HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-16-2021; 8-a - Minutes 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 16, 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: February 2, 2021 Virtual Business Meeting
Attachment 2: February 9, 2021 Virtual Work Session
Attachment 3: February 16, 2021 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 l
1
1 MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
5 FEBRUARY 2, 2021
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday,
9 February 2, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
12 and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, and Earl
13 McKee
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: NONE
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m., which was later than scheduled due
21 to technical issues
22
23 A roll call was called; all members were present.
24
25 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
26 Business Meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2021. Members of the Board of Commissioners
27 participated in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to
28 view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at
29 http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on
30 channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
31
32 In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
33 • Written submittals by email
34 . Speaking during the virtual meeting
35
36 Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this
37 agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
38
39 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
40 No additions or changes were noted.
41 Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge.
42
43 Public Charge: The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks
44 those attending this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward
45 each other, county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the Board or
46 the public fail to observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum.
47 Should it become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess
48 the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. The
49 BOCC asks that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and computers should
50 please be turned off or set to silent/vibrate. Please be kind to everyone.
2
1 Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting.
2
3
4 2. Public Comments
5 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
6 Chair Price asked if the Board of Country Commissioners (BOCC) should vote to allow
7 further public comment on Efland Station.
8 John Roberts said the public hearing for Efland Station is closed, and although the
9 Board's rules allow for public comment on items not on the printed agenda, if the Board allows
10 additional comments on Efland Station, any future decision could be jeopardized by questions
11 of fairness to the Applicant and public participants with legal standing, and whether they
12 received an adequate follow-up opportunity.
13 Chair Price reviewed the list of names, and felt that most of them had spoken before on
14 Efland Station.
15 Commissioner McKee said he feels there is little difference between making a comment
16 at the meeting this evening, and people writing emails or calling the Commissioners.
17 John Roberts said there is not a substantial difference. His recommendation is that
18 when the Board makes its decision, it should not consider any comments received after the
19 deadline for comments on the Efland Station application, whether they are phone calls, written
20 comments, or verbal ones this evening. He said the deadline for written public comments was
21 24 hours after the closure of the public hearing.
22 Commissioner Greene said it sounds like the Board could hear the comments, as long
23 as it does not consider them.
24 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are risks are for allowing people to speak, even if
25 the Board does not consider the comments.
26 John Roberts said the risk is minimal and the Board could affirmatively state that it would
27 allow comments but not consider them. He said the Board has never restricted comment, to his
28 knowledge. He said it is not a quasi-judicial hearing, but rather a legislative one, so therefore
29 the risk for is low.
30
31 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin for
32 the Board not to receive the comments about Efland Station.
33
34 Commissioner McKee said he is concerned about not hearing the comments, because
35 he has received emails and phone calls, and does not want to restrict comments. He cannot
36 think of a time when the Board has restricted comments. He said he believes the public has a
37 right to speak, and the Board should consider the application on its merits, not public comment.
38 He said he would vote against the motion.
39 Chair Price said she is concerned that the Board has told the public that the public
40 comment period was over.
41 Commissioner McKee said it is important to let people make a comment, and he has
42 allowed anyone who wanted to talk to him about the issue do so, without making comments
43 back.
44 Commissioner Dorosin said he is concerned about being fair to those who did not sign
45 up to speak at this meeting, because they felt the public hearing was over. He suggested for
46 future public hearings that after the hearing is over, have a specific mailbox for comments on
47 that issue be available. He said telling the public they can speak this evening, but the
48 comments will not be considered, feels specious. He said letting individuals speak on Efland
49 Station tonight makes it seem like the hearing never ends. He said it feels like it sets the wrong
50 precedent, and this is not the same as saying no one can speak on a topic at any time. He said
51 it is specific to the context of having had a public hearing.
3
1 Commissioner Greene said there are individuals who might have wanted to speak at the
2 meeting, but did not sign up because the Board announced that the public hearing was over.
3 She said this where the fairness issue lies.
4 Chair Price said she cannot assume what a commenter will say until they begin
5 speaking, so she will have to call on each person.
6
7 Roll call ensued
8
9 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Fowler,
10 Commissioner Greene, Chair Price); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Hamilton and Commissioner
11 McKee)
12
13 MOTION PASSES
14
15 Leo Allison thanked the Board for its past support for projects in Efland, such as the
16 Efland Cheeks park and the sewer system, and other projects that are important to the
17 community.
18 Benny Cecil said Orange County has a deficit of$3 million. He said Orange County has
19 given no raises to employees in several years, does not have money to hire new employees, is
20 unable to keep up equipment and vehicles, owes millions of dollars on buildings because of
21 mold damage, and may have to pay back impact fees due to a lawsuit that the County lost. He
22 asked if the County has a plan to make up revenue. He said he feels the County makes it
23 difficult for businesses to start and develop, which will improve residents' lives. He also
24 expressed concerns about lack of representation for Northern Orange County, and the residents
25 there who make minimum wage. He said Orange County is going downhill fast, and the
26 financial condition is getting worse. He said the County does not have time to look for other
27 businesses.
28 Janine Zanin read the following comments:
29
30 Hello Commissioners,
31 My name is Janine Zanin and I live in Efland, NC. I'm here to talk about the Buckhorn
32 Area Plan. I learned yesterday that although the Planning Board is going to hear about the
33 Buckhorn Area Plan tomorrow night and will be asked to "accept the study" and provide
34 comments to this Board on February 16th, public input will not be permitted at the Planning
35 Board meeting. Indeed, according to the proposed process in the Planning Board Agenda,
36 public input may not even be permitted until after the BOCC has met with the City of Mebane.
37 There's a narrative I've been hearing (it's even in the minutes from the January 6th
38 Planning Board Meeting) that I'd like to address. It goes something like this ... people who live
39 near Economic Development Districts need to be educated so they stop complaining when the
40 land around them gets developed. Let me be clear, that is not what's happening here. If the
41 Buckhorn Area Plan involved land that was already zoned for commercial development, there
42 would be no need for a study, no need for a Buckhorn Area Plan. The issue here is that the land
43 that is the subject of the Buckhorn Area Plan is NOT zoned for commercial development. On the
44 contrary, its currently zoned agricultural residential, and rural residential, some of it is critically
45 protected watershed and directly connected to the northern bank of Seven Mile Creek and its
46 tributaries. The problem is not that we don't understand the land use map, the issue is that we
47 HAVE studied it and we've RELIED on it in and now the rug is being pulled out from under us.
48 1 am a nerd who actually reads through the county's budgets each year. I've read the
49 Efland/Mebane Small Area Plan, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Parks and Rec yearly
50 reports, and I've witnessed the county's actions in my neighborhood in the 15 years I've lived
51 here. Throughout this time, the county has been sending a VERY CLEAR MESSAGE that the
4
1 land on the southeastern end of West Ten Road is NOT part of the Economic Development
2 District. I've witnessed the construction of Gravelly Hill Middle School, the public soccer fields,
3 the Seven Mile Creek Nature Preserve. The county has consistently articulated a plan for Efland
4 to have a district park, like other parts of the county. When one large park did not come to
5 fruition, a compromise was proposed that Seven Mile Creek Nature Preserve and the Soccer
6 Fields could be joined by walking trails or other pedestrian friendly connectors to serve as one
7 park for Efland. There's been talk of the Mountains to Sea Trail going through this area. Now,
8 instead, our planning department has been proposing to fill the space between these two areas
9 with industrial development, specifically more warehouses and trucking industry. This is a
10 significant and drastic change from the existing plan. And the existing plan was a good one, we
11 don't need to deviate from it, we just need to actually execute it. I, for one, am still waiting for an
12 entrance to Efland's "district park" that's actually in Efland, it's currently open with its only
13 access point in Hillsborough.
14 The voices of the citizens who are actually going to be impacted by this proposed
15 change of plans should be part of this conversation, early in the process. Ironically, (and I hope
16 not deliberately), the Efland Mebane Small Area Task Force is currently listed as "inactive" on
17 the county website just as this area is becoming a focal point for development. The task force
18 should be re-populated and re-instated to allow for meaningful citizen input.
19 Our Future Land Use Map is not a private game of Sim City for Mr. Benedict and a
20 handful of others. It's a public document, that's relied on by the citizens who've elected you. Our
21 voices should be heard early in the process when you are contemplating big changes as you
22 are now. We should be part of the conversation. Instead, our Planning Department is trying to
23 reduce public input to a "political hurdle" or a "technicality" to be checked off because the UDO
24 requires it. I don't accept that and I don't think you do either.
25
26 Jared Cates thanked the BOCC for bringing Medline, ABB, Wegmans, and Piedmont
27 Metals to Orange County, all of whom bring good jobs and contribute to the tax base in Orange
28 County.
29 Andy Cagle spoke about general development of Orange County. He said he is involved
30 in the community in many ways, and read a poem titled "Opportunity and Needs," which spoke
31 of the needs of small town and rural residents who would like to have more opportunities. He
32 asked the Commissioners to meet more of the residents in the rural areas, and learn about their
33 needs.
34 Matt Cartmill ceded his time, and did not provide further comment.
35 Andrea Riley said she is concerned about projects that are proposed that do not fit
36 zoning restrictions, and then the County has to amend the zoning to fit the project. She said
37 she does not see the use of a plan if the plans are continually changed, and not upheld.
38 Fredrick McAdoo asked if the Commissioners have a plan to assist Northern Orange
39 County with participation in virtual meetings. He said the Northern part of the County does not
40 have a lot of broadband signal or cell phone service. He said the Efland community would like
41 to see signs that encourage business. He said the community would like to see opportunities
42 for Commissioners to hear comments from those who are in favor of projects, as well as those
43 who are not. He said he would like to see more participation in decision making from Orange
44 County residents, and asked for more balanced discussions. He said Northern Orange County
45 residents should not feel that they are only important during election times, and asked what can
46 be done to make Orange County itself better for those who have lived here for a long time, and
47 not just the towns. He said businesses that come into Efland should help the County and the
48 schools.
49
50 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
5
1 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the
2 agenda below.)
3
4 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
5 Commissioner Bedford said she had no comments.
6 Commissioner Dorosin said he had no comments.
7 Commissioner Hamilton read the following two petitions:
8
9 When I was elected to this Board, I pledged to serve the residents of Orange County to
10 the best of my ability. I have been appreciative of the information provided by our County
11 manager and staff and my fellow commissioners. However, to be at my best, I would like to
12 petition for the Commissioners to require that the Board agenda and supporting documents be
13 available one week before a board meeting. I am not looking for this change to happen right
14 away since there are a lot of departments to coordinate. And I expect that there will be urgent
15 items that come up after the week. Given the volume of information, getting the information
16 Thursday before a Tuesday meeting is not enough time.
17
18 1 also want to petition to have my fellow commissioners consider using the 3-minute
19 timer during this comment/announcement/petition time. It is stated on the agenda and I think we
20 should follow that rule unless there is a compelling reason to override it. I think that it provides a
21 model to the public about staying to the 3 minutes.
22
23 Commissioner Greene said she is looking forward to the virtual agriculture summit on
24 February 8-10.
25 Commissioner McKee said he had no comments.
26 Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Mental Health Community Collaboration
27 Steering Committee, which is currently focusing on social and emotional curriculum at the high
28 school level. She said she also attended the Go Triangle Tax Board meeting, and was elected
29 as Vice Chair, with Commissioner McKee elected as Chair. She said she attended the
30 Behavioral Health Task Force, where there were updates from the diversion and RISE
31 subcommittees, and the conclusion was a recommendation for a diversion facility that would
32 keep individuals from ending up in jail or in the hospital.
33 Chair Price said on February 16t" the Board will receive a resolution on the Crown Act,
34 and she petitioned the board to sign it. She said the schools sent a letter requesting support
35 from the Governor to allow teachers to get vaccinated soon, as schools are planning to open
36 up. She said staff is preparing a letter. She said a joint meeting with Mebane is being
37 scheduled. She asked Bonnie Hammersley for clarification on the BOCC getting information on
38 the Buckhorn Area Plan before the planning board.
39 Craig Benedict, Planning Director, said the presentation to the planning board will only
40 be for informational purposes. He said the BOCC will also receive information on February 16.
41 Commissioner Green expressed concern about not having public comment at the
42 planning board meeting.
43 Bonnie Hammersley said the meetings are for providing information, prior to the joint
44 meeting with Mebane.
45
46
6
1 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/Special Presentations
2
3 a. Proclamation Recognizing and Honoring Ron Stutts
4 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing and honoring Ron
5 Stutts for his 43 years of serving the Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Orange County community on
6 WCHL radio and authorize the Chair to sign.
7 Chair Price asked Commissioner Bedford to introduce the item and to read the
8 resolution.
9 Commissioner Bedford recognized coworkers from WCHL, and then read the resolution:
10
11 BACKGROUND:
12 Ron Stutts began his career with WCHL on July 16, 1977. Since that time, Mr. Stutts has been
13 waking up the Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Orange County community on air for 43 years, hosted
14 the "Ron Stutts Show" on WCHL radio and is recognized as the "voice of our community." With
15 the Village Pride and Hometown Heroes segments of his morning show, Ron often featured
16 County residents, business owners, non-profit directors, leaders, volunteers, and others over
17 the years, highlighting the good work being done in the community. Mr. Stutts also donated
18 many hours of his time serving as the Emcee for many community events and organizations
19 over the years, including at festivals, concerts, and fundraisers.
20
21 Mr. Stutts was awarded Radio Personality of the Year by the North Carolina Association of
22 Broadcasters in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019.
23
24 Mr. Stutts retired on December 18, 2020, and residents throughout the community will miss
25 starting each day listening to that silky smooth voice to get their community news and
26 information, as well as some groovy song recommendations.
27
28 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION
29 RECOGNIZING AND HONORING RON STUTTS,
30 RETIRING WCHL RADIO PERSONALITY
31
32 WHEREAS, Ron Stutts began his career with WCHL on July 16, 1977, and retired 15,861 days
33 later on December 18, 2020; and
34
35 WHEREAS, Ron Stutts had been waking up the Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Orange County
36 community on air for 43 years, hosted the "Ron Stutts Show" on WCHL radio and is recognized
37 as the "voice of our community"; and
38
39 WHEREAS, Ron Stutts has been one of our community's "leading action adults" for more than
40 four decades, always keeping the Town of Carrboro "one degree cooler" and ensuring that
41 WCHL is "Where Chapel Hill Listens" for fun, informative, vital, and sometimes even lifesaving
42 local news; and
43
44 WHEREAS, Ron Stutts has been the voice of the UNC Football Pregame Show Countdown to
45 Kick off for 43 years; and
46
47 WHEREAS, on the Village Pride and Hometown Heroes segments of his morning show, Ron
48 often featured County residents, business owners, non-profit directors, leaders, volunteers, and
49 others over the years, highlighting the good work being done in our community; and
50
7
1 WHEREAS, in the great ice storm of 2002, Ron Stutts helped WCHL stay on the air and guided
2 our community with vital information during a power outage that lasted for days, while sleeping
3 in the studio of WCHL for several nights in a row; and
4
5 WHEREAS, Ron Stutts was awarded Radio Personality of the Year by the North Carolina
6 Association of Broadcasters in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019; and
7
8 WHEREAS, Ron Stutts has donated many hours of his time serving as the Emcee for many
9 community events and organizations over the years, including at festivals, concerts, and
10 fundraisers; and
11
12 WHEREAS, residents throughout the community will miss starting each day listening to that
13 silky smooth voice to get their community news and information, as well as some groovy song
14 recommendations, from their friend Ron Stutts; and
15
16 WHEREAS, although we will all greatly miss "waking up" with Ron Stutts in the morning, we
17 wish him the very best;
18
19 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize and
20 express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by Ron Stutts to the Orange
21 County community, and wish him well in his retirement.
22
23 This the 2nd day of February 2021.
24
25 Renee Price, Chair
26 Orange County Board of
27 Commissioners
28
29 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford seconded by Commissioner McKee to
30 approve the Proclamation recognizing and honoring Ron Stutts for his 43 years of serving the
31 Chapel Hill/Carrboro and Orange County community on WCHL radio and wishing him well in his
32 retirement, and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
33
34 Roll call ensued
35
36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
38 Ron Stutts thanked the Board, and said it has been an honor to serve Orange County,
39 and hopes that everyone continues to listen to WCHL. He thanked the Board for all it does, and
40 said he will be writing, listening to music, and spending time with his family.
41 Coworker Aaron Keck talked about the first time going on the air with Ron Stutts. He
42 said it is intimidating, but Ron Stutts is a warm human being, a friend to everyone, and a
43 fantastic mentor. He thanked him for his service.
44 Commissioner McKee said congratulations, and to enjoy his time off.
45 Commissioner Dorosin thanked Ron Stutts for being a great person, and he will leave
46 big shoes to fill.
47 Commissioner Fowler thanked Ron Stutts for being a vibrant force and personality.
48 Commissioner Hamilton thanked Ron Stutts for his service to the community.
49 Commissioner Greene said she looked forward to seeing him around the community.
50 Chair Price thanked Ron Stutts for showing love to the community, and wished him well.
51
8
1 b. Proclamation Recognizing and Expressing Appreciation to Nancy Grebenkemper
2
3 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing and expressing
4 appreciation to Nancy Grebenkemper for her devotion and service to the people of Orange
5 County through PORCH Hillsborough.
6 Chair Price introduced the item.
7 Commissioner Fowler read the resolution:
8
9 BACKGROUND: In 2011 Nancy Grebenkemper and Claire Millar observed the impact of the
10 recession, the reality that residents having enough food to eat was a major issue in Orange
11 County, and that the number of people seeking food assistance at the Orange Congregations in
12 Missions (OCIM) food pantry was large and increasing.
13
14 Ms. Grebenkemper and Ms. Millar learned about PORCH Chapel Hill Carrboro, and with help
15 from three PORCH Chapel Hill Carrboro founders, Ms. Grebenkemper and Ms. Millar started
16 PORCH Hillsborough, which has since grown from three neighborhoods to over 30, and overall
17 donations have grown each year since 2011 and include businesses in the Meadowlands
18 Business Park donating food on a monthly basis. PORCH Hillsborough has also established
19 the Food for Schools program and Food for Families program to ensure students and families in
20 the community get enough to eat.
21
22 Ms. Grebenkemper has recently announced her plans to retire from her efforts to lead PORCH
23 Hillsborough.
24
25
26 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
27 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO NANCY
28 GREBENKEMPER
29
30 WHEREAS, in 2011 Nancy Grebenkemper and Claire Millar observed the impact of the
31 recession, the reality that residents having enough food to eat was a major issue in Orange
32 County, and that the number of people seeking food assistance at the Orange Congregations in
33 Missions (OCIM) food pantry was large and increasing; and
34
35 WHEREAS, Ms. Grebenkemper and Ms. Millar learned about PORCH Chapel Hill Carrboro and
36 its monthly neighborhood food collections supplying food to several food pantries, and decided
37 they themselves could also do something about hunger in Orange County; and
38
39 WHEREAS, with help from three PORCH Chapel Hill Carrboro founders, Ms. Grebenkemper
40 and Ms. Millar started PORCH Hillsborough with three neighborhoods in 2011; and
41
42 WHEREAS, PORCH Hillsborough has since grown from three neighborhoods to over 30, and
43 overall donations have grown each year since 2011 and include businesses in the
44 Meadowlands Business Park donating food on a monthly basis; and
45
46 WHEREAS, PORCH Hillsborough is dedicated to helping the kids and families in the community
47 get enough to eat, and started both the Food for Schools program, providing healthy snacks to
48 students who are hungry during the school day or need supplemental food sent home over
49 weekends and holidays, and the Food for Families program, a partnership with Weaver Street
50 Market that provides healthy, fresh produce to families identified by school social workers as
51 being at risk of hunger; and
9
1
2 WHEREAS, Ms. Grebenkemper is retiring from her efforts to lead PORCH Hillsborough; and
3
4 WHEREAS, through her service with countless others, Ms. Grebenkemper has changed lives
5 by helping people to have adequate and nutritious food, to navigate their journey to health and
6 self-respect, and empowering them and their families to lead productive lives;
7
8 NOW THEREFORE we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize and
9 express deep appreciation, gratitude, and respect for Nancy Grebenkemper for her dedicated
10 leadership and her service to the people of Orange County, and we wish her all the best in her
11 future endeavors.
12
13 This the 2nd day of February, 2021.
14
15
16 Renee Price, Chair
17 Orange County Board of Commissioners
18
19 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to
20 approve the proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Nancy Grebenkemper for
21 her service to the people of Orange County through PORCH Hillsborough and wishing her well
22 in her future endeavors, and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
23
24 Roll call ensued
25
26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
27
28 Anna Waters congratulated Ms. Grebenkemper.
29 Sarah Zink said she was a wonderful mentor, and thanked Ms. Grebenkemper for her
30 service.
31 Karen Sindelar relayed the challenges of addressing the community's needs and praised
32 Ms. Grebenkemper's efforts.
33 Karin Yoch described the efforts of running the organization, and said she admired Ms.
34 Grebenkemper.
35 Chair Price thanked Ms. Grebenkemper for all she's done for Orange County to ensure
36 no one goes hungry.
37 Ms. Grebenkemper expressed appreciation for everyone's kind words, and for the
38 support of the community.
39
40 c. Black History Month Proclamation
41 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation designating February 2021 as
42 Black History Month in Orange County and authorize the Chair to sign.
43 Chair Price introduced the item, and Commissioner Hamilton read the resolution:
44
45 BACKGROUND:
46 Carter G. Woodson and three others started black History Month, proclaimed by every president
47 since 1976. These Black Americans formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and
48 History (ASNLF), which started the idea of Black History Month in 1915, at the celebration of the
49 fiftieth anniversary of emancipation in Washington, DC. The ASNLF, an organization whose
50 mission was to research and promote the achievements of Black Americans and other people of
51 African descent. The first celebration was during the week in February that encompassed
10
1 Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglas's birthdays. In 1976, President Gerald Ford expanded
2 the celebration to the month of February. President Ford urged Americans to "seize the
3 opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area
4 of endeavor throughout our history." The month of February was selected to commemorate the
5 birthdays of Lincoln and Douglas and to recognize the history of Black Americans and the
6 historical significance they represent in the history of the United States.
7
8 This year's Black History Month theme is "The Black family: Representation, Identity, and
9 Diversity." ASNLF describes the Black family as "the foundation of Black American life and
10 history," which offers a "rich tapestry of images for exploring the African American past and
11 present."
12
13 Upcoming activities commemorating Black History Month include:
14
15 February 1, 6 — 8 pm. Commemoration of George Henry White.
16 Register:
17 https://townofcarrboro.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN -Iorm6uDSauaS23HIFNzvQ (If registration
18 is full, you can view the program via YouTube. For more information, contact Carrboro
19 Recreation at 919.918.7364 or via email at recparks(a)townofcarrboro.org.)
20
21 February 18-19: "Equal Protection's Grand Promise and Betrayals: Reconstruction,
22 Plessy to Bakke and Beyond — Is There a Way Forward?" UNC Center for Civil
23 Rights.
24 Agenda, registration: https://Iaw.unc.edu/academics/centers-and-programs/center-for-civil-
25 rights/conferences-and-events/
26
27 February 1 — 28 - United Way of the Greater Triangle and Orange County are hosting a
28 Racial Equity 21-Day Challenge that takes employees on a daily journey of learning
29 and self-discovery to develop more effective social justice habits around issues of race,
30 power, privilege, and leadership. The goal is to build new understandings and
31 connections and begin dismantling systemic racism. Employees receive a Challenge
32 email each Monday, Wednesday, and Friday - such as reading an article, listening to a
33 podcast, or watching a video. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the information
34 through journaling and sharing via social media to relate the situation to their own lives.
35 A unique hashtag will be provided on February 1 to track the conversation in its entirety.
36 During the Challenge, employees discover how inequity and racism affect the
37 community. At the end of the Challenge, United Way will host a virtual Unwrapped
38 panel event that brings together participants from different workgroups and subject-
39 matter experts. This experience will broaden participants understanding of the issues
40 related to racial equality and highlight some of the shared knowledge gained from the
41 experience.
42
43 Throughout February 2021, the Orange County BIPOC Elected Officials will spotlight
44 "Black History Legends — Orange County Style" on County and Town websites.
45 Elected officials will recognize local Orange County legends who have made significant
46 contributions to the community. This year's Black History Legends include:
47
48 Braxton Foushee
49 Rosie Caldwell
50 Lillian Lee
51 Deloris Bailey
11
I Dr. Kizzy Corbett
2
3 February 28, 3:00 pm: The 311t Annual Pauli Murray Awards -The Pauli Murray Awards
4 Ceremony recognizes individuals and businesses that have worked to promote and foster better
5 human relations among the diverse residents of Orange County. Nominations are due by
6 February 12, 2021. The Pauli Murray Human Relations Award commemorates the life and
7 achievements of the late Reverend Dr. Pauli Murray. This year's guest speaker will be
8 distinguished professor, best-selling author, and poet Nikki Giovanni. Also featured will be
9 Orange County's author and poet, Jaki Shelton Green, Poet Laureate of North Carolina. For
10 more information, follow the link: orangecountync.gov/The Pau I i M u rrayAward
11
12
13 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH
15 PROCLAMATION
16
17 WHEREAS, as we begin our journey this year, it is of the utmost importance that we take all
18 steps necessary to eradicate practices of discrimination against individuals, which are
19 detrimental to the peace, welfare, and progress of our County; and
20
21 WHEREAS, Orange County is home to Black Americans who are descendants of Africans and
22 were kidnapped, brought to this Country, and enslaved more than 400 years ago; and
23
24 WHEREAS, Black Americans are diverse, respected residents of this country and our
25 community who have worked to transcend the continuing impacts of slavery and racial
26 segregation to contribute to our community's economic, political, social, and spiritual well-being;
27 and
28
29 WHEREAS, Black Americans, whose experiences, generational wisdom, and work to triumph
30 over racial oppression connect us to the past and help us meet the challenges of the future; and
31
32 WHEREAS, this Nation and our community must strive to understand and address the history
33 and legacy of racism, its impacts, and must reframe this Country's history by our understanding
34 of the contributions of Black Americans; and
35
36 WHEREAS, recognizing that family is the foundation of Black Americans life and history, this
37 year's theme for Black History Month is "The Black family: Representation, Identity, and
38 Diversity;"
39
40 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, do proclaim
41 February 2021 as "BLACK HISTORY MONTH" in Orange County and challenge our residents
42 to celebrate the month by educating themselves about the real history of Black American
43 contributions to this Country and our community.
