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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 10-07-2021 Virtual work session 1 APPROVED 12/6/21 MINUTES JOINT MEETING WITH THE ORANGE COUNTY CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION AND WORK SESSION October 7, 2021 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners conducted a virtual joint meeting with the Orange County Chiefs' Association and work session on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at 7:00 p.m. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton, 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) ORANGE COUNTY CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chief Brad Allison — Caldwell FD; Chief Charles Bowden - New Hope FD; Chief David Schmidt - Carrboro FD; Chief Jeff Borland - Cedar Grove FD; Chief Jeff Cabe - Orange Rural FD; Chief Matthew Mauzy- South Orange Rescue Squad (SORS); Chief Jamal Phillip Nasseri —Whitecross FD; Chief Jesse DuClau - Orange Grove; and Chief Vencelin Harris— Chapel Hill ORANGE COUNTY CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION MEMBERS ABSENT: Chief John Stroud - North Chatham FD; Chief Keith Hayes - Eno FD; Chief Kevin Brooks - Efland FD; and Chief Bob Louis - Mebane FD Chair Price called the Board of County Commissioners meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners conducted a virtual joint meeting with the Chiefs' Association and virtual work session on October 7, 2021. Members of the Board of Commissioners and the Association 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 orangecountync.gov/967/Meeting-Videos and on Orange County Gov-TV on channels 1301 or 97.6 (Spectrum Cable). A roll call of the County Commissioners was called; all members were present. 1. WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS Chair Price welcomed everyone and asked if all present would introduce themselves and give greetings. The Fire Chiefs introduced themselves. Kirby Saunders, Emergency Services (EMS) Director, introduced himself and Kim Woodward, EMS Operations Manager. He also introduced the new fire marshal, Elizabeth Farnan. Chief Jeff Cabe began the following PowerPoint presentation. 2 Slide #1 110 Orange CED ssociation 2021 Orange County Board of Commissioners Joint Meeting October 7, 2021 Slide #2 Agenda 1. Fire&Rescue stats • All Volunteer • Combinatlon • AJI Pal&Career 2. Special Operations Team Development 3. Pandemic Impacts:Fire and EMS Services 4. Broadband and Radio Communication Needs • Update on Radlo system Improvement Project 5. Length of Service Awards Program Slide #3 South Orange Rescue • Chief Mathew Mauay • Responds County Wide for mope Rescue as well as Statewide for Missing Person Land Search and Swiftwater/Flood Rescue • Volunteer Staffing • One Station • Equipment - Three Motorized Boats&Four PaddleCratt - One Patient Transport UTV - ThreeBLSAmbulances - Two Technical Rescue Trucks - One Incident Rehab Unit • Experiencing a 220%increase in EMS Mutual Aid Standby • Averaging 1,250 calls per year 3 3 Commissioner Bedford asked if there is a reason for the increased calls for SORS. She asked if Durham has had trouble with staffing. Chief Mauzy said there was an increase in overall call volume for Orange County. Kirby Saunders said he would discuss this increase later in the presentation. Chief Cabe resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #4 Fire District: Efland iSO s • Chief Kevin Brooks • Combination Staffing Model • Three Stations • Equipment — Four engines — Three tankers — One brush truck — Two First Response Vehicles • Averaging 550 calls per year a Chief Cabe said Efland recently completed its insurance services office grade, which evaluates fire protections capability and assigns a risk factor which insurance companies use to determine the cost of coverage policies. He said the ISO number in the corner of the slide is the insurance services office grade, with 10 meaning no coverage, and 1 being the best coverage. He said Efland has just finished being graded, and has not yet received its new rating. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #5 Fire District: Orange Rural isv 5 • Chief Jeff Cabe • Combination Staffing Model • Three Stations • Equipment Four Englnes Two First Responder Ventcles Three Tanhers One UTV one Aerial Platform One Boat one Heavy Rescue • Averaging 1,950 calls per year 5 Chief Cabe said there will be a new fire/EMS station built in Hillsborough, which will come before the Board for finance approval on October 191h. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: 4 Slide #6 Fire District: Eno =soy • Chief Keith Hayes • Combination Staffing Model • Two Stations • Equipment Three Engines One UTV Three Tankers Two Boats One Brush Truck One Squad Truck • Averaging 716 calls per year e Chief Cabe said Eno has a combination of paid and volunteer staff. He said they cover portions of Durham and Orange Counties. Commissioner Bedford asked if a brush truck could be explained. Chief Cabe said it is a four wheel drive utility truck with a small tank and a pump on it, which is used to access areas where full size fire trucks cannot go. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #7 Fire District: New Hope AQ4 • Chief Charles Bowden • Combination Staffing Model • Two Stations • Equipment Three Engines One LiTV T"Tankers One Squad Truck one Brush Truck • Averaging 600 calls per year 5 Slide #8 Fire District: Orange Grove 15a s • Chief Jesse DuClau • Combination Staffing Model • Three Stations • Equipment Three Engines One Rescue Truck Three Tankers Two Flrst Responder Vehicles One Brush Truck One Boat • Averaging 375 calls per year Slide #9 Fire District: Cedar Grove seas • Chief Jeff Borland • Combination Staffing Model • Two Stations • Equipment Two Engines One Squad Truck Two Tankers Two Brush Trucks • Averaging 250 calls per year 9 Chief Cabe said Cedar Grove is mostly volunteer run. