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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-16-2024 - Business Meeting 1 APPROVED 6/4/24 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS BUSINESS MEETING April 16, 2024 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT. Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Sally Greene and Commissioners Amy Fowler, Jean Hamilton, Earl McKee (arrived at 7:50 p.m.), Phyllis Portie- Ascott, 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 Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present, with the exception of Commissioner McKee. 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda Chair Bedford read the public charge: The Board of Commissioners pledges its respect to all present. The Board asks those attending this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward each other, county staff and the commissioners. At any time should a member of the Board or the public fail to observe this charge, the Chair will take steps to restore order and decorum. Should it become impossible to restore order and continue the meeting, the Chair will recess the meeting until such time that a genuine commitment to this public charge is observed. The BOCC asks that all electronic devices such as cell phones, pagers, and computers should please be turned off or set to silent/vibrate. Please be kind to everyone. 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Lauren Andrews spoke about her experiences with the DSS Child Protective Services division. She said that DSS covered up issues her children experienced in foster care and that they lied to a judge. She said she did not want anyone else to go through what she has been through. She asked the Board of Commissioners for their support. Tom Kuell read from the following statement: Good evening and thank you to Chair Bedford and members of the County Commissioners for giving me the opportunity to be here.As noted, my name is Daniel Hatley and I am the owner and Managing Attorney of the Hatley Law Office, also known as iTicket.law, located in downtown Chapel Hill. Over the past five years, iTicket has worked closely with the Orange County Sheriff's Office as our main vendor of North Carolina motor vehicle records; a service that is vital to our firm's operation. This service is so vital that I would like to single out a few individuals, namely Rose, Cannie, Captain Chan McDade, and Chief Deputy Sykes, for their many years of outstanding service to our firm in the processing of our NC MVR requests. Their diligent work has helped us grow from a small one-man operation to now over 80 employees,with the majority of them working right here in Orange County. 2 1 am here this evening specifically to discuss Item 16 of the 2024 budget, which involved a proposed increase in the cost of these Motor Vehicle Requests handled by the Orange County Sheriff's Office. The proposed increase was from$5 per request to$10 per request and the record of your meetings indicates this increase was noted to be an effort to replace lost revenue from pistol permit fees. Based on the need outlined, and the information provided to you, the request was approved. While this small change seems reasonable on its face, this increase in the fee paid for MVR requests resulted in an increase in the cost our firm pays annually for MVRs of approximately $200,000, a devastating financial shock to a small business like ours. Conversely, the loss of revenue from the pistol permits, the stated reason for the increase, amounted to approximately $14,000. To add insult to the financial injury incurred by this decision, we were not notified of the request to increase this rate, despite the fact that we were and are the primary consumer of NC MVRs from the Sheriff's Office (by an order of magnitude). No communication was provided by the Sheriff's Office about the possibility of an increase. Instead it was presented as a fiat accompli once approved. Daniel Hatley continued to read from the statement: How would you look at a staff of 80 and decide which 8 of them you are going to fire to take care of that increase in costs? It is a decision we were not prepared to make and one we strove to avoid. We were told that there were two options: negotiate with the Sheriff's Office or wait one year and have the budget changed. Option #1 seemed reasonable. We had a five-year relationship with the Sheriff's Office after all. Surely, we could all look over the cost of providing the service and come to something fair. Our math indicated the service was provided by one employee alone, with salary and benefits likely less than $100,000 annually, but we felt that this estimate could be wildly off the mark. Perhaps there were costs we were unaware of, such as a fee for accessing MVRs or the requirement for insurance or a surety bond. We were more than happy to sit down and find out what the costs were. Unfortunately, our outreach to discuss this matter with the Sheriff went ignored. So here we are, having borne seven months of this increase in costs, holding out hope you will see the unreasonableness of our plight. It has been difficult being patient, but we still believe this was the best path forward. We have to