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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-20-2021 Virtual Business Meeting I APPROVED 5/18/2021 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING April 20, 2021 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Mark Dorosin (arrived at 8:26 p.m.), Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Sally Greene, and Earl McKee COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 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 meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. A roll call was called; all members were present except for Commissioner Dorosin. Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 20, 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). In this new virtual process, there are two methods for public comment. • Written submittals by email • Speaking during the virtual meeting Detailed public comment instructions for each method are provided at the bottom of this agenda. (Pre-registration is required.) 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Price said item 4-c will be moved to the May 4, 2021 business meeting. Laura Jensen introduced Deputy Clerk to the Board Tara May, as well as additional Clerk's office staff Crystal Long, both of whom have worked with the County previously, and come with helpful experience. Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge. Public Charge: The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks those attending this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward each other, county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the 2 Board or the public fail to observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum. Should it become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. The BOCC asks that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and computers should please be turned off or set to silent/vibrate. Please be kind to everyone. Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Diana Montgomery said she is an environmental educator, and has lived in Efland for 24 years. She said she spoke to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) about Buc-ee's at a previous meeting. She thanked the Commissioners for their time and attention, and careful review of ordinances. She said she hopes the BOCC will apply that same level of care in assessing and listening to the Buckhorn Area Plan, which deserves close examination. She urged the Board to take seriously its ordinances and established agreements, as the community is relying on the BOCC. She said she hopes there will always be opportunity for public comment, and encouraged the BOCC to keep asking good questions in order to protect environmental resources, such critical watersheds that supply drinking water, and the unique natural area that surrounds Seven Mile Creek. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Greene said the transit plan and policy steering committee met with its counterparts in Durham, in order to discuss needs that will not be met by light rail. She said light rail projects will not happen, but the need to connect the two counties still exists. She said Durham County has developed three scenarios with the help of a consultant, and all options have a version of express bus or bus rapid transit going down 15-501 corridor. She said Orange County has similar interests, and all will keep working together and coordinate efforts. Commissioner Greene participated in a listening session sponsored by Durham Technical Community College. She said the community college is planning for a new building, and are considering the structure and design of new building to best meet the needs of Orange County. She said most people in the meeting were interested in local food economy and ways Durham Tech could help. She said Durham Tech was receptive to the ideas. She said the Piedmont Food &Agricultural Processing Center (PFAP) is about to lose its fifth business to out of the County. She said PFAP is having growing pains, and the Board needs to proactively support the local food economy, as small businesses are as important to Economic Development as big businesses. She petitioned the Board to hold a work session on local food economy, and ways the County could positively support it and make it thrive. Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Triangle Area Rural Planning Organization (TARPO) meeting, where there was a report from the NC Board of Transportation, NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT), and TARPO staff. She said there is $1.5 billion cash balance available, but that may change, as projects are started post COVID-19. She said train service is back to full schedule, and offering 50% off train fares for April. She said there are 2,500 job vacancies with NCDOT. She said the meeting attendees approved FY22 plan, which can be found at TARPO.org. 3 Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council (JCPC) meeting with presentations from various groups. She said client, as well as Juvenile Justice, numbers are down due to pandemic. She said funding was approved for various juvenile programming. Commissioner Fowler said she attended the intergovernmental parks group meeting, where a report was presented on all of the changes that were made to services related to Covid. Commissioner Fowler asked if staff is receiving information about bikeways and grant funding, or if she needs to share it with Commissioners and staff. Bonnie Hammersley said to forward the information to her and she would send it to appropriate staff members. Commissioner McKee said he will attend the chamber of commerce meeting on Thursday morning. Commissioner McKee petitioned the Board to reconsider having meetings in public, rather than virtually, given the increase in vaccinations and the Governor's potential reduction in restrictions. He said there is room for the Commissioners to meet in the boardroom. He said chairs can be spaced out around the room and can accommodate 24 people with chairs spread apart. He said given the upcoming budget season, and the public interest in the Buckhorn Area Plan, he would support meeting in person. Commissioner Hamilton said she attended the Greater Chamber meeting last week, and the Chapel Hill Economic Development Director shared some great plans to help the Chapel Hill economy recover from COVID-19. Commissioner Hamilton said she also attended the intergovernmental parks workgroup. She said is important to share how the different municipalities worked together to deal with COVID-19, to allow for increased use by residents. She said there were rave reviews for the Department of Health's assistance in making sure everything was safe. Commissioner Bedford read the following petition: Whereas, it would benefit Orange County residents to have interconnected services between the county libraries and Chapel Hill Library; and Whereas, the southwest County library to be built in Carrboro is under design with borrowing submission to the LGC targeted for late 2021; and Whereas, there may be associated costs for borrowing/collection inventory software at the new library; and Whereas we do not have current data about the age, costs, planned replacement; potential upgrades, and general opportunities regarding the libraries in the county and towns; I petition that Orange County connect with Chapel Hill to determine the existing situation, the costs of creating/expanding interoperability between the county libraries and Chapel Hill library, which could include using the same inventory/borrowing software for all three libraries located in Orange County, and should include expenses beyond software licenses such as personnel costs; travel expense; etc. If other counties or city libraries have current interoperability systems now with Chapel Hill and/or County libraries, please include that data and impact. Library directors and staff will know of other variables and considerations that need to be included in a cost/benefit analysis. It would be a shame to spend a lot of funds on the southwest library system only to learn we missed an opportunity to improve the library services for all. Chair Price said she attended a ground breaking for Perry Place homes. She said this development is named after Velma Perry, who was a long-time resident of Chapel Hill and an advocate for social justice and for the community. She said CASA, Orange County, Chapel Hill, 4 and Strowd Roses jointly funded this project. She said some of Ms. Perry's relatives were in attendance. She said hopefully by the grand opening of the home sites, COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings will be lifted, and many can attend and celebrate. Chair Price said the Health Department is taking walk-ins for COVID-19 vaccinations. Chair Price congratulated Eugenia Floyd, a 4t" grade teacher at Mary Scroggs Elementary, and a graduate of East Chapel Hill High, who was named 2021 NC Teacher of the Year. Chair Price noted the guilty verdict today during the Derek Chauvin trial in Minnesota. Chair Price said it was nice to see that Thomas Ruffin Lane has been renamed Lydia Lane. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Earth Day 2021 Proclamation The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation related to Earth Day and environmental protection actions, including declaring April 2021 as "Skip the Stuff Month," July 2021 as "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month," and recognizing April 22 as Earth Day 2021 - encouraging County residents to participate in planned Earth Day activities. BACKGROUND: Thursday, April 22, 2021 is the 51St celebration of Earth Day, which was first identified and acknowledged in 1970 to give voice to a growing awareness of the importance of the planet's finite resources and public consciousness about the state of the planet. A number of events will be occurring locally during April and beyond, to celebrate Earth Day and promote efforts to protect and conserve natural resources. Related to these efforts a proclamation has developed for the Board's consideration. The proclamation includes: • A request from the Solid Waste Department to declare "Skip the Stuff Month" for April 2021 and "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month" for July 2021. These efforts are focused on reducing the reliance on non-recyclable plastics such as straws, cups, utensils and containers. Since the Covid pandemic of the last year, there has been a significant increase in the use of disposable plastic items. Non-reusable plastics have a myriad of negative effects, from harming wildlife to degrading water quality, and creating public health concerns. The proclamation encourages County residents and businesses — in the spirit of Earth Day—to promote the reduction of single-use plastics by not purveying or accepting these products when offered, and offering compostable or reusable alternatives. • Recognition of April 22 as Earth Day 2021, encouraging residents to participate in a number of planned activities designed to celebrate the planet and the natural resources that sustain us, including local efforts such as: • A daylong Orange County Facebook "Earth Day Blitz", streaming live and including interactive children's games and other opportunities for action - both locally and nationally, • Shred-A-Thons for recycling of confidential papers, Saturdays, April 24 and May 1, • The second annual Creek Cleanup sponsored by Carrboro and Chapel Hill Stormwater (more info at: 5 https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/public- works/stormwater-management/public-education-and-participation/annual- cleanup-with-carrboro#ad-image-0, and • Other activities and opportunities that are being created by many partners (to be announced) A flyer with information about these and other activities will be developed and released as Earth Day approaches, and this will be shared with the Board and with the public through a variety of platforms. David Stancil, Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced the item. He said the proclamation is a combination of several things that recognizes Earth Day, but also specific actions from the Solid Waste Department about steps everyone can take locally. He said this is the 51s' annual Earth Day, and the first Earth Day traced its origins back to Rachel Carson's book "Silent Spring." David Stancil said the proclamation encourages residents to participate virtually and in person, and people of all ages can be part of the day. He said there is a strong environmental ethic in Orange County, with a populace that cares. He said more events are added every day for Thursday's celebration. He said the Solid Waste Department