44
45
46 THIS THE 2nd DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2021.
47
48
49
50 Renee Price, Chair
12
1 Orange County Board of
2 Commissioners
3
4
5 A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
6 approve the Proclamation designating February 2021 as Black History Month in Orange County
7 and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
8
9 Roll call ensued
10
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations Director, discussed the upcoming events in
14 honor of Black History Month. She highlighted the Pauli Murray Awards, which will be held
15 virtually on February 28t" at 3 p.m. She also highlighted the Orange County BIPOC Elected
16 Officials month-long event of"Black History Legends — Orange County Style," which will
17 feature local figures in the community. She said, in addition, there will be a racial equity 21-day
18 challenge for Orange County employees to challenge themselves to learn about racial equity
19 and what is going on in the community. She said this is a good start to learning about black
20 history.
21
22 5. Public Hearings
23 a. Review of Zoning Atlas Amendment: NC Highway 57 Speedway Rural Economic
24 Development Area (REDA-CZ-1) — Rougemont Self Storage
25
26 The Board considered holding a public hearing, receiving the Planning Board/staff
27 recommendation and public comment, closing the public hearing, and considered action on an
28 applicant initiated Zoning Atlas Amendment for a parcel within the Little River Township of the
29 County. Specifically, Darrell Chandler of Rougemont Storage Center, LLC, is seeking to rezone
30 approximately 7.37 acres of a parcel at 8927 Mile Branch Road to NC Highway 57 Speedway
31 Rural Economic Development Area (REDA-CZ-1). Approval of the zoning atlas amendment will
32 allow for the expansion of the existing self-storage business.
33
34 BACKGROUND:
35 Staff has processed a zoning atlas amendment application proposing to rezone a 7.37 acre
36 portion of a 21.54 acre parcel, further identified using Orange County Parcel Identification
37 Number (PIN) 0910-23-7159 (hereafter `the Property'):
38 FROM: Agricultural Residential (AR); NC Highway 57 Speedway Rural Economic
39 Development Area (REDA-CZ-1); Flat River Protected Watershed Protection Overlay District;
40 and Little River Protected Watershed Protection Overlay District
41 TO: NC Highway 57 Speedway Rural Economic Development Area (REDA-CZ-1); Flat
42 River Protected Watershed Protection Overlay District; and Little River Protected Watershed
43 Protection Overlay District
44 The County approved the rezoning of the property/development of a self-storage facility in 2012,
45 with the public hearing occurring on August 27, 2012 and BOCC approval of the request on
46 November 20, 2012. Agenda materials and minutes for these meeting(s) can be accessed at:
47 http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/weblink/Browse.aspx?dbid=0&startid=42108&row=1&cr=1.
48 Attachment 6 contains a copy of the ordinance adopted in 2012 approving the aforementioned
49 zoning atlas amendment and imposing conditions on the development of the approved self-
50 storage business.
13
1 As a general reminder, development of the property will be limited to applicable conditions
2 imposed by the County as agreed to by the applicant. This includes continued compliance with
3 existing, and any additional, imposed conditions. If the request is approved, the Zoning Atlas
4 will indicate the property has been rezoned REDA-CZ-1, but development will only be permitted
5 consistent with the approved site plan and conditions imposed specifically for the subject parcel.
6 The basic facts concerning this application are as follows:
7 Applicant: Darrell Chandler
8 Rougemont Storage Center LLC
9 8927 Mile Branch Road
10 Rougemont, NC 27572
11 Parcel Information:
A ent s : Chad Abbott
C3 Design & Engineering
2537 E. Lyon Station Road
Suite 102
Creedmoor, NC 27522
12 A. Parcels and Size: PIN 0910-23-7159: An approximately 21.54 acre split zoned property with
13 approximately:
14 • 7.37 acres zoned AR; and
15 • 14.17 acres zoned NC Highway 57 Speedway Rural Economic Development Area
16 (REDA-CZ-1).
17 If the request is approved, the entire 21.54 acre parcel would be zoned REDA-CZ-1. A map
18 denoting the vicinity and current zoning of the Property is contained in Attachment 2.
19 The portion of the Property within the Little River Protected Watershed Protection Overlay
20 District is limited to 12% impervious surface (5,227 sq. ft. per acre) for non-residential uses.
21 The proposed development activity is contained within the Little River portion of the Property.
22 B. Township: Little River.
23 C. Future Land Use Map (FLUM) Designation: The parcel is located within the
24 Agricultural Residential designation. Please refer to the maps contained in Attachment 3 for
25 more information.
26 D. Growth Management System Designation: Rural Designated.
27 E. Existing Conditions/Physical Features: Varying topography with wooded areas and
28 water features (i.e. ponds and streams). Portions of the Property have been developed in
29 support of a self-storage business.
30 F. Roads:
31 1. North: Mile Branch Road, which serves as the access drive for the Property;
32 2. South: Bacon Road;
33 3. West: NC Highway 57;
34 4. East: The eastern property line does not have frontage or abut on a roadway.
35 G. Water and Sewer: Development of the property will rely on individual well and septic
36 systems. The Property is not in an area served by public water/sewer.
37 Surrounding Land Uses:
38 North: 80 acre parcel with a go-kart race track zoned AR;
39 South: Bacon Road and AR zoned property ranging in size from 1.8 to 18 acres in area.
40 There is a 2 acre parcel with an existing single-family residence;
41 West: NC Highway 57, an 8 acre parcel with a single-family residence split zoned AR and
42 Existing Commercial (EC-5), the Orange County Speedway on a 118 acre parcel also zoned
43 AR; and
14
1 East: A 7.6 acre parcel with an existing concrete processing operation zoned AR, Mile Branch
2 Road, and the Orange/Durham County line.
3 Conditional Zoning (CZ) Process: This process involves approval of a rezoning petition and a
4 professionally prepared site plan allowing for the development of a specific land use.
5 Applications are processed in a legislative manner (i.e., does not require sworn testimony or
6 evidence) and decisions are based on the BOCC's determination that the project is consistent
7 with the purpose and intent of the Comprehensive Plan and County regulations. The typical
8 cadence for review is as follows:
9 • First Action — Planning staff schedules a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM).
10 Staff Comment— DONE. This meeting was held in an on-line format on December 17, 2020.
11 No members of the public attended. Please refer to Attachment 5 for more detail.
12 Second Action —The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting and
13 makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
14 Staff Comment— DONE. The Board reviewed this request at its January 6, 2021 regular
15 meeting, where they unanimously recommended approval. No members of the public spoke on
16 the rezoning application.
17 Third Action —The BOCC receives the Planning Board recommendation and makes a
18 decision at a previously advertised public hearing.
19 Staff Comment— Scheduled for February 2, 2021.
20 If the public hearing is held remotely, there is a 24-hour waiting period required before a
21 decision can be effective, as per State legislation regarding virtual/remote meetings. The
22 purpose of the 24-hour waiting period is to allow for submission of written comments.
23 Per Section 2.9.2 (F) (3) of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), mutually agreed upon
24 conditions can be imposed as part this process only if they address:
25 1. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
26 2. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways and access points, parking areas and
27 driveways, pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems, screening and buffer areas, etc.),
28 and/or
29 3. All other matters the County may find appropriate or the petitioner may propose.
30 If approved, the Zoning Atlas will be amended and the zoning designation of the subject 7.37
31 acre portion of the Property shall be changed to REDA-CZ-1. Development, including permitted
32 land uses, would be in accordance with the approved development proposal and conditions
33 imposed as part of the atlas amendment process.
34
35 Development of the Property shall be permitted only through the review and approval of site
36 plan application(s) in accordance within Section 2.5 of the UDO. This is so staff can verify all
37 imposed conditions are adhered to and allow for final review by members of the Development
38 Advisory Committee (DAC) as detailed within Section 1.9 of the UDO.
39 Proposal: The applicant currently operates a self-storage facility on the property called
40 Rougemont Self-Storage. As previously indicated herein, the self-storage operation is on a
41 portion of property zoned REDA-CZ-1 while the southern portion of the parcel remains zoned
42 Agricultural Residential (AR). The applicant is seeking to rezone the entire 21.54 acre parcel to
43 REDA-CZ-1 to allow for the expansion of the existing self-storage facility, including:
44 • 3 new storage buildings representing an 11,400 sq. ft. increase in impervious surface
45 area;
46 • Development of new internal access road/drive-aisles representing an additional 11,280
47 sq. ft. of new impervious area;
48 • Development/installation of a new on-site spray septic system; and
49 • Preservation of existing foliage, the erection of a new fence, and the planting of
50 additional landscaping material to screen the project from adjacent properties.
51
15
1 STAFF COMMENT: The property was included in the NC Highway 57 Small Area Plan study
2 area and a self-storage facility was envisioned as an allowable use for the area. The small area
3 plan was adopted by the BOCC on August 21, 2007 and can be accessed using the following
4 link:
5 https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4184/NC-57-Speedway-Small-Area-
6 Plan-NC-57-SASAP-Task-Force-Currently-Inactive-PDF.
7 Section 5.2 Table of Permitted Uses of the LIDO indicates a self-storage facility is a permitted
8 use of property within the REDA-CZ-1 zoning district.
9 The proposed expansion is consistent with the provisions of the UDO, is consistent with the
10 small area plan study, and is consistent with the County's original approval of the Conditional
11 Zoning district in 2012.
12 Access: The existing self-storage facility obtains vehicular ingress/egress from a driveway off of
13 Mile Branch Road (State Road 1532). Access to the proposed new self-storage facilities will be
14 through this existing driveway (i.e. no additional external driveway access proposed).
15
16 STAFF COMMENT: Staff has received comments from NC Department of Transportation
17 (NCDOT) staff indicating no concerns over the increase in traffic. According to the applicant,
18 the additional 11,400 sq. ft. of mini-warehouse/storage unit space is expected to generate
19 approximately 30 additional daily traffic trips to the site.
20 Staff has determined the proposed expansion will not impact existing condition(s) imposed on
21 the project as part of the original 2012 approval. As with all such projects, the site plan will be
22 reviewed prior to the commencement of development activity by all County planning partners
23 (i.e. NCDOT, County Fire Marshal, County Solid Waste, Environmental Health, Building
24 Inspections, Erosion Control/Stormwater, etc.), presuming the atlas amendment is approved by
25 the BOCC.
26
27 Utilities: The project will be served by an on-site well and a spray septic system.
28
29 STAFF COMMENT: A condition on the 2012 approval required on-site waste disposal facilities
30 to be approved by Environmental Health and Building Inspections prior to the authorization of
31 earth disturbing activities.
32 Orange County Environmental Health will be involved in the review of the proposed installation
33 of the new septic system, which is being permitted by the State consistent with applicable
34 regulations.
35 Erosion Control/Stormwater Regulations: The applicant has indicated the project will abide by
36 existing stormwater and erosion control regulations in Sections 6.14 and 6.15 of the LIDO
37 respectively.
38
39 STAFF COMMENT: The submitted site plan denotes the location of a new stormwater control
40 measure (SCM) that will be required for compliance with the provisions of the UDO. The
41 proposed expansion does not impact any existing conditions associated with the 2012 approval
42 as it relates to stormwater management.
43 Solid Waste: The applicant has indicated development within the project shall abide by the
44 Orange County Solid Waste Management Ordinance.
45
46 STAFF COMMENT: Orange County Solid Waste staff has indicated they have no concerns
47 over the proposed expansion.
48 Land Use Buffers: The applicant is proposing a 20' Type A land use buffer along NC 57 and
49 Bacon Road. The applicant is also proposing a 10' land use buffer along the eastern property
50 line adjoining the Argos Ready Mix cement mixing operation. For greater detail, please refer to
51 the Landscape Plan (sheet C-1.5) in the Site Plan Under Separate Cover.
16
1
2 STAFF COMMENT: The proposed buffers are consistent with the original Conditional Zoning
3 District approval from 2012. The applicant will be required to maintain these buffers consistent
4 with Section 6.8 Landscaping, Buffers & Tree Protection.
5 Environmental Assessment (EA): Per Section 6.16.2 (A) of the LIDO, the application was
6 exempt from the Environmental Assessment (EA) requirement because the development area
7 for the project is less than two acres.
8
9 Analysis: As required under Section 2.9.2 (E) of the UDO, the Planning Director is required to:
10 `cause an analysis to be made of the application'and pass that analysis on to the reviewing
11 body. In analyzing this request, the Planning Director offers the following:
12 1. The application is complete in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.9.2 (C) of
13 the UDO;
14 2. The proposal appears consistent with the various goals outlined within the
15 Comprehensive Plan concerning development, including:
16 a. Land Use Overarching Goal: Coordination of the amount, location, pattern, and
17 designation of future land uses, with availability of County services and facilities
18 sufficient to meet the needs of Orange County's population and economy
19 consistent with other Comprehensive Plan element goals and objectives.
20 b. Land Use Goal 2: Land uses that are appropriate to on-site environmental
21 conditions and features and that protect natural resources, cultural resources,
22 and community character.
23 c. Land Use Goal 3: A variety of land uses that are coordinated within a program
24 and pattern that limits sprawl, preserves community and rural character,
25 minimizes land use conflicts, supported by an efficient and balanced
26 transportation system.
27 d. Objective LU-3.1: Discourage urban sprawl, encourage a separation of urban
28 and rural land uses, and direct new development into areas where necessary
29 community facilities and services exist through periodic updates to the Land Use
30 Plan.
31 3. The proposed development is consistent with existing/anticipated development within
32 the area and the various land uses associated with the project are compatible with
33 various goals/policies as detailed herein;
34 4. The project is consistent with the findings and recommendations contained within the NC
35 Highway 57 Small Area Plan with respect to development in the area;
36 5. The proposed land use buffers are consistent with the 2012 approval and will adequately
37 screen the land use from NC 57, Bacon Road, and the cement mixing operation to the
38 east.
39 Neighborhood Information Meeting: A neighborhood information meeting for the project was
40 held on December 17, 2020 in accordance with Section 2.9.2 (D) of the UDO. The meeting was
41 held in an on-line format due to current public health concerns. No members of the public
42 attended the meeting.
43
44 Public Notifications: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the LIDO, notices were mailed via first
45 class mail to property owners within 1,000 ft. of the subject parcel providing the date/time of the
46 BOCC public hearing where the proposal is to be reviewed. These notices were mailed on
47 January 15, 2021, 17 days before the meeting. Staff also posted the subject parcel with a sign
48 indicating the date/time of the public hearing of the rezoning request on January 15, 2021. For
49 more information, please refer to Attachment 5.
50
17
1 Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the zoning atlas amendment
2 at its January 6, 2021 regular meeting. At this meeting the Board voted unanimously to
3 recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 8) and the proposed Zoning
4 Atlas Amendment (Attachment 9).
5
6 Excerpts of the minutes from the meeting, as well as the Board's signed Statement of
7 Consistency, are included in Attachment 7. Agenda materials from the meeting can be viewed
8 at: https://www.co.orange.nc.us/AgendaCenter/Planning-Board-26.
9
10 Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
11 1. Statement of Consistency indicating the zoning atlas amendment is reasonable and
12 in the public interest as contained in Attachment 8.
13 2. Ordinance amending the Zoning Atlas as well as imposing development conditions
14 for the identified parcel as contained in Attachment 9.
15
16 RECOMMENDATION: The Manager recommends the Board:
17
18 1. Receive the request;
19 2. Conduct the public hearing and accept comment;
20 3. Provide direction to staff and the applicant on any additional conditions consistent with
21 Section 2.9.2 (F) (3) of the UDO;
22 4. Close the public hearing
23 5. Authorize the acceptance of written comment(s) via e-mail to the Board at
24 ocbocc orangecountync.gov or by delivery to the Planning Department's office at 131
25 West Margaret Lane, 2nd floor, Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278, until 9:00 a.m. on
26 Thursday February 4, 2021;
27 6. Consider action to approve the:
28 a. Statement of Consistency (Attachment 8), and
29 b. Zoning Atlas Amendment (Attachment 9)
30 as recommended by the Planning Board and Planning Director.
31 If written comments to the rezoning request are received before the deadline stated in
32 #5, this item will be brought back to the BOCC on February 16, 2021 for further consideration. If
33 no written comments are received, the decision of the BOCC shall become effective at 9:01
34 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, 2021.
35
36 Michael Harvey, Current Planning and Zoning Supervisor, and Molly Boyle, Planner I,
37 made the following PowerPoint presentation:
38
ORANGE COUNTY
NUR I'}I CAROLI NA
AGENDA ITEM:5-a
PUBLIC HEARING
Zoning Atlas Amendment
NC Hwy 57 Rural Economic Development
(REDA-CZ-1)—Rougemont Self Storage
Orange County Board of Commissioners
39 Feuruary 2.2D21
18
1
Meeting Cadence:
1.Staff and applicant presentation;
2.Questions from BOCC Members;
3.Summary of recommended conditions;
4.Public Comments;and
5.Board deliberation.
2
3
What is REDA-CZ-1? —•
•Conditional 2onng District created to further the
goals identified within the NG Highway 57 Small
Area plan;
Plan adopted by EOCC on August 21,2007
• Intended to provide opportunities Tor low-intensely
non-residential land uses:
STAFF COMMENT: District provides"wa al'path'for
erd6ting non{ rprm,ng land eF%to become vonrctrrn-g
through the CZO dswelopmsnt review gooses.
•Section S.2 T809 OFParmined Uses actually'Wells
out' whet lend Uses arelare not permitted for
development within REDA-CZ.1.
4
5
- - — REDA hl etrlet '�•
_ N dh—t Orerge
county:
- Inwtres spprc stely
18 pareeis or property:
InG dee eAsung
.,l orange Cwnry
SWAG And uses
apprevnd as Pan of
r(Imlmd in Total
process(listed in Ta61e
a or Pannitted USa;y
. site plan apprwAl
VA nequeed
History. •—•
• County approved REDA-CI-1 zoning allowing for
devebpmertt of eet4torage facirily on Novemher
20.2012;
• As part of the approval,the BDCC imposed several
conditions outlining development of the facility;
STAFF COMMENT'Land use Ilmaed to devoopmem of
a self-SWW IMIRy.
• Staff approved site plan for actual development in
sprenglsummer of 2013
STAFF COMMENT: Approval included development or
srwrevwd r control measure Prm) to address
cranpliance with the provisions of law LIDO.
9
Proposal: —
Applicant seeking approval for:
O Development of 3 new storage buildings representing
an 11,400 eq.ft-impasse m impervious surface area;
4 Development of new internal access roadways
(11.280 sp.fl,of impervious surface area):
4 Inslallairrm of new septic syslern:
@ Preservalnn of approximately 4 to 5 acres of existing
vegetation as open space(I.a. exclusive of septic
area,addilional stormwaler conlrol measure(SCM).
and stooge unit$);
O Access Ihr"h existing driveway off Mile Branch
Rued(i.e.Through eistng facility).
10
11
19
ROLES-
Stag:
—Determine application CompletenesslCoflsisterlCy wile
Comprehensive Plan and flb0;
—Determine oomphance with applicabre standards or
viabilily d proposed'design alternatives';
—Recommend imposition d oondihorefacbon co
requMl.
• Planning Board:
—Hear from applicant.staff.and the general public;
—Review7discuss analysis mid rncwnmendation(s);
—DisWGWrw;ummHnd ir11FX3H dirxa d 00rdliti0ns;
—Reconmend approval a denial to the BpCC.c_
2
ROLES(continued):
66cc:
—$ehadul&hold public hearing to receive applir:ation;
—Haar from applicant,staff,and the general public;
—Rmawldiscun Staff and Planning Board's analysis
and reco mmeldaildn(s):
—Revlew.dlsruss.and negotiate condlttats:
—Close the public hearing:
—Approve or deny the requesl to approve Zonlrg Aflas
Amendmenl application wAh the imposition of
mutually agrwd to Condllions.
4
IMPOSITION OF CONDITIONS:
• Per Sedlon 2.9.2(F)(3)IX the UDO:Mutually agreed
upon corldilions Can be imposed only if Ityy address'
Campalibility of the development WM surrounding
prop"
Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways and acc
points, parking, pedestrian and vehiwlar a=lalion
systems.screening and buffer arenas,mc.)anwor
Y Other malims the C—my may find appropriate er
Pestrmef proposes.
• If approved,Zoning Ages emended(properly designated
REDA-C;Z-1). Developmenl catsislent with approved
plan and mutually agreed to imposed conditions.
6
SUBJECT PARCEL. •�+•
• MH ,,N2N7,5e,
Pa[H frniene�.
atwC2•�;
i!rear I �rrl
•ImprnWlgmtkl�aA
arewn weak=
P.-I m RGPe-
1f. DiaPwVr
51 rem le tali Mw
Nerrexe nl%
Ie$reir{n rya aGrr
Au4e4Pl+�
YeNreG•w1
7 t
8
Proposed Site Plan'. r.wn
I 1
f
ORANGE COUMY
9 n„uiii.nwwnn
10
20
Proposed Landscape Plan
S9
_ preserved �. -------
�� Vegetallon
1 ORAM COUNTY
2
PROCESS—Schedule and Action:
First Action - Planning staff schedules a
Neighborhood Information Meeting(NIM).
-DONE. Meeting was held on-line on December 17,
2020.
• Second Action - The Planning Board reviews the
application at a regular meeting and makes a
recommendation to the BOCC.
-DONE. Board voted unanimously at its January 6,
2021 meeting to recommend approval.
• Third Action - The BOCC receives the Planning
Board recommendation and makes a decision at a
previously advertised public hearing.
- OCCURING.
4
APPLICATION.
Consistent with the UDO,the submittal
contains:
-Signed atlas amendment application(includes list
of property owners within 1,000 ft.,authorization
of property owners to apply for atlas amendment,
etc.);
-Project narrative;
-Site plan(Completed in accordance with the
requirements of Section 2.5 ofthe UDO);
-Traffic Assessment;
-Other supporting documentation. _
oRANCEcouNrr
5
6
Applicant
Presentation:
ORANGE COUNTY
7 wm u o,wn
8
9 Chad Abbott thanked the BOCC for allowing him to speak. He said he is from C-3
10 Design and Engineering, and represents Darrell Chandler. He said it is a straightforward
11 application, and welcomed any questions or input from the Board.
12 Commissioner Dorosin asked staff if the Applicant's presentation should be part of the
13 public hearing.
14 Michael Harvey said the Applicant usually presents prior to the public hearing.
15 Chad Abbott said he had no further presentation:
16 Michael Harvey resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
17
21
CONDITIONS:
General:
➢ No action on this request can invalidatelalter previous
imposed condition;
➢ Only used for self-storage consistent with submittal;
➢ Applicant shall install welllseptic in accordance with
applicable Orange County Health Department
requirements;
➢ Stormwater permit(s) shall be required for new
stormwater control measure(SCM);
➢ All applicable County permit(s)shall be issued before
construction(i.e.building,Fire Marshal,Erasion Control,
etc.);
➢ No ancillary commercial or residential use of individual
storage facilities shall be permitted. _
ORANGE COUNTY
2
STAFF ANALYSISIRECOMME N DATION:
Application is complete;
Land Use consistent with anticipated development
per Small Area Plan and REDA-CZ-1 District;
• Environmental analysis indicates Project will not
have adverse impacts;
Stormwater regulations shall be adhered to.
Foliage along INC Highway 57 shall be preserved;
County and INC DOT staff have reviewed traffic
impacts and have not identified any necessary
improvements
➢No more than 30 additional daily trips;
➢Access to new buildings through epsting drivewa_
3 OLAnluCOUr
4
Planning Board Recommendation:'-"
• Reviewed atlas amendment at its January
6,2021 regular meeting.
• Voted unanimously to recommend
approval of the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 8)and the proposed Zoning
Atlas Amendment(Attachment 9).
5
ORANGE COU,�xNTY
una�
6
BOCC Action:
Manager recommends the Board:
1. Receive request and conduct the public hearing;
2. Provide direction on any additional conditions consistent
with Section 2.9.2(F)(3)of the 11DO:
3. Close the public hearing and authorize acceptance of
written comment(s)until 9:00 a.m.on Thursday February
4,2021;
4. Consider action to approve the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 8)and Zoning Atlas Amendment(Attachment
9)as recommended by Staff
NOTE:9 aiilWg win _to rezoning request bra rent b.—1ha Fab 4.—1
dihdhe,this Item WII be brought b.6.the 6oCC on February 16,2021 kr 1-her
egnGtleraaon.II m.n ednments ere ree ..We deol .-a.-e:Nall
b•can•aR•cfna N g 1e.m,an Tha ,,February 4,g 1leaprevel aId W4.
For more Intennation or-estians an this awooass l'.
Mlehael Halvey,Curren)Planning SupeMaor ORA IIE WUNTY
7 mho rev�oranae aunNnc aw or(919)245 259y
8
9 Craig Benedict clarified Michael Harvey's comment, noting that the Board could approve
10 or deny the statement of consistency and zoning atlas amendment.
11
12 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
13 open the public hearing.
14
15 Roll call ensued
16
22
1 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2
3 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
4 Chad Abbott asked if a condition could be applied to the application, such that the owner
5 could have a separate maintenance building on the property at a location that still complies with
6 setbacks and impervious surface requirements. He said it does not change the use or the
7 conditional zoning use of the property. He said the owner has requested a 20 by 30 shed, for
8 lawn care and maintenance equipment, outside of the fenced area of the property. He asked if
9 staff could review this to make sure it meets the requirements of the zoning district.
10 John Roberts said the Board would need to determine if staff could review this condition,
11 and, if so, staff would need time to review this condition, and it would require the item be
12 continued to a future meeting.