had to delay hiring, delay changes to our system because of this increase. We still believe this is the best path forward. Ticket was started in Orange County and we want to stay in Orange County. Aside from our 80 employees, we also partner with Extraordinary Ventures, a Chapel Hill non-profit, creating another 24 employment opportunities for local adults with developmental disabilities who work on our direct mail project. Ticket's ultimate goal has been and is to stay local, but we cannot work in a vacuum where one party benefits and the other is harmed. Our hope is that the County and the Sheriff's Office can see that a mutually beneficial. agreement could be reached that more than covers the cost of this service but that does not come at the expense of our workforce. To that end, we request that a bulk contract rate of$5 per driver history request be added to the 2025 budget. The$200,000 generated annually in fees will amply cover the salary of the individuals involved in processing these requests and provide the Sheriffs Office funds for new initiatives. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Hamilton said the Strategic Plan Performance Measurement group met earlier in the day and are making progress on developing measures. Commissioner Fowler said the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group met and they received a presentation on the Triangle wildlife connectivity plan. She said it was noted that the document should be included in future parks and conservation planning. She said they also generated ideas for future collaborative projects. She said she attended the Central Pines Regional Planning Organization (CPRPO) meeting. She said that Southern Pines and Pinehurst are forming an MPO, but it is still in progress. She said as a result Central Pines will give 400 points to that MPO in the first year. She said they also changed by-laws to reflect the name change from TARPO to CPRPO. She said she attended the DCHC MPO meeting. She said the meeting was an introductory meeting for elected officials. She said that for anyone who is curious about transportation acronyms, there is a glossary on their website. She said the presentation was also available. She said there will be a Solid Waste Advisory Group meeting on April 29. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said there is a transportation summit in Greensboro on May 21 and 22. She said she met with the HYAA president, Patrick Cummings, to hear his plan to ensure that all Orange County students have access to baseball and softball. She said she attended the Take Down Tobacco event at AL Stanback Middle School. She said she attended the first design workshop for the Greene Tract. She said they heard from residents who expressed concerns about who would really live there. She said she attended the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness leadership meeting. She said a documentary highlighting the need for bridge housing will be shown at the Seymour Center the following day. She said she toured the Piedmont Food Processing Center. She said they are supporting 66 businesses with over 150 employees. Chair Bedford said Commissioner McKee was running late, but she read his announcements and updates. She said he attended the Durham Tech Finance and Infrastructure committee meeting where they mentioned the possible expansion of transportation services between the Durham and Orange campuses. She said he is petitioning the County Manager and staff to look into the feasibility of any potential expansion. Chair Bedford noted that the Public Safety Telecommunications Week proclamation was on the consent agenda. She said there is an opioid settlement community meeting on April 27 at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough. She said she and Vice-Chair Greene will tour the Food Hub in Durham on April 18. She said there is a job fair on April 17 at DSS in Hillsborough. She said the previous Friday there was a Mayors Managers Chair (MMC) meeting to discuss updates and progress on the Greene Tract. She said they hope to receive recommendations on what can be built on the Greene Tract by September. She said that they reiterated procedures for the MMC, and that if there is a decision that needs to be made, it will be brought back to the full boards. She said they will share information from MMC meetings with the individual boards. Vice-Chair Greene reviewed the topics that will be discussed at the opioid settlement community meeting on April 27. Commissioner Richards said she attended the Jordan One Water meeting. She said that the Town of Chapel Hill and Orange County Soil and Water have also joined the board. She said that the fact that it is a coalition and that they are all working together is good for the future of Jordan Lake. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations None. 4 5. Public Hearings a. Public Hearinq on FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program The Board held a public hearing on the Annual Action Plan for the HOME Investment Partnerships Program. BACKGROUND: Every year, state and local governments ("Participating Jurisdictions") that receive HOME Investment Partnerships Program ("HOME") funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") are required to complete an Annual Action Plan that lays out how they will allocate HUD funds for the upcoming program year in order to address the goals and priorities in the Consolidated Plan. A summary of the draft Annual Action Plan for FY 2024-2025 for Orange County is provided at Attachment 1. For FY 2024-2025, the Orange County HOME Consortium anticipates receiving the following HOME resources: FY 2024-2025 HOME Funds $ 429,496.00 HOME Program Income $ 28,306.00 Total (Allocation + Program Income) $ 457,802.00 The amount of FY 2024-2025 HOME Funds is subject to change according to HUD's final allocation notice, which is typically sent in either the 211 or 31 quarters.The below proposed award amounts may change accordingly, although the funding proportions will be maintained. Orange County is a special type of Participating Jurisdiction, called a Consortium, consisting of Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough. Orange County serves as the lead entity for the Orange County HOME Consortium.As the lead entity, Orange County is entitled to dedicate up to 10% of FY 2024-2025 HOME funds towards administration costs. This provision allows for the allocation of funds to cover necessary administrative expenses associated with the management and oversight of HOME funds, ensuring efficient and effective implementation of housing programs within the consortium. All Participating Jurisdictions (PJs) must contribute or match no less than 25 cents for each dollar of HOME funds spent on affordable housing. As PJs draw funds from HOME Investment Trust Funds, they incur a match liability which must be satisfied by the end of each federal fiscal year. The matching contribution adds to the resources available for HOME-assisted or HOME-eligible projects and must come in the form of a permanent contribution to affordable housing. For FY 2024-2025, the Orange County HOME Consortium anticipates the following HOME funding breakdown: FY 2024-2025 HOME Funds $ 429,496.00 10% Program Administration $ 42,949.60 HOME Program Income $ 28,306.00 Local Match $ 96,637.00 Total Allocation + Program Income + Match $ 511,489.40 The Consortium has drafted the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan based on the HOME award recommendations made by the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative, detailed below. 5 The Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative (the "Collaborative"), comprised of one (1) elected official and staff members from Orange County and the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough, reviewed the received applications for the FY 2024-2025 HOME Program on March 18, 2024 and made the following funding recommendations for consideration by each of the jurisdictions' elected bodies: Applicant and Project Funding Funding Requested Awarded CASA— Rental Development $500,000.00 $314,047.00* OCPEH —Tenant Based Rental Assistance $267,948.00 $197,442.40 Habitat for Humanity— Homebu er Assistance $395,850.00 - EMPOWERment— Rental Acquisition $200,000.00 - Total $1,363,798.00 $511,489.40 *Includes "Local Match"amount from previous table In accordance with HUD requirements and the Orange County Citizen Participation Plan, the Orange County HOME Consortium must hold a public hearing to obtain residents' comments and feedback on the draft Annual Action Plan during the public comment period, from April 1 — May 2, 2024. Notice of this public hearing was published in The Herald Sun and La Noticia. Copies of the draft Annual Action Plan were posted on the Orange County Housing Department website, and a link to the website and draft plan were circulated by public notice in the newspapers listed above, as well as by email to more than 100 relevant stakeholders to include local service providers, nonprofit organizations, government entities, elected officials, and interested residents. All comments received during this hearing, and anytime during the public comment period, will be incorporated into the final HOME Annual Action Plan to be submitted to HUD. Before submitting the final plan, the Board of Commissioners will consider the approval of the HOME Annual Action Plan and the FY 2024-2025 HOME Program Design (funding recommendations) later in 2024. The governing boards for the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough are also scheduled to consider approval in 2024 in order for the final plan to be submitted to HUD by the federal deadline in May 2024. Blake Rosser, Interim Director of Housing, reviewed the background information for the item and made the following presentation: 6 Slide #1 HOME Consortium Proposal Applicant CASA 177/225 $500,000 $314,047 62.80 Cedar Village OCPEH 140/195 $267,948 $197,442 73.7% Rapid Rehousing Habitat 132/225 $395,850 $- 0.0% Second Mortgages EmPOWERment 128.5/225 $200,000 $- 0.0% Rental Acquisition Amounts subject to change according to HUD's final allocation notice. Funding proportions will be maintained. Slide #2 HOME Award Project CASA OCPEH Funding Request $500,000 $267,948 Project Description Gap tinancingfor Cedar Village,a 72-unit apartment community Fundingto administer tenant-based rental assistance to 15 scattered units 30%AMI or