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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-15-2022 Business Meeting 1 APPROVED 1/17/23 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUSINESS MEETING November 15, 2022 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Renee Price, Vice Chair Jamezetta Bedford, and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene (arrived at 7:01), Jean Hamilton, Earl McKee (arrived at 7:10), and Anna Richards COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair Price called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present, except Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Greene. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Price noted that item 7-a has been postponed for consideration at the December 7, 2022 Business Meeting. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to approve the agenda as amended. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Greene arrived at 7:01 pm. Chair Price dispensed with reading the public charge. 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda There was no one signed up to speak on matters not on the printed agenda. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Hamilton had no comments. Commissioner Fowler said the Library Task Force met on November 1011 and looked at increasing funding to the Chapel Hill Public Library. She said that they are exploring an increase that looks at access based on Chapel Hill's population. She said this would increase the County's funding from $560,000 to $950,000. She said they have also considered a usage model, which has proved difficult to calculate. She said another snag is how to account for increased funding once the Southern Branch Library opens. She said that she anticipates something will be brought 2 to the Board in the next few months. She said that she attended the ABC Board meeting today and there will be a new applicant for consideration soon. She said they also approved changes to their retention and recruitment policy to increase retention bonuses. She also announced that Justice United invited several commissioners to an assembly on Thursday that will be focused on gaps in mental health care for the Latinx community. Commissioner Bedford thanked the election staff and temporary poll workers for their work during the elections last week. Commissioner Richards had no comments. Commissioner Greene said she attended the Advisory Council on Aging of the Area Agency on Aging meeting today. She said she there was a presentation on a startup called CareYaya. She said they are operating out of Launch Chapel Hill. She said the founder recognized that family members caring for loved ones who are terminally ill or badly ill can get burned out and there are college students in the community who are interested in gaining experience in this area. She said this company has connected these two communities and hires someone to tend to your loved one for a period of time in your place. She said the website is careyaya.org and said she would send the information to the Board as well. Chair Price said the Veteran's Day program was a joint program with the UNC ROTC for the first time and it was a success. She said there was also a breakfast in the morning at Passmore Center and another later that day at the Seymour Center. She said she is thankful to staff for helping with Operation Greenlight. She said the Solid Waste Department is holding a series of public meetings to discuss going to zero waste. She said there is a meeting tomorrow in Chapel Hill, as well as on December 51" at Bonnie B. Davis Environment and Agricultural Center and one at Carrboro Town Hall. Chair Price announced that since she won the election for the State House, she is resigning effective December 31, 2022. She said she will provide her resignation to the Clerk and also inform the Chair to the County's Democratic Party. Commissioner Richards congratulated Chair Price on her win and wished her well. Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:10 pm. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. "The Nature of Orange" Photography Contest 2022 The Board recognized the winners and thank all participants along with judges of"The Nature of Orange" 2022 Photography Contest. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Commission for the Environment and the Parks and Recreation Council were once again sponsors of this year's "The Nature of Orange" Photography Contest, which was completed in June 2022. This year, the contest featured a theme of"Farms, Parks and Trails in Orange County."The goal of the contest was to inspire exploration, celebration and appreciation of Orange County's diverse landscapes and outdoor experiences. Photographers help document the beauty and diversity of our natural resources, and people connecting to their environment. A total of 57 photographs were submitted throughout the contest. A panel of judges selected first, second and third place winners from the Youth and Adult divisions. In addition, judges identified one Honorable Mention award per division based on the many high-quality submissions. This year's judges were photographers David Pruitt, Nick Galin, and Kayla McKenzie. Winners received a congratulatory letter, certificate, and a small monetary prize. Typically, the photographs are displayed throughout Orange County at locations such as at the Orange County 3 Public Library and the Orange County Visitors Center. In addition, winning photographs are displayed on the Orange County DEAPR Facebook Page and will be "streaming" on the visual monitors in County facilities. The 2022 contest winners are as follows: Youth: 1It Place —Allyson Wriedt 2nd Place —Kylee Harvey 3rd Place— Matthew Ramsey Honorable Mention: Allyson Wriedt Adult: 1 It Place —Alexcina Wartski 2n1 Place —Walker Winslow; 3rd Place — Darren Strickland Honorable Mention: Walker Winslow Kalani Allen, Administrative Support in the Department of Environment,Agriculture, Parks, and Recreation gave the following presentation: Slide #1 The of hhn<ograpt+y G.n rrsr Annual photography contest,Year2022 Photographers help document the beauty and diversity of our natural resources or show residents enjoying our parks and environment.Theme this year,Farms,Parks and Trails in orange County. All photos taken in Orange County. • 57 entries(16 Youth and 41 Adults) • Volunteer judges evaluated photos Based on, — relevancy —compositionfarrangement — focusisharpness — lighting and creativity ORANGE COUNTY NOKTF[CABC}3JNA Slide #2 15'Place Adult;"In the Pine" Alexina wartski ORANGE COUNTY NUKTrI C:Ar UNA Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at Walker Point Road. 4 Slide #3 21d Place Adult:"Fresh Fall" Walker W in slow I ,i ORANGE COUNTY NC R'I"I I c':.1WMANA Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at Eno River State Park. Slide #4 3f11 Place Adult:"Bumble Bee in Flight" Darren Strickland ORANGF COUNTY ,.r 3p'1 11 r.1ROLINA Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at the NC Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill. Slide #5 Honorable Mention Adult: "Fall Starburst" Walker Winslow ORANGE COUNTY NOTEFF I CAROLINA Kalani Allen said this photo was also taken at Eno River State Park. 5 Slide #6 1st Place Youth:"Afternoon Buzz' Allyson wriedt l R w C7RANGE COUJ�T r WUR kI CAB U3 A Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at Gold Park in Hillsborough. Slide #7 2nd Place Youth: "Brothers" Kylee Harvey ORANGE COUNTY Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at Ayr Mount. Slide #8 V Place Youth:"Lady F Matthew Ramsey INGE COUIhI r- ..:IM-1I C:A lull.l: Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at Hollow Rock Nature Park. 6 Slide #9 Honorable Mention Youth: "Violet Flowers" Allyson wriedt C)RANGE COUNTY -1� II!•AROLINA Kalani Allen said this photo was taken at Gold Park. Slide #10 The pp aF Pf..&.phy C.—, We thank our judges: David Pruii-t, Photographer Nick Galin, Photographer and Videographer Kayla McKenzie, Photographer We thank our sponsors: Parks and Recreation Council of Orange County Commission for the Environment of Orange County - ' ORANGE COUI�I i NCIIML CAW LI NA Kalani Allen also expressed thanks to Melissa Blackburn in the Community Relations Department. Chair Price thanked DEAPR staff for their work on this contest every year. Commissioner Greene sent her congratulations and noted that it is a great program. She said that she would love to have the photographs displayed in county buildings. Kalani Allen said they are displayed in county buildings and also in publications. She said they are also on the monitors throughout buildings. b. Presentation on 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline The Board received information regarding the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. BACKGROUND: The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline— previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — is a national network of more than 200 crisis centers that helps thousands of people overcome crises every day. Local and state sources as well as the Department of Health and Human Services' Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) support these centers. 7 As of July 16, 2022, all calls and text messages to "988" route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center. Adult Mental Health Program Coordinator Lisa DeCiantis and Community Mental Health Section Chief Saarah Waleed from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will be present at the meeting to share information and answer questions. Quintana Stewart, Health Director, introduced Lisa DeCiantis, Adult Mental Health Program Coordinator from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and Saarah Waleed, Community Mental Health Section Chief from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Lisa DeCiantis gave the following presentation: Slide #1 NC Department-of Health and Human Services DM HOD AS -8-8 �"f T4TCct "N Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and } Behavioral Health Response Saarah VV aieed Corr munity Men Lai Health Sectl-orl Chief Lisa DeCiantis MA, L MH Human Service Program Consultant November 15. 2022 8 Slide #2 Recover Stronger rhme.Gnaimej sad[arr nn-W nrr�dY Gecardnenra-egmurGrG.n whM.prrsan health&,.rn Sr&prb' andmsp urre.4oPk-rssavkan--ed rrfctn G•N WM-gmaiee:aexrl 1-o'e inall.]0e�•aiwl uk1�Y1Rr MMIMIi14uIIIMFR QhIL1I6 F=E"WoUtNhq BtraopilrMushn Warldwoe I I . .lib&AS 1 Wa%Wm I Nan:nr HC 9irJ0a Piacmm l n&,tmaan_.2[Q2 Slide #13 July 16, 2022, added abilityto dial 9-8-8 to access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline now known as Suicide and Crisis Lifeline • 1-800-273-TALE (8255) will still be active Suicide 4-hour access to trained crisis and Crisis counselors Lifeline * Assessment will determine the need for further intervention (M MF EMS, LE, LIVIENCO, EHU , FB , ED) • Reached through • 988 or 1-800-278-TALK (8255)- eallItet • 9881ifeline.org - chat Lisa DeCiantis encouraged these phone numbers to be advertised whenever possible. 9 Slide #4 ALL OR TEXT 8 11 Suicide & 8 (isis Lifeline SUICIDC PREEHIH -7 LIFELINE LIFELINIE QO- 7$-TALGC�62$4� NC UIHS EWH O6543 IN ti4nn i rWn:nr WC 9r�m Piaimm 1 rio- mn_.=2 '- Slide #5 NC Call Center (REAL Crisis Intervention Inc.) • allf Text 988 2417 F Chat 388iif(iine.org 4/7 • SAMHSA grant * * Hiring of additional crisis o ins9iors Training of First Responders in Applied Suicide Intervention Skids Training (ASI'ST) • Contracting with DiverOy Consultants during the grant 10 Slide #6 Call Volume Increase Age Lange Percentage Increase 0-12 129% 13-17 3 1°/U 35- 4 44% 45.54 76% 66-644 8 p° 65# 39 J4 • 3 % increase in -call volume since the launch 4 % increase in first time callergy PIC UHHSEWH O6543 I IN ti4nn i Nan:nr WC 9r�m Piaimw 1 rio- mn_.