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #10 Fire District: Caldwell zsa 5 • Chief Brad Allison • All Volunteer • Two Stations • Equipment Three Engines One First Responder Vehlcle One Tankers One Brush Truck • Averaging 450 calls per year 1 6 Slide #11 Fire District: White Cross =soy • Chief Phillip Nasseri • Combination Staffing Model • Two Stations • Equipment Three Engines Two Flrst ResponderVentcles Two Tankers One Heavy Rescue One Brush Truck Three Boats • Averaging 315 calls per year Chief Cabe said White Cross has the opportunity to do virtual reality training. Chair Price asked about the training. Chief Phillip Nasseri explained the process and said the district is fortunate to have the opportunity. Chief Cabe resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #12 tnl Fire District: Carrboro iso 2 • Chief David Schmidt(Carrboro Fire&fescue) • Fully Paid Staffing • Two Stations • Equipment Three Engines OneAerial Platform One Tanker 12MI4oU 1,: One Battalion Chief One Brush Truck • Averaging 1,500 calls per year ,7 Chief Cabe said Carrboro recently finished a multi week research project where three university's researched how best to care for fire fighters. Chief Schmidt said NC State, Florida International University and Baylor Universtity were involved, and he explained how the study was conducted. He said the information the universities obtained will help identify when a responder is experiencing elevated heart rates and may need to be pulled from a fire. He said the other study was on cancer and the effect of metals and chemicals on responder health. He said the district conducted 30 different burns over three weeks in the study. He said he hopes to identify protective measures they can use to protect all responders. Chief Cabe resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #13 Fire District: Chapel Hill 15a2 • Chief Vence Harris(Chapel Hill Fire&Rescue) • Fully Paid Staffing • Five Stations • Equipment Four Engines Two Battalion Chlefs One Aerial Platform One Heavy Rescue One Aerial Ladder Two Boats,One UTV • Averaging 4,900 calls per year ,i Chief Cabe said Chapel Hill runs a firefighter academy in partnership with Durham Tech. Chief Vence Harris said one of Chapel Hill's major challenges is staffing. He said recruitment and retention efforts are ongoing. Chief Cabe resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #14 Fire District: Mebane =so 2 • Chief Bob Louis(Mebane Fire&Rescue) • Combination Staffing • Three Stations • Equipment Four Engines One Tanker One Aerial Platform One Heavy Rescue Two Brush Trucks One UTV • Averaging 3,000 calls per year Slide #15 Fire District: North Chatham isa 4 • Chief John Strowd(North Chatham Fire&Rescue) • Combination Staffing • Seven Stations • Equipment ElghtEngines Seven Tankers Two Aerial Platforms Two Heavy Rescues One Brush Truck Eight Boats,One UTV • Averaging 2,000 calls per year 15 8 Slide #16 Special Operations Team 16 Slide #17 SOT: The Need Defined • High Risk and Low Frequency Events —Trench Rescue —Heavy Vehicle Stabilization for Rescue —Structural Collapse Rescue • High Expense of Equipment • Increased Number of Rescuers Needed 17 Slide #18 SOT: How It Happened • ❑RFD LODD following a trench rescue in 2019 • 50/50 funding split between ORFD and OC Emergency Services through support from the BOCC • Donation from the Holden and Miller families to fund training • Support from Durham Tech to host training • Corn m i I ment from all County Fire/Rescue agencies to staff the team • Support from OC EMS to provide Paramedics on the team 16 Chief Cabe said the SOT is a group effort between the various Fire Departments to have a team that can address these specialized situations so that there are no gaps in coveage across the county. He said funding has come from the county, as well as other sources. He 9 said it has been a true collaborative effort. He said having paramedics on the team helps provide advanced care in the middle of a trench rescue. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #19 SOT: The Results • Currently a 56-person team of Trench Rescue Technicians • Equipment housed in Hillsborough • Access to Chapel Hill Fire's equipment for county response • Trench Rescue Technicians in multiplecounty fire,rescue and EMS agencies The ability tc provide Advanced Life Suppod to victims in a Trench Emergency • More teamwork and collaboration within the emergency services communities to better serve our residents and visitors 19 2. Highlights of Services Provided and Challenges Faced During the Pandemic Chief Cabe made the following presentation: Slide #1 Pandemic Impacts: Fire and EMS zo 10 Slide #2 Service Impacts • First responses were adjusted to protect fire department personnel when PPE was unavailable — Did not respond to COVID+or suspected cases unless imminent emergency(cardiac arrests,choking,etc.) • PPE was scarce and inconsistent,has since improved • Call volume dipped slightly during the height of the Pandemic • EMS providers from Fire/EMS accounted for 61%of the staff delivering initial vaccines to the community • First responses resumed on August 6,2021 21 Slide #3 Impacts • Delta Variant surge has placed hospitals and EMS in overload situations • Presently e>:periencing a 27%increase in EMS call volume compared to pre-pandemic numbers • Varied restrictions on in person learning, placing more strain on personnel levels. • Increased absenteeism due to childcare and CQVID related illnesses/quarantines • Increased reliance on mutual aid resources nationally • Telecommunications (911),Fire and Rescue suffering the same impacts 22 Slide #4 FIREIRESCUE CALL VOLUMES BY YEAR rw E �"" eus •so.a a hdmam •io�a zoio •7oN�Lumtl x i•w ���J V IIIIW I� rr IiJ ss 11 Slide #5 Future Opportunities • EMS System analysis(underway) - EMS system growth - Expansion of Commun ity Para med ic Prog ra m - Deployment structure and station locations - Analysis of factors that influence public safety services (demographic shins,climate change,development,etc.) • Better match population density and numbers of homes constructed to the levels of fire,rescue and EMS funding necessary to protect them. • Long range planning and forecasting for the next pandemic 26 3. Public Safety Communications and Broadband (Update and Discussion on the Continued Commitment towards Radio System Improvements) Chief Cabe made the following presentation: Slide #1 Communications and Broadband 2s Slide #2 The Need • Fire,Rescue,EMS and Law Enforcement depend on NO State Highway Patrol (VIPER)for their radio system. • All public safety agencies depend on data(often cellular based)and radio communication for crucial and timely information. • There still epst signifficant gaps in coverage for both paging(alerting responders)and radio communications (bath inside and outdoors] • Insurance Services Office(ISO)does not recognize cellular service as an acceptable means for fire departments to receive call information. 