13 Michael Harvey clarified the request by Chad Abbott, and said the building would not be
14 for a business purpose, but rather just for storage. He said he did not see this condition as a
15 problem, as there would not be any land disturbance, and it would not result in an increase in
16 impervious surface.
17 Chad Abbott said the shed would be outside of the storage facility, and outside of the
18 fenced area. He said it would not be on impervious, but the impervious calculations for the
19 watershed for the property would still be maintained. He said the stormwater group would
20 review the construction drawings to make sure they meet the maximum impervious amounts.
21 He said the condition of the storage facility would be in keeping with the zoning requirements of
22 the property.
23 Commissioner Greene asked if the condition is consistent with the zoning, why should it
24 be continued to a future meeting.
25 John Roberts said staff might need time to review it, but it seems that staff does not
26 need that additional time.
27 Craig Benedict said if the shed does not exceed the limits of 12%, then it can be
28 approved.
29 Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to have the item come back before the
30 Commissioners at a future meeting, giving staff time to review and confirm that the condition is
31 consistent with zoning.
32 Commissioner McKee said the requested condition is not inappropriate to consider at
33 the meeting, because of the nature of the facility. He said the process is set up to allow these
34 types of negotiations.
35 Michael Harvey said he does not have any concerns about adding the storage facility.
36 Commissioner Dorosin said he understands Commissioner Hamilton's point. He said if
37 the Applicant is changing the application, then it should be reviewed by staff and voted on a
38 future date. He said if the Applicant is not making a change to the application, then it does not
39 seem to be something the Board needs to consider. He said if it is not part of the project area,
40 then the Board does not even need to talk about it, nor have justification for the item to return to
41 the Board.
42 Michael Harvey said the application does not include the extra storage building, and,
43 ideally, it needs to be shown on the site plan. He said it is an accessory unit, so he would be
44 willing to support the Applicant's request that a condition be imposed. He said it is not going to
45 increase the additional storage space on the site, nor will it increase the impervious surface.
46 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the extra storage facility was added to the application
47 earlier in the process, would Michael Harvey have asked the Applicant to add it to the site plan.
48 Michael Harvey said yes.
49 Chad Abbott apologized for the late notice of this request. He shared his screen to show
50 the property.
51 Chair Price asked if this shed will be in the area that needs to be rezoned.
23
1 Craig Benedict said yes, but it will not be within the fenced area.
2 Chair Price said if it was not being rezoned, could the Applicant have erected the
3 storage shed without the involvement of the BOCC.
4 Craig Benedict said because it is part of a rezoning process, the County must approve
5 anything that is within the area.
6 Chair Price asked if the zoning were approved tonight, and the owner wanted to put up a
7 shed in the future, would he need to come back before the Board.
8 Craig Benedict said if the impervious parameters stayed intact then yes, the owner could
9 erect the shed without the BOCC's permission.
10 Commissioner Greene echoed Chair Price's question, and said if the answer is yes, then
11 she does not see a problem with approving it at this meeting.
12 Commissioner McKee said his understanding is that conditional zoning was to make the
13 process smoother and quicker, so applicants did not have to keep coming back. He said this
14 type of shed is a reasonable request
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
17 close the public hearing.
18
19 Roll call ensued
20
21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
22
23 Michael Harvey said if the Commissioners intend to take action, the action needs to
24 include language that the request was approved, as amended, to include a 20 by 30 foot
25 storage shed.
26
27 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
28 approve statement of consistency (attachment 8) and approve ordinance amending the Orange
29 County zoning atlas with the addition of a condition imposed by the applicant to place a 20 by
30 30 storage shed for equipment to maintain the property, contingent on whether or not comments
31 are received by the deadline.
32
33 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Board will have to come back and vote again If any
34 public comments are received.
35 John Roberts said yes.
36 Commissioner Dorosin said this is a good motion, but wants to be consistent with other
37 zoning amendment applications, and should the Board allow 24 hours for comment prior to
38 voting.
39 John Roberts said it is acceptable to do this for non-controversial items, because the risk
40 is low. He said he would advise a much stricter adherence to the process with any items that
41 are controversial and could lead to litigation.
42 Commissioner Greene said the County Attorney's advice makes sense to her, and she
43 supports this procedure.
44 John Roberts said Orange County is not the only entity that does this practice, and there
45 are other communities that follow this process, including Raleigh and either Mecklenburg
46 County or Charlotte.
47 Commissioner Hamilton said it is important to be consistent with previous items, and she
48 will not vote in favor of this motion. She said she has nothing against this project, but feels
49 strongly that the process should be followed, and action not taken on the fly.
50 Chair Price said the Board has done this before, and it is not really acting on the fly.
51
24
1 Roll call ensued
2
3 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner Dorosin, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
4 Commissioner McKee, Chair Price); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Bedford and Commissioner
5 Hamilton)
6
7 MOTION PASSES
8
9 Michael Harvey and Chad Abbott expressed appreciation to the board.
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
12 recess the meeting for 3 minutes.
13
14 Roll call ensued
15
16 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
17
18 RECONVENE MEETING
19
20 Chair Price asked for a motion to reconvene the meeting.
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
23 reconvene 9:19 p.m.
24
25 Roll call ensued.
26
27 VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
28 Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee, Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
29 Dorosin)
30
31 MOTION PASSES
32
33 6. Regular Agenda
34
35 a. Community Climate Action Grant - Project Selection for FY20-21
36 The Board received the grant project funding recommendations of the Human Relations
37 Commission and the Commission for the Environment for the FY20-21 Orange County
38 Community Climate Action Grant Program, and considered approving funding for the
39 recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY20-21.
40
41 BACKGROUND:
42 As part of the FY20 budget, the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) created the
43 Orange County Climate Action Fund dedicated to accelerating climate change mitigation actions
44 in Orange County. This decision was motivated in part to help the County meet the climate
45 change mitigation goals set by the Board in recent years:
46 • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions community-wide by 26 percent by 2025 (from 2005
47 levels).
48 • Transition to a 100% renewable energy based economy by 2050.
49
25
1 The first round of Climate Action Fund projects was proposed by the Commission for the
2 Environment last year and approved by the Board of Commissioners. These include funding for
3 solar projects for each of the school districts, a LED lighting campaign for lower-income
4 residents, and additional funding to weatherize and preserve affordable housing.
5
6 For the 2020-21 funding cycle, $478,657 in funding was budgeted to support climate action
7 projects that will benefit Orange County residents both socially and financially. Following the
8 direction of the Board of Commissioners, the process for soliciting and selecting projects to
9 receive funding was conducted through a formal grant program.
10
11 The scoring and eligibility guidelines were created by the BOCC and developed the remaining
12 application elements borrowing from the successful model of the Outside Agency funding
13 process. The application period for this first round of grants opened on September 18, 2020 and
14 closed on November 9, 2020.
15
16 The Community Climate Action grant program received seven applications in this round from a
17 variety of non-profit and public organizations whose total requests add up to more than $1.2
18 million. While staff fielded some questions from prospective applicants from the private sector,
19 no private sector applications were received.
20
21 Grant applications were reviewed and scored by the Commission for the Environment (CFE)
22 and the Human Relations Commission (HRC). On December 14, 2020 each of these
23 Commissions voted to forward their final scoring and comments to the BOCC.
24
25 The following is a rank-order summary table of their combined project scoring and
26 recommendations, and more details on each project are available in Attachment 1 (Project
27 Descriptions, Scoring, and Comments):
28
Total Rank
Applicant Funding Recommended Score
Project Out of 7
(Collaborators) Requested Funding Level Out of applications)
25 is
Solar Panels on Habitat for Humanity of
Affordable Habitat $95,000 $95,000 21.7 1
Homes Orange County
NAACP of Chapel Hill
and Carrboro
Water Heater (Rebuilding Together of
Replacement the Triangle and Habitat $122,100 $122,100 21.2 2
for Humanity of Orange
County)
Cane Creek Reservoir
352.4kW DC Solar OWASA $75,000 $75,000 19.6 3
Array
Tree Planting Program Town of Chapel Hill $40,000 $40,000 18.5 4
Solar-powered Electric
Vehicle Charging Town of Chapel Hill $18,500 $18,500 17.7 5
Station
26
Cedar Falls Park
Multipurpose Field LED Town of Chapel Hill $220,000 $128,057 17.0 6
Light Conversion
Forest Foundation
Orange County Eco- (Green Oil Company,
Innovation Park LLC; Greenway Transit $700,000 $0 12.3 7
Services, LLC; and
Carolina Biodiesel, LLC )
Total (Max for 2020- $1,270,600 $478,657
21: $478,657)
1
2
3 Brennan Bouma, Sustainability Director, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
4
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Community Climate
Action Grant
Project Selection for FY20-21
February 2"d,2021
5
6
Climate Action Fund--Background
• '/<cent property tax for climate action
approved for the 99-20 Budget
• Decision prioritized projects with Social
Justice and Racial Equity benefits
• Community focus(not operations)
• First year projects run by County entities
• Current and future projects open to
community through grant program
7
8
27
Community Climate Action Grant—
Overafi Timeline
72.V
a20 PrnJset Crsafen aM CFE 19,20 PmJeet E-1-ien and
Ranking BOGc Selecfon.pplleatlan P IReview "_JectR faafatreeted entl a�,kl�� attl CathxfiOpem far FY21-
forF2[F FY20.21 FYf., 22 FUMs
Project Renkirg
and 5electlon for
FY21-22: Projeal Re Iew BOCC Review Pr.*L Selectlon
2021-22 and R-king for aligned wllh CIP for
Pppfcation FY22-23 FY22-23
Opens far FYT2-
2S Fu-ds
1
2
FY20-21 Eligibility Guidelines
• Non-profits, public entities, and small
businesses.
• All funds must be spent in Orange County.
• Must have legal standing to receive funds.
• Ongoing projects eligible if expanding or
accelerating.
• Replacement and repair projects are eligible if
not likely to be funded within 5 years.
3
4
FY20-21 Scoring Criteria
• 25 point scale
• Social Justice and Racial Equity(5pts)
Emissions reduced(4 pts)
• Efficient use of Funds(4 pts)
• Capacity of Applicant(3 pts)
• Local Economic Development(3 pts)
• Amount and Duration of Engagement(3 pts)
• Time to complete(3 pts)
5
6
28
Summary Table
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5.WV.-A on After0a01e taut fw HM...TV o f N.H.
H]EI[e[komn Cow $95p00 $95.000 117 1
NAACO of Ch]Re1 NIII m,d
Water Heater RepWamerrt Cw't a{Re4"M""R eel.of
ef.T O and lbh.t for $127.100 5127.100 21.2 z
.
Fh—matt'of Or up Cd Myf
Cane Crook Roe Ir CWASA $75,W0 $75A00 1915 3
357AkW DC Soler Arre
T' PliMrne Ire m Aiwn 21,
fa $%UOW $AO.WO NO
Silmyowsed Flectrlc Town of❑�el Fr 5iks 0 $19,500 17.7 5
Vehicle Pie 5ietlon
�dr F.110.rk
M,,W rpooe Feld lEO lleln Tavm of€hyel w $7-7L�W0 $178A57 17� G
Cm
Fnrert%-d—[Green CY
OrBre?Co ty E- C oMervr.LLO;Gree"W"Tw"' $700.W0 $0 12.3 7
Yi—d-Aark S"Im.LLC end€errine
vodlemt LLc
391i[I $1,.770,600 $479.657
1 rx for 2trbG1L�47 7
2
Detailed Table
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3
4
5 Commissioner Fowler referred to the water heater replacement project, and clarified that
6 the project would convert 20 heaters from electric to electric, and 10 would be converted from
7 gas powered to electric. She asked if there is a reason for those specific numbers, and would
8 more people be allowed to convert, if so desired.
9 Brennan Bouma said the Applicant was making estimates in order to provide a more
10 specific budget request and impact estimates. He said these were the best estimates of the
11 most prevalent technology they were aiming to replace. He said he would be happy to extend
12 project flexibility to the Applicant to serve families who needed water heater replacement.
13 Commissioner Fowler asked if going from electric to electric helps with greenhouse gas
14 emissions offset, versus transitioning from gas to electric.
15 Brennan Bouma said there is a significant benefit, as new heat pumps operate more
16 efficiently, but have a higher up front cost. He said newer heaters help lower energy usage and
17 electric bills.
18 Commissioner McKee asked if clarification could be provided about the eco-innovation
19 park request. He said it is vague and unclear.
20 Brennan Bouma said this project is not recommended for any funding.
21 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the OWASA project, and asked for clarity.
22 Brennan Bouma said there are electric pumps that bring water to the wastewater
23 treatment plant, and the solar array would go towards powering the pumps.
29
1 Elizabeth Henke, East Chapel Hill Rotary, explained the benefits of the Orange County
2 Habitat of Humanity solar project, especially to low-income families, which can reduce high
3 monthly electric bills. She said the effects of air pollution disproportionately affect low-income
4 families, especially families of color, and climate justice and racial justice are linked. She said
5 solar installations by Habitat will reduce emissions by more than 1,100 tons over the lifetime of
6 the panels, and save the homeowner an average of$73 a month over 30 years. She said the
7 rotary is proud to partner with Habitat on this project, and this will become a model for other
8 habitat groups.
9 Jennifer Player, CEO of Orange County Habitat for Humanity, discussed the benefits of
10 installing solar panels for homeowners. She described a family for which Habitat is currently
11 building a home, and said that for the first time solar panels were added to a future home built
12 by the organization. She said the grant will allow for more families to benefit from solar panels.
13 She described the work Habitat engages in and the benefits of homeownership for low-income
14 families. She thanked the Commissioners.
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene to
17 approved funding as recommended.
18
19 Commissioner Greene thanked the committee and staff for executing the program so
20 effectively. She also praised the scoring criteria that was developed, and is pleased with the
21 quality of the applications.
22
23 Roll call ensued
24
25 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
26
27 b. Appointments to the Orange County Justice Advisory Council
28 The Board will consider making changes to the Justice Advisory Council (JAC) structure
29 and approving associated appointments to the Justice Advisory Council.
30
31 BACKGROUND:
32 The Orange County Board of Commissioners created the Justice Advisory Council (JAC) at its
33 regular meeting on May 17, 2016. The Council coordinates, informs and enhances work in the
34 criminal justice system and in the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource (CJR) Department.
35 Its formation is aligned with the best practices for the administration of an effective, innovative
36 and equitable criminal justice system.
37
38 The JAC staff is recommending the following position changes:
39 • Add a position for the University of North Carolina Police Department and appoint UNC
40 Chief of Police David Perry to the position.
41 • Add a position for the Orange County Housing and Community Development
42 Department and appoint Director Emila Sutton to the position.
43 • Add a position for the Orange County Human Rights and Relations Department and
44 appoint Director Annette Moore to the position.
45
46 Caitlin Fenhagen, Criminal Justice Resource Director, discussed the item and the
47 benefits that an expanded board would bring to the council's work.
48
49 A motion was made Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to
50 approve the expansion of the board as recommended.
51
30
1 Roll call ensued
2
3 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
4
5 c. Appointments to the Orange County Broadband Task Force
6
7 The Board considered:
8 1) appointing two Commissioners to the Task Force;
9 2) making five At Large appointments to the Orange County Broadband Task Force from the
10 applications received, and appoint representatives from the Orange County Manager's
11 Office, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools, Orange County Schools, the NC Department of
12 Information Technology, and Durham Technical Community College; and
13 3) providing direction to staff that the County Manager's Designee, in conjunction with a
14 Facilitator, convene the first Task Force meeting no later than March 15, 2021, and that
15 the Task Force select a Chair at that meeting.
16
17 BACKGROUND:
18 At the September 1, 2020 Board of Orange County Commissioners business meeting, a petition
19 was submitted by Commissioner Earl McKee to create an Orange County Broadband Task
20 Force. Stakeholders would include the County Manager, Information Technology Department
21 Director, a representative from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology
22 (NCDIT), Orange County Schools Superintendent, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools
23 Superintendent and Community members living in the unincorporated areas of Orange County
24 who are underserved, including those with an interest in resolving the digital divide in Orange
25 County.
26
27 The Board subsequently discussed the proposal further at its November 17, 2020 Business
28 meeting, including the composition as noted in the table below and the following charge:
29
30 The Task Force charge will include but not necessarily be limited to:
31 1. Discuss broadband solutions that will improve the quality of high speed internet services
32 to Orange County residents;
33 2. Recommend a plan to the Board of Orange County Commissioners that will expand
34 reliable high-speed internet services to all county residents and businesses.
35
36 The Board voted "to approve the charge and composition (12 total positions) of the Orange
37 County Broadband Taskforce and authorize the Clerk to the Board to advertise for residents to
38 apply for the Task Force."
39
40
Special Representation Appointee
County Manager (Designee) Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager
Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools Doug Noell, Director of IT Operations
Superintendent (Designee)
31
Orange County Schools Superintendent Dr. Monique Felder, Superintendent
(Designee) (Or as Designee - Dr. Kathleen Dawson,
Deputy Superintendent)
NC Department of Information Technology Jeff Sural, Director NC Broadband
(NCDIT) Representative Infrastructure Office (NC BIO)
Durham Technical Community College Victoria P. Deaton, Compliance Specialist
Representative Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion
Board of Commissioners - 1 TBD
Board of Commissioners—2 TBD
Orange County Resident—At Large BOCC Appointment
Orange County Resident—At Large BOCC Appointment
Orange County Resident—At Large BOCC Appointment
Orange County Resident—At Large BOCC Appointment
Orange County Resident—At Large BOCC Appointment
1
2 It is proposed that Deputy County Manager Travis Myren (County Manager Designee), in
3 conjunction with a potential Facilitator, convene the first Task Force meeting no later than
4 March 15, 2021, and that the Task Force select a Chair at that meeting.
5
6 Katie Loovis, Chamber for a Greater Chapel Hill and Carrboro, expressed support for the
7 creation of the Broadband Task Force. She asked for providers of broadband services to be
8 part of the task force as ex officio, non-voting members, to provide information and updates to
9 the voting members of the task force as they address broadband needs.
10 Chair Price reviewed the recommended appointees from the County Manager's office,
11 school systems, NC Department of Information Technology and Durham Technical Community
12 College.
13 Commissioner Fowler nominated Commissioner McKee.
14 Commissioner Dorosin nominated Commissioner Greene.
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
17 appoint Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Greene to the broadband task force.
18
32
1 Roll call ensued.
2
3 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
4
5 Chair Price proposed a process of nominating resident applicants, where each
6 nomination must receive four votes by a show of hands to be added to a slate, from which to
7 vote.
8 Commissioner Dorosin requested a discussion of the goals for this committee, and what
9 variables the Board may want to consider in its appointees.
10 Chair Price said those thoughts can be included during the nomination process, unless a
11 broader discussion is needed.
12 Commissioner Hamilton thanked everyone who applied, and noted the high number of
13 qualified people willing to volunteer. She said it is hard when there are so many applicants but
14 so few spots. She said she hoped there would be ways for those who are not chosen to provide
15 input to the task force.
16 Commissioner McKee echoed appreciation for the applicants, but said there a lack of
17 racial diversity in the applications.
18 Chair Price confirmed the process for making nominations: as the Board makes
19 nominations, it will vote on each nominee using a show of hands, and nominees with 4 or more
20 votes will move on to the next round of voting.
21 Commissioner Dorosin nominated Paul Cardillo, and discussed his current efforts to
22 improve service in his community. 6 Commissioners voted yes.
23 Commissioner McKee nominated Peter Hallenbeck, and discussed his efforts in using
24 technology to improve public safety responses. 5 Commissioners voted yes.
25 Commissioner Greene nominated Daniel Allison, noting his experience in IT services. 5
26 Commissioners voted yes.
27 Commissioner Bedford nominated Terri Buckner from the Carrboro ETJ, noting that she
28 is a woman. 4 Commissioners voted yes.
29 Commissioner Fowler nominated Shannon Nichols, noting that she is female and from
30 Hillsborough and had a telecommunications and urban planning background. 4 Commissioners
31 voted yes.
32 Chair Price nominated Pavani Peri, as she is Asian American and young. 3
33 Commissioners voted yes.
34 Commissioner Dorosin asked for a discussion as to why Pavani Peri was not supported,
35 given the diversity she would bring to the task force.
36 Commissioner Fowler said her list was weighted towards people who are not in Chapel
37 Hill, since Internet service is less of an issue in the southern part of the County.
38 Chair Price said the list will still have to be whittled down in a future round.
39 Chair Price reviewed the current list of those with four or more votes.
40 Commissioner Bedford nominated Todd Broucksou, because of his experience with
41 MCNC.
42 Commissioner Greene also echoed support for Todd Broucksou, and said MCNC can be
43 very helpful in this process. 4 Commissioners supported him.
44 Commissioner Fowler nominated Patricia Hull from Hurdle Mills, a data analyst with
45 experience in urban planning. 4 Commissioners voted yes.
46 Chair Price expressed concern that there are two Asian Americans who applied to the
47 task force, but neither has been nominated.
48 Commissioner McKee said he is focusing on experience.
49 Commissioner Dorosin agreed with Chair Price, and is concerned that the current list of
50 nominees are all white. He said the Board has talked for weeks about its commitment to racial
51 diversity, and this is an opportunity to act. He said criteria for nominations should be balanced.
33
1 He said that focusing on experience can lead to disproportionate impact, and those kinds of
2 subjective criteria leave people out.
3 Commissioner Dorosin nominated Vasu Kilaru.
4 Commissioner McKee said he would support Kilaru. He said he had concerns about
5 Pavani Peri's lack of experience.
6 Commissioner Dorosin said having more young people on boards and commissions is
7 an issue the Board has talked about.
8 7 Commissioners voted yes for Kilaru.
9 Chair Price discussed Pavani Peri's qualifications and the Board re-voted on her
10 nomination; 4 commissioners voted yes.
11 Commissioner Greene agreed on the issues of diversity, and said it is important to
12 insure representation from those who do not have broadband service so they can bring the
13 perspective to the task force. She said Hull and Kilaru both represent areas that do not have
14 broadband service.
15 Chair Price reviewed the 9 nominations: Daniel Allison, Todd Broucksou, Terry Buckner,
16 Paul Cardillo, Pete Hallenbeck, Patricia Hull, Vasu Kilaru, Shannon Nichols, Pavani Peri.
17 Commissioner Dorosin requested clarification on the voting process.
18 Chair Price said each Commissioner can vote 5 times, and whichever five nominees get
19 the most votes by a show of hands get added to the motion to be approved for the task force.
20 Chair Price asked if she could have a roll call vote at the end on the final five applicants.
21 John Roberts said yes.
22
23 Allison: 3 votes
24 Broucksou: 5 votes
25 Buckner: 3 votes
26 Cardillo: 7 votes
27 Hallenbeck: 2 votes
28 Hull: 5 votes
29 Kilaru: 7 votes
30 Nichols: 1 vote
31 Peri: 3 votes
32
33 Top vote getters of round 1: Kilaru, Cardillo, Hull, Broucksou
34
35 Allison: 1 vote
36 Buckner: 3 votes
37 Peri: 3 votes
38
39 Tie for round 2: Peri and Buckner
40
41 Commissioner McKee discussed the benefits of Ms. Buckner's experience.
42 Commissioner Dorosin reiterated the Board's stated commitment to diversity and
43 inclusion, and said Ms. Peri would bring that to the task force.
44
45 Buckner: 4 votes
46 Peri: 3 votes
47
48 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
49 add Vasu Kilaru, Paul Cardillo, Patricia Hull, Todd Broucksou, and Terri Buckner to task force.
50
51 Roll call ensued
34
1
2 VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
3 Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee, Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
4 Dorosin)
5
6 MOTION PASSES
7
8 Commissioner McKee expressed concerned about creating an ex officio member from a
9 broadband provider, as suggested by Katie Loovis. He said he does not believe that any one
10 provider should hold a seat because they could potentially have a compromised position if they
11 have an interest in submitting a proposal.
12 Commissioner Greene agreed with Commissioner McKee and said she spoke with Lee
13 Worsley at Triangle J Council of Governments, and Triangle J will provide resources for the task
14 force should it be necessary.
15 Commissioner McKee supported the suggestion of Triangle J Council of Governments
16 providing support.
17 Commissioner Fowler clarified that the meetings will be open, should a broadband
18 provider want to attend.
19 Commissioner McKee said all providers should be invited to provide information.
20 Chair Price noted the time, and asked if the board wanted to continue with the meeting.
21 The board agreed by consensus to proceed.
22
23 d. Appointments to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group
24 The Board considered:
25
26 1) making fifteen appointments to the BOCC Elections Advisory Group;
27 2) directing the Group to select Co-Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 area of the
28 County and one individual from the District 2 area of the County; and
29 3) providing any further direction on the charge to the Group as it relates to desired
30 outcomes from the Group's work
31
32 BACKGROUND:
33 At the Board of Commissioners' April 7, 2020 Virtual Business meeting, a petition was
34 presented that the Board discuss and potentially change a portion of the process under which
35 some or all Board members are elected.
36
37 The Board subsequently discussed the issue at its May 5, 2020 Virtual Business meeting and
38 voted to:
39 1) Establish a committee to study alternative methods of election;
40 2) Select members for the committee no later than January 31, 2021;
41 3) Have the committee review options and report back by July 31, 2021; and
42 4) For the Board to review the recommendations, and if necessary conduct public hearings
43 and make a decision in time for the March 2022 primary election.
44
45 The Board subsequently discussed the proposal further at its September 10, 2020 work
46 session. Staff requested direction from the Board on:
47 • the total number of members the committee should include;
48 • whether the committee should consist entirely of residents;
49 • whether election or other experts would be considered/appointed;
50 0 whether there should be representation from nonprofit entities;
35
1 • whether there would be a formal application process; and
2 • any other details regarding the establishment of the committee.
