HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 11-14-23; 8-a - Minutes 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: November 14, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-a
SUBJECT: Minutes
DEPARTMENT: Board of County Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Draft Minutes (Under Separate Cover) Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board, 919-
245-2130
PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the draft minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board
as listed below.
BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board
has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's
proceedings.
Attachment 1: October 3, 2023 Business Meeting
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: There is no Orange County Social Justice Goal impact associated
with this item.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board approve minutes as
presented or as amended.
Attachment 1
1
1 DRAFT MINUTES
2 ORANGE COUNTY
3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
4 BUSINESS MEETING
5 October 3, 2023
6 7:00 p.m.
7
8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, October
9 3, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC.
10
11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair McKee and
12 Commissioners Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Jean Hamilton, Phyllis Portie-Ascott, and
13 Commissioner Richards
14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: NONE
15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Bonnie Hammersley, Deputy County Manager
17 Travis Myren, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified
18 appropriately below)
19
20 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present.
21
22 Chair Bedford invited Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, to recognize boards and
23 commissions volunteers in attendance.
24 Tara May thanked volunteers for their contributions to Orange County and invited them
25 forward to take a photo with the Board.
26 Board members expressed their appreciation to volunteers for their service on boards and
27 commissions.
28
29 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
30 Chair Bedford dispensed with reading the public charge.
31
32 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
33 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
34 Mary Bratsch-Hines spoke on the proposed Orange Grove Rd.waste and recycling facility.
35 She again extended an offer to Commissioners to tour the proposed site with her and/or other
36 neighbors to the property. She said through a public records request, she learned that the Solid
37 Waste Management Department and OWASA have been in discussions for 18 months on the
38 proposed site. She said she and other neighboring residents only learned about the plan 2 months
39 ago. She said she understands this process may be lengthy but doesn't understand why the public
40 wasn't included in the decision-making process earlier. She said the neighborhood information
41 meetings hosted by Solid Waste Management brought out 85 and 110 people who are all opposed
42 to the site. She said little to no data was provided on the existing sites related to why they need
43 to close, and no public documentation was provided on the process for choosing the site. She
44 said she subsequently learned that Solid Waste Management had already identified 3 sites, all
45 owned by OWASA and all located on the same stretch of Highway 54, without community input
46 by the time they contracted with an outside consultant in March 2022. She said since August, she
47 said over 100 neighbors within 2000 ft. of the proposed site have signed a letter to OWASA, and
48 over 750 people have signed an online or paper petition against the proposed site. She said the
49 issues the community has raised are irreconcilable and a new site must be selected. She said
50 instead of understanding these issues 18 months ago, county staff have engaged in hours of paid
51 work and the contract for the outside consultant was $18,000 and this was not a good use of
2
1 taxpayer funds. She said residents deserve to see the same information as decision-makers and
2 to be part of the process. Instead, she said residents are on the defensive and fighting for their
3 homes and families' health and safety. She said she and other residents would prefer to be on
4 the offensive and on the side of Solid Waste Management in understanding the need for a new
5 consolidated site and to have been part of the governmental process.
6 Mary Lawrence said her property is adjacent to the proposed site for solid waste
7 convenience center. She said the center would be located on 7.7 acres carved from the northeast
8 corner of a 56-acre plot owned by OWASA. She said about 30 acres is currently wooded, and the
9 rest is open and used for land application of biosolids. She said the proposed site already bears
10 the environmental burden of biosolids from OWASA and the surrounding community has already
11 absorbed the numerous risks associated with this practice and a solid waste convenience center
12 would add additional burden. She said to build the center would require removing hardwood trees
13 that stand between the site and neighboring properties, which neighbors need to absorb the water
14 runoff from the biosolids site and filters wells. She said a representative from the engineering firm
15 involved in the project said he could give no guarantees that contaminants from the site would
16 not infiltrate the neighbors' wells, which means the center could double the risk of well
17 contamination. She said the proposal is lose-lose for 70 homes and asked the Board to withdraw
18 support for the project.
19 Joshua Setzer said an NC-54 corridor study was presented at the last meeting, and there
20 were findings shared that are relevant to the solid waste facility issue. He said Highway 54 is well
21 beyond its carrying capacity resulting in congestion and accidents. He said solutions will take
22 years and, in the meantime, the population will continue to grow, and it will get worse on Highway
23 54 before it gets better. He said despite this, Solid Waste Management has proposed
24 consolidating two convenience center sites into one at the corner of Orange Grove Rd. and
25 Highway 54, which would make even more people have to use Highway 54. He referenced the
26 census block data presented by Nishith Trivedi at the last meeting which showed that there is a
27 community of concern along Orange Grove Rd. that meets three environmental justice thresholds.
28 He said this section of Southwestern Orange County at the junction of Orange Grove Rd. and
29 Highway 54 is already overburdened by traffic and underserved by roads and is burned by waste
30 byproduct from the biosolid treatment program which is now known to contain PFAS and is under
31 EPA study. He said the proposed waste and recycling center would bring more traffic and potential
32 contamination. He urged the Board to ask Solid Waste to look for other sites.
33
34 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
35 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.)
36
37 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
38 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she attended the ribbon cutting for Innovate Carolina
39 Junction on September 271h. She said she appreciated that there was a moment to acknowledge
40 the women who worked at that location and made their living selling flowers and a carnation was
41 provided to all who entered. She said the Junction is a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship
42 at UNC Chapel Hill. She said she also attended the Local Government Housing Collaborative
43 meeting. She said the group has put a pause on the RFP because the previously identified funds
44 can't be used for county-wide housing plan, only for a plan focused on the four priority populations.
45 Commissioner Richards did not have any announcements.
46 Vice-Chair McKee said there is a lot of activity along the roads in northern Orange County.
47 He explained that this is a result of the broadband initiative the Board started two years ago, and
48 multiple crews are hard at work laying conduit. He said the plan is for this work to be done by the
49 end of 2024.
50 Chair Bedford thanked Vice-Chair McKee and Commissioner Greene for serving on the
51 Broadband Task Force, which led to the work Vice-Chair McKee mentioned. She said she and
3
1 Commissioner Hamilton attended a presentation by Chapel Hill Planning staff on September 28th
2 regarding potentially changing the WASMPBA boundary. She said that issue will be with the
3 Chapel Hill Town Council.
4 Commissioner Hamilton said a report from the consultant working on the capital needs of
5 schools was given at the Capital Needs Work Group on September 20th, and the Board's joint
6 meeting with the School Boards on September 26th. She said the report included the condition of
7 all the schools in Orange County as well as how to prioritize the different needs both for the
8 condition of the facilities as well as educational adequacy. She said it was a lot of information and
9 she's happy we've reached this step as a county. She said she wants people to notice and pay
10 attention and review the report because there will be a lot of decisions that have to be made. She
11 said she attended the Chamber of Commerce meeting this morning and there was a forum for
12 candidates in Orange County. She said she will also attend the Alliance Health board meeting on
13 Thursday.
14 Commissioner Fowler said she also attended the candidate forum breakfast today and
15 enjoyed hearing ideas from candidates. She said she has not yet been to the Innovation Junction,
16 but B3 has a pop-up coffee shop there, which is a company that employs people with and without
17 disabilities.
