HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-14-2021 Virtual Business Meeting 1
APPROVED 10/19/21
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
VIRTUAL BUSINESS MEETING
September 14, 2021
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Business Meeting on Tuesday,
September 14, 2021 at 7:00 p.m.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford,
and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Anna
Richards
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 7:02 p.m.
A roll call was called; all members were present.
Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual
Business Meeting on Thursday, September 2, 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 the County Manager requested that Item 6-a be pulled from the
agenda, due to some technicalities that need to be addressed by staff.
Bonnie Hammersley said there are some fundamental changes to the program that
came to light today, and staff would like some additional time to do a full analysis, in order to
bring the Board options and understand how to proceed. She asked the Board to review the
materials that were already provided in the meeting packet, and to let staff know if they would
like to add anything or have additional ideas or questions. She said a full analysis will be
completed for the October 5 meeting so the Board can make a well informed decision.
Chair Price asked the Board to direct any questions or concerns to the County Manager,
so staff can address them by the next meeting. She said staff is working with community
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members in order to have an authentic analysis of what is going on and what will best help the
community.
Commissioner Greene asked if this delay would affect schedule with the tax office.
Bonnie Hammersley said it would only affect the timeline by 5 days. She said if staff is
able to bring a comprehensive presentation, from which the Board can make a decision, the
program can start being advertised and put into place on October 6.
A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
postpone Item 6-a until the October 5, 2021 Business Meeting.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Unanimous
Chair Price invited the County Manager to introduce a new department director.
Bonnie Hammersley introduced Dr. Sandra Strong, the new Animal Services Director.
She said she is a certified animal welfare scientist and veterinarian, and is well-qualified for the
position. She said Dr. Strong came on board on June 21, and has already been working for
quite some time and things are going well. She invited Dr. Strong to speak to the Board.
Dr. Sandra Strong, Animal Services Director, said she is a North Carolina native and
went to veterinary school at NC State, but did a public health certificate in leadership at UNC,
and so appreciates the Orange County community. She said she has done a lot of clinical
veterinary work for many years, but started working with animal services with the city of San
Antonio. She said she did contract consulting work looking at shelter operations at UC Davis.
She said she served as chief veterinarian in Wake County for 8 years, and worked with Bob
Morotto, the previous Orange County Animal Services Director. She said she is excited and
grateful for the opportunity to work for Orange County and serve the citizens. She said her
philosophy is if we can support people, both employees and the community, then the animals
will have good welfare because humans and animals are closely tied, and have been for
thousands of years. She said she is excited about science coming out about the human-animal
bond, noting that oxytocin is released in humans when animals are around and health is
improved by these interactions. She said more science is showing that pets can combat
depression and loneliness. She said animal services has an opportunity to lead with some of
that knowledge. She said there are also some challenges due to local ordinances, and there is
always controversy. She said her job is to continue on right path, continue to be innovative and
determine how to support people and animals. She said she is willing to meet with all, and
welcomed the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to visit the shelter any time.
Chair Price welcomed Dr. Strong and welcomed comments from Commissioners.
Commissioner Bedford welcomed Dr. Strong and said she especially enjoys the
Facebook posts that the Animal Services Department does. She noted for the public that there
are no adoption fees right now.
Commissioner Fowler welcomed Dr. Strong and said she looks forward to working with
her.
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 Board or the public fail
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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
Makeda Ma'at said she is a long time resident of the Landings at Windmore, and was
appointed to the board of managers of the Community Home Trust Landings LLC in November
2020. She said there is great concern with the way the Community Home Trust (CHT) works
with the residents to manage the Landings, creating an environment of distress, discrimination,
disenfranchisement and exclusion. She said the CHT Landings LLC operation agreement is
not adhered to, the board of managers is excluded from the website, and residents lost
community space to accommodate the site manager. She said there is discord and disrespect
with the current operational structure at the landings, with no option for non-biased
stakeholders. She said there is an overlapping structure where CHT plans, organizes, and
facilitate the tenant advisory committee, and some residents feels this cannot allow for fair
representation of the residents due to the manager's bias towards CHT. She said residents are
taking sides and fear retaliation from CHT. She said there is a lack of sufficient maintenance
and maintenance staff. She said CHT is putting up roadblocks to community engagement, and
the residents request the BOCC to review the procedures and policies of CHT, especially
related to inclusion, resident engagement, unfair treatment, decision making, etc. She asked if
the BOCC would look into the situation.
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 Fowler said she enjoyed seeing Schley Grange Hall entered into the
National Historic Register on Sunday and learning some of the history of the county.
Commissioner Hamilton said she was at Schley Grange as well, and echoed
Commissioner Fowler's comments. She said it is important to see evidence of cooperative
spirit in the community and hopes it is something that can continue into the future.
Commissioner Greene said she was also there, and appreciated Commissioner
McKee's remarks at the event. She said the Request for Proposals (RFP) for rural broadband
has gone out to the world. She said the title is "Orange County Rural Broadband Initiative for
Private Providers to Deploy, Operate, and Maintain a Broadband Internet Network Ensuring
That Currently Unserved and Underserved Households in Orange County Are Served by High-
Capacity Fiber Broadband". She said surrounding this is the potential project for which the
Commissioners set aside $5 million of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money. She said
getting a successful bidder is only the first step toward implementation of this game-changing
plan for Orange County. She said the bidders have three (3) months from September 13 and
proposals are due December 14. She said this due date was set by feedback from potential
bidders at a previously held meeting.
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Commissioner Bedford said she enjoyed the event at the Grange as well. She said she
attended the quarterly meeting with Cooperative Extension this afternoon, and they are thrilled
with the Bonnie B. Davis building and are still getting settled in. She said Chair Price will be
helping on committee for the February 2022 Ag Summit. She said she is glad the BOCC now
has a liaison to this group.
Commissioner Richards said she missed the event on Sunday, due to plans for her
daughter's birthday, but is interested in learning more about the history there. She thanked
staff for continuing to support her as she continues to learn about the work of the BOCC. She
said she is hoping to have a tour of the county soon to get outside of areas with which she is
familiar.
Commissioner McKee said, having grown up in the Schley community, he had the honor
of speaking at the event on Sunday. He said he shared regrets for the two Commissioners that
were not able to attend. He said the Schley community had a series of public works projects
that made improvements to areas of the community, and with community support, won a
national contest for the Schley Grange Hall. He said it is quite an accomplishment for a small
community like that. He said Commissioner Greene mentioned the update on broadband, and
the commitment of the BOCC to broadband really showed when it allocated $5 million toward
the effort, and attracted a lot of interest amongst bidders.
Chair Price said she missed the event on Sunday, but knows it was a wonderful event
and the Grange is an amazing building, and is one of the few remaining Granges in North
Carolina. She said she had a meeting with the Hillsborough-Orange County Chamber of
Commerce about promoting economic development in northern Orange County. She said one
of the concerns was the permitting process and realizing that it is onerous and unfriendly to a
lot of people. She said this group is intending to get in touch with the Commissioners and the
Economic Development Department to come up with a strategy for working together with
Hillsborough, and some of the businesses in northern Orange, to push economic development.
She said this will involve the unified development ordinance (UDO) as well.
Chair Price said tonight's information items include Commissioner McKee's petition
about advisory boards that receive funding being required to allow public comment. She said
this petition should hopefully be discussed in an upcoming business meeting.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. National 4-H Week Proclamation
The Board considered approving a proclamation the week of October 3 through 9, 2021
as National 4-H Week in Orange County.
BACKGROUND:
October 3 through 9, 2021, is National 4-H Week. National 4-H Week is promoted by both the
National 4-H Council and North Carolina 4-H and is celebrated in states and counties from
coast to coast. The overall goals of National 4-H Week are to promote the methods in which 4-
H serves families and youth in grades kindergarten through twelfth grade and to promote the 4-
H "learn by doing" experiential model to education that sparks youth interest in future careers
and learning. Orange County boasts eight community-based clubs from Cedar Grove to
Carrboro and continues to grow to meet the needs of Orange County residents.
Orange County Cooperative Extension, a partnership between Orange County Government,
North Carolina State University, and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University,
continues to promote 4-H youth development as the premier vehicle for inspiring youth interest
in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and more. Orange County
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4-H offers a wide variety of programming across the county, employing the following modes of
delivery: day and residential camps, school enrichment, afterschool, and community-based
clubs. Considerable research has been published demonstrating the benefits of 4-H youth
development to past and present generations of young people. Examples include:
• Harris Poll- 2020 Teen Mental Health Survey
• This Is 4-H —A Welcoming Environment for Youth of All Beliefs and Backgrounds
• Journal of Human Sciences and Extension- From Context to Outcomes: A Thriving
Model for 4-H Youth Development Programs
The Strategic Vision for 4-H, as outlined in the National 4-H Council Strategic Plan 4-H Youth
Development A 2025 Vision states, "4-H will reflect the population demographics, vulnerable
populations, diverse needs and social conditions of the country. This vision has the elements of
inclusion, caring adults, serving at minimum 1 in 5 youth, and the volunteers and staff reflect
the diversity of the population."
Chair Price invited staff and guests to speak on the item.