3
4 Based on direction given at that meeting, the Clerk's Office began soliciting membership
5 applications from Orange County residents for fifteen (15) seats for the BOCC Elections
6 Advisory Group, with appointments to be made by January 31, 2021. The Group materials
7 noted that the purpose is to "study alternative methods/districts to elect the Board of County
8 Commissioners (BOCC) and make a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners."
9
10 Staff advertised the application opportunity on the County website and also published two
11 Public Service Announcements regarding the Group. The opportunity for service was also
12 shared on WCHL radio station. An announcement also occurred at the Board's October 20,
13 2020 Business meeting that the County was recruiting for potential appointees to the BOCC
14 Elections Advisory Group and that applications were available on the County Website under
15 Board of Commissioners -Volunteer Advisory Boards & Commissions.
16
17 The County has received applications from twenty-three (23) interested individuals. The
18 applications for these individuals are attached. A vacant membership roster is also provided for
19 reference.
20
21 As part of the process establishing the Group and appointing members, a question was raised
22 regarding a Group Chair. It has been suggested that the Board direct the Group to select Co-
23 Chairs, with one individual from the District 1 area of the County and one individual from the
24 District 2 area of the County. Staff requests that the Board address this topic and provide
25 direction.
26
27 Also as part of establishing the Group, another question has been raised regarding the desired
28 outcomes from the Group. It is requested that the Board provide any further guidance regarding
29 the framework for feedback the Group may provide.
30
31 Chair Price encouraged the Board to look for as much diversity as possible when
32 nominating applicants to the advisory group.
33 John Roberts said there are still open issues about what the group will do, but he will
34 address those after the members are approved.
35 Chair Price asked if anyone would like to explain the background of the group and why it
36 was conceived.
37 Commissioner Dorosin said he drafted a charge for the advisory group, which he read in
38 the meeting and shared on the screen:
39
40 To review, research, and evaluate the current method of electing commissioners, as well
41 as any alternative electoral methods or models, including not limited to single member districts,
42 aligning primary and general election methods, multi-seat elections, and the number of
43 commissioners. The Advisory Group shall assess all options and alternatives pursuant to the
44 following criteria:
45 • Constitutional and statutory requirements and voting rights law;
46 • Proportionality
47 • Equity
48 • Uniformity
49 • Simplicity/clarity
50 0 Maximizing voter engagement
36
1 The Advisory Group's assessment should incorporate, to the extent possible, anticipated
2 population distribution changes based on the 2020 census.
3 The Advisory Group may consider options that require enabling legislation; however, it
4 must present to the BOCC options that do not require such authorization.
5
6 Commissioner McKee asked if there are any issues with the portion of the charge
7 relating to the number of commissioners, and if that is an issue that would have to go to the
8 legislature. He said he does not want to go to the legislature.
9 John Roberts said there are only four options that would be allowed, without going to the
10 legislature. He said the current practice is one of those 4 options, leaving 3 others remaining.
11 He said he would have to research whether changing the number of Commissioners would
12 require legislative action.
13 Commissioner Fowler referred to the first paragraph, and said it does not include all
14 possible choices. She said she would prefer to list all choices, or list none, and wants to avoid
15 bias.
16 Commissioner Greene said it is clear this is not an inclusive list, and leads with a set of
17 suggested possibilities. She said the charge leaves room for the committee to come up with
18 broad ideals, but within those ideals there should be things the County can accomplish without
19 going to the legislature.
20 Commissioner Dorosin said his intention was to list the things the advisory group could
21 consider without the County going to the legislature for the authority. He said the number of
22 Commissioners was changed last time there was an elections advisory group, so he kept it in
23 the charge for the new group.
24 Commissioner Bedford said she liked the charge, and asked if the advisory group would
25 share recommendations with pros and cons of each.
26 Commissioner Hamilton said she would prefer the group not to give a recommendation,
27 but rather just present options with pros and cons. She said she wants to avoid any bias.
28 Commissioner McKee reiterated his desire to avoid recommendations that require going
29 to the legislature. He said it would be unwise to go to the legislature.
30 John Roberts said the Board can consist of any number of Commissioners, but no less
31 than 3, and does not require legislative action.
32 Commissioner Dorosin said the committee should do a broad assessment, and there
33 may be recommendations that requires legislative approval, but the Board could decide to do it
34 or not. He said nothing is off the table at this point, and there is a public education piece to this
35 process.
36 Chair Price agreed that she did not want to see a formal recommendation from the
37 advisory group, but pros and cons. She said if the group has suggestions, she would like to
38 know that, but not a formal recommendation.
39 Commissioner Fowler nominated Nicholas Batman, a student at UNC. 5 Commissioners
40 voted yes.
41 Commissioner McKee nominated Brian Crawford. 7 commissioners voted yes
42 Commissioner Greene nominated Jonathan Weiler. 6 commissioners voted yes.
43 Chair Price nominated Alicia Reid. 6 commissioners voted yes.
44 Commissioner McKee nominated Kathy Arab. 7 commissioners voted yes.
45 Commissioner Hamilton nominated Jennifer Bremer with the League of Women Voters,
46 4 commissioners voted yes.
47 Commissioner Greene said she did not vote for Jennifer Bremer because there is
48 another applicant from the League that she was looking at.
49 Commissioner Dorosin nominated Josh Mayo, due to background and activity in
50 community. 2 commissioners voted yes.
51 Commissioner Bedford nominated Lisa Hazirjian. 7 commissioners voted yes
37
1 Commissioner Dorosin nominated Penny Rich, due to her experience. 2 commissioners
2 voted yes.
3 Commissioner McKee nominated Patrick Mulkey. 5 commissioners voted yes.
4 Commissioner Greene nominated Jaazaniah Catterall. 7 commissioners voted yes.
5 Commissioner Bedford nominated Krishna Mondal. 5 commissioners voted yes.
6 Commissioner Bedford nominated Rex Williams. 7 commissioners voted yes.
7 Chair Price nominated Martha Jenkins. 5 commissioners voted yes.
8 Commissioner Dorosin nominated Jenn Sykes. 6 commissioners voted yes.
9 Chair Price nominated Susana Dancy. 4 commissioners voted yes.
10 Commissioner Fowler nominated Thomas Rhodes. 3 commissioners voted yes.
11 Chair Price nominated Nathan Boucher. 4 commissioners voted yes.
12 Chair Price said Kathy Arab, Nicholas Batman, Nathan Boucher, Jennifer Bremer,
13 Jaazaniah Catterall, Brian Crawford, Susana Dancy, Lisa Hazirjian, Martha Jenkins, Krishna
14 Mondal, Patrick Mulkey, Alicia Reid, Jenn Sykes, Jonathan Weiler, and Rex Williams were the
15 final fifteen nominations to the elections advisory group,
16 Commissioner Hamilton said it did not appear that Nathan Boucher actually applied for
17 the advisory group, based on the application in the agenda packet.
18 Thom Freeman, Assistant Deputy Clerk I, double-checked the applications database. He
19 said Nathan Boucher did submit an application, but it did not download correctly. He read
20 Nathan Boucher's answers to the application:
21
22 BOCC Elections Advisory Group
23 Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
24 1 have no prior background advising on election or voting strategies. I have extensive
25 experience leading and participating on advisory boards and with stakeholder engagement.
26 Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
27 The current elections have made it clear that ALL need an equal opportunity to exercise their
28 voting rights. I have no agenda; I want everyone to vote and I don t ask for whom.
29 Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
30 1 work in aging and disability areas and am concerned with access to voting and
31 representation of those who often live in the shadows of our community. I have extensive
32 experience with managing stakeholder engagement and convening diverse communities.
33
34 Commissioner Fowler confirmed her support for Boucher.
35
36 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
37 approve the fifteen nominees to the elections advisory group
38
39 Roll call ensued
40
41 VOTE: Ayes, 6 (Commissioner Bedford, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene,
42 Commissioner Hamilton, Commissioner McKee, Chair Price); Nays, 1 (Commissioner
43 Dorosin)
44
45 MOTION PASSES
46
47 Commissioner Bedford asked if there will be a facilitator for this group.
48 Greg Wilder asked if the Commissioners would review the recommendations items 2
49 and 3: approving a charge, selecting co-chairs for the advisory group, and the possibility of
50 selecting a facilitator.
51
38
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
2 approve the charge.
3
4 Chair Price asked if the motion could include directing the group to select the co-chairs
5 from districts 1 and 2.
6 Commissioner Dorosin agreed to amend his motion, and Commissioner McKee
7 seconded.
8
9 Roll call ensued
10
11 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
12
13 Chair Price asked if it was the pleasure of the Board to have an outside facilitator for the
14 advisory group.
15 Commissioner McKee supported directing the group to select a facilitator, based on
16 previous positive experience in other groups led by a facilitator.
17 Commissioner Dorosin disagreed. He said the group should meet and ask for
18 facilitation, if necessary. He said he is not inclined to support paying a facilitator.
19 Commissioner Bedford said there may be a volunteer facilitator that is interested.
20 Bonnie Hammersley said the person staff had been speaking with would not be a
21 volunteer.
22 Chair Price agreed with Commissioner Dorosin, and suggested that the group bring in
23 the Elections Director Rachel Raper to assist.
24
25 7. Reports
26 NONE
27
28 8. Consent Agenda
29
30 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
31 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
32 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
33
34 Commissioner Greene noted that with item 8-e, the County will be adding over 1,000
35 acres to the voluntary agricultural district, and she thanked those who have been involved with
36 the process.
37
38 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
39 approve the consent agenda.
40
41 Roll call ensued.
42
43 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
44
45 a. Minutes
46 The Board approved the minutes for the December 7 and December 15, 2020 Board of County
47 Commissioners Virtual Business Meetings as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
48 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
39
1 The Board considered adoption of a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release
2 motor vehicle property tax values for two taxpayers with a total of two bills that will result in a
3 reduction of revenue.
4 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
5 The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, to release property tax
6 values for four taxpayers with a total of ten bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
7 d. Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
8 The Board approved four untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem
9 taxation for four bills for the 2020 tax year.
10 e. Voluntary Agricultural District Designation — Multiple Farms
11 The Board approved applications from ten landowners/farms to certify qualifying farmland within
12 the Caldwell, Cane Creek/Buckhorn, Cedar Grove, and Schley/Eno Voluntary Agricultural
13 Districts; and enroll the lands in the Orange County Farmland Preservation Program's Voluntary
14 Agricultural District program.
15 f. Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Amendment#7
16 The Board approved budget and grant project ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2020-21
17 for the Department of Social Services; Criminal Justice Resource Department; Housing and
18 Community Development; and the Health Department.
19 g. Approval of Land Transfer from Chatham County to Orange County
20 The Board approved a resolution regarding the transfer of 4.6 acres of land from Chatham
21 County to Orange County.
22 h. Public Comment Submission to the NC Utilities Commission on Duke Energy's 2020
23 Integrated Resource Plan
24 The Board authorized the Chair to sign a letter created in collaboration with several other NC
25 local governments with recommendations for Duke Energy's 2020 Integrated Resource Plan,
26 and directing staff to join with other local governments in submitting a single copy of the letter
27 signed by all interested local governments to the NC Utilities Commission during the period for
28 initial public comments.
29
30 9. County Manager's Report
31 Bonnie Hammersley said the BOCC will have a work session on February 9, including
32 advisory board appointments, which will be first to allow for plenty of time for discussion. She
33 said John Roberts will present information on the discharge of firearms, and the Sheriff will be
34 available for discussion on housing federal inmates in the county jail and for written consent for
35 vehicle searches.
36
37 10. County Attorney's Report
38 John Roberts reminded the Board that the legislature is back in session, and he will
39 update the Commissioners weekly on items.
40 Chair Price briefly reflected back to item 8-a consent agenda, as there were changes
41 sent by email to the minutes for December 7 and December 15, 2020. The changes were:
42 reorganize the proclamations for former Chair Penny Rich and former Commissioner Mark
43 Marcopolos on pages 2 and 3 of the December 7th minutes; correct the name of OWASA board
44 representative Ray DuBose on page 7, lines 27 and 42 of the December 7th minutes; note that
45 Janine Zanin is a resident of Efland, not Mebane, on page 3, line 2 of the December 15th
46 minutes; and change the word "ward" to "award" on page 4, line 4 of the December 151h
47 minutes. The Board did not have any questions or discussion on these adjustments.
48
49 11. *Appointments
50 NONE
51
40
1 12. Information Items
2
3 • December 15, 2020 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
4 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
5 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
6 • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
7
8 13. Closed Session
9 NONE
10
11 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
12 adjourn the meeting at 11:02 p.m.
13
14 Roll call ensued
15
16 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
17
18
19 Renee Price, Chair
20
21
22 Laura Jensen
23 Clerk to the Board
24
25 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.
Attachment 2
1
1 MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 VIRTUAL WORK SESSION
5 FEBRUARY 9, 2021
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Work Session on Tuesday,
9 February 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
12 and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, and Earl
13 McKee
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: NONE
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
21
22 A roll call was called; all members were present.
23
24 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual Work
25 Session on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. Members of the Board of Commissioners participated in
26 the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to view and listen
27 to the meeting via live streaming video at http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos
28 and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
29
30 1. Advisory Board Appointments Discussion
31
32 Chair Price said two additional applications were received after agenda packet was sent
33 out, and suggested deferring these to the next cycle.
34 The Board agreed by consensus.
35
36 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
37
38 Arts Commission
39
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
John Bemis At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2024
Anita Mills At-Large Second Full Term 03/31/2024
Re-Appointment
Frederick Joiner At-Large Second Full Term 03/31/2024
Re-Appointment
40 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
41 None
42
2
1 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
2 approve these three appointments.
3
4 Commissioner Dorosin said there are other members of this commission with terms
5 expiring in March 2021, and asked if there is a plan to consider these vacancies.
6 Thom Freeman-Stuart said those positions would be considered at the March work
7 session.
8 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Board votes on the positions at this work session.
9 Chair Price said the Board will confirm a slate of appointments, who will then be
10 confirmed by vote on the consent agenda at the 2/16 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
11 meeting.
12 Commissioner Greene changed her motion to a suggestion that these three
13 appointments be on the slate for approval on 2/16.
14 The Board agreed by consensus.
15
16 Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau
17
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Manish Atma Chapel Hill-Carrboro First Full Term 12/31/2023
Chamber of
Commerce
18 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
19 None
20
21 Commissioner McKee suggested that Manish Atma be appointed.
22 The Board agreed by consensus.
23
24 Orange County Board of Adjustment
25
26 NOTE: On October 6, 2020, the BOCC approved the "Amendment to Orange County Board of
27 Commissioners Advisory Board Policy Regarding Elected Officials". John Roberts, County
28 Attorney has stated that, "only the ethics portions of the policy apply to the quasi-judicial boards,
29 so Samantha Cabe does not have to step down".
30
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Samantha Cabe At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2022
Re-appointment
31
32
3
1 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
2
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Alternate 06/30/2022 This position has been vacant since
08/10/2020.
3
4 Commissioner Greene asked if John Roberts could clarify his advice regarding the
5 ethics policy.
6 John Roberts said when the Board approved this policy about elected officials serving, it
7 only applied to certain advisory boards and committees. He said it was not applied to quasi-
8 judicial boards; however, certain provisions of the policy, which included the ethics portion and
9 the reporting of property owned, were applied to quasi-judicial boards.
10 Commissioner Greene asked if the planning board is a quasi-judicial board.
11 John Roberts said no.
12 Commissioner Dorosin said his intent in bringing up the policy, was not to distinguish
13 between boards, but rather his intention was to not appoint any elected officials to any boards.
14 He said, since Samantha Cabe's term has expired, he does not think she should be
15 reappointed.
16 Commissioner McKee asked if Samantha Cabe is eligible for a second term.
17 Chair Price said Samantha Cabe is eligible, but she was under the same impression as
18 Commissioner Dorosin, that the BOCC would not appoint elected officials to any board.
19 Commissioner Dorosin said she has already served an additional year and a half to two
20 years.
21 Commissioner McKee said he does not support not reappointing her, unless there was a
22 reason other than the Board changed its policy.
23 Commissioner Dorosin said Cabe has been serving past the end date of her first term.
24 Commissioner Greene said her first term has ended, and this is not the middle of her
25 second term. She said no one is guaranteed a second term, and a change in policy is a reason
26 not to reappoint.
27 Commissioner McKee acknowledged that a second term is not a guarantee, but said
28 there is a reasonable assumption that a person would be reappointed to a second term unless
29 there was some other lack of performance. He said Samantha Cabe had nothing to do with the
30 Board's change in policy, and he supports appointing her to a second term.
31 Chair Price said this situation provides an opportunity to come into compliance with a
32 rule the Board has set. She said there are no other applicants, but the County should continue
33 to look for other applicants. She agreed with Commissioner Dorosin and Commissioner
34 Greene. She said she does not know how many cases the Board of Adjustment is considering.
35 Thom Freeman-Stuart confirmed there are no other applicants for the position, and he
36 does not know if there are any cases coming before the Board of Adjustment.
37 Commissioner Dorosin said there is an alternate, and he agreed with the Chair's
38 comment that this is an opportunity to come into compliance. He said it has not been the
39 default policy of the Board to grant a second term. He said he does not support nominating
40 Samantha Cabe to the Board of Adjustment.
41 Commissioner Fowler said if there is an alternate who could take Samantha Cabe's
42 place, then she supports taking the opportunity to come into compliance.
43 Commissioner Bedford said she wondered initially if there was a conflict of interest, but
44 that concern was satisfied. She said she can support having the alternate step in, and
45 searching for a new applicant to be consistent with the Board's policy. She said said there is
46 one alternate, Leon Meyers, and the other alternate position is vacant.
4
1 Commissioner Hamilton said it is important to be consistent, and she is hearing that
2 having any elected official on any board creates a conflict of interest, which she understands.
3 She thinks important to make the change now and use the alternate.
4 Commissioner Dorosin said, for him, it is less about a conflict of interest, and more about
5 expanding the number of people who serve on boards and commissions to bring in a variety of
6 viewpoints.
7 Commissioner Greene supported both Commissioner Hamilton and Commissioner
8 Dorosin's remarks. She said she is concerned about the influence elected officials might have
9 on conversations.
10 Chair Price agreed with Commissioner Greene. She asked if appointing Leon Meyers is
11 the desire of the Board.
12 Commissioner Bedford asked if Leon Meyers could be appointed to the position.
13 Thom Freeman-Stuart he is not certain without reading the bylaws, but thought it should
14 be possible
15 Commissioner Bedford said it could be brought back on the consent agenda.
16 County Attorney said he would have to research this answer.
17 Bonnie Hammersley said staff could check with Leon Meyers to see if he is interested in
18 being appointed.
19
20
21 Orange County Housing Authority
22
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Adejuwon At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2024
O'ebuoboh
Dr. Michael At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2022
Webb
23 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
24 None
25
26 Commissioner Bedford said she supported the candidates, due to their experience and
27 strong applications.
28 The Board agreed by consensus.
29
30 Orange County Parks & Recreation Council
31
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Mikki Cheeks Township First Full Term 03/31/2024
Fleming
32 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
33 None
34
35 The Board agreed by consensus to support this appointment.
36
37
5
1 Orange County Planning Board
2
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Melissa Poole Little River Township First Full Term 03/31/2024
Re-appointment
Patricia Roberts Cheeks Township One Year Extension 03/31/2022
Offer
Carrie Fletcher Bingham Township Second Full Term 03/31/2024
Re-appointment
BOCC At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2024
Appointment
BOCC At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2024
Appointment
3
4 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
5 None
6
7 Chair Price said the letter in the packet requested that Patricia Roberts' appointment be
8 extended, but more applications were received after the letter was drafted.
9 Commissioner Fowler supported looking at the additional applicants for the Cheeks
10 Township.
11 Commissioner Fowler referred to the at-large appointments that are vacant, and asked if
12 the Board needs to fill these vacancies as well as considering the extension of Patricia Roberts'
13 term.
14 Chair Price said yes.
15 Commissioner Dorosin suggested Lamar Proctor for the Cheeks Township position or
16 at-large position.
17 The Board agreed by consensus that Lamar Proctor should fill the Cheeks Township
18 position.
19 Commissioner McKee supported the reappointment of Melissa Poole.
20 Commissioner Greene supported the reappointment of Carrie Fletcher.
21 The Board agreed by consensus.
22 Commissioner Hamilton suggested Will Raymond for an at-large position, due to his
23 experience and technical skills.
24 Commissioner McKee supported Commissioner Hamilton's suggestion of Will Raymond.
25 Commissioner Fowler suggested Whitney Watson for an at-large position.
26 Commissioner McKee supported Commissioner Fowler's suggestion of Whitney Watson.
27 Commissioner Dorosin noted that Bonnie Hauser is an elected official on the school
28 board, and remains in the pool of applicants for the Planning Board. He requested that Thom
29 Freeman-Stuart and the Clerk's Office weed out elected officials from future appointment
30 discussions and send a letter thanking them for their interest.
31 Chair Price agreed with Commissioner Dorosin's suggestion.
32 Commissioner Bedford suggested Charity Kirk, due to her industrial design background
33 and some work with the LEEDs building process.
34 Commissioner Greene agreed. She supported Charity Kirk and Whitney Watson to
35 bring in more diversity to the board.
36 Chair Price said as a woman, it is nice to have other women on the board.
6
1 Commissioner Hamilton pointed out that the Planning Board already has seven women,
2 and appointing a man would actually bring more diversity to the board.
3 Commissioner McKee said he supported Will Raymond.
4 Chair Price said she would take votes by a show of hands:
5
6 First round of voting:
7 Will Raymond -4 votes
8 Whitney Watson - 4 votes
9 Charity Kirk- 5 votes
10
11 Chair Price said Charity Kirk received the highest number of votes in the first round, and
12 will be considered for one at-large seat.
13
14 Second round of voting:
15 Will Raymond - 3 votes
16 Whitney Watson - 4 votes
17
18 Chair Price said Whitney Watson received the highest number of votes in the second
19 round, and will be considered for the second at-large seat. She reviewed the suggested
20 nominees: Melissa Poole, Lamar Proctor, Carrie Fletcher, Charity Kirk, Whitney Watson
21
22 2. Additional Discussion Regarding the Regulation of the Discharge of Firearms in
23 Areas of the County with a High Residential Unit Density
24
25 John Roberts reviewed the following background information:
26
27 BACKGROUND:
28 This topic was discussed by the Board of Commissioners in September 2020. The Board of
29 Commissioners directed the County Attorney to bring back additional information at a work
30 session including a map that shows diagrams of buffers of various sizes around residences in
31 the County's jurisdiction and an example of approximate distances of varying types of
32 ammunition.
33
34 A more detailed discussion is available in the September agenda packet. The September 10,
35 2020 agenda item may be reviewed here. One point of clarification regarding the September
36 agenda packet— permits are required for commercial shooting ranges erected in Orange
37 County. Private shooting ranges require adequately constructed or maintained backstops, but
38 do not require permits. Attachment B shows distances in a vacuum and does not account for
39 arc range, barrel length, bullet type, cartridge power, etc.
40
41 The County Attorney presented the item. He reminded the board about previous discussions
42 focusing on creating a buffer around residential areas. Brian Carson from GIS created several
43 maps to provide options which were in the agenda packet. The County Attorney read the
44 statutes and local ordinances for firearm restrictions. He specifically noted exceptions in the
45 rules:
46
47 State Preemption § 14-409.40(b) Unless otherwise permitted by statute, no county or
48 municipality, by ordinance, resolution, or other enactment, shall regulate in any manner the
49 possession, ownership, storage, transfer, sale, purchase, licensing, taxation, manufacture,
7
1 transportation, or registration of firearms, firearms ammunition, components of firearms, dealers
2 in firearms, or dealers in handgun components or parts.
3 State Authorization § 153A-129.
4 (a) Except as provided in this section, a county may by ordinance regulate, restrict, or prohibit
5 the discharge of firearms at any time or place except in any of the following instances:
6 (1) When used to take birds or animals pursuant to Chapter 113, Subchapter IV.
7 (2) When used in defense of person or property.
8 (3) When used pursuant to lawful directions of law-enforcement officers.
9 Also excepted, sport shooting ranges existing at the time an ordinance is adopted or amended,
10 § 14-409.46(e). Defined as "An area designed and operated for the use of rifles, shotguns,
11 pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, black powder, or any other similar sport shooting." Applies to
12 private and non-private sport shooting ranges.
13 Current Orange County Ordinance Firearm Prohibitions
14 Sec. 14-36 (Emergency Declaration)
15 Authorizes the prohibition of the transfer or possession of firearms off one's own property during
16 a declared state of emergency. (preempted by changes to state law)
17 Sec. 18-152 (County Property)
18 Prohibits 1) possession of firearms in county owned or leased buildings, 2) possession of
19 firearms on or in county-owned recreational facilities.
20 Sec. 24-1 (Authorized by Local Act)
21 Prohibits 1) hunting with a firearm while subject to an impairing substance, 2) hunting with a
22 firearm while having any concentration of blood alcohol measurable by an alco-sensor, 3)
23 hunting with a firearm within 150 yards of a government building.
24 Sec. 24-3 (Discharge Restrictions)
25 Prohibits 1) discharge except into a natural or constructed backstop adequate to stop a
26 projectile, 2) discharge a firearm carelessly or heedlessly in disregard for the safety of others, 3)
27 discharge a firearm in any manner that causes the projectile to leave the property on which it is
28 discharged, 4) discharge of a firearm after a person has consumed alcohol or any other
29 impairing substance.
30 Sec. 28-27 (Employees)
31 Prohibits possession of a firearm by County employees in the workplace with some exceptions.
32 UDO
33 County regulates the construction of commercial shooting ranges.
34 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the shooting range exemption, and said it is pretty
35 broad based on previous discussions. He said anyone target shooting in their yard would have
36 an exemption.
8
1 John Roberts said someone putting up a target in their yard does not constitute a sports
2 shooting range. He said there is no case law, except that a shooting range is not a farm use
3 through agro-tourism, but it has to be more than a target.
4 Commissioner Dorosin said it could be a naturally occurring berm in their yard, which
5 does not require one to take affirmative steps in their yard. He clarified that there is no
6 registration required, no advanced notification to the County or neighbors, etc.
7 John Roberts discussed various firearms and the scattering of shots based on different
8 types of firearms. He said some would require a backstop, and some would not.
9 Commissioner Hamilton clarified that there is no definition of what a sports shooting
10 range actually is.
