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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-08-2022 Virtual Work Session 1 APPROVED 3/15/22 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION February 8, 2022 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Virtual Work Session on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 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) Chair Price called the Board of County Commissioners meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Due to current public health concerns, the Board of Commissioners is conducting a Virtual Work Session on February 8, 2022 utilizing Zoom. Members of the Board of Commissioners will be participating in the meeting remotely. As in prior meetings, members of the public will be 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. Chair Price said there is a chance that meetings will still be virtual in March 2022, due to continued health concerns with the pandemic. 1. Realignment of Regional Workforce Development Boards The Board received information about the possible realignment of regional workforce development boards and the potential impact on Orange County. BACKGROUND: Orange County is currently one of five counties in the Regional Partnership Workforce Development Board. The other counties are Alamance, Randolph, Montgomery and Moore. There are currently three Board members appointed by the Board of Commissioners: Katie Loovis (Chapel Hill Chamber of Commerce), Rhonda Sue Holaday (Summit Design and Engineering) and Nancy Coston. The purpose of the Workforce Development Board is to help job seekers with employment, education, training and support to succeed in the job market while supplying skilled workers for employers. The Board also provides oversight for the regional allocation of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds. These funds provide services to all populations and have a particular focus on dislocated workers, youth and other job seekers with specific barriers. 2 In 2013, the Orange County Department of Social Services (DSS) won the competitive bid to operate the youth program in Orange County. In 2017, after a competitive bid process, DSS became the operator for all the adult and youth programs and NCWorks Center and has continued to provide these services and integrated them with the existing employment and support services at DSS and Skills Development Center. There are other grants and services, such as business support, provided by the regional boards, but these are provided directly by the regional partnership staff. Recently, the NCWorks Commission began a study to realign existing workforce boards and will discuss any changes at its upcoming meetings in February and March. The proposal may align boards within the eight existing prosperity zones. The North Central Zone includes Orange County as well as Durham, Wake, Person, Vance, Warren, Franklin, Nash, Edgecombe, Wilson, Johnston, Harnett, Lee and Chatham counties. Nancy Coston, Director of Social Services, introduced the item and reviewed information from the background agenda materials. She said there has been discussion over the years for realigning with other counties. She said in 2013, a study said the county should be in alignment with counties in the council of governments. Nancy Coston said the workforce development board does planning for employment needs. She said it can be challenging to find employees that match up with employment needs. Caraina Garris, Human Services Coordinator with the Department of Social Services, made the following presentation. She is the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program coordinator, and the career center manager. Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROI.INA NCWORKSCaraerCenter. Orange Works Employment& Europa Center-Chapel Hill Training Center-Hillsborough WIO !L t PROGRAM _ OVERVIEW 3 Slide #2 • The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act(WIOA)Is a federal law designed to helpjob seekers access employment,education, WHAT ISTHE training,and support servicesto succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy PROGRAM? • Aligns federal Investments to support job seekers and employers Strengthens the governing bodies that establish state,regional, and local workforce investment priorities • Helps employers find workers with the necessary skills Aligns goals and increases accountability and information forjob V11I aA seekers and the public Caraina Garris said that at the state level, WIOA establishes unified strategic planning across "core" programs, which include Wagner-Peyser Employment Services and Title I of the Rehabilitation Act programs. She said that the WIOA streamlines membership of business-led, state and local workforce development boards. She said the act emphasizes the role of boards in coordinating and aligning workforce programs and adds funds to develop strategies to meet worker and employer needs. She said the WIOA emphasizes engaging employers across the workforce system to align training with needed skills and match employers with qualified workers. She said the act adds flexibility at the local level to provide incumbent worker training and transitional jobs as allowable activities and promotes work-based training. She said the law also emphasizes training that leads to industry recognized post-secondary credentials. She said the WIOA aligns the performance indicators for core programs and adds new ones related to services for employers and postsecondary credential attainment. She said that performance goals must reflect economic conditions and customer characteristics. She said the act makes data available on training providers' performance outcomes and requires third party evaluations of programs. She said there are performance measures they must try to meet under WIOA guidelines. 