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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 05-11-2021 Virtual Budget Public Hearing and Work Session 1 APPROVED 6/15/21 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS VIRTUAL BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING AND WORK SESSION May 11, 2021 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Budget Public Hearing and Work Session on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Sally Greene, and Earl McKee (arrived at COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Dorosin 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 and Commissioner McKee. Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual Budget Public Hearing and Work Session on Tuesday, May 11, 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. Opening Remarks Chair Price welcomed everyone. She suggested tabling item 15 to June 3, 2021, since Commissioner Dorosin was absent. A motion was made by Chair Price, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to table item 15 on affordable housing options until June 3, 2021. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS Chair Price dispensed with the reading of the public charge. 2 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 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. Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:04 p.m. 2. Presentation of the County Manager's Recommended FY 2021-22 Budget Bonnie Hammersley made the following PowerPoint presentation on the FY22 recommended budget: �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA FY2021-22 COUNTY MANAGER RECOMMENDED BUDGET Bonnie Hammersley said under state law the Manager is required to present a balanced budget to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). She presented a summary of the recommended budget. She said the FY22 budget is during a period of cautious optimism. She said a more detailed review of the recommendations will be provided at upcoming work sessions. She said Commissioners can make amendments to the budget before adopting in June. She resumed the presentation: Slide #2 ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 BUDGET BUDGETPRIGRITIES Prio Ktize funding ofthe social safety net services Redirect discretionary spending and apply one time emergency measures to blunta tax increase Use theAmerican Rescue Plan Act(ARPA)fundsto offset expenses Balance the interests and needs ofthe County's most vulnerable residents ORANGE COUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said the FY22 budget strives to balance the continuation of social safety nets with the responsibilities placed on taxpayers. She said the budget redirects discretionary spending, and applies one-time emergency measures. She said the use of one- 3 time emergency measures is not sustainable in the long-term, and some use one-time revenue from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to pay for ongoing expenses. She resumed the presentation: Slide #3 ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET • Historical General Fund Revenues and Expenditures u � ORANGE COUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said County revenues exceeded expenditures for three of the last four fiscal years. She said FY 2019-20 are the audited results showing revenues above expenditures, and General Fund revenues were .8% less than the amended budgeted amount. She said the final budget reflects the addition of Round 1 of CARES Act Funding, which the GASB requires to remain as unearned revenue until spent—$1.3 million was deferred revenue. She said expenditures for many functional areas were less than budgeted by $10.1 million (4.3%) from the operating budget. She said several departments came in under budget, due to personnel vacancies and efforts to spend conservatively. She resumed the presentation: Slide #4 ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET • Projected General Fund Revenues and Expenditures ORANGE COUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said FY 2020-21 is projected to end with breakeven results. She said the adherence to cost containment measures, including required hiring freezes and an improving sales tax forecast, as COVID restrictions are lifted will contribute to the County's ending position. She said the future year projections reflect an improved post COVID economy; 4-5% sales tax growth in future years and 2% property tax growth. Bonnie Hammersley said the total recommended operating budget including the general fund, enterprise fund, and proprietary fund, and special revenue fund total $279.2 million. She said, of this amount, $244.1 million is the general fund. She said the total represents an increase of $5 million over the FY21 budget. She resumed the presentation: 4 Slide #5 ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 REVENUE BUDGET QRANVGE C�OUMY Bonnie Hammersley said sales tax collection represents a bright side of the revenue forecast. She said sales tax was expected to decrease by 4.5% compared to the FY20 budget, but current collection trends actually indicate a $1-2 million increase over FY20 budgeted amount. Bonnie Hammersley said other sources of revenue are miscellaneous, intergovernmental, licenses and permits, and charges for services. She resumed the presentation: Slide #6 ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 EXPENDITURE BU DGET m. ORANGE COUNTY Slide #7 ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 BUDGET FY 2 021-22 R EVEN U E ASS U M PTI O NS ❑Revaluation R—luatlon results in 12.6%Real Property Assessed Value Growth