay atsignalsl
f Existing Ravtt Travel 1irm_7W sec,
Future Route Travd Tma=125-I M sec.
Increase in Travel Time=55-100 sec.
ExR 1�1
5
45
Benefits of[losing Westbound Exit 160E
• Eliminates high-speed conflicts
• Meters traffic flow to create gaps
■ MoveS high-speed conflicts to a low-speed, low-risk environment
■We have examined other suggested options,but this is the only
one that addresses NCDOT concerns.
-Addresses the issue before safety problems arise
•The proposed improvements not only mitigate site traffic impact,
but provide for a longer term capacity and safety solution for the
area residentsand commuters.
• Improvement made at the developer's expense
1
2
Public Benefits of Efland Station
• Development in accordance with Comprehensive Plan in an area served
by utilities with direct access to busy highways and rail lines
• Updates to outmoded highway interchange paid for by developer
rather than taxpayers
• Reservation of an area for a transit amenity plus provision for bus stops
within the active project area
• More open space and less building area than existing zoning
• 175+good jobs in Efland(Phase I alone)
• Merchandizing opportunity for local artists,craftsmen and
entrepreneurs
• Ad valorem and sales tax revenue to county in excess of$2,000,000 at
build out
3
4
Thank you. Any questions?
Beth Trahos
beth.trahos@nelsonmullins.com
GLENLAKE ONE I SUITE 200
4140 PARKLAKE AVENUE I RALEIGH, NC 27612
T 919.329.3884 F 919.329.3799
5
46
1 Craig Benedict resumed the Staff PowerPoint presentation:
CONDITIONS:
• Conditions contained in Attachment 9 of agenda
packet;
STAFF COMMENT: Approval does not guarantee
roadway modifications. Proposed closure of Exit
160/development of driveways onto on/off ramp,have to
go through State and Federal Process separate from
County Action.
• Dimensional Standards:
➢Building square footage limited to 500,000 sq.ft.
STAFF COMMENT: O/RM zoning allows 1,900,000 sq.ft.
➢Minimum Open Space: 40 acres(38%of parcels);
• Site Plan Review expanded to require City of Mebane,
Orange-Alamance Water System, Efland Fire
Department staff to review as well 11R.A couNrr
3
CONDITIONS(continued):
Access/Transportation:
➢ Roadway developed in phases:
•:•Phase 1: Driveways onto Interstate on/off ramp,Access to
US Highway 70/Interstate 85 Connector Road,
Reconfiguration of Exits 160 and 161 (includes installation
of signals)
•:Phase 2:Driveway access onto Mt.Willing Road.
➢ Internal roadways privately maintained;
➢ External Roadway work completed before development
of structure/land use complete-Has to be consistent with
TIA and NC DOT permit(s).
➢ Final roadway layout approved by staff including Fire
Marshal;
➢ Driveway permits will be required from NC DOT,
ORANGE COUNTY
5
CONDITIONS(continued):
• Parking—Consistent with UDO;
• Lighting—Consistent with UDO;
➢Existing lighting of area by NC DOT is not'regulated'as
part of this project.
• Utilities: Utility providers indicate they can serve Project.
➢Sewer: Consistent with agreement between the County
and Mebane;
➢Water: Orange-Alamance Water System(OAWS)
• Architectural Design:
➢Applicant has proposed list of acceptable/prohibited
materials
ORANGE COUNTY
6 ,uKiu�,vnx,h.,
7
CONDITIONS (continued):
• Land Uses:
➢Majority of proposed land uses consistent with current
zoning designation(i.e.most used are already permitted);
:•'Travel Center'(i.e.motor vehicle service station)only use
• not permitted under existing zoning;
➢Application package includes list of prohibited land uses.
• Landscaping:
➢Major Transportation Corridor (MTC) buffer along southern
property line/Interstate-Exceeds UDO requirements.