Jonathon Smith, Orange County Extension Agent for 4-H development with the
Cooperative Extension, said 4-H was founded in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio, and the first was a
tomato club and taught young men how to grow the tomatoes and taught young women how to
can and preserve the tomatoes to feed their families throughout the year. He said 4-H stands
for Head, Heart, Hands, and Health, and embodies an experiential learning model. He said it
started as an agricultural and family science focused organization, and has grown to be the
largest k-12 student organization serving students in the areas of agriculture, science,
mathematics, robotics, etc. He said Orange County 4-H works with local universities, and is
often found in schools, providing research space and instruction to after school programs, and
partnering with teachers. He said 4-H provides affordable summer camp experiences that
break the mold of traditional education, and strives to make the best better. He said Orange
County has 8 active 4-H clubs, and attendance numbers continue to grow every week. He
invited some of the student leaders to speak and share about their experiences.
Camille Clark, Orange County 4-H President, addressed the Board. She said she is a
senior at Josephine Dobbs Clement Early College, and serves as president of 4-H Youth
Council. She said 4-H provides opportunities for youth development of skills and practical
knowledge. She said 4-H empowers young people to be future leaders with confidence and
know how to work with others and ability to endure situations. She said Orange County 4-H has
many supporters throughout the community, like the Commissioners, as well as the Tractor
Supply Company and Piedmont Electric. She said she has been in 4-H for seven (7) years, and
highlighted meaningful experiences for her through this opportunity. She thanked the BOCC for
its ongoing support.
Austen Stinson-Miller, Orange County 4-H Vice President, addressed the Board. He
said he is a student at Jordan High School. He said 4-H is a big family, and there is something
for everyone to do no matter if it is based in agriculture, STEM, family and consumer sciences,
health or other focus areas. He said 4-H allows for learning through hands on activities and
molds leaders. He said he most enjoys the horse related activities and making memories at the
4-H horse shows. He thanked the BOCC for its support of 4-H
Lauren Hoesli, Orange County 4-H Secretary, addressed the Board. She said she is a
junior at Orange High School. She said the community within the 4-H program is the best part.
She said she has been in 4-H for nine years and has learned a lot of life lessons through
conferences and events like public speaking, teamwork, and leadership qualities. She said
anyone from any background can be greatly impacted by 4-H. She thanked the Commissioners
for their support.
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Jonathon Smith said 4-H provides opportunity for all and invited students in the
community who are interested in learning and growing as leaders to join. He said the theme for
this year is Spark, so they want to spark interest in science and technology and arts among
other areas.
Commissioner McKee read the proclamation:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
NATIONAL 4-H WEEK PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, 4-H youth across the nation are leading efforts to solve problems in their
communities and make a difference for their futures; and
WHEREAS, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in North Carolina and the largest
in the nation with over six million participants; and
WHEREAS, 4-H in North Carolina claims 260,000 youth members and 13,000 volunteers, while
Orange County's 4-H program numbers more than 190 members and more than 50 volunteers;
and
WHEREAS, 4-H as part of the NC Cooperative Extension System of NC State University and
NC A&T State University is a program where youth learn through opportunities that provide
them hands-on experiences in 4-H's mission mandates of science, engineering and technology;
healthy living; and citizenship; and
WHEREAS, 4-H has connected youth and their communities with the innovative research and
resources from our nation's 112 land-grant universities and colleges for more than 118 years;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
October 3-9, 2021 as National 4-H Week in Orange County, and urge the people of this County
to take advantage of the opportunity to become more aware of this special program that
enhances our young people's interests in their futures as part of Orange County 4-H Youth
Development, and to join us in recognizing the unique partnership between our County and our
State University System.
Adopted this the 14th day of September, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
approve the proclamation designating the week of October 3 through 9, 2021 as National 4-H
Week in Orange County, and authorize the Chair to sign.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
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Commissioner Greene said she remembers meeting Camille Clark in 2019, and is
delighted to see her again and hear of her leadership within 4-H.
Commissioner McKee said he was a 4-H member for years, and was very informative
and formative. He said there are eight clubs throughout Orange County, and is not exclusively
agricultural.
Commissioner Fowler thanked everyone for their comments. She said has memories
from middle school when she entered the contest on the loss of agricultural land to
industrialization in Davie County. She encouraged the students to continue in their efforts.
Commissioner Richards said she was pleasantly surprised by 4-H after looking at the
materials included in the agenda packet and all of the work they do. She congratulated them
for the relevance to the current times, and efforts at reaching a diverse group of young people.
Chair Price said every 4-H event she goes to is very well done. She said people work
well together and the students are impressive.
b. Proclamation Designating September 2021 as Suicide Prevention Month
The Board approved a proclamation designating September 2021 as Suicide Prevention
Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND:
This month recognizes suicide as a serious public health problem that can have long-lasting
effects on individuals, families and communities. Everyone also recognizes that suicide is
preventable and that everyone can help by learning the warning signs, promoting prevention
and resilience and making necessary social changes.
Quintana Stewart, Public Health Director, addressed the Board. She said this is an issue
that needs to be addressed all year long, and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has
resources available 24/7 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text HELLO to 741-741. She said these are
free resources are available 24/7 and all information is kept confidential.
Commissioner Hamilton read the proclamation, and noted that she made some changes
from the original draft that was published:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION DESIGNATING SEPTEMBER 2021
AS SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
WHEREAS, September is National Suicide Prevention Month and is intended to help
raise awareness surrounding suicide prevention resources available in the community; and
WHEREAS, suicidal thoughts can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, orientation,
income level, religion or background; and
WHEREAS, according to the Centers for Disease Control, suicide is the 10th leading cause of
death in the United States, is the 2nd leading cause of death for those 10-34 years of age, and
was responsible for more than 47,500 deaths in 2019; and
WHEREAS, from 2014 through 2018, Orange County lost 70 lives to suicide; and
WHEREAS, suicide and suicide attempts affect the health and well-being of friends, loved
ones, co-workers, and the community; and
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WHEREAS, every member of our community should understand that throughout life's struggles
we need reminders that we are not alone and can reach out for help; and
WHEREAS, Orange County chooses to publicly state and place our full support behind local
educators, mental and physical health professionals, athletic coaches, scout leaders, police
officers, faith leaders, and parents as partners in supporting our community in being available to
one another; and
WHEREAS, all residents are encouraged to take the time to inquire as to the wellbeing of their
family, friends, and neighbors, to listen to their concerns, and convey appreciation for their
existence;
NOW THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
September 2021 as Suicide Prevention Month in Orange County, recognizing suicide as a
serious public health problem that can have long-lasting effects on individuals, families and
communities, that suicide is preventable, and that everyone can help by learning the warning
signs, promoting prevention and resilience, and making necessary social changes.
This, the 14th Day of September 2021.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the proclamation, as amended, designating September 2021 as Suicided Prevention
Month in Orange County, and authorize the Chair to sign.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: Unanimous
Chair Price said in past years, the Health Department has organized events at local
parks together to bring awareness and understanding around this issue, but this is not
happening this year due to the pandemic.
Commissioner Hamilton said someone who is contemplating suicide is in pain and we
need to be willing to help them seek help. She said talking about suicide does not cause it, but
rather it is the silence that can kill. She encouraged people to get immediate help at 1-800-273-
TALK, call 911, or go to the hospital emergency department in a crisis. She said the Orange
County website has a page that briefly educates on the signs and what to do. She said Orange
County hopes to have its own crisis center.
Chair Price said suicide ideation and suicide have increased amongst teenagers and
young people during pandemic.
Commissioner Fowler thanked Commissioner Hamilton for her serious approach to this
topic. She said it is always important to prioritize self-care, but especially during the pandemic
and if things start to feel worse reach out to friends and professionals in the community to
hopefully prevent those feelings from reaching a crisis point.
c. Orange County Preparedness Month Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation declaring September 2021 as "Orange County
Preparedness Month".
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BACKGROUND:
National Preparedness Month is recognized each September to promote family and community
disaster planning now and throughout the year. The theme of this year's National Preparedness
Month is "Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love."
Following 2020, North Carolina has continued to experience an unusually high volume of
disasters, to include the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, winter weather, severe weather
(including tornadoes), and infrastructure disruptions. So far this year, Orange County has
experienced multiple watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service for severe
weather, flooding, and tornadic activity. The 2021 Hurricane Season continues to be above-
normal in predictions for both severity and frequency of storms.
Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services Director, said Governor Cooper switched
Preparedness Month to August for North Carolina because hurricanes were continuing to
impact the state in September, but September is still National Preparedness Month. He invited
the Interim Emergency Management Coordinated, Sarah Pickhardt, to speak.