18 Commissioner Greene said she attended the GoTriangle meeting on Wednesday and the
19 board adopted some fourth quarter amendments to the Orange Transit Plan and elected new
20 officers. She said the new Chair is Brenda Howerton, Chair of the Durham County Board of
21 Commissioners, Vice-Chair is Mary-Ann Baldwin, Mayor of the City of Raleigh, Vivian Jones,
22 Mayor of Wake Forest, is Treasurer, and she announced that she will serve as the board's
23 Secretary.
24
25 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
26
27 a. National 4-H Week Proclamation
28 The Board approved a proclamation recognizing October 1-7, 2023, as National 4-H Week in
29 Orange County.
30
31 BACKGROUND: National 4-H Week is October 1-7, 2023, and is promoted by both the National
32 4-H Council and North Carolina 4-H and celebrated in states and counties from coast to coast.
33 The overall goals of National 4-H Week are to promote the ways in which 4-H serves families and
34 youth in grades kindergarten through twelfth, and to promote the 4-H "learn by doing" experiential
35 learning model that sparks youth interest in future careers, leadership, and community service.
36 Orange County boasts eight community-based clubs from Cedar Grove to Carrboro and continues
37 to grow to meet the needs of Orange County residents.
38
39 Orange County Cooperative Extension, a partnership between Orange County Government,
40 North Carolina State University, and North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University,
41 continues to promote 4-H Youth Development as the premier vehicle for inspiring youth interest
42 in the fields of science, technology, engineering, agriculture, arts, mathematics, and more.
43 Orange County 4-H offers a wide variety of programming across the County, employing the
44 following modes of delivery: day and residential camps, school enrichment, afterschool
45 programming, and community-based clubs. Considerable research has been published to
46 highlight the role 4-H plays in helping youth thrive as participants and throughout life. Samples
47 of that research include:
48 Arnold, M. E. & Gagnon, R. J. (2019). Illuminating the process of youth development: The
49 mediating effect of thriving on youth development program outcomes. Journal of Human
50 Sciences and Extension, 7(3), 24-51.
4
1 • Noble, R., Hall, K., Hensley, S., & Arnold, M.E. (2021). Aligning 4-H youth development
2 frameworks with the 4-H Thriving Model. Available at: https://helping-youth-
3 thrive.extension.org/.
4 • National 4-H Council. (2023, January 1). What is 4-H?. 4-H. https://4-h.orq/about/.
5 • Search Institute (2014b). The developmental relationships framework. Minneapolis, MN:
6 Author.
7
8 The Strategic Vision for 4-H, as outlined in the National 4-H Council Strategic Plan 4-H Youth
9 Development A 2025 Vision is by 2025, states 'A-H will reflect the population demographics,
10 vulnerable populations, diverse needs and social conditions of the country. This vision has the
11 elements of inclusion, caring adults, serving at minimum 1 in 5 youth, and the volunteers and staff
12 reflect the diversity of the population."
13
14 Jonathon Smith, County Extension Director, said there are 270 4-H members across the
15 county and 43 active volunteers that help support the program and members. He said that five of
16 the six total county council officers are present tonight, and all but one of them are students from
17 the Chapel Hill area. He said he is excited to see 4-H expanding to urban communities in this
18 way, while remaining well-known in rural areas as well. Jonathon Smith introduced Gabi Taylor,
19 Lilly Kohout, Anastasia Smith, Navya Sharma and Natiya Sharma.
20 Anastasia Smith said she is the president of the county 4-H council and shared all of the
21 reasons 4-H is important to her.
22 Lilly Kohout said she is a senior at Chapel Hill High School and is the vice-president of the
23 county's 4-H council. She talked about the many opportunities 4-H has offered her.
24 Nitya Sharma said has been in 4-H for two years. She shared what she has experienced
25 in 4-H and how it has impacted her.
26
27 Commissioner Fowler read the following proclamation:
28
29 NATIONAL 4-H WEEK PROCLAMATION
30
31 WHEREAS, 4-H youth across the nation are leading efforts to solve problems in their
32 communities and make a difference for their futures; and
33
34 WHEREAS, 4-H is the largest youth development organization in North Carolina and the largest
35 in the nation with nearly six million participants; and
36
37 WHEREAS, in 2022, 4-H in North Carolina provided 20,787 educational activities impacting
38 188,425 youth; and
39
40 WHEREAS, Orange County's 4-H program numbers more than 260 members and more than 40
41 volunteers engaged in camps, school enrichment, afterschool programs, and eight community
42 clubs; and
43
44 WHEREAS, 4-H, as part of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service of NC State
45 University and NC A&T State University, is a program where youth are engaged in experiential
46 learning opportunities in 4-H's mission mandates of science, engineering, technology, healthy
47 living, and citizenship; and
48
49 WHEREAS, 4-H has connected youth and their communities with the innovative research and
50 resources from our nation's 112 land-grant universities and colleges for more than 120 years;
5
1
2 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim
3 October 1-7, 2023, as National 4-H Week in Orange County, and urge the people of this County
4 to take advantage of the opportunity to become more aware of this research-based program that
5 enhances our young people's interests in their futures as part of Orange County 4-H Youth
6 Development and to join us in recognizing this unique partnership between our County and the
7 University of North Carolina System.
8
9 Adopted this 3rd day of October, 2023.
10
11
12 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
13 Orange County Board of Commissioners
14
15 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton to
16 approve this proclamation.
17
18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
19
20 Vice-Chair McKee said he remembers his experience as a 4-H member and shared the
21 impact it had on his life. He said he would not be surprised to see all the members present tonight
22 in his seat or in other seats of influence in the future.