=2 Slide #7 - June -- 2,867 calls - First time callers- 1,556 - PSAP contacted - 3 - A 9% - M M contacted - 23 - 1.5% NC • July - 2,435 calls - First time c a llers-2,054 Crisis = PSAP contacted - 6 - _29% - MCM contacted - 34 - 1.66% • • August - 3,436 calls - First ti€rrye callers- 1,903 - PSAP contacted - 10 - . 9% - MCM contacted - 33 .95% 11 Slide #8 April ^June Quarter 2 - 121 calf to 988 - 3 calls to PSAP1911II C - 78 Ferrules - 41 hales - 2 Unknown Orange • July - September Quarter 3 - 202 calls to 988 County - 9 calls to PSAP1911/MCM - 104 Females - 93 hales - 5 Unknown • 67% increase in calls between Quarters 2 & 3 • 182 % increase in ages 5— 4 Lisa DeCiantis said demographic information is given voluntarily, which is why the gender of some callers may be unknown. Slide #9 Chat/Text • NC has had 2417 chatitext response since r� — ,duly_ 517 - August; 797 • Text July_ 355 T Aurqust: 817 12 Slide #10 About % of WMple Wha Enptact tht sea Lifeline Ahout ■ra helped by iho cress c ounselur +nd r$aayre.+cl,.r.d dwnq thr csll!trKt7chae. of people who confect • e tho Rae Lit-*Fine � aplee Yo hev�ihea + dr lme,C lh"10re+11 MIS + biCdUseOfierAllSrIL$1kOli4o-. ■ i ■ .r_� f ; IYtifewerthan Ave}age P daily corYtmts _ � �f i.rl.,.ana Saahhf4 or �� co 19aa Lifeline unsra Rine' eorstects, nc.trisia caunce[ar inusa coil 95F wighaul consent Leceuse ai ses,a�sriskYulde. SMIHSAtaw i^[nr6[Nn OG Sa31768 ti4nn i rWn:nr 5i_9r,um Piaimw 1 rio- mn_.=2 N- Slide #11 D HHS Alignment with 9-8-8 and Behavioral Health Response • SOMEONE TO TALK TO(Connect) • Crisis Call Center,Peer Warm Line, LME-MCO Access, Hope4NC. Farrliiy and Youth Partners • SOMEONE TO RESPOND�Diepatch) • Mobile Crisis Team Response,Orr LEIEMS, Integrated Behavioral Health Care, Enhanced Services (ACT, CST MST, IIH), NC$TART • A PLACE TO GO(Stabilize) • Crisis Receiving and Stabilization Services, Behavioral Health Urgent Care, Facility Based Crisis, Peer and Community Respite,ED. Inpatient, f Outpatient.Aftercare and Peers PREVENTION f POST-VENTION SUPPORTS • Outpatient,Aftercare and Pears • Outreach&Tralning—ASI T, 4PR, CALM, SAVE, PsychArmor, ASK the QUESTION 13 Slide #12 Behavioral Health Emergency Response person in IncMba#pE GAg cones {rleis 96VJ VVIPIhIVA nr leesIll�flenee, Berauery JIVe - - ` • +form lrwwhr# OEM 16*&Nn funk 0 eommunky 00MabilsC6:I#T"I#Js terrlca�ar praviAe MJLViRCRP � Gr'oreeMd LIJn of jA Ea.ha" I I. Pest-Crtsls {nets Feetlt�y 444vp-8 rGLftd rni6 EiJn O6 EA3 I8%4M J Na hr rJ_'W,dtl PiaimwI rio- wnE.=2 Slide #13 Media Campaign 9a� LkNEJL DE 'nfr:x•rx � #AB to Yourmesleal Llamaoanwiatin fa jw�or4 yov holhlrratters mensaiea198B NC rro-6 DWH O6543 I IES%4x JNa nr rJ_Sj,dtl Pia"w I Na wrJSA= 14 Slide #14 a Questions Commissioner Hamilton thanked Lisa DeCiantis for the presentation. She said she is a mental health counselor, and said she will share this information with her clients. She said it would also be great to have a video with actors to show what may happen when you call 988. Lisa DeCiantis said there is that available on YouTube for folks. She also explained what will happen if someone calls. She said there will be two options, and the call will then be transferred based on the phone number they are calling from (this can be problematic, but is being worked on—trials on routing calls based on cell tower). Commissioner Hamilton asked if callers are prompted to provide their location. Lisa DeCiantis said yes, but all call centers are trained to assist no matter where the caller is located. Chair Price said once the crisis counselor is aware of the location, they can transfer to the correct location/services. Lisa DeCiantis said yes. Commissioner Bedford asked about callers who don't speak English or Spanish. Lisa DeCiantis said there is a translation line available for people. She said that chat and text is currently only in English, but they are working federally on other language options. Commissioner McKee asked what determines whether 911 is contacted with or without permission from the caller. Lisa DeCiantis said one person stays on the phone, while the other person calls 911. She said they stay on the line until they get confirmation help as arrived. She said the trigger point is different for each caller. She said if someone has already harmed themselves, that will trigger a 911 response, or if someone has weapons and is not willing to put them away that would also result in a 911 call. Chair Price thanked them for their work. She said this is such a needed service and trying to remember an 800 number was hard. Chair Price said she thinks Commissioner Hamilton had a great idea with the demonstration video. 15 Slide #15 Contact Information Lisa DeCiantis MA, LCMHC Adult Mental Health Program Consultant Iisa.dealaWis{c dhhs.,tc_ av 984-235-SD59 nMW 9 D—nl coma.ntrUo W m d lnhip.mirJ[51VoiL4Y rpnl fu]P]0 i_ Slide #16 94849LIFELINE Ihttps-8www.samhsa qoYMnd tt!P-798Brpariner-inDl klUsotls•media- shareabies SAMHSA • LIFELINE NC 1-2 CALM❑G Bn31768%%]i Mon:nx MC'—A P--1ri—nc.2= I, 5. Public Hearings None. 6. Regular Agenda a. Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Program Evaluation and Options for Next Steps The Board received an update on the Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) program, provided feedback on next steps, and considered selecting one of the outlined program options. BACKGROUND: Starting in the fall of 2019, County and Town Housing staff worked collaboratively to consolidate four different emergency housing assistance programs to streamline program access, as well as program eligibility and services offered. This program expanded 16 rapidly in later months in response to the great need for housing and utility assistance with the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020 and the lockdowns that followed. The EHA program has used many different funding sources since its inception, including CARES Act funding from local, state, and federal sources, the HOPE 1.0 program, Community Development Block Grant CARES Act funding (CDBG-CV), and the program is currently using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The County has a $4.4 million in remaining APRA funds that must be allocated by December 2024 and expended by December 2026. Between January 2020 and September 2022, the EHA program has assisted 2,593 households in Orange County, providing $13.7 million in rent and utility assistance. 49% of the households served are Black/African American, 19% are Latin, 8% are multiracial, and 18%White/Caucasian. Of the households served, 74% are at extremely low income at 30% Area Median Income (AMI) and below, 21.5% are very low income at 50% AMI and below, and 4.5% are low income up to 60% AMI. These households were primarily located within the Towns of Chapel Hill (49%), Carrboro (28%) and Hillsborough (11%), and 24% were located in the unincorporated parts of Orange County. Funding demands for the Emergency Housing Assistance program for FY 2022-23 will exceed available budgeted funds. At the same time, communities across the country are scaling back emergency rent assistance programs as COVID-related funding sources are depleted. Housing Department staff have worked with the Housing Directors for the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, and consulted best practices nationally and developed three Options for continuation of the Emergency Housing Assistance program: 1. Keeping the program eligibility and services offered largely the same to provide income support for low-income households 2. Narrowing focus on program eligibility and services to primarily stabilize households 3. Narrowing focus even further on program eligibility and services to prevent eviction and homelessness Corey Root, Housing Director, gave the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY ► HOUSING DEPARTMENT Emergency Housing Assistance November 15, 2022 17 Slide #2 Fall 019: Courity & Towns consolidated fo ti r housirig programs 5tr8arnline program access Housing Helpline Z page application Common eiigibihty and services • Rapid expansion during COVID-19 Many different funding; sources • CARES Act HOPE 1.0 #rogrart Community Develop Brit block F5rarnt CARES Act CD8G-CV • Amerman Rescue Plan Act(ARPA) • Counter has $4.4 million �n remaining APRA Allocated by 0aCemi7er 2024 Fxpendcdy December 26 ORANGE COUNTY HORSING DEPARTMENT Corey Root said the goal of streamlining was to make services more accessible and easier for residents. She said that the statistics in the next section include all the emergency housing funds that were administered by the county. Slide #3 E14A Evaluation n ORANGE COUNTY � HORSING DEPARTMENT 18 Slide #4 2111 833 households assisted]an 2020-Sept 2022 IFION 1-0 0 EH,q VW 2030 low 1z4 69 0 [afrbo�o 0%apelHIll HAsborough OFanggCUWney r4[al Corey Root said the total represents unique (unduplicated) households. Slide #5 $13.7 million provided for emergency assistance HOPE L4 0 EHA 515, ,E 514.Ga4,04a 97 i 9,542 5594.N? 16.2211.597 55moxw $3,522296 $317,�08 S2915.s 51,01 1,549 $n CaRbcro Ghop4l Hall flllliC4TQU0 4Fie!{" T;'a Corey Root said there is a larger difference in the numbers between Carrboro and Orange County due to the rent price differences in these areas. 19 Slide #6 Majority of Emergency HousingA sistance provided to B IPOC hotiseholds PHA Assistance By Ra-ce COO 4VhItYCaucasi3P 91adc-Ainran Anwrwm 1{'5% b fN� 4asu� Slide #7 Most EHA provided to extremely low income households EHA Asslstanre By ANII roe AMI i7r- _ —. sue,AM, 30%AMP ?=n� 20 Slide #8 EHA application submissions continue to rise Application Received Per Month aao 2s7 240 227 _ idea 200 3'rai 170 is$ 153 9 1 ti{ 721 W1 9021 14'21 11121 1Z21 1ra 2+22 2J22 A22 51.22 6&22 7022 Bra W22 Corey Root said the eviction moratorium ended 10/21 and HOPE 2.0 ended 12/21. She said that applications went up as soon as that program ended at the state level. She said staff was waiting for a leveling off, but to date, that has not occurred. Slide #9 Average application processing dAys rose in , decreased in recent months Avg Processing nme 1J 46 Rb J9 20 D 1h 4 7*1 Sf21 9f$1 10al 11121 1.?J21 1Q� 221,W AM Sfn 5'J_' T $� gidNolF Corey Root said that the application processing did not result in an increase in evictions. 21 Slide #10 Average a enits hover aroi-ind oo -Average future rent payment - $1953 -Average arrears payment - $ 1 1 -Average EHA payment - $2877 nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Fowler asked if that is rent per month or the total payment. Corey Root said these numbers are the total payment. She said that future rent covers up to 3 months in the future. Chair Price asked if the total average future rent payment is $1,953 per month or for three months. Corey Root said they are per month. Commissioner McKee asked what timeline the average payment would cover. Corey Root said this depends on how many months were needed in arrears. She said that these are average payments. Chair Price asked what the recipients were paying themselves. Corey Root said the payments are not just for rent. Chair Price said they could be for utilities. Commissioner McKee asked the timeframe that would be covered with the average payment. Corey Root said that it would depend on the amount of arrears and how far back they are paid. She said that everyone gets three months in the future, but some people have many months of arrears. Libbie Hough said payments can be as low at $186 and some people have $10,000 in arrears. Corey Root said they also pay arrears for people in subsidized housing, but they do not pay future. 