Sarah Pickhardt reviewed the background information for this item. She said North
Carolina and Orange County continue to experience a high volume of disasters, including the
coronavirus pandemic, winter weather, severe weather, tornados, and infrastructure
disruptions. She said the 2021 hurricane season is being watched closely and expected to be
more severe than normal. She thanked the Board for its ongoing commitment to preparedness
Commissioner Fowler read the proclamation:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION
September 2021 - "Orange County Preparedness Month"
WHEREAS, it is critical for every community, business, family, and individual in Orange County
to be prepared for natural and man-made disasters, including tornadoes, flooding, and
hurricanes, as well as disease outbreaks like COVID-19; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has seen a high activity of severe weather— in 2020, the National
Weather Service issued 13 Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, 4 Flash Flood Warnings, 4 Flood
Warning, and 3 Tornado Warnings; and
WHEREAS, Orange County experienced an estimated $1.2 million in estimated damages from
severe weather in 2020; and
WHEREAS, in 2018, Hurricane Florence brought significant rainfall in September, and was
followed by Tropical Storm Michael in October, with both storms causing widespread power
outages and flooding, and Florence resulting in more than $26 million in damages while Michael
exceeded $500,000; and
WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, the Chair to the Board of County Commissioners declared a
State of Emergency to coordinate the County's response and protective actions to address the
COVID-19 public health emergency and provide for the health, safety, and welfare of the
Orange County community; and
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WHEREAS, community members can take a few simple steps—creating an emergency supply
kit, making a family disaster plan, and staying informed —to help make preparedness a
personal responsibility and improved health a priority in our community; and
WHEREAS, the Orange County Emergency Services Emergency Management Division, along
with emergency managers throughout the nation, has collaborated to recognize September as
National Preparedness Month, and encourage Orange County community members to stay
informed and prepared;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby
declare September 2021 as "Orange County Preparedness Month."
This the 14t" Day of September, 2021.
Renee Price, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
approve the proclamation designating September 2021 as "Orange County Preparedness
Month", and authorize the Chair to sign.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Price said preparedness is the presidential theme for the North Carolina
Association of County Commissioners (NCACC), after Brunswick County got over 30 inches of
rain. She asked if staff would forward a copy of the proclamation to the NCACC.
Laura Jensen attempted to play a video discussing preparedness, but attendees were
unable to hear the video, so it was turned off.
Chair Price said the video is available on the NCACC website. She thanked Kirby
Saunders and Sarah Pickhardt for the work they do, not just throughout COVID, but always.
She said people fail to realize the work and dedication of first responders and what it means to
be out there no matter the weather and circumstances, helping people and saving lives.
Kirby Saunders said it is an honor to represent the 143 Emergency Services employees,
who are the true heroes.
Commissioner Fowler said she is thankful for all they do for the county, as well as their
counterparts across the state and nation.
Chair Price said August might be preparedness month, but really one should be
prepared all the time.
5. Public Hearings
a. NCDOT Public Transportation Division/Public Transportation — 5307 Urbanized
Area Formula Grant Application for FY 2022
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The Board conducted a public hearing on the North Carolina Urbanized Area Formula
grant application by Orange County Transportation Services (OCTS) for FY 2022; approved the
grant application which includes the resolution previously adopted by the Board authorizing the
applicant to enter into an agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT); and authorized the County Attorney to review and complete the necessary 2022
certifications and assurances when they are received (2021 versions attached as examples).
BACKGROUND:
Each year, the NCDOT Public Transportation Division accepts requests for operations and
administrative needs for county-operated Urbanized Area Formula Grant applications. OCTS is
eligible to make an application for both operations and administrative funding. NCDOT has
allotted $331,406 in funds detailed breakdown is outlined in the table below:
5307 Grant Application: FY22
Total $ 331,406
Federal $ 165,703
Local $ 165,703
Theo Letman, Orange County Transportation Services Director, reviewed the
background information for the item. He reviewed the various uses for the grant funding
including marketing, office supplies, administrative funds, etc. He said these funds help the
county support urban area transportation. He said these funds will increase resident access to
healthcare, employment, shopping, etc.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
open the public hearing on the proposed grant application.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
close the public hearing.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Commissioner Richards asked if the application forms will be the same as FY21-22.
Theo Letman said the forms and application are the same every year.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the Urbanized Area Formula Grant application for FY 2022 in the total amount of
$331,406 with a local match total of$165,703 to be provided when necessary; approve and
authorize the Chair to sign the Local Share Certification for Funding form and other associated
documents; and authorize the County Attorney to review and complete the necessary 2022
certifications and assurances when they are received.
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Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6. Regular Agenda
a. Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) Program
The Board considered approving the implementation of the proposed program design
for the Longtime Homeowner Assistance Program.
BACKGROUND:
At its June 15, 2021 Business meeting, the Board of Commissioners allocated $250,000 in
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for a new program to assist households affected by
revaluation of property tax bills. The program will serve Orange County homeowners earning
below 80% of the area median income who have lived in their home for at least 10 years and
experienced an increase in their property taxes during the 2021 tax revaluation.
Staff from the Orange County Housing and Community Development Department (OCHCD),
Tax Department, and Finance and Administrative Services Department met over the summer to
coordinate, design and begin implementing the proposed program. Staff created a draft
program application (Attachment 1), a proposed plan for reviewing and approving applications
and outlining each department's role in process (Attachment 2), and a proposed
communications and outreach strategy to share information about the program with county
residents (Attachment 3).
Housing and Community Development Department staff will be primarily responsible for
administering the LHA program — collecting applications and supporting documentation from
applicants, and verifying program eligibility for each applicant. The Orange County Housing
Helpline will play a key role in assisting county residents with completing applications and
gathering documentation. The Tax Department will provide some of the eligibility verification
details to Housing and Community Development Department staff during application review.
Once an application is approved for assistance, Housing and Community Development
Department staff will coordinate with the Finance and Administrative Services Department and
Tax Department to issue a credit towards the taxpayer's property tax bill. The program has a
proposed launch date of October 1, 2021. All applications must be received by 5:OOpm on
December 15, 2021 to allow time for processing.
This item was tabled until the October 5, 2021 Business Meeting.
b. Eno Economic Development District— Potential Comprehensive Plan Future Land
Use Map and Zoning Atlas Amendments
BACKGROUND:
Planning staff has been asked to bring forward for Board of County Commissioners' review and
discussion potential Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas amendments
in the Eno Economic Development District (EDD) (see maps in Attachment 1 for location and
current designations).
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Historical Information
Most lands in the current Eno EDD have been designated for economic development purposes
since 1981, when the county adopted a Comprehensive Plan. In 2012, the boundaries of the
Eno EDD were expanded in anticipation of water and sewer availability (see maps in
Attachment 2 for the 2012 amendments, adopted September 6, 2012). The Eno EDD is
currently 958 acres of economic development land use classification, with an adjacent 67 acre
housing area (Whispering Pines subdivision) and 31 acres annexed by the City of Durham for
economic development purposes (northeast corner of EDD, adjacent to 1-85 in Capital
Investment Plan (CIP) focus area). The county proceeded with adding a matching zoning
district (i.e. `prezoning') to approximately 75% of the land use area. Other areas (25%) remain
in a residential zoning category (or base zoning). The Eno EDD is part of a courtesy review
agreement with the City of Durham, as part of the Eno EDD Area Small Area Plan.
Recent Water and Sewer Studies
Recent joint engineering studies by Orange County and City of Durham staff and a consultant
have retracted the larger area's viability for public sewer due to Durham system constraints in
the area and prohibitive cost. However, a smaller economic development focus area of 200
acres between 1-85 and US 70 still remains viable for public sewer and an existing water line
lies adjacent to the area. (See CIP map in Attachment 3 for location of the 200-acre area).
Additionally, there are many existing commercial uses in the general area on well and septic.
Interlocal Utility Services Agreement with City of Durham
County staff is in the process of working with City of Durham staff to update and amend the
interlocal agreement for water and sewer services (adopted in 2011, expired in 2018) to
address the smaller economic development focus area. After completion of an engineering
study in 2013 and subsequent additional analysis, it became apparent that the City will not be
able to serve the entire Eno EDD area with water and sewer due primarily to pump station
capacity limitations within the City's sewage disposal system. The cost to upgrade the existing
pump stations is prohibitive. If the City is able to serve the Eno EDD, it would be a much
smaller geographic area than initially envisioned, perhaps up to 200 acres. The City is
expected to require voluntary annexation of any properties it serves with its water and sewer
systems. Willing property owners have `signed on' to express interest in developing their lands
consistent with the Economic Development and Commercial-Industrial land use designations
that have been in place since 1981.
Development on Private Wells and Septic Systems/ Future Land Use Designations and Zoning
While public water and sewer availability allows for more dense/intense development and larger
projects, the regulations contained in the county's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for
the Eno (and Buckhorn) EDD do not require connections to public water and sewer systems if
such systems are not available. These EDDs allow non-residential development to occur using
wells and septic systems (or other wastewater disposal techniques). If there is desire to
potentially allow new non-residential development in the Eno EDD on wells and septic systems,
the existing Future Land Use classification (Economic Development) and much of the current
zoning could achieve new non-residential development, particularly smaller-scale non-
residential development such as individual offices or other uses that do not require large
amounts of water and wastewater disposal.
As is shown on the maps in Attachment 1, some of the lands designated for Economic
Development (land use classification) are currently zoned R-1 (Rural Residential) (see the
southwestern portion of the EDD area and lands between the railway and Old NC 10). Since
14
zoning is the regulatory tool, the current zoning means that only uses allowed in R-1 would be
permitted on these properties. R-1 is primarily for residential uses and a few other compatible
use types, as shown in the Table of Permitted Uses in Section 5.2 of the UDO.