23
24 b. National Register Recommendation for Ridge Road School
25 The Board endorsed the Historic Preservation Commission's recommendation to ask the State
26 Historic Preservation Office to list Ridge Road School in the National Register of Historic Places.
27
28 BACKGROUND: The historic Ridge Road School is being nominated to the National Register
29 for its significance as one of the best-preserved historic two-room Black schoolhouses in Orange
30 County, built in the 1930s and used until the 1950s. The federal process for listing a property in
31 the National Register of Historic Places includes a provision giving the BOCC the opportunity to
32 offer a recommendation for or against the listing of historic properties within its jurisdiction. The
33 HPC fully supports the nomination of the Ridge Road School to the National Register.As required,
34 the HPC held a public hearing and received public comment regarding this proposed National
35 Register listing at its regular meeting on September 27, 2023. The HPC subsequently
36 recommended the proposed designation for approval (Attachment 3).
37
38 DEAPR contracted with a consultant to prepare this National Register Report to promote this
39 official recognition for properties of special historical, architectural or cultural significance to
40 Orange County. This is an ongoing HPC program to protect and preserve historic resources.
41 Funding was provided through the County's Lands Legacy Program, which includes as one of its
42 priorities the protection of"lands of historic, cultural, or archaeological significance."
43
44 The National Register is an honorary designation that carries no local regulatory burden, but does
45 provide a federal and state process for protection in the case of projects receiving federal or state
46 funding, or projects that require some form of federal or state permit or license.
47
48 The attached National Register report provides a detailed architectural description, followed by a
49 statement of the school's significance and historical context about Black schools in Orange
50 County, along with a detailed history of the school (Attachment 1).
6
1 Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator, reviewed the background information
2 for the item and made the following presentation:
3
4 Slide #1
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National Register Approval for the Ridge Road Schoo
5
6 Peter Sandbeck said this is the side of the schoolhouse that faces the road.
7
8 Slide #2
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7
1 Peter Sandbeck said slide #2 shows a picture of the side of the schoolhouse with the
2 entrance. He said it was built in 1932 to replace an outdated school building and community
3 members donated lumber milled and sewn by a local contractor to build it. He said this was a
4 respected institution until it closed in the 1950s. He said it stands on land owned by farmer Walter
5 and Maggie Torian. He said many of their descendants are in the area today and are dedicated
6 to the Jones Grove Baptist Church, which acquired the school after it closed.
7
8 Slide #3
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10 Peter Sandbeck said Alethia Burt (pictured in slide #3) and Ruth Torian taught grades 1-
11 7 during the time the school was open and were an integral part of the community. He shared a
12 bit of background information on both teachers and highlighted the impact they had on students
13 during this difficult period of time in the county's educational history.
14
15
8
1 Slide #4
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3 Peter Sandbeck said this picture was published in the News of Orange in 1951 extolling
4 the wonderful things happening in the small two-room Black schools at the time.
5
6 Slide #5
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8 Peter Sandbeck recognized the congregation members of Jones Grove Baptist Church
9 in attendance and invited them to make comments.
9
1 Tremaine Royster, pastor of Jones Grove Missionary Baptist Church, thanked the Board
2 for taking the time to remember this school. He shared how important the Ridge Road School is
3 as a representation of the community's legacy.
4 Peter Sandbeck discussed the work of Representative Renee Price through Free Spirit
5 Freedom.
6 Vice-Chair McKee asked if there are any plans to further restore the building.
7 Peter Sandbeck said yes, and designation on the National Register of Historic Places will
8 allow the opportunity to seek funding sources. He said he will keep the Board updated on the
9 progress.
10 Vice-Chair McKee said he will likely bring forward a petition to provide county funding
11 toward this effort.
12
13 PUBLIC COMMENTS:
14 Louis Watkins said he was born and raised in Hillsborough on the same road as the
15 school. He said he went to Ridge Road School starting in 1942 with 4 of his 9 siblings and really
16 enjoyed going there. He said he went as far as the fourth grade. He shared memories of his time
17 at school and walking 2.5 miles there each day.
18 Representative Renee Price said she first learned of the school over 10 years ago and
19 she and Jackie Liggins went throughout the county to document the schools that were built for
20 African American children during the era of segregation. She said there are 29 of these schools
21 in Orange County. She explained the steps and conversations leading to her learning the name
22 of Ridge Road School. She said she had a conversation with Melvin Beasley and he has similar
23 stories to Mr. Watkins about bringing wood to burn for warmth, carrying water from the well, and
24 using text books passed down from the white schools. She said Mr. Beasley was very humble
25 and was the first African American to serve on the Orange County Board of Elections. She said
26 this school stands as a testament to the determination of the students, parents, and the
27 community to ensure a good education for everyone and recognizing that knowledge and
28 education is a pathway to freedom. She said most other school buildings like this have fallen into
29 disrepair or were converted to a residence or storage, but Ridge Road is the one in the best
30 shape. She said saving this building will serve as an example and will continue to tell the full story
31 of Orange County. She asked the Board to support the recommendation.
32
33 Commissioner Greene thanked everyone for their work on this. She said she drove by the
34 school today and the pictures are great, but walking around the school is even better. She said it
35 is sad this is the best-preserved building because it is frankly not in great shape and is glad to
36 hear that the designation will help with fundraising for restoration. She said this recommendation
37 is very comprehensive and appreciates the detailing of the deep history of school systems in
38 Orange County. She said she very much supports this application.
39 Commissioner Hamilton said there are many difficult decisions to make as a county
40 commissioner, but this one is easy. She thanked everyone involved for their efforts in bringing
41 this forward. She said her grandparents were teachers and ministers in rural Georgia and
42 imagines her grandmother may have taught in a school like this. She said it is important history.
43 Vice-Chair McKee said he remembers a similar school in Caldwell when he was growing
44 up and is now, sadly, only the stones of the foundation.
45 Commissioner Richards said she finds this especially important today as so many people
46 are trying not to acknowledge our history. She said it is important to save places that are tangible
47 and to have memory of our history. She said it is urgent to save it while it's still able to be saved,
48 and hopefully will be able to use the school as a teaching tool about the county's true history. She
49 said her mother attended a one-room schoolhouse in rural Mississippi in the 1920s and expressed
50 again the importance of preserving Ridge Road School.
10
1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott thanked the Jones Grove Church congregation for being
2 committed to elevating history through this project.
3 Commissioner Fowler echoed other comments and said she appreciated reading about
4 the school's history and the effort that went into this.
5 Chair Bedford said she agrees with comments from other commissioners and appreciates
6 the level of detail in the recommendation. She agreed this is an easy decision.