RovonuaNeutralRate- .7887PorS100ofAssessedValue Current Rate- .8679 per$100 ofAsa-- Value Value of One Pan%,-$2,146,581 ❑Property Tax Rate Increase •Proposed rMfilo ease3.0 Cetus-.81B7 per$100 of AsseaeedYallre •Generate$6,439,743 to cover$6.61A Debt Service Increase ORANGE COUNTY TIOe3]1 GROLINA 5 Bonnie Hammersley said property tax revenues are calculated by applying a property tax rate to the property tax base. She said if the tax rate were left unchanged following revaluation, property taxes would increase because of the increase to the property tax base. She said the State of North Carolina requires counties to publish a revenue neutral rate following a revaluation, which is the rate that would produce the same amount of revenue had the revaluation not occurred. She resumed the presentation: Slide #8 ORANGE COUNTY FY2021-22 BUDGET FY 2021-22 REVENUE ASSUMPTIONS ❑ Salestax •12%eudptaryerowtn as oconomy moovaadue to Vamino dlstrlbutiononb oaso of Public Hoaun rostrlcuons •La—Unemployment/In—sod Consumer Spending from ARPA SlimuIus and Online Sales ❑American Rescue Plan Act Funds-$3.2M •Majority of funds allocated for Outside Agencies ORANGECOUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said sales tax collection has been strong, and projected sales tax revenue for FY21 is $26.7 million, 12% increase from the budgeted amount. She said the American Rescue Plan Act funds make up $3.2 million of the budget, and the majority of those funds are allocated to outside agencies. She said the list of items covered by ARPA funds will be given later in presentation. She resumed the presentation: Slide #9 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET Debt Service Requirements for 2016 Bonds and CIP Projected 1�)x Projections Increases based on Debt Appr—ed no t 1 0 HA t-Frzozo-zi crercnes•cnuee weuseoroe wrn.raa rocime ,�._, ORANGE COUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said the County's current debt model shows that 4.15 cents are needed to cover debt. She said the balance of the increase of 1.15 cents is delayed, due to the use of one-time American Rescue Plan funds. She resumed the presentation: 6 Slide #10 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EDUCATION 60.3E% 39.fi4% Bonnie Hammersely said Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) saw an increase of 136 students, while Orange County Schools (OCS) saw a decrease of 82 students for FY22. She resumed the presentation: Slide #11 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EDUCATION ..�� 356,P05,819 fi501,5® 54.%7 $9 �® 536,957,177 $209,M g4,s67 1fl ORANGE COUNTY NORT][CRC11[N Slide #12 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EDUCATION ME S75,eaa fvlalntenan�Plan so $3,600,000 ®' $6,203 URANGECOUNTY Th]PT][CAACI-- Bonnie Hammersley said the supplemental deferred capital maintenance plan is in its second year of funding. She said Chapel Hill Carrboro Schools requested a delay of funds, and 7 Orange County Schools requested $3.6 million. She said capital budgets are based on respective ADMs. She resumed the presentation: Slide #13 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EDUCATION ORANGECOUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said the targeted level of County support is 48.1%. She resumed the presentation: Slide #14 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EDUCATION ®® rrcrun.,cwnrvma«n m rrrcrw,.:rnsaiarx emnrs mo mxunrtw.:,.wra:.aerrav+ evr{raratetl expenses ••Wmtam rear%wrcae SaM1ofamoDa bnaeabyiruue Ifi SaVea Rx,-rnNWea ertatldMauu SSO.P00 m FY.b1111 fw MalrBxn ID Worts lmtlaLre ORANCE'SO Nr Slide #15 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET OUTSIDE AGENCIES ❑A permiesi ble use of the AmeriGan Re-uc Plan Act(ARPA)fur&is s uppart at norl-prof it agencles.The outs)de agendas are 1009t funded with ARPA. it— 51 $1Oaa,179 Supplcmcntal 1B $259.774 'total $1,01,893 •The Board of CcuntY Comfhlsaiahers established a target of 1.2%of general fund expenses to..Nioe agencies,FY2021-22 allocates 1.44% to outsideagencies. ORANGECOUNTY Bonnie Hammersley said the seven departments providing safety net services are recommended for a one-time supplement. She resumed the presentation: 8 Slide #16 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET FIRE DISTRICTS FIRE DISTRICT REVENUE REQUESTED RECOMMENDED NEUTRAL%kX TAX RATE TAX RATE RATE INCREASE ORANGE COUNTY NOR3][GROLINA Slide #17 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EXPENDITURE REDUCTION INITIATIVES ❑Departments compiled with a mandated 51A reduction in operatlonsi seven (7)departments were exempt(S500,000) 0 No across the board wage increase for County Emplcyees-(51.200.000) 0 Maintain Travel and Training funds restrictions-(5455,000) 0 Library Services-close McDougle Branch and expand Cybrary hours, decrease hours at Hillsborough branch from 68 houralweek to 54 hours)week {$143,083] ❑DEAPR-reduce seasonal staff at Blackwood Farm Park during construction, as well as other seasonal staff reductions(S92,251) ❑Solid Waste-HIre 3 FTE to replace the contract for residential recycling to municipalities(S486,000) ORANGE COUNTY Tk] 3rGAOL[NA Slide #18 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET EMPLOYEE COMPEMSATION PACKAGE i-Merkkwreeaee acre eJ—y f,2OZ2 2-1Wrng Wage ercrease lMngWagelaYpermanenl a ndremporaryemployc— fre SIG95peYNnerm§fS4Opernnuton O[mbwl,202f ORANGE COUNTY NOIlrI r-- 9 Slide #19 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN USE S V29033 - s ss9,oa9 S 74&357 5 38,755 5 54p09 - 8 '1'19,229 S 2MOS - S 7,fiG0 s �sa,000 s 3.297,{99 ORANGE COUNTY NOffTI I uADLINA Slide #20 ORANGE COUNTYFY2021-22 BUDGET � n BUDGET WORK SESSM SCHEDULE DATE DDIXREGWRMEETING DATE ORANGE COUNTY P.OR-flcunc LlVn Bonnie Hammersley said amendments will be listed on County website for public viewing. She resumed the presentation: Slide #21 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET BUDGET DOCUMENT AVAILABILITY 7 Clerkto Board of Commissioners J County Finance&Administrative Services Office :3 Orange County Library J Chapel Hill Public Library J Carrboro/M cDougle Branch Li brary 7 Orange Cou my website-http-.