HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 03-09-2021 Virtual Work Session 1
APPROVED 4/6/21
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL WORK SESSION
MARCH 9, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Work Session on Tuesday,
March 9, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Mark Dorosin, Sally Greene, and Earl
McKee
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: NONE
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Ed Hooks, Mayor Pro Temp Jill Auditori,
Everette Greene, Patty Philipps, Tim Bradley and Sean Ewing.
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT: NONE
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
appropriately below)
Chair Price called the Board of County Commissioners meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
Work Session on Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Members of the Board of Commissioners
participated in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public were able to
view and listen to the meeting via live streaming video at
http://www.orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on
channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable).
A roll call of the County Commissioners was called; all members were present.
The City Council of Mebane was present for the beginning of the work session for a
presentation on the Buckhorn Area Plan (Study).
Ed Hooks, City of Mebane Mayor, called the City of Mebane meeting to order. All
members of the City Council were present.
Chair Price welcomed the Mebane City Council, and invited everyone to introduce
themselves.
1. Joint Discussion with Mebane City Council on Buckhorn Area Plan (Study)
The Board received a short presentation on the Buckhorn Area Plan (Study) and
discuss with the Mebane City Council.
BACKGROUND:
Orange County utilized funds available in the FY 2019-2020 budget to reimburse the City of
Mebane for half of the consulting expenses of the Buckhorn Area Plan. The original goals have
been to work together with a consultant to further analyze areas within Orange County—
adjacent to and near Mebane — and to develop recommendations for a growth strategy. In
January 2020, the Piedmont Triad Regional Council (PTRC) was selected as the consultant,
and beginning on February 6, 2020, Orange County, the City of Mebane, and PTRC have met
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monthly to discuss the geographic area of the study, the parcel development suitability criteria
and mechanisms for feedback on the analysis.
The City of Mebane and Orange County hosted an open house virtual meeting with the public
on November 10, 2020. The meeting was held via Zoom and welcomed guest questions,
comments, and concerns after a short presentation on the overview of the plan. The Mebane
City Council discussed the Buckhorn Area Plan at meetings in December 2020 and in January
of this year. The City Council agreed to take NO action on the Buckhorn Area Plan until
Orange County reviewed the Plan and offered comments. The Orange County BOCC received
a presentation on the Plan at its February 16, 2021 Business Meeting and scheduled this item
for discussion with Mebane City Council.
THE BUCKHORN AREA PLAN (STUDY):
A copy of the full document can be downloaded via the following link:
https://www.ptrc.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=l 0489
The study uses GIS mapping to determine parcels most suitable for development within the
focus area. The process allows for a technical review of multiple development factors including:
developable acres, preservation areas, mean slope, watershed, sewer infrastructure, water
infrastructure, interstate access, interstate visibility, roadway access, and access to existing rail.
Through the scoring analysis, most suitable parcels and five potential areas for growth are
identified (Attachment A).
Attachments B through E are provided in response to questions and requests from Members of
the Board of Commissioners at the February 16 BOCC Business Meeting.
Cy Stober, Mebane City Development Director, made the following PowerPoint
presentation:
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Cy Stober said the City of Mebane reached out to Orange County in Spring 2020, to
evaluate for utilities and economic development opportunities.
Jesse Day, Piedmont Triad Regional Council Planning Director, continued the
presentation:
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Jesse Day explained the criteria listed in the above chart. He said certain criteria added
or took away points from the viability score. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
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Mebane in December. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
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Jesse Day said growth Areas A and B were amended in the City's Comprehensive Land
Development Plan in December. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
6
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Jesse Day said the Water Sewer Agreement needs to be looked at in a way that
improves the ability to respond to development in this area. He resumed the PowerPoint
presentation:
3.FUTURE LAND USE DISTRICT
Zoning Districts Potential Uses for District
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Jesse Day said the story map is available on the Piedmont Triad Regional Council's
website, and provides a variety of options for people to look at data on the area in question.
Cy Stober resumed the PowerPoint resentation:
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Cy Stober said no action has been taken by the City of Mebane to adopt the Buckhorn
Area Plan.
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Cy Stober said the three properties brought into the Comprehensive Land Development
Plan Future Growth area are the two Medline south properties and the 46 acres at the corner of
West Ten Road and Buckhorn Rd, which were presented to the Mebane City Council for
annexation and rezoning. He reiterated that state law required these changes. He resumed
the PowerPoint presentation:
8
FA E
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Contact Information;
cysmuer,Development Director
919-563-9990
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Commissioner Greene asked if the 40 acres at the corner ofWest Ten Road and
Buckhorn Road were on the south or north aide of the road.