26 12 Slide #3 Progress • The BOCC authorized studies of the radio system used by Fire,Rescue, EMS and Law Enforcement in 2016 • In 2017,the contractor was asked to explore expansion of the VIPER network. That work was completed in August of 2018. • In 2021, ES is pursuing the development of a Rough Order of Magnitude estimate with the State's radio system engineer. • In 2021,the BOCC developed a Broadband Taskforce to look for solutions to address the digital divide in rural areas. 27 Chief Cabe said just as the public experiences issues with broadband, so do Fire and EMS. Commissioner Bedford asked if a "Rough Order of Magnitude" could be defined. Kirby Saunders said a Rough Order of Magnitude is how much it would cost to fix the radio system. He said an initial estimate was $48 million. He said they are working with the State to narrow that amount, while still improving services. He said the current goal is to expand the VIPER network, the scope of which is still be explored. Commissioner McKee said at the previous day's broadband meeting, the discussion included options for communications upgrades for these types of needs. He said perhaps the two efforts can combine forces moving forward. Chief Cabe continued the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #4 Future Opportunities • We ask that the BOCC consider opportunities where these projects could be mutually beneficial to one another • Fire Stations in the communities can host towers,fiber connections, and other infrastructure needed to address both the Broadband need as well as the Radio System needs of each rural community. 2E Kirby Saunders said it is wise to keep the broadband needs of the community and broadband needs of fire and EMS responders connected. He said alerts were the most important. He said there are opportunities to work with schools and hospitals that would 13 prevent the need to build towers. He said in the next year's budget, they want to improve the paging system, but are focusing on at least being able to maintain the current system. Chair Price said she would like to see a cost comparison between a new, up to date paging system, and maintaining the current system. Chair Price asked if 5G technologies are still being discussed. Kirby Saunders said it is still developing. He said the county does not have full coverage yet so they would not feel comfortable expanding to that. Commissioner Fowler asked if cell phone coverage would still be needed if the county had fiber coverage. Kirby Saunders said the study recommended 17 new towers, which is very high. He said the expansion of the VIPER system would likely need 4 or 5 towers. Commissioner Fowler asked if the towers would be county owned. Kirby Saunders said these would be newly constructed towers, but they have not discussed private versus county owned towers. Commissioner Fowler said the Chapel Hill Carrboro City School System is being paid to put towers on its properties. Commissioner Fowler said it sounds like it would be helpful to take these first responder needs into consideration before an RFP is approved for fiber. Chief Cabe said fiber needs power, and all county fire stations have generators. He said he thought there might be a benefit to tying the fiber into the stations since they have consistent electricity. He said there may be a cost benefit in tying the radios and broadband needs together. He said no one wants a large ticket item that will only cover one need, and if the systems can be married together (data and communications) it would be a win-win. Jim Northrup said the current RFP does have a county ownership model, and the RFP scoring includes a weighted section if there is county ownership. He said they could include fire stations. Commissioner McKee said the broadband task force was interested in learning about these first responder needs, and, to his mind, it would be beneficial to have this be a combined effort to address personal and public needs. Chief Jamal Phillip Nasseri said White Cross has space for tower expansion, and has spoken with private companies. 4. Establishing a Length of Service Awards Program Chief Cabe made the following presentation: Slide #1 Recognition of Service 29 e: 14 Slide #2 The Need • ❑urcommunitiesare served by people for an entire lifetime but when those folks reti re,only those closest to them are aware. — Chien McCauley,Orange Grove Fire Oepar4wl.41 years Lt.Wilson,Orange Rural Fl re Deparlment,48 years Many omens The willingness to place oneself in harms way as a volunteer is becoming a thing of the past.It's even becoming more d'rfficu It to find people you can pay to befirefighters,EMT's and rescue tech nicians. Length of Service Awards Programs are one way to help recruit and keep personnel in their communities. • There is currently no county wide recognition program for the dedication,efforts and longevity of our emergency services personnel. Slide #3 Future Opportunities • That the 800C would develop a system that recognizes members of the fire and rescue departments that give most of their lives to the betterment of their communities. Similar to service awards given to county employees