//orangecountyno.gov CRANG F COLNT Bonnie Hammersley said there are changes to the look of the budget document. She said each department's page will have a summary of the changes to their respective budgets. She said she hopes these changes increase transparency. She resumed the presentation: 10 Slide #22 FY2021-22 RECOMMENDED BUDGET MISSION STATEMENT orange County exists to provide governmental services needed by our Residents or mandated by the State of North Carolina. To provide these quality services efficiently,we must; • Serve the Residents of Orange County—Our Residents Come Fist, • Depend on the energy,skills,and dedication of all our employees and volunteers; • Treat all our Residents and Employees with fairness,respect, and understanding. Orange County Residents Come First ORANGE COUNT( —cu NA Chair Price asked if clarification could be provided on the tax rate increase in relation to the revaluation. Bonnie Hammersley said it is an increase to the budget neutral tax figure. Chair Price referred to the increase of 78 students countywide. She said the numbers went up for Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) and down for Orange County Schools (OCS). Bonnie Hammersley said in the previous year the opposite situation happened. She said this is the allocation percentage. Chair Price asked if Bonnie Hammersley could put up the slide regarding student membership. Bonnie Hammersley said the requested amount for Orange County Schools had an error, and it was a lower percentage than what was recommended. Bonnie Hammersley said the increase is not based on the request, but rather it is based on last year's numbers. 3. Public Comments The Board held a public hearing to receive comments on the FY22 recommended budget. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to open the public hearing. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS PUBLIC COMMENTS: Sally Merryman said she is a 24-year veteran teacher in Chapel Hill, is president of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Association of Educators, a homeowner in rural Orange County, and an informed voter. She said she believes in holding elected officials accountable. She urged the BOCC to increase the per pupil funding for both school systems. She said CHCCS has already used its allocation from the American Rescue Plan by opening learning centers during remote learning; completing repairs and upgrades to HVAC systems and filters; purchasing PPE and hand sanitizer, etc. She said there is widespread concern about the learning loss during pandemic, but this concern did not translate into funding to tutoring. She said the County is sitting on $28 million from ARPA, and she is struggling to understand why these funds are not 11 being used for education. She said with a lack of additional funding, the district will have to cut essential offerings and positions, including a virtual academy, staffing for social emotional health needs, and wage increases for classified staff to bring everyone to living wage. She said there is so much Orange County gets right, and the BOCC has an opportunity to get school funding right as well. She urged the Board to invest in the schools and the students, which are the County's greatest asset. Christen Campbell introduced her son, who attends pre-K at Carrboro Elementary School, and said she is a teacher at Chapel Hill High School, and a resident of Northside. She urged the BOCC to assess properties equitably. She said is sickened and shocked by tax rate increase, and said her 95-year-old neighbor will see a property taxes increase of 85% in 2021. She referred to an article, which highlighted inequities and ways that local governments are failing. She said less expensive properties are being overvalued, and the County could easily intervene here. She also asked the BOCC to allocate as many per pupil dollars to schools in order to implement new initiatives. She said she is baffled as a parent and teacher that this needs to be brought up. She said there are few opportunities for financial promotion as a teacher, and the State no longer rewards teachers for advanced degrees. She said CHCCS started Project Advance a few years ago, and she recently completed an academically gifted certificate at Elon University and had to legally commit to completing the program. She said last spring she learned that Project Advance would end. Kimberly Manning said she is a 26-year veteran of Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools. She thanked the BOCC for what it does for public schools. She said CHCCS remaining number 1 in the state comes at a cost. She said she wants to speak for veteran teachers who have not received a raise in 10 years. She said she has her masters, is board certified, and is a member of cohort promised the Project Advance increase. She said she works with marginalized students at East Chapel Hill High School. She said the District is called to provide an adequate public education to all students, and when the County is sitting on millions of dollars, and choosing not to spend them on students, it is a problem. She said keeping the