asked the Board to designate April as "Skip the Stuff" month and July as "Reduce single use plastics month". He said there has been an increase in single use items, especially due to the pandemic. He said the proclamation asks residents to promote reduction and reusable alternatives. He said staff will post all details to social media many for residents to get involved. Bruce Woody, Deputy Solid Waste Director, said the "Skip the Stuff" campaign requires meal deliveries to post a menu of accessories, and customers has to opt in to receive items. He said this will reduce waste, and allow customers to only receive what they truly need. Commissioner Fowler read the proclamation: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION EARTH DAY 2021 APRIL 2021 — "SKIP THE STUFF MONTH" JULY 2021 — "REDUCE SINGLE USE PLASTICS MONTH" WHEREAS, April 22, 2021 is the 51St anniversary of Earth Day, marking a renewed interest in protecting the natural environment; and WHEREAS, overall concern for the environment is increasing due to ongoing degradation and resource depletion; and WHEREAS, a number of community events are being held to recognize Earth Day, including virtual, interactive and hands-on activities sponsored by Orange County and its towns; and WHEREAS, during the pandemic there has been a significant increase in the use of disposable plastic items; and WHEREAS, single-use plastics such as straws, cups, utensils, and most take-out containers are not recyclable and must be landfilled; and 6 WHEREAS, most single use plastics are produced from non-renewable fossil fuel based resources increasing negative climate impacts; and WHEREAS, single-use plastic bags are recyclable but still cause harm when disposed improperly in the environment; and WHEREAS, single-use plastics remain in the environment indefinitely, harming wildlife, impacting water quality, and diminishing the aesthetic character of the County's outdoor environment; and WHEREAS, plastics do not biodegrade in the environment, but instead break down into smaller micro-plastics thereby presenting a danger to public health by increasing the pathogens and chemicals in animal tissue and in waterways, lowering water quality, that requiring significant resources to address; and WHEREAS, Orange County wishes to recognize Earth Day this year and promote its celebration by all County residents; and WHEREAS, one effort to protect natural resources is the reduction in the use of ALL single-use plastics by residents and businesses - by encouraging those selling food to ask customers if they want the single-use plastic utensils, straws, napkins and extra products rather than including them with all orders, refusing single-use plastics when offered, and offering compostable or reusable alternatives; and WHEREAS, Orange County and the towns therein are known for and committed to social and technical innovation, environmental and waste reduction leadership; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners does hereby recognize April 22, 2021 as Earth Day 2021, encourage residents to celebrate Earth Day by participating in planned local activities and events, and declare April 2021 as "Skip the Stuff Month" and further declare July 2021 as "Reduce Single Use Plastics Month." This, the 20th Day of April 2021. Renee Price, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners ATTEST: Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Fowler encouraged everyone to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Chair Price said she hoped to attend some of the events. Bruce Woody reiterated that the Shred-A-Thom will be a touchless event, due to the pandemic. He said residents will need to be prepared to shred materials themselves, as staff assistance will not be available. b. Sexual Assault Awareness Month Proclamation The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing April 2021 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month in Orange County. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Rape Crisis Center, a non-profit, volunteer agency, which has been serving the community since 1974 is working with others in the community to stop sexual violence and its impact through support, education and advocacy. Rape is the most costly crime to its victims considering factors such as medical cost, lost earnings, pain, suffering and lost quality of life. The Orange County Rape Crisis Center assisted over 600 survivors of sexual violence, their loved ones, and community professionals during 2020. The coordination of the Orange County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Committee is bringing together members of law enforcement, the medical community, the legal system and other community advocates to improve services for survivors of sexual assault who come forward. The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim April 2021 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Orange County to encourage all residents to speak out against sexual assault, and to support their local communities' efforts to provide services to victims of these appalling crimes. The Board has approved similar resolutions in prior years. Chair Price introduced the item and Julia Da Silva from the Orange County Rape Crisis Center. Julia Da Silva thanked the Board for its support for ending sexual violence. She highlighted the services that the Center provides to clients, as well as educational programs for students. Commissioner Hamilton read the proclamation with updated language in the 5th "Whereas" from what was originally presented in the agenda packet: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS PROCLAMATION Sexual Assault Awareness Month WHEREAS, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center assisted over 600 survivors of sexual violence, their loved ones, and community professionals during 2020; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center works with the County's two school systems and other groups to provide students with age-appropriate information about violence prevention, reaching over 15,500 youth and adults each year; and 8 WHEREAS, the coordination of the Orange County Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Response Committee (DVSARC) is bringing together members of law enforcement, the medical community, the legal system, and other community advocates to improve services for survivors of sexual assault who come forward; and WHEREAS, 1 in 5 American women have been sexually assaulted at some point in their lives (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010); and WHEREAS, in the United States the estimated lifetime cost for all adult rape survivors is nearly $3.1 trillion, with government sources paying an estimated one-third of those costs, based on factors including medical costs, lost earnings, and criminal justice expenses. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017); and WHEREAS, in the United States 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of sexual or physical violence committed by an intimate partner (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2010); and WHEREAS, trans and gender non-conforming people, people with disabilities, and children face the highest rates of sexual violence in our country; and WHEREAS, victim-blaming continues to be an enormous problem in instances of rape and sexual assault; and WHEREAS, the Orange County Rape Crisis Center, a nonprofit agency that has served this community since 1974, is working to stop sexual violence and its impact through support, education, and advocacy; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2021 as "SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH," and encourage all residents to speak out against sexual violence and to support their local community's efforts to prevent and respond to these appalling crimes. This the 20th day of April 2021. Renee Price, Chair Orange County Board of Commissioners A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve the proclamation designating April 2021 as "Sexual Assault Awareness Month" in Orange County, with the language suggested by Commissioner Hamilton, and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Fowler thanked to the Orange County Rape Crisis Center for its work, and especially highlighted the Center's work with parents of students with disabilities. 9 Chair Price said it is difficult topic to talk about, but that the Center has the County's support. c. 2027 World University Games Update The Board received information and an update on North Carolina's progress in the bid process for the 2027 World University Games, an event of the International University Sports Federation (FISU). BACKGROUND: The North Carolina Bid Committee (NCBC) is working to bring the world's largest event for student-athletes to North Carolina and specifically the Triangle area. In recent months, the NCBC has received requests for presentations to local groups interested in the bid and prospects for the Games. The NCBC has presented to the Durham Sports Commission (DSC) Board of Directors, the North Carolina Travel and Tourism Board, the Planning and Legislative Committee of GoTriangle, and the Cary Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. This item was tabled until the May 4, 2021 business meeting. 5. Public Hearings a. Public Hearing on FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program The Board held a public hearing on the Annual Action Plan for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. BACKGROUND: Every year, state and local governments ("Participating Jurisdictions") that receive HOME Investment Partnerships Program ("HOME") funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") are required to complete an Annual Action Plan that lays out how they will allocate HUD funds for the upcoming program year in order to address the goals and priorities in the Consolidated Plan. A summary of the draft Annual Action Plan for FY 2021-2022 is provided at Attachment 1. For FY 2021-2022, Orange County anticipates receiving the following HOME resources: FY 2021-2022 HOME Funds $ 378,743 FY 2020-2021 HOME Funds $ 200,000 (returned by CASA)* HOME Program Income $ 13,306 Local Match $ 85,218 Total $ 677,267 *CASA elected to return its award due to receiving a Low-Income Housing Tax Credit award, which filled their funding gap; thus, HOME funds were no longer needed. The above amounts are estimates and may be adjusted according to the actual allocation received from HUD. A summary of each of the above projects can be found in Attachment 2. Orange County is a special type of Participating Jurisdiction, called a Consortium, consisting of Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. Orange County 10 serves as the lead entity for the Orange County HOME Consortium. The Consortium has drafted the FY 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan based on the HOME award recommendations made by the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative, detailed below. The Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative (the "Collaborative"), comprised of one (1) elected official and staff members from Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, reviewed the applications received for the FY 2021-2022 HOME Program on March 25, 2021 and made the following funding recommendations for consideration by each of the jurisdictions' elected bodies: Applicant and Project HOME HOME Request Award Habitat for Humanity— Homebuyer Assistance $ 450,000 $ 434,393 Pee Wee Homes — Rental Construction $ 100,000 $ 100,000 EmPOWERment— Rental Acquisition $ 105,000 $ 105,000 Administration (10% of HOME Funds, per statute) $ 37,874 $ 37,874 Total $ 692,874 $ 677,267 In accordance with HUD requirements and the Orange County Citizen Participation Plan, the Orange County HOME Consortium must hold a public hearing to obtain public comments and feedback on the draft Annual Action Plan during the public comment period, from April 1 — May 2, 2021. Notice of this public hearing was published in The Herald Sun and La No6cia. Copies of the draft Annual Action Plan were posted on the Orange County Department of Housing and Community Development website, and a link to the website and draft plan were circulated by public notice in the newspapers listed above, as well as email outreach to more than 100 relevant stakeholders to include local service providers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, elected officials, and interested residents. All comments received during this hearing, and anytime during the public comment period, will be incorporated into the final Annual Action Plan to be submitted to HUD. Before submitting the final plan, the Board of Commissioners will consider the approval of the Annual Action Plan and the FY 2021-2022 HOME Program Design (funding recommendations) on May 4, 2021. The governing boards for the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough are also scheduled to consider the approval in early May, in order for the final plan to be submitted to HUD by the federal deadline of May 15, 2021. Erika Brandt, Housing and Community Development Manager, made the following PowerPoint presentation: 11 Slide #1 ORAP.IGE QU1jy • • " L nCHCD ORANGE COUNTY HOME CONSORTIUM 2021 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN FOR THE FY21 -22 HOME PROGRAM grange County Board of Commissioners April 21,2021 Q& Slide #2 AGENDA •HOME Overview •FY21-22 HOME Funding Application Process •Annual Action Plan Overview n'HCD �r•r�o��.