CyStober said itiaat the southeastern quadrant uf the intersection, excluding the used
car lot that has been present for many years.
Commissioner Greene asked if this area has water and sewer.
CyStober said yes.
Commissioner Greene referred to the proposed new recreational area, and asked if the
location of this area could beidentified.
Cy Stoberaaid it is approximately 35 acres at the corner of West Ten Road and Bushy
Cook Road. He said it was deeded to the Meridian Community FoundaUon, which intends to
partner with Hillsborough Youth Athletics Association to develop new athletic fields.
Commissioner Greene asked for clarification on the location for the recreational area.
CyStobersaid it is the triangular parcel at the east ofGravelly Hill Middle School.
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Commissioner Greene asked if it is known what is going on in Area A.
Cy Stober said it has not been rezoned, but it has been reclassified in the
Comprehensive Development Plan.
Commissioner Dorosin referred to the two Medline South properties and the 36-acre
parcel, and asked if the city has already annexed those.
Cy Stober said yes, annexation was required, and the public hearing was held prior to
rezoning.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if these changes are present on the maps.
Cy Stober said the maps have not been updated, but the properties are not incorporated
into the City of Mebane.
Commissioner Fowler referred to the green parcels, to the left of Preston Loop, on slide
10, and asked if there is a reason why they are not in the Economic Development District
(EDD).
Cy Stober said the green areas are immediately actionable for economic development.
He said the growth areas A-E are not immediately actionable, but have potential for growth.
Jesse Day said the areas west of A and B are already in the city's Comprehensive Land
Development Plan.
Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, said these areas are also in the
county's economic development district (EDD). He said this is about 140 acres, and is where
the Buckhorn flea market is located.
Commissioner Fowler said A-E are further in the future, as compared to the light green
areas. She asked if there is a next step
Cy Stober said the city may put municipal utilities in area A, or it can do the same as
what Medline did. He said these areas are deficient in being immediately accessible, unlike the
teal properties. He said the two properties east of the middle school are not in the city's future
growth area, and would not be addressed in the Comprehensive Area Plan. He said the one in
C is.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a plan to address recreational areas, walking
trails, sidewalks, etc.
Jesse Day said a site plan would be necessary. He said the state would determine the
best way for trails to go through to connect with other trails
Commissioner McKee asked for the two properties to be noted on the map by staff. He
said he wanted to highlight properties that are already built out or will be built out, in addition to
Medline.
Cy Stober said the Nair property was annexed and rezoned by the city.
Commissioner Hamilton expressed appreciation for the City of Mebane holding off with
its approval process so that the Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) could see the
plan. She said the study was a technical study, showing which lands could be developed, but is
missing the impacts to the community. She said she wants to consider the costs to the
community, not just the benefits. She said she would like to see sustainability and the
environment reflected in the Buckhorn Area Plan. She said residents have expressed concerns
about the full costs and benefits of going forward. She said everyone wants the best for the city
and the county.
Tim Bradley, Mebane City Council, said when he first heard the plan, he thought it was a
joint study with Orange County and reflected the long-range plan for Orange County. He said
when the city held its public hearing, it realized the county had not given input. He said the city
wants to work together to make plans that align with each entity's needs.
Chair Price asked if Mebane is seeking to be involved in economic development in
properties adjacent to the city. She asked if there are property owners in these areas
interested in selling.
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Tim Bradley said there is some interest in Area A. He said both Mebane and Orange
County have extended utility infrastructure, which helps people plan for the future. He said the
city is ready for the next person who comes forward with land they wish to develop in the area.
Chair Price asked if the boundaries in the Buckhorn Area Plan are consistent with the
Buckhorn EDD.
Craig Benedict said some parts of the B, C, D, and E are outside of the EDD. He said
the process is to do a study, and then take action based on the study. He said Morinaga is one
example of this happening in the past.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if the city desires to have the parcels be contiguous, and
is that a factor for prioritizing certain parcels. He said the Orange County Comprehensive Plan
will expire in 2030, and asked if there is a schedule for the next comprehensive plan.