4 Slide #3 WIOAAdult&Dislocated Worker:These programs are open to individuals ages 1$and up.The Adult program focuses an serving "individuals with barriers to employment",while the Dislocated Worker Program is designed to assist workers affected by a ■ ■ ■ + business closure or layoff W IOA NextGen Youth Program:This is a comprehensive youth employment program serving eligible teens and young adults, ages 14.24(orange County serves ages 16-24),who face barriers to education,training,and employment.Application and placement testing are required forpmgram admission. r" - a Caraina Garris said when individuals become dislocated workers as a result of job loss, mass layoffs, global trade dynamics, or transitions in economic sectors, the Dislocated Worker program provides services to assist them in re-entering the workforce. Nancy Coston continued the presentation: Slide #4 PROSPERITY ZONE REGIONS Nancy � ... Nancy Coston showed a map of the North Carolina prosperity zone regions, which are currently being considered as a basis for realigning Orange County with a regional workforce development board. 5 Slide #5 North Carolina Workforce Development Boards NC WORKFORCE ■�� DEVELOPMENT BOARDS Nancy Coston said that Orange County is not currently aligned with any county in the Triangle, which presents a problem. Caraina Garris continued the presentation: Slide #6 . �W� F Job Search Assistance Health&Wellness Assessments Personalized Employment Planning SERVICES Educational&ssi stance PROVIDED x=iDurham Tech advising Resume Development Services Volunteer&Work Experience 4pportunitles Transportation Assistance � 4 Caraina Garris discussed some of the services provided by the WIOA program. She said that those enrolled also have the opportunity to get daycare assistance through the Department of Social Services. 6 Slide #7 11 EMPLOYER SERVICES hh Slide #8 011111 r~ i IL • Funded through WIOA 2QQ%5ub5idized employment The purpose is forjob seekers with little to no work history to gain } skills EXPERIENCE f mployers train to specific job duties Worlcman'sCompensation Insurance is cove red hyWIOA Support Services are offered as needed Typically a WEx is a period Of3.6 months for one placement (maxlmurn of Soo hours) _........ Examples Caraina Garris said some enrolled program participants have been placed in Orange County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and local businesses for work experience opportunities. Slide #9 W IDA reimburses employer up to 5o%of training wages (percentage given depends an the size of the business) -For ape riod of up to-6 months # / ■ Resulting in permanent placement TRAINING Gives employee time to learn the necessary skills to perform the 11 / occupation Gives emplayera will trained employee and an incentive to formalize a training plan- i. Examples Caraina Garris said some of the sites for On-the-Job Training are Carrboro Plumbing, Hope Renovations, Piedmont Health Services, PTA Thrift Store, Summit Design & Engineering, and Thompson Millwork. Slide #10 F } •Helps offset the cost of upskllling employees having worked 5 INCUMBENT months or more WORKER Training should lead to a promotion TRAINING Employer must contribute to the cost of training(cash payments, in-kind contributions,etc.) 8 Slide #11 i C H A N►CE Federal Bonding Work Opportunity Tax Credit(WOTC) FEDERAL Free individual fidelity bonds BONDING& when hiring"at risk" individuals -Federal tax credit available THEWr. for hiring individuals facing s5,00aln coverage for the significantharriersto OPPORTUNITY first 6 months employment TAXCREDIT Protects employer from acts Can receive from ss,zoo to oftheft,larceny, sg,600 for each eligible embezzlement et. employee. Slide #12 Rapid response assistance Job applicant screening and qualified candidate referrals Valuable and up-to-date labor market facts and projections,such a s wages Additional Information on tax credits for hiring particular groups of workers Employer Space to conductjob irrterviews Services Help arranging job fairs Open job orders with Iocal,state,and national access Accessto a readily available data hale for resumes(ncworks_gov) Apprenticeships/lnternshlps 9 Slide #13 Department of Social Services(DSS) Division of Workforce Solutions(DWS) Durh am Tech Community Services Block Grant(CS BGI Vocatlonal Rehabilitation PARTNERS + R Disability Awareness Council National Caucusfor the Black Aged(NCBA) Veteran's Affa l rs UNC School of Nursing Orange Literacy Council •Chambers ofCammerce •Local Reentry Council(LRC) r Slide #14 P. y 4 Commissioner Richards asked if any of the programs would be affected by a realignment. Caraina Garris said that services will still be provided, and it will not affect the services. She said each county is required to have a career center. Commissioner Richards asked how many employers go on to hire program participants in the on-the-job training and work experience opportunities. Caraina Garris did not have the percentage, but she said she knew of several that were successful, and some get full-time jobs within a month or two. She said she would get the percentage information to the commissioners. Commissioner Greene asked if there was coordination with homelessness programs. Caraina Garris said they have worked with the Partnership to End Homelessness and that there was some outreach to homeless individuals through Housing and the Department of Social Services. She said they try to reach the homeless population as much as they can. She said that they also work with the SOAR program through DSS. 10 Nancy Coston said that the SOAR program is designed to help those with mental illness and homelessness their disability benefits. She said that is run through DSS. She said that all of the services Orange County provides are through a competitive bid. She said that services would