�N�,�•���nor��,Er, Slide #3 HOME PROGRAM OVERVIEW Purpose •Increase the supply of decent,affordable housing to low-income households •Expand the capacity of nonprofit housing providers •Strengthen the ability of state and local governments to provide housing •Leverage private sector participation uses •Acquisit.on of real property,site improvements,&housing construction •Housing rehabilitation&reconstruction • Home nwnershlp assistance •Tenant-based rental assistance HCD Slide #4 FY21 -22 HOME PROGRAM •Applications for the County's FY21-22 HOME program were due Feb 26 Applications were reviewed and scored the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative and stafffrom the Towns and County Scoring based on: 1. Income targeting 2. Vu4nerable populetion(s) 3. Long-term affordability 4. Project location nelmly to services&employment 5. Leveraging other funding 6. Cost effectiveness 7, Capacity to complete project •Award recommendations made by the Collaborative u�D,,,Xe.,,,,•„•,��- M 12 Slide #5 APPLICATION SUMMARY EMPOWERment Habitat peewee Homes Praj.I Nim. 706 Gomalm Ave FaWVWW Ho-0—MIP ASHstanee 106 KRI M {roper Hllq {Hiushmough[ {carabam) An ly Type 8e1ta1 AM.Nit'ion Homeownership A isranre fl 1.1 Construction Awulsition o€duplex$2 second ntartgage assitance w 15 unitsl in New consbuxtion of 3 units to s1aw- Proj#a D—Optkn Northslde to be rented to law- nmme hw howd Ae rented to Ind Oduals in me families -P..enfirg Iwmelessness HOME Fends Request $105,000 $450,000 $100,000 Tor'#'Pro)-Cast 5z40,000 ".Gm,atia $z06,425 No-HOME Fundi $135,000 $2,550,000 $105,415 [Total Cost-HOME rmdsl L.wwon R#tk 1.29:1 5.67:1 1.06:1 coo PFr UnR I VN SF $52.5001$54 $20u,Wu 1$151 $68,806 $193 Award Type Grant Loan Grant Nur ber uF UWr 2 15 3 3150%AM[[ll Onh),51-80%AMI(4 AMI W%AM[z umn[ unit[ 53u%AMI(,umFs) AereraStag Mmes [out of 2aopoxdue poems} 153.75 150.17 154,75 Slide #6 AWARD RECOMMENDATION Funding Available Funding Award ZO211FON1E Atkaatkn $378,743 EmPOWERmeOt,Inc.-RwrtWAcgWFRkn $105,000 2020 HOME Funds Returned{CASA[ $200.L130 Habitat for Humanity-Homebuyer Assistance $436,393 L..A Mitch 5851215 Pie woo He"s-Rwtw oewkpm"t $1W,0100 ROME FMojf#m Imme $13,395 AdminlFlr#Ilan $37,874 TOTAL $677,2b7 TOTAL $677,267 HPPC v Slide #7 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN •Annual "update"to Strategic Plan portion of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan(2020-2025)required by HUD •Includes HOME funding awards for the year in question (Chapel Hill also creates a separate Action Plan for their CABG funds) Prorys.ls # PMNaet Nxma O.x[HpRaa xep#aNNw x.mara[r- ewHN Wb1ldwNbO�eMaCaunev N4 Win.rarrMnnitrMP•Wh Mw.M,"rY�^'xx xb•vbr•,v nainNe•ve •ert••�en#NNn�e r�au mooed Agw..lfSl xo^�bvNsrl.y.a ralMew Ge�.,�rxry n r�illkbora�w nlnF intuvan Mlny wrcant Imo aed olgMy pnawi IravW Mtko xoa mMLn:ra.r.(IMe Anel minix.dfwmab,rere eaileeedmnle rmrcvleu$Men IS.d alll w.Fune ruMervwlH,. � Vee Weerbne. fade Wll be dlorredtnpee Aleerbmeem#neon mna,�rtbnd rWee llY noel read peiad Gnanrrebn Try at rd6aNl5treat In Cr,Lirn nMt,WlMek�aieo FasM1dH egwnercln# MaXlaraau X,2.pnl- 0,rN hon MIMrNmMun Nmxe. H C D 9 EmYCYRR+en-FeneJ [udt.:Il6e�lorrta pe6n-10,, IXNFRn.ay.lne fa arqulnldn ulxdurlee mnrii�[ua 13) Aoedil6m xnb at A6GwnalnAreInGwet HIII,C,psvAl be lenadbbureMMe�nkskn Xhan Nl. 1NNF dOr.arramedun Fcmx. VI4N4f[NNXXiRY1S11f4 FIaMRYN1IT NII[4PRNN1 13 Slide #8 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 1lnnua1(,nalc xnrl flhjrctiXes Afinrd.blr Hnusi n rdlYee Sen 41 WPI NxLAHwed trYq sW oueertme McYev6wbfarlM N.uMerd HeuNMkeb Yew Yes I�mw � um eHorEaEw w.w btw.urA Suue3 xemJws 5 bewerce nw,p u�� nennm onxrtmdau xouyaldveemef Tml iB 1 Xw+ ]uM !Mn nxowbl, ••e.� 51o4nC0 ee+elNM men,xmuhuwsa •Yui bsdXorJo1Y wuHunm 6 Por Nnrtd Avaerta 0 TI:RrtdenJaof Xex Chit 3 H nruhll Sfolmo1ww}pphnd[�angunCt law. �� Teal N QCHCD A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to open the public hearing. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS PUBLIC COMMENTS: Rose Nuam said she supported Habitat's application for HOME funds. She said she has 5 people in her family, and they were approved for a Habitat house last fall. She said a family with a home is a lot healthier and happier. She said many families are interested in home ownership, because rentals are expensive and unstable. She said many friends have asked when Habitat will build more homes, and her family's healthy relationship with Habitat makes people feel confident in Habitat's services. She said she supports Habitat's request for funding they build stable and affordable housing. She said her family is happier and emotionally stronger knowing they have a home. She said Habitat is an amazing organization. Candace Midgett said she is a resident and homeowner at Crescent Magnolia in Hillsborough, and she supports Habitat's application for HOME funds. She said residents choose to live in Crescent Magnolia community for permanency, continuing support and affordability. She said the expectation of a permanent home is reasonable because the community has been established for people to age in place. She said continuing support is important to people in Crescent Magnolia, and many have chosen to stay in Orange County has there are excellent services for seniors. She said she lives in a strong community that supports each other. She said these homes are affordable on a senior income, with help from Habitat and Town of Hillsborough. She said Orange County housing costs often exceed 30% of one's income. She said most residents of Crescent Magnolia are single women, and invited the Commissioners to visit. A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to close the public hearing. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Price asked if an explanation of the local match could be provided. 14 Erika Brandt said HUD requires that participating jurisdictions pay a 25% local match towards direct housing costs. She said this does not include the 10% set aside for administrative costs. She said the match is split between the four jurisdictions, based on population. Commissioner Greene complimented all staff for putting this together. She said the process is well organized and clear. She said Empowerment and Peewee homes were fully funded because the requests were small. She said there is so much available funding, as CASA did not need all of its funds from a previous year. Commissioner Fowler said she was wondering if this was a typical funding amount. She said it is about $200,000 more than usual. Erika Brandt confirmed it was more than usual. Chair Price said the increased funds were due to Perry Place, because CASA got the low-income housing tax credit. 6. Regular Agenda a. Buckhorn Area Plan Study The Board received a report on the Buckhorn Area Plan Study and to discuss next steps on public outreach and continued analysis and coordination with the City of Mebane. BACKGROUND: This report is intended to provide a framework for further review and outreach related to the Buckhorn Area Plan (BAP). Orange County and the City of Mebane have collaborated on land use planning and associated infrastructure projects since 2004 with agreements to support economic development, a school location, and North Buckhorn Community and Efland sewer service and rate stabilization. The mixture of residential, non-residential (industrial and commercial) and community uses such as a school and parks was acknowledged in the planning of supporting water, sewer and road infrastructure. From 2004 to 2012 Orange County and the City of Mebane continued to coordinate joint planning efforts with the development of the Efland-Mebane Small Area Plan Study and subsequent implementing measures of land use and zoning changes and infrastructure investment. That work bolstered intended private and public sector interest in the existing Economic Development areas in proximity to the dual interstate (1-40/1-85) and interchanges. Additional study by an independent planning and engineering firm in 2017 and 2018 examined the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis) of the existing Economic Development and CITAN (Commercial-Industrial Transition Activity Node) areas and recommended further technical land development regulation review, as well as subjective economic development viability criteria (such as topography, proximity to interstate, and environmental constraints). As development pressures continued in this area, as evidenced by Medline, Orange County and the City of Mebane embarked on a joint technical study known as the Buckhorn Area Plan with the hiring of the Piedmont Triad Regional Council. The technical study is available at: https://www.ptrc.org/Home/ShowDocument?id=10489. The focus moving forward will be to concentrate short term efforts on the areas identified in the Study with known developer interest. These areas include Growth Area A, as identified in the Buckhorn Area Plan Study, which is presently within the County's Economic Development area, and Growth Area B. Large parcels within Growth Area B have recently been under contract. 15 Buckhorn Area Plan areas C, D and E were ranked in the study, but no known development interest at this time. Further public engagement and analysis of those Growth Areas may occur in the future following direction from the Board of Commissioners. 1. Overview of County Wide Planning Framework In 1994, the County designated three distinct areas in the County outside of the incorporated municipalities where water and sewer service may be extended and where more dense, primarily non-residential would occur. y The Eno Economic Development District (EDD) is approximately 600+ acres located along Highway 70 bordering Durham County. The City of Durham provides utilities in this area, and annexation of the served parcels into the City is possible. Staff is currently working on a proposal to reduce the general size of the Eno EDD to the approximately 200 acres that are suitable for development based on the SWOT analysis conducted in 2018 and property owners/developers are willing. The Hillsborough EDD is approximately 370 acres located along the southern boundary of the Town of Hillsborough. The Town is the utility provider in this area, and annexation by the Town upon development is possible. ➢ The Buckhorn EDD (includes areas from Efland west to Mebane) is approximately 1500 net acres along the eastern boundary of the City of Mebane. The City is the utility provider in this area, and annexation is possible upon development. ➢ Overall, 13% of the County's total land area is located in the incorporated areas of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Mebane ➢ Three percent (3%) of the County's total land area is in the County's planning jurisdiction (OCPJ) and currently authorized for utility extensions and the accompanying more urban intensities and densities. Utility extensions in these areas are limited by the Water and Sewer Management and Planning Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA). Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Orange County are parties to that agreement. Utilities in these areas are further guided by interlocal agreements with local governments. y The remaining eighty-four percent (84%) in Orange County's Planning Jurisdiction is limited to low density, low impervious rural residential, agricultural uses, preservation, and watershed protection areas. 96.6% of Orange County's Planning Jurisdiction has limited development potential. 