22 Slide #11 About 1 % of EHA applications received are ineligible ,M ,eu JV 0 Slide #12 Program Options ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT 23 Slide #13 Fending demands for EFIA xvill exceed budgeted funds for FY 0 - 023 • Staff worked with Towns to develop three options Income support for low-income households 7 Housing stability Eviction & homelessness prevention nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #14 Option I would provide rnos-t supports, also cost the most Rent and utility arrears, 3 months of future rent • Application fees, security deposits, moving costs, one-time storage, late fees 60% Al ll and under No caps on award amounts Repeat applications accepted nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT 24 Slide #15 {option 2 narrows fo lus to promote housing stability Rent and utility arrears, I month of future rent Application fees, security deposits, late fees • 30% AMI and under, and people in eviction proceedings or exiting homelessness • 6000 award cap annually • Repeat applications accepted nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #16 Option 3 n ar rows focus further to prevent exactions and homelessness Rent and utility arrears, I month of future rent • Application fees, security deposits, late fees • Only people in eviction proceedings or exiting homelessness 5000 award cap annually - Repeat applications accepted nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT 25 Slide #17 Annual program casts range from nearly million to million Option Income Option 3' Suppartfor • Low-income Housing Honr�elessness House-holds Stability Estimated direct $7.512.422 $4.807.950 $1.980.815 client assistance Estimated operatingcosts $897,448 $ 48,405 $99,362 (staff,admin) TOTAL $7.909,870 65,6561.85 $ ,080,'177 nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #18 Financial impacts for FY 2022-2023 determined by program direction - 4,201,041 budgeted - $3,669,026 estimated spending through 123122 - Additional funding needed to continue EHA operations in FY 2022-202 Option I- $3,708,829 Option : 11 Of,16 Option : 508,074 Chair Price asked if someone applies to the county can they also apply to towns. Corey Root said it is all one process streamlined through the county. Chair Price asked if this is all county money. 26 Corey Root said Carrboro has $500,000 to dedicate. Chapel Hill is not providing any additional funding, but Hillsborough has $300,000 left in their CDBG-CV grant, as well. Commissioner Richards asked what housing stability means. She asked if it is when someone is about to be evicted but the funds prevent that. She said if she understands, there is not a limitation on how much of their income is going to housing. Corey Root said not for this program currently. Commissioner Richards asked for the difference between Option 2 and 3. Corey Root said Option 2 would add anyone with 30% AMI. Commissioner Richards said so with option 3, no matter the income, if you are headed to eviction, you would qualify. Corey Root said that's correct. Commissioner Richards asked if the 30% is just option 2. Corey Root said that was correct. She said the number of applications per month is almost double for people at 30% AMI and below. She said that is the bulk of the program. Commissioner Richards asked if it also includes people higher than 30%. Corey Root said yes if they are experiencing eviction proceedings or homelessness. Commissioner Greene said she is trying to get her head around where the money comes from. She said the bulk comes from the county and asked how much has come from Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Bonnie Hammersley said there has not seemed to be an interest from Chapel Hill to use ARPA funds for this. She said this is a county-administered program that benefits the full county. She said there has been no indication from Chapel Hill that they would consider this. Commissioner Fowler asked if the funds from Carrboro will lessen the county's burden or if those are already factored in. Corey Root said that is not factored here and apologized for the oversight. Commissioner Fowler asked if they would contribute and lessen the burden. Corey Root said yes and that it could only be for Carrboro residents. Commissioner Fowler said there used to be programs for all jurisdictions, but now it is consolidated, but Chapel Hill is not contributed financially. Bonnie Hammersley said they have not indicated they will contribute any of their ARPA money. Commissioner Fowler said these funds are available due to COVID. Bonnie Hammersley said there were many federal programs during COVID that are no longer available. She said there are jobs, but are not high paying, so even though people are employed, it does not mean they are getting enough money to pay for housing. Commissioner Hamilton thanked Corey Root for the report and said she appreciates the clear overall presentation of data. She said when making decisions on how to use funds and hearing what other jurisdictions are doing or not doing, she hopes that they would think about all the needs in the county and what is sustainable. She said she is concerned about sustainability of the program. She said she isn't getting a clear picture of who is asking for this money. She said the general statistics were helpful, but said the demographics of who is utilizing the program would help her understand more. Commissioner McKee asked if there were any formal discussions with Chapel Hill regarding their participation in this program or if it is a general sense. Bonnie Hammersley said Chapel Hill is aware of the cost of the program. She said they have done a different approach with their ARPA money based on public input and this item has not come up. The Town Manager shared their plan for the remaining ARPA money and this was not one of the items. Corey Root said she also asked the town housing directors. Commissioner McKee said the county's ARPA money could go to this for a couple years and then there would need to be other funding. 