continue, even if it is with a different provider because of the competitive process. Commissioner Hamilton asked how many Orange County residents take advantage of the program each year. She asked if the services meet the needs of Orange County residents. She asked what performance measures are required by the federal government. She asked how well the county does with the allocation of funding and if the new alignment would change how the money is split up. Nancy Coston said she would send numbers and performance measures to the commissioners. She said funds follow the county. She said if the county aligns with a different group, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds will follow. She said the Department of Commerce will meet with the workforce board in the next few days to explain the study to them. She said after that meeting, questions about realignment, boards, and representation, and funding will hopefully be answered. Commissioner Fowler said it seems like the Chamber of Commerce is in agreement with realignment, but that they aren't sure if prosperity zones are the right option and suggested alignment with how the councils of governments or community colleges are aligned. She asked if the county gets a say in how realignment works. Nancy Coston said there will be a public comment period when the proposal is made public by the Department of Commerce. She said she thinks the Governor will have the final say. She said she is going to ask the Department of Commerce about how the decision is made. Commissioner Fowler asked if the prosperity zones are the only divisions they are considering for now. Nancy Coston said she does not know that she has not been able to get information at this time but hopes to learn more at the meeting on Thursday. Commissioner McKee referred to slide #4 showing the prosperity zones. He said the current map on slide #5 is helter-skelter. He said the prosperity zones make more sense. Chair Price said the prosperity zone proposal brings the county into alignment with the Triangle and many of the other Triangle J Council of Governments and makes sense to her. She asked about the other programs and how they might be affected by realignment. She asked if the prosperity zone realignment causes any risks to how the programs are being run now. Nancy Coston said she would like to get back to the Board on that question after meeting with the Department of Commerce on Thursday. She said she is interested in if the county has a say, and what would it look like. Commissioner Greene said that the Triangle J Council of Governments is made up of 7 counties and that seems like a middle ground between the two alternative realignments. She said that it hits the entire Triangle, but not farther northeastern counties. She hopes they will give that alignment consideration. Commissioner McKee asked if there has been discussion of any other realignment configuration. Nancy Coston said she did not know. Commissioner McKee said he was curious how the prosperity zone map was created other than pulling contiguous counties together. Nancy Coston said this map was created by the Department of Commerce for another purpose. She said she would ask them at their meeting about how the model was developed. Chair Price said that she has heard conversation in other groups, like Transportation circles, about bringing Nash, Johnston, and Granville counites in since they are growing and 11 becoming bedroom communities for the Wake, Orange, and Durham counties. She said there is some logic to the prosperity zone map. Nancy Coston said that she would send more information to the Board after the meeting with the Department of Commerce. 2. Efland Area Water and Sewer Presentation with Status Report on Interstate Properties in the Efland Area and Possibilities for Development/Economic Development The Board received information on the existing land use pattern and supporting public infrastructure agreements, plans and capacities in the Efland/Buckhorn/Mebane interstate corridor; and received an update on the status of economic development activity for this area. BACKGROUND: Efland Area Infrastructure and Agreements Orange County has had a land use map for this general area since 1981 since the importance of the interstate proximity was acknowledged (both 1-85 and eventually 1-40 extension through Orange County). A 2,000-acre area was originally designated as Commercial Industrial Transition Activity Node (CITAN), but most was later changed to Economic Development (ED) land use in 1994. Along with land use, zoning was changed upfront (AKA pre-zoning) at that time coupled with development standards. In the early 2000's, Orange County and the City of Mebane formed an agreement to implement utility construction and maintenance. Concurrently, an Efland-Mebane Small Area Plan was commissioned by the BOCC and Mebane including elected officials, planning boards and community leaders to address the growth potential of the area and an implementation plan. Recommendations were processed over the subsequent years that were included in the major 2008 Comprehensive Plan and zoning updates in 2011. The largest impetus for economic development was the 2012 referendum for Article 46 which provided monies for utility extensions. A multi-year phased infrastructure plan and Capital Investment Plan (CIP) was developed to slowly create a `backbone' of utilities in a comprehensive manner. Agreements were amended with Mebane in 2012 and additional agreements made with the Town of Hillsborough and the City of Durham for other Economic zones. The comprehensive public water and sewer system was sized to accommodate land use demands based on existing and possible land use. These engineered utility systems are designed to accommodate early-stage lower flows and upgradable as additional development occurred. So as development such as the Medline Industries facility occurs, along with the needs of the middle school and soccer complex, the nearby sewer lift station can be upgraded as noted in prior CIP's. The interstate corridor watershed flows east and west from Buckhorn Road and engineering is designed accordingly. However, due to the Town of Hillsborough disinterest in expanding sewer demand, Orange County engineered a cost-effective solution for Efland residents and economic development opportunities by redirecting all flows to the City of Mebane. This work has been accomplished. 