2. Water and Sewer Investments within the EDD The County has invested over $5.5 million to install water and sewer infrastructure in the Economic Development Districts. The debt service on these investments is paid through the Article 46 Economic Development sales tax. The Buckhorn Mebane Phase 3 Capital Improvement Plan map (provided as Attachment 2) shows the proposed phasing of an incremental series of infrastructure phases and timing to prepare for buildout development in an orderly and engineering efficient manner in the Buckhorn EDD. The PowerPoint for this item (Attachment 5) will illustrate the prior phases one by one. The FY2021-22 Capital Investment Plan recommends a $1.2 million Buckhorn Mebane Phase 3 project to extend utilities to Growth Area A. A water system is on site. 16 Orange County has invested in this area since a joint venture with the City of Mebane to build utilities for the middle school and north Buckhorn community since 2004. Further investments were made in CIP phases to a master planned infrastructure `backbone.' 3. Buckhorn EDD Overview The southeast quadrant of the Buckhorn Road interstate interchange has exhibited the greatest economic potential as evidenced by the location of Medline and recent annexations and interest in the 138 acre flea market site and an area west of Petro. The `backbone' of water and sewer infrastructure is existing with visibility and access to the interstate. Attachment 3 shows the Buckhorn Interchange. 4. Known Development Interest and Existing Zoning Areas A and B have high development potential and economic development interest in the short term. There has been no developer interest in Areas C, D, and E (east of I-85/US 70 connector), so further public engagement and analysis in those areas will proceed in the future as authorized by the Board of Commissioners. 4a. Area A (NE Quadrant of Buckhorn Interchange East of Buckhorn Road Planning Attributes 1. Orange County Land Use Designation: Economic Development 2. Orange County Current Zoning: Economic Development Buckhorn (EDB-1)-1 Uses allowed are generally light industry, distribution and light manufacturing (area is characterized by rail, high power transmission corridor and interstate frontage). 3. Included in the Mebane Land Development Plan - Yes 4. Utilities 4a. Water- Yes 4b. Sewer— No - Stubbed out on south side of interstate. The sewer extension project is included in the Manager's FY2021-22 Capital Investment Plan as well as an upgrade to the Gravelly Hill lift station. 5. Access - Proposed as industrial Drive Extension and location tentatively approved by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) as part of the adopted Buckhorn Access Management Plan. Conversations with a nearby church are helping facilitate the location of the roadway. 6. Annexation Potential - Yes 7. Environmental Review: Located in Upper Eno Protected Watershed and subject to all intensity, impervious and stormwater regulations. 4b. Area B (Near Buckhorn Road and South of West Ten Road) 1. Orange County Land Use Designation: Agricultural Residential 2. Orange County Zoning: R-1 (Rural Residential) Housing density is one unit per acre but generally less due to poor septic use soils. 3. Mebane Land Development Plan - Two areas of Growth Area B have been annexed and rezoned by the City and included in the Mebane Land Development Plan. The majority of Growth Area B is not currently in the City's Plan. 4. Utilities 17 a. Water- Yes - Water is available adjacent to the area with the West Ten Road right of way and has adequate capacity. Developer extensions would be necessary from that access point to serve any additional property. b. Sewer- No - Sewer is not currently installed in Growth Area B but would be available through gravity extensions to the existing backbone sewer. Moderate capacity is available. 5. Access - NCDOT will be upgrading West Ten Road which is also part of Buckhorn Access Management Plan 6. Annexation - Some properties are presently within the city and annexation criteria can be met due to proximity. 7. Environmental Review - Part of the Upper Eno Watershed Protected Area and subject to all State and County impervious and stormwater regulations. Area B and Area A are not part of the County designated watershed critical area. The County's critical area is 6 times the size of the State requirements, and the County has only planned approximately 4% of the entire watershed for higher intensity use near the interstate while protecting 96% of the watershed with lower impervious and lower density. 5. Moving Forward Attachment 4 details the outreach plan for Areas A and B where the focus of the overall Buckhorn Development Plan will be pursued. An initial public engagement opportunity is recommended in mid-May. This engagement will guide next steps in terms of further community planning activity and technical analysis. Orange County and the City of Mebane will continue to collaborate on regulations and environmental and cultural review to mitigate growth impacts. Craig Benedict, Planning Director, made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Buckhorn Area Plan Study; Collaborative Planning, Orange County/ City of Mebane 4/2012021 18 Slide #2 Outline of PowerPoint 1. Orange County Comprehensive Planning and Context History as it relates to Planning Collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones 2. Overview of the current Countywide framework for development 3. Overview of Water and Sewer Installations in the EDD`s 4. Buckhorn EDD 5. Areas with Known Developer Interest(A-B)-No known interest in areas C.D,and E 6. Moving Forward in Coordination with the City of Mebane on Areas A and B ORARTI NGE COUNTY NfJ [CARBLfN.I 2 Slide #3 Land Use Planning • 1 . 3 • 6 • 11 • 18 • 2 • 4 • 7 • 12 - 5 • 8 • 13 • 9 • 14 • 10* • 15 • 16 • 17 Note;Economic Development infrastructure referendumNovemher21N1 ORANGE COUNTY FORT]1 C-INA 3 Craig Benedict said the Efland Small Area Plan was started in the 2000s, and it looked at all areas of infrastructure. He said the referendum on sales tax for economic development and schools occurred in 2011, with funding in 2012. He said a lot of different actions were in the abstracts. He said the actions in abstract are interlocal agreements with Mebane, Hillsborough, and City of Durham. He said number18 on the slide refers to Buckhorn Area Plan. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #4 Orange County Comprehensive Planning History and Context as it relates to Planning Collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones 1. 1981-Orange Cafnly adapt a Futuro Land lino Flan deslgnaWg aarrdara and nades near 145 inlerelwngea for Commerawi-lndaatrial(CITAN)urea. 2. 1987-Joml Pl—mg Agreenw.nl tretween orange Ceunty and Ch pet H7 and Carrboro M ealabllan a—nlva M ETJ and sat annezatlon IlmEts(A(pad W h -g—I) 3. 1984-FWf,Caralma watershed Nes ge into e,7wl and—ty irplefnents prete kur hhrvugh aonmg ovedaya and denry and i.np—m%alandardr Orange on Coly R rlricler than the dale. 4. 1994 C.raga Counly FCCC changes erturo land use and—Ing In sane.CITAN areas w ea -Io development Ilxluding unique uses and amdards Mr development 5. 199&2001-5twping Orange Cowfty'r ruble(a—tywide oommonity and adviawy board eMartJ ieannRrms Me FUIh a LaM llse Plan;uses and location raro90� —ImnLwl ORANGE COUNTY lurmLfNn 19 Craig Benedict said Orange County's Future plan was a good visioning process to begin comprehensive plan update. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #5 Orange County Comprehensive Planning History and Context as it relates to Planning Collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones B. January 24,2000-Flagship plaromg coordination meeWB between Orange County, City of Mebane and North Buckhpm Community,krgwrr as ho'Blilzard-meeiinp. Set fodh collaboration posts and future agreeni in our-pint'mileresl area T. 20(12-orange CountyyChy M Mebane Crlginal Utility Seml-Agraemem a. 2003.2008-Small Area Perning Process Iknoan m Errand-Mebane SAP Includes Suckhom EDD arra also)includes elecled offc lals from both local governments end rmfty.Approved plan suggests implementation actions brough a community task force and formal actions items of Planning Dowd and Di In subsequent years.. 9. 2182.2008-Creagan ora my developed county comprehenslva plan wtmh.nWdee —Il aanw da eililiN ad,i-ro overdo,public inpet and.task once ofwell-rounded suslaini interest areas ladopted 2008+ (urns ED and CITAN locatipna) -- ORACJGEhOUNT�' Craig Benedict said Orange County was one of the first to create a comprehensive plan that included multiple elements. He said the Gravelly Hill Middle School area, and the infrastructure around it, could be used to support economic development. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #6 Orange County Comprehensive Planning History and Context as it relates to Planning Collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones 10.2009-2010-Use of federel grants and county mmey to Inabal Phase 2 sewer n Eftand fel ming lata 19BA's Phase 1.Sower Rata action show system Is expenslse m maMaln and Town of Mbtoro gh sewer beatmenl conte becoming tad much burden an Errand reeAdaft 11.2012-llpdaled Utlllty Stark:Agreement between Orange Coutyltlry of Mebane danilti earlier In part by a blitybacklari ranslar plan_This mulll-phatea angetaedng plan(AKA Rlrcabona-Mebane Phases)Is basis of Nov 2011 article ba referendun far ED Wnstatmolure and Is Included in Orange Capital Imprwitai l Program(Cll(10 year propram to Erne irrmmverral In engineiii{This plan also planed or deirpnp Eland sewernow fran Town of Hlllabomugh to CITY of Menne thereby aM W7rJng sewer rates). City of Mebane has now Mken ma Merano msponslbilty for al Elland amt Ruckhorn- Main—water and sew—nisi ts. 12.20112019-Conal—tion of nauaple phases of Infrastructure consistent wall all engnleedng master plan and CI P.This work ktl to NCDOT mad call grans.CDSO-ED grans for aeihy anerwlon to Mornoga.Iocatlon of Mai suppon of 0—try,County soccer center ekparal and Ore now augnanlagon for enure Ruckhom ED amtsEW lunity yes- ORANGE COUNTY *w,e I I CA—NA 6 Slide #7 Orange County Comprehensive Planning History and Content as it relates to Planning Collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones 13.2013-2015-BOW adopted Interlocal utility agreement with City of Mebane, Town or Hillsborough,and City of Durham to support CIP adopted program and Ankle 46 Economic Development Infrastructure referendum.Property owners and community meetings were held to inform public as engineering plans were developed. 14.2016-Morinaga Project uses infrastructure 15.2016- nge CraCounty BOCC budgeted and completed a SWOT Economic Development viability analysis through Economic Development and Planning to determine best areas in both. 15.2019-City of Mebane was transferred responsibility of Elland Area and. Economic Development Sewer Infrastructure for their ownership, maintenance,and customer support.Orange County was able too delete operating costs from their budget. ORANGE COUNTY Alla]]I f AlFpl..[N0. 7 20 Slide #8 Orange County Comprehensive Planning History and Context as it relates to Planning Collaboration with City of Mebane and Economic Development Zones 17.2019-2021-Post recession market forces show high Interest In Orange County Economic Development zones.Orange County and City of Mebane study growth potential In the area with the PTRC Buckhorn Area Plan study. -Medllne uses Economic Development Infrastructure. -Other nearby properties request annexation into Mebane. -Econom lc Development Interests focus on NE quadrant(Area A0,SE quadrant(Flea Market and Nyer)and SW quadrant(behind Petro). NW quad rant CASS expansion)uses prior infrastructu reinvestment. 1S.2020.2021-Buckhorn Area Plan funding and outreach.No Implantatlon actions at this juncture. ORANGE COUNTY h4]RT][CAROLINA 8 Slide #9 Section 1: Overview of the current Countywide framework for development —Countywide map-Urban areas and County E DD's —Interlocal agreements that frame where development may occur/utilities may be installed ORANGE COUNTY NORTI[CARCN.[NA 9 Slide #10 Where we develop Urban Intensities; Cities, ,Jobs & Services, Housing (yellow and gray) aorrite wn�rmmr s�xurm • Only 16%are focused growth areas for Urban Development including towns(gray) Only 3%©in County - planning jurisdiction (yellow) ORANGE COUNTY NORT9[CAROLINA 1a 21 Slide #11 Rural Preservation (Green) - — • 84%of total county is further preserved for low density residential and agricultural • Limitations of public rF water&sewer (WASMPBA) extensions Preserves Rural character and controls -- —' _ sprawl ORANGE COUNTY —' R3�R]][CA3PQ11N 4 Slide #12 County Economic i Development Areas ORANGE COUNTY �.r.M �r Peaflll[UA(SLPNn 12 Craig Benedict said the Eno Economic Development District (EDD) will be reduced to reflect abilities to provide infrastructure and services. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #13 Economic Development Interlocal Utility Agreements 'Foam H®Wnouyl^IwlxadPgruarnv[ mi pem.ni ORANGE COUNTY Nomn uPmiPNn 13 22 Slide #14 Where are Urban Focus Areas. 