27 Bonnie Hammersley said yes. She said there does need to be a decision for the rest of the year within the next couple of weeks because they will be out of money by the new year. She said they knew going into this that it was not sustainable, but they were meeting the need of the residents during the pandemic and the need continues. She said this program has not even had a million in it prior to COVID. Commissioner McKee said he has no issue figuring out what to do with it for this year. He said that there is a limited amount of ARPA funds and when they are gone, they are gone. He said it will fall back on the county to find other avenues of funding the program. He said the applications are still climbing even though we are coming out of COVID, perhaps not due to the effects of it. He said it is concerning to him that Chapel Hill residents are representing around half of people receiving assistance, but Chapel Hill is not willing to provide funding. He said he does not want to put the county in a position on having to back away from the program at a future point. He said he would not want to back away from keeping people in their homes. Commissioner Richards said in 2019, everyone came together and did a consolidated program—before COVID. She asked what brought them together then. Corey Root said the program was confusing for residents and services providers for applications. Commissioner Richards asked what the funding was total for all programs in 2019. Bonnie Hammersley said the change was that it was moved to the county to administer. She said she is assuming there is an expectation that the county will cover the increased needs. Commissioner Richards asked if it is because it is being viewed as a safety net. Bonnie Hammersley said probably. She said it is something that Orange County would do. Commissioner Richards asked if Option 3, at some level, would be in line with what was available pre-COVID. Corey Root said it would be much more generous. Chair Price asked if Chapel Hill is going to do anything they were doing pre-COVID regarding housing. Corey Root said no. Commissioner Greene said that COVID has turned the world upside down. She said the need that was already there was made worse. She said that jobs that people can get are not enough to pay the rent. She said she would like to be able to fund Option 1, but can't support anything less than Option 2, because it at least reaches the 30% AMI. She said it is also only half of the remaining ARPA money. She said she is very frustrated with Chapel Hill, but the Board can't take it out on residents of the county. Chair Price asked if they would use ARPA money this year, what will happen next fiscal year. Bonnie Hammersley said for this year, the remaining ARPA funding would be around what is needed. Chair Price said she is concerned with folks that are historically struggling and those who are unable to transition to higher paid jobs. She asked if the jurisdictions are still working together on CDBG. She said she would still think they would want to share in this. Commissioner Bedford said she does not know what Chapel Hill is doing with their ARPA money, so she does not want to judge yet. She said during COVID, a lot of people left cities and came to Orange County, and that drove up rents. She said there are many other factors that drive up housing costs as well. She said this money is supposed to bridge assistance through the pandemic. She said she thinks the Board should move forward with Option 2, just in case other emergency projects need funds. She said the manager will have time to look during budget planning. Bonnie Hammersley said spending is keeping on track with other years at this time. She said they are looking for some one-time expenses related to foster care. 28 Commissioner Hamilton asked who contributed to the total amount that has been spent to date. Corey Root said the numbers are muddy because the county pays upfront and is reimbursed from the other jurisdictions. Commissioner Hamilton said it seems that Chapel Hill doesn't want to put up any additional money, but asked if these avenues through which they are already contributing will continue. Corey Root said what she hears is that Town staff thinks it is a great program, but they are wanting to focus money on affordable housing development. Bonnie Hammersley said this was the third year that the county has put in $4 million. She said the vast majority of the $13.7 million is county money. Commissioner Hamilton said she is leaning towards Option 3 because she is concerned about sustainability of the program. Commissioner Fowler asked if the county was using an ARPA money for this. Bonnie Hammersley said a total of $12 million of ARPA money has gone to the program over 3 years. Commissioner Fowler said that leads her to option 3 for sustainability reasons. Commissioner McKee said regardless of what they do, they are looking at a 2-4 cent permanent tax increase. He said it's disappointing to look at the fact that half of funding went to Chapel Hill residents and there is no urgency on the part of the Town board to step up and provide funding. He said option 2 is his preference but that he could also go with option 3. He said that he cannot see a way for option 1 to go forward. He said that option 2 will result in a 2 or 3 cent tax increase because they cannot back away from this. Commissioner Bedford said that she will propose that they do back away from it. Commissioner Richards asked if option 3 includes 30% AMI. Commissioner Greene said no. Commissioner Richards asked if that is the main difference