➢40 ft.buffer along all other common property lines(north,west
adjacent to Mt.Willing Road,east adjacent to US Highway/
1-85 Connector road);
➢Stream buffers consistent with UDO;
➢ Internal parking lot will be landscaped. -
ORANGE COUNTY
9
47
CONDITIONS(continued):
• Total cumulative proposed sign
area ranges from 2'800 to 3,600 _
sq.ft. p
STAFF COMMENT:
Development of the 2
parcels with multiple
individual properties or
tenants could yield
cumulative allowable signs
area of 3,200 sq.ft.per
UDO.
• One 80 ft.tall freestanding sign
proposed for Travel Center;
• Will display'Efland,NC'
• Staff looking for guidance on sign ORANM COY
1 program from BOCC Mir!•-• J-'�A
2
CONDITIONS(continued): "°"'
• Incorporation of electronic vehicle (EV) charging
stations;
• Allowance for roof/ground mounted solar;
• Adherence to LEED building design standards
where possible.
Staff seeking direction from BOCC on imposition of
Stormwater and Access Management condition(s)
detailed in December 15,2020 abstract.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 ltlk I!!�nIaHJY.,
4
PLANNING BOARD RECOMMENDAITON:
• Board reviewed item at its November 4, 2020
regular meeting;
• Recommended imposition of conditions
➢Board members expressed concern over Traffic
improvements and urged staff to work with DOT to
address community concerns where feasible.
• Recommended approval—unanimous vote;
DRANGE-'OUNTY
5 1[Nelll�.,IxIl11n
6
STAFF ANALYSIS/RECOMMENDATION:
• Application is complete;
• Land Uses consistent with anticipated development
intensities per the Comprehensive Plan and Efland-
Mebane Small Area Plan;
• Initial environmental analysis indicates Project will
not have adverse impacts
STAFF COMMENT: additional environmental review
will be required with formal site plan submittals.
• Local utility providers(City of Mebane and Orange-
Alamance)indicate they can provide service.
• Request feedback on conditions associated with
stormwater and access management.
ORANGE COUNTY
7 ltlk I!!�nIaHJY.,
8
48
BOCC Action:
Manager recommends BOCC:
1. Receive request and conduct public hearing;
2. Provide direction on conditions consistent with Section
2.9.2(F)(3)of the UDO;
3. Close the public hearing(if all public comments heard);
4. Authorize acceptance of written comment(s);
5. Schedule vote to take action on:
a.Attachment 8 Statement of Consistency and
b.Attachment 9-Ordinance approving atlas amendment and
imposing conditions
at future BOCC meeting(no additional public comments
shall be heard at this future meeting).
For more information or questions on this proposal: _
Michael Harvey,Current Planning Supervisor
1 mharvevCdoranoecountvnc.aov or(919)245-2597
2
3 Commissioner Fowler referred to the pictures of road changes and the removal of an
4 exit, and said she saw what looked like road removal to the south of this area.
5 Earl Lewellyn said this is the removal of existing medians to provide direct access across
6 the interchange ramps, which is typical to do. He said it provides better alignment of the lanes.
7 He said more details would be present in the full engineering design.
8 Commissioner Fowler referred to Johnston Road, and asked if the entrance could line up
9 with this. She said it also seems that Johnston Road will now only be able to turn right, and
10 asked if there is a plan to be able to turn left from Johnston.
11 Earl Lewellyn said this offsetting it to allow more storage for left turning vehicles to turn
12 into the site. He said DOT recommended this course of action. He said traffic from Johnston
13 would make a U-turn at the site entrance.
14 Craig Benedict said one of the first proposals was straight through for Ben Johnston
15 Road, but this would have gone into an environmental area on the site itself. He said moving
16 the entrance avoided this problem.
17 Chair Price referred to the traffic impact analysis being reviewed by the Town, and asked
18 which Town this was.
19 Earl Lewellyn said he misspoke, and should have said County staff reviewed it.
20 Chair Price asked if Hillsborough has reviewed this item.
21 Craig Benedict said no, Hillsborough had not received this presentation.
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
24 open the public hearing.