16%Urban area is Focused on interstates &interchanges Supporting road network built for traffic Only a few interchanges have hlgh potential. 95%of Economic Development zones within 1 mile of interstate (part of 3%area) ORA�GI, NTY td Slide #15 Section 2: Overview of Water& Sewer Installations in the EDD's —Map of Water and Sewer work to date —Map of planned installations omm 1 eouuN rr ,s Slide #16 Buokhom Area Plan(BAP)Growth Areas a �rsawixnrsae . o� Q '44 J Y ®. �....„...,.rte. ~ 18 Slide #17 Suckhorn-Mebane EDD Phase 1(completed) amti,� Y 17 23 Slide #18 Bockhorn-Mebane EDD Phase 2(completed) uN WfiIER IWIN 4Ra41tt SEWER IMIX - Geaw[h AreaA M L^�J- GrrnrlHAma 9 aEEsuaex 51kk 9ol2 �1 Y 18 Craig Benedict said a gravity sewer main line was extended prior to Medline being built. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #19 Buckhorn-Mebane EDD Phase 2(completed) _ D 8EE8L�E1 +,.•�,� 6-avrtn1 E, GXA41lY SEWER MAIN Sfrde 2 or 2 4" (Phase 2) 79 Slide #20 Buckhorn-Mebane EDD Phase 2 Extension(completed) s emml s.,�.s Xmra.a�nm rmn 1mn AHiklww toC AMelam 0 ow�A GRANTY SEWER 11ANi M';MCP1A°1S°d 8E4MER F9RCE NAIN WE8TTLWPUNPBTMTTN cHra Mi4sie Gmir Smm Ifom RRW TI P�°N.. ORANGE COUNTY n:aKn I cnxca.�ua 2D Commissioner Dorosin joined the meeting at 8:26 p.m. 24 Slide #21 Buckhorn-Mebane EDD Phase 3(CIP Pending) PROPOSEOORAOTY SEWER C408004UMMR�TO ISRVIS GROWTH AR EA A -n-b—&ISO,rpn PROPOSED UP.RAVE TOEMSTING OANULY' &PUMP STATION TO SMV GENERAL AREA ;M,e1') Craig Benedict said the Neyer property is not part of the EDD, but it is adjacent to the zone. He said staff is working on a return on investment document for the Board. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #22 Buckhorn-Mebane EDD—Oranae County Constructed Water and Sewer 11—1.E �ICALJ (',RAN:.F COUNTY 22 25 Slide #23 9uekMm Interchange-EAhiUit j ! Map of I Existing Developed Zx� Properties Rl� 71 I .: �-� ww.rxewsoca I / I i• a ORANGE COUNTY NOR-TI I CA.ROLIN.A. 23 Craig Benedict said in Growth Area A, sewer infrastructure, road extensions and better access are recommended. Commissioner Dorosin asked if the Neyer property is already annexed. Craig Benedit said yes, it is a 27-acre, non-residential property, with 800,000 square feet light industrial distribution. He said these types annexation requests prompted Mebane to be a partner in the Buckhorn Area Plan. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #24 i Map ai $ Existing Developed and Proposed 1 _ .n Probable � a properties ORANGE COUNTY NOW]n I CAROLINA 2L Craig Benedict said the gray areas show annexed properties. Commissioner Dorosin confirmed that the areas shown in purple are not annexed. Craig Benedict said correct. He said there is some interest in some of the parcels for annexation. Craig Benedict said during the recession (2014, 2015, 2016), the County put water and sewer in the area. He said the County has accomplished many of the things it planned to do. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: 26 Slide #25 Context for Area A_ E _ Zoning, Access, r---- Utilities,& Annexation ORANGE COUNTY iaunn i iu�iaun 25 Craig Benedict said public outreach will include why areas were chosen. He said much has to do with water and sewer, highway proximity and accessibility. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #26 Context for JI area B i Zoning, Access, 1 1Utilities,&f °m Annexation GmMN Mae B _ - 1 ORANGE CCI Zvi Craig Benedict said Growth Area B is not considered for economic development at this time. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #27 1 Orange County and State Water Supply—Upper Eno Watershed 1 "`. ORANGE COUNTY A iaanxunw 27 27 Craig Benedict said 74% of the County is in protected or critical watersheds. He said the areas in question for development are not in the critical watershed. He said the State has different rules for building in watersheds. He said in 1994, Orange County decided to cluster all of the potential growth in the watershed into 10% of the protected watershed. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #28 ORANGE COUNTY m-1uaoi—25 Craig Benedict said Orange County chose the most restrictive amount of imperviousness to grow in this watershed. He said this is far more restrictive than the State requires. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #29 Section 5: Moving Forward • Outreach -See Next SDde • Environmental and Cultural Resources • Land Development Regulations -Lighting,Landscaping, Traffic,Noise,Buffers, Etc... ORANGE COUNTY rxivncnnaLUNn 24 Tom Altieri, Comprehensive Planning Supervisor, continued the presentation: Slide #30 Public Outreach See Attachment 1 for additional detail • The purpose is to engage with the community and explore Areas"A"and"B"as the focus areas for coordination with Orange County and the City of Mebane • May 171h,6-8 PM is the proposed dateltime for the Outreach Session,format will be Zoom We will reach cut via direct mail to property owners and those within 1000'as well as post to the County's website and social media - 28 Slide #31 Public Outreach • Outreach Content: -Context of the Suckhorn Area Plan(Study) -Annexation -Mow will public comments affect the outcome? -Tools for public knowledge of plans -Timelnelnotification for June 1 BOCC meeting • After the outreach meeting,Orange County Planning will report back to the BOCC at the June 1,2021 Business Meeting and receive any additional direction from the Board,possibly_ including additional outreach. i r e_r.IT 31 Tom Altieri said the purpose of the May 17 meeting will be to offer a brief staff presentation, and allow most of the time for questions. He said staff wants to help inform to move the process forward. He said an FAQ would be developed and brought back to the BOCC. He said staff will address the Buckhorn Area Plan, its history, and how Areas A and B relate to existing County plans. He said an annexation 101 lesson will also be provided, along with the potential impact of the public comments. Slide 32 Questions? ORANGECOUNTY wrcnr cumiiv.32 Chair Price asked if residents on Preston Loop are connected to water and sewer. Craig Benedict said no, as there is no gravity there, specifically, but they can hook on to water if they wanted with an adjacent water supply. PUBLIC COMMENT: Catherine Matthews said read the following statement: Good evening County Commissioners. Two weeks ago, I came here to talk to you about President Biden's executive order to protect 30% of our lands and oceans by 2030 a plan widely known as 30 by 30. Tonight, I want to address a concern that was raised by Commissioner Dorosin at the last public meeting following public comments. Commissioner Dorosin indicated that he wouldn't be surprised if Orange County hadn't already protected 30% of our county land. But, Commissioner Dorosin get ready for a surprise. According to Orange County's Land Conservation Manager, Mr. Chris Hirni, approximately 10% of Orange County lands has some protection. However, two-fifths of that 10% of land is only partially protected and will remain partially protected because those lands are Duke Forest lands. Therefore, only 6% of Orange County lands are now protected in perpetuity. We are not in front of the curve, but far behind it. 29 Orange County consists of approximately 257,000 acres of land. 15,420 acres are fully protected now. If we agree to participate in the 30 by 30 Executive Order then we must protect a total of 77,100 acres – that is 61,680 more acres that must be protected. Where will we find that land in Orange County? One thing for sure is that if we continue to allow development as proposed in the Buckhorn Area Plan we will have far less land to target for conservation. Commissioner Dorosin, you also seemed to get defensive about County residents like me who keep coming to the meetings to speak about the need to protect our Orange County lands and waters. I am most appreciative for the lands that have been fully and partially protected but I believe, like our President, that we need to do far more. The Lands Legacy program has identified tracts of land of interest, but does not approach private landowners. Private landowners must initiate contact with Mr. Hirni. I might suggest that this approach change. We need to be in active pursuit of our conservation protection goals. The need to protect our lands and water is dire. Once land is developed it cannot be protected for some number of years. I would like to propose that the Orange County Board of Commissioners issue a proclamation in accordance with President Biden's executive order; Orange County agrees to do our part– protect 30% of our county land by the year 2030. When that happens then we can be assured that we are doing our part! Tom Mullaney said he lives in Hillsborough, and is a former teacher at Gravelly Hill Middle School. He said the plan is calling for heavy industrial use around Gravelly Hill Middle School. He said no families at the school were consulted about how they felt about industrial development around the school. He said the student body of the school is lower socio- economic, and he hopes the BOCC will step up and take the needs of these children seriously. He said he wants his family and neighbors to have clean drinking water. He said encouraging development on protected watersheds is not a good way to celebrate Earth Day. He said the Buckhorn Area Plan was created in consultation with Mebane, and not citizens of Orange County. He said the Board should slow this process down, and a binding plan with the Commissioners of Orange County with strong public input would be much better. Patty O'Connor read the following statement: Good evening commissioners, I have been told the following by different Mebane city council members at different times: 1) West Ten Road has a long-standing plan for industrial development; 2) Preston Loop should never have been built; 3) if you live close to the interstate, you should expect industrial development around you. (I'll say, just for the record, my home was here before the interstate); 4) I'm worried about how far down West Ten Road the development is occurring—it is a feeder road and not a primary road for development I'm concerned that while Mebane city council says they have tabled the BAP, they will continue to annex and rezone properties on a parcel-by-parcel basis as owners want to sell their land and cash in. In my estimation, there are only 2 Mebane city council members who have shown much concern for the rural feel and character of the Mebane outskirts. I guess "positively charming" means different things to different folks. For this reason, I would ask that the BOCC and the Mebane city council enter into a binding agreement on a joint area plan, informed by the citizens of Orange County. 30 As you know, Medline is nearing completion. At full capacity, there will be up to 600 employees and potentially hundreds of daily truck trips. The Neyer project, not yet started, is approximately '/4 mile away. It will put another 500,000-800,000 square foot warehouse with potentially 250+ employees and another 50-100 daily truck trips. Medline owns the property across the road from their current build and that has been re-zoned M-2. They have not decided on type of development or if they will sell the property to a supporting industry. There has been no traffic impact study that includes the projected Medline activity. There has been no real estate impact study to determine the effect that this development will have on the surrounding homes. There has been no study of the impact that this tremendous amount of impervious surface and storm water re-direction will have on adjacent residential wells. It is unfair for certain people and certain lands to bear such a heavy burden. There is a middle school, a soccer field, another proposed ball park, 2 places of worship and multiple residences on West Ten Road. Enough is enough. I'm not opposed to development--there can be development without a solid row of warehouses down the entire length of West Ten Road. Please put some thought and imagination into this plan before our home values plummet. Thank you for hearing my concerns. Tim Spruill read the following statement: Hello-I am Tim Spruill, a hydrologist, and a concerned citizen of Orange County. I would like to relate my concerns about the Buckhorn Area Plan. Land-use limitations are established by states and counties to minimize environmental damage by preventing pollution of water sources for drinking, preventing erosion and loss of soil, and minimizing major habitat destruction for a variety of animals and plants. One of the main reasons that urban development causes damage to the environment is because of the concrete and other impervious materials used to replace the pervious soil. Impervious surfaces cause