It should also be noted that the EDE-1 zoning district allows a variety of residential uses,
including single family residential; new residential uses would be permitted in the EDE-1 zoning
district. EDE-2 zoning does not allow residential uses. Future Land Use and zoning
amendments may be necessary only if the decision is made that all non-residential
development in the Eno EDD should be served by public water and sewer systems or if there
are other reasons for pursuing amendments. If amendments are pursued, a determination will
need to be made regarding which Future Land Use classification and/or zoning district should
be applied to the map(s).
As a reminder, any new non-residential development in the area is required to adhere to all of
the standards and regulations contained in the UDO, including proper buffering from adjacent
uses and performance standards related to noise, vibration, outdoor storage, and other impacts
(see Section 6.4 of the UDO).
Additional maps that may prove useful in understanding the area are included in Attachment 4:
• Existing Residential / Non-Residential / Undeveloped parcels
• A map of developed and undeveloped lots in Whispering Pines subdivision (which is
designated as 10-Year Transition on the Future Land Use map). As a historical note,
many/most of the undeveloped lots remained so because suitable septic sites could not
be located on the lots.
Water & Sewer Management, Planning & Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA)
The entire Eno EDD plus lands well to the south of the EDD are designated as "Primary Service
Area" on the WASMPBA map (Attachment 5). Since mobile home parks in the area may
eventually need public water service for both household use and fire suppression, staff
suggests that the current WASMPBA boundaries remain as is.
Potential Amendments
The maps in Attachment 6 depict potential amendments to pull back a portion of the EDD
expansion that occurred in 2012 and rezone the properties back to R-1 (Rural Residential).
Staff is seeking BOCC direction on whether Future Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas
amendments should be pursued at this time. The potential amendments are as follows:
Future Land Use Map Zoning
112.2 acres from Economic 112.2 acres from EDE-1 to R-1
Development to 10-Year Transition
The 10-Year Transition land use classification is for"areas changing from rural to urban in form
and density. All densities of residential development would be appropriate. Non-residential
uses implemented in accordance with small area plans and/or overlay districts may be
appropriate." The Land Use and Zoning Matrix in Appendix F of the Comprehensive Plan
identifies the following potential zoning districts for 10-Year Transition areas: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-
4, R-5, R-8, R-13, MPD-CD, HP-CD, R-CD, NR-CD, and Special Zoning Overlay District.
15
Amendment Process
Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Atlas (rezoning) must adhere to the
processes described in Sections 2.3 (Comprehensive Plan) and 2.8 (Zoning Atlas) of the UDO.
For county-initiated amendments, the general process is listed below with a possible timeframe
for any potential amendments in bold italics:
• Public Information Meeting to Explain the Amendments (This meeting is not require by
the UDO, but historically the county has held such meetings at the beginning of the
process to better inform residents and address questions before the subsequent
Planning Board meeting.) — October 2021
• Post Sign / Mail Notices for Planning Board Meeting — mid November 2021
• Development Advisory Committee Meeting (staff group of multiple departments) -
November 2021
• Staff Recommendation to the Planning Board — end of November 2021
• Planning Board Review and Recommendation — December 1, 2021
• Publication of Legal Ads / Sign Posting / Mail Notices for BOCC Public Hearing —
January 2022
• BOCC Public Hearing/Potential Decision — January 2022
Craig Benedict, Planning and Inspections Director, reviewed the background information
and made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Eno Economic ❑evelopment
❑istrict (EDD)
Potential Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Map and Zoning
Atlas Amendments
September 14,2D21 BOCC Meeting
Slide #2
Tonight's Purpose
To review potential
Comprehensive Plan
Future Land Use Map
and Zoning Atlas
amendments in the
Eno Economic
❑evelopment District _ -
(EDD)and provide
direction to staff on
whether to pursue
amendments and the
timeframe. ORANGE COUNTY
NO ]I GR LINA
16
Craig Benedict said the slide shows a land use program for a Future Land Use Map. He
said the red area is a residential subdivision known as Whispering Pines. He said the land use
was changed in 2012 to transition, due to proximity to the highways. He said it is likely to
transition into a suburban environment. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #3
Brief History of Eno EDD
• Most of the area had been designated for
economic development purposes since
1981, when the County adopted a
Comprehensive Plan.
• In 2012, the boundaries of the Eno EDD
were expanded in anticipation of water
and sewer availability(maps of 2012
amendments are included in Attachment 2 of
agenda item).
ORANGE COUNTY
NOWT]I CAROLINA
Slide #4
Brief History of Eno EDD (continued)
• Recent joint engineering studies have
retracted the larger area's viability for
public sewer due to Durham system
constraints in the area and prohibitive
cost.
y A smaller economic development focus
area of 200 acres between 1-85 and US 70
still remains viable for public sewer and an
existing water line lies adjacent to the
area. ORANGE WRTI ICAROOLINNA Y
17
Slide #5
Location of Zoo-acre Area
Eno EDD CIP Project Area
a � 4
T S �
i
r +dTy V
111
Craig Benedict said the grey areas to North and South are recent annexations by the
City of Durham. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #6
Intorlocal Utility Services
Agreement with City of Durham
• County staff is in the process of working with City of
Durham staff to update and amend the interlocal
agreement for water and sewer services (adopted in 2011
e)pired in 2618)to address the smaller economic
development focus area.
• The City is expected to require voluntary annexation of
any properties it serves with its water and sewer systems.
• Willing property owners have 'signed on' to express
interest in developing their lands consistent with the
Economic Development and Commercial-Industrial land
use designations that have been in place since 1981.
ORANGE COUNTY
14OR73[CAROLINA
18
Slide #7
Development Considerations
• The regulations contained in the County's Unified
Development Ordinance (UDC)for the Eno EDD do not
require hookups to public water and sewer systems if such
systems are not available.
If there is desire to potentially allow new non-residential
development in the Eno EDD an wells and septic systems,
the existing Future Land Use classifica ion (Economic
Development) and much of the current zoning could
achieve new non-residential development, particularly
smaller-scale non-residential development such as
individual offices or other uses that do not require large
amounts of water and wastewater disposal,
ORANGE COUNTY
Y NM[CAROLINA
Slide #8
Potential Amendments
Planning staff has been asked to bring forward for
Board of County Commissioner review and
discussion potential Comprehensive Plan Future
Land Use Map and Zoning Atlas amendments in the
Eno Economic Development District (EDD)
• The potential amendments on the fallowing slides
pull back some of the amendments adopted in
2412.
ORANGE COUNTY
WORT][CAROLINA
19
Slide #9
Potential Amendments — Future
Land Use Map
utlrt�n6
Ena EDID Area Pate-tial Future Land Use Map Amendr
t '
. r
r}
f
r �e
fF -- ps .1
q r A__'
4
9
:4
�+4t•FYa �144<<�f 9�KItO��
0 ff.w i[auas[w�E�a� ..y,• �p2YYilu it —��r
�o:.e-N�
Slide #10
Potential Amendments — Zoning
Atlas
Eno EDDAres Potenti.12uning,dmpv*ngrt�
aj
�f
r
_ �J
r4_
C _ r
20
Slide #11
Possible Amendment Timeframe
• October 2021 -Public Information Meeting to Explain the
Amendments(this meeting is not required by the UDO but is
historically customary)
• mid November 2021-Post Sign J Mail Notices for Planning
Board Meeting
• November 2021 —Development Advisory Committee
Meetings) (staff group of multiple departments)
• end of November 2021-Staff Recommendation to the
Planning Board
• December 1,2021 —Planning Board Review and
Recommendation
• January 2022-Publication of Legal Ads!Sign Posting 1 Mail
Notices for BOCC Public Hearing
• January 2022-BOCC Public Hearing/Potential Decision
Slide #12
Recommendation for Tonight
• Receive the information presented.
• Provide direction to staff on whether to
pursue amendments.
• If amendments are to be pursued, provide
direction on the timeframe.
Chair Price said she brought this item as a petition in June. She said the issue of
changing the zoning in this area has been discussed for years, and she had hoped to make
changes this month. She said it recently came to her attention because people in Whispering
Pines want to know what is going on around them. She said the desire is to buffer the
neighborhood in a way that would be complementary. She said various ideas have been
discussed, including apartments. She said there has been some reluctance from Durham to
provide utilities in this area. She said there are mobile home parks here, which are some of the
affordable housing in the county. She said the desire was to focus on economic development
in the Buckhorn and Hillsborough EDDs instead. She said she is concerned that staff only
included two areas and wonders why it has to go to Planning Board for review again. She said
her intent with this petition was to move forward with making some changes and not to consider
further exploration, as the Board has already talked about the changes that need to be made.
She said she wants the residents in the area to feel comfortable and know they will not be
dislocated and relocated in the near future.
21
Commissioner Hamilton referred to the 200 acres that are viable for public sewer, and
asked if their specific location could be identified. She asked if EDE 1 or EDE 2 are contained
within those 200 acres.
Craig Benedict said yes. He said these areas have the designation for economic
development and public sewer. He said the hope is to bring sewer in closer proximity to a
particular mobile home park that is currently pumping their sewage into Durham.