25
26 Roll call ensued
27
28 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
29
30 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
31 Lowrie Beacham said he and his wife moved to Efland 16 years ago. He said they are
32 highly invested in the local community. He said he strongly opposes the proposed 120 pump
33 Buc-ee's development. He said this is a Texas company with no ties to North Carolina. He said
34 there is no reported benefit, other than taxes, but even those are minimal. He said there is no
35 net gain to the community. He said this huge undertaking with take a toll on the community, and
36 it should not be allowed.
37 Dr. Ann Talton said she has lived in Cedar Grove for 25 years, and voiced her strong
38 opposition to the proposed Buc-ee's development. She said there will be increased traffic,
39 restricted access, elimination of exit 160, and many fuel tanks with the potential for severely
40 negative impacts on the environment. She said the entire region will have the potential to be
49
1 changed. She said the negatives immediately outweigh any possible benefits. She urged the
2 Board to say no.
3 Dr. Catherine Matthews said she has lived in Efland for over 20 years, and commuted to
4 Greensboro where she taught at UNCG. She said her area of focus is environmental science.
5 She said the proposed Buc-ee's development is garish and is unwanted by Efland residents.
6 She said a local news story ran earlier today, and a Commissioner mentioned there are always
7 some who will want "blue skies and butterflies". She said surely everyone would prefer blue
8 skies and butterflies over the mega development of Buc-ee's. She said Buc-ee's defies
9 everything for which Orange County stands. She said Efland and the County needs real jobs
10 and revenue that fit into the County's culture. She said the entire Board is welcome to her
11 property to see the beauty of Efland. She urged the Board to vote no.
12 Anthony Weston said he is a member of Common Ground Eco Village. He said he is
13 opposed to the Buc-ee's proposal. He said no real data has been presented to show the
14 benefits of such a project, and any jobs that may be created are not of a high level. He said this
15 proposal has awakened the community to the potential ways this land could be used, and there
16 may be some transformative ways it could be done. He said the country is moving towards
17 renewable energy, not more fossil fuels. He suggested creating a special commission to
18 explore ways to use Efland Station, and recommended a farm incubator to revitalize the area's
19 farming.
20 Tom Mullaney said he worked for years at Gravelly Hill Middle School, and used exit 160
21 many times, and never faced any traffic or concerns. He said this exit only becomes a problem
22 when a project such as Buc-ee's is allowed. He said this project will have negative impacts on
23 local businesses. He highlighted concerns about Buc-ee's as an employer, including poor
24 treatment of employees and failure to insure proper Covid protocols.
25 Jennifer Landstrom said she lives in Efland, and has previously lived in Texas. She said
26 she and her family have visited Buc-ee's many times, and find them to be very nice. She said
27 she teaches locally and would welcome a Buc-ee's development. She said Buc-ee's are clean,
28 well run, with wonderful food options. She said it is a unique experience to go to Buc-ee's and
29 she and her family would travel 30 minutes in Texas to visit.
30 Paul Voss said he is concerned about the proposed Buc-ee's development, and lives
31 near the heart of Efland. He said he moved to NC after a career as an economic development
32 specialist in Wisconsin. He said he worked with many small communities during his career, and
33 he is grateful to have never had to work on a project such as this Buc-ee's proposal. He said
34 big companies make a lot of promises, but they often fail to deliver. He said this proposal has
35 no positive value added, and it makes no sense to him. He urged the Board to say no to this
36 project. He said it is backwards looking.
37 Aimee Tattersall said she lives near Efland, and opposes this zoning change. She said
38 the zoning change would give all control to the Developer as to what is built in this area in phase
39 2. She said Orange County has always been committed to the environment, and as recent as
40 2017 made a commitment to fully move to clean energy by 2050. She said the Buc-ee's
41 proposal is a clear move in the wrong direction. She said Buc-ee's will make Orange County a
42 breaker of its promises.