12 Please also note the Upper Eno Watershed Map which was jointly approved by the State and Orange County in 1996 that designated this eastern zone as protected, State law and Orange County zoning allows up to 10% of the protected acreage to be 70% impervious cover to accommodate the economic development and residential transition zones. This higher density option does not allow development in critical watershed designated areas. It is worth noting that Orange County has designated an area six times larger than the state rules of 1996 for critical designation in this watershed. In summary, Orange County has invested in the corridor with public utility infrastructure and has a companion land use plan that intensifies growth in focused areas with supportive transportation systems. The jobs and tax base created in ED zones provide opportunities for residents to work in the county (and thereby limiting commuting and pollution) and bolstering tax base to help pay for other land uses that need services. See link for Efland Mebane Small Area Plan https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4196/Efland-Mebane-Small-Area-Plan- PDF Efland Area Development/Economic Development The Buckhorn Economic Development District continues to show success in business recruiting and increased interest by investors to spur new light manufacturing, distribution and commercial operations. This trend is expected to continue in the future in response to several Article 46- funded water/sewer projects that have now been completed by the County, through active marketing to prospective businesses, and as a result of strong interest by industrial and commercial developers seeking to identify properties in Orange County. For example, in recent years the Buckhorn Economic Development District has attracted in excess of $365 million dollars in new taxable investment, more than 975 full-time new jobs to be created, and over 1.9 million square feet of new construction to be added. This activity is represented by the companies Morinaga, ABB, Medline Industries, Thermo-Fisher Scientific, and Piedmont Metalworks. All of these companies are creating full-time jobs with health care and related employment benefits, and at salaries that are well above the Orange County living wage. ABB is Orange County's single largest private employer and is currently seeking applicants to fill 400 new manufacturing positions that will average over $71,000 per year in salary. The attached map entitled "Hillsborough EDD & Buckhorn EDD — Large Sites" shows the location of four approved and/or in-process spec developer business parks located in the Hillsborough and Buckhorn Economic Development Districts (EDDs). Each of these four locations represent excellent potential for the County to attract new advanced manufacturing, distribution, research and related commercial development by tenants of the same caliber as companies such as Thermo-Fisher Scientific. To illustrate, the Research Triangle Logistics Park in the Hillsborough EDD has been approved for up to 2.4 million square feet of development on 160 acres at an Interstate 40/Old NC 86 exit. Second, the Ohio-based industrial developer Al. Neyer has now established two new business parks (Buckhorn Industrial Park and Mebane Business Centre) located along Buckhorn Road, and with total development potential of up to 1.6 million square feet on 167 acres. Both of these parks were annexed and rezoned into the Mebane city limits. Thermo Fisher Scientific is located here, with Medline Industries located adjacent. And in Efland, the Minnesota-based developer Oppidian is currently pursuing site 13 plan approval with Orange County for authorization to build up to 918,000 square feet on approximately 100 acres. The Buckhorn EDD has several other large acreage tracks, as identified in red outline on the attached "Hillsborough EDD & Buckhorn EDD — Large Sites" map. These parcels have excellent development potential, existing utilities in place, immediate interstate access, and all are currently receiving review by a variety of well-funded investor prospects that are talking with landowners. This entire Hillsborough EDD/Buckhorn EDD region received a technical review in February 2018 in a comprehensive SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis performed by the consultant firm Timmons Engineering. The executive summary of the SWOT analysis (see link below) affirmed these areas' good marketability, development potential and overall strengths that can further diversify Orange County's local economy. The SWOT Analysis Final Report can be located here: https://www.orangecountync.gov/DocumentCenter/View/l 7070/SW OT-Analysis-Overview-of- the-Final-Report-PDF Craig Benedict, Director of Planning and Inspections, made the following presentation: Slide #1 �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Efland Area Water and Sewer and Possibilities for Economic Development BOCC Virtual Work Session February 8, 2022 Slide #2 Efland Water and Sewer Presentation ORANGE COUNTY ] N M I CAR LINA 14 Slide #3 FutuTe Lan d U se P uckh o rn EDD& H ill shorough E D D i ter ir..FU { r }} 4 X' 1 s I + EA FA pw r / L ' J{ y Y �• f Goer$9wal:I Rcswi:o Pro Kt1fi!ArC.1; ET, tftorry Fu%mih Laid UGi Admix Nvd Lz r - Sh"Bc•*ty 10 Yoi 11 Fr.rLhon t*-iW III wyhxrhmd A'.tom 3u"vKWry,ad0 M 3A xw17MS63h Oom WZ%Y-LIM_x41w1 Tr.7 red hDA 5+J4aa mW Cr4rcd Aro w. ft,01 AW*dH-Jd Erar.rrLc ur■r+wrr,arr.tr,mbm Q lcwrdhp dmrd+Y Ru1al Elu M, Rudd WKkff 1 � --LZ FMA Ja rO:PU r+rr nq IVISi - Pq,n1 Y..W Mod•rro: - A M CaMLff& Craig Benedict reviewed the information in the background materials regarding the history of infrastructure in the Efland area. 15 Slide #4 Orange Cc unty�City of ,Mebane Uti I ity Area Service Agreement f F a. • MiRL LyvCtiQh i t Y IGr Lam SEEW Lk.! _ _U5'Li nY73 rTJ _. Craig Benedict reviewed the existing infrastructure in the Orange County/City of Mebane Utility Area Service Agreement and said there was potential for expanded infrastructure should it be necessary. He said that on the map on slide #4, economic development zones are represented by purple and lavender shading. 