Mayor Ed Hooks said there is no intent to start at the city limits and move forward. He
said the City was asked to provide water and sewer, and future growth will be hopscotched due
to different needs and priorities of property owners. He said there is no intent to grow, and
Mebane is responding to a development request.
Chris Rollins, Mebane City Manager, said there is some land in the back that would link
to the City limits. He said the Buckhorn area is one of the hottest markets in the 1-40/1-85
corridor right now, and he would not be surprised to see site plans submitted in the next 3-6
months. He said there is a rumor that Area B is already under contract for a housing
development. He said the properties annexed in non-contiguous spots are due to requests by
property owners.
Commissioner Dorosin said the utilities already run through the high priority areas,
which makes sense why they are the focus.
Craig Benedict said the Comprehensive plan was completed in 2008, and is updated
every 5-8 years. He said staff is waiting on 2020 census results, which will be used to create a
new comprehensive plan by looking at trends, population and growth. He said this new plan will
require a lot of public input, and took 2 years last time it was updated. He said staff will go
around the County explaining the trends to residents. He said the process will likely start early
2022.
Everette Greene asked if there has been any engagement, thus far, with residents on
the comprehensive plan. He said the area will be developed by the time the plan is updated.
Chair Price said there has not been a lot of public engagement on new development
plans. She said there has not been an open meeting in Orange County.
Jesse Day said there were mailings in the area for the November public involvement
meeting with the City of Mebane and the meeting with Mebane, PTRC, and County Planning
Department.
Commissioner Greene referred to an area on the map at the corner of Bowman Road,
which is a housing development. She clarified that this was an annexed after a developer
requested it to be so.
Staff indicated yes.
Commissioner Greene asked if Mebane could create a plan, where it would refuse to
annex areas not covered by infrastructure, if the land is not in the future growth plan for
Mebane.
Chris Rollins said the land area, to which Commissioner Greene referred, is in the future
growth plan for Mebane, and was there before the housing developer requested annexation.
Commissioner Greene said she is hearing concerns from residents south of Bowman
Road that more annexations could happen in areas that are not in the future growth plan. She
asked if Mebane has a response to requests for development in area B.
Chris Rollins said the request just came in today, and the city would have to evaluate it.
Commissioner Greene asked if this area is in Mebane's future plan for growth
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Jesse Day showed a map of the area in question.
Cy Stober said Area B is not addressed in the comprehensive plan, with the exception of
the two Medline South properties, which were the stimulus for this entire study.
Commissioner Greene asked if there is a limit to Mebane's annexation plans: a line
beyond which Mebane will not annex.
Tim Bradley said there is not a rule for this, and if there had been, Medline would not
have been possible. He said requests are considered on an individual basis.
Commissioner Greene said Medline is right near the highway, and is already completed.
She said area B does not have water and sewer, and is not in the EDD. She asked if those
facts would make a difference to Mebane.
Chris Rollins said the proposal in question does have access to water and sewer, along
west 10 road. He said the City has been considering including area B in its long-range plan.
He said residents in C, D, and E expressed great concern, and the City removed those from
consideration. He said there are many developers interested in area B.
Commissioner Greene asked if area E is not of interest due to the difficulty of installing
water and sewer.
Chris Rollins said there are no active developers interested in Area E, thus there is not a
reason to consider that area at this time.
Patty Philipps said she is glad this conversation is taking place. She said residents in
this area cannot vote in the City of Mebane, but she is interested in their needs as they are
neighbors. She said she supports healthy development that improves the quality of life. She
said there are many details that need to be ironed out, but there is not a lot time to make
decisions. She said some planning will need to be expedited.
Commissioner Bedford asked for clarification on Areas C and D.
Chris Rollins said the City is not actively talking to any developers for areas C and D.
Commissioner Bedford said there has not been a formal presentation to the BOCC, so it
needs more time to consider the proposal. She said the more residential development that
occurs; the more push back there will be against commercial development in areas C and D.
She said she is concerned about the environmental concerns in Area D. She said areas B and
C have more areas that are safer to develop. She said Area E already has sewer
infrastructure, and a reserve of sewer capacity should be made in this area. She said given the
middle school, maybe area C would be good for residential development. She said as
residential growth continues, the County may ask the City to help identify an elementary school
site.
Sean Ewing asked for the city and the county to have urgent dialogue to find a way
forward. He said a comprehensive plan will take too long.