43 Patricia O'Connor said she is a nurse who lives in Mebane, about 3 miles from the
44 proposed Buc-ee's site. She said she is strongly opposed to this project, and his very
45 concerned about the negative impacts on the environment. She said there will be damage to
46 the water systems, and endangered species wiped out. She said the County must uphold the
47 Efland Mebane small area plan, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and the Paris
48 Climate Agreement. She said the County formed a Climate Council, and asked if this group has
49 been consulted on this project. She said Buc-ee's will invite so many cars into the County. She
50 said the size of this project is simply an example of excess, and should be denied.
50
1 Gregory Parker said he is opposed to the Buc-ee's project, and cannot understand why
2 it is even being considered. He said all the negatives immediately outweigh any possible
3 benefits. He said this area is rich with small businesses, art and nature, and he urged the Board
4 to oppose this project.
5 Laurie Wolfe said she has lived in Efland for 14 years, and moved here for the
6 countryside. She said she is not opposed to development, but is strongly opposed to Buc-ee's.
7 She said such a project would ruin the County's reputation, and it would only be known for this
8 garish gas station. She said there will be significant traffic impacts on this small town. She
9 urged the Board to visit the area, and see how negative such a development would be. She
10 urged the Board to vote no to Buc-ee's and to build anything else.
11 Sam Gharbo said he moved to the area in 2007. He said the land of Efland Station will
12 be sold, and while he is not thrilled about Buc-ee's, he does want to see some economic
13 growth. He said the negative impacts will not be that great, and there are possibilities to
14 consider. He said the land could be developed with something much worse, and he can learn to
15 live with Buc-ee's. He said he would like to see other retail and dining added to this land, so
16 that residents can spend money in Orange County, as opposed to leaving to go to other
17 counties.
18 Holly Fraccaro said she lives in Mebane, and has been waiting for this land to be
19 developed. She said she is in support of the Buc-ee's project, and is most excited about the
20 jobs it will provide. She said the property and sales tax revenue will also be a huge boost to the
21 community. She said traffic is already having issues, and she would encourage her neighbors
22 to fight for the completion of the route 70 connector. She said Buc-ee's does not allow tractor-
23 trailers, and she is in favor of this project.
24 John Dempsey said he lives in Hillsborough, and is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's
25 development. He said the County has committed to the environment and this project would go
26 against that commitment. He said a gas station this large will bring light, noise, and traffic
27 pollution. He said the protected watershed in the area will be adversely affected. He echoed
28 comments of previous speakers, and urged the Board to deny the rezoning request.
29 Robin Taylor-Hall said she has been marketing this property, and others in the area,
30 since 2005. She said she was asked to join the Efland Small Area Plan. She said Orange
31 County has over 27,000 acres of land on which taxes are not collected. She said Buc-ee's
32 promises to bring $2 million in tax revenue, along with jobs for ordinary working class citizens.
33 She said tax revenue will lower taxes for residents. She said she sells residential real estate
34 and people are continuing to move to other counties, as Orange County is no affordable. She
35 said it becomes more affordable by increasing the commercial tax base.
36 Leo Allison said he is a long term resident of Efland, and he supports the proposed Buc-
37 ee's project. He said this area of land needs to be developed, as it has access to water and
38 sewer, and will provide jobs, tax revenue and relief. He said such a project allows the area to
39 be more affordable. He said Efland has no resources, and residents must leave town for all
40 needs, and he hopes this project will bring more services to the area in the future. He said the
41 community needs to take advantage of this opportunity, as such projects do not come along
42 often. He said there will be issues that need to be addressed, but every project will bring
43 issues, and they simply need to be worked through. He urged the Board to support this project.