Commissioner Hamilton clarified details about the map.
Craig Benedict said there is a zoning proposal to reduce certain areas. He said there
are some existing commercial uses in the area, and it would be difficult to rezone one's land
that already has industrial use and change it back to residential. He said staff can provide a
map with the existing land uses. He said areas 1 and 2 would change, which would not create
any nonconforming uses.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is a process for determining the viability of public
sewer and water to the area. She asked if there is a cost benefit analysis to weigh sales and
property taxes, etc.
Craig Benedict said yes, analyses have been done for light industrial construction in this
area. He said that information was provided about year ago, when there was discussion on the
viability of the entire economic development zone. He said staff can re-provide that information
to the Board. He staff has proceeded with 70% design in this area, but it has been on hold for a
few years.
Commissioner McKee asked Craig Benedict to move his cursor over the area where
Gorilla Materials is located (purple area). He reviewed various businesses in the area, and
cautioned the Board about changing the zoning in this area as it would disrupt existing
businesses.
Chair Price asked if the area to the east of Whispering Pines could be identified.
Craig Benedict said everything in purple and lavender was put on the map in 1994. He
said the county was going to talk to the property owner to see if the lower-intensity economic
development zoning would make sense for this owner.
Chair Price said the BOCC down zoned some of this area several years ago. She
asked if areas 1 and 2 would be rezoned to residential if staff's proposal goes forward.
Craig Benedict said it would go from economic development to 10-year transition, which
is a residential land use. He said it would be a companion zoning change from EDD-1 to R1,
which is low density.
Chair Price said she lives in a 10-year transition area that has been that way for 30
years. She challenged the staff to come up with different terminology.
Craig Benedict said the idea is that the focus should be on the ten years first, rather
than sprawling into the 20 years. He said lack of water and sewer has been a stumbling block.
He said it took 3 utility services agreements with Hillsborough, Durham, and Mebane to be able
to expand in areas that are appropriate. He said when economic development monies became
available, there was a certain amount in the Eno, Efland, Mebane areas, etc.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if staff could provide examples of high and low intensity.
Craig Benedict said higher intensity might allow for onsite storage, while lower intensity
keeps all activity within the building, such as offices. He said higher intensity could have more
external impacts because some activity would be occurring outside of the building. He said
staff can provide a list of the activities expected with both.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if the sections of the Comprehensive plan that would be
affected if these changes are made could be identified.
Craig Benedict said a land use map is part of the land use element to the
comprehensive plan. He said staff would change the land use map, which is an addendum to
22
the Comprehensive Plan, from economic development to transition. He said at some point it
would be wise to get rid of 10 and 20 year and make it all transition.
Commissioner Fowler referred to the 10 and 20-year transition areas, and asked if these
are so labeled as such to serve as a warning to residents
Craig Benedict said the 10 and 20 areas are in the outskirts of Hillsborough and Efland
area. He said there is a map that says if utilities are expanded in Efland, they should be
expanded into the 10-year transition area first. He said some sewer was put into Elfand in
1988, which was not completed until the 2000s. He said this process gave guidance on where
to focus capital investments in the Efland area, but it has taken a long time and has become
more of a sooner than later area than strict 10 years. He said it has been very difficult to get
utilities to rural areas, and the 10 and 20-year transition areas were to provide guidance. He
said this is all described in the comprehensive plan, but there is no prohibition for someone who
wants to go into the 20 year transition if there is still undeveloped land in 10 year transition. He
said the Town of Carrboro also has a 10 and 20-year areas, and one cannot go into the 20 year
area until 75% of the 10 year area has been developed. He said the county never went that far
in its own plans.
Commissioner McKee asked if downzoning a commercial property could be a potential
liability for"taking of value".
John Roberts said his initial inclination is no, as zoning is up to the local government, but
he will do some additional research and report back.
Chair Price said the county would talk to the property owner first, and if downzoning is
against the property owner's wishes the county would not proceed.
Chair Price asked if the timeline is mandated, and why it would need to go to Planning
Board for review.
Craig Benedict said the only step not mandated by the UDO is step #1.
Chair Price asked how much of a meeting staff anticipates, given COVID-19. She
asked if this could be expedited in any way, allowing the public to speak at the Planning Board.
Craig Benedict said yes. He said staff mails notices for planning board meetings, and
he will consult with staff as to whether the schedule can be sped up by not having a public
information meeting.
Chair Price said she support public engagement, but wonders if anyone will show up to
an information session. She said she would like to get this done by the end of the year.
Commissioner Bedford thanked staff for the presentation, and said it is critical to stick to
usual process and to keep the public meeting in place. She said she understands the desire to
expedite the process, but it is important to keep all the steps in place.
Commissioner McKee agreed with Commissioner Bedford.
Commissioner Greene agreed with Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Bedford.
Chair Price said she is happy to stick to the normal process, and was just seeking ways
to expedite it due to the years that have passed discussing this topic.
Commissioner Richards said it looks like the zoning may be changed to buffer the
residential area with R1 for residential use, and designating the zoning for E2, which can be
used for residential in another space. She asked if this is correct.
Craig Benedict said areas 1 and 2 are being changed back to residential, and the purple
area is not being changed at this time. He said staff will approach a property owner about
potential changes down the road.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
proceed with the plan as outlined by the Board.
Roll call ensued
23
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. Reports
a. Update on 2021 Appeals Process
The Board received a report on the progress of the 2021 Appeals Process.
BACKGROUND:
2021 is a revaluation year, and in March 2021, the Notices of Revaluation were mailed to
property owners. Property owners have the right to appeal their value each year, and it is
especially important in a revaluation year when values are adjusted to current fair market value
per NC General Statute 105-286 to equalize and redistribute the county's tax base.
Soon after the notices were mailed, community leaders in the area brought inconsistencies in
the valuation of properties within neighborhoods, including Chapel Hill's Northside
Neighborhood Conservation District and other conservation districts in the Chapel Hill area, to
the attention of the Tax Assessor and the Board.
Community leaders also expressed concerns that the established appeal period did not allow
enough time for property owners to appeal, citing the need to provide assistance for property
owners not familiar with the process and the constraints of the current pandemic. By resolution
approved on June 15, 2021, the Board of Commissioners directed the Tax Assessor to extend
the Board of Equalization and Review's adjournment date from June 30 to September 1, 2021.
This action extended the formal appeals period until September 1, 2021.
Many of the properties located in the Northside Neighborhood Conservation District submitted
value appeals. After reviewing these properties, and considering information provided by
leaders of the Jackson Community Center about the neighborhood conservation districts, the
Tax Assessor approached the Board of Equalization and Review (BOER) to exercise its power
and duties as noted in NC General Statute 105-322(g)(1)(b,c,d) and request the Tax Office
review the remaining properties in the Northside neighborhoods that were not appealed, and
make any necessary corrections to these properties and their values to be consistent with the
actions taken on properties within the Northside neighborhoods that were appealed. The BOER
requested the additional review at its July 28, 2021 meeting.
The BOER will adjourn as of September 1, 2021 and continue to hold post-adjournment
hearings to complete review of the appeals submitted through the adjournment date, and
according to the 30-day appeal period provided in decision notices.
Current data on appeals (through August 24, 2021):
• 2,004 appeals total — 1,682 informal and 322 formal
• 1,802 have been completed, including all but 3 of the informal appeals which are
commercial properties
• 58 appeals have been submitted since the original appeals deadline of June 30
• 191 total appeals from Northside area - 183 informal and 8 formal
As Decision Notices continue to be mailed for the ongoing appeals, the appellants are provided
a 30-day window from the date of the decision notice to appeal at the formal level to the BOER,
and are not held to the date of adjournment if the 30-day window reaches beyond the
24
September 1 deadline. Post-adjournment hearings are expected to continue through
December.
Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, gave the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
Update on 2021 Real Property
Value Appeals Process
Presented September 14,2021
Slide #2
I2021 Value Appeals Process Overview
2021 Is a Revaluatlon Year for Orange County Tax ORIce
Real Properties valued based on January 1,2021 current market value
Revaluafion Noticesof New Values malled March 24,2021
Informal Appeal Forms malted with Revaluatlon Notices,I nClUded Insrruaons arm
In} anon on how to appeal using new orulne site
nformal Appeals period ended with the Board of Equalization and Review Convening,May
3.2021
Formal Appeals period began May 3 and ended September 1,2021
r As of September 7,Iham have been 2062 appeals!1681 Informal,3a1 formal
Slide #3
IInformal Appeals Overview& Steps Taken
• During Informal Appeals Period,appeals were distributed to the appraiser assigned to
the corresponding neighborhood.Appraiser reviewed information provided by property
Owner,researched property,performed slte vrslt I}requestedlneeded,determined new
value or no change to value.
• D alls of appeal and any changes recorded In Computer Assisted Mass Appralsal
system,or CAMA system.
Decisions reviewed by Real Property Manager andfor Deputy Assessor
• At this tlme,the Assessor's Office has the authorlty to change the value of properties
based on information provided by the property owner and during research by
appralsers.