changes in rainfall runoff volume, flow frequency, and runoff chemistry and typically reduce baseflow to the receiving stream. Habitat for thousands of invertebrate and vertebrate animals are simply removed from the area initially because of buildout, and later, from streamflow changes caused by the impervious surface. When does impervious surface area begin to cause change? Based on numerous studies, streams begin to degrade in biological quality when only about 10-12% of the watershed is impervious. At 15% impervious surface and above, streamflow, baseflow, and chemical quality all degrade as well. A major contributor to Hillsborough's water supply is Sevenmile Creek which is located within the Buckhorn Area Plan (BAP). The stream constitutes about 23% of the drainage area of the Eno River at Hillsborough and contributes about this much to Hillsborough's water supply. With the BAP, the Orange County Planning Department has ignored the impervious surface limits with the Buckhorn Area Plan, by allowing up to 70% impervious surface in the area. This amount of development violates State established maximum limit of 12-30% for a protected watershed (which the County is supposed to enforce!). If developed as planned, water quality and biological quality in Sevenmile Creek will degrade to become a severely impacted urban stream with poor biological diversity and water quality. Additionally, water availability will be far less because of blockage of recharge to the shallow aquifer that feeds Sevenmile Creek. The people of Orange County expect the Planning Department to provide opportunities for businesses that are sustainable and are appropriate for the setting. A land-use plan that places a few huge moneymaking industries at the top of a watershed that will degrade drinking water for thousands of people and diminish recreational and tourism opportunities, and violate the 31 rural character of the place, tells me that its time for the BOCC to establish a new direction for the Orange County Planning Department. I ask that you, the Orange County Commissioners, prevent the current BAP from moving forward and encourage Mebane to cooperate on a new plan for a more sustainable and appropriate development of the Sevenmile Creek Watershed and a plan that does not violate watershed protection laws of North Carolina. Daniel Nuttall read the following statement: My name is Daniel Nutall, I'm an Orange County resident, and I'd like to ask the Commission not to move forward with the Buckhorn Area Plan as it currently exists. Our county does need economically viable development plans, but this particular plan carries far too many environmental risks to critical watersheds and poses too great a threat to the Gravelly Hill school community to be the right plan for Orange County. Gravelly Hill serves more minority students than any other school in our system, and it is vital we not commit the mistake of asking our working families of color to bear the burdens of increased development that does not align with our county UDO. More broadly, this discussion, like several recent discussions before it, show how urgently we need to reimagine our county development priorities to better align with our UDO guarantee we can remain a progressive community a long time into the future. To my eye, this development is simply more unsustainable sprawl that will serve to inconvenience working families while moving us further back on our climate goals. I hope the Board can consider more plans that prize sustainable transit, access to housing, and environmental benefits that can live up to Orange County's reputation and goals. Chair Price said she is concerned about Growth Area B. She said the Board had determined there would be no development below West Ten. She said she can understand Medline purchasing the property across from it, but does not understand why the County would aggressively go after other parcels in this area. She said serious public outreach is missing. She said, in the early days of the timeline, there was a lot of work with the community, and she would like to see more of that now. She said there are discussions with people in specific areas, but not with Commissioners or those who will be directly affected. She said she would like to see discussion, rather than a presentation, moving forward. She said there should be more than one meeting with the public. She said if Commissioners plan on attending the public meeting, please let the Clerk to the Board know, so she can provide public notice. Commissioner Hamilton commended the past actions in Orange County for protecting watersheds. She said this demonstrated forward thinking, and she would like to continue that thinking. Commissioner Hamilton said the Buckhorn Area Plan Study seems to be a technical study, and she does not understand why it is being called a plan, if it has not been approved. She said it is a proposed plan, and the current language makes it seem like it is a done deal. She said different language should be used. She said she looked at the study, looked at SWOT analysis, and it is a technical study on one narrow facet of water and sewer. She said an area plan is about everything that is valued about land use: the environment, land use, the underserved and vulnerable communities, etc. She said the Buckhorn Economic Development District already has the areas on which the Board is focused, and she does not see the need to go beyond that. She said growth Area B is not in the original plan. She said the Board can refuse to promote growth in an area that is not in Orange County values. She said she wants to clearly determined what a plan is, as it will help the public feel that things are not being done 32 secretly and promote trust. She said economic development is needed, and there will be costs to community, but it will serve us better if there is trust. Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a residential developer who has purchased lands in Growth Area B. Craig Benedict said a developer approached the City of Mebane, but Mebane is not interested in a residential development at this time, due to the amount of water a residential development uses. Commissioner Fowler asked if the return on investment document would be available at a certain time. Craig Benedict said that he would work with Economic Development Director and Finance to provide that in mid-May. Commissioner Fowler asked if there has been a traffic impact study in the area, or residential impact, or water impact. Craig Benedict said City of Mebane has required some traffic impact analyses (TIA) and Orange County code would also have required TIAs that are within its jurisdiction. He said an environmental impact analysis is done for every site plan. Commissioner Fowler asked if staff could clarify impervious surface limits. Craig Benedict said the State has different requirements for impervious surfaces, and Orange County chose the most restrictive option, which allows for building 70% impervious on 10% of protected watershed. He said the protected watershed is 24,000 acres, and the County is allowed to develop 2400 acres at 70% impervious. He said State prefers this option because it is focused growth, instead of spreading out impervious throughout the watershed. Commissioner Fowler asked if the County builds 70% impervious on 10% of its protected watershed, if the development must cease. Craig Benedict said yes. Commissioner Fowler asked if the Board desired development in Area B, would it have to change previous plans. Craig Benedict said Commissioner Hamilton was correct is saying this is a technical study. He said Area B was shown as viable for economic development in the technical study. He said further outreach will be done, and then the BOCC will determine if any land use changes will be made. He said this is similar to Efland Small Area Plan, ad its 15 recommendations, which were not real until the BOCC went through the formal required process for changing land use. Craig Benedict said the word "plan" got into the study due to Mebane's language for its land development plan. Commissioner Dorosin referred to Growth Area B, and asked if it is different than in previous maps that the Commissioners reviewed in other meetings. Craig Benedict said yes. Commissioner Dorosin said it is confusing, and a consistent set of terms is important to make things as clear as possible. Craig Benedict said starting with tonight's meeting, he is not using any identifiers from previous maps. He said he changed all of his CIP maps to make sure it is clear. Commissioner Dorosin said that it should be clear online as well, with a key on the maps to show how the Board is using the identifiers. Commissioner Dorosin said economic development needs to be considered. He said if the Board determines no more development is best, then it must consider the impact to the economy and the rest of the County, and the impact of leaving rural areas out of economic development. He said the County wants to maximize use of highways. He said Orange County has a higher cost of living, higher tax rates, stagnant growth, and there has to be balance. He 33 said priority has been given to conservation, which is certainly important, but it comes at a cost and makes it difficult for working class and elderly people to stay in the County. Commissioner Bedford thanked the staff for providing the history on these issues. She said she looks forward to hearing comments from the public meeting. She said it is great to continue EDD in area A. She said she is glad that areas C, D, and E, will be left as rural residential, and are out of the study or the planning. She referred to Area B, and said she would like to leave it as part of the discussion points and find out the concerns. She said this would allow for input and see what studies would be needed. She said periodic assessments of traffic would be useful. She echoed Commissioner Dorosin and Commissioner Hamilton's comments about analyzing impacts on residents and schools. She said if area B were to be developed, she would like to know the negatives and positives: if there are enough warehouses, and if there is a preferred industry with a shift schedule residents would prefer, etc. Commissioner McKee said public comments mentioned that the plan was built with Mebane only. He said this study was a result of 40 years of discussion with the towns, the County, and the community. He said a plan has to be a living plan, and must change according to how the needs change. He said this Board changes plans to meet needs and expectations. He said this area was not picked haphazardly, but rather due to large properties with willing land owners. He said the targeted growth is in 3% of the County, which is a miniscule amount, and concentrates growth where it needs to be. He said commercial development needs to be along a major highway, and this area also has access to rail. He said Morinaga came on a promise that the County would put in the infrastructure. He said there are a lot of needs in Orange County that have to be paid for, and these needs must be paid for without raising taxes on homeowners. He said the choice is simple: either the County further gentrifies, or it accepts the opportunities presented by these businesses to expand economic development. He said the BOCC is not imposing unbearable risk by accepting what is in this plan. He said the community needs to be involved, no matter which way it goes. Commissioner Hamilton said she has many years of training as an economist, and the County cannot close its borders. She said the drivers of many of the issues are the demands that come in from other states. She said the County needs to look closely at what can be done in the long run to stem the forces. She agreed that economic development is needed, and it is important to secure industry that will offer the most bang for the buck. She said it is important to not take whatever comes, and one must always look at the unintended consequences. She said she does not want to stop economic development, but the BOCC must look closely and seek a good return on investment. Commissioner Greene thanked the staff for the presentation, and said she appreciates the past Board's work with the land use plan that avoided sprawl. She said the desire was to concentrate growth around municipalities. She said opportunities exist near interstate corridors, and sewer infrastructure was put in as an attempt to plan and create the ground for economic development. She said this does not mean there will be overwhelming warehouses. She said she is interested in development around the middle school. She agrees with the Board's history on this topic, and looks forward to public input. She said the process got off on the wrong foot with the perception that Mebane was driving the train, and the BOCC is eager to gather public input and work out a plan moving forward. She said the economic development aspect of planning remains very important. Chair Price said this has been a long process. She said the County does need the economic development. She said the County should look comprehensively and flexibly. She said people are a factor in environmental issues. She said those people who have invested their lives in that area should be heavily included. She said it is not possible to please everyone, but out of respect, everyone should be included in the process. 