best teachers, and remaining number one in the State takes money, and the fund balance of stimulus dollars should be spent on students. She said the BOCC understands how important it is to adequately fund the programs, and fragile students are being squeezed out. She said the District needs more than lip service; it needs action. She said all student services and programs need to be supported, and she anticipates a favorable outcome from the BOCC. Amy Singer said she has lived in Orange County since 2004, and has worked in Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools since 2012. She said her husband is also a teacher in the County, and her two children attend local schools. She said she is deeply committed to Orange County. She said she chose to work in Project Advance in order to be the best counselor she could be for her students. She said she entered Project Advance with the understanding of a pay increase, and asked the BOCC to to show integrity by providing the expected raise. She urged the BOCC to honor the school district's request to raise the local tax to support CHCCS. Eimy Rivas Plata thanked the BOCC for listening, and said she teaches in CHCCS. She said teachers are seen as the ones who can do it all, but this is not true, and there are limited resources. She urged the Board to allocate more funds to public schools, as the current budget will require cuts to be made, which is detrimental to students. She said, at the moment, Raleigh's budget may be more progressive than Orange County's. She said it is vital to remember that CHCCS has been spending federal funds on hazard pay, PPE, ventilation, etc. She said the County has $28 million in emergency funds, and the schools need this money. She said the District is shaping the minds of future critical leaders and problem solvers, who will lead the country equitably and responsibly. Riza Jenkins said she a homeowner, parent of three children in CHCCS, and the current president of the CHCCS PTA Council. She read a quote from Nelson Mandela, and urged the 12 BOCC to make funding education a priority. She said the Commissioners expressed concern on how funding has been spent in the past, and the district has added additional layers of fiscal oversight, tied to student outcomes. She said CHCCS presented a thoughtful budget, and the continuation budget will provide the basic needs. She said the district is doing intentional work to close the achievement gap, and provide social and emotional support. She said these needs existed prior to the pandemic, and are even more highlighted now. She said when the County invests in education others reap the benefits. She urged the BOCC to fully fund the budget request. Brian Link said he is president-elect of the Chapel Hill Carrboro Board of Educators. He said 2021 is not 2009, and does not warrant keeping per pupil funding flat. He said Wake County is proposing $23 million in additional funding. He said the Commissions have a rhetoric gap, having campaigned on promises of increased school funding, but having failed to raise the special district tax since 2014. He said the BOCC promotes a living wage to all employees, but the Board is offering zero future dollars. He said OCS and CHCCS have done their part, and the County needs to step up. He said he stands in solidarity with Northside residents who are facing huge property tax increases, and wants to see the County assess more fairly and equitably. He said the Board often says it assigns funding, but does not tell the schools how to spend it. He said this year the County is proposing to assign zero funding. He said zero is a number CHCCS expects to hear from Raleigh, not Orange County. Finley Lewis said he is a 5t" grader from Northside Elementary, and he read a letter from himself and fellow students opposing tax raises on neighbors. He said this decision is unfair, and is pushing people out of their homes. He said this is gentrification, and will result in the tearing down of older houses. He said these residents are like family who visit the school, read to students, share stories of the neighborhood, and fought for schools to be integrated. Adelaide Zahren thanked the BOCC for its service. She said she lives in Carrboro, and works as a teacher at Sewell Elementary. She said she devoted hours to complete Project Advance. She said teachers are committed to being lifelong learners, in order to meet the needs of students. She said teachers rely on the commitment of the BOCC to education. She said teachers must be treated as professionals, and compensated for their work. She urged the BOCC to raise the district tax to fully fund Project Advance. Alyssa Gillikin said she is a middle school teacher with CHCCS. She thanked the BOCC for its dedicated service. She said the County has a duty to aid and provide quality staff. She said the current allocation would result in cuts to vital services. She said the district is required to provide summer school, with no additional funding from the State or the County. She said the County has $28 million from ARPA, and urged the BOCC not to spend this money on debt service, but rather use it to retain excellent teachers. She said these funds must be used for programs and people, and urged the BOCC to do right by its constituents. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to close the public hearing. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner McKee asked if the number of schools employees not making $15/hour could be provided. He said he would also like to know the exact amount of the CHCCS fund balance, and if any of it is already allocated. Bonnie Hammersley said she would bring this information to the May 13 work session. 