between options 2 and 3. Chair Price asked if the towns and county staff are discussing how the development of affordable housing can interact with this program. Corey Root said there are weekly meetings between the staff. A motion was made by Commissioner Greene to proceed with option #2 for the Emergency Housing Assistance program in 2022-23. Commissioner Greene said she cannot vote for a program that cuts off the 30% and below right now. She said that it is reasonable to talk about this again during budget season. She said the stability point is critical for her, but if people with 30% AMI are left out it will exacerbate the homelessness issue. She said the Board can afford to do option 2 even if Chapel Hill is not stepping up. Commissioner McKee seconded Commissioner Greene's motion. Commissioner Hamilton asked what the 30% AMI inclusion means. She asked if they are under 30% and they are not having eviction, what would they be applying for. Corey Root said it is usually utility or rental arrears. She said option 2 is one month of rent going forward and now it is three months. Chair Price noted that people can reapply. Corey Root said that option 3 only includes people that are in eviction proceedings or experiencing homelessness. Chair Price said the program could be gradually tightened up but changing this to one month from three month will signal that people might need to find additional sources of assistance. 29 Commissioner Richards said this will get us to the end of the year. VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair Price, Vice Chair Bedford, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Richards); Nays, 2 (Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Hamilton) MOTION PASSES b. Schools Safety Task Force — Proposed Charge, Composition, and Timeline The Board discussed and determined the charge and composition for a Schools Safety Task Force, established a timeline for completion of the Task Force's work/report/recommendations to the Board of Commissioners, and appointed two (2) Commissioners to serve on the Task Force. BACKGROUND: The Board of Commissioners previously requested information on how the County may regulate protests or large gatherings in Orange County. At its October 3, 2022 Business meeting, the Board deferred consideration of an ordinance and determined it would form a Task Force to consider school safety. During the October 18, 2022 Business meeting, the Board had an initial discussion regarding the composition and charge for the Task Force. Commissioners Jean Hamilton and Earl McKee volunteered to draft a proposed charge for the Board's consideration. The Task Force charge will include but not necessarily be limited to: 1. Discuss ways in which the Orange County government, schools, law enforcement, and community can enhance the safety of the school environment to protect from external threats and promote the education of Orange County K-12 public school students; 2. Recommend to the Board of County Commissioners new or amended policies, ordinances, and/or practices that will address those external threats and provide a safer school environment for our students. Commissioners Hamilton and McKee also recommend that the Task Force meet a minimum of six times between January and June of 2023. The Board had also discussed adding students to the list of proposed members. As a result, two student representatives from each school district have been added to the proposed composition. The draft charge, composition, and timeline is provided as Attachment 1. Assuming the Board establishes an application process for public participation, the Clerk's Office will begin soliciting membership applications for a pool of applicants for the Board to review and make formal appointments. The County Manager's Office will secure a facilitator to guide the Task Force's efforts. Travis Myren gave the following PowerPoint presentation: 30 Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NC)RTH C kRC3LINA Schools Safety Task Force Board of Commissioners Business Meeting November 15, 2022 Slide #2 Purpose • Approve the charge,composition,and timeline of the Schools Safety Task Force • Authorize the County Manager's Office to secure a facilitator to guide the Task Forte's efforts using up to$10.000 from the Commissioners'Contingency line item • Appoint two(2)Commissioners to serve on the Task Force ORANGE COUNTY xattrr c eAi�cxi_iNn Slide #3 Charge • Discuss ways in which the Orange County government,schools,law enforcement,and community can enhance the safety of the school environment to protect from external threats and promote the educationof Orange County K-12 public school students; • Recommend to the Board of County Commissioners new or amended policies,ordinances, andfor practices that will address those external threats a nd provide a safer school environment for our students. ORANGE COUNTY 3 N40MIFF l CARCILJ NA 31 Slide #4 Composition 1 Resioent—Cftpoi HIII Carrboro04y S.ct,oW DlsIMi Appllcaban 2 Residerrt—CtSagaal Hill Carrboro CA Schoollaiefric# AW!ice6an 3 Raeidant—Orange tmzAy S 6D&District Application 4 Nsl"n't—Orang-0 County ScAao+G4airlct Application _ S Orange Crnmty RiwoisStudant SuperintendentAppointmeTA 6 Orange Coar;ty Sc^oa?sStudent Superintendent Ap ointmesK T Ch&P011 HIII Carrk:3res gY... ... ..-.- d�rTt ...3u"rinr4pr,du+tApp_ol_r&rH11t _ 9 Cho HIII CarmQ Iy So oc� 4ydent _ SUF. nnt*nd4intAppolntnw* 9 $oerd C4CWlE""::3nor3 R-o"00 ialwi L G i:Apppintrr O _ 10 'beard ofbonwnissmners RepTe�^iatwe BCC Appoiff.br"t 11 9_vardof_EducationReoresentai,a—CHCwS BoadofEducat*nAppQkIAMe_m_t MnC�11N!IW0@4�nce.LHCG:� SuporimlandanlAi3ppiMAA1M1[ 1$ Dowd of Educoban Ry{are&Pnfa+1+ro CC$ 13c,a.