34 Chair Price asked what direction staff needs at this time. Craig Benedict said he would come back on June 1 with comments. Commissioner McKee asked for information on projects that have come into the area since water and sewer was installed (Morinaga, ABB, AKG, etc.), and what was the return on those projects, with incentives backed out. Chair Price asked all Commissioners to tell the Clerk to the Board if they plan to attend the public outreach meeting, so it can be properly notices. Chair Price asked for a motion to recess for 3 minutes for the purposes of a break. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to recess the meeting 3 minutes. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS RECONVENE THE MEETING Commissioner Fowler was not yet present, but due to a quorum of Board members being present, Chair Price asked for a motion to reconvene the meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to reconvene at 9:45 p.m. Roll call ensued. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Reports a. 2021 Orange County Revaluation Results The Board received an overview of findings from the 2021 countywide revaluation. BACKGROUND: North Carolina counties must conduct a revaluation at least once every eight years. Orange County's last revaluation took effect January 1, 2017. The effective appraisal date of the 2021 revaluation is January 1, 2021. Tax office staff began working on the 2021 revaluation in 2019. A collaborative approach was taken throughout the entire 2021 revaluation, and community involvement helped improve the process. In February 2020, the tax office proactively sent each real property owner a snapshot of the property's public record. Property owners were asked to return the form with any corrections to the data provided. This was an effort to ensure accurate records. Of the approximately 41,500 forms that were mailed out, the Tax Office received approximately 4,300 responses. Conducting a countywide revaluation takes significant effort and staff dedication. Orange County has approximately 57,100 real property parcels, and each of those parcels has been modified to reflect a current estimate of market value. The schedule of completing the revaluation has been affected by the pandemic. During the height of the pandemic, appraisers limited field visits to curbside reviews. For the majority of the last year, appraisers have based 35 their work from home with minimal time in the office in order to maintain the health and safety of staff and the public. Revaluation notices were mailed on March 24, 2021, and an appeal form was included in each notice. Commissioner Fowler rejoined the meeting at 9:46 p.m. Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, gave the following PowerPoint presentation: Slide #1 2021 REVALUATION APRIL 2021 Slide #2 What is a Revaluation? - Process of updating real property tax assessments to market value and present-use value as of a single appraisal date Primary goal is to equalize tax base Effective appraisal date for Orange County's revaluation is January 1,2021 Nancy Freeman said state law requires a reevaluation every 8 years. She said Orange County does a revaluation every 4 years. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation: 36 Slide #3 What is Included in a Revaluation llll� � -All residential and commercial land throughout Orange County and permanent structures. What is not included? a Business personal property o Motor vehicles,boats,airplanes a Public utility property a These properties are reappraised annually Slide #4 Community Outreach Real Property R—d Card—Inn.launched July 2014 o Pnuvide current irdur�anan retard o IMeromve webpoge:rene+v preperty dere,report ltwea Public Compec website launched July 2014 o Review pmperry es cemperedtn xlmllerprepenlee Volldotran Farm Moiling m February 2020 o Partnered wllh Xxi aemmunityrogafherthe meat eccurete date pesslble o 0-4,000—p—nn—pdated— I.1—dmatP 1 Slide #5 Community Outreach(continued) Revuluorion Information Insert mailed with 2020 tux BIR m July 2020 Revaluation Vldea Launched on Webslre In July 2020 o EvplalM the basin d a Rwaluatbn Prewntotian at Schedule at Values PubBc Meanng for the at Board of Commissioners meeting io 0ctoher 2020 Revaluation Information Insert moiled with 2021 Listing Farm in December 2020 Slide #6 Commercial Appraisal Process F.Local commercial real estate appraisal firm provided market research,sales r A second commercial appraisal firm interpreted market research and provided recommended values for all commercial parcels,taking into account effects of pandemic Orange County senior appraisal staff reviewed recommended values 37 Slide #7 Residential Appraisal Process Explained Resldentl of properllee valued by Orange County Appraisal to am Each app,dwri,certified by the North Carolina Department of Revenue iNCDOR) o—pose required­- moi—Inc fir wiM rnnfiraing cducofi— o NCDOR pre Aes spoelNe Wa quallfyrg tralning,eur appmuom It— otiended Each sale in Orange County is reviewed and categorized as qualified or n cruahfied sale "Arms Length 7ranrodion"=Qualified SoVe o Purpose is to eliminate sores not indk:ative of o fair market transaction ❑Two years of soles mduded in sole..bank used to Shope the-t.-for the r�valuerlen eaMinwd e�xr page Slide #8 Residential Appraisal Process Explained(canrm ed) Neighborhood Delineation:Appraisal Team groups"like" properties(similar properties geographically or economically) Best indicator of value of single family home is sales comparison approach Mass appraisal makes assumptions about some items for similar homes.Individual appeals provides opportunityto review specific properties and adjust those items as needed. Slide #9 Residential Appraisals I i Strong seller's market for residential properties Demand for residential properties driven by: ■Federal government's continued actions to keep interest rates low ■Pandemic-related circumstances of stay-at-home orders ■Increased demand,decreased inventory due to cessation of construction early in pandemic E: Comparison to other counties L,Survey of counties conducting a revaluation in 2021 show average county-wide growth of 17.88%,with a median of 16%. n Range from 8 to 36x1 Li Fifteen counties responded 38 Slide #10 Real Property Change by Area cauMy.id* $21,739,530,791 116% 20.1% Carrboro $2,806,444,019 14.61,6 19.1!4 Clwpel H141 $8,874,303,213 1310 78.3% H41Psborough $1,491,892,443 24.5% 46.7°.6 Meborre $570,146,470 44.2% 49.41 Slide #11 Revaluation in Orange County 2021 Countywide Tax Base is$21,739,530,791 Overall percentage of growth from 2020 to 2021 is 12.6% Overall percentage of growth from the most recent revaluation in 2017 is 20.1% Residential represents approximately 77%of the 2021 tax base,and commercial 23% Residential overall growth is approximately 36% Commercial overall growth is approximately 11% Slide #12 Average Value of Home Average Values of Homes based on Jurisdiction CounryWld. $368,314 $310,600 Corrbovo $393,657 $369,300 Chapel Hill $483,643 $417,200 Hllbb.—gh $277,100 $236,200 Meb.— $223,361 $222,100 Vnlues Include blldmg,Innd cnd od.,femuras such as 9—ges/s6ds Townhornes and aand..iniums ore excluded. 39 Slide #13 Industry Standards Sales Ratio Industry Standards C-111.1 trtot Jurbdlctlon Idwilan Flatio Actual DI rnlon Actual C.untywid. .90.1.10 1.00 5.0.15.0 7.7 CNinelHill .90-1.10 1.00 5.0-15.0 7.4 whom .90-1.10 1.00 5.0-15.0 7.4 illsborough .90-1.10 1.01 5.0-15.0 5.4 ebrne .90-1.10 1.01 5.0-15.0 7 "St Martl mken m th¢fnrernarlenol AveNenen a An¢ssln 4 re Slide #14 Industry Standards III. r Sales Ratios are verified by category of property. The ratios indicate tax assessments represent about 100%of current market sales.The coefficient of dispersion(COD)indicates the data spread,and the goal is 15 or lower. Countywide:Sales Ratio 1.00,COD 7.7 -Improved Residential;Sales Ratio 1.00,COD 7 Improved Commercial:Sales Ratio 1.00,COD 14.8 Vacant Land:Sales Ratio 1.00,COD 15.2 Slide #15 Remaining Schedule New—1—oroilable on website March 22,2021 Noecas moiled Morch 24,2021 AddItIonal mulling of 300 commerclal property notices on March 31,2021 - Informal appeal period began whennotices were received; deadline for Informal appeals April 30,2021 Formol Appeal Period begins Monday,May 3,2021 when Baord at Eymli—tion&Review comanes. - Formal Appeal Period ends June 30,2021 when Board adjourns. Slide #16 Revaluation Notice Mailing r Revaluation notice includes: t7 Information on webpage to appeal online a Information on webpages to review data and find comparable sales included o informal appeal form as a courtesy for property owners who wish to appeal Instructions to complete informal appeal form 40 Slide #17 Appeal Process Taxpayers may appeal their assessment every year F-Stage li-Informal Appeal-n-house review with staff appraiser C Stage 2—Formal Appeal—hearing with Orange County Board of Equalization and Review Stage 3—North Carolina Property Tax Commission r Stage 4—Appeal Courts Slide #18 Potential Impact of Appeals J -:Currently have received approximately 752 informal appeals,and appraisers have reviewed 592,or approximately 78% Expecting more appeals than 2017,possibly 4,000 informal appeals and 1,000 informal appeals,with 200 appealing to the NC Property Tax Commission. Reduction in value due to appeals is accounted for in the estimated tax base.The estimation is based on historical percentage of reduction from prior revaluation years. Slide #19 Appeal Assistance Review property characteristics at Real Property Search Webpage: u Check sgoore footage,bath wast,etc. Compare property to nearby property sales at Camper Webpage: Submit appeal form included with revaluation notice,or complete appeal process online: 41 Slide #20 For More Information Contact the Orange County Tax Office: 919-245-2100,option 2 Live chat by visiting: �w/de p artrrerts/tax/ Commissioner Fowler asked if valuations are being reexamined in the Northside community. Nancy Freeman said staff is reviewing data for that neighborhood. She said staff is also looking at the Pine Knolls neighborhood. She said there were 31 Northside sales in the last year, averaging $390,000. She said the averaged assessed value is $360,000. She said the average assessed value of all the properties in Northside is $334,490. She said the assessed values are a little lower than the sales values in the area. She said the average Pine Knolls sales price was $335,000, and the average assessed value was $351,000. She said the average assessed value of all the properties in Pine Knolls was $307,216. She said, again, values are a little lower than the sales. She said staff looked at anyone that is receiving the Homestead exemption or tax assistance, of which there are 17 in Northside and 6 in Pine Knolls. She said there were 29 appeals in these two areas, and staff worked 20 of those, with 6 having no change. She said she would assume 14 would have been a reduction. She said the data is solid, and sales support the values that have been assigned. She said staff cannot find anything that has been done incorrectly, but it is still looking for any possible mistakes. She said this is an area that has grown, and sales are happening at higher prices. She said investors have bought many of these properties to be used as rentals, especially for students, which has increased their value. Chair Price said she, Nancy Freeman, and other key leaders will be meeting with residents to make sure the right messaging is being put out, and explain how the County can help. She said staff will also continue to look at the neighborhoods, to insure the data is correct, which it seems to be. She said staff will look at mappings and visit the neighborhoods to insure the exact boundaries of these neighborhoods are known. Chair Price said this situation is not unique to Orange County, and it is exacerbated by COVID-19. She said people are in competition with investors. Commissioner Hamilton said she is unclear on the sales ratio industry standards. She asked if the numerator and the denominator be identified. Chad Phillips, Deputy Tax Assessor, said it takes the sale price, and what staff has it assessed at, and you take the two and they are the numerator and the denominator. Commissioner Hamilton clarified that the numerator is the assessed value. Nancy Freeman said the numerator is the assessed value and the denominator is the sales price. She said if these numbers are equal, then there is 1.00; if the appraised value is lower than sales price, then it would be under than 1.00. Commissioner Hamilton said not every home is sold in a neighborhood, and asked if the sales price is on the proportion of homes that are actually sold. Chad Phillips said a random sample of homes is sent to the state. He said all the sales were used in these neighborhoods. He said there were 31 sales out of 700 properties. 