less:28 Households Income Targeting 30XV,50%AMI: 25Hvuseholds 30%AMI or Less:15 Households 504E-aO%AMI: 19 Households Households at or belcw 30%,50fi,and 60%AMI,with units set Individuals currentty experiencing homelessness in Orange County, Population Targeting aside for veteran referrals and referrals for households fleeing with priority given to households withzem incc me and with heads domestic violence. of household who have muRiple disabling conditions. Project Location Behindold Daniet Boone Square in Hillsborough Scattered sites in Orange County and surrounding Areas Total non-HOME project funding Is$16.3 million Total non-HOME project funding Is$S",767 Leveraging Leverage ratio of_32:7 Levy rage raft o of-2:7 Cost effectiveness Budgeted costsappear reasonable,appropriate,and consistent Budgeted costs appear reasonable,appropriate,and consistent with activities with activities Appti cant Capac ity Return applicant with oo-track projects This is s new applicant with a mgJunal support network 7 Slide #3 Next Steps •Public comment period ends May 8tn •Comments will be incorporated into Annual Action Plan (AAP) and approved by HOME Consortium •Government partners (Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough) approve AAP for HOME awards -Approval set for early May •BOCC approves AAP -Vote scheduled for 5/21 business meeting nORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT Blake Rosser said that the public comment period actually ends on May 101n A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Hamilton, to open the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS PUBLIC COMMENTS: There was no one signed up to speak. A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Greene, to close the public hearing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she sat on the Local Government Affordable Housing Collaborative and was pleased about the recommendations. She said it helps one of the most vulnerable populations to have housing. 6. Regular Agenda a. Lands Legacy Action Plan for 2024-2027 The Board adopted the Lands Legacy Action Plan for the years 2024-2027. BACKGROUND: The Board of Commissioners established the Lands Legacy Program on April 4, 2000. Through this program, Orange County seeks to protect its most critical natural and cultural resources through a variety of voluntary means. Over the 24 years of the program, Orange County has acquired land for eight (8) parks and nature preserves, and secured 46 conservation easements, including 28 active farms, for a current total of 2,973 acres of farmland and open space in the Eno River, Cane Creek, Little River, and New Hope Creek watersheds. Over that same period the County helped other partners protect an additional 1,338 acres of sensitive resource lands. Many of these projects are accomplished in partnership with other conservation entities, including the Triangle Land Conservancy, Eno River Association, Orange Water & Sewer Authority, the Orange NRCS/Soil & Water Conservation District, State and federal trust funds, and adjoining 8 local governments. With those partnerships, Orange County has been awarded over$6.1 million in grants for conserving farms and open space, and for park acquisition or construction. The Lands Legacy Program is directed by the BOCC's adoption of an Action Plan. The proposed 2024-2027 Action Plan reflects acquisition priorities for the next three years. Action Plan development is aided by input from advisory boards: • the Commission for the Environment (for connectivity between natural and protected areas, natural heritage sites, riparian forest buffers to benefit climate resiliency, cultural heritage sites, and the Mountains to Sea Trail); • the Agricultural Preservation Board (for farmland preservation); • the Historic Preservation Commission (for historic/cultural resources); and • the Parks and Recreation Council (for parklands, open space/trails, specifically the Mountains to Sea trail). This Action Plan comes at a time when staff is mindful of several new developments that will affect the County's land conservation actions and decisions: • An improving regional economy —There was an upturn following the Great Recession (2008-2012), and the COVID Pandemic (2020-2023) provides more conservation opportunities, but has also resulted in higher land values. • Increased competition for State and Federal funding — Although state and federal budgets include funding for land conservation, the amount of grant funds available to local governments from those state and federal trust funds has been reduced significantly, along with great competition across the state. Recent federal funding related to the Infrastructure Plan and other legislative programs may improve these programs significantly. • Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan — This plan, presented to the Board at the March 19, 2024 Business meeting, provides important new data to help guide conservation connectivity. • Priorities in the adopted 2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan — The Action Plan works to complete the priorities identified in this plan, such as the Mountains to Sea Trail. • County funding for conservation easements — The BOCC approved a biennial