13 Commissioner Greene asked if staff could provide a rough breakdown of the $28 million ARPA funds, and where it will go. She asked if any of these funds are allocated to the towns within the County. Bonnie Hammersley said no, the $28 million goes to the County. She said one of the big uses for the funds is revenue replacement. She said she will bring as much information as possible to the next meeting, and noted the funds are distributed over 3 years. Commissioner Fowler said the County Manager included the ARPA funding in the County's revenue, and asked if the schools have done the same. Bonnie Hammersley said will bring this information. She said she included $3.2 million of ARPA revenue in FY22 recommended budget. She said she did not include the entire funding. Chair Price asked if there is a reason only a small number was included, and if more of the ARPA funding will be used. Bonnie Hammersley said the federal government would like for the money to be used for infrastructure. She said this is one time funding, and many needs have come up during COVID-19. She said there are many ideas to pursue including broadband and behavioral health. She said the clear uses were just received, and departments are to respond with their needs. She said there is uncertainty going forward, and there are going to be ongoing needs for vulnerable residents moving forward. She said the spending should be done with a thoughtful approach. She said she makes a budget recommendation, and the Commissioners will make a final decision. Chair Price said she understands, and wanted to see if funding can be spread out. She said the Budget is a draft. 4. Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alison Brown At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2023 NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain: SPECIAL NOTATION: None of the other applicants have been selected for the mandatory training prior to recommendation to appointment. POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 03/31/2022 Vacant since 12/09/2020 At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 10/17/2020 At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 05/12/2020 At-Large 10/31/2022 Vacant since 10/17/2020 At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 10/31/2017 14 REMINDER: As of July 1, 2017, a new bill was passed in the North Carolina General Assembly regarding the training period for pending members of the "Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee". The bill is House Bill 248 which reverses the appointment of the applicant to a one year training term. Applicants will be selected from the County's "Applicant Interest List" for a more condensed training and if the applicant successfully completes the training, they would be recommended for appointment. Therefore, when an applicant is recommended for appointment, it would initially be for a one-year preliminary term and the training will have already been completed. Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, reviewed the application for Alison Brown. She said a bill was passed in 2017, which required training prior to appointment to this board. She said no other applicants have passed that training. She said Autumn Cox, State Ombudsman, will be doing more training as of May 1, and will have more applicants moving forward. Commissioner Bedford said she is grateful for the one appointee, and thanked staff for clarification on the process. Board agreed by consensus to appoint Alison Brown to the at-large position. 5. Advisory Board on Aging —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Advisory Board on Aging. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Dr. Jeff Charles Chapel Hill First Full Term 06/30/2024 Town Limits Dr. Richard At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 White Dr. Jennifer Carrboro First Full Term 06/30/2024 (Jenny) Town Limits Womack James Harris At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2024 Jerry Ann At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Gregory NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 06/30/2023 Vacant since 06/30/2020 At-Large 06/30/2021 Vacant since 03/21/2019 At-Large 06/30/2022 Vacant since 07/01/2019 Tara May said that all recommended applicants are reappointments. She said this board has several vacancies, and staff is recruiting with the hope to expand the diversity of applicant pool. She said staff will bring recommendations in the fall to be part of master aging plan. 15 Chair Price reviewed the recommendations. Commissioner Fowler said she was fine with recommendations. She asked about other applicants for the vacancies. Chair Price said that Janice Tyler requested that the BOCC keep those vacant to allow staff to recruit to increase diversity. Commissioner Fowler said she would like to consider Nora Spencer and Lindsay Bailey, and leave the third vacancy for recruitment. Commissioner Hamilton said she had similar questions about having applicants but also waiting. She said she supported Commissioner Fowler's view of filling vacancies, as there seems to be an endless cycle of putting applicants on. She said would like to understand the balance between waiting and putting people on. Chair Price said the waiting is designed to get more diversity on the board. Commissioner Bedford said she wanted to ask for Janice Tyler, Department on Aging Director, to provide insight. She said it would be good to have someone who is Asian American, as the Mandarin program at the Seymour Center is so strong. She