in recognition for their time with county government, • Fire and Rescue Departments can provide the names and service dates based on whatever criteria the BOCC chooses. sr Chair Price said she would be more than happy to participate in a recognition program that includes county staff and volunteers. Chair Price said Chapel Hill has a program that honors first responders. She asked if the fire districts can participate in that. Chief Cabe said this program traditionally included only Chapel Hill, Carrboro, SORS, and Emergency Services; and outside of those areas, there is no recognition. He said the Exchange Club in Hillsborough wants to nominate a firefighter of the year, but that does not reflect years of service. He said it is becoming hard to find people to hire as responders, in addition to volunteers. He said it is important to show recognition and appreciation. Bonnie Hammersley said the county has a recognition program and she could work with the fire districts to include them. She said the county is looking at a quarterly recognition of retirees. Commissioner Hamilton thanked the Chiefs and the Fire Districts for their service. She asked if the financial compensation for fire and rescue service could be identified, and wondered if this impacts the ability to recruit new staff. She said she would like to know about calls per population or calls per geographic area, as she would like to put the numbers in context. 15 Chief Cabe said the School of Government might have some of these statistics. He said population impacts the number of calls based on how close people live to each other. He said he would send the information to Kirby Saunders to share with the Board. Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to know the number of houses in a district. Kirby Saunders said they are working on more specific data to put out annually. He said as growth continues, it is important to keep up with the safety needs. Commissioner Fowler expressed her appreciation to the Chiefs and to the Fire Districts. She asked if there is currently training with Chapel Hill High School taking place, and if that has helped with staffing. Chief Cabe said there are two programs: one at Orange High School and one at Chapel Hill High School. He said he has not gained any staff via the program at Orange High School. Chief Jamal Phillip Nasseri said through the program in Chapel Hill he has gained 5 or 6 students who are interested. He said he would like to see the schools do more advertising of vocational training to the students in Chapel Hill. Chief Mauzy said he would like to continue the relationship with Durham Technical Community College and the EMT program. He said the South Orange Rescue Squad is one of the few EMS entities that can offer work to those with no other experience. He said the proximity of the squad to UNC Chapel Hill has benefitted the organization, but students move on after graduation. He said they struggle with recruitment and retention. Chief Vencelin Harris said they were able to hire three employees through the program at Chapel Hill High. Chief Cabe said his department is not affiliated with a local government. He said fire districts that are affiliated with the local governments can have their employees participate in the retirement system. He said it is difficult to compete with organizations that can pay more and offer better benefits. She said Wake County's starting salaries are much higher. Commissioner McKee praised the fire districts and their service to the community. Commissioner Richards said she is very impressed with the way emergency services is coordinated across the County. She thanked the Chiefs for their presentation. Chief Cabe said he is very proud of the people who serve as fire and rescue first responders in Orange County. Commissioner Greene thanked the Chiefs and the fire districts for all of their hard work since the beginning of the pandemic in serving the county. 5. Emergency Services Update — Overview of Current Challenges Facing EMS Kirby Saunders made the following presentation: Slide #1 Emergency Services Update az �'� 16 Slide #2 Current FY Approved Projects Waterstone Co-Location with Orange Rural • 350 College Park Dr.-Hillsborough • Efland Standalone EMS Station • 3800 US Hwy.70-Efland(formerly Crazy Carts) • EMS System Analysis �eFroymerrt,structure,location(current and kftre needs) Slide #3 General Updates • 911 Communications Division E S I Net Switchover complete Improved location access and connectivity to other centers 95.62%of 911 Calls answered within 10 second s • Fire Marshal Division • Town of Hillsborough additional responsibilities • Emergency Management Division EOC Demobilized in June • 7,000+Pandemic related resourcarequests • Heavily engaged in FEMAfinancial recovery with FinancelAd min 3e Kirby Saunders said Orange County Fire Marshals are responsible for all fire inspections in the unincorporated parts of the county. He said in July 2021 the county entered a contract with the Town of Hillsborough to also assume fire marshal duties within the town limits. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #4 Emergency Medical Services • Challenges Exponential increase in call volume(surge) Voids due to CCVI❑related absences,fatigue and vacancies Paramedic recruitmenvretention Cueing or stacking of low priority calls ® xi.:i xwl �[ui .open ® a.nm aco+ur �acui eor•n aral oswn ><�.•i •�I»1 a.car asm aeae ara e1age:.w.1-m,eat'm.rca cor,waa+a.rc-a,psr 35 17 Slide #5 DC EMS Tnea I Call V luineet 4 -mis.tee.mn.are.mla �r.ccsys rods cavnnm..xv m+zivrw�+o oed { ite•.i.ccrfs werM o.xo-xzr 35 Kirby Saunders said there is a significant amount of aid given from Orange County to surrounding jurisdictions. He said this is happening across the country. He resumed the PowerPoint presentation: Slide #6 Emergency Medical Services • Mitigation Measures • Reassigning staff to ensure coverage with highest demands Utilizing EMS administrative personnel Exploring additional BLS opportunities working olosely with regional partners • Engaging franchised services 37 Chair Price expressed appreciation for everything the first responders do. She said the county will continue to collaborate with first responders on broadband, and that she would work with the County Manager to create a recognition program for first responders and public safety officers. Chair Price asked for a motion to recess for the purposes of a break prior to continuing to the work session. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to recess the meeting for 3 minutes. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS 18 RECONVENE THE MEETING A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to reconvene the meeting at 8:35 p.m. Roll call ensued. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. Follow-up Discussion Regarding the Regulation of the Discharge of Firearms in Areas of the County with a High Residential Unit Density The Board finalized discussions related to the regulation of firearms discharge in limited urbanized areas of the county. BACKGROUND: This topic has been previously discussed on multiple occasions by the Board of Commissioners. The two most recent discussions occurred in September 2020 and February 2021. At the February 2021 meeting, the Board of Commissioners directed the County Attorney to bring back additional maps. The eight maps attached to this abstract are as follows: • Residence with 300 Foot Buffers with Complaint Locations — This map shows the approximate locations of all residences in the County with a 300 foot buffer around each residence; • Residence with 450 Foot Buffers with Complaint Locations — This map shows the approximate locations of all residences in the County with a 450 foot buffer around each residence; • The four maps labeled Site 1 (Timberly Drive Area), Site 2 (Council Lane Area), Site 3 (Dogwood Acres Drive Area), Site 4 (Active Shooting Range) show areas of the County where there have been complaints and how those areas would be impacted by 300 foot and 450 foot buffers; • The two maps labeled Whirlaway Lane Area and Foxhill Farm Area show areas of somewhat dense residential development and how those areas would be impacted by 300 foot and 450 foot buffers. Additional background information is available in the September 2020 and February 2021 agenda packets linked below. The September 10, 2020 BOCC Work Session agenda materials may be viewed here. The February 9, 2021 BOCC Work Session agenda materials may be viewed here. As noted in all prior discussions there are state limitations on local government authority related to restrictions on firearms and ammunition. The Board may, however, subject to certain state restrictions, limit the time, place, and manner of firearms discharge. County Attorney John Roberts reviewed the background information for the item, and noted requested maps have been provided. He said the State is very restrictive on how 19 counties can regulate the discharge of firearms. He said all existing shooting ranges would be exempt from any new ordinances established by the county. Commissioner McKee said he previously sat on a task force for the regulation of firearms, which recommended a set of common sense regulations that he feels are effective. He said he is concerned that a more restrictive set of measures would result in the State putting limitations on the county. Commissioner Fowler asked how far sound travels, and how the 300 and 450-foot buffers relate to noise. She asked if the goal was to avoid firearm discharge within these buffers. County Attorney said the intent was to prohibit discharge within the buffers. He said noise would travel much farther than the proposed buffers. Chair Price said it also depends on the lay of the land and the caliber of the firearm. Commissioner Greene said she is interested in restrictions that can be placed on newly established firing ranges. John Roberts said buffers and distance could be used to address place. He said time of day restrictions would only affect target practice, and not hunting or law enforcement, etc. He said manner could be defined with berms and backstops. Commissioner Greene said she thought the time of day might be helpful for those who have brought this up, so they can leave their homes during those anticipated hours. Commissioner McKee said on open ground shooting a 22-caliber rifle can be heard a quarter of a mile away, and shotguns over a mile. He said it is variable depending on geography, ground cover, etc. Chair Price asked if the current time regulations could be identified. John Roberts said the county does not currently regulate target practice times, but he can look at the noise ordinance for general noise. Chair Price asked if firearm discharge falls under general noise. John Roberts said no, firearms are excluded from the general noise ordinance at this time. He said the current noise ordinance is 9 p.m. to 7 a.m. Commissioner Hamilton asked if clarification could be provided on the maps. Brian Carson, GIS Project Coordinator, said one map shows the locations of the noise and the other maps shows complaints from hearing the firearms. Commissioner Hamilton asked if site four on the map has an active shooting range. Commissioner McKee said on sites 1-3, there were a few complaints, but there were also many homes in those areas that did not complain. He said noise is in the ear of the beholder, and he would like to end this discussion, as the BOCC will never be able to satisfy everyone. Chair Price said she would like to provide the public with information on what to do when they hear gunfire. She said she would also like for people engaging in target practice to tell the Sheriff's department ahead of time. Commissioner Greene said she generally agreed with Commissioner McKee, but she would like to know if there is Board support for regulating the time of shooting for newly established shooting ranges. Commissioner Fowler asked what time of day Commissioner Greene would propose. Commissioner Greene said she would like to have further discussion at a future meeting. Commissioner Fowler said she would be interested in having that discussion, and clarified any potential restrictions would not apply to hunters. Commissioner Greene said correct. Commissioner Richards asked Commissioner Greene if she only wants an ordinance for newly established shooting ranges. 