7
8 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
9 endorse the National Register Nomination of the Ridge Road School and authorize the Chair to
10 sign the Elected Official Comment Letter to indicate the Board's recommendation for listing in the
11 National Register.
12
13 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
14
15 5. Public Hearings
16 None.
17
18 6. Regular Agenda
19 a. Renewal of Management Services Agreement for the Piedmont Food Processing Center
20 The Board renewed a two-year Management Services Agreement for Piedmont Food Processing
21 Center.
22
23 BACKGROUND: In 2011, Orange County was one of four county government partners that
24 helped to establish the Piedmont Food and Agriculture Processing Center (PFPC). The Center
25 has changed names, staff and leadership, and scope of services in the past 12 years. The County
26 owns and maintains the facility in which Piedmont Food Processing Center (PFPC) operates
27 shared kitchen spaces and provides food business incubator services.
28
29 The County entered into the first management services agreement with PFPC in 2021. At that
30 time, Board members requested additional information regarding who is using the facility and the
31 stage of development for those clients. This information is provided as part of the attached
32 "Frequently Asked Questions" document.
33
34 The proposed management services agreement does not modify any of the provisions of the
35 current agreement. It continues to define responsibilities for building usage and maintenance,
36 financial reporting, and all other relevant needs related to operating PFPC services in a County
37 owned facility. The renewal would extend the term of the agreement for two (2) years.
38
39 Travis Myren made the following presentation:
40
41
11
1 Slide #1
Agenda Item 6-a
ORANGE COUNTY
NCjRTH +CAR )LINA
Piedmont Food Processing Center
Management Services Agreement
Board of Commissioners Business Meeting
October 3, 2023
2
3
4 Slide #2
Purpose
Consider renewal of a management services agreement with the Piedmont Food Processing
Center to continue operations at the County owned property at 500 Valley Forge Road in
Hillsborough
GRANGE COUNTY
2 NC3RJ-1-I[:ARC].L[WA.
5
6
12
1 Slide #3
Background
• PFPC operates as an incubator, accelerator,and shared kitchen/co-working space
• county owns the land,the facility,and fixed equipment
— Land and building is valued at$955,100
Original lease was approved in 2012
— Rent was scaled to reach$26,000 by September 2016
• Rent was waived by the Board of Commissioners starting in July of 2016
• Lease was converted into a Management Services Agreement in 2421 for a terra of two years
ORANGE COUNTY
.> NIDF I-H C/CRfJEiNA
2
3
4 Slide #4
Background
* Frequently Asked Questions IFAQ�prepared by PFPC and included in Board packet addresses
— Clients arid teriure
— Services provided
— Capacity
— Work with local farmers
— Funding
— Economic impact
• Board packet also includes profit and loss statement and balance sheet prepared by PFPC
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NUICTH CA-RCM-11-4A
5
13
1 Slide #5
Proposed Renewal
• Proposed renewal for two additional years to October 2025
PFPC obligations are maintained
— PFPC is granted access to the facility and equipment to enable local food and agricultural entrepreneurship
— PFPC manages the facility and relationships with users
— PFPC sets user fees
— PFPC obligated to work with Economic Development,Chamber of Commerce to market the facility
— PFPCobllgated to submit annual balance sheet,profit and loss statement,and cash flow statementto
demonstrate financial stability and performance
— PFPC maintains and repairs some equipment related to kitchen operations
• County obligations also maintained
— General facility maintenance
— Capital improvements
ORANGE COUNTY
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2
3
4 Slide #6
Counter Capital improvements
Debt service for capital improvements paid using Article 46 sales tax revenue
Ten-year capital improvement history—total $1.8 million authorized
• Recent investments included in the $1.8 million total
— $185,00o to install pre-cast interceptorfor grease add a drive over drain for food trucks and other
improvements to comply with town and environmental health regulations,and an emergency generator to
provide consistent cooling capability during a power interruption.
— $115,404 to install exterior signage,paint the interior and exterior, update the existing epoxy flooring,and
improve the exterior lighting.
— $144,404 to install roofing system over the exterior freezers
— $242,404 to design and replace the existing heating,ventilation and air conditioning units
— $19,019 to replace the exterior windows
ORANGE COUNTY
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5
6
7
8
14
1 Slide #7
Tax 'Value and Market Comparisons
Land and facility valued at$965,100
• Value of property tax exemption
— Orange County-$8,061.48
— Orange Rural Fire-$1,012.39
• PFPC pays business personal property tax on equipment valued at$67,470
— Orange County-$563,58
— Orange Rural Fire-$70.78
• County sales tax on PFPC cllent products earned based on point of delivery
• Local commercial realtorestimated market rent between X12 and X18 per square foot
— Total market rent between$124,800 and $187,200 annually
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NC3fCI-H C_MZC7LIMA
2
3 Travis Myren said there was another question from the Board that staff is working to gather
4 information on. He said the range is large because of the uniqueness of the facility.
5
6 Slide #8
Recommendation
• Approve and authorize the Chair to sign a renewal of the management services agreement
with the Piedmont Food Processing Center to continue operations at the County owned
property at 5010 Malley Forge Road in Hillsborough for two years.
ORANGE COUNTY
B hfC]It-I-FI C1t.RC]LL hIA.
7
8 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there was money set aside for emergency repairs.
9 Travis Myren said no and that would require a budget amendment.
15
1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if a budget amendment has ever been required over
2 the years.
3 Travis Myren said this has not happened before.
4 Commissioner Fowler said it would be helpful to have a work session on this. She said
5 that she has a lot of the same questions that she had two years ago. She asked the percentage
6 of viable businesses that exit the facility and then locate in Orange County. She asked why
7 Durham has representation on the board when the county is no longer contributing. She said she
8 is curious about the structure. She said one of the reasons it is not a non-profit is because this is
9 not a depressed area, but the website lists it as a non-profit. She said she is curious about why
10 Orange County is subsidizing this and has heard that other areas are doing this, but she would
11 like to know what percentage are subsidized by counties. She said she would like to know if there
12 are more subsidies in more rural areas. She said that she would like to know if they can require
13 that a percentage of orange Couty businesses are the ones being helped. She said she is still
14 trying to figure out why they are subsidizing for people all over the state. She said she is not
15 saying she is against this but looking to increase the benefits to Orange County. She said she
16 wants to know if there is a waitlist for people to use the facility.
17 Commissioner Greene said they are not a 501 c(3) non-profit but they are technically called
18 a non-profit in NC, they are not exempt from taxes in North Carolina.
19 Sue Ellsworth said they have to balance each kitchen and the capacity of each kitchen.
20 She said the full catering kitchen and production equipment get a lot of use. She said that there
21 is a waiting list for some kitchens, but others have none. She said the dry fill product kitchens
22 have less of a wait.
23 Commissioner Fowler asked if priority is given to Orange County residents for the waitlist.
24 Sue Ellsworth said they always give priority to Orange County residents. She said even
25 when they felt they were at capacity they always made an effort to fit in Orange County residents.