25
Slide #4
Timeline and Metrics: Informal Appeal Period
Currently 1,681 informal Appeals,1675 completed
f,184 Informal from Northside,all completed
134 Informal Commercial,with 2 still In process
ee Value Notices include.
i
e Property Identification
e Assessor's Decision
Resulting Value
e Notification of Property Owner's Right to Appeal
September 1,or
4 Within 30 days of the Date of the Notice,whichever is longer
Commissioner McKee referred to slide 4, and asked if"all completed" could be defined.
Nancy Freeman said it means the 184 appeals have been reviewed, a decision has
been made, and notice has been mailed to homeowner letting them know of ability to appeal to
BOER.
Commissioner McKee clarified that there are further non-legal avenues for residents to
pursue prior to court proceedings.
Nancy Freeman said yes.
Chair Price asked if "Northside" is just Northside, or if it incorporates other
neighborhoods.
Nancy Freeman said she is referring to the Northside Conservation District, specifically.
She said there were a few claims from other neighborhoods, but very few. She resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #5
Timeline and Metrics: Informal Appeal Period (continued)
2021 Value Notices Mailing Dates
I
May 5
May 28
June 25
August26
September 7
4-Value Notices dated August 26 have a September 25
appeal deadline
Value Notices dated September 7 have an October 7
appeal deadllne
26
Slide #6
IFormal Appeals Overview
LFormal Appeals Period is established by the date the Board of Equalization and
ew(BOER)convenes and adjourns.Property owners may submit a formal appeal
e the Board Is In sesslon.n 2021 the BOER convened on May 3.which was the last day by statute that the BOER was
slowed to convene.
The adpumment was extended from June 3010 September f to allow more time for property
owners to appeal their value.
Commissioner McKee asked if the number of value notices that went back out, which
are being appealed to the BOER, could be identified.
Nancy Freeman said 12, as of this moment, but these may not all be from Northside.
She said she can send exact information to the Board.
Slide #7
Formal Appeals Overview
LOW
j The Formal Appeals Period is established by the date the Board of Equalization and
Review(BOER)convenes and adjourns.Property owners may submit a formal appeal
while the Board Is In sesslon.
In 2021 The BOER convened on May 3.which was the last day*statute that the BOER was
allowed to convene.
• The adjvumment was extended from June 30 to September f to allow more time for property
owners to appeal their value.
27
Slide #8
Timeline and Metrics: Formal
Currently381 Formal Appeals.208 completed
h 12 rormal from Northslde,9 completed
252 rormal Commercial.175 completed
�d96cralon Notles are malted to the appellants to Inform them offlckally of the Board's
ecislon.The notice Includes,as required by state statutes
¢Propedy tdsnoficalloe
¢Bowd's Dtclsloe and RmAing Vow
¢Ncllflcadon M Propsoy Owner's ROM to ApyeaN to Ors Noah Carokm Propedy Tax Coa.mashar
{NCPTC]w1mm 90 days Mlhe Dace o}Iht Nonce
Speelgc Requlrenrwes anhe Appear to lht NCPTC.:wluding the rtquln ment to nonce bath the
NCPTC and the Cougy Mare appeal.
Slide #9
Timeline and Metrics: Formal (continued)
Deckslon Notices Malled,
—July 1200)
August 10 W)
—Upcoming! September 15(approximately 90)
Next Steps:
CWUni.e with Board of Equalization and Review Post-Adpumment Hearings
-Carmntly nine dales scheduled Ihraugh October 14 far hearirgs
More dates will be added to the schedule as determined by appeals received Ihrough
early October
-C.—aly 7 poetadj—rteppe k
Nancy Freeman said the 90 number is closer to 150 at this time. She resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #10
Steps Taken with Northside Informal Appeals
After revaluatlon notices were mailed.Tax Office was made aware or
inconsistencies in the valuation of properties within neighborhoods 7102.7104.
and 7110,which IncludmChapel HIII's Nonhside NeighborhoodConservatlon
District and Carrboro's LlaydlBraad Neighborhood Preservation District
re 184 informal appeals.assigned to Real Property Manager and Chief Appraiser
- Reviews and field visits conducted on these properties from mid-May to and of July
- Based on the data collected by appraiser and data provided by the community
leaders of Northside and the Jackson Center,the Tax Office realized the need to
expand the review to all properties in the three affected neighborhoods.
re On July 28.the Boa rd of Equalization a nd Review was provided data compiled on
these Informal reviews.Tax Office requested thatthe Board direct a review of the
remaining propertles In these specific neighborhoods that were not appealed.
28
Slide #11
I
Steps Taken with Northside Informal Appeals
(continued)
Board of Equalizatlon and Review dlddlrect Tax OffIceto review remaining
properties in the affected areas
Reviews and field visits were made of the remaining properties in the affected
neighborhoods.wh Ich Inc I uded a69 propertles.
+ After review,using data previously provided and data compiled through sales and
field visits to the properties,+values were adjusted on many of the properties.
-Smaller properties that were conforming la the restrictions of the Nortfiside
Neighborhood Conservatlon DIstrlct on average received a reductlon In vale of at least
20%.
-Larger.legaby nor-confonnirg properties were reviewed end same were adjusled to
reflect an Increase In value.
Slide #12
I
Steps Taken with Northside Informal Appeals
(continued)
In order for staff to review all properties and provide the most consistent and
i accurate review,most value notices were mailed for the properties informally
appealed In the Northslde area on August 26,after all of the affected propertles
were reviewed.
w Formal appeals may be submitted for These propenies through September 25.
Flnal round of Value Notices for the remaining properties In the Northslde
neighborhoods reviewed under the direction of the BOER were mailed on
September 7,
w Formal appeals mey be submitted for lhese properties through October 7.
Slide #13
I
Review of East 54 Condominiums
On June 8,an appeal of a property located at East 54 Condominlums brought
forth the fact that there was a notable difference in fair ma rket values of the condo
unb In the referenced buildings that face the golf course versus the units that face
the parking lot.
Tax Office performed a review of other units in these buildingsto determine more
equltablevaluatlons for these properties.At theAugust 12 Board of Equallzatlon
and Review meeting the Tax Office requested that the Board direct the Tax Office
make necessary corrections to these properties and their values to be consistent
with the action taken on the appeal from June 8.
93 properties were reviewed,with 72 properties decreasing In value,19 Increasing
in value and 1 no change. Value notices were mailed September 7.
Nancy Freeman said there was an average reduction of$31,000 and an average
increase of $16,000. She resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
29
Slide #14
I
Final Report of Board of Equalization and
Review for 2021
I + The estimaled time of completion of the work far the Bee rd of EquaI zatton and
Review(BOER)for 2021 is mid-January.
+ This will depend on the number or appeals recelved through early October,based
on the date of the last mailing of Value Notices
A report will be provided to the Board or Commissioners to provide a summary of
the outcome of the appeals at a regular meeting of the Commissioners soon after,
estimated Mid-March 2022.
Slide #15
I
Final Report of Board of Equalization and
Review for 2021 (continued)
,,i, The report will Include important metrics on the resulting changes to values that
occurred due to the appeals.
+Nunber of dates BOER met to conduct rreari ngs
+ Nunher of inforrnat appeals r Ldting In a formal appeal
Total n bn r offorrnal appeals
Nwnber of appeals resulting in a decrease in value,increase in value,and no pha nige
+ Decision Notices Mailings and Publication of Mlini
+s Nunber of fom l appeals resulting in ap appeal to the North Carolina Property Tax
Commission
Nancy Freeman said these numbers will depend on when the notices are mailed out, as
there is a 30 day window to appeal to the Property Tax Commission. She resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #16
I
2021 Value Appeals Process in Conclusion
Reel property sales I ncreased steadily prior to the January 1,2021 revaluatlon date.
This resulted in a substartiial increase in valuation county-wide forthe 2021
Revaluation.
Beginning in March 2020.the pandemic complicated many aspects ofthe process of
the revaiuii from stalling field visits to changing the methods needed to
communicate with property owners about Ihelr values and appealing the values.
We have continued to p
r
o
vid
e
service to taxpayers,allhoug4 the office was closed to
nths the public for several mo .Our new online appeals module helped us provlde an
effective way for property owners to appeal value wilhout an i n-parson visit.
Current number of appeals still below the estimated number for 2021 However,our
goals for completing appeals have been quite stret0ad due to the effects of the
pandemic,and the ract that stafr has been shorthanded.
Our assessmentteam.along with tramendeus support from our other divisions.Ms
continued to work through these Issues to provide excellent professional customer
service a accurate work to ralrly equalize the tax base for Orange County property,
owners.
30
Chair Price thanked the Tax Administrator for taking the time to meet with community
members. She said the focus was on Northside, but other areas of the county were also seeing
disparities. She said she looks forward to further analyses forthcoming.
Commissioner Hamilton thanked tax staff for hearing her questions and providing
information to her. She said she hopes residents will hear that the Board and staff do care and
are willing to look into issues.
Commissioner Richards asked if there will be some kind of a "lessons learned" in
addition to the statistics at the end of this process, and if there will be an overall assessment of
how the county approaches the revaluation process.
Nancy Freeman said one of the takeaways is that field reviews are so very important
and staff realized it would never complete an only desktop review. She said staff will include
some lessons learned in the report to the BOCC.