=1 Dr&'Jwcal";T aFl 14 Slaprriritandintardeagnw-DC� Z;upnrint8n don tApp41r1ti11111[ 15 Sheriff or Deeiljnea She•ff Aopa:r imm t 16 Caasbero Poise Gtkf cr.De E-gnee owr Apoa^imeet 17 C��*O HIIII?dIlc&Chl*}Orpasg• a 'atv Appo••tm4fA i$ Hill*k4ro h pollC hl oa DeSXgnsa '=w-Appc imo l ORANGE COUNTY Nr4fj 'rt t C':AROLINA Slide #5 imethe The Task Force will conduct its meetings between January and June of 2423, holding a minimum of six (6}meetings during Ina(timetrame- RACE COUNTY 5 Ikr4D 'rt L C':AROLINA 32 Slide #6 Manager's Recommendation • Approve the charge,composition.and timeline of the Schools Safety Task Force as detailed in Attachment* Authorize the County Manager's Office to securea fa c i I itator to guide the Task Fome'sefforts and approve the use of up to 5 10.000 from the Commissioners'Contingency line item to fund the facilitator; Appoint two(2)Carnrmssioners to serve on the Task Fore, RANGE COUNTY 5 Nr4D 'rl I CAR011_INA Chair Price thanked Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Hamilton for their work on the Charge. A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to approve the charge, composition, and timeline of the Schools Safety Task Force as detailed in Attachment 1. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to authorize the County Manager's Office to secure a facilitator to guide the Task Force's efforts and approve the use of up to $10,000 from the Commissioners' Contingency line item to fund the facilitator. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Bedford to appoint Commissioner McKee and Commissioner Hamilton to serve on the Task Force. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 7. Reports a. Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness — 2022 Data Update This item was postponed for consideration at the December 5, 2022 Business Meeting. 33 8. Consent Agenda • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board will correct and/or approve the draft minutes for the October 3, 2022 BOCC Meeting as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Refund for Overpayment of Excise Tax The Board will consider approval of a refund of overpayment of Excise Tax of$1,030 to the Love Law Firm. c. Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget Amendment#3 The Board will consider approval of budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for Fiscal Year 2022-23. d. North Carolina Governor's Hiqhway Safety Program —Orange County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Project and Approval of Budget Amendment#3-A The Board will consider: 1) Adopting a Resolution recognizing federal funding for traffic safety projects to the Sheriff's Office; 2) Authorizing the Chair to sign the Resolution; and 3) Approving Budget Amendment#3-A accepting the $25,000 from federal grant funds. e. Proposed Amendments — Commission for the Environment Board-Specific Policy and Procedures The Board will consider approving amendments to the Commission for the Environment board- specific Policy and Procedures document. f. Amendment to the Persimmon Hill Farm (Bennett/Pelissier) Conservation Easement The Board will consider a resolution approving an amendment to a conservation easement held by Orange County for property owned by Vann Bennett and Bernadette Pelissier (known as Persimmon Hill Farm). g. Resolution Re-Naming the Whitted Meetinq Room to the Donna S. Baker Meeting Room The Board will consider adopting a resolution re-naming the Whitted Meeting Room after Donna S. Baker, former Clerk to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. h. End Point Protection — Managed Detection Response CrowdStrike Contract The Board will consider approving and authorizing the Manager to sign a contract with CDW and CrowdStrike in the amount of $112,965 to monitor 1,500 devices, e.g., computers and servers, replacing the currently deployed Carbon Black endpoint protection with CrowdStrike end point protection and additionally adding a vendor initiated managed detection system. i. Approval of the Assistance Policy and the Procurement and Disbursement Policy for the 2022 North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) Urgent Repair Program U( RP22) The Board will consider authorizing the County Manager to sign the updated URP22 Assistance Policy, and the Procurement and Disbursement Policy (no revisions from previous approved Policy). 34 9. County Manager's Report Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the information items for the Board's attention. She said there have been more LHA applications this year than last year, and a higher rate are expected during the last two weeks of November. Commissioner Richards said she said she likes the formula of keeping the $100 minimum and asked if that is sufficient. Bonnie Hammersley said regardless of how many applicants there are everyone will get something, with a minimum of$100. Commissioner Bedford said it will take several years of the program to get the numbers right, so this will be revisited during budget. Bonnie Hammersley noted that this is Chair Price's last meeting as Chair and said it had been an honor to work with her and she wished her well. 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts said his staff have been working on some adjustments to the Code of Ordinances. He said this will likely be brought to a first reading in January and he recommends a second reading. He also congratulated Chair Price on winning her election for higher office. 11. *Appointments None. 12. Information Items • Memorandum - Financial Report- First Quarter FY 2022-23 • Longtime Homeowner Assistance (LHA) Property Tax Program Prioritization 13. Closed Session None. 14. Adjournment Chair Price reminded the Board that the next meeting is on Monday, December 5rn A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to adjourn the meeting at 9:11 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Renee Price, Chair Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.