Commissioner McKee said he appreciates the discussion with the city, and said it is a bit
overdue. He said the county went to Mebane for water and sewer for partnerships in order to
secure Morinaga. He said several years ago, the county and city did not realize the
development interest that would be coming. He said this interest has grown, and changed the
perception of Orange County as being anti-business. He said the railroad and two major
interstates are bound to attract attention.
Chair Price asked if Mebane would consider low-impact residential or mixed use
development in area C or D.
Chris Rollins said it is hard to answer and depends on sewer system. He said this area
is on the far end of the sewer system, and housing uses much more sewer capacity than
industry.
Commissioner Greene said she also greatly appreciated this conversation. She said
she wants to come to an agreement on overlapping lines, so residents have some certainty that
areas beyond that line will not be considered for development.
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Tim Bradley agreed with Commissioner Greene. He said things happen fast, and
Mebane needs to have the plans in place soon, so it can respond.
Jill Auditori agreed with Tim Bradley, and wants to move forward together, recognizing
the need for flexibility.
Mayor Hooks said the relationship between the city and the county has been a good one
in previous partnerships. He said there is good communication between both planning
departments.
Chair Price said she appreciated the conversation, and the two groups will meet again.
She said staff will set up times for future meetings.
Mayor Hooks agreed, and thanked everyone for the meeting.
A motion was made by Everette Greene, seconded by Tim Bradley, to adjourn the City
Council meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Roll call of the city council ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
recess the County Commissioner meeting for 5 minutes.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
RECONVENE THE MEETING
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
reconvene at 8:36 p.m.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2. County Commissioners: Boards and Commissions —Annual Work Plan
Summaries
The Board provided feedback and direction on the first group of boards and
commissions' annual work plan summaries with their Chairs (or representatives) in attendance.
(A second group of boards and commissions' annual work plan summaries is scheduled for the
Board's April 22, 2021 work session.)
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BACKGROUND:
In the past, as part of the Board of Commissioners' annual planning and goal setting retreats,
the Board requested and reviewed/provided feedback on annual plan summaries from the
County's internal advisory boards and commissions. This information provided the Board with a
yearly overview of the boards and commissions and their projected goals for the upcoming
year. This particular process ended in 2007. The Board decided at its April 13, 2010 meeting
to reinstate this process independent of the Board's annual retreats.
Advisory Boards and Commissions Represented at this meeting:
Board Name Representative(s) Presenting
Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Anthony Carey
Economic Development Advisory Commission Anthony Carey
Orange County Planning Board Dave Blankfard
Orange Unified Transportation Board Eric Broo
Anthony Carey discussed the work plan summary for the Chapel Hill Orange County
Visitors Bureau. He said since March 2020 hotel revenue is down 69.9%, and tourism revenue
is down 55%. He said together that is about a $122 million decrease in Orange County, due to
the pandemic. He said CARES Act funds have been used promote businesses as the economy
begins to open back up. He said weddings and small events are beginning to be scheduled.
He said James Taylor will have an interactive exhibit at the new Visitors Center location.
Anthony Carey discussed the work plan summary for the Economic Development
Advisory Commission. He said the corridor around the Buckhorn Area Plan is of great interest
to the Commission. He said the Advisory Commission gave out over$1 million in grants to
small businesses and farmers. He said Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, is
working on long-term recovery plan and is encouraging non-residential growth.
Commissioner Greene referred to the future plans for 2021. She said one of the items
on which the Commissioners would like to focus is affordable housing partnerships.
Anthony Carey said the Commission knows affordable housing is needed in Orange
County, and economic recovery would need to keep affordable housing in mind. He said
affordable housing is related to economic development. He said residents travel outside of the
county to find employment, and it would be good to find ways to have jobs closer to home.
Commissioner Greene asked if there is an update on a food processing center.
Anthony Carey said there needs to be more focus on processing plants for farmers and
restaurants. He said the pandemic put a pause on some of those developments.
Chair Price encouraged continued relationships between the two boards represented by
Anthony Carey.
Dave Blankfard, Planning Board Chair, gave an update on its work plan. He reviewed
the outputs from the Planning Board, amendments, and development projects. He said the
Planning Board's projects, specifically RTLP and Buc-ee's, generated a lot of discussion. He
said the 2020 census will assist the Planning Board in planning for the future, and will result in
tweaks to the comprehensive plan. He said future initiatives will include streamlining some
processes, but also creating processes that give developers time to analyze requests.