20 Commissioner Greene said shooting ranges are all the Board can limit from a time perspective. John Roberts said the BOCC can restrict the time on target practice. He said an ordinance cannot apply to previously established shooting ranges. Commissioner Richards asked Commissioner McKee if the time restriction was midnight to 6 a.m. if that would be a problem. Commissioner McKee said he personally does not think that would be a problem, but feels this is an issue that the Board cannot solve, as noise is so subjective. Commissioner Richards asked if the number of complaints received can be identified. Commissioner McKee he thought it was in the dozens. Chair Price said once people talk to each other, they are able to work out issues. Commissioner Greene said the issue has not been worked out in West Carrboro. She said if there were time regulations on new shooting ranges she thinks there would have been fewer issues. Commissioner McKee asked if the location where shooting has occurred near Carrboro would be considered an established shooting range. Commissioner Greene said she is referring to future shooting ranges. Commissioner McKee said "shooting range" means different things to different people. Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to know how many new shooting ranges come before the Board. She said she would like more context about the issue. She asked if the Board was attempting to fix a problem that does not exist. Chair Price said the Board gets periodic complaints about shooting and has not come up with any solutions. Commissioner Greene said she is specifically thinking of a shooting range that had the appropriate berms for the county on private property. She said complaints came from neighbors because they did not know when the shooting was going to happen. She said she wanted to know if it was appropriate to set times for when shooting can happen for future shooting ranges. She asked the Board if there is agreement to discuss this further at a future meeting. Chair Price asked if there was a specific proposal, as this has been discussed for years. Commissioner Greene said she is not prepared to propose times at this work session. Commissioner McKee said he disagrees with Commissioner Greene on the prevalence of this being a big issue in the future. He said he does not think there will ever be a solution to this very subjective issue. He said in the previous task force, they could not figure out a solution to this problem. He said until it becomes a disruptive problem, the BOCC should leave it alone. Chair Price said the reason the maps were created was to show where the complaints were made. She said creating an ordinance for a suburbanizing area would also affect the more rural areas, which is unreasonable. Chair Price asked Brian Carson if anyone has applied to create a new shooting range. Brian Carson said he does not know of any applications, and they would go through Michael Harvey at the Planning Department. Commissioner Fowler said she is interested in setting a time frame for shooting, given that general noise is already regulated. Chair Price asked the Board to make proposals for time frames so staff can put it on a future agenda. Commissioner Hamilton said she would be interested in putting time frames for shooting on a future agenda. Commissioner Bedford asked the County Attorney if there is a reason that firearms are not included in the existing noise ordinance. 21 John Roberts said he does not know why firearms were not included. Commissioner Bedford asked if the current noise ordinance includes loud parties. John Roberts said he does not think loud parties are included. Commissioner McKee said he thought parties had to reach a certain decibel level. Chair Price said in her experience noise ordinances were for certain loud industrial activities. John Roberts said there are 18 exceptions to the noise ordinances, and the discharge of firearms is one. Commissioner Bedford asked if a new ordinance limited hours on the discharge of firearms would it be included in the general noise ordinance. John Roberts said he would not include it in the noise ordinance, but rather would include it in the firearm ordinance. He said the wording could include a timeframe of darkness to 9 a.m. Commissioner McKee said there is recreational shooting/hunting at night. Commissioner Bedford clarified that hunting would be exempt. Commissioner Bedford said the complaints have come from daytime shooting. She said there was one resident who said a bullet entered her home. Commissioner McKee said shooters are liable for their projectiles, both legally and civilly. Commissioner McKee said he knows the Sheriff will try to enforce a firearm ordinance, but he has concerns that an ordinance would be unenforceable and deputies will be wasting their time chasing shots all over the county. He said this is an ineffective use of a deputy's time. John Roberts said the Sheriff has said it will be difficult to enforce a firearms discharge ordinance, because by the time a deputy gets there, the shooting has stopped. Commissioner Greene said due to the enforceability aspect, she is more interested in pursuing a time frame ordinance for future shooting ranges. She suggested sundown to 9 am, and not on Sundays. Chair Price said this proposal can be brought back for a business meeting. Commissioner Greene said she will make a petition for this at a future meeting. Commissioner McKee asked is there a legal definition of a shooting range, beyond a professional, "pay to play" range. John Roberts said the state law that defines a sport shooting range is very broad, and he read the definition. He said it is an area designed and operated for private and commercial shooting. Commissioner McKee said he is unsure how the county prosecutes these issues if the Sheriff's Department follows up on them John Roberts said there would have to be a way to determine when the range was established, testimony from neighbors seeing a berm or a backstop being built, or asking the county to inspect. Chair Price said the Board will not do anything further until another proposal is presented. 