16 Slide #5 Watersh ed s Buckh o rn EDD& H i Ilsbor-o ugh ED D .1, I M1: 1! ]11 YI L%SL 1 I .. If I U ppar E na Naw Cjt&k I 1 1�I Lower Erro 4aw C►eek ,., Cane Creek #k a° + ( I�IX ].5,{ti - I �� hSIMIS .- �YfS� Craig Benedict reviewed the information in the background materials regarding state rules for watershed protection versus the higher amount Orange County. He said no EDDs are located in critical watershed areas. He said that the Upper Eno watershed was designated a critical area by Orange County. He said that in the late 1980s the county studied placing a reservoir in the Upper Eno watershed, but that is no longer a consideration. Craig Benedict referred back to slide #4. He said there is additional water and sewer capacity through agreements with Mebane. He said that water and sewer lines built by the county are now Mebane's responsibility to maintain. Commissioner Richards asked for confirmation that the Upper Eno watershed is a hypothetical area, which equates to six times more than what the state requires of the county and is based on a theoretical reservoir that never came to fruition and will never come to be. Craig Benedict said she was correct. He said the county has purchased a lot of properties in that watershed for preservation purposes but there is no opportunity for a future reservoir in that area. Commissioner Richards asked for confirmation that it is county-owned land, designated for preservation. She asked if she is correct that it would not be eligible for any development. Craig Benedict said she was correct. Commissioner Richards asked for confirmation that the West Ten Road sewer system can be upgraded. Craig Benedict said it can be upgraded. He said there is an upgrade planned to put sewer under the interstate. He said that the engineering design pumps one way but, in the future, they can pump to where there is more capacity. 17 Commissioner Richards asked what the tax benefit of annexation is to Mebane. She asked if Mebane gets the benefits of jobs and Orange County gets the benefits of taxes. She said she is trying to understand the benefits to Mebane. Craig Benedict said the benefit is property taxes to Orange County and Mebane would also get taxes. He said the potential jobs created are also a benefit to Mebane and Orange County. He said that when properties are annexed, there is less service cost to the county as Mebane would pick up some public services. Commissioner Richards asked if the advantage to the county is that the county does not have to fight the "no development here" people. Craig Benedict said there are a few ways to look at it. He said that when the county put together agreements with the City of Mebane, the city and county tried to align their development standards. He said that they want to be conscious of the impact of development on neighborhoods. He said it is unlikely that all of the areas on the map on slide #4 could be annexed by the City of Mebane. Commissioner Richards asked Craig Benedict to point out the Orange County line with Alamance County on slide #4. Craig Benedict pointed out the county line and discussed some of the major employers along the border with Alamance County. Commissioner McKee said that the tax benefit was mentioned but the sewer and water flow costs go back to Mebane to help pay for their systems. He said that the designation of economic development zones was discussed years ago and that during those discussions, Mebane has always been a willing partner in development conversations. He said that without Mebane's partnerships, none of the industries would be possible. Commissioner Hamilton said that the development can come with a cost to existing residents in the area, and some of the areas have been traditionally African American. She said that some residents cannot afford to get water and sewer, and that Mebane is not interested in annexing them since they cannot afford that. She said the water and sewer is primarily for economic development, but that it leaves some residents behind. She said that she remains concerned about how they are communicated with during this process. Chair Price asked how many residences are still on wells and septic tanks. She said she thought there were funds available to help residents hook on. Craig Benedict said the 2004 agreement had twenty-seven free connections in Buckhorn. He said that covered tap and connection fees. He said he has heard from new residents that are not part of that 2004 agreement but there are twenty-seven taps available that were in existence in 2004. He said if they are low to moderate income then they could work through other departments. He said there is also a community loan fund that is an option. Chair Price said that was the point of going to the community, to find out who wanted to hook on. Craig Benedict said there were two churches wanted to hook on — Mt. Moriah and Hunters Chapel. He said that a grant received in 2005 helped with some of the infrastructure costs. He said there were failing septic systems in the area, and they wanted some assistance. Chair Price said she wanted to follow-up on the topic of community economic development to see who might be interested in hooking on to water and sewer. Steve Brantley, Director of Economic Development, continued the presentation: 18 Slide #6 Status Report on Interstate Properties in the Efland Area and Possibilities for Development/Economic Development �A.