Commissioner Dorosin said the RTLP and Buc-ee's projects generated a lot of bad
feelings in the community and concerns about transparency in the process. He said the
Planning Board is made up of community members, and he would like to consider how the
process can be made better for the residents. He said if policies are in place, whether or not
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proposals meet the policies is a different question. He asked if the County can more effectively
communicate the role and responsibilities of the Planning Board.
Dave Blankfard said those two particular projects had no give on either side. He said
staff has started conveying information online to clear up misconceptions, with FAQs, etc.
Chair Price said in the past there were neighborhood meetings that helped alleviate
concerns, and people tend to respond better when they have had time for input. She said
RTLP did agree to negotiate on the terms.
Dave Blankfard said sometimes negotiations are possible, but it requires give from the
Planning Board and the public.
Chair Price said negotiation is more likely when all stakeholders are involved in the
discussion as early as possible.
Commissioner Hamilton encouraged good communication and transparency, and
putting information online does not truly reach everyone. She said people need to be included
early and want to be heard. She said it can be difficult for residents to understand planning
processes. She asked if there is anything the Planning Board needs to improve its processes.
Dave Blankfard said there is training for Planning Board members. He said he would like
more direction on growth for Hillsborough that reflects the needs of the community and is most
beneficial for the residents. He said Orange County does not only need high-end development.
Chair Price said the Planning Board can provide a lot of that direction.
Commissioner Fowler said she would like the Planning Board to have an open mind
when residents are providing feedback. She encouraged the Planning Board to use the
existing plans for making decisions.
Dave Blankfard said the Planning Board is having a lot more discussion in recent years,
and there is more dissent than in past years.
Erik Broo reviewed the work plan summary for the OUTBoard. He said meetings
slowed down due to changes in transportation due to the pandemic. He said the OUTBoard
assists Orange County Transportation Planning Board. He said in 2020 the OUTBoard made
recommendations on transportation plans, reviewed Orange County Environmental Justice data
and is incorporating that in its process. He said the OUTBoard receives regular updates on
transit plans and studies. He said bikeway limitation studies are important to the OUTBoard, as
it wants to include bicyclists' needs in more transit planning. He said multi modal transport is a
priority. He said in 2021, the OUTBoard is pursuing smaller projects that do not need to go
through the Department of Transportation (DOT) scoring process, such as small road
improvements and safety measures. He said the OUTBoard created a radio ad to promote bike
safety around motorists. He said the OUTBoard is working with STIP projects for DOT review
and scoring.
Chair Price said the OUTBoard might have more acronyms than the Planning
Department.
Erik Broo said the level of information that the Planning Department has to manage
impresses him, and he values the staff.
Commissioner Bedford said she is BOCC rep to the Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro
Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHCMPO), and the 70 corridor study will be a focus of
for the next year. She said it will be critically important for Orange County and Durham.
Erik Broo said the OUTBoard would be reviewing it as well.
3. Advisory Boards Appointments Discussion
The Board discussed appointments to four Orange County Advisory Boards.
BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration:
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Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Debra Town of Carrboro Second Full Term 03/31/2024
Cunningham Re-appointment
Alan Polak Public Safety Field First Full Term 03/31/2024
Re-appointment
Meggie Romick At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2024
Re-appointment
NOTE - If the individuals listed above re-appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Town of 03/31/2024 This position has been vacant since
Hillsborough 2/12/2020.
Thom Freeman-Stuart asked if the Commissioners would review the applicants for the
Town of Hillsborough position on the Animal Services Hearing Pool. He said Mark Solomon is
the only applicant.
Commissioner Greene nominated Mark Solomon for the Town of Hillsborough position.
Commissioner Fowler seconded.
Commissioner Bedford asked to also nominate Debra Cunningham, Alan Polak and
Meggie Romick for the Animal Services Hearing Pool.
The addition was accepted by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner
Fowler.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Arts Commission
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Lindsay Metivier At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2024
Dr. Crystal Wu At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2024
NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
At-Large 03/31/2024 Please see notation concerning this
position in the recommendation Memo
from Katie Murray.
Chair Price said she was considering Lamar Richards.
Commissioner Greene asked if there are reasons why Lamar Richards is of interest.
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Chair Price said to encourage diversity on the board.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said staff has tried to reach Lamar Richards to confirm his
interest, and he has not responded to those requests.
Commissioner Greene asked if Marcela Slade was not interested in a second term.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said no, she is not interested.