26 Eric Hallman said they get about 12 inquiries a week, and some are ready to start
27 immediately. He said they balance what is available with when they can start.
28 Commissioner Richards asked if a user forms their business there, are they an Orange
29 County business.
30 Eric Hallman said they have to register their production address as the facility and that
31 would mean their production address is Orange County.
32 Commissioner Richards said that is what she thought. She said they would be considered
33 Orange County businesses while they are there, but not once they graduate from the facility.
34 Chair Bedford said they have their corporate registration address and their production
35 address.
36 Commissioner Richards asked if they would have two registered addresses. She said she
37 is trying to understand the relationship between where people live that use the facility. She said it
38 would be an Orange County manufacturing business but once they are out, they would be based
39 on their own addresses.
40 Eric Hallman said they would use their corporate address and that would usually be their
41 home. He said Orange County does not have a lot of ability to keep companies local, and
42 companies usually go out of state. He said they have completed a study of how to keep the studies
43 local with the Kenan Institute.
44 Sue Ellsworth said they talk a lot about the numbers but she wanted to take a moment
45 and make sure the people are discussed too. She said there are people behind the brands of
46 each one of the products created by the businesses. She reviewed some of the products gifted
47 to the Board members and spoke on the hard work of each of the business owners. She said she
48 works closely with the people that make the products and work on their businesses.
49 Vice-Chair McKee asked if PFPC is still serving as a center for food trucks.
50 Sue Ellsworth said yes, and she thinks there are about 15 now. She encouraged a visit to
51 the facility.
16
1 Commissioner Greene applauded Sue Ellsworth for creating the non-profit called We
2 Power Food. She said that it is a great place for women to start and continue their businesses.
3 Sue Ellsworth said it is a nonprofit that works on developing and providing resources to
4 women food entrepreneurs. She said it helps them get the correct information from the start. She
5 said this helped bridge the gap in communication between business owners and regulatory
6 agencies.
7 Commissioner Hamilton asked how many board members there are and who is on the
8 board.
9 Eric Hallman said two commissioners, one from Durham Couty and one from Orange
10 County, and there are five board members. He said there is a need to expand the board.
11 Commissioner Hamilton asked if there is a thought of how many to expand to.
12 Eric Hallman said that they need to figure out what the BOCC wants the organization to
13 be and from there they can get the right skill set.
14 Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to see a breakout for profit and loss.
15 Eric Hallman said he can provide that.
16 Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to know the fixed equipment and value of it.
17 Eric Hallman said there are two steam kettles, a skillet, two double decker ovens, a bread
18 proofer, a liquid nitrogen blast freezer and a hydraulic juice press, and a dishwasher. He said that
19 most of the equipment has fully depreciated and the replacement value is significant. He said the
20 equipment lasts a long time and most of the equipment was purchased with grants.
21 Commissioner Hamilton asked if they continue to get grants.
22 Eric Hallman said they continue to apply but they have not applied for new equipment
23 because they do not have the resources to deploy that. He said they would love to expand their
24 services, particularly for dry fill services, and that would require new equipment.
25 Commissioner Hamilton asked how charges are determined.
26 Eric Hallman said the hourly rates are market rate from mission driven kitchens. He said
27 they are in a network of incubator kitchens. He said there are 38 kitchens across the state that
28 meet and share ideas. He said that $28 an hour is the going rate and that is what they charge.
29 Sue Ellsworth said they also charge for storage so that's additional revenue.
30 Chair Bedford said her concern is on accountability and board governance and asked how
31 many board meetings were held and how many met quorum.
32 Eric Hallman said there were two last year with quorum, and one this year with quorum.
33 Chair Bedford said this is a concern for her because it doesn't follow their bylaws. She
34 said that is not good board governance. She said that they should provide high level of
35 management oversight and review the financial statements. She said that her experience at the
36 time was that management changed the fee structure and then informed the board afterwards.
37 She asked if the board conducts an evaluation for them. She asked if there was a job description.
38 She asked if they get retirement or health insurance. She asked if they get paid vacation.
39 Sue Ellsworth said she gets long-term and short-term disability, paid vacation, and they
40 investigated bringing insurance in, but it is not affordable for a company their size. She said she
41 uses the marketplace to get insurance.
42 Chair Bedford said one of her issues is that they do not have similar benefits to county
43 employees, and it is not fair. She said they work very long hours, and they are dedicated and
44 great employees. She said that her criticism of the Board is not about the employees. She said it
45 was a surprise to her when the board minutes were refused. She said she thinks the BOCC should
46 extend the contract for a year.
47 Eric Hallman said this started as a four-county collaborative in 2010. He said this was
48 Durham, Alamance, Chatham, and Orange. He said that in 2011 their doors were opened. He
49 said that it was funded at $1.3 million from various state, federal, and private funds. He said that
50 Congressman Price was instrumental in this, and it paid for the building renovation and the
51 equipment. He said in 2012, former County Manager Frank Clifton said they did not want anything
17
1 further to do with it and it became a non-profit. He said that in 2015 there was a shutdown looming.
2 He said that he walked into Barry Jacobs' office, and he started as the interim director with a
3 deferred salary. He said he started with their financials and because they were behind, the non-
4 profit was dissolved. He said that when Orange County filed,they filed with the wrong box checked
5 and there was no way they could get reinstated for non-profit. He said that they started a new
6 entity in January 2018 and started the process to become their own non-profit. He said that with
7 research, they determined that the IRS was not providing that status for businesses like this. He
8 said that they operate as a non-profit, with no owners, but that is what they were told is ok. He
9 said they are a NC non-profit but file federal taxes as a C-Corporation. He said they are still unsure
10 about their relationship with Orange County, and they need to figure that out.
11 Commissioner Fowler asked if it would be possible to coordinate with Durham Tech on
12 culinary classes.
13 Sue Ellsworth said it would be hard with the way the kitchens are set up and because of
14 the regulations.
15 Commissioner Greene said she is trying to understand the non-profit issue. She said they
16 board operates like a non-profit, but they are not filing as a 501c(3). She asked if they are not a
17 non-profit because they recognize that the groups they are helping do not fall into the category
18 for non-profit.
19 Eric Hallman said yes.
20 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that 80-85 businesses have used the facility this year
21 and asked how the number has changed over the last 3-5 years.
22 Eric Hallman said they have 60 current clients at a time and that demand has not
23 decreased.