11 John Roberts said no, except for the description in NCGS 14-409.46(e)
12 Commissioner McKee asked if he had people over to his house to shoot skeet, would
13 that be grandfathered in as a shooting range.
14 John Roberts said if the area was reasonably maintained as a shooting range then it
15 could be grandfathered in.
16 Commissioner McKee said many people shoot skeet with guests at their homes, but do
17 not maintain a defined area/range. He said he is unsure what the Board is trying to accomplish
18 here, but if there is a goal to enforce, then definitions will be important.
19 Chair Price said she gets complaints about the noise, which cannot be regulated, but
20 with the noise comes concerns about safety.
21 John Roberts continued to review the current Orange County ordinance firearm
22 prohibitions and relevant UDO language.
23 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a process to enforce the current Orange County
24 firearms ordinances.
25 John Roberts said he would defer to the Sheriff.
26 Sheriff Blackwood said his department reviews what the individual is shooting, if there is
27 a backstop or berm, what is the manner in which they are firing their gun, are they target
28 shooting or just walking around, etc. He said his department has had success with educating
29 the public and enforcing the ordinance. He said some citations have been made.
30 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a criminal citation or a fine.
31 John Roberts said it is a misdemeanor violation, which carries a $500 fine and a $500
32 civil penalty.
33 Sheriff Blackwood said there are also expensive court costs, in addition to the fine.
34 Chair Price asked if the Sheriff's Department is able to determine the location of a
35 discharge, when it receives complains about noise.
36 Sheriff Blackwood said previous knowledge of the people and the community comes into
37 play. He said his department usually get calls for areas of which they are already aware. He
38 said noise is not an issue, and cannot be an issue. He said the Sheriff's department is
39 determining if one is shooting in a safe manner. He said an individual shooting could be
40 shooting in a safe manner, even if they are surrounded by other residences, due to backstops
41 and other set ups on the property. He said most residents are cooperative, and are discharging
42 firearms safely. He said the initial approach to the property is somewhat dangerous for
43 deputies, as it is yet unclear into what the deputy is walking.
44 Commissioner Hamilton asked if many complaints are received in a year.
45 Chair Price said she gets about 2 or three complaints, due to the fear of hearing
46 gunshots.
47 Commissioner Hamilton asked if it is known how many calls involve actual safety issues.
48 Sheriff Blackwood said calls are seasonal. He said typically, a person complains when
49 they have heard gunshots for several hours, and the Sheriff's department has to determine if the
50 shooting is being done in a safe manner, then they discuss with the individual about stopping.
51 He said his department suggests that residents call 911 ahead of time to let them know they will
9
1 be shooting, so public safety can reassure callers, and deputies will understand into what they
2 are walking.
3 Commissioner Hamilton asked if any calls have had issues of safety.
4 Sheriff Blackwood said maybe one call out of fifty. He said he will follow up with specific
5 numbers. He encouraged the Commissioners to ride with deputies to see what kinds of calls
6 they get and how deputies handle situations.
7 Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is a sense of how many people target shoot in the
8 County.
9 Sheriff Blackwood said numbers are different based on the different districts, with fewer
10 shooters in southern part of County, and more in the northern part. He estimates less than 250
11 people total.
12 Commissioner McKee said for historical context this issue has come up over several
13 years, and the task force spent much of its time discussing this very topic. He said he agrees
14 with the Sheriff's estimations. He said he skeet shoots 3-4 times a year, but others do so more
15 regularly. He said where he lives it is normal, and he has heard it all his life. He said it is a
16 different situation in a subdivision, where residents do not know what kind of gun a person is
17 shooting, and there is a wide range of how far the projectiles will go. He said this was a major
18 part of the shooting task force's discussion to try to find a middle ground between the right to
19 own firearms and when to use them. He said it boils down to noise, and whether the noise
20 aggravates the neighbors.
21 Chair Price said there was discussion on how far they should impose the regulation.
22 She said a 300 foot buffer gives room to shoot, but a 600 or 900 foot buffer gives no room to
23 practice.
24 Commissioner Greene said this most recently came to the Board over a year ago due to
25 complaints from the west side of Carrboro, but the lots were large and there was nothing the
26 Board could do to regulate the issue at the time. She asked if there is anything the Board can
27 do at this time.
28 John Roberts said the discussion in September 2020 was regarding subdivisions, and a
29 distance buffer, density and urbanized developments. He said it is not feasible to make
30 ordinances around subdivisions due to the number and variety.
31 Commissioner Bedford said the Board looked at Durham's noise ordinance, but Durham
32 found it unenforceable. She said a family came in front of the Board who agreed to only shoot
33 one day of a week and communicated this to neighbors, which worked well.
34 Chair Price said there is very little the BOCC can do, and agreed with the Sheriff about
35 calling 911 before one shoots. She said if someone contacts Commissioners with concerns,
36 they should also call 911.
37 Sheriff Blackwood said the topic has been discussed many times and all options have
38 been explored, including what other counties do. He said an educational program may be
39 helpful in neighborhoods where lots of shooting is happening to help with expectations, and
40 tools for resolving issues. He said he would be happy to facilitate this type of endeavor. He
41 said people feel entitled to shoot on their own land, while others feel entitled to not have to hear
42 shooting on their own land.
43 Commissioner Dorosin said a community education policy makes a lot of sense, but he
44 is not ready to jettison the discussion of buffers. He clarified that if a 300-foot buffer is
45 instituted, no shooting could happen in a buffer of 300 feet around a residential structure. He
46 reviewed a map in the agenda packet.
47 John Roberts said yes.
48 Commissioner Dorosin said each map has more shaded areas, because the buffer
49 distance is increasing with each one. He said the number of residences does not change.
50 John Roberts said yes.
10
1 Sheriff Blackwood said on a property that was grandfathered in, the next-door neighbor
2 may not be able to shoot because they had not already erected a backstop. He said education
3 is incredibly important.
4 Chair Price said there is difficulty determining where the shots are fired, due to
5 geography, topography, and sounds echoing.
6 Commissioner Hamilton clarified that any action the Board takes will have no impact on
7 those who are already shooting.
8 Commissioner McKee said it is unclear where the actual issues are, and from where the
9 noises are coming. He said instituting buffers may cease all shooting in the County, with the
10 exception of those who are grandfathered in. He said the Board can never address noise, and it
11 is unclear where to draw a line. He said the end result will be no shooting in Orange County.
12 He said he understands the concerns, but does not know how to address it.
13 Chair Price said she does not feel there is a solution, except by opening lines of
14 communication and giving shooters, as well as neighbors, tools to report and resolve issues.
15 She said if anyone feels they are in danger, they should call the Sheriff's department.
16 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like the Board to look into the 300-foot buffer, as
17 well as an education campaign. He said not doing anything is not satisfactory to him. He said
18 buffering might help the expansion of new development of shooting ranges. He said he would
19 like more accurate maps with more detail to see what a buffer would look like. He said some
20 kind of baseline and public outreach and communication would be valuable. He said he would
21 like more information on what an ordinance of a 300-foot buffer from any residence would look
22 like.
23 Chair Price asked if staff could clarify the buffer around public buildings.
24 John Roberts said the buffer around public buildings is 450 feet.
25 Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to consider communication strategies for
26 new developments, so residents understand the reality when buying into a new development.
27 She said the issue is very complex in its potential impact on land uses and subdivisions.
28 Commissioner McKee said if the Board is going to consider this issue further, there
29 needs to be an overlay of the areas of concern on the 300 foot buffer map. He said he does not
30 see how creating a buffer could improve the situation, but feels it would confuse the issue and
31 add additional frustration.
32 Commissioner Fowler remarked on the juxtaposition of this topic with the next two topics
33 on the agenda, due to the discussion of education and communication. She said if
34 grandfathering can occur, then it seems there would be little impact.
35 Chair Price agreed with Commissioner Dorosin's suggestion, but does not see how it
36 would be enforced. She asked if the Board wants to direct staff to create 300 foot buffer maps
37 with Commissioner McKee's suggestion of overlaying the locations of complaints.
38 Commissioner Dorosin requested better detail on the maps. He said the current maps
39 contain basic information, such as where the addresses are. He said if the buffer ordinance
40 was created, he would need to see where the actual residential structures are. He suggested
41 four or five areas of detail to provide examples of what the 300-foot buffer would look like in
42 relation to structures. He said one of those areas should be where there are a lot of complaints.
43 John Roberts confirmed that the Board wants a map showing buffers with an overlay of
44 known problem areas that the Sheriff has encountered. He said the map would also show
45 actual residential structures in known problem areas, as well as high-density areas.
46 Commissioner Dorosin said yes, and the Board should also look at areas from which it
47 has received a lot of email complaints.
48 Commissioner Greene said many places will be grandfathered in, but the Board is also
49 legislating for future developments.
11
1 Commissioner Bedford referred to an education campaign, and said there are likely
2 other places that have already been through this. He said staff should review such materials so
3 the County is not creating a program from scratch.
4 Chair Price said this type of information is likely available, and reviewing it is a good
5 idea.
6 Commissioner McKee reminded the Board that the state legislature could change the
7 Board's ability to create any sort of rules on this.
8
9 3. Discussion on Current Policy Regarding Housing Federal Inmates in the Orange
10 County Detention Center
11
12 BACKGROUND:
13 The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for housing and transporting federal prisoners from
14 the time they enter federal custody until they are either acquitted or convicted and sentenced to
15 a designated federal Bureau of Prisons facility. During the time that court proceedings are
16 underway, the Marshals Service relies on state and local governments to provide secure
17 housing for federal prisoners. The Marshals Service reimburses these state and local detention
18 facilities for the cost of housing based on facility costs and other factors through a negotiated
19 rate determination process. The Orange County Sheriff renegotiated its contract with the U.S.
20 Marshals Service in 2016 to receive a reimbursement of$93 per day to house federal prisoners.
21 A County-engaged consultant determined that the daily cost of housing an inmate in the Orange
22 County detention facility was $111.02 based on FY 2015 costs to operate the detention facility.
23 If federal detainees are to be housed in the detention center that is currently under construction,
24 the County will likely have a different cost profile, which will need to be determined.
25
26 In any year, the total amount of revenue collected from housing federal inmates depends on the
27 daily rate and the number of inmates housed during the fiscal year. The total revenue collected
28 in FY 2018-2019 was approximately $1.54 million, while that number was $1.13 million in FY
29 2019-2020. In March 2020, the Sheriff stopped accepting new federal inmates at the OCDC
30 due to the risk of COVID-19. As inmates were sentenced and transferred to federal prisons, the
31 federal inmate population at the OCDC dropped to nine (9) individuals. Recently, and subject to
32 certain restrictions related to COVID, the Sheriff has resumed accepting limited numbers of
33 federal inmates at the OCDC. For the 12-month period immediately preceding March 2020, the
34 average daily population of federal inmates was approximately 42.
35
36 Note: Some information provided herein was obtained, in part, from a 2016 agenda abstract
37 addressing the US Marshals Service Agreement for Federal Inmate Reimbursement
38
39 Jamie Sykes, Chief of Operations, said inmate counts are down this year due to COVID-
40 19 and other diversion programs. He said there is currently less than 10. He said the County
41 only accepts federal inmates who have received a negative COVID-19 test. He said new
42 detainees are isolated and monitored for several days before they are moved into the general
43 population in the detention center.
44 Sheriff Blackwood said Orange County is on the federal marshal contract, and will
45 accept small numbers of federal inmates who meet the Covid criteria.
46 Chair Price asked if federal inmates will be accepted at the new detention center.
47 Sheriff Blackwood said, at this time, yes.
48 Chair Price asked if the increase in the reimbursement rate could be clarified.
49 Sheriff Blackwood said Travis Myren negotiated the costs. He said they wanted to get
50 reimbursed at a rate that reflected the cost of housing inmates, and Travis Myren did an
12
1 excellent job. He said Orange County provides excellent care in a strategic location within the
2 State.
3 Commissioner Hamilton referred to the reimbursement rates, and asked if staff could
4 distinguish between variable costs and fixed costs.
5 Travis Myren said 60-70% of the costs are personnel. He said the variable costs are
6 connected to food and medical expenses.
7 Commissioner Hamilton asked if the personnel costs fluctuate due to the jail census.
8 Travis Myren said the Sheriff makes staffing decisions, but reducing costs would mean
9 closing a housing unit.
10 Commissioner Hamilton asked if the size of housing units could be identified.
11 Chief Jamie Sykes said the pods are around 24 people. He said in the old part of the
12 jail, one cell varies from 6-12 people.
13 Commissioner Dorosin clarified that is does not take the same number of personnel to
14 guard 1 person as it does 24.
15 Sheriff Blackwood said it takes a certain number of people to operate a jail, which is not
16 dependent on the number of inmates.
17 Commissioner Dorosin reviewed the costs listed in the agenda abstract, and asked if
18 there is a sense it will cost more in the new facility. He asked if the contract costs are fixed. He
19 said if the plan is to still accept federal inmates after the pandemic, will the average daily federal
20 inmate population go back up to 40-50 people. He asked, if the jail population is low enough to
21 close a unit, would the staffing structure change. He said the conversation started with a
22 discussion on how big the new jail should be, because there is a goal to reduce the incarcerated
23 population in Orange County. He said if the goal is to reduce the population, the County should
24 eliminate the housing of federal inmates.
25 Sheriff Blackwood said federal inmates will be housed somewhere, and he believes
26 Orange County treats inmates humanely and the detention facility is the best place these
27 inmates can be housed. He discussed how the pod structure works, with deputies watching
28 over the pod in a central location. He said the detention center is already operating with
29 minimal staffing, and all are necessary to the basic functioning of the building. He said costs of
30 the new detention center will not be known until the facility opens. He said measures to reduce
31 costs are being researched and implemented. He said the contract with the federal marshals
32 can be renegotiated if it is felt that the County is not getting reimbursed for the full cost of
33 housing inmates. He said the Board could decide not to have the federal inmate program in
34 Orange County. He said it may reduce logistical headaches, and there will be financial impacts.
35 He said it comes up every single year, and the BOCC should decide what it wants to do.
36 Commissioner Dorosin said he would like to get rid of the federal inmate program.
37 Commissioner McKee the Board intended to use diversion programs to reduce the jail
38 population, which have been successful. He said the Board reviews the federal program
39 repeatedly, and if the federal program is ended, the costs of running the detention center will
40 continue. He said the federal reimbursement helps the detention center operate, and if the
41 Board does away with it, the Board will have to find funds elsewhere. He said Orange County
42 treats the inmates well, and the County does not have the money to operate the detention
43 center without the reimbursement.
44 Chair Price said she supported depopulating the jail of local residents. She asked if the
45 County accepts federal inmates so they are closer to court locations.
46 Chief Jamie Sykes said Orange County is centrally located to transport federal inmates
47 to federal court in Greensboro and Durham. He agreed that Orange County treats federal
48 inmates humanely. He said the County agreed to take federal inmates recently because other
49 jails were overcrowded, and taking federal inmates allows the inmates to have some semblance
50 of closeness to their family and friends. He said federal inmates transferred from other jails
51 comment that Orange County provides a better environment and treats them with respect.
13
1 Chair Price clarified that federal inmates will be detained somewhere, and taking them in
2 Orange County allows for a smoother process and higher level of treatment and care. She said
3 diversion programs will not impact federal inmates' sentences.
4 Chair Price asked if medical costs are sufficiently covered by the contract.
5 Jennifer Galassi, Legal Advisor, said inmates dread being transferred to other facilities.
6 She said federal inmates are treated humanely and with respect by the Orange County
7 detention officers and receive better quality food. She said the federal contract has a 36-month
8 waiting period before the reimbursement rate can be renegotiated, but this was last done in
9 2016, so a renegotiation will be able to occur, if necessary, as soon as the new jail opens, and
10 costs are better understood.
11 Commissioner Hamilton asked if the methodology for developing the per diem rate could
12 be identified. She said she is proud that the County provides respect and humane treatment to
13 federal inmates, but does not want to lose money doing so.
14 Commissioner Dorosin said he still does not understand why it costs the same amount,
15 no matter how many inmates there are. He disagreed with the idea of reducing local
16 incarcerations, but not advocating the same for federal inmates. He believes that allowing
17 federal inmates to be housed in Orange County creates an incentive, and is inconsistent with
18 the County's goal of reducing incarcerations. He said he has no doubt that Orange County
19 treats inmates better.
20 Chair Price said housing federal inmates is providing assistance so federal inmates are
21 not being transported long distances.
22 Commissioner Dorosin said it is still facilitating continued incarceration.
23 Chair Price said not accepting them will not get them out of jail.
24 Commissioner Bedford said she would also like to see the methodology for determining
25 the cost of housing inmates. She said she admires Commissioner Dorosin's vision, but other
26 counties will not concur. She said there is a benefit to housing people in Orange County where
27 they are treated well, versus possibly being housed in a private prison. She agreed with Chair
28 Price that there is a difference between diversion programs for first time offenders.
29 Sheriff Blackwood said the local inmate population has not usually been to court, and
30 are awaiting trial. He said the Federal inmate population is quite different, and most have plead
31 guilty, been sentenced, or are awaiting further sentencing. He said there has to be some way to
32 detain people who present a danger to the public. He said some reimbursement is better than
33 no reimbursement.
34 Commissioner McKee said he does not share Commissioner Dorosin's vision for
35 releasing all federal inmates. He said he does support diversion programs for first time
36 offenders but also supports housing federal inmates, as they will be detained somewhere.
37 Commissioner Dorosin said de-carcerating federal inmates does not mean letting them
38 walk out the door.
39 Chair Price said Travis Myren will bring the per diem formula back to the Board, and
40 thanked the Sheriff's department for all it has done through the pandemic.
41
42 4. Discussion on Written Consent for Conducting Vehicle Searches
43
44 Jennifer Galassi reviewed the following background information:
45
46
14
1 BACKGROUND:
2 On November 1, 2016, Orange County Sheriff Blackwood announced a new directive regarding
3 searches and formalized it by adding a section to the Sheriff's Office Policy Manual concerning
4 obtaining written consent. The Sheriff recognized that although the US Supreme Court allows
5 consent to be provided verbally, in writing, or by other means, he determined that his deputies
6 should always attempt to obtain written consent prior to conducting a search, when practicable
7 and when the safety of officers, suspects, or members of the public would not be negatively
8 impacted by doing so. The Sheriff and his staff are prepared to report on the implementation of
9 the written consent form.
10 Major Kevin Jones, Support Services, showed the form used for consent to search, and
11 provided examples of times a deputy might use the form to request consent. He said consent is
12 not required when probable cause is present. He said the Sheriff's Department has been using
13 a form since 2016. He made the following PowerPoint presentation:
14
Presentation to BOCC
February 9, 2021
ORANGE COUNTY
NORT"CAROLINA
15
16
Form in use
6
since November
2016
17 m..
18
15
We collected data on 481 vehicle
searches.
• 182 consensual searches(38%)
• 298 probable cause searches(62%)
• .02%refused to give consent
1
2
Lessons Learned
Vehicle searches represent small
percentage of deputy's overall activity.
W
1710 3.31
2730 5.13
2590 5.5
3
4
We also learned searches of any type take
place in an extremely small percentage
of all traffic stops.
++®1710 58 3.4
2730 177 6.5
+ + 2590 125 4.8
5
6
16
What We've Done and Future Steps
Created new form
Built database to capture and retain
information
Shift supervisors will review forms and seek
corrections for errors or omissions
Supervisors will input information to
database for consistency
1 I
2
3 Major Kevin Jones described the new process for entering data from the form, which will
4 improve the quality of the data collected. He said information on race and gender will also be
5 collected. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
6
New Form
8
Please review the new search consent form.
It is my understanding you received a copy in your packet.
We ask for your review and feedback.
Please submit questions, comments,concerns,or edits
to us by February 26,2021.
Thank you.
9
10
11 Commissioner Dorosin said the original discussion was about the consent to search
12 form and the use of body cameras. He said the Governor's Task Force on Racial Equity and
13 Criminal Justice issued its report and recommendations in December 2020. He said this task
14 force recommended several things, including that written consent to search be required at all
15 times. He said the current policy allows for officer discretion of when to use the form, which is
16 of concern to him. He said there are racial disparities on who gets searched, and how
17
1 frequently. He said he would like a broader discussion on the task force's recommendations at a
2 future work session. He said he would like the written consent to search to be used in all stops.
3 Commissioner Dorosin referred to the quarterly report sent out by the Chapel Hill Police
4 Chief, and said the data is broken down in different ways for demographics, charges, operators
5 licenses, school resource officers, traffic stops, etc. He said this kind of data is important to
6 share and make available to the public.
7 Jennifer Galassi said policies with absolutes are difficult. She said if the Sheriff strongly
8 encourages something, it is clear to deputies that they should do so except in extenuating
9 circumstances. She said the body cameras also record consent, or lack thereof, for searches.
10 She said there may be times when it is not safe or practicable for a deputy to use the consent to
11 search form.
12 Commissioner Greene said the Board should have a larger discussion on the task force
13 recommendations. She asked what other safety issues may be present, if a deputy lacks
14 probable cause. She asked if there are other counties using the form for every stop.
15 Commissioner Hamilton asked if deputies are able to review the form with those who do
16 not speak English.
17 Major Kevin Jones said the department has access to translators.
18 Commissioner Dorosin said Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Durham all require the consent to
19 search form for all stops. He said he does not doubt that deputies listen to the Sheriff's
20 instructions, but "strongly encouraging" is different than a policy. He said having a policy shows
21 the County's commitment to an issue, and that the County is committed to racial equity. He said
22 policies also help build trust with the community.
23 Chair Price asked if the task force report allows for searches without written consent, if
24 there is probable cause.
25 Chief Jamie Sykes clarified that Commissioner Dorosin is asking for written consent on
26 all searches, or just on consent searches.
27 Commissioner Dorosin said he meant just on consent searches.
28 Chief Jamie Sykes said he has obtained written consent even when probable cause was
29 present, because it creates a different feeling during the interaction. He said the goal is to
30 defuse situations, not escalate them. He confirmed probable cause means the deputies do not
31 need to obtain consent.
32 Commissioner Dorosin said the written consent to search informs people of their rights
33 to refuse. He said asking to search a vehicle is a naturally intimidating moment for people.
34 Chief Jamie Sykes said the Orange County Sheriff's department collects the same data
35 that is provided by Chapel Hill, and it is the Sheriff's discretion as to how it is provided to the
36 public. He said the data is shared with many stakeholders, and discussed the different ways
37 the data could be presented to the public.
38 Sheriff Blackwood said traffic stop data is horribly inaccurate across the state. He said
39 he serves as vice chair on the Governor's Crime Commission, which is discussing how to
40 improve the process. He said some agencies do not collect the data, while others do, and it is
41 important for all agencies to collect data. He said the recommendations from the task force
42 need to be examined for feasibility, and if they require legislative changes. He said it is
43 important to make sure the recommendations are in the best interest of the public. He said
44 there are further reports to come, and he would like for all of them to be released before there is
45 further discussion. He referred to the different points of the criminal justice system, and said the
46 whole system needs to be examined. He reaffirmed the Department's commitment to do the
47 right thing, and said he is duty bound to serve the public and protect public safety. He said he
48 will discuss anything with anyone, anywhere, and that doing so will make these meetings more
49 productive.
18
1 Commissioner Fowler said she was glad to see race and ethnicity added to the consent
2 to search form. She suggested adding the race and ethnicity of the deputy as well. She also
3 asked if there is a reason why the number of searches and stops went up after 2018.
4 Major Kevin Jones said this data correlated to a time when a lot of deputies retired, and
5 new staff was hired. He said while new staff was being trained, stops went down, and when
6 they were fully trained, stops went back up to normal levels.
7 Commissioner Fowler said she would like to see a diversionary facility set up for those
8 with mental health problems to keep them out of the jail.
9 Commissioner Dorosin requested a copy of Major Jones power point. He thanked the
10 Sheriff for always being willing to speak with the Commissioners, and feels is important to
11 always do so publicly.
12 Chair Price expressed thanks for the Sheriff Department's service to the community and
13 cited examples of its progressive actions in working with the public.
14 Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is a plan for moving forward.
15 Chair Price said feedback on the updated consent form is due to Chief Jamie Sykes by
16 February 26th.
17 Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Sheriff will consider making it a policy to require
18 written consent for all consent searches.
19 Sheriff Blackwood said he will review the data of when written consent was not obtained
20 and see why this occurred. He said the only time the form should not be filled out is when there
21 is probable cause or an extenuating circumstance that can be articulated. He said this form has
22 been in place for several years.
23
24 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to
25 adjourn the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
26
27 Roll call ensued
28
29 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
30
31
32 Renee Price, Chair
33
34
35 Laura Jensen
36 Clerk to the Board
37
38 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.
Attachment 3
1
1 MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
5 FEBRUARY 16, 2021
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday,
9 February 16, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
12 and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Sally Greene, and Earl McKee
13 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Mark Dorosin
14 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
15 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
16 Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
17 appropriately below)
18
19 Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
20
21 A roll call was called; all members were present except for Commissioner Dorosin.
22
23 Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
24 Business Meeting on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Members of the Board of Commissioners
25 participated in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to
26 view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at
27 http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on
28 channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
29
30 In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment.
31 . Written submittals by email
32 . Speaking during the virtual meeting
33
34 Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this
35 agenda. (Pre-registration is required.)
36
37 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
38
39 The County Manager said a new abstract was sent out earlier in the day, for item 8-e,
40 because of a change in the contract cost due to bonding needs for the fiber contract.
41 Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge.
42
43 Public Charge: The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks
44 those attending this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward
45 each other, county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the Board or
46 the public fails to observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum.
47 Should it become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess
48 the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. The
49 BOCC asks that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and computers should
50 please be turned off or set to silent/vibrate. Please be kind to everyone.
2
1
2 Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting.
3
4
5 2. Public Comments
6
7 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
8 Janine Zanin read the following comments:
9 My name is Janine Zanin and I live in Efland. First, I want to thank you for the effort and
10 careful consideration that you gave to your deliberations on the Efland Station proposal. I
11 appreciate the way you examined the representations made by the developer about phase 2
12 prospects, electric charging stations, and whether the "park-at-the-pump" model was necessary
13 given the 500+ parking spots for travelers.