noted one applicant, Saru Salvi, is African-American, but she is probably going to be appointed to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. She said Karen Green-McElveen serves on Adult Care Home Advisory Committee. She said there are good applicants who are serving the County in other areas. She said there are not many men on this board, and mentioned Thomas O'Dwyer, who has been a hospice volunteer. Commissioner Bedford said this board has not met yet this year, due to County policy, and asked if there is a plan for it to meet again. Commissioner Greene said she had some of the same concerns as Commissioner Bedford, and talked with Janice Tyler prior to the meeting. She said Karen Green-McElveen already serves on Adult Care Home Advisory Committee; Saru Salvi is up for reappointment on Affordable Housing Board; and Holly Meschko is already on Affordable Housing Board. She said both Lindsay Bailey and Nora Spencer are under age 60, and there is already the maximum number of under-60 people on the board. She said she supports looking for more diversity. Janice Tyler said could not appoint Nora Spencer and Lindsay Bailey because they are too young. She said they are looking for an Asian-American member, and would also like more representation from the African American community from central and northern Orange County. She said she anticipates the board will resume meeting in the next couple of months, and the planning year starts July 1 for the next master plan on aging. She said the Board has lots of work to do. Commissioner Bedford thanked Janice Tyler for the information. She urged Janice Tyler to let the BOCC know said if there is a need for a special meeting to appoint new members in the summer. Chair Price said clarified that anyone can attend meetings, even if they have not been sworn in. Janice Tyler said yes. She said each member gets assigned to a work group, and is seeking a full board for the most effective work ethic. Commissioner Fowler asked how often the board meets. Janice Tyler said typically every month, second Tuesday at 1 p.m. Commissioner Hamilton said it would be helpful to include in the abstract if there are applicants who are not eligible due to the rules. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants listed in the abstract. Chair Price asked Tara May to provide information if boards have specific experience or requirements. 16 6. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Arthur At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2024 Sprinczeles Olivia Fisher At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Saru Salvi At-Large Partial Term 09/30/2023 Gio Mollinedo At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Tim Woody At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 NOTE — If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a reason Saru Salvi is in the partial term. Tara May said there is no real reason, but ultimately this applicant will be able to serve for longer, as she can serve the partial term and then two full terms. The Board agreed to recommendations by consensus. 7. Alcoholic Beverage Control Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Judson At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Williamson Patrick Burns At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2024 NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None The Board agreed to recommendations by consensus. Appointment of Chair to the ABC Board: NAME SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE EXPIRATION DATE Patrick Burns (current chair) At-Large 06/30/2021 Judson Williamson At-Large 06/30/2021 Mike Zito At-Large 06/30/2023 Alice Mahood At-Large 06/30/2023 17 Elizabeth Carter At-Large 06/30/2022 The Board agreed to appoint Patrick Burns as chair by consensus. 8. Animal Services Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Animal Services Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Dr. Bryan Town of Hillsborough Second Full Term 06/30/2024 Stuart Lucia Animal Welfare/Animal Second Full Term 06/30/2024 Welborne Advocacy NOTE — If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None Tara May said there are several upcoming vacancies on this board, which affects the decision for the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. The Board agreed to recommendations by consensus. 9. Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: Appointment of two Animal Services Advisory Board members to serve as Chairs to the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool (both terms expiring 03/31/2022): NAME SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE EXPIRATION DATE Dr. Sunita Driehuys Veterinarian 06/30/2022 Dr. Bryan Stuart Town of Hillsborough 06/30/2021 Dawn Roberts Non-Municipality 06/30/2023 Lucia Welborne Animal Welfare/Animal 06/30/2021 Advocacy Lori Gershon Animal Welfare/Animal 06/30/2023 Advocacy Meggie Romick Animal Welfare/Animal 06/30/2023 Advocacy Allan Polak Certified Animal 06/30/2022 Handler/Trainer/Technician Susan Spinks Owner/Manager Retail Pet 06/30/2023 Services 18 NOTE —The following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 03/31/2024 Vacant since 03/31/2021 Unincorporated Count Veterinarian 03/31/2024 Vacant since 03/31/2021 Tara May said two members will be coming off of the Animal Services Advisory Board in June. She said the abstract lists everyone who is eligible. Commissioner Bedford asked if a chair must be a veterinarian. Tara May said no, and there has to be three members of the advisory board to serve as chairs on the hearing panel. She said two will be rolling off, and the BOCC needs to choose two. Commissioner Bedford asked for clarification on the eligible list. Commissioner Bedford suggested Dr. Brian Stuart. Commissioner Fowler suggested Dr. Sunita Driehuys. Commissioner Bedford asked if the BOCC should suggest an alternate. Chair Price said no. Bonnie Hammersley said the Animal Services board is very engaged, and the chairs rotate between hearings. Commissioner McKee clarified that the proposed chairs would be from Hillsborough, one Chapel Hill, and Little River. Chair Price said yes. Commissioner McKee said that gives good geographic diversity. Chair Price said there are still two vacancies. Tara May said there are no other applicants at this time. Chair Price reviewed the requirements for the vacancies. 