7. Boards and Commissions Appointment Process Discussion The Board discussed the boards and commissions' appointment process and supplementary materials for appointment discussions. 22 BACKGROUND: Members of the Board have expressed interest in reviewing the boards and commissions appointment process, including the format in which the supplementary appointment information is presented. Staff hopes to learn the Board's opinions of the current process and materials, hear feedback on the Draft Proposed Example Agenda Packet for Appointment Discussions, and receive direction on the following questions related to boards and commissions: 1. Does the Board wish to be sent applications received for a board after agenda publication? 2. Does the Board wish to continue receiving appointment recommendations from boards and commissions? What role do recommendations play? 3. Does the Board want to schedule a formal review of the Orange County Board of County Commissioners Advisory Board Policy? 4. Would the Board like to continue with Annual Report and Work Plan presentations from advisory boards and commissions as in previous years, or see changes? Chair Price said there is a need for discussion about the boards and commissions appointment process and clarifying the process for staff. She said the process has been changed many times. Tara May reviewed some of the attachments included in the agenda packet for this item. She highlighted the questions listed in the agenda abstract on which she would like further direction. Chair Price said Tara May is attempting to improve the application and appointment process. Commissioner Greene said the application packet is difficult to read online. She said simpler is better, and she would like to see the resumes of those who have applied. She said seeing who is currently on the board is confusing. She said she would rather see a demographic breakdown. Commissioner Fowler agreed with Commissioner Greene's suggestion of a demographic breakdown. She thanked Tara May for creating a spreadsheet listing the advisory boards and commissions. She asked which staff member supports the Climate Council. Tara May said Brennan Bouma currently staffs the Climate Council. She said the advisory board policy does not list the Climate Council as one of the boards to which the policy applies. She said it does not have a policy to follow. Commissioner Fowler asked if this is also true about the Board of Equalization and Review (E&R). Tara May said the Board of E&R is a quasi-judicial board, and has a general statute that guides its operations. Commissioner Richards said she liked the matrix, but it does not note an applicant's relevant experience. Chair Price said applicants are supposed to put that in the applications. Commissioner Richards said she would like to have more information, but wonders if there is a way to streamline the matrix to see if a candidate has the experience. She said it is a lot of information to review. She said making the decision is about more than demographics, and she wants to know more about an applicant's experience. Chair Price said the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) has revised the questions in the past to make them shorter. She said it is up to the Board to make sure applicants are qualified. Commissioner Hamilton said it is hard to keep track of the material in the agenda packets. She would like to see an excel spreadsheet for each advisory board and commission, listing the names of the current board members, the applicants, the demographics, basic 23 information, etc., and have the detailed application separately. She said with a spreadsheet one can sort by geography, gender or other variables. Commissioner Hamilton said she is happy to get recommendations from advisory boards and commissions, but making the decision is the responsibility of the Board of Commissioners. Commissioner Hamilton noted an area on the spreadsheet that needs to be corrected regarding who appoints members to the Board of Health. Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to have time to review the advisory board policy. Commissioner Bedford asked if the new software system can help to manage boards and commissions. Tara May said she is still working through implementation issues with the new software. Commissioner Bedford said she would like to know if the new software exports to Excel by committee. She said she currently creates her own excel spreadsheets. Tara May said she it can export into Excel, but it does not come out clean. She said she is looking into ways to export data into easily readable charts. Commissioner Bedford said she likes to see who is currently serving on the advisory boards and commissions. Commissioner Bedford said she sometimes calls applicants to learn more about them before appointment discussions, and the Board could decide it might want to interview applicants. Commissioner Bedford said she has just petitioned to reorganize the Climate Council. Commissioner Bedford said she does not think the Board should consider applications after the agenda is published. Commissioner Bedford said she did not like receiving recommendations from a department head, because it creates a power imbalance, but is willing to hear from the board chair. She said she considers all applicants for boards, and recommendations do not always factor into her decision-making. Commissioner Bedford said she would like to see advisory boards and commissions attend work sessions and talk about what they