Commissioner Fowler said she appreciates Commissioner Richards' question. She said
it seemed like the whole process was inequitable because lower homes were overvalued and
vice versa. She asked if the county will need to continue with the appeals process moving
forward, or will the county be able to find a different process that's more equitable in general.
Nancy Freeman said the county relies on information provided by taxpayers, and
communication and relationships between the two is important. She said tax staff is often not
given access to go into a home or a building. She said the continuing work with the community
is important to secure accurate information and to avoid situations like happened with
disparities. She said the Tax Office also needs to do more outreach to the community
publicizing that now is the time to get accurate information to tax office.
Commissioner Fowler said she appreciates the work of the tax office and hopes that it
ended with more equitable values placed. She said there were 185 commercial appeals, and
asked if these were all in Northside.
Nancy Freeman said there were 135 informal commercial appeals countywide, not
specific to Northside.
Chair Price said staff had to abide by state statute in this process, which is important to
remember. She said in working with community organizations and groups, staff is able to see
what is really happening, and if goal is to preserve some of these neighborhoods, the county is
going to have to use some other strategies and work with the towns to see what is really
happening in neighborhoods.
Commissioner Greene said she was in Asheville recently, and Buncombe County is
having virtually the same issue. She said this county started a committee to review the issue.
She suggested staff contact tax staff in Buncombe for suggestions.
Chair Price said Commissioner Greene is correct, and this is happening across the
country in many areas and for many years.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
take a three minute recess.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
reconvene the meeting at 9:44 p.m.
Roll call ensued
31
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) Update
The Board received an update on the activity of staff and other project partners on
acquiring and constructing the segment route of the NC Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), a part of
the NC State Parks system, within Orange County.
BACKGROUND:
In January 2018, the county adopted a route map for the portion of the NC Mountains to Sea
Trail in Orange County. This action was the culmination of several community meetings and
planning exercises to identify, refine and address the planned route of this trail through Orange
County. The NC Mountains to Sea Trail is a continuous off-road trail linking Clingman's Dome in
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to Jockey's Ridge State Park on the state's Outer
Banks. The MST is part of the North Carolina State Parks system, with over 680 miles of the
roughly 1,000-mile trail route open for use and road connecting sections identified by the
Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (FMST) organization to allow hikers to complete the trail
in areas where road routes are needed.
A statewide MST Master Plan was completed and approved in 2015 with an established
corridor for the trail across the state, broken into defining segments. The plan included
information about each segment, prioritization and plans for further work, centralized web-
based content about trail progress, and a set of tools and guidelines to assist trail planning
partners.
One of the regions in the state where the trail corridor was in need of further identification and
refinement was the Eastern Piedmont section, from Greensboro to Durham. Segments of the
adopted MST corridor traverse Orange County, entering from southwestern Orange County at
the Alamance County line and running northeast through lands owned by the Orange Water
and Sewer Authority (OWASA) around Cane Creek Reservoir. The MST corridor then continues
northeast to the Orange County Seven Mile Creek Natural Area, before entering Occoneechee
Mountain State Natural Area and into Hillsborough along the Town's Riverwalk. The trail then
heads eastward into Eno River State Park and toward Durham.
Because almost all of the MST located east of Hillsborough will be within Eno River State Park
and its master plan, the State and the Eno River Association have taken the lead to addressing
the trail from Hillsborough Riverwalk east to the Durham County line.
Orange County's responsibility is to connect the trail from Alamance County to Occoneechee
Mountain State Natural Area, and it is this area that has been the area of focus since 2018. As
shown in the current and prior Capital Investment Plans (CIP), the first area of emphasis was to
extend the trail west from the Hillsborough Riverwalk through Occoneechee Mountain and to
the Seven Mile Creek Natural Area. This would extend an existing section of the trail, and
significant progress has been made by the county, Town of Hillsborough, Eno River Association
and State Parks. This is addressed in the attached Project Summary of Recent Activities in the
section "Riverwalk to Seven Mile Creek Natural Area."
The second area of emphasis as per the adopted plan and the CIP was the subsection from NC
54 to Buckhorn Road, encompassing the Cane Creek Reservoir lands of OWASA. Working
with several willing and interested landowners, staff has secured sections of trail corridor as well
as a future trailhead on NC 54, and is finalizing trail easements with multiple property owners
32
on lands that abut the OWASA Cane Creek lands where the trail would run. Updates on the
progress in this area is provided in the attached summary document in the section titled "Cane
Creek Reservoir Area." (Note: To protect landowner confidentiality, the summary document
does not reference specific properties.)
The third and final area of activity for the Orange County section of the MST would connect
Buckhorn Road near Cane Creek to the Seven Mile Creek Natural Area. It is expected that this
subsection of the trail may take many years to complete, as was noted in the adopted 2018
map, and the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail have been working on road route
connectors to serve hikers until the trail corridor is completed at some date in the future.
Staff continues to work with willing landowners, and is in regular contact with OWASA staff
regarding the progress in that area, and the potential for construction of a segment of the trail in
the Cane Creek area is being contemplated at this time.
As a long-term, multi-year project, staff plans to provide status reports to the Board on a regular
basis to update on the activity and progress toward the trail route.
David Stancil, Director of the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks, and
Recreation (DEAPR), reviewed the background information for the item. He and Christian Hirni,
Land Conservation Manager, made the following PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Mountains to Sea Trail (MST)
PROJECT UPDATE
September 14th,2021
Slide #2
The N.C. Mountains to Sea Trail
• Part of the State Parks System
• Clingman's Dome to Jockey's Ridge
• Connects State Parks,Open Spaces
• Much of Trail Exists—Eastern Piedmont an
Exception
ORANGE COUNTY
NORT.[GILL
33
Slide #3
"oo
4D
IM
00410MM sow"MA MamaiflQ& Ivlmta 2 Legend
"ftw�,sr43�F� 0 0 1.— rk,5�V4�dhjs;T
0-rLU2. 0 a O��MST
0 a Yadk,AW 15,M"vk-c4orie, a DO AW ��MST
Rwkxm 91M A-4. Ib wb—C..*
Am"�-&�.�". htwcr NI ftm"rly
<-tW-*W Awe" r-mdo C--t� L—CoL." F�
0 rMh Lk.?N..W Nni YOPSW-83wn NM-107 C-Ir"om4e K6rAxd BwMam.
wal P-krzin.—W N. C—Ckurte EkdyO.-A.—
Nw� .04— p tkkm f6o� Taw LWVH
ORANGE COUNTY
MOR711 CARX)LEWL
David Stancil said the trail goes across the state. He resumed the PowerPoint
presentation:
Slide #4
,erg N hg.i-t4?-,';Iej2 Tea 11(Drq�em Pledmim Aftifi-Ir4w 2WN?
-------------- —-----
HI xtoLgh
Of6.-
F ff eat
ct.*11
1 4 __ — 1'
{uy Nd
RAW
ZZ
4
do Fnonft of 1he Mountepft Io Sea Trail
ORANGE COUNTY
MORTI I CARDIA'19A
34
David Stancil said the trail runs along the Haw River and into Saxapahaw, and getting
through this area into Hillsborough has been the issue because the natural body of water is lost.
He said the trail has to go overland, which is harder. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #5
MST Planning 2004-15
• 2004-2006—Regional meetings held around the
state with stakeholders to do initial mapping of
corridor
• 2014—Statewide MST Master Plan begun
(adopted summer 2015)
• November 2015—Presentation to BaCC of MST
Master Plan by State Parks
ORAnU&I'NTY
David Stancil said planning for the trail has gone on since late 90s. He resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #6
Trail Planning in Orange 2016-17
• January 2016—Staff directed to implement
community meetings and trail planning
• Community Meetings—April and September
2016,March 2017
• Facilitator meetings with neighborhoods and
small groups(spring/summer 2016)
• Report to Board of Commissioners September
2017
ORANGE COUNTY
NORT][GflDLINw
David Stancil said since sections from Hillsborough to the east are part of the Eno River
master plan, Orange County was asked to focus efforts on the connection to Saxapahaw. He
resumed the PowerPoint presentation:
Slide #7
Trail Planning in Orange 2016-17
September, 2017—Staff directed to begin work on initial
stretch from Hillsborough to Seven Mile Creek Natural
Area,follow-up with other expressed interested parties
• December,2017—Petition to Board asking staff to work
with expressed willing landowners at Cane Greek,and
adopt the MST trail route
January,2018-Adoption of MST Route map by Board
ORANGE C r
35
Slide #8
-Orange Caurdy"Cumains-bV461 Trail CWT}ftuS9-Ad4wwd it 25?2
- Lr-�
_• •�� � �• irk
IJ-
Ae
L — 7
t t Ve
r:
r '-r .1r I1.YM�.I
,..a--a�
r• _T I
f
ORANGE COUNTY
r%OKTJ[CARCfl INA
Slide #9
Orange County's Segment
• Occoneechee Mountain Trails
• Southwest to Seven Mile Creek Preserve
• Crass-country to Cane Creek and Cane
Creek Reservoir lands
• NC 54 toward Alamance 1 Saxapahaw**
• Would Occur in Three Phases _
ORANGE COUNTY
NO ][GR IINA
David Stancil said parts of the trail may take many years to complete. He resumed the
PowerPoint presentation:
36
Slide #10
County MST Acquisition Focus
• All trail easementslacquisitioris are voluntary
• Focus on route adopted December 2018
• Focus on Hillsborough to Alamance segment
• 181 Priority -connection from Riverwalk to State
Parks and County natural area
• Connection with OWASA lands to Alamance
County I Saxapahaw _
ORANGE COUNTY
NOR7][CAROL[NA
Slide #11
Acquisitions - Fee Simple 1 Easement
• Work with landowners to find best fit for them
• Landowner confidentiality protected until
negotiations complete/consideration for action
• Requires review and due diligence by County
(legal review, survey, appraisal, title search, etc.)