=i— ORANGE COUNTY 6 NORT]I CAROLINA Slide #7 Summary of New & Expanding Industrial Activity in the Buckhorn Economic Development District New Jobs New Construction Morinaga America Foods $46 Mllllon 90 100,000 sq_ft. ASD $40 Million 400 200.000 aq.ft. Medline Industries S80 Million 250 1.2 Million sq.ft. Piedmont Meta lworks -$4.5 Million 35 40j)00 sq.ft. Thermo Fisher Scientific $192.5 Million 200 375,000 sq.ft. Total $365 Million 975 1,915,000 so.ft. ft. Mormaga currently empmys 215 Medline Industries expeclstoemploy 500-6Win 5yeaa. • ABB's growth Is an expansion or exlsli ng manuracturing operatlons. ASS is Orange Coonly's largest prluate employer. ORAMGECOUNTY NOFM I CAROLINA Steve Brantley said that this slide shows the county's most recent economic development successes, and that Thermo Fisher Scientific is newest. He said these are examples of the types of businesses that can continue to locate in the economic development districts that have been discussed. He said they pay well above the Orange County living wage to their employees and provide benefits. 19 Slide #8 H i I Is hor-ou gh EDD& B uckhom EDD- Large Sites All rl �ti IW�i?[ PQt mrb # � Hil6xn 1�'li tr CtiAwh!r5 Ctr e I Irrira ial Rare S fF1�5rtq � Me'rx*� ' ih�m�Fr y 5{IENTIFI{ •I Tir�r LypvJri Ftirk Ore LiMa 111"09 LIA-dl1 ]ETJ 4mrdqbr Chzrmrraal-I7r+rirpw.a iPLR rp mTr**d Irr �mp C� IV m dewtigr up Io-}4 and vtn rr, It re E f W GPPdan-Ii vWWw.aak rtp ffa rpr Gn rrY mp;mnviI — •- ran In dmvmIcp up kt91EJDIZI aq rI - T,rw J fd A"i-LV�vr In pr,a ka We a pp-smW by Lft ar I t, ,, RWLr lnd6 � kp up to&W Rid■gIL i Dtr•r. ....,. ..t5 I. ... • ..•......�d�,c+a['Trrr� 4'd,11 Far,xo 9A a.AL 4"1—Dorm InF r,rkaarir rrppmmml by 1�hr ar _ eyararyr R7•hvn■Io dr*rk p up m'nrFm av•ft. I �emer.ry s�sror svrrra�.r�Jtia�aJKrI _^ . Coi uric rr 1no CI!of hir Wr "W id mr&pu Dk pxzw-i.d.A-d A y Steve Brantley reviewed the current development activity in the Hillsborough EDD and Buckhorn EDD. Steve Brantley said that each week, his office receives 1-3 inquiries for existing office buildings. He said the business parks offer more places for job expansion. He said that the developers are funding site infrastructure and the buildings to lease to tenants — all of this brings jobs to Orange County that would not be coming without this. He said that there are locations where the government owns the land and creates a business park, but Orange County operates with the developer capital. He said that these parks are helping the county because they can have an existing building for a company to move into. Commissioner Hamilton said she is on the Board of Health. She said there is a need for water and sewer hookups because of failing sewer systems. She said it seems like some of the barriers are not just the costs for hooking up but also the ongoing costs of water and sewer plus annexation brings an added tax burden. Commissioner McKee said that residential hookups are going to be a major concern for all of them. He said that the good part is that the major infrastructure is built. He said that the ongoing costs to the homes after they hookup is a major factor. He noted that one of the reasons it was flipped from Hillsborough to Mebane was the cost to the user. He said that the Rogers Road model can be used for costs prototypes for residents. Chair Price said she was glad to have the presentation to give the history of the infrastructure in the area. She said there are some very old neighborhoods in the Efland area. 20 She said as the county modernizes, it is important to take care of the people who have lived there for generations. Commissioner Fowler asked if Mebane annexed them, would they have to provide water and sewer. She asked if that was discussed with Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA). Craig Benedict said no, once an area is annexed, it falls out of the Water and Sewer Management Boundary Plan Agreement (WASMBPA) and into the city's jurisdiction. Commissioner Fowler asked if it prevented development since OWASA does not have lines that go out that far. Craig Benedict said the WASMBPA maps were not for primary service but for crisis response. He said that the future land use map was created to show who was responsible for responding to water and sewer crises. He said that if Mebane decides to extend water and sewer to the areas outside of the zones then they do not have to ask OWASA. Chair Price referred to slide #8 and asked if there was any development in area 2. Steve Brantley said that any property that is not in purple or lavender on the map is off limits to him to market. Craig Benedict referred to slide #3 and said that area in question, in green on the map, is an agricultural designation. He referred to an area on the map that is near a resource protection area but could be considered for development if there was a land use change and water and sewer change. He said this is something the commissioners could consider in the future. Chair Price asked what would happen if a private landowner wanted to make the changes rather than the commissioners. Craig Benedict said that would require a land use change and a water and sewer boundary use change. He said if it is a very large parcel, it could also require the involvement of the state. Steve Brantley said that area has a lot of potential for economic development due to utilities and proximity to transportation. He said that it is owned