24 Commissioner Richards said if any board members haven't gone, they should go. She
25 said she applauds the creativity, the work, and the encouragement for small businesses. She said
26 she is very supportive. She said that if there are things the Board is uncomfortable with, they
27 should be direct about addressing those things, but she believes this is an asset for Orange
28 County and wants to figure out how best to support it.
29 Commissioner Hamilton said she has not been to the facility yet. She said that reading
30 through the information and understanding the history, the amount of subsidy that Orange County
31 is giving, she has to ask herself what other uses could benefit from the use of the money. She
32 said it is not clear to her what the alternatives are or the direct benefits to the residents of Orange
33 County. She said she feels this is something where she would like more time to see the benefit
34 of having this facility. She said she is in favor of a shorter agreement while doing the work to reach
35 an agreement for a longer term.
36 Chair Bedford said BOCC provides capital support for only two outside agencies. She said
37 the other is a program that serves disabled adults. She said this kitchen serves for-profit
38 businesses. She said that she is concerned about duplication of services. She said that there is
39 a need for additional financial analysis. She said she is not in favor of selling this. She said there
40 should be support and the employees should be paid properly. She said that this feels like d6ja
41 vu from two years ago. She said that this contract saves this program from a runaway board. She
42 said it is really important that they need to consider restructuring. She said that 7 or 8 farmers are
43 using the facility. She said that she has requested the full financials, and they can understand the
44 operations themselves. She said they should require the sharing of minutes. She said that she
45 questions why Orange County taxpayers should subsidize for-profit businesses in general, but
46 especially those that are from outside of Orange County. She said she wants to extend the
47 contract for one year and task the Manager to create a list of the items. She read a list that will be
48 provided to the manager of things she would like to know. She said a consultant may need to be
49 brought in. She said she needs a full financial analysis with market rents, maintenance costs, and
50 long-term future. She said this needs to bring in the overall economic benefits and costs to the
51 county and the region. She said she would like to know what the farmers need and would like a
18
1 recommendation on how to support them. She said she would like to know how other jurisdictions
2 are managing these facilities. She said that she would like to see an analysis of different
3 ownership structures. She asked if they could partner with Durham Tech to offer classes in a more
4 efficient manner. She said she wants to make sure they prevent the runaway board issue and see
5 the best way to organize the structure. She said that meeting only twice in the last year is not
6 working. She said a legal review is needed for taxpayers supporting for-profit businesses. She
7 said they are also in need of a succession plan.
8 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they have approved independent audits or if it is new
9 in the agreement.
10 Chair Bedford said she is unsure if they are part of the audit.
11 John Roberts said an audit is optional and would be at the cost of the county.
12 Commissioner Fowler said she wants to revisit why a Durham County commissioner is on
13 the board. She said she would like to give Orange County residents some form of priority. She
14 said she is unsure if it still makes sense to fully subsidize this.
15 Vice-Chair McKee said this is an incubator just like others they support. He said that he
16 understands concern over subsidizing a private company, but they also subsidized a private
17 company for broadband. He said they could make a distinction, but he is unsure there is one. He
18 said they are helping individuals trying to launch a business. He said this is a specialized industry.
19 He said the Board prides itself on being leaders in NC and nationally, and the interest shown in
20 the facility outside of Orange County is national. He said he would be opposed to the county
21 taking over management. He said this is an organization that needs specialized management. He
22 said he could support a 1-year extension.
23 Commissioner Greene said she agrees with Vice-Chair McKee. She said there are other
24 incubators they support and that fund economic development opportunities for private companies.
25 She said that this is not just about Orange County. She said that one of her son's friends started
26 a company and they sell all over the place now. She said that she would support two years but
27 certainly a 1-year extension. She said they need to have a work session to determine how to keep
28 this and make it more successful.
29
30 A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Vice-Chair McKee, to
31 approve and authorize the Chair to sign the Management Services Agreement renewal for the
32 Piedmont Food Processing Center for a period of one year.
33
34 Vice-Chair McKee added a friendly amendment that this subject will be brought back at a
35 work session at the discretion of staff and Board leadership.
36
37 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how the county has been harmed because they have
38 only met twice.
39 Chair Bedford said they don't know.
40
41 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
42
43 James Watts, PFPC Board of Directors Chair, agrees with the Board's concerns and said
44 these questions have always existed.
45
46 7. Reports
47 a. 2025 Countywide Property Tax Revaluation Update
48 The Board received an overview and update from staff on the 2025 revaluation process.
49
50 BACKGROUND: Counties in North Carolina are required to conduct a revaluation of all real
51 property at least once every eight years. Orange County, like many other counties, has adopted
19
1 a resolution to advance the cycle to once every four years. The last revaluation of real property
2 in Orange County took effect January 1, 2021, and the next is scheduled for January 1, 2025.
3
4 Nancy Freeman, Tax Administrator, made the following presentation:
5
6 Slide #1
2025 PropertyTax
Revaluation Update
Nancy T.Freeman
Orange County Tax Administrator
7
8
9 Slide#2
What is Revaluation or Reappraisal?
Revaluation purpose stated by In Re Alfred,351 QVC f (199'9);
"...purpose of a revaluation for tax purposes is to attain equckation of values,and throughout the
Act there are procedures and controls for the timing and colculetion of property voluations which help
to ensure that equalization.Examples...105-284(establishing uniform assessment standards), 105-
2 86(establishing scheduled octennialvoluatians rind horizontal valuations based on uniform
geographic or category adjustments), 105-287(limiting valuation adjustments between general
valuations)egad 105-317(requiring uniforms schedules of values,standards and rules be applied
countywide)_the rules outlined in these sections are designed to promote horizontal equity between
owners of similar properties,limit,discretionary valuation and ensure reliability to the ad valorem tax
process which ollows taxpayers and counties to plan and budget accordingly.
10 M I kv
20
1 Slide#3
IrWhat is Revaluation or Reappraisal (continued)?
• Revaluation re-established the fairness of the tax burden between properties,which typically change
in value at different rates by location and property type.
• Required by North Carolina General Statute 105-286 at least once every 8 years.
• Grange County conducts a revaluation every four years, based on resolution signed on May 7.2013.
• The last countywide reappraisal has an effective date of January 1,2021_
• The next reappraisal will update real property values to reflect fair market value as of January 1,2025.
EM2 __
3
4 Slide#4
Ir
Importance of Reappraisal Cycle
• Required by North Carolina General Statute 105-286 at least once every 8 years.
• However,Orange County chooses to conduct a revaluation or reappraisal every four
years.
Keeps real estate value levels more equitable with current market conditions.
Keeps personal property,public utility,companies and real estate assessment levels more
equitable since personal property and public utility values are updated yearly.