do, rather than all come on the same night. Chair Price said at annual retreats, the advisory boards and commissions used to present work plans. Chair Price said sometimes department heads work with chairs and vice chairs of advisory boards and commissions to make recommendations. She would like to be clear with advisory boards and commissions that the BOCC may not appoint a recommended applicant, as the vetting and interviewing process is sometimes lengthy Chair Price said she also likes knowing who is currently on an advisory board or commission, but does not need to see the attendance records. Chair Price said an Excel spreadsheet may be helpful, but could also be overwhelming. Chair Price said the current process was created when the Board was receiving paper agenda packets, and current practices are more online. She said it is important to keep paper and digital variables in mind. Commissioner Greene said she is happy to see recommendations, but she would like for advisory boards and commissions to know that the BOCC does not have to appoint the recommended applicant. Commissioner Greene said she would like to see a cover sheet with recommendation, followed by applications, then demographics, roster, etc. She said she would not be interested in an Excel spreadsheet. 24 Commissioner Hamilton said everything that is on the current list would be included in the Excel spreadsheet in one place. She said she also still wants to see the applications. She would like to make it easier to navigate all of the information. Chair Price said one thing that is confusing to her is when an applicant uses one application form to apply for multiple. She would like to see a separate application for each advisory board and commission, and answers for why they want to be on a board would be kept separate. Commissioner Greene said she does not agree with having separate applications, because applicants rank the priority order of what board they prefer. Chair Price said there may not be an opening on one's first choice. She said it is just confusing. Commissioner Fowler said she likes to see all of the boards for which an applicant is applying, as it helps her see which is most convincing. She said if one is qualified for other boards or commissions, she will appoint them. Commissioner Bedford asked if there is BOCC support to not consider applications that are received after the agenda is published. The Board agreed by consensus. Chair Price asked if staff is still working on the new software. Tara May said yes, and described what she is able to provide to the Board through the new software systems. Commissioner Bedford asked if Tara May could reorganize the information. Tara May said yes. Tara May clarified that the BOCC would like to see current board members as well as new applicants on the same spread sheet, but no attendance data. Commissioner Bedford said as long as staff is paying attention she would be fine with not seeing attendance records. Tara May asked if the Board supports the four questions contained in the abstract. Chair Price said she does not mind receiving a recommendation, but advisory boards and commissions need to know that recommendations can be made, but may not be followed. The Board agreed by consensus. The Board held discussion on when the advisory board policy was last reviewed. Tara May said she does not think the Board of Commissioners has had a full review of the advisory board policy. Commissioner Bedford asked the County Attorney if he had reviewed the policy. John Roberts confirmed that he added language about electronic meetings, but there has not been a formal review. Chair Price said there have been questions about the purpose of purview of certain boards. The Board agreed by consensus to add a review of the policy to the rolling list of projects. Chair Price said she would like to see annual reports to come in throughout the year. She said it is important to validate the work of the boards and commissions. Chair Price said she would like to know if an applicants meet eligibility requirements, as well as start and potential roll off dates. Commissioner Hamilton asked if advisory boards could present to the BOCC when they have appointments to be made. She said it would provide context to the appointment. Tara May asked if there were any changes to the work plan template. The Board reviewed and discussed the template. Tara May said she needed to know of any changes by November. Chair Price invited the Board to submit changes to the County Manager and Chair. 25 8. Discussion on Family Success Alliance Advisory Council Commissioner Liaison Assignments The Board discussed the number of Commissioners' assignments on the Family Success Alliance (FSA) Advisory Council. BACKGROUND: At the March 16, 2021 Business Meeting, Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford petitioned the Board to review the number of Commissioner Liaisons to the FSA Advisory Council. It was also mentioned there are no liaisons to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. There are two Commissioner Liaison positions on the FSA Advisory Council, currently filled by Commissioner Bedford and Commissioner Sally Greene, who will both serve until December 2021. Commissioner Bedford introduced the item. She said she does not think the Family Success Alliance Advisory Council needs two liaisons. Commissioner Greene agreed with Commissioner Bedford. Bonnie Hammersley said she does not see a need to have two commissioners on the Family Success Alliance Advisory Council. Chair Price said the change would be put on a future consent agenda. The Board discussed the announced departure of a staff member, Sustainability Coordinator Brennan Bouma, for a new opportunity with the Town of Chapel Hill. A motion was made by Commissioner Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to adjourn the meeting at 10:16 p.m. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANMIOUS Renee Price, Chair Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.