44 Sara Moore said she is a teacher in Durham, and lives in Orange County. She said the
45 BOCC has made commitments to the environment and economic development that is sensible
46 for the County's culture. She said the proposed Buc-ee's will go against both of these
47 commitments, and will bring low-level jobs in a building that sells trinkets from China. She said
48 the negative impacts on the environment are very concerning, and would steer Orange County
49 in the wrong direction. She said she is opposed to the project, and urged the BOCC to vote no.
51
1 Erin Mullaney said she is buying a home in Hillsborough in 2021, and hopes to raise her
2 family and retire there. She said she is a foster parent, and is opposed to the Buc-ee's project,
3 especially due to the potential negative effects on the local water source. She said this project
4 seems an example of valuing a dollar over residents' health. She said environmental studies
5 have not been conducted, and urged the Board to look closely and do extensive study on the
6 impacts prior to approving anything.
7 Scott Buechler said he lives in the area of the proposed Buc-ee's site, and he is opposed
8 to its development. He said he understands that development is necessary, but it must be done
9 in a way that protects the environment and community character. He said the Buc-ee's site is in
10 violation of the Efland community, and would be a step backward. He said a business based on
11 fossil fuels is not looking to the future. He said Buc-ee's may pay higher than the average
12 wage, but it will offer dead end jobs with little satisfaction. He urged the Board to deny the
13 proposal.
14 Lydia Pepin said she was born and raised in Efland, and is opposed to the proposed
15 Buc-ee's development. She said economic development is needed, but the Buc-ee's is not the
16 best option. She said the world is moving away from fossil fuels, and no one will want to move
17 to the area and live near a massive gas station. She said there will be increased traffic for all
18 residents, and she is greatly concerned about the negative environmental impacts. She urged
19 the Board to vote no.
20
21 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
22 recess the public hearing and continue it to January 5, 2021.
23
24 Commissioner Greene said there are many people with environmental concerns about
25 this project, and the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR)
26 has looked at this project quite closely. She suggested sending the project to the Commission
27 for the Environment (CfE), for its input, prior to the January 19, 2021 BOCC Business Meeting.
28 She said this would allow another set of eyes to be on the project.
29 Chair Price asked if the CfE will be meeting prior to January 19.
30 Bonnie Hammersley said yes, the CfE is meeting on January 11, and staff has already
31 asked the CfE to review the plans for this development at that time. She said the CfE will have
32 comments ready for the Board's January 19 meeting.
33
34 Roll call ensued
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 Chair Price said the remaining public speakers will be divided over the meetings on
39 January 5 and 12, and asked staff to notify the speakers of the date to which they are assigned.
40
41 6. Regular Agenda
42 None
43
44 7. Reports
45 None
46
47 8. Consent Agenda
48
49 Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
50 None
52
1
2 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
3 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
4
5 a. Minutes
6 None
7 b. Second Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance Priority Care
8 Ambulance
9 The Board approved the granting of a franchise by ordinance to Priority Care Ambulance Inc.
10 (Priority Care) and the Franchise Agreement under which they will operate, for a five year term,
11 and authorize the Chair to sign. The Board approved this item on First Reading at the
12 December 7, 2020 Business meeting.
13 c. Second Reading: Emergency Services Franchise by Ordinance UNC Campus EMS
14 The Board approved the granting of a franchise by ordinance to UNC Campus EMS and the
15 Franchise Agreement under which they will operate, for a five year term, and authorize the
16 Chair to sign. The Board approved this item on First Reading at the December 7, 2020 Business
17 meeting.
18 d. Acceptance of N.C. Land and Water Fund Grant— Draper Savage Foundation
19 The Board accepted a grant from the North Carolina Land and Water Fund toward acquisition of
20 a conservation easement on lands owned by the Draper Savage Memorial Foundation
21 (Moorefields).
22 e. Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Amendment#5
23 The Board approved the budget, grant and capital project ordinance amendments for fiscal year
24 2020-21.
25 f. Approval of Financing Arrangement for Efland Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. To
26 Purchase a Fire Engine Truck
27 The Board approved Efland Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. entering into a financing arrangement
28 to purchase a fire engine truck and authorize the Board of County Commissioners' Chair to sign
29 the appropriate documents related to the financing agreement.