Chair Price said it was unfortunate that Lamar Richards could not be reached, as she
was hoping to get some younger people on boards.
Commissioner Dorosin said there will be another opportunity to fill a position at the end
of March, if attempts to reach Lamar Richards are successful.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said another attempt will be made to reach out to Lamar
Richards.
Commissioner Greene said Lindsay Metivier and Crystal Wu seemed like qualified
applicants and nominated them to fill the seat on the Arts Commission.
Commissioner Hamilton seconded.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Board of Equalization and Review— Discussion on Date Correction Action and
Appointment of New Members and Chair
The Board chose to address this item earlier than it was scheduled in the agenda.
The Board discussed a correction of the term expiration dates for all positions listed on the
member roster for the Board of Equalization and Review; and to discuss making appointments
and selecting a Chair for the Board of Equalization and Review.
BACKGROUND: The following information is for Board consideration:
During a BOCC Business Meeting on March 19, 2019, the open positions were listed in the
abstract for the Board of Equalization and Review (see attached). The "Expiration Date" listed
on the chart was incorrect. The date should have been listed as March 31, 2021, but was
incorrectly noted as September 30, 2021. The minutes for this meeting were approved by the
BOCC and included this date discrepancy.
According to the Tax Administrator and County Attorney, the BOCC should, by official action of
the Board, correct the Expiration Date of current members of the Board of Equalization and
Review from September 30, 2021 to March 31, 2021. Afterward, new appointments should be
made for all positions on the Board of Equalization and Review with a term to be served of April
1, 2021 through March 31, 2023. Upon appointment of the new members, the Board should
discuss designating a regular member to serve as Chair. Pending this March 9, 2021
discussion, the date correction, appointments, and designation of the Chair will be scheduled
for approval during the Board's March 16, 2021 Business Meeting.
The positions to be filled for the new terms on the Board of Equalization and Review are as
follows:
****PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE ONLY FIVE (5) APPLICANTS ON THE INTEREST
LIST ALTHOUGH MANY ATTEMPTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO SOLICIT APPLICATIONS.
(WHEN ADDITIONAL APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED, THEY WILL BE PRESENTED TO
THE BOCC FOR REVIEW AND APPOINTMENT)
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POSITION NO. NAME SPECIAL EXPIRATION DATE
REPRESENTATIVE
1 To Be Determined Regular Member 03/31/2023
2 To Be Determined Regular Member 03/31/2023
3 To Be Determined Regular Member 03/31/2023
4 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
5 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
6 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
7 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
8 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
9 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
10 To Be Determined Alternate 03/31/2023
Thom Freeman-Stuart explained the error that was made on March 19, 2019 for the
term end date for positions appointed at the meeting. He said the County Attorney advised him
that the Board of County Commissioners need to approve that correction.
John Roberts said, as this was a technical correction, rather than a matter of public
concern, the BOCC could vote to approve the correction at the work session.
The Board decided to vote to approve the correction at the work session rather than at a
business meeting.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee to
correct the expiration date for the positions in question to March 31, 2021.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Price asked if staff could clarify the next steps the Board of County
Commissioners needed to take for the Board of Equalization and Review.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said the Board would need to again vote in the members for this
corrected term date. He said there is also another applicant for this board that came in too late,
but will be up for discussion at the April 22, 2021 work session
Chair Price asked the County Attorney if the Board needed to vote the members back
in.
John Roberts said new members could be approved at the next regular business
meeting along with other advisory board and commission appointments.
Commissioner Greene asked if staff could confirm that the number of applicants is less
than the number of available positions.
Thom Freeman-Stuart confirmed.
Chair Price asked if the Board had to vote the members back in, because of the date
change.
John Roberts said yes, because of the date change, the Board needed to approve a
new full slate of appointees at its next meeting.
Commissioner Dorosin suggested the following for the Board of Equalization and
Review:
Hunter Beattie for Chair
Daron Satterfield for a regular position
Barbara Levine for a regular position
Reginald Morgan for an alternate position
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Commissioner Dorosin said Pamela Davis should not be on the list as the Board of
County Commissioners removed her two months ago.
Commissioner Hamilton said some people have been on this board for a long time, and
asked if there are rules for how long people can serve, and is there any efforts in place to
increase diversity.
Commissioner Dorosin said with three regular members it could be one of the more
diverse boards with the individuals he suggested.
Commissioner Greene and Commissioner Hamilton did not have an application for
Daron Satterfield.