14 The developers' responses revealed that they were not the kind of good faith community
15 collaborator they held themselves out to be and, of course, they ultimately decided that they
16 would rather walk away from the deal than be held accountable to their representations. It also
17 became clear to me that THIS Board of County Commissioners is invested in making good
18 decisions about land use in our part of the county. My recent experiences with county
19 government leading up to that meeting had left me with some doubt.
20 Now, I know that many of my neighbors did NOT take away the same impressions from
21 your deliberations. At the same time, a pivotal moment for me was observing what happened
22 when you made the decision to restrict additional public comment on the project. Efland
23 residents still got up to speak, but when they had to speak in generalities instead of speaking
24 about the Efland Station project, it was easy to see that although we had different opinions
25 about Buc-ee's, we shared many of the same desires for our community. That is, we want
26 responsible development that serves the citizens of Efland and we feel we've been overlooked
27 and ignored for far too long. I think that one gentleman said something along the lines of"we
28 want you to shine us up a bit." There also seems to be clear consensus that we are looking for
29 something beyond windowless warehouses.
30 I'm concerned that through its narrow vision of land use planning in this part of the
31 county, and poor communication, that knowingly or unknowingly, the Planning Department has
32 pitted us against each other to accomplish the agenda of the planning director without regard to
33 the opinions of duly elected public officials or Orange County citizens.
34 The less than transparent communication and notice surrounding the Buckhorn Area
35 Plan has been divisive, at times attempting to pit the City of Mebane v. Orange County,
36 residential v. non-residential development, citizens vs. elected officials, incorporated towns vs.
37 unincorporated areas. This either/or view is mainly a symptom of a lack of vision around
38 Economic Development, a lack of creativity, and years of passive or reactive planning. Citizens
39 in this area are energized and want to be proactive. There are land-owners who want to sell or
40 lease their property. Let's come together and move beyond the singular focus on "big game
41 hunting" that has come at the expense of ignoring other local community development needs. It
42 doesn't represent the complete picture of a good quality of life for citizens in Western Orange
43 County.
44 Later tonight, you'll hear about the Buckhorn Area Plan, a study that from its inception
45 had one goal and ONLY one goal in mind: expand the boundaries of the Buckhorn Economic
46 Development District to facilitate more big industrial development. That is, by definition, it was
47 not an objective land use study. In public meetings with the City of Mebane our planning
48 director has consistently repeated that the uses they are looking for are large industrial uses.
49 There's nothing within the plan to definitively limit those uses along the banks of Seven Mile
50 Creek, next door to residential properties, on land that's currently designated critically protected
51 watershed, on the land surrounding our public middle school, and nothing to limit turning West
3
1 Ten Road into a tractor trailer by-pass of the weigh station. Finally, the plan ULTIMATELY
2 demonstrated that the MOST SUITABLE PARCELS for industrial development are ALREADY
3 IN OUR EDD. If county staff and our elected officials want to do more big game hunting, they
4 should focus their efforts there.
5 Margo Lakin read the following comments:
6 Good Evening, my name is Margo Lakin and I live in Hillsborough.
7 In the past eight months, I've seen proposals for a 2.5 million square foot logistics
8 warehouse surrounded by residential homes and a 120-nozzle gas station on a critical
9 watershed make their way from the Planning Advisory Board to the BOCC. And now, the
10 citizens are faced with the Buckhorn Area Plan to facilitate industrial development on a much
11 larger scale.
12 I'm getting a clear message from our planning process that western Orange County's
13 future is fast tracked to become nothing more than an industrial brownfield. Projects fall under
14 the lowest tiers of development (for example warehouses). And the wants and needs of the
15 community and the safety of the environment often take a back seat to taxes. That's not
16 progress.
17 Where's the diversity and imagination in these projects? Where's the sustainable and
18 progressive development for our neck of the woods? When do we get libraries and grocery
19 stores and community-based facilities to improve our towns? When will imagination, creative
20 thinking, and forethought reach rural Orange County?
21 Can we expect more ill suited proposals that don't meet the zoning, Comprehensive
22 Plan, Future Land Use Map, or UDO? Can we expect proposals that create a citizen outcry so
23 large it requires three public comment sessions? I'm tired of it—aren't you?
24 Yes, our county needs taxes, but there are things the residents need, too. Like roofs
25 over our heads and clean drinking water, schools not surrounded by industrial pollution, a
26 respect for the quality of life we moved here for (be it 20 years or 20 days ago), and we need
27 assurance that the regulations and plans put in place—the same ones we looked to when
28 deciding where to put down roots—will be protected and upheld.
29 Thank you.
30 Annette Moore, Human Rights and Relations Director, shared the winners of the Pauli
31 Murray award, which will be presented on February 28t". She said Nikki Giovanni, Jaki Shelton
32 Green, and Alani Rouse will present, and the theme is "words have meaning."
33
34 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
35 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda
36 below.)
37
38 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
39 Commissioner Bedford said she had no comments.
40 Commissioner Fowler said she attended a Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC)
41 meeting, where she heard presentations from several groups working with youth. She said the
42 groups have received fewer referrals during the pandemic. She said the JCPC released an
43 RFP released for programs on a variety of skill building, teen court, temporary shelter, and
44 counseling services. She said she attended the agricultural summit last week, which
45 highlighted health, in particular mental health and farm related stress. She gave the phone
46 numbers for assistance programs for those experiencing mental health crises. She said she
47 also attended the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (TARPO) meeting, and the public
48 can find information on TARPO projects on the TARPO website.
49 Commissioner Hamilton said she had no comments.
50 Commissioner McKee said he attended the ABC board meeting this morning, and there
51 will be upgrades to several of the stores, especially the store in northern Hillsborough. He said
4
1 the store south of Hillsborough has become a destination store, and it is the newest store in the
2 County.
3 Commissioner Greene said she also attended the Agricultural Summit last week, and
4 was impressed by a presentation on food access, and how farmers are getting their product to
5 market. She said on the last day there was a presentation from a person who teaches area
6 farmers how to grow Asian products. She said the transit policy steering committee met last
7 week, and the committee is beginning to set priorities and will seek public comment. She said
8 the idea of a connection between Durham and Orange Counties is still a priority.
9 Chair Price said she missed most of the Agricultural Summit, but is glad to hear of its
10 success. She said the Board received an email regarding a mobility-on-demand program from
11 the Transit Department, and asked if a follow up presentation could be provided to the Board Of
12 County Commissioners (BOCC). She said she previously requested a presentation form the
13 pre-trial working group, which the Board will receive next month.
14
15 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/Special Presentations
16
17 a. Proclamation Recognizing Robert A. Marotto
18 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing and expressing
19 gratitude to Robert A. (Bob) Marotto for his devotion and service to Orange County, and
20 authorizing the Chair to sign.
21 Chair Price introduced the item, Animal Services staff and advisory board members who
22 wanted to recognize retiring Animal Services Director Bob Marotto.
23
24 BACKGROUND: After 16 years of dedicated service to the Orange County community and
25 animals, Bob Marotto is retiring on March 3, 2021.
26
27 Bob Marotto began his career of service with Orange County in 2005 in the newly created job as
28 the director of Orange County Animal Services (OCAS). However, his career did not begin as
29 an animal welfare professional and advocate. Prior to that, Bob had completed his education at
30 the University of California, Santa Cruz, earning a Ph.D in Sociology. He taught at the University
31 of Dayton for a while but missed working in the world outside of academia, and subsequently
32 moved to Minnesota, acquired two dogs and began training them. Bob's interest in animals
33 grew, facilitated by CENSHARE (Center to Study Human-Animal Relationships and
34 Environments), and he began building his animal-related skills. This included working at Petco
35 stocking shelves. Mr. Marotto became an accomplished dog trainer teaching "reactive dog"
36 classes and working with aggressive dogs.
37
38 In 1994, Mr. Marotto joined the City of Minneapolis Animal Care and Control Program as an
39 Animal Control Officer, then moving to Supervisor, leading him to serve as the program
40 manager. In his 11 years there, he worked successfully with many different people and
41 organizations as well as oversaw the multiple program developments, new shelter construction
42 and handling and policy practices for the care, dispositioning and placement of animals. Bob
43 served as a board member for the National Animal Control Association and worked occasionally
44 for The Humane Society of the United States conducting animal shelter and program
45 evaluations. After discussing with his wife the need to relocate to a warmer climate, Bob
46 transformed from a Gopher to a Tar Heel.
47
48 With OCAS, Bob has been involved in the creation and management of numerous programs
49 and progressive initiatives. He helped lead the major building project for the new Animal
50 Services Center, procured multiple grants to offset cost for spay and neuter programs for
51 Orange County residents' pets, increased donations to aid in the care and comfort of Orange
5
1 County animals and worked diligently with Orange County attorneys and District Courts to
2 assure the protection of animals and that those responsible for the neglect and ill treatment
3 were held accountable.
4
5 Mr. Marotto took a struggling animal shelter and animal control program and brought his
6 knowledge, tenacity and creativity to provide the residents and animals of Orange County a
7 state of the art facility and improve both shelter and animal control operations. This resulted in
8 more animal rehabilitations, adoptions, public awareness and education and less animal
9 euthanasia. Also during his time here, Bob has spent many hours resolving community
10 concerns and restoring the community's confidence with OCAS.
11
12 Mr. Marotto currently serves as an officer of the North Carolina Animal Federation and is
13 involved in a community index project for animal welfare supported by PetSmart Charities in
14 partnership with The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement. Additionally, Bob has
15 written essays and editorials that have appeared in the Minneapolis Star Tribune, News &
16 Observer and The Herald Sun.
17
18 Irene Phipps, Animal Control Manager, mentioned a few of the things she enjoyed about
19 working with Bob Marotto, spoke of his support in her career, and how much the staff would
20 miss him.
21 Chair Price asked Commissioner McKee to read the resolution:
22
23 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION
24
25 PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING AND HONORING
26 ROBERT A. MAROTTO,
27 RETIRING DIRECTOR, ORANGE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES
28
29 WHEREAS, in 2005, Robert A. (Bob) Marotto continued his career of public service and animal
30 welfare by joining the Animal Services Department as the director; and
31
32 WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto's first task as director was overseeing the startup of the County's first
33 free-standing and full service Animal Services Department; and
34
35 WHEREAS, during Mr. Marotto's years with the County, he has implemented multiple programs
36 and policies that set the tone and direction for a progressive and top notch operations which
37 have benefitted both the residents and animals of Orange County; and
38
39 WHEREAS, Bob's understanding of the human/animal bond has impacted many positive
40 outcomes for animals and their owners; and
41
42 WHEREAS, while Mr. Marotto has always practiced education over enforcement, that has not
43 deterred him from pursuing and advocating for the protection of animals and assuring they have
44 a voice in seeking justice for the neglect and cruelty inflicted upon them; and
45
46 WHEREAS, as Director, Bob has established cohesive working relationships with other County
47 departments, local law enforcement, district courts, animal rescue groups and other animal
48 welfare agencies; and
49
6
1 WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto's commitment to community and outreach has been evident in his
2 participation in multiple speaking engagements, special events and published essays and
3 editorials; and
4
5 WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto has never put a dog and cat in the same cage and is known for
6 grabbing a control pole and jumping in to help capture the most aggressive and elusive
7 Chihuahua; and
8
9 WHEREAS, Mr. Marotto is retiring from Orange County on March 3, 2021 after 16 years of
10 service and devotion for both people and animals, and will be missed;
11
12 NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby recognize and
13 express deep appreciation and respect for the services rendered by Robert Marotto to the
14 Orange County community, and wish him well in his retirement.
15
16 This the 161h day of February, 2021.
17
18
19 Renee Price, Chair
20 Orange County Board of
21 Commissioners
22
23 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to
24 approve the proclamation recognizing and expressing appreciation to Bob Marotto for his
25 service to the people of Orange County and wishing him well in his retirement and authorize the
26 Chair to sign the proclamation.
27
28 Roll call ensued
29
30 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
31
32 Amanda Schwoerke, Animal Services Advisory Board, read a statement of the board's
33 appreciation to Bob Marotto:
34 We the undersigned members of the Animal Services Advisory Board, on the occasion
35 of the retirement of Orange County Animal Services Director Bob Marotto, wish to memorialize
36 our profound admiration and appreciation for his many years of service.
37 Following a nationwide search, Bob became Orange County's first Director of Animal
38 Services in July 2005. He came to Orange County after 11 years at the City of Minneapolis'
39 Animal Care and Control Program, where he began as an Animal Control Officer and became
40 Program Director. Orange County Animal Services was born with Bob's arrival in 2005. At that
41 time, Animal Control resided within the Health Department, while the old shelter was
42 administered by the non-profit Animal Protection Society of Orange County. Under Bob's
43 direction, animal control and animal care were brought together, both operationally and,
44 eventually, under one roof with the opening of the beautiful new Orange County Animal
45 Services building in 2009. When Bob arrived in 2005, the intake level of animals was
46 approximately 5,000 per year and the live release rate was approximately 50-60%; today,
47 Orange County Animal Services can boast of intake levels under 3,000 animals per year and
48 live release rates near to or exceeding 90%. A professional veterinary practice has been
49 established within the new shelter, and a vigorous spay and neuter program has been instituted
50 in the county following vast improvements in community outreach on the importance of avoiding
7
1 pet overpopulation. Today, Animal Services in our county stands as a model program, leading
2 initiatives and setting standards to be followed across the state.
3 These changes, of which we are so proud, would not have happened without the
4 guidance and leadership of Bob. Bob has been the consummate professional, always ready to
5 work long hours, overseeing any number of Board meetings, and keeping County
6 Commissioners and citizens engaged in developments at Animal Services. Often the best of
7 Bob was revealed at the most difficult of times; during a Dangerous Dog Appeal hearing that
8 could stretch for hours and exhaust the emotions of both the appellants and panelists, Bob
9 would demonstrate his expertise with kindness, fairness and equity in mind.
10 We have all enjoyed working with Bob over these many years. He will be sorely missed.
11 Ashley Miller, Animal Control Officer, thanked Bob Marotto for the support he's given
12 her, and said she admires his integrity, experience, and perspective on cases. She said she will
13 miss having his support professionally and personally.
14 Marcus Gamez, Animal Control Officer, thanked Bob Marotto for the opportunities he
15 hass given to him, and for his willingness to support and guide employees. He said he is happy
16 for Bob Marotto's retirement, but will miss him.
17 Commissioner Greene recounted when she first met Bob Marotto at the installation of an
18 art piece by the Animal Services building. She said Bob Marotto was welcoming to her, as a
19 new commissioner. She noted his participation in meetings and the new perspectives he
20 brought to meetings such as the Justice Advisory Commission.
21 Commissioner Fowler thanked Bob Marotto for his service, and wished him well.
22 Commissioner McKee wished Bob Marotto well for both him and Commissioner McKee's
23 pet dog.
24 Chair Price expressed appreciation for Bob Marotto's service in animal cruelty cases,
25 and providing advice and support.
26 Irene Phipps read a message from Officer Michael Hess: "Let the force be with you."
27 Bob Marotto said he was touched by the kind words, and mentioned times that he
28 worked with various Commissioners. He spoke of visiting the Caldwell Hunt Club with
29 Commissioner McKee. He spoke of elevating the status of cats in the shelter and community.
30 He referenced a bird issue that had a sad ending. He said Orange County Animal Services is a
31 place others try to emulate. He expressed appreciation to the Animal Services Advisory Board,
32 and said outstanding care is important. He said the Commissioners affirm the value of what
33 Animal Services does and supports them doing good work with the community. He said doing
34 this work was an extraordinary opportunity, and thanked the commissioners. He said he hopes
35 the vision they created is preserved and furthered by the next group of leaders at Animal
36 Services.
37
38 b. OWASA Annual Update Presentation
39 The Board received a presentation and information from the Orange Water and Sewer
40 Authority (OWASA) on recent activities.
41 Chair Price introduced the item and Ray DuBose, OWASA Board Chair.
42
43 BACKGROUND:
44 At the beginning of each calendar year, OWASA representatives appear before the Board of
45 Commissioners to make a presentation on recent OWASA activities. This year an update on
46 OWASA's Long-Range Water Supply Plan will also be provided.
47
48 OWASA Board Chair Ray DuBose and Board Secretary Jody Eimers, Orange County
49 appointees to the OWASA Board, will present the annual update. OWASA Planning and
50 Development Manager Ruth Rouse will provide an update to OWASA's Long Range Water
51 Supply Plan (LRWSP).
8
1 Ray DuBose said Jody Eimers could not attend this evening. He thanked the BOCC for
2 appointing himself and Jody Eimers to the Board, and said Jody Eimers will be eligible for
3 reappointment this spring. He said the OWASA board received a diversity and inclusion update
4 earlier this year, and will be focusing on these areas in the coming months. He said there may
5 an apprenticeship program, trainings are being done, and OWASA is participating in the
6 County's equity efforts. He said said there is still a temporary moratorium on collections until
7 April, and customers will not incur penalties and interests until then. He said once collections
8 resume, OWASA will work with customers on payment plans. He said an affordability program
9 helped OWASA to challenges posed by the pandemic. He said the Orange County Housing
10 Department has helped implement the program. He said OWASA still applies for state and
11 federal funding.
12 Todd Taylor, Executive Director, reviewed a testing program of wastewater samples to
13 track COVID-19. He said OWASA is working with NCDHHS to participate in a nationwide
14 surveillance monitoring program to gather data pertinent to COVID-19. He said this data will
15 help public health officials better understand infection rates in the community.
16 Todd Taylor said OWASA is developing energy efficient projects. He said OWASA is
17 installing rooftop solar panels via a public private partnership. He thanked the Commissioners
18 for a Climate Action grant for a solar panel project at Cane Creek Reservoir, which was tabled
19 due to the pandemic. He said this was done in an effort to avoid a rate increase, due to the
20 pandemic.
21 Ruth Rouse made the following PowerPoint presentation:
22
SupplyrLong-Range Water
Information to Board of County Commissioners
Ruth RDuse, Planning and Developrrent Manager
23
24
25
•Provide information on work
completed to-date on
QWASA's Long-Range Water
Supply Plan
•Receive questions and
feedback on that work
•Receive feedback on
proposed path forward
26
27
28
9
Key Messages
•We have a low risk of
running out of water. —
•our largest vulnerability is in
extended drought.
•Jordan Lake alternatives
appear to be most cost-
effective option for
increasing resiliency.
Intalc on Cane Leek Re—,W,
1
2
3
Ensuring Long-Range
Water Supply Resiliency
Ge
10 1O
9 Da
{— a
4
5
6 Ruth Rouse discussed the community engagement OWASA has undertaken to get
7 feedback on the Long Range Water Plan.
8
OWASXs Water i
Supplies
•Local Water Supplies
•Cane Creek Reservoir
•University Lake ,
i
•Quarry Reservoir
•Jordan Lake
10
11
10
Jordan
•rederal,multi-purpose reservoir
• Fluud wtrtrvl
•Watersupply
• Downstream water quality
• Recreation
•DWASA has had an allocation since 1988.
•Practice has been to only use Jordan Lake
during water shortage
•We have no guaranteed access to Jordan
Lake.
Jowan Ur.
1
2
9.o 24,000
Water Sales and Accounts
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r
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3 —Actual water Sales —Customer Accounts
4
SupplyOur Water
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16
14
a
E 12 Yield 17�
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s 6 „ Actual Baseline,I st,
:"• Demands
3 a and 99th
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oe Projections
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19a0 1990 M00 2010 2010 3090 3040 3050 3080 20M
Fimal Year
5
6
11
Our Water Supply
Risk Is LOW
c.. I3
ate,
• Our predeuess urs set us up well
•Supply
•eonservanon u� d
• Cane Creek Reservoir has small
watershed relative to Its storage
• Long refill times following draught
• Curmainvuln"bilityisextended
drought m-
• Plan to proactively use Jordan Lake
allocation
- Reduce vulnerability Z7 ... F
• Reduce droughtsurcharges
1
2
3
------------
Social
Sustain. .
ili
ty Partnership'..
Principles
Financial Environmental
4
5
Identifying Alternatives to Evaluate
• 0 .
• • ! • 0 .
All Ideas Narrowing the
* 0 Field . Strategies
• Meetings Potential water supply or Apples to apples
• plans savings comparison across 3
OWASA Board • Incremental costs pNlars of
and others Implementation sustainability
6
7
12
Preliminary Alternatives Analysis
All
Alternatives
2
3
Demand
• Do not meet long-term s.. a .
demands 0 ; .� iZAVO
• Cost-effective strategies &
s xonoo F
A 6A44
will be considered in 4 .s
Water Conservation Plan g a EA 6AY0 a
as Appendix to LRWSP a sA .� rn o� ,A•e
S •S hyiti 13AaA
arnuel wa[er sxlea cA 4ome•Mmunn
4
5
SupplyOptions
•Deep Quarry 0
• Does not diversity water su pply
• High capital cost
•Potable Reuse
• Options not legal or have uncertain permitting process
• High capital cost
•Jordan Lake
• Meets long-term needs and diversifies our water supply
Lower raplial costs
• Several potential ways to use Jordan Lake
• Largely rely on our 3local supplies
6
7
13
Where are we headed?
• Report to Board of Directors on community engagement-March
• Develop guiding principles to evaluate Jordan Lake alternatives—May/June
• Continue to evaluate Jordan Lake-FY22
• Mutual aid agreements
• Full partner In new Intake and plant on western side of Jordan Lake
• New agreement with Western Intake Partners toguarantee access to our Jordan Lake
allocation
•Select draft preferred alternative-FY22
• Engage the community
• Develop final Long-Range Water Supply Plan with preferred
alternative
1
2
Questions
• ❑o the Commissioners or community members
have any questions or our long-range water
supply planning process?
What feedback would you like shared with the
OWASA Board of Directors regarding future
evaluation of Jordan Lake water supply
alternatives?
other?
Ruth Rouse/rrouse@owasa.org fig
3
4
5
6
7 Commissioner Bedford asked if water is pumped from Cane Creek Reservoir to fill the
8 quarry.
9 Ruth Rouse said it is not done routinely, but would be if there was a water shortage.
10 Commissioner Bedford referred to PFAs and chemicals in water. She said OWASA
11 water has a reputation of being very clean, and asked if Jordan Lake water is the same quality.
12 Ruth Rouse said water can be cleaned to meet requirements, and Jordan Lake does
13 provide drinking water for parts of Wake County.
14 Commissioner Bedford asked if the process to remove the chemicals could be
15 explained.
16 Ruth Rouse said she is not sure what Wake County does, but OWASA uses carbon.
17 Todd Taylor said PFAS chemicals are monitored for, and are present, in Cane Creek.
18 He said OWASA's treatment techniques are effective at controlling the levels, primarily due to
19 the carbon that is used to treat the water. He said any water from Jordan Lake would be treated
20 to meet drinking water standards, prior to OWASA being willing to receive it.
21 Commissioner Greene said she had a memory of a quarry project not coming online for
22 30 years. She asked if there was another part of the quarry that has not yet come online.
23 Ruth Rouse said there is an expanded quarry project adjacent to the current quarry, of
24 which Commissioner Greene might be thinking. She said this will increase the supply when it
25 comes online.
26 Commissioner Greene discussed the quality of Cane Creek Reservoir and said Jordan
27 Lake was not created to be a drinking water source. She said, historically, community leaders
28 felt it should not be used as a water source unless absolutely necessary.
14
1 Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason why the quarry water is too clean to
2 treat.
3 Todd Taylor said the treatment process is predicated on having cloudiness to the water,
4 so the particles can settle. He said when water is pulled from quarry it needs to be mixed with
5 water from other reservoirs.
6 Commissioner Fowler said the most cost effective has been chosen, but asked if more
7 details could be provided.
8 Ruth Rouse said OWASA would evaluate other options besides Jordan Lake, such as
9 partnering with neighboring counties for an intake plant, and using mutual aid agreements in
10 advance of drought. She said a third option is to look at a new agreement with neighboring
11 counties, where Orange County would make an annual payment to have access to a plant.
12 Commissioner Fowler asked if OWASA had decided on an alternative.
13 Ruth Rouse said no, and no option is off the table.
14 Commissioner Greene asked if the decision maker could be identified.
15 Ruth Rouse said staff makes recommendations, which are presented to the communities
16 for feedback, and then the OWASA board will decide how to move forward.
17 Commissioner Bedford asked if there are any agreements with Hillsborough and
18 Alamance County.
19 Ruth Rouse said there are mutual aid agreements with Hillsborough and Chatham
20 County. She said Hillsborough does not have much excess capacity right now. She said
21 Durham currently provides the best access to more water.
22 Chair Price thanked the OWASA representatives, and encouraged other Commissioners
23 to tour the OWASA properties.
24
25 5. Public Hearings
26 None
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler to
29 recess the meeting 4 minutes.
30
31 Roll call ensued
32
33 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
34
35
36 RECONVENE THE MEETING
37
38 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
39 reconvene 8:24 p.m.
40
41 Roll call ensued.
42
43 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
44
45 6. Regular Agenda
46
47 a. Approval of the Disengagement Plan to Disengage from Cardinal Innovations
48 Health Care and Realiqn with Alliance Health
49 The Board considered voting to approve the Local Management Entity/Managed Care
50 Organization (LME/MCO) Disengagement Plan continuing the process of disengaging from
15
1 Cardinal Innovations Health Care and realigning with Alliance Health to administer mental and
2 behavioral health services for Orange County residents.
3
4 BACKGROUND:
5 North Carolina General Statutes and the North Carolina Administrative Code authorize and
6 prescribe the process through which a County may seek permission to disengage from one
7 LME-MCO and realign with another. The final decision making authority rests with the
8 Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
9
10 The Board of Commissioners initiated the disengagement process by approving the County's
11 Intent to Disengage on November 5, 2020. This formal notice was transmitted to the Secretary
12 of Health and Human Services, the Co-Chairs of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on
13 Health and Human Services, and the affected counties on November 16, 2020.
14
15 In addition to the Intent to Disengage, the Board of Commissioners is required to approve a
16 Disengagement Plan. This abstract would approve the Disengagement Plan (Attachment 1) as
17 required by law and initiate a sixty (60) calendar day public comment period. During the
18 comment period, the County is required to solicit comments from consumers, advocates, self-
19 advocates, and State and Local Consumer and Family Advisory Committees. Following the
20 sixty (60) day comment period, the comments must be posted on the County's website for a
21 minimum of thirty (30) calendar days.