ORANGE COUNTY
WWII[CAROL[NA
Slide #12
Trail Segment Progress 2018-21
• January-March 2018-Letters sent to —400
landowners within 1000 feet of adopted route
• May 2018—MOU with Friends of the MST
• October 2018 -Grand opening of Seven Mile
Creek Natural Area, containing section of MST
• Fall-Winter 2018-19 - Follow-up with landowners
for proposed easements and acquisitions
ORANGE COUNTY
NO ][CAR L[N.
37
Slide #13
Trail Segment Progress (continued)
• October 2019-Purchase of future trailhead with
connection to OWASA lards near NC
54/Mebane Oaks Road
• Winter 2019-2020-Modification of route along
Mebane-Oaks Road to OWASA lands
ORANGE COUNTY
W]ICf][GRCIL[NA
Slide #14
Trail Segment Progress (continued)
• July 2020-Trail
Easement donation
connecting trailhead
to NC 54 intersection 1 r J
• September 2020- jf T
Amendment to State
conservation —�
easement for MST +
section
ORANGE COUNTY
NORT3[GI�LFNA
Slide #15
Trail Segment Progress (cunt.)
• 2020-present: Final draft language for two trail
easement donations adjacent to OWASA lands
• Fall 2020—present: Final language for
conservation easement to include MST from
Seven Mile Creek Natural Area to the east
• Ongoing-Scouting for MST connections to
Occoneechee Mountain State Natural Area
—g'-
ORANGECOUNTY
NORT]1 GRCri[NA
v f
39
Slide #18
2021-Actions Imminent
• Cane Creek Reservoir-Two Trail Easement
donations and one purchase will close the gap!
• Seven Mile Creek-Trail easement within
conservation easement, connection to east?
• New traiVconservation easement may complete
uonneetion to Ccconeechee Mountain!
• Letter to OWASAre potential trail section?
F. 11 IJTi
Slide #19
l
i
Slide #20
IWO
uo crn;--
Kate Dixon, Executive Director of the Friends of the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST), said
14 miles of trails will be built in the near future: half in Eno River State Park, but a quarter will
be in the Hillsborough Area and another quarter in Cane Creek. She said she usually meets
with Chris Hirni every two months to go over where things are and share information. She said
one way they can be helpful is making connections with residents and neighbors in the county
who are really into and interested in the trails, and because of these networks, they have been
able to find people willing to donate land for the trails. She said friends of the MST are the main
source of information about how to hike the trail. She said most people use the trails that are
actual trails, but there are also roads for thru hikers. She said the Friends of the MST keep all
40
of this information current. She said the group has 700-1000 volunteers who build and maintain
trails across the state. She said these people are highly experienced, and one of the very best
lives in Orange County: Bill Boyarsky. She said one last thing to share is about fundraising.
She said the Friends of the MST are about to hold a fundraiser at Pluck Farm down at the Cane
Creek Reservoir on October 8. She said they will be raising money to help build the trail and
there is a lot of excitement about it. She said volunteers came up with event name: Blaze
Orange.
Chair Price thanked everyone for the update.
Commissioner Fowler said it is nice to see the progress being made, and she
appreciates the idea to receive ongoing updates.
Chair Price said she and Commissioner Bedford have a regular meeting coming up with
OWASA. She asked if David Stancil is looking for an answer from the BOCC about OWASA.
David Stancil asked if the Board would consider sanctioning the DEAPR to send a letter
to OWASA with an update. He said some logistical work is needed, like public safety,
emergency access, things of that nature, but would like OWASA's concurrence on finalizing
that route and moving forward to construction early next year.
Commissioner Bedford said it will be great to have more frequent updates, and
appreciated the history of the trail since she is one of the relatively newer commissioners. She
said it seems time is more of an issue than money in terms of doing the work in phases.
David Stancil said there are still a lot of due diligence pieces that still need to be done,
even with donations. He said trail construction is the easy part. He said sometimes privacy
fences or transportation solutions are necessary. He said a lot of the process takes place
behind the scenes through many conversations that are not visible.
Commissioner Bedford said she remembers in 2017 and 2018 when some homeowners
came forward after the map was issued.
David Stancil said there were 3 landowners at Cane Creek and a couple of landowners
between Occoneechee Mountain and Seven Mile Creek.
Commissioner Bedford referred to phase 3, and asked what happens if there is no land
available to connect the trail.
David Stancil said the question comes up a lot and he likes to analogize it with Eno
River State Park. He said this park started in the 1970s, and staff is still not seeing pieces of
that happen. He said he is not saying it will take 40 years to complete the MST, but some
parts, especially where the trail has to go over land through private properties, will require some
road route connecting sides for a number of years. He said he hopes that over time people will
realize the MTS trail is safe and will become more comfortable with the idea of it, so alternate
routes can get constructed.
Commissioner Bedford asked him to work with Economic Development office because
there is a lot of development upcoming in Buckhorn area and there could be some greenway
built along a commercial development. She asked how Orange County connects with
Alamance for the purposes of the trail.
David Stancil said DEAPR has been in touch with Alamance Parks, which is handling
working with the Friends of the MST for the Alamance section. He said the trail will likely exit
Orange County off of Morrow Mill Road into Alamance.
Commissioner Greene said she is happy to see the progress happening and
appreciates what David Stancil said about flexibility and the need to keep holding on and
persisting with the project, knowing there might have to be some alternatives before the ideal is
reached. She also thanked the Friends of the MST for their work.
Chair Price asked if there is any objection with staff proceeding with letter to OWASA.
The Board agreed by consensus, and gave staff the go ahead.
41
Commissioner Bedford referred to the Capital Investment Plan, and asked if the
purpose of the $181,000 of funding could be identified.
David Stancil said most is grant funding, and not county dollars. He said most is for the
phase two Cane Creek Reservoir land acquisition segment. He said the construction amount in
this case is more likely to be bridges, privacy fences, etc., and will not be for building trail.
Commissioner Bedford also said since the trail will have to cross Interstate-40, staff
should coordinate with Craig Benedict, Planning Director, and transit planners in Chapel Hill.
David Stancil said one of the members of the MST Staff Working Group is from the
Planning Department so there have been discussions on different ways to cross Interstate 40
and 85, and the most viable has been identified.
Chair Price thanked all involved, and is excited to see the progress being made.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
None
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to
approve the consent agenda.
Roll call ensued.
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
a. Minutes
None
b. North Carolina Governor's Highway Safety Program: Orange County Sheriff's Office
Traffic Safety Project and Approval of Budget Amendment#1-A
The Board adopted a resolution, which is incorporated by reference, recognizing federal
funding for traffic safety projects to the Sheriff's Office; approved Budget Amendment #1-A; and
authorized the Chair to sign the resolution.
c. Approval of Resolution Amending the Orange County FY 2021-2022 HOME Program
Design
The Board authorized the Chair to sign a resolution amending a Board resolution adopted
May 4, 2021, which authorized the Orange County FY 2021-2022 HOME Program Design.
d. Request for Road Additions to the State Maintained Secondary Road System for Farm
Gate Drive, Fox Hill Farm Drive, Still Meadow Lane, and Cedar Stone Way in the Fox
Hill Farm Central Subdivision
The Board made a recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation
(NCDOT), and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT), concerning a petition to
add Farm Gate Drive, Fox Hill Farm Drive, Still Meadow Lane, and Cedar Stone Way in the Fox
Hill Farm Central Subdivision to the State Maintained Secondary Road System.
e. Easements for Valley Forge Road Construction with Town of Hillsborough
The Board approved a temporary construction easement and two drainage utility easements
at 401 Valley Forge Road, Hillsborough, NC to the Town of Hillsborough in order to facilitate the
installation and maintenance of drainage improvements adjacent to the Valley Forge Road right
of way.
42
9. County Manager's Report
Bonnie Hammersley reminded the Board that September 23 is the joint meeting with
school boards. She said the agenda comes from the finance department and she anticipates it
being available by Thursday.
10. County Attorney's Report
None
11. *Appointments
None
12. Information Items
• September 2, 2021 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Memo Regarding Administrative Updates to the Eno River Voluntary Water
Management Operations Plan (WMOP)
13. Closed Session
None
14. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to
adjourn the meeting at 10:28 p.m.
Roll call ensued
VOTE: UNANMIOUS
Renee Price, Chair
Tara May
Deputy Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.