42 Commissioner Hamilton asked if the denominator was an average or the total value of all sales. Nancy Freeman said yes, it is an average. Chad Phillips said it is the average of all of those, unless it is being done for just one property. Commissioner Hamilton asked if the appraised average is only on the 31 properties. Chad Phillips said it is only on the 31 properties. He said it is a ratio of the sales price to the appraised value of those 31 properties. Commissioner Hamilton said the concern in Northside is if the approach can build bias in the system. She said it results in values that are higher than residents can afford to pay, and may not reflect the value of the home. She said high priced homes may raise the average. She said a few high price homes can raise the values for everybody, and less expensive homes can be artificially high. She said it is also only using the value of sold homes, while most homes are not sold, which adds bias to the approach. Nancy Freeman said this is a mass appraisal, and individual appeals give the Tax Department the ability to make adjustments to properties that do not fit the mold. She said staff is here to help, and this is not an us against them. She said some people get an appraisal just to get that information to the Tax Department, but this is not feasible for everyone, as it costs money. She said her department could have a workshop in the area with appraisers on hand. Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is a way to designate neighborhoods by type of homes, or square footage. Nancy Freeman said like properties are grouped together, and current delineations were set up in 2017. She said adjustments can be made, if there is a need. Commissioner Dorosin said he would like to have a more detailed response to the examples given by the Northside neighborhood. He said the presentation showed the overall average for the County was 12.6 or 20%, but the increases in this neighborhood were much higher. He said if the work is showing huge disparities and increases, then more information is needed on how the formula is applied. He said if a home is being sold to an investor, it seems like that is a commercial use that is generating revenue. He said this is not a fair comparison to a neighboring single family home. He said one could make a case that those are not qualified sales. He said there is troubling data with the percentages and the examples of the differences between the appraised value and the amounts the properties sold for. He said the Greenbridge unit sold for $1.2 million, but is valued at $850,000. He said a more detailed analysis is needed. Commissioner Dorosin asked if one has the right to appeal every year. He said suggesting one should get one's own appraisal is an expensive proposition. Nancy Freeman said property owners have the right to appeal each year. Commissioner Dorosin said if people do not appeal this year, they are obligated to pay on this value in the future, even if it is determined that the appraisal was wrong. Nancy Freeman said yes. Commissioner Dorosin said this information needs to be made very clear to the community. He said the Board needs more detailed information, as the percentage increases seems like something is wrong. Nancy Freeman said the tenant-occupied property is valued as residential. She said possible income is not considered because staff does not have that information, and that type of occupation can change back to homeowner occupied. Commissioner Fowler asked if one does one's own appraisal, can one use properties that are more comparable to one's home. Nancy Freeman said any information that a homeowner can provide will be taken into consideration. She said one home may have a finished basement, and another not, or one 43 house has 2 bathrooms and another has only one. She said staff may not have this information, so it can be helpful to know these details. She said mass appraisals are done, and access to the homes is not always available. She said some people do their own appraisals, but it is not required as staff can gather more details by speaking to the homeowners. Commissioner McKee asked if one files an appeal, are there in house County employees who would do an appraisal. Chad Phillips said the Board of Equalization and Review can order an appraisal to be done. He said the Tax Department can do an appraisal but it is not a fee appraisal, as it requires a different license. He said if the appellant wants staff to look at the property, staff will do so, but cannot say it is a fee appraisal, as that is a different type of license Commissioner McKee said in revaluation years the County should contract with fee appraisers to do an appraisal of a house. He said this would make the process easier and more fair. He said the County should have a process to back up its own figures. Bonnie Hammersley said the County assists when there is an appeal, and there is integrity in the process. She said errors are reviewed and changed when found. She said the County is objective. She said the appraisers in the Tax Department are objective, and different areas cannot be treated differently. She said comparables do look at square footage. She said forms are sent out in January to allow homeowners to note any changes on properties. She said the Tax Department is looking at over 70,000 properties in Orange County, and is following state policies. She said in many areas it is a policy issue, not an operations issue. She said she wants to support the integrity of the Department, and staff is meeting to discuss the concerns raised by the Northside neighborhood. She said staff is willing to help in any way possible. Chair Price left the meeting at 10:41 p.m. due to technology issues. Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason there are more appeals this year. Nancy Freeman said she estimated 4,000 appeals this year, based on the fact that residential properties have increased. She said the economy is also depressed. She said staff used information from the recession in 2009 to estimate the number of appeals, and wants to be as prepared as possible. She said there may not be this many appeals. Chair Price returned to the meeting at 10:44 p.m. Bonnie Hammersley there are more appeals when revaluations are done every 4 years. Commissioner Bedford urged that there be more publicity on how to appeal. She encouraged extending the appeal deadline if necessary, and legal to do so. Chair Price asked if it was possible to extend the appeal time frame. Chad Phillips said no, it has to be done by a specific date. Chair Price said meeting with people in the neighborhood is important, and she encouraged intensive outreach. Chair Price said differences in homes go beyond cosmetic differences. She said the appraised values have extreme differences depending on location. She asked if there is a method to determine neighborhood boundaries. She asked if there is anything that Chapel Hill can do when zoning properties. She said a property being rented to students is not the same as a residential property. She asked if the County could classify theses properties differently, if there were classified differently by the Town. Nancy Freeman said the State and the International Association of Assessing Officers spell out the classifications. 44 Chad Phillips said mass appraisal standards have been established, as well as the schedules established in the Machinery Act by State of North Carolina. He said an apartment building is one with three or more units, and should be considered commercial. He said if there are less than three units, it is considered a residential property. He said the Northside neighborhood did not previously have boundaries, but it does so now, and is made up of 3 actual neighborhoods. He said these boundaries can be moved and changed. Chair Price said just because a property looks like a house does not mean it is so, and investment properties should be considered differently. Commissioner Greene said the Northside neighborhood was the first conservation district in 2002. She said when this district was established it was determined there would be no more duplexes, but this has been changed since. She said existing duplexes were grandfathered in, and each side was considered a home and there could be up to four unrelated people living on each side. She said there is no way to determine if a property is making money, and she does not think the Town can do anything more through zoning. Chair Price said she is just trying to think creatively. 8. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda Commissioner Bedford requested that item 8-d be removed from the consent agenda for discussion. • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve the remaining consent agenda items. Roll call ensued. VOTE: UNANMIOUS • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda Commissioner Bedford said she supported delaying action on item 8-d. She asked for clarification on the Planning Department's actions between the Applicant and the Town of Hillsborough. She expressed concern if the Planning staff is representing an applicant before the Town of Hillsborough. She said she was not sure that the Board actually desired to modify the central orange coordinated area (COCA) or the water and sewer management planning and boundary agreement (WASMPBA), and asked if the intention for the recommendations could be identified. Bonnie Hammersley said the rezoning raised issues that had not been addressed, and it is her intention that Planning staff will meet with the Town of Hillsborough to go over issues in that area in general (e.g. are water and sewer available in that area.) She said any amendment changes would come to the Board for approval, and the property owner would be informed of any changes. A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve item 8-d on the consent agenda. 45 Roll call ensued. VOTE: UNANMIOUS a. Minutes The Board approved the draft minutes for the March 16, 2021 Board of County Commissioners meeting. b. Approval of Three-Year Contract with Meridian IT, Inc. for AVAYA Voice over IP System The Board approved a three-year contract with Meridian IT, Inc. totaling $267,746.92 for upgrading the County's existing Avaya phone system to the most current release and move to a subscription model in the process. c. Fiscal Year 2020-21 Budget Amendment #11 The Board approved budget ordinance amendments for fiscal year 2020-21 for Animal Services and Housing and Community Development. d. Decision on Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Zoning Atlas Amendment— Richardson (MA20-0006) The Board considered action on Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Zoning Atlas amendments for a 2.72 acre parcel of property, further identified using Orange County Parcel Identification Number (PIN) 9873-54-6387, owned by Ms. Gary Carleen Richardson: FROM: Rural Residential (R-1); Stoney Creek Basin Overlay District (Higher Intensity Development Area) TO: General Commercial (GC-4); Stoney Creek Basin Overlay District (Higher Intensity Development Area) As part of this submittal, the applicant is requesting the FLUM designation of the property be changed from Rural Residential to Commercial Industrial Transition Activity Node (CITAN). 9. County Manager's Report Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the items on the April 22, 2021 work session agenda and the April 27, 2021 joint meeting with the school systems. 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts said he would keep the commissioners informed about the trial over the 2018 voter ID law 11. *Appointments NONE 12. Information Items • April 6, 2021 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List 13. Closed Session NONE A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to adjourn the meeting at 11:03 p.m. 46 Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANMIOUS Renee Price, Chair Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.