22
23 Disengagement Plan Highlights
24 The Disengagement Plan details the disengagement process and efforts to involve stakeholders
25 in this process. The important elements of the Plan include:
26
27 • Creating a Realignment Committee consisting of key county officials and agencies,
28 Alliance Health and Cardinal Innovations Health Care representatives, and other
29 appropriate stakeholders.
30
31 • Creating a Continuity of Services Plan to ensure continuity of services during the
32 transition. Alliance intends to honor current service authorizations, annual plans and
33 other authorizations essential to ensure a smooth transition and intends to honor
34 provider rates following a financial due diligence period that is currently underway.
35
36 Engaging the public and stakeholders impacted by the transition. These engagement
37 efforts will include notification to affected providers and Medicaid recipients and those
38 Orange County residents receiving state-funded services through Cardinal Innovations
39 Health Care, and a concentrated effort to solicit comments, feedback and suggestions
40 from consumers, advocates, providers, State and Local Consumer and Family Advisory
41 Committees (CFACs), and other interested parties. The engagement efforts will use a
42 variety of communication methods including a dedicated website, mailings, stakeholder
43 meetings, press releases, and social media messaging as appropriate.
44
45 Additional Agreements
46 In addition to the process and commitments contained in the Disengagement Plan, Alliance
47 Health has also agreed to provide the following to Orange County:
48
49 • One seat on the Alliance Health Board of Directors,
50 • Participation on the Alliance County Commissioners Advisory Committee,
16
1 • Access to the Alliance Health Child Crisis Facility,
2 • Completion of a services needs and gaps analysis during implementation prior to final
3 realignment,
4 • Participation on the Alliance Health Consumer Family and Advisory Committee (CFAC),
5 • Participation on Alliance Provider Advisory Committee (APAC),
6 • Establishment of Community Directors Meeting in Orange County,
7 • Provider invitations to All-Provider Meetings and Learning Collaboratives,
8 • A dedicated Hospital and Court liaison, and
9 • Collaboration with the County to locate space for group or individual meetings.
10
11 Timeline
12 Upon approval of the Disengagement Plan by the Board of Commissioners, the process will
13 proceed on the following timeline:
14
15 • February 17, 2021 — Publish this Disengagement Plan for public comment (60 days)
16 • April 18, 2021 — Post public comments received (30 days)
17 • May 19, 2021 — Submit the formal Request to Disengage to the Secretary with the
18 required documentation. A decision by the Secretary is required within 90 days.
19 • August 17, 2021 —Anticipated approval by the Secretary
20 • Following Secretary Approval - Implementation phase
21 • January 1, 2022 — Effective date of transition
22
23 Travis Myren made the following PowerPoint presentation:
24
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
LIME-MCO
Disengagement Plan
February 16,2020
Virtual Meeting
25
26
LME-MCCls in North Carolina
Administer Mental and Behavioral Health Services
Each LME-MOO has Service Area or Catchment
0
r .
ORANGE COUNTY
27 nrKnir_4un.iaa
28
17
Context and Timing
Board of Commissioners Action
- W-t to Disenppge-N—Ae r5.2020
- Formal Wrinen Rwlce of Inlem w Disengage-Novemaer 16,2020
Medlca id Transformation—New Timel i ne
S!,&rd Pleas Eff-4—July 1.2021
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2
Disengagement Plan Contents
Justification and Rationale
• Realignment Planning
Cteatlon of R-Ifig-1 Commk[ee
• Gvo dOnrielseMAaalrciasmr loN utl Prma[1MRaaamem
- Creation F.Continuity of Services Pfan
• Hvar Cvrem aemcepmM1mwllvc
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- Pudic Enpagement Frwess
• fanaanar.pdmcal�.Rvntlals
ORANGE COUNTY
3 r�RnruR�LrHA
4
Disengagement Plan Contents
• AddlticnalCommitmenis
- One seal on the Allawe Health Board of Dlrecrors,
- Parnclpauon on the Allance Cowly Co—w—oners Advl—y Committee,
Access Ie the Niance Health Child Cn—Facility.
Comraetlon of a—1—needs and gaps anaiyes during Implemematlon prior to
first—Iiipnmerd
Pa 'on
on the Pllance Hearn Consumer Family and Adrksory Committee,
- Pe nlcipalion on Alllance Provider AdyieoryCommittee,
Riadlanmem of Community Dlwwm Meeting m Orange Cowly.
Provlaer mvllallans Meetings aM L—bllg Calahcratives.
A dedeated HoWrW and Covet haman,and
Cellaberallen MIN IHe County to boale apace ter group or IMMdual meelings_
ORANGE COUNTY
5 s wtRnr[anrn.rnn
6
Tentative Schedule
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•hf•e`xa ofgC Celentler Dey1
Submit RKua5t to •nCCCApprovel of Dieerr.IIV mPer
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18
Tentative Schedule
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•DfNplen n 9nerv�CepAe W n RMS
•Financial Viability of t7iee.geged MCO
•Gompliofft hON'S vQl Requirements
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•Pdor bTaiored Plsi Impkmeaetion{f112022�
1
2
Discussion and Questions
3
4
5 Trey Sutten, CEO of Cardinal Innovations, spoke about the services Cardinal provides,
6 and the motivation behind them. He said each county is assigned to an LME-MCO, and said it
7 is Cardinal's desire to address gaps within the services being provided. He said Cardinal is not
8 perfect, but it is a different organization than it used to be. He said statutes complicate the
9 ability to provide services, but Cardinal is improving service delivery in authorizations. He said
10 Cardinal is listening to residents and members, and a possible disengagement is concerning.
11 He said it is most concerning for those in need of Cardinal's services, and he asked the Board
12 to allow Cardinal to continue to serve Orange County.
13 Commissioner Bedford said one provider on the planning committee for disengagement
14 might not be enough, and she is glad that the Manager can add as needed. She said she
15 would like to know what the financial due diligence of the plan is.
16 Travis Myren said this work is currently underway, and Alliance is conducting
17 comparisons of rates that are publically available. He said after tonight's vote, Alliance can
18 work with Cardinal on the rates that are not publically available.
19 Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is a plan in place to receive input from the public.
20 She said the people Cardinal serves are vulnerable, and emails may not be enough. She said a
21 plan with community partners is important.
22 Travis Myren said the current members are all known, and there will be direct mailings to
23 existing members and provider networks. He said social media will also be used.
24 Commissioner Hamilton asked if there will be multiple ways for people to provide input
25 and feedback.
26 Travis Myren said there will be email available, and traditional mail can be sent to the
27 Manager's Office. He said staff may hold virtual events, as well.
28 Commissioner Hamilton encouraged staff to check with service providers on best
29 practices.
30 Commissioner Fowler asked if Alliance will pick up all of the Cardinal providers.
19
1 Travis Myren said yes, all providers will be picked up at, or above, their current rate,
2 pending the due diligence period.
3 Commissioner Fowler asked if Alliance will continue to use the same service plan held
4 by a member until the member is due for a new yearly plan.
5 Travis Myren said he thinks so, but would follow up on this.
6 Chair Price asked if it known how long the rates would stay the same.
7 Travis Myren said this has not yet been determined.
8 Chair Price said she would like that information, and would want the rates to stay stable.
9 Chair Price asked if the liaison position to the hospitals would be County employees.
10 Travis Myren said no, they would be MCO/Alliance funded positions.
11 Chair Price asked what happens during the 30-day comment period.
12 Travis Myren said it is a time for the comments to be digested, and allows time for staff
13 to make any necessary changes.
14 Chair Price asked if any further comments could be received after the 60 days.
15 Travis Myren said staff is flexible to accept comments at any time, but would encourage
16 them during the 60 days.
17 Chair Price asked if the seat on the Alliance board would be for a Commissioner.
18 Travis Myren said yes.
19 Chair Price highlighted a letter she received from the Freedom House Recovery Center
20 expressing support for Cardinal. She said she will share this letter with the Board. She said
21 she also received comments Karen Dunn, who felt the disengagement plan was vague, and
22 wanted specifics on what members would gain or lose under the change, in order to provide
23 meaningful comments and input.
24 Commissioner Bedford asked if Travis Myren had the letter from the National Alliance on
25 Mental Illness (NAMI), supporting disengagement.
26 Travis Myren said yes, and he will disseminate all of this information to the BOCC.
27
28 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner to approve
29 the Disengagement Plan (Attachment 1), and authorize the County Manager to take all
30 necessary steps to implement the Plan.
31
32 Roll call ensued
33
34 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
35
36 b. Re-naming the New Orange County Environmental Agricultural Center (EAC) to
37 the Orange County Bonnie B. Davis Environmental and Agricultural Center
38 The Board discussed re-naming the new Orange County Environmental Agricultural
39 Center (EAC) to the Orange County Bonnie B. Davis Environmental and Agricultural Center.
40 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the following background:
41
42 BACKGROUND:
43 Bonnie B. Davis joined the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service in the 1950's. Bonnie
44 retired from Orange County Cooperative Extension Department in 1990 after over 40 years as
45 the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent. She died on July 27, 2018.
46
47 Bonnie B. Davis was appointed the first Orange County "colored" Home Demonstration
48 Agent (now known as Family and Consumer Sciences Agent), a job she retained for 40
49 years.
50
20
1 Bonnie B. Davis leadership strengths served as a foundation to facilitate racial
2 integration in the Orange County Extension office. Her positive attitude spread among
3 4-H youth, home demonstration club members (better known now as Extension &
4 Community Association), and Extension employees.
5
6 Bonnie B. Davis drove to rural parts of the County to help youth practice demonstrations
7 for 4-H short courses. Ms. Davis believed that everyone, regardless of where they
8 started in life, could excel given the right opportunity, the necessary training and
9 resources.
10
11 Bonnie B. Davis displayed her steadfastness when she returned from maternity leave in
12 1956. The new courthouse had opened with a kitchen for the use of white agents and
13 their clubs, but no facilities for the black agents and their clubs. Mrs. Davis resisted this
14 injustice and worked with the County Commissioners and others resulting in a new
15 addition at the corner of Court and King Streets for the use of agricultural extension.
16
17 Bonnie B. Davis was a founding member of Friends of Department of Social Services
18 and the Women of Distinction Extension Club. She was an active member of the Mars
19 Hill Extension Club and other Extension Clubs and these clubs have served as the
20 community connection for the NC Cooperative Extension FCS program for years.
21
22 • Bonnie B. Davis was the Chairperson for the Board of Social Services, was a founding
23 member of Orange Congregations in Mission, a member of the Regional Library Board
24 of Trustee, and was an active board member of the Orange County Literacy Council.
25
26 • Bonnie B. Davis received many state and local awards and was a recipient of the
27 Orange County Pauli Murray award in 2000.
28
29 • Bonnie B. Davis was a lifelong active member of Delta Sigma Theta and the Links Inc.
30 She was a devoted member of Mount Bright Baptist Church for over 70 years, serving as
31 a Deaconess, Co-Chair of the Kitchen Committee and the Christian Education Board.
32
33 In memoriam and appreciation of Bonnie B. Davis, the proposal to rename the new Orange
34 County Environmental Agricultural Center (EAC) to the Orange County Bonnie B. Davis
35 Environmental and Agricultural Center is presented to the Board of Orange County
36 Commissioners for consideration.
37
38 Ivelisse Colon, Family and Consumer Science Agent for NC Cooperative Extension in
39 Orange County, spoke in support of this renaming. She said Ms. Davis has a strong
40 commitment to serving the County, and improved the lives of many. She said Ms. Davis
41 reminds the County to serve with equity and excellence. She said Orange County is forward
42 thinking, and this renaming is one example of this. She said if this renaming occurs, it will be
43 the first Ag Center to be named after an African American woman. She said Orange County
44 would be an example to others in the state.
45 Dr. Fletcher Barber, Jr. thanked the Manager for her comments about Bonnie B. Davis.
46 He said he is the retired extension director, and worked with Ms. Davis. He said she was a
47 servant leader, and a legend within cooperative extension. He said one had to be on point
48 when working with a legend. He said she received all of the state and national awards one
49 could receive as an extension employee, and was especially proud of receiving the Pauli Murray
50 award. He said she stood for what was right, and did not wear a watch, because she did not
21
1 want to be hindered by time when working with families. He said it is fitting to honor to rename
2 the center after her.
3 Commissioner McKee praised Ms. Davis and whole-heartedly endorsed renaming the
4 center after her. He said she was very smart, dignified, and a force to be reckoned with when
5 she wanted something done.
6 Commissioner Fowler said after reading all of the letters in support of her, it was clear
7 Ms. Davis was a remarkable woman.
8 Commissioner Hamilton said she is proud to be an African American woman standing on
9 the shoulders of someone like Ms. Davis. She said she supported the renaming.
10 Commissioner Bedford said reading the letters of support transported her to a time in
11 Orange County history that she did not know. She said Ms. Davis created the leaders of today,
12 and mentioned it would be good for the schools to know about her work.
13 Chair Price said lifting up someone like Ms. Davis is heart-warming, and she whole-
14 heartedly supports the action.
15
16 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
17 bring forward a resolution to rename the building after Ms. Davis.
18
19 Roll call ensued.
20
21 VOTE: Unanimous.
22
23 Chair Price said it would be good to bring the family to the naming of the building when it
24 opens.
25
26 7. Reports
27
28 a. Buckhorn Area Plan (Study)
29 The Board received a presentation on the Buckhorn Area Plan (Study).
30
31 BACKGROUND:
32 In recent years, the City of Mebane has experienced increased interest in the development of
33 properties in Orange County that were not addressed by its existing 2017 Comprehensive Land
34 Development Plan (LDP), Mebane By Design. Per North Carolina General Statutes, the City of
35 Mebane has an obligation to update its long-range plan so that its actions on development
36 proposals, rezoning and annexations are consistent with its adopted plans. The City of Mebane
37 and Orange County have coordinated to provide utilities in the greater Buckhorn area (Efland
38 and westward to Mebane city limits) and have a Utility Service Agreement (2012 was the most
39 recent update) that identifies a service area that, to a significant degree, coincides with the
40 scope of the Buckhorn Area Plan. This Agreement is in need of an update due to new
41 developments and growth pressures in and around the existing Mebane LDP, Efland Mebane
42 Small Area Plan, and City of Mebane/Orange County Utility Service Agreement. The Buckhorn
43 Area Plan may help inform future agreements or amendments.
44
45 As suggested by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in late 2018, staff was to
46 research the development potential of existing designated economic development zones, as
47 well as other viable sites. A prior engineering analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities,
48 and threats (SWOT analysis) by Timmons Group of the economic development districts
49 bolstered the need for additional study. Orange County's Planning and Economic Development
50 departments worked together with their Mebane counterparts on this plan. As such, both
22
1 jurisdictions funded the planning study to help inform future land use and potential utility service
2 that could be mutually beneficial.
3
4 Orange County utilized funds available in the FY 2019-2020 budget to reimburse the City of
5 Mebane for half of the consulting expenses of the Buckhorn Area Plan. The original goals have
6 been to work together with a consultant to further analyze areas within Orange County—
7 adjacent to and near Mebane — and to develop recommendations for a growth strategy. In
8 January 2020, Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) was selected as the consultant, and
9 beginning on February 6, 2020, Orange County, Mebane, and PTRC have met monthly to
10 discuss the geographic area of the study, the parcel development suitability criteria and
11 mechanisms for feedback on the analysis.
12
13 During the course of the study, there have been developments in Orange County brought to
14 Mebane with a focus to rezone and to annex into Mebane. Any development proposals that are
15 in Orange County and that fall within the study area have been noted as such in Orange County
16 Planning's feedback to Mebane during the informal courtesy review process. While Mebane has
17 the ability to annex properties that are willing to be annexed pursuant to state law without
18 County `approval', Orange County Planning Staff's review of proposals has included language
19 that informally recommends Mebane delay any further development of parcels that fall within the
20 Buckhorn Area (but outside the existing utility service agreement) until the Plan is finalized and
21 has been shared with the public and elected officials.
22
23 The BOCC received an Information Item on the Buckhorn Area Plan in its December 15, 2020
24 agenda packet.
25
26 THE BUCKHORN AREA PLAN (STUDY):
27 Staff will provide an overview of the Buckhorn Area Plan, which functions as a technical study,
28 at the BOCC meeting. Some key aspects are provided as attachments herein. A copy of the
29 full document can be downloaded via the following link:
30 https://www.ptrc.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=l0489
31
32 The study uses GIS mapping to determine parcels most suitable for development within the
33 focus area. The process allows for a technical review of multiple development factors including:
34 developable acres, preservation areas, mean slope, watershed, sewer infrastructure, water
35 infrastructure, interstate access, interstate visibility, roadway access, and access to existing rail.
36 In addition to the parcel-level scoring based on objective suitability criteria, there are a few
37 areas of clustered parcels that have been recommended for long-term growth based on a
38 combination of final score and high economic development use potential.
39
40 The focus area (Attachment 1) for this study was defined after significant consideration of
41 existing land uses, environmental impacts, and economic development potential. This does not
42 mean that all areas in the study are proposed for potential change but just an area/base
43 element of research. The boundaries for the focus area are the rail line to the North; Ben Wilson
44 and Mattress Factory Roads to the west, Mt. Willing Road and parcels along the 1-85 connector
45 to the East; Bushy Cook Road and Seven Mile Creek to the South. The City of Mebane and
46 Orange County Planning, Administrative, Public Works, and Economic Development staffs
47 worked with the Piedmont Triad Regional Council to ensure parcels with the highest potential
48 were included in the analysis. It is worth noting, however, that parcels with significant public
49 utility (schools, churches, cemeteries) were marked as not available for development,
50 regardless of how well they scored on the parcel suitability criteria.
51
23
1 Attachment 2 indicates the suitability criteria and values used in the scoring analysis contained
2 in the study. Through the scoring analysis, five potential areas for growth based on size,
3 access, and needs are identified in Attachment 3. The identification of these five potential
4 growth areas is the key outcome of the Buckhorn Area Plan (Study). If and how all five potential
5 growth areas or a sub-set are further pursued through any changes to County land use plans or
6 agreements is vet to be determined.
7
8 Growth Studies or Small Area Plans are researched based documents, which can recommend
9 or inform future land use plan or ordinance amendments. The adoption of such a study would
10 provide a more formal planning and agreement process (could include multiple implementation
11 options), which would need to be decided upon in accordance with the Unified Development
12 Ordinance.
13
14 MEBANE PLANNING BOARD MEETING/FIRST PUBLIC MEETING:
15 The Mebane Planning Board reviewed the Buckhorn Area Plan and accepted public comment
16 on November 9, 2020. This meeting was available to join online via Zoom, in-person (limited to
17 7 members of the public due to coronavirus protocols), and available to stream and re-watch on
18 YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ci2UakUtAD8). A notification of the
19 Planning Board and first virtual public meeting was mailed to all property owners within the
20 Buckhorn Focus Area. A short presentation was given by the Piedmont Triad Regional Council
21 outlining the planning process, parcel analysis, and recommendations. The Mebane Planning
22 Board passed a motion to adopt the Buckhorn Area Plan and to amend the Mebane
23 Comprehensive Land Development Plan. The same night, the Planning Board recommended
24 approval of the Buckhorn Area Plan to the Mebane City Council.
25
26 MEBANE/ORANGE COUNTY OPEN HOUSE MEETING:
27 On Tuesday, November 10, 2020, the City of Mebane and Orange County held a public meeting
28 on the Buckhorn Area Plan. The meeting was held on Zoom and welcomed guest questions,
29 comments, and concerns after a short presentation on the overview of the plan. These
30 questions and comments were taken into consideration, and changes were made to reflect the
31 needs and concerns of property owners. Primary concerns were about development standards
32 such as traffic, buffering, noise, and lighting. The meeting was two hours long, and 25 people
33 attended.
34
35 MEBANE CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
36 The draft Buckhorn Area Plan was presented at the December 7, 2020 Mebane City Council
37 meeting, and a public hearing was held and continued to January 4, 2021. At the January 4,
38 2021 Mebane City Council meeting, the Council continued the public hearing before closing it
39 that evening. A decision was deferred until the January 7, 2021 City Council meeting. During
40 the meeting on January 7, 2021, the City Council agreed to take NO action on the Buckhorn
41 Area Plan until Orange County reviews the Plan and offers comments.
42
43 In the interim and in response to recent developer initiated requests for annexation and Mebane
44 utility connections, the City of Mebane has amended its Comprehensive Land Development
45 Plan (LDP), Mebane By Design, to include three properties south of West Ten Road and Future
46 Growth Area "A". Maps are provided as Attachment 4 illustrating the LDP before the recent
47 amendment and after. Growth Area "A" is labeled in Attachment 3. While the Mebane City
48 Council believes that the Buckhorn Area Plan offers good guidance in determining the economic
49 development potential of additional properties in the utility service area, the Council is not in
50 favor of increasing the geographic extent of its LDP to include any portions of Areas B, C, D, or
51 E without explicit Orange County support.
24
1
2 NEXT ORANGE COUNTY STEP:The Orange County BOCC is scheduled to meet in a joint
3 meeting with the Mebane City Council on March 9, 2021 at 7:00 pm via Zoom.
4
5
6 Craig Benedict, Planning Director, introduced the item, and presented the first few slides
7 of the following PowerPoint presentation.
8
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Buckhorn Area Plan (Study)
Craig Benedict, Director
TomAltieri, Planner III
Tom Ten Eyck,Planner II
Fennlary 16,2021
9
10
Purpose
To receive a presentation on the Buckhorn
Area Plan(Study)
Craig Benedict-Presenter OnKAm cEslly ATY
1 1
12
Background
• Mebane has had increased interest from
developers in developing properties in
Orange County that are not captured in its
Comprehensive Land Development Plan
(CLDP), Mebane By Design
• Coordinated policies between Mebane and
Orange County(2012 Utility Services
Agreement)also in need of update with
Mebane's growth in Orange County
13 Cralg Benedlct-Presenter ORAN�GELC�OVM'(
14
25
Background (continued)
• Orange County Planning and Economic
Development Staff were tasked by the
BOCC in 2018 to research the
development of potential'Economic
Development'zones
• Both Mebane and Orange County
underwent a joint venture to study land
use and potential utility service that would
be mutually beneficial for these purposes
Craig 8enedi i-Presenter ORS E�COUNTY
1
2
3
4 Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning Supervisor, presented the following PowerPoint
5 slides:
6
Presentation Table of Contents
1. Purpose/
Background Aft,po oMDNc TM0.n
2, Buckhorn Area - -
Plan(study)
3. Attachment Ruckhorn Area Plan
Information
4. Mebane's Actions
and CLOP
S. Next Orange
County Step Link to the Plan on Piedmont Triad Website_
6. Recommendation https-flwww.ptrc.orglHomelShow Dom rrenrid
=10489
Torn Altreri•Presenter ORANGE COUNTY
7 r-L CAnO1[NA
8
Attachment 1 — Focus Area
1-• a.,r m
t
s 'i Af
ORANGE COUNTY
9 -.k I II,:A—.1',
10
26
Buckharn Area Plan (study)
• GIS parcels were analyzed for most
suitable development in focus area
-The focus area was determined after
considering existing uses, environmental
impact and economic development viability
• Suitability criteria were determined based
on analysis of objective criteria
• Five potential"growth areas"were
identified as a key outcome of the study
ORANGE COUNTY
2
=°=^�•• I Attachment 2
Suitability
Criteria and
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Attachment 3 -- Potential Growth Areas
.erg
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NM I CA3 LINA
6
27
Mebane's Actions to Date
• Nov 9, 2020: Mebane Planning Board reviewed the
BAP and accepted public comments
• Nov 10.2020: Mebane/Orange County Open House
Meeting to address public questions/concerns
• Dec 7,2020: Mebane City Council receives BAP
and opens a public hearing on the topic
• Jan 4.2021: City Council continues public hearing
and closes it;postpones decision until Jan 7
• Jan 7.2021: City Council decides on NO ACTION
until Orange County reviews
ORANGE COUNTY
1 NOHT]I GRDL[NA
2
Mebane's Comprehensive Land
Development Plan Amendments
• While no action was taken on the BAP by Mebane's
City Council, an update to their CLDP was made to
allow Mebane to be in compliance with state
statutes
-Area along West Ten Road and Growth Area"A"
• Mebane's City Council feels that the BAP does offer
additional guidance for potential economic
development properties, but will wait until after
comments are received from Orange County before
considering any formal action
ORANGE
3 woan unoiNA
4
Attachment 4
—Mebane ' ^b
CLDP {Before}
-411
® ��s A I M
r�
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NO"I CRROLINA
6
28
Attachment 4 °r`�M`°�"E
— Mebane
CLDP (After)
f i►�
ORANGE COUNTY
1 NY] ]I CAR LINA
2
3 Tom Altieri said Mebane requested changes, which were primarily made along West Ten
4 Road, extending the extent of the land development plan to the south of West Ten Road.
5
Mebane Comprehensive Land Derelop—t Plan Extent Modifications
and Bmkhosn Area Plan Future Growth Areas
0
o�<ure d.e
O.a.,
VKANQL WUNTY
6 NORT]I CARCM INA
7
8 Tom Altierei said Growth area A was already included in the City of Mebane's land
9 development plan, and was amended to include portions of areas B and C.
10
Relationship of Areas A-E to Orange County
Future Land Use Map
E '
0
P
i
G n..ewww i4¢M.Wy.i[.�aHanSrn
11
12
29
Next Orange County Step
The Orange County BOCC is scheduled to
meet with the Mebane City Council on
March 9,2021,
ORANGEu�LmaCOUNTY
1 nvwr�c
2
3
The Manager Recommends the
Board:
1. Receive staff's presentation; and
2. Discuss as appropriate.
ORANGE COUNTY
4
5
6
7 Commissioner Fowler said the suitability criteria do not seem to sway opinion, and asked
8 if this is correct.