10. Arts Commission —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Arts Commission. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration. NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Hannah Fatool UNC Student First Full Term 06/30/2022 Representative NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None The Board agreed by consensus to the recommendation. 11. Board of Equalization and Review—Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Board of Equalization and Review. 19 BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC Alternate Partial Term 03/31/2023 Appointment BOCC Alternate Partial Term 03/31/2023 Appointment NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 03/29/2017 Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 05/04/2021 Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 03/31/2017 Alternate 03/31/2023 Vacant since 03/31/2015 Tara May said this board does not make recommendations to the commissioners. She said there are two applications, Leon Meyers and Ryan Patrone, and all vacancies are all alternate positions and partial terms. She said the next couple of months will be a very busy time for this board. She said Leon Meyers is currently serving on Board of Adjustment. Commissioner McKee asked if there was a prohibition on Leon Meyers serving on both boards. Tara May said no. Commissioner McKee recommended Leon Meyers and Ryan Patrone. Commissioner Hamilton asked if the other vacancies will be filled. Tara May said that staff is attempting to recruit, and this is a hard board to serve on. She said the Clerk's office will assist over the summer in recruitment. Chair Price asked if the Tax office can put out notices to recruit. Tara May said she is not sure. Bonnie Hammersley suggested that Tara May reach out to the Town Managers for suggestions, and that it is difficult for the Tax department to recruit at this time. Commissioner Greene said County and Town social media can be used to encourage applicants. 12. Economic Development Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Economic Development Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The following appointments information is for Board consideration. NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Kevin Thomas Core Business First Full Term 06/30/2024 Community Barbara Jessie- Non-Profit Agency Second Full Term 06/30/2024 20 Black John Morris Core Business Second Full Term 06/30/2024 Community AnthonyCarey Tourism One Year Extension 06/30/2022 James Watts Agriculture One Year Extension 06/30/2022 John Anderson Core Business One Year Extension 06/30/2022 Community NOTE — If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None Commissioner Bedford said she supported Kevin Thomas, Barbara Jessie-Black, and John Morris. She said she does not support one-year extensions for Anthony Carey, James Watts and John Anderson. Commissioner Greene asked if there is a reason behind the extensions. Tara May said the board said it is following the economic and social justice goals, and the extensions would provide continuity. Tara May said she did not see anyone who could fill the tourism seat. She said there is an applicant for agriculture, and there are several people who could fit with core business community. Commissioner Greene said she could support Anthony Carey and James Watts. She said she is ambivalent about core business community position, as there are many who can fill that position. Commissioner McKee said he remembered a conversation about one-year extensions, and the BOCC was not in favor. He said he does not want to establish a precedent. The Board agreed by consensus on Thomas, Jessie-Black, and Morris. Commissioner McKee said one member is in Little River, and one is out in the county. He said David Gephart could serve in the tourism or core business community role, and suggested him for either of those positions. Chair Price asked if there was consensus on Gephart for core business community. Commissioner Fowler said she thought it was tourism. Chair Price and Commissioner Greene said they could see him on core business. Commissioner McKee said he did not care which seat the board agreed on. All commissioners except Commissioner Fowler agreed on Gephart for core business community. Commissioner Fowler said she liked Estella Johnson, who is a former director of economic development and is an African-American female, and Jane Saiers for agriculture. She said she is not sure there is a place for Johnson since Gephart was put in the core business seat. Chair Price said David Gephart was a better fit for business. Chair Price asked for clarification on Commissioner Fowler's second suggestion. Tara May said the suggestion was to put Jane Saiers for the agriculture position. The board agreed by consensus on Saiers for the agriculture seat. Chair Price asked for clarification on Commissioner Fowler's first suggestion. Commissioner Bedford said it was Estella Johnson for the core business seat. Chair Price asked if Johnson would not fit in tourism. Commissioner Fowler said she was the director of economic development in Cambridge. Commissioner Bedford said she had a good application. She said she is an African- American woman, and recently retired here and is a former director. 