allocation of $500,000 in the Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for conservation easement purchases. These funds will leverage outside funds from various sources. Most of the priority focus areas in the 2024-2027 Action Plan are multi-year projects some of which are continued from previous Action Plans. This has often been the case in prior Action Plans, as many of projects take considerable time to come to fruition. Afew potential new projects are offered for the Board's consideration. Details of each are provided on pages 4-5 of the Action Plan.Among the priorities in this three-year plan are: • Wildlife and Natural Connection Corridors (especially those outlined in Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan) • Upper Eno and Jordan Lake Headwaters Preserves • Farmland Conservation Easements • Historic and Cultural Landmarks (and historic easements) • Mountains-to-Sea Trail • Future Bingham Township Park David Stancil, DEAPR Director, introduced the item and made the following presentation: 9 Slide#1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Lands Legacy Action Plan 2024-2027 April 16, 2024 Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation David Stancil said that projects that meet the action plan guidelines will come to the BOCC to be approved individually. He said that they cannot be too specific tonight due to confidentiality, but details would be provided at the time of decisions. Slide #2 Lands Legacy Program Conserving high-priority natural & cultural resource lands ✓ Created in April 2000 ✓ Voluntary program ✓ Partnerships and grants ✓ 1,114 acres of parks & nature preserves ✓ 2,846 acres farm & natural area easements ✓ Current Funding (including $6.1 M in grants) ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA David Stancil said there was no comprehensive and focused program to direct conservation activities until 2000. He said the guiding document adopted in April 2000 is still used. 10 He said the five focus areas are conservation of natural areas and wildlife habitat; future park land and open space; riparian buffer lands and water supply watersheds; cultural, historical and archaeological sites; and the conservation of prime and threatened farmland. Slide #3 Parkland&Cunwr%alion Arvo�in Oronge County �ww ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA David Stancil said the map on slide #3 is available on the website and can be enlarged. Slide #4 Changing Conditions ➢ Increased competition for State/Federal grants y Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan County Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030 Improving regional economy, but land values up ➢ Matching funds for conservation easements ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 11 David Stancil said that the competition and process for conservation funding is difficult and complicated. He said having matching funds sets them apart. Slide #5 Objectives for 2024-27 • Complete current / approved projects • Stewardship of existing properties • Conserve inventoried Natural Heritage areas • Municipal/County partnerships and connectivity • Continue to pursue grant funds • Climate Action Plan linkage opportunities ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA David Stancil said they rely heavily on state and federal grants and while they are still available, there is much more competition so a match in funds is critical to their success in winning grants. Christian Hirni, Land Conservation Manager, continued the presentation: Slide #6 Priority Projects for 2024-27 • Wildlife and Natural Connection Corridors (especially in Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan) • Upper Eno and Jordan Lake Headwaters Preserves • Farmland Conservation Easements • Historic and Cultural Landmarks (historic easements) • Mountains-to-Sea Trail • Future Bingham Township Park ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 12 Christian Hirni said these priorities are gathered from the advisory boards involved and these are the six recommendations. He said that they are not in any order of priority. Slide #7 Climate Action Plan - Linkages Strategies • GC 1.1- "Prioritize the conservation of green spaces in the County to serve as rural buffers against climate impacts, continuing the goal of conserving a significant portion of total County land area" • GC 1.2- "Continue and enforce policies that preserve a significant percentage of acreage from new developments,with an emphasis on natural landscapes and native plants" • GC 6.3- "Utilize the County's existing Lands Legacy Program to conserve important natural and cultural resources, working with the Eno-New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan and other initiatives to improve the natural environment through protection and linkage of lands and stream protection" ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Christian Hirni said the Greener Community strategies align very closely with the Lands Legacy plans. Slide #8 Strategic Plan - Linkages Environmental Protection and Climate Action — Objectives Identify the priorities and resources necessary to implement the Climate Action Plan. • Incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems development through supportive policy,funding,farmland protection and educational outreach. Review land use policies to promote and connect Town,County,and private trails and open spaces. • Protect water supply/watersheds. • Conserve and protect high priority open space,including Natural Heritage sites,nature preserves,watershed riparian buffers,and prime/threatened farmland. Include environmental stewardship objectives in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. — Performance Measures ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 13 Christian Hirni said the Lands Legacy program is an existing program that can start working on objectives immediately. Slide #9 Orange County Lands Legacy Action Plan 2024-27 OPrm FarmL M •Na6^al lvn �� •Pahlb --lrab y A59fiai6lgarJ .� / �fawtim Gntlyn 1 L I Thb msp la na a ceNP^d • arv^Y a^E^i lul���rce mry Ee p.ce Y uecy XC.A)' Dry[^I Enw^n�re�rt gnalWre, Pans sq Ptt+sstm -�- -- iV3e VSHWV IOW � FNfsWvugli IVC�1]r6 �� f ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Christian Hirni said the map in slide #9 is simplified, but shows general areas of prime farmland, natural areas, and parkland. He noted the printed version had the incorrect date shown but the slide is correct. Slide #10 Eno-New Hope Landscape Connectivity Orange County Legend Habitat Patches yl connectivky Prlcrity f C«dtleta Cannactiriryfki � IK FW - 1 Hglc4 3Hv� 4.tb0Erde W j 5-utraie] 7 Backgrountl t• ��` Type t Created for they Triangle Connectivity Co{IanaratWe _ ORANGE COUNTY r NORTH CAROLINA 14 Christian Hirni said the connectivity also connect habitat patches. He said the darker the green, the higher in priority. Slide #11 o� Leg -1 xan wxnn i '- 5 ,oMoes - ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Christian Hirni said that in the map in slide #11, you can see where many of the linkages and connections between protected spaces are lacking. Slide #12 Utilizing the Eno-New Hope Conservation Plan with Lands Legacy • Concept is already consistent with Lands Legacy Program goals • Integrate"Connectivity Priority"values/data into matrix and ranking criteria for potential new projects — Ex: Highest-5, Higher-4, High-3, Moderate-2, etc. — Include both Habitat Patch and Habitat Corridors • Increase ranking for tracts adjacent to/within patches and corridors, particularly of"High" or greater priority • Example of hypothetical project ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 15 Christian Hirni said by integrating the "connectivity priority" values/data, it will increase the score of certain properties and possibly generate more interest and funding assistance from conservation partners. Slide #13 Lands Legacy Program 'i Protecting J special Commissioner Fowler said the plan was an enjoyable read and she liked how quickly connectivity was integrated into the plan. Chair Bedford said they are fortunate that their predecessors had the foresight to create the Lands Legacy program to preserve and protect the land. She thanked all of the people and groups involved in the creation and updating of the plan. She said being flexible with the plan is important in case new opportunities arise. She said if it is possible without driving up the price of land, to find a place that can be a trail head for the Mountains to Sea Trail. Vice-Chair Greene thanked them for the work they have done with the plans. She said this plan works hand in glove with other county plans. She said it reinforces the vision of land use in Orange County. She said hopefully they will have a vision that has conservation and working farm subdivisions. A motion was made by Vice-Chair Greene, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to adopt the Lands Legacy Action Plan for 2024-2027. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Establishment, Charge, and Composition for the 2024 Bond Education Committee The Board established a Bond Education Committee that will develop and assist in disseminating information to voters concerning the proposed November 5, 2024 bond referendum, and to discuss and determine the Committee's charge and composition. BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners appointed Bond Education Committees to help develop and disseminate factual information about community needs leading to the bond 16 referenda in November 1988, November 1992, November 1997, November 2001, and November 2016. The 2024 Bond Education Committee is proposed to be comprised of Orange County residents, Board of Education members or staff from Orange County Schools and Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and members of the Board of Commissioners who will communicate to voters about the school capital needs that have led to the proposed November 5, 2024 bond referendum. A draft charge (Attachment 1) and a suggested composition (Attachment 2) for the Bond Education Committee based on past County bond referendum efforts are attached. Both are starting points for Board discussion and decisions. Public funds may be spent to present factual information to voters about the proposed bond, the projects expected to be financed by the bond, and the circumstances and needs that have given rise to the bond referendum. Public funds may not be