9 Tom Altieri said there are areas with small lot residential developments, which are
10 identified as needing additional buffering.
11 Commissioner Fowler said Preston Loop was previously in the Mebane plan, and asked
12 if it has been taken out.
13 Tom Altieri said yes.
14 Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason why this action was taken.
15 Cy Stober, City of Mebane Development Director, said Preston Loop was omitted at the
16 request of residents and property owners. He said the Town Council directed staff to omit those
17 properties.
18 Commissioner Greene said including areas B, C, and D, would be breaking the Water
19 and Sewer Management Planning and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA). She said the public
20 input meeting was held after the Planning meeting, and Orange County commissioners did not
21 have a chance to hear about the plan. She said the reasons for not including some of the areas
22 are compelling. She said there is a lot to discuss and she looks forward to meeting with
23 Mebane. She said the new line that Mebane is drawing near Squires Road and Medline is
24 logical. She said if the area were expanded to include B, C, and D, Gravely Hill Middle School
25 would be included, and this is the lowest wealth part of the County. She said she has concerns
26 about doing this, and there are a lot of problems with going below West Ten Road.
27 Commissioner McKee said he wanted to see the B, C, and D expansion areas blown up
28 with parcels. He said there are larger parcels on the south side of west ten, and asked if the
29 number of large parcels within these three segments is known.
30
1 Craig Benedict said area B has 4 parcels, totaling 250 acres. He said C and D have
2 smaller acreage size per parcel, and staff can get bring blown up maps to the March 9tn
3 meeting.
4 Commissioner McKee said large parcels contiguous to each other are more attractive to
5 developers, and would have less impact to immediate neighbors. He said he is aware of the
6 WASMPBA agreement, and he would be reluctant to reject the idea of increasing the Buckhorn
7 EDD without speaking with WASMPBA partners. He said there are other businesses in these
8 areas already, and this is an attractive area for development. He said this area needs good
9 paying jobs, and there must be a middle path to pursue that protects the environment but
10 secures good jobs.
11 Chair Price asked if the owners of properties in B, C, and D are known.
12 Craig Benedict said he would get the list of owners in the area. He said the owners in
13 area A, some owners in B, and owners in area C north of Ten Road, are interested in selling.
14 He said these owners are familiar with the study area, and are interested in the planning
15 process. He said owners in area B are interested in selling, due to the proximity to Medline.
16 Chair Price recalled the County saying there would be no development south of West
17 Ten Road, and while she knows circumstances can change, it feels like the County is
18 pressuring people to change that original plan.
19 Craig Benedict said in the implementation process, the County could choose not to
20 address this issue until a person comes forward with a request. He said land use could stay as
21 it is, and requests to change could be addressed as they occur. He said it is up to the property
22 owner.
23 Chair Price said area D is designated as agricultural residential, and asked if there is a
24 reason this is being changed to economic development.
25 Craig Benedict said no change is being made, but the study has shown that this area
26 has economic development potential based on viability criteria scores. He said there are no
27 recommendations to change anything.
28 Chair Price said when things are put on a map, and changes proposed, it sends a
29 message to the community.
30 Craig Benedict said areas of C, D, and E have low interest, and maybe they should not
31 be part of the plan.
32 Chair Price asked if there were public comments made by those who would be
33 immediately affected.
34 Craig Benedict said the main concerns were about traffic on West Ten Rd, and impacts
35 on the watershed. He said these areas are not in a protected watershed. He said concerns
36 were also raised about proximity of non-residential to residential.
37 Tom Altieri said there were also concerns about lighting, noise, and requested buffering.
38 Commissioner Greene said people looking at the economic development district (EDD)
39 as defined would think it was decided. She said having the EDD would then lead to rezoning.
40 She said there is an assumption that it would happen. She said changing a WASMPBA line is a
41 serious decision. She said the existing EDD has areas that are ripe for development.
42 Commissioner Bedford asked if the process for annexation could be identified.
43 Cy Stober said it is a 2-month process. She said the item, with all proper
44 documentation, goes before City Council, a public hearing will be held, and the request
45 considered at the next meeting. He said the City may provide utilities without annexing, and
46 there is a lot of non-contiguous annexation in Orange County portion of the City of Mebane, and
47 there is no cap on this.
48 Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a property within the Orange County portion of
49 the City of Mebane, and a conflict arises between the City's plan/UDO and the County's
50 plan/UDO, which plan wins.
51 Cy Stober said the City plan would be followed.
31
1 Craig Benedict said State statutes give powers to the Cities in annexation.
2 Commissioner Bedford asked if the City of Mebane is a signatory on WASMBPA.
3 Cy Stober said no.
4 Commissioner Bedford clarified that the City could take action regardless of WASMBPA.
5 Cy Stober said yes.
6 Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a plan in place if road improvements are needed
7 in an area that straddles two MPOs.
8 Cy Stober said Mebane enjoys a very productive working relationship with the County on
9 transportation matters.
10 Craig Benedict said the Comprehensive Transit Plan is a join effort, adopted by local
11 MPOs, and is consistent to what would be needed to make road improvements. He said the
12 Department of Transportation (DOT) is still part of the process for roadway impacts, and
13 meeting certain criteria in Mebane is the same as meeting criteria in Orange County.
14 Commissioner Bedford said she read the Buckhorn Area Plan last night, and expanding
15 area B makes sense to her. She said Orange County has locally designated critical areas for
16 the watershed, which are not in the plan. She asked if clarification could be provided on this, as
17 it could remove area D altogether.
18 Craig Benedict said he could speak on that at a future meeting. He said Orange County
19 went beyond what the state designates as critical areas. He said there is a County policy to
20 focus growth on a 10% area of watershed and allow 70% impervious surface. He said this
21 growth is focused around the interstates. He said Mebane can use Orange County's system or
22 use its own.
23 Commissioner Bedford asked if part of area B had been gifted to a non-profit.
24 Cy Stober said the Hillsborough Youth Athletic Association is working with a non-profit
25 on about on a 25-35 acre wedge in this area. He said he does not yet know the details of this
26 partnership, but will include it on future maps.
27 Commissioner Bedford said she shares some of Commissioner Greene's concerns
28 about transitioning the area near the school. She said there is mention of a new zoning area,
29 and asked if clarification could be provided.
30 Cy Stober said the council of governments drafted a document so that Mebane could
31 develop a similar structure to Orange County for industrial zoning.
32 Craig Benedict said local ordinances are being compared side by side to insure proper
33 development. He said whether annexation occurs early or late, the land development standards
34 do not want to be changed dramatically.
35 Commissioner Bedford said there may be a nature preserve around Seven Mile Creek,
36 and asked if this could be included on maps. She said it would be good to have all potential
37 items on the map, both development and items that could benefit the community.
38 Craig Benedict said he would show where the existing nature preserves are.
39 Commissioner McKee said the original thinking was for the EDD to focus growth along
40 the interstate.
41 Craig Benedict said these areas along the interstate were designated for commercial
42 industrial transition activity nodes in 1981. He said the change was made to EDDs in the
43 1990s, and the land was pre-zoned at that time. He said this allowed EDDs to be close to
44 transportation corridors. He said the County owns the school site, and recreation area next to it.
45 He said Medline took 176 acres, and there is interest in the flea market. He said interest is
46 coming around.
47 Commissioner McKee referred to the current parcels in the existing EDD, and asked if
48 anyone has ever been forced to sell land in an EDD. He said zoning does not force someone to
49 accept an offer.
50
32
1 Craig Benedict said if there was pre-zoning, the Planning Department would work with
2 the property owner to see if they were interested. He said no one is forced to sell.
3 Commissioner McKee said he would not anticipate that all of the land in the EDD would
4 be sold, thus it makes sense that contiguous land to the EDD, which scored high, would be a
5 natural step to include.
6 Commissioner McKee said he had several questions, for which he would appreciate staff
7 researching the answers:
8 -How much money has been spent on infrastructure for development?
9 -The investment, to date, which that infrastructure has brought to the County?
10 -How much tax revenue, jobs, and average salary have been generated by the
11 investments made due to the infrastructure?
12
13 Commissioner Greene said there is an overlay map on page 38 in the agenda packet,
14 where one can see the contiguous parcels. She said there is a great deal of information that
15 could be gathered about these parcels, and she would be curious to know what the land south
16 of Route 10 might be worth if it were used for producing crops. She said some of these areas
17 would require significant infrastructure investment in order to develop.
18 Commissioner Hamilton reminded the BOCC of the importance of explaining things like
19 WASMBPA, and its context in County history. She said scoring metrics are weighted, and those
20 weights will influence how one views a property. She said she would like a sense of what types
21 of developments are being considered for these areas, the potential benefits and the potential
22 costs. She said she wants to understand trade offs, and to remember the environment. She
23 said people do look at theses maps, and will make decisions based on them.
24
25 PUBLIC COMMENT:
26 Beth Bronson read the following statement:
27 Good evening County Commissioners,
28 My name is Beth Bronson and I reside in Cheeks Township, the census tract under
29 consideration in The Buckhorn Area Plan. Data used to curate and finalize the Buckhorn Area
30 Plan comes mere months before updated census information is released, and the tightrope
31 process of redistricting begins. The request for fast tracking approval also comes ahead of state
32 required updates to each municipality's Universal Development Ordinances. Changes that
33 would include much needed verbiage for the regulation of rural development and the removal of
34 conditional use permits.
35
36 The Buckhorn Area Plan will determine the future of 1000s of acres. Economic AND
37 Residential. As noted earlier, a handful of non-contiguous parcels are already annexed into
38 Mebane city limits, and the remaining, are a majority agriculture and rural residential parcels
39 (R1) within county jurisdiction. While I understand this plan does not force the selling, re-zoning,
40 or annexation of rural residential within this commercial-industrial transition activity node
41 (CITAN), this area has been under review for decades without much established. Now both
42 planning departments want to justify extending the scope of prospective commercial
43 development areas. This is curious, as the plan before you does not incorporate prior
44 recommendations within existing comprehensive land use or transportation plans. To clarify, 1
45 have, and I know my neighbors have, worked extremely hard to make ourselves familiar with
46 both municipality's comprehensive guidance documents, plans, and the multitude of land use
47 maps.
48 • If plans for this EDD have been in process, why haven't capital improvement projects
49 such as roadways and telecommunications been at the forefront of these discussions?
50 • If four out of the 5 growth areas—the primary outcome of the BAP lie mainly within OC
51 and outside of Mebane's city limits and their ETJ, I hope to understand why Orange
33
1 County would not have held the responsibility of reviewing and adopting/recommending
2 a plan such as this before being presented to Mebane City Council?
3
4 The Mebane Planning Board and City Council have been gracious in considering our input of
5 the Buckhorn Economic Development District. However, as inquiring Orange County residents,
6 we cannot help but feel discounted in our efforts. Point in fact, that they do not owe us
7 representation. To Mebane, Orange County is the driver of this expansion because they quote:
8 "wanted to bring water and sewer out this way," [03Feb21 Mebane Council Meeting] and we
9 should have expected this when we made our investments.
10
11 In every existing future land use map, as current as the 2019 E-B-M AMP, [Efland Buckhorn
12 Mebane Access Management Plan] this economic development district has been clearly
13 delineated between commercial use, and rural residential: discouraging commercial
14 development south of West Ten Rd, citing access to utilities and important watershed
15 protections. There is an obvious need for both municipalities to incorporate mutually agreed
16 upon regulation to protect existing and future residents and our surrounding environment.
17 In the meantime, I look forward to seeing the collaboration of both governing bodies to execute
18 a growth strategy that is thoughtful about how and why economic development should occur,
19 rather than simply where.
20
21 Chair Price lost connection to the meeting at 10:16 p.m.
22 Vice Chair Bedford led the meeting until Chair Price was able to return.
23
24 Fiona Johann read the following statement:
25 Hello, I'm Fiona Johann. I live in Mebane and have been an orange county resident for 20
26 years. I am speaking today in opposition of the Buckhorn Area plan (BAP) as it stands. I speak
27 as someone who has been following this plan progress through the Mebane City Planning
28 Board since the November 9 meeting.
29
30 This plan goes against the Efland/Mebane Small Area Plan, the Orange County 2030
31 Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the Parks and Rec yearly reports. These are the documents
32 that local home buyers had available to them when choosing where to invest their hard earned
33 income while buying homes. All of the aforementioned plans make it clear that the area NORTH
34 of West Ten was slated to be developed into an industrial zone and I assumed, perhaps naively,
35 that Orange County and Mebane City would stick to these plans in fairness to local land owners.
36 The BAP will make it very easy for developers to extend industrial zoning into rural residential
37 areas. Creating a rural industrial zone that none of the neighbors signed up for. What baffles me
38 is why both Orange County and Mebane are looking to extend this industrial area before the
39 land that was previously slated for this type of development has been used to its capacity. I
40 could image in 20 years if or when all that land is actually developed that city and county alike
41 might want to venture outside this area, but why now when there is so much open land available
42 in previously industrial slated growth areas?
43
44 I ask that instead of the BAP as it is currently stands that Orange County and Mebane City
45 come together and create a binding land use plan that encompasses the original industrial
46 growth area, south of highway 70 and north of West Ten Rd, as seen in the 2030
47 comprehensive land use plan. This would provide Orange County residents with assurance that
48 both Orange County and Mebane City must be in agreement before any more properties are
49 annexed to Mebane City and rezoned for industrial use. I would also ask that all the building
50 "recommendations" currently listed in the BAP be made requirements of any developer looking
51 to build. A binding joint land use plan would mean that those of us in the area can count on our
34
1 elected officials to have a vote instead of the City of Mebane simply annexing our neighboring
2 lots to be rezoned to industrial sites.
3
4 This is already happening in the area; as an example I give you 6016 West Ten Road. It was
5 recently annexed into Mebane and then rezoned to M-2. Many neighbors argued against this, a
6 city council member used you, Orange County, as an excuse for why this rezoning happened,
7 all the while this rezoning was never brought to orange county, meaning area citizens had no
8 elected representation in the matter. This is why I am asking for a BINDING LAND USE PLAN
9 as an official policy document adopted by both Orange County and Mebane City, encompassing
10 the original industrial development area indicated on both the Orange county and Mebane city
11 land use plans. I ask for this so that your constituents are not repeatedly left in a grey area of
12 non-representation by elected officials. Thank you for your time.
13
14 Aimee Tattersall said she has lived on the west side of Squires Road for 35 years. She
15 said her neighbors on the east side are within 300 feet of Area B. She said her neighbors
16 received a letter dated October 28, 2020 that felt threatening, about property being in the study
17 area. She read the opening paragraph of the letter, and then read the following statement to the
18 Board:
19
20 Are you Commissioners are aware of that letter? The Mebane planning board discussed the
21 plan on November 9 and the city had a public meeting on November 10. The planning board
22 approved the plan without, to my knowledge, any planning board member actually looking at the
23 land from Squires Road or any of the other roads off West 10. (and neither have any of you
24 since Medline started construction). Did anyone from Piedmont Triad Regional Council actually
25 walk any of the roads, rather than relying on GIS maps?
26
27 This plan was presented to the Mebane City Council on Dec 7th. That was when all of us--
28 mayor, council, residents—realized there was no plan to bring the proposal to the Orange
29 County Board of Commissioners. Fortunately the Mebane City Council postponed any decision.
30 The BAP Overview only considers M-2 zoning (research, office, manufacturing, warehouse,
31 etc.). It mentions walkability but makes no mention of other options such as housing (owner and
32 or rental) that Orange County needs, especially but not only places for employees of Medline
33 and Neyer (6016 West 10) to live in the county where they work. Area B could be zoned for
34 homes with public trails through the property to the proposed park, Seven Mile Creek, Gravelly
35 Hill and the soccer complex. Think beyond more warehouses.
36
37 There are at least 100 dwellings along West 10 between Mt. Willing Road and Buckhorn Road if
38 you include the roads that end at West 10, such as Squires Road (with 14 homes and 3 unbuilt
39 lots) and Coleman Loop (more than 20) and Bushy Cook Road. Also two churches and
40 Gravelly Hill Middle School.
41
42 Two warehouses on West 10 are already more than enough light manufacturing. Instead focus
43 your attention on areas already designated as economic development zones.
44 1 ask you to delay any decision about the Buckhorn area plan until Orange County, Mebane and
45 most importantly the residents who live here can assess traffic, water runoff, noise and pollution
46 from the two warehouses already approved for West 10. Let's work together and think
47 strategically about the needs of the Buckhorn Area. Thank you.
48
49 Chair Price returned to the virtual meeting at 10:20 p.m.
50
51 Patty O'Connor read the following statement:
35
1 My name is Patty O'Connor and I live on Squires Road, directly across from the Medline
2 Distribution Center and adjacent to the recently re-zoned Neyer property at Buckhorn and West
3 Ten Roads. With the completion of Medline and the 500,000 square foot warehouse to be built
4 on the Neyer land, there will be 1.7 million square feet of warehousing on a quarter mile stretch
5 of road. When Medline develops their rezoned property on the south side of West Ten, the
6 sweet, wooded Squires Road community will sit embedded in a rural industrial park with
7 hundreds of estimated daily truck trips around us and all of the accompanying congestion,
8 noise, and diesel fumes. And let's not forget to mention the environmental and aesthetic
9 degradation. This part of Mebane is absolutely NOT going to be charming. Our ways of life, our
10 homes and land values stand to be negatively impacted. I am asking tonight, that you, the
11 BOCC, assume a larger role in partnering with Mebane for the Buckhorn Area Project. The
12 residents living along this corridor chose their homes for a reason and most probably believed
13 that the zoning of the lands around their homes would offer some protections. After all, that's
14 the purpose of zoning. The Buckhorn area, even if some rezoning takes place, does not have to
15 be a stretch of warehouses from one end of the road to the other. There is other development
16 more suited to these rural areas and I ask that you task the planning department with being
17 more creative in their thought processes and seeking citizen input when considering any
18 development of these areas. In addition to pursuing sources of tax revenue, the goal should be
19 to seek useful development that enhances a community while preserving its character. The
20 residents at the western end of end of West Ten Road stand to pay a terrible price for the lack
21 of thoughtfulness in planning for these semi-rural lands.
22
23 Andrea Riley read the following statement:
24 My name is Andrea Riley and I have lived in Efland for thirty years. I want to talk to you tonight
25 about the desire of Orange County residents to be involved in Orange County's future planning
26 for its land use development. It has been 14 years since the Efland/Mebane Small Area Plan
27 was written, and there has been no appreciable public input to an updated plan since then. The
28 fact that there was so much public interest expressed in the recent proposal to rezone the 104
29 acres at the intersection of Mt. Willing Road and 1-40/1-85 in Efland should indicate just how
30 strongly the citizens of northwestern Orange County, and indeed all of Orange County, feel
31 about the kind of development they want to see going forward.
32
33 There is an opportunity at this point in time, following the heightened interest that the Efland
34 Station proposal has aroused in this community, to take advantage of this energy and focus, by
35 inviting as many groups as possible to participate in making the land development decisions for
36 all of the communities of the Efland/Mebane area. The Mt. Willing Road/1-40/1-85 site is still a
37 prime area for development under the O/RM zoning ordinance. The Buckhorn Area Plan
38 involves land in both the Efland and Mebane communities and should respect the Economic
39 Development Districts already identified. Now is the perfect opportunity for a joint citizens' task
40 force to be implemented which could look at the Efland Station site and the Buckhorn Area Plan
41 to determine what kinds of development would meet the needs and wants of both communities.
42 There seems to be a fixed determination on the part of the Orange County Planning Department
43 and Economic Development to look for only the large industrial developments that will take
44 advantage of the interstate highway. Why is industrial development the only type of
45 development being considered? These developments will disrupt the existing neighborhoods
46 and ecosystems already in place and will need to be factored into the planning by the people in
47 Efland and Mebane who understand their value and want to see them preserved.
48
49 There are many citizens of northwestern Orange County who want to contribute to the process
50 of identifying and recruiting businesses and services, which truly meet the needs of all of the
51 citizens of this area of the county. We would like to see the county take a more proactive
36
1 approach to land use in this area, using its resources to identify and incentivize development
2 that serves the local citizens who have been long overlooked.
3
4 Protection of the environment is an essential concern for the citizens of Efland and Mebane and
5 we wonder why, in the Buckhorn Area Plan that you see tonight, under "Environmental Impact",
6 it states, "There are no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impacts associated
7 with this item"? The residents of Efland and Mebane want their concerns for Seven Mile Creek
8 and its tributary streams addressed in any land use plan affecting this fragile area. We hope
9 you will see that there is a need for cooperative planning involving the citizens of the
10 Efland/Mebane Small Area and Buckhorn Area in concert with the Orange County Planning
11 Department, and that you will provide us with that opportunity. Thank you.
12
13 Commissioner Greene said she has visited the area, and the traffic will be terrible, even
14 with just the addition of Medline. She said the BOCC will need to adopt a traffic plan. She said
15 there is digital development going on, and residents are getting letters regularly from developers
16 to sell, so there is pressure out there. She said drawing a line will increase this pressure.
17 Craig Benedict said if the BOCC wants any additional information prior to the March 9t"
18 meeting with Mebane, it can forward those request to him. He said this area plan was
19 developed in concert with the County's Economic Development Department, and it goes far
20 beyond just land use. He said some of this evening's questions will be answered by Economic
21 Development Department, and others, he will answer.
22
23
37
1 8. Consent Agenda
2
3 Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
4 Items 8-b
5
6 Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
7
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
9 remove item 8-b, and approve the remaining items on the consent agenda, with 8-e as revised
10 and discussed at the beginning of the meeting
11
12 Roll call ensued
13
14 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
15
16 Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
17
18 8-b. Chair Price said Leon Meyers was mentioned during the February 9, 2021 work
19 session as a potential nominee for an At-Large appointment to the Board of Adjustment. She
20 said Leon Myers expressed a willingness to serve.
21
22 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
23 appoint Mr. Meyers to the Board of Adjustment.
24
25 Commissioner Bedford offered a friendly amendment to the motion, to also appoint all of
26 the other individuals listed on the consent agenda item 8-b to their respective Advisory Boards
27 and Commissions, as well as Mr. Meyers.
28
29 Commissioner Fowler and Commissioner McKee accepted the amendment.
30
31 Roll call ensued.
32
33 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
34
35
36 a. Minutes
37 The Board approved the draft minutes for the January 5, 2021 Virtual Public Hearing (continued
38 to January 12, 2021) and the January 19, 2021 Board of County Commissioners Virtual
39 Business Meeting.
40 b. Advisory Boards and Commissions —Appointments
41 The Board approved the Advisory Boards and Commissions appointments as reviewed and
42 discussed during the February 9, 2021 Work Session.
43 c. Resolution Acknowledging February 23, 2021 as Spay Neuter Day in Orange County,
44 North Carolina
45 The Board adopted an official resolution, which is incorporated by reference, declaring February
46 23, 2021 is "Spay Neuter Day" in Orange County, authorize the Chair to sign, and receive a
47 written update about the County's spay and neuter program.
48 d. Designation of 401 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC as Surplus Property
49 The Board voted to:
50 1. Approve the designation of 401 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC as surplus property;
38
1 2. Approve the selection of Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services to market and
2 solicit offers necessary to sell this property; and
3 3. Authorize the County Manager to sign a contract with Marcus & Millichap Real Estate
4 Investment Services.
5 e. Contract Approval for Fiber Backbone Connecting the West Campus to the New North
6 Campus
7 The Board authorized the Manager to execute an Agreement with NetPlanner, Inc. in order to
8 connect facilities with County owned fiber optic backbone, thereby distributing network and
9 phone services to the following facilities:
10 1. West Campus
11 2. Whitted Building
12 3. North Campus
13 a. Detention Facility
14 b. Environment Agricultural Center
15 c. Parks Operations Base.
16 f. Lease of Land for High Rock Waste and Recycling Center
17 The Board authorized entering into and the execution of a twenty (20) year lease of land for the
18 High Rock Road Waste and Recycling Center.
19 g. Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Revision in the Resolution Adopted April 21,
20 2020 That Authorized the Orange County FY 2020-2021 HOME Program Design
21 The Board approved a revision in the resolution adopted April 21, 2020 that authorized the
22 Orange County FY 2020-2021 HOME Program Design.
23 h. Zoning Atlas Amendment: Master Plan Development Conditional Zoninq District
24 (MPD-CZ) for Efland Station — Notice of Application Withdrawal
25 The Board formally acknowledged the withdrawal of a Master Plan Development Conditional
26 Zoning District (MPD-CZ) application.
27
28 9. County Manager's Report
29 Bonnie Hammersley highlighted an information item in the agenda packet, regarding the
30 use of school nurses and School Resource Officers during COVID-19. She said the second
31 quarter financial report is also included.
32
33 10. County Attorney's Report
34 John Roberts highlighted information in the agenda packet on increasing affordable
35 housing through the LIDO. He said some options are easy to accomplish, some are difficult,
36 and others would be politically unpopular/difficult to accomplish.
37 Commissioner Greene petitioned the BOCC to have a work session on this topic.
38 The Board agreed by consensus.
39
40 11. *Appointments
41 NONE
42
43 12. Information Items
44
45 • February 2, 2021 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
46 • Memorandum —Annual Report of the Community Child Protection Team (CCPT)
47 • Memorandum — Financial Report - Second Quarter FY 2020-21
48 • Memorandum — Options for Increasing Affordable Housing in Orange County Through
49 the Unified Development Ordinance
39
1 Memorandum — Use of School Nurses and School Resource Officers by Chapel Hill-
2 Carrboro City Schools and Orange County Schools during the COVID-19 Pandemic
3
4
5 13. Closed Session
6 NONE
7
8 14. Adjournment
9
10 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to
11 adjourn the meeting at 10:39 p.m.
12
13 Roll call ensued
14
15 VOTE: UNANMIOUS
16
17
18 Renee Price, Chair
19
20
21 Laura Jensen
22 Clerk to the Board
23
24 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.