21 Chair Price said there is a lot of tourism in Cambridge. Commissioner Bedford wondered what the rules are for the Economic Development Advisory Board. Commissioner McKee asked how strict are the rules for appointments. He said Estella Johnson could represent tourism based on her experience. Chair Price said Estella Johnson's background indicates a great deal of experience. Tara May reviewed the requirements for the tourism seat in the bylaws. Commissioner Fowler suggested moving Kevin Thomas to the tourism seat, and putting Estella Johnson in Kevin Thomas's core business community seat. Commissioner McKee asked for clarification. Chair Price reviewed the appointments. 13. Orange County Planning Board —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Orange County Planning Board. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC At-Large Partial Term 03/31/2022 Appointment NOTE - If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None Tara May reviewed the material in the agenda packet. Commissioner Fowler recommended Statler Gilfillen Commissioner Greene said she liked Elizabeth Bronson, and she does not mind that Elizabeth Bronson also serves as an alternate on the Board of Adjustment. Chair Price took a hand vote: two commissioners supported Elizabeth Bronson and three supported Statler Gilfillen. Commissioner Bedford asked if the Board of Adjustment meets with any frequency. Tara May said only as needed. Commissioner Bedford asked if the other alternate could be identified. Tara May said Nathan Robinson. Commissioner Hamilton said there are not many people on that board over the age of 60. She said it is important to have age diversity. Commissioner Greene said Elizabeth Bronson is from the Mebane-Cheeks area, which will likely be important to the Planning Board because of future development. Chair Price said the BOCC recently appointed two people from Cheeks, and there is one is from Cedar Grove. Commissioner Fowler said Whitney Watson is also from the Cheeks Township. Commissioner Fowler said an architect would be knowledgeable related to land development. Commissioner Bedford said she supports Statler Gilfillen, due to his geographic location in the County, and for his age. Chair Price, and Commissioners Bedford, Fowler, McKee, and Hamilton supported Gilfillen. Commissioner Greene supported Bronson. 22 14. Orange County Board of Adjustment—Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Orange County Board of Adjustment. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Susan Halkiotis At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2024 Scott Taylor At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Elizabeth At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Bronson Alternate NOTE - If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: • None Chair Price asked if there is a reason that Scott Taylor is recommended for an at-large appointment and Elizabeth Bronson is recommended for an alternate. Tara May said that the way they were originally appointed. The Board agreed by consensus to the recommendations. Chair Price thanked Tara May for her work on the advisory boards and commissions. 15. Options to Expand Affordable Housing Incentives and Opportunities The Board received a presentation on options to expand affordable housing incentives and opportunities in Orange County BACKGROUND: Staff from the County Attorney's Office, Housing and Community Development Department, and Planning and Inspections Department were requested to explore opportunities to incentivize affordable housing in Orange County, with a focus on modifications to the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Staff met to discuss opportunities as they relate to regulations contained in the UDO, but also examined other options including housing policy and programs. At the February 16, 2021 BOCC Business Meeting, the County Attorney's Office drafted an information item (Attachment A) related to this request. The information item included an affordable housing report examining regulations contained in the UDO and a proposed list of items to incentivize affordable housing related to the UDO. At that meeting, Board members requested the item be brought back at a later date to review and discuss further. The Board further requested all options and opportunities to incentivize affordable housing be considered. As a result of the Board's request, staff have compiled a revised list of twenty-two action items to expand affordable housing incentives and opportunities in Orange County. This list includes items related to land use, planning, and zoning regulations, which were in the list presented at the February 16 BOCC meeting. In addition, the revised list includes proposed action items related to housing programs and policies. Proposed action items, including brief descriptions, timeframes, and complexity, are contained in Attachment B. This item was tabled until June 3, 2021. 23 16. Adjourn A motion was made by Commissioner McKee and seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to adjourn the meeting at 8:46 p.m. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANMIOUS Renee Price, Chair Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.