6
7
8
21
1 Slide #5
NCDOR Reappraisal Standards
North Carolina Department Of Revenue (NCDOR) adopted the International Association
of Assessing Officers' (IAAO) Standard on Mass Appraisal of Real Property in 2017 and
determined reappraisal standards for all counties. The main requirements of the
Reappraisal Standards are:
Frequency of Reappraisal,or Revaluation
• Requlrement statewide is every elghc years,recommended Is as least every four years
Median Sales Ratio of Real Property determined by NCIDOR indicates if a county must conduct a
reappraisal sooner than planned
2
3
4 Slide #6
NCDOR Reappraisal Standards (continued)
Type of Reappraisal
Based on Review of Random Sample using I%of Improved Propertres
For Counties on a four-year cycle,a Data Review conducted by NCDOR is required three years pnor to
the planned Revaluation
• Orange County's Random Sampk-Review was completed in Septem&-r 2622,Results:
Square Footage Data:NC DOR Standard-95%,Orange Councy-95.41%
Objects eData;NCDORStandard-9MStrangeCounty—98.71
Subjeccive Data:NCDOR Standard—90%,Orange County—93.89%
• Recommendation made by NCDOR rMinimum Desktop Reappraisal
Required Reappraisal Plan
• Change County submitted plan to NCDOR in January 2023
Planmcludes; Budget,SwAngleveF.%Outsouming Needs..andTrmeline
5
6 Vice-Chair McKee asked that field reviews focus on areas identified during the last
7 revaluation as areas of concern.
8 Nancy Freeman said absolutely and that she knows the Northside was an area of concern.
9 She said they found ten conservation districts in the county, and they will be closely reviewed to
10 make sure they are being valued correctly.
11 Commissioner Hamilton asked what 1% of improved properties means.
22
1 Nancy Freeman said it means there is a building or home on the property, not just land.
2 Commissioner Hamilton asked what the 95% square footage data of is compared to.
3 Chad Phillips said they look at the initial list and then the appraisers go back out a second
4 time to compare it. He said it is a system versus appraisers on the field.
5 Nancy Freeman said it is a self-check and reviewed by the NC Department of Revenue.
6
7 Slide #7
Current statin
2023 Informal appeals resolved
• Formal appeals for the 2023 tax year are near completion;final Post-Adjournment Board
of Equalization and Review meeting scheduled for November 29,2023
• Work is in progress for the January 1,2025 Revaluation
Analytical Consultants has been contracted to assist for Commercial Reappraisal
Sales continue to be reviewed and qualified to build our sales bank
Temporary appraisal staff assisting in completing revaluation projects
Neighborhood delineation is being reviewed.land valuation is in process
g
9
10 Slide#8
or
2025 Revaluation Timeline
- January 2022-June 2024: Neighborhood Delineation and Field Visits
January 2023 -December 2024: Sales Analysis
February 21323-December 2023° Land Valuation
March 2023-Bata Valldation Forms Malled to all Residential Improved Property Owners
September 2023-November 2024: Commercial Valuation
May 2024-August 2024: Building of Schedules of Values
September 2024-December 2024: Public Hearing and Adoption of Schedules of Value
February-NlarO 2025: Notices of Value mailed
January 2025-June 2025: Appeals.
12 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the data valuation forms were sent to the sample.
23
1 Nancy Freeman said this form was sent to all property owners and asked them to tell them
2 if it was not correct. She said they have done this during the last three valuations.
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if a resident might have complained because the
4 information was incorrect.
5 Nancy Freeman said they may have noticed that it was incorrect and then the changes
6 are made, but from that point forward. She said they cannot make it retroactive. She said they are
7 not required to send the form back, but they received about 2,200 back for the 2021 revaluation.
8 She said that it was very helpful, and it was sent out a year earlier this year.
9 Commissioner Hamilton asked if you could look up your property online to see if you filled
10 out the form.
11 Nancy Freeman said there is a way to review characteristics of property online and to
12 send messages directly to tax office. She said they are anticipating a similar number of appeals.
13
14 Slide #9
Revaluation Process
• Properties are appraised at 140%market value at the time of the revaluation.Data is reviewed From rhe
most recent qualified sales leading up to the revaluation date.
The Schedule of'Values is a manual to describe and document the methodology and procedures for
appraising real estate at market value at the time of the county's most recent revaluation.
In order to reappraise all parcels at the same time as of the same date.mass appraisal is used. It is the
process of grouping uniform or similar properties together to ensure fair and equitable property values.
and Is used by all North Carolina counties to conduct a reappraisal.
• Real property values remain the same untll the next reappraisal,unless physical changes are made to the
property during non-reappraisal years.
• New buildings and other improvements are appraised according to the percentage of completion on
January I of each year and are valued according to the.Schedule ofValues to reflect the value as of the
most recent revaluation date.
15
16
17
24
1 Slide #10
Market Sales Statistics — NCDOR Annual Report
• Sales ratio expresses the relationship between current assessed values and current market values.
Counties with populations of 75°400 or more that have a Sales Ratio of under 85%or over 115%must
conduct a revaluation of their real property within three years If a reappraisal is not already scheduled
within that time period,See North Carolina General Statute I05-286(x){3),
• 2021 Sales Ratio Median =98,66%
2022 Sales Ratio Median (provided by NC Department of Revenue) = 81.97'x,
• At this pointthe average Sales Ratio for 2021 lkeappraisal Counties was 69.14%
2023 Sales Ratio Median (provided by NC Department of Revenue) = 69.49%
First Quarter 2023 Sales Ratio Median = 65.90%
• Second Quarter 2023 Sales Ratio Median = 64-8%
2
3
4 Slide #11
Market Sales Statistics — NCDOR Annual Report
(continued)
What does this mean?
• To quote Chrls McLaughlin,University of North Carolina School of Government Professor-
'*p 2022,fere aaurnty m d r_au*oryedrs mzo its recovery from rhe"C90D Rece=&"and real e&tdte pines dre BOOMfNG.Home
prices in North Cdrdna Licm=ed 45%(ram Murch 2024 w Murch 2022 and condnue to*k Lip swrr.- (from Blog.Safes
Assessment Rados Plummet,VI7r2O22 htros kanans,sag,una.€du174:.2/05lsales-asassmene-racios•P6urrr r U)
As Is evident by the significant change in Sales Ratio from 2021 at 98.669E to our current estimated",80%,sale
prices continue to climb In Orange County.If the trend continues.properties could experience a substantial
increase in values county-wide in the 2025 Revaluation,similar to what was experienced in the 2021
Revaluation.
• Since Orange chooses to reappraise every four years,we are not required to advance the 2025 reappraisal,
However,we could not choose to postpone the revaluation because the 2022 sales ratio is below 85%.
5
6
7
8
25
1 Slide #12
Lessons Learned; Northside Neighborhood
Conservation District and others
Current plan:recognize all neighborhood conservation districts as their own separate neighborhoods.