largely by one single landowner. Craig Benedict noted that the critical boundary was tweaked in 2010 and it extended north of the interstate, and they were able to modify the boundary. He said that there is area in blue that includes that change. Commissioner McKee said the companies currently expanding in this area will generate $3 million in property revenue. He said the jobs they are providing give benefits which are life changing. He said the revenue can offset the cost of county services. Commissioner Richards said these EDDs are the result of planning 30-40 years ago. She asked what the plan is for the future. She said she is interested in balanced development that supports safety net programs. She said she is concerned about what is next. Commissioner Bedford referred to slide #8. She said there is an area north of interstate 40 that needs water and sewer to be viable for economic development. She wondered if the county should move forward with that project. Craig Benedict said the next project on the list is to begin designing the extension of water and sewer into the area. Commissioner Greene said she agreed with Commissioner Bedford's comments. She asked when the county should have another joint meeting with Mebane. She said properties south of West Ten Road requested annexation and then the county lost control of land use designation. She said she would like to have an agreement with Mebane about what they think about development below West Ten Road. She said that Mebane seems interested in continuing that conversation. 21 Commissioner Hamilton said she would appreciate seeing the return on investment. She said there may be other types of businesses that may bring higher wage jobs or other benefits. She said she would like to know if the county can indicate the types of businesses they are interested in to preserve the quality of life. She said that it is important to protect natural resources as well. She said she would like to understand the relative impact of those developments. Steve Brantley said a return-on-investment paper was created by his office in 2021 and he will circulate that to the commissioners. He said it shows how Article 46 funds have been used along with various grants. He said Orange County controls zoning and utility lines, but that the county does not own the land. He said there is a very large infrastructure cost for anyone to buy the property and develop it to try to make something happen. He said that the flea market site of 130 acres, the acquisition cost alone would be 14 million dollars before any infrastructure is added. He said that none of the property is zoned heavy industrial and that the relatively high cost of land and development automatically screens out a low wage company. He said the paper will be updated before he provides it to the commissioners. Chair Price said all of the development currently occurring is happening on Steve Brantley's watch and efforts. She said the tax base has increased, which helps keep property taxes from rising as quickly. Commissioner McKee said decisions the Board makes will affect the next 40 years and how the county develops. Commissioner Fowler asked how ABB is doing recruiting for employees. Steve Brantley said that Orange County has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state. He said that job competition is extreme. He said Medline is on track to have 250 jobs filled by opening day. He said ABB will hire 400 jobs over time. He said the pandemic affected the timeline for companies to hire and train. 3. Agricultural Preservation Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Agricultural Preservation Board. BACKGROUND: The Agricultural Preservation Board is charged to promote the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county, and to encourage voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all 15 members, including eight (8) At-Large members, and one (1) member from each of the seven (7) Agricultural Districts in the county. The following applicants are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM An'ail Taylor At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Elizabeth At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Hooten Michael Hughes At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 22 If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Cedar Grove 06/30/2023 Vacant since 11/20/2020 Voluntary Agricultural District Tara May introduced the item. Commissioner McKee asked the Board to move the recommended applicants forward. Commissioner Fowler asked about the vacant position. She asked if any existing Agricultural Preservation Board members are eligible for the vacant position. Tara May said she would look into the issue. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants. 4. Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Public Library Advisory Board is responsible for recommending long-term plans, policies, and programs of library service throughout the community. It advises the Chapel Hill Mayor and Council on library matters, develops plans for library facilities, and recommends operating policies of the library. The Board of County Commissioners appoints one member to this board. The following applicant is recommended by the Chapel Hill Town Council for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alison Smith BOCC Appointee First Full Term 06/30/2024 If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. She said that the practice of getting recommendations from the Town of Chapel Hill for this board will end after this consideration. Chair Price asked if the appointee must reside in Chapel Hill. Tara May responded that the BOCC appointee can be from anywhere in Orange County. Commissioner Fowler said the recommended applicant, Alison Smith, lives in Hillsborough. She asked about the criteria for making a recommendation. She said Virginia Baeckler looked like an interesting candidate. Commissioner Bedford asked if the Board would consider Virginia Baeckler or Samantha Kaplan for the position. She said she was leaning towards Virginia Baeckler due to her experience and the fact that she resides in Hillsborough, giving a different perspective to the Chapel Hill Library Advisory Board. The Board agreed by consensus on Virginia Baeckler. 