Chair Price said she did not see his application, but he is already on the board.
Commissioner McKee said the only applications received seem to be those on the
applicant interest list.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said those on the applicant interest list are those that indicated a
desire to return on the board. He said Daron Satterfield did not want to return.
The Board clarified the willing applicants with Freeman-Stuart.
Commissioner Dorosin suggested Hunter Beattie as chair, Barbara Levine and Andrew
Landstrom as regular members, and Reginald Morgan and Karen Morrisette as alternates.
Commissioner Bedford said this would allow for good geographical representation.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Commission for the Environment
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Kristie Mather At-Large First Full Term 12/312/2023
Veronica Beattie At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2023
Ulrich Hartmond At-Large Partial Term 12/31/2021
NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain:
None
Commissioner Dorosin asked staff if the format of the background information on
advisory boards and commissions could include the recommendations with the applicant list to
reduce confusion.
The rest of the Board concurred.
The Board agreed by consensus to the recommended individuals listed above.
Orange County Board of Adjustment
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Leon Meyers At-Large Move from an 06/30/2022
Alternate Position to
a Regular At-Large
Position
NOTE — If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
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POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Alternate 06/30/2022 This position has been vacant since
08/10/2020.
Alternate 06/30/2021 This position has been vacant since
02/16/2021.
Commissioner Dorosin recommended Elizabeth Bronson for an alternate position.
Commissioner Hamilton seconded Commissioner Dorosin's recommendation
Commissioner Hamilton said Adam Beeman is on the Planning Board and now
potentially on the Board of Adjustment. She asked if there was a position on the Board of
Adjustment that was intended for a member of the Planning Board. She said she is concerned
about a person serving on both boards.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said there is not a position for a member of the Planning Board
on the Board of Adjustment.
Chair Price said she thought Adam Beeman was expressing in his application that a
position should be held on the Board of Adjustment for a member of the Planning Board.
Commissioner Hamilton said she does not think a person should be on both boards, due
to a potential conflict of interest.
Commissioner Dorosin agreed with Commissioner Hamilton.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Nathan Robinson and Elizabeth Bronson to
alternate positions on the Board of Adjustment.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Leon Meyers to a Regular At-Large
Position.
John Roberts said there may be a requirement in the UDO for a member of the Planning
Board to serve on the Board of Adjustment, and requested time to research.
Chair Price asked if the BOCC agreed to appoint Leon Meyers to the Regular At-Large
position.
The Board agreed by consensus.
Commissioner Dorosin asked if any member of the Planning Board is already a member
of the Board of Adjustment.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said there is a person appointed to the position that used to be a
member of the Planning Board. He said this position was an At-Large position that was
formerly a member of the Planning Board.
Commissioner Bedford asked if that member was Kent Qandil.
Thom Freeman-Stuart confirmed.
Commissioner Fowler said that the UDO states that, "one regular member of the Board
of Adjustment shall be a member of the Planning Board."
Chair Price asked if the Planning Board determines who of its members will serve on the
Board of Adjustment.
Thom Freeman-Stuart said no one volunteered to be on both boards.
Chair Price said it seems that Adam Beeman is volunteering to be on both boards, at
this point.
Chair Price asked if this was a decision that had to be made by the Planning Board or
the Board of County Commissioners.
Commissioner Hamilton said it is a requirement of the UDO.
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Commissioner Fowler said the Board of Adjustment webpage says one regular member
shall be a member of the Planning Board.
Commissioner Dorosin said with that information, Adam Beeman should be appointed.
Chair Price confirmed that Elizabeth Bronson and Adam Beeman will be appointed to
the alternate positions, and Leon Meyers will move to the Regular At-Large position.
Commissioner Fowler said the LIDO says the Planning Board position on the Board of
Adjustment must be a regular member, not an alternate.
Commissioner Bedford said this requirement has not been adhered to in some time, and
asked the County Attorney to research the issue and report back to the Board.
Commissioner Dorosin agreed and asked that the Board appoint Elizabeth Bronson in
the meantime.
4. Board of Equalization and Review — Discussion on Date Correction Action and
Appointment of New Members and Chair
This item was discussed as part of item 3.
As recognition of Thom Freeman-Stuart's retirement at the end of the month, the Board
extended congratulations to him and wished him well.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Chair Price to adjourn the
meeting at 9:38 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Renee Price, Chair
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.