Field reviews will be concentrated in areas with previously high levels of appeals.
Values continue to increase in Northside Conservation District, mirroring what is happening
throughout the entire County.There have been 44 Qualified Sales within the three neighborhood
cedes that Include the Northside District since the 2021 Revaluation.Since 2021 the Average Sale
Price is$482,444, Median Sale Price is$420,OW0
One example of how values are changing within the Northside Conservation District: PIN 9789204198
has a current assessed value of$772,200.The property has sold twice since January 1,2021:
June 14, 2021 for$875,OW
September 6,2022 for$970,0W
The current assessed value Is 79.6096 of most recent sales price
2 1 n
3 Nancy Freeman said that in their review, ten conservation districts were identified.
4
5 Slide #13
2425 Revalidation Community Initiatives
Continued Online Offerings
• Camper for Citizens -simple,convenient way to find and compare sales;available to
anyone,anywhere
• Online Property Record Card (PRC) and Change Request- easy-to-understand format
to review property characteristics and a way for an owner to electronically submit a
change request to appraisal staff
Appraisalest—online option for property owners to submit appeals;first used
successfully in 2021 Revaluation,now majority of appeals are submitted online
6 E E
7 Vice-Chair McKee asked John Roberts if there is no ability to value these homes in these
8 areas in a different way.
9 John Roberts said no.
10 Nancy Freeman said "Appraisalest" on slide #13 should read Appeals.
26
1 Slide #14
Revaluation Projects
• The Tax Office planned several projects as part of the 2025 Revaluation.
•
Below is a partial list of those projects.The projects are worked by appraisers,temporary
appraisal assistants,and other assessment staff.
Apartment Cleanup-In Progress
• Conservation Districts-In Progress
Flood Zones ReVi"
• Land Size Inaccuracy-Completed
• Mobile Domes-In Progress
• V'aluatlonof Exempt Properties-Completed
2
3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what apartment cleanup is.
4 Chad Phillips said a lot of the projects were cleaning up data. He said it is not changing
5 values but if there are multiple buildings on the same property, there should be one on each card.
6 He said that apartments should be sketched for more accuracy.
7 Commissioner Greene said Northside and Pine Knolls are two historically Black and
8 affordable neighborhoods. She said the other two in Chapel Hill are pretty expensive
9 neighborhoods. She asked the rationale for including those.
10 Nancy Freeman said they do not know yet but want to focus to make sure they are
11 accurately valued. She said it may be that nothing is needed.
12 Commissioner Greene said she thinks those will blend in with the rest of Chapel Hill
13 homes.
14 Nancy Freeman said they are looking into the classification of mobile homes as real
15 property or personal property. She said those will be corrected if they are not.
16
17
27
1 Slide #15
2125 Revaluation Community Initiatives (continued)
Orange County Revaluation Web page1 3:,,,,, .,,-.r I"it,'•r'1.1 11 y'iC 111 Vvnlhol iir
New video now available can Tax Administration website:What is Revaluation?
Additional videos in the works:
a. Now to Appeal
What is Market value?
r. Information on Tax Office websites
Community meetings and workshops
Preparing Community for Revaluation
Appealing Your Value
Social Media Promotion
2
3
4 Slide #16
Questions?
5
6 Commissioner Greene asked if the PowerPoint was provided to the Board.
7 Chair Bedford said it was in the agenda packet.
8 Nancy Freeman said she would send an updated PowerPoint.
9
10
28
1 8. Consent Agenda
2
3 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
4 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
5 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
6
7 A motion was made by Vice-Chair McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve
8 the consent agenda.
9
10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
11
12 a. Minutes
13 The Board approved the minutes of the September 5, 2023 Business Meeting, as presented.
14 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
15 The Board accepted the report reflecting the motor vehicle property tax releases/refunds
16 requested in accordance with the NCGS and approved the attached release/refund resolution.
17 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
18 The Board approved a resolution approving property tax release/refund requests in accordance
19 with North Carolina General Statute 105-381.
20 d. Late Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
21 The Board adopted a resolution approving sixteen (16) untimely applications for
22 exemption/exclusion from ad valorem taxation for sixteen (16) bills for the 2023 tax year.
23 e. Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week—October 8-14, 2023
24 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign the proclamation designating October 8-
25 14, 2023 as Fire Prevention Week in Orange County.
26 f. Approval of Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar for Year 2024
27 The Board approves the proposed meeting schedule for calendar year 2024.
28 g. Five-Year Lease Extension for Hillsborough Commons
29 The Board approved the five-year lease extension for Hillsborough Commons and authorized the
30 Chair to sign upon final review by the County Attorney.
31 h. Amendments to the Code of Ordinances Section 18-154. — Parks and Facilities
32 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution adopting the proposed
33 amendments to the Code of Ordinances Section 18-154. — Parks and Facilities, to include the
34 updated name of the Soccer.Com Center, as well as including new county park facilities.
35 i. Approval of Resolution Amending the Orange County FY 2022-2023 HOME Program
36 Design
37 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution amending the resolution
38 adopted on June 7, 2022 that authorized the Orange County FY 2022-2023 HOME Program
39 Design.
40 j. Resolution Supporting Medicaid Availability Prior to Re-Entry for Incarcerated
41 Individuals
42 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution supporting federal legislation
43 and policy reform currently under consideration that would allow individuals who are incarcerated
44 to access Medicaid prior to release from prison or jail. The Board further authorized the Clerk to
45 send a copy of the resolution to US Representative Valerie P. Foushee, US Senators Thom Tillis
46 and Ted Budd, members of Orange County's legislative delegation, North Carolina Department
47 of Health and Human Services Secretary Kody H. Kinsley, and The Towns of Hillsborough,
48 Carrboro, and Chapel Hill.
49 k. Approval of Proposed Letter to the National Association of Counties (NACo)
50 Supporting Relocation of the 2024 Annual Conference
29
1 The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign and send a letter requesting the relocation
2 of the 2024 NACo conference from Hillsborough County, Florida.
3
4 9. County Manager's Report
5 Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the agenda for the Joint Meeting with the Chiefs'
6 Association and Work Session scheduled for October 10, 2023.
7
8 10. County Attorney's Report
9 John Roberts had no report for the Board.
10
11 11. *Appointments
12 None.
13
14 12. Information Items
15
16 • September 19, 2023 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
17 • Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
18 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
19 • Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
20
21 13. Closed Session
22 None.
23
24 Adjournment
25
26 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to
27 adjourn the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
28
29 VOTE: UNANIMOUS
30
31
32 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
33
34
35 Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
36
37 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board