23 5. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board is charged with developing and coordinating visitor services in Orange County. It also implements marketing programs that will enhance the economic activity and quality of life in the community. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all 17 members, with representation from specific entities and fields. The following individuals are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Karen Stegman Chapel Hill Town First Full Term 12/31/2024 Council Representative Damon Seils Carrboro Town Partial Term 12/31/2022 Council Representative If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Orange County 12/31/2024 Vacant since 12/31/2021 Lodging Association Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus on the council representatives from the Town of Chapel Hill and the Town of Carrboro as presented. Commissioner Greene suggested Lisa Ganzzermiller for the vacant Orange County Lodging Association position. The Board agreed by consensus on Lisa Ganzzermiller for the vacant Orange County Lodging Association position. 6. Hillsborough Planning Board —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Hillsborough Planning Board. BACKGROUND: The Hillsborough Planning Board acquires and maintains information in order to understand past trends, prepare and amend the comprehensive plan for the development of the area, and prepares and recommends ordinances promoting orderly development. The Board of County Commissioners appoints three (3) members residing in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). The following applicant is recommended for Board consideration: 24 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Saru Salvi Hillsborough ETJ First Full Term 10/31/2024 If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. Chair Price expressed support for the recommended applicant. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicant. 7. Human Relations Commission —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Human Relations Commission. BACKGROUND: The Human Relations Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners on solutions to problems in the field of human relationships. It also makes recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony among groups in the County irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members. The following persons are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Frances Castillo At-Large Second Full Term 09/30/2024 Shawnee Seese At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2024 Michael Fath At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2024 If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 09/30/2022 Vacant since 10/13/2021 Town of Chapel 06/30/2022 Vacant since 01/07/2020 Hill Tara May introduced the item. She said the Human Relations Commissions requested more time to solicit applicants for the vacant positions. Commissioner McKee said he was in support of the recommended applicants. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants. 25 8. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Parks and Recreation Council consults with and advises the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, and the Board of County Commissioners on matters affecting parks planning, development and operation; recreation facilities, policies and programs; and public trails and open space. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members, with representatives from each of the county's townships and municipalities. The following applicant is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Jessie L. Chapel Hill Township Partial Term 03/31/2023 Birckhead If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. Commissioner Bedford noted that the recommended applicant lives outside of the Chapel Hill Township. The Board agreed by consensus to wait to fill this position while Tara May researches the issue. 9. Orange County Planning Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Orange County Planning Board. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning Board studies Orange County and surrounding areas to determine objectives in the development of the County, prepares and recommends plans to achieve that development, and reviews development applications and makes recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all 12 members. The following individuals are presented for Board consideration: 26 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Statler Gilfillen At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2025 (re-appointment) WhitneyWatson At-Large Second Full Term 03/31/2025 Adam Beeman Cedar Grove Second Full Term 03/31/2025 Township BOCC Eno Township First Full Term 03/31/2025 Appointment BOCC At-Large Partial Term 03/31/2023 Appointment Tara May introduced the item. She said that Whitney Watson is up for appointment to a first full term, not a second full term as stated in the background agenda materials. She said there was not an applicant for the vacant Eno Township position. Commissioner McKee recommended Delores Bailey for the vacant at-large position. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants and to appoint Delores Bailey to the vacant at-large position. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to adjourn the meeting at 9:32 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.