30 g. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance (SAPFO) —Approval of Membership
31 and Capacity Numbers
32 The Board approved the November 13, 2020 membership and capacity numbers for both school
33 districts (Orange County and Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools) which will be used in
34 developing 10-year student membership projections and the 2021 SAPFO Technical Advisory
35 Committee (SAPFOTAC) Report.
36 h. Construction Bid Award for Office Upfit—Whitted Building
37 The Board awarded a bid to C.T. Wilson Construction Company, Durham, North Carolina in the
38 amount of$975,000 for the renovation of spaces in the Whitted Human Services Center
39 Complex to create several office suites, and authorize the County Manager to sign the
40 construction agreement.
41 i. Construction Bid Award for the Orange County Visitors Bureau
42 The Board awarded a bid to Racanelli Construction South, Inc. of Apex NC in the amount of
43 $268,370 for the Orange County Visitors Bureau renovation, and authorize the County Manager
44 to sign the construction agreement.
45 j. Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Revision in the Resolution Adopted June 18,
46 2019 Which Authorized the Orange County FY 2019-2020 HOME Program Design
47 The Board approved a resolution authorizing a revision in the resolution adopted June 18, 2019
48 which authorized the Orange County FY 2019-2020 HOME Program Design, and authorize the
49 Chair to sign the revised resolution.
50
53
1 k. Change in BOCC Meeting Schedule for 2021
2 The Board approved changes to the Board of Commissioners' meeting calendar for 2021.
3 I. Appointment of the Clerk to the Board
4 The Board approved an employment agreement and appoint Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board
5 of County Commissioners.
6 m. Approval of Boards and Commissions Assignments
7 The Board approved the 2021 Boards and Commissions assignments for members of the Board
8 of Commissioners based on selections made by Board members at the December 7, 2020
9 Business meeting.
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
12 approve the consent agenda.
13
14 Roll call ensued
15
16 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
17
18 9. County Manager's Report
19 Bonnie Hammersley said the consent agenda included a budget amendment, and the
20 CARES act funds have been distributed through many budget amendments. She said these
21 $5.5 million need to be expended by December 31, and this will happen. She said $2.3 million
22 has gone to the Towns, which was reissued back to the County to help with housing. She said
23 these funds were needed, and helped County residents greatly.
24 Bonnie Hammersley said there is an information item about the Buckhorn Area Plan,
25 and County staff is in touch with Mebane Staff. She said there will be a report after the Board
26 has concluded the Efland Station matter.
27 Commissioner Greene said there is concern about the lack of involvement by the
28 BOCC in the Buckhorn Area Plan. She said it must be a priority to meet with the Mebane City
29 Council, and echoed Chair Price's desire to make this happen.
30
31 10. County Attorney's Report
32 John Roberts said a non-discrimination ordinance will be an agenda item at the January
33 19 Business Meeting. He said an organization called NC Values Coalition is seeking support
34 from the General Assembly to squash efforts of local governments regarding non-discrimination.
35 He said he has heard from this organization, and will forward the information to the BOCC
36
37 11. *Appointments
38 None
39
40 12. Information Items
41
42 • December 7, 2020 BOCC Meeting Follow-Up Action List
43 • Memorandum regarding Buckhorn Area Plan and next steps
44 . Memorandum regarding update on first round of applications for the Orange County
45 Community Climate Action Grant
46
47 13. Closed Session
48 None
49
50
54
1 14. Adjournment
2
3 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
4 adjourn the meeting at 10:51 p.m.
5
6 Roll call ensued
7
8 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
9
10
11
12
13 Renee Price, Chair
14
15
16
17 Recorded by Allen Coleman, Assistant Deputy Clerk II and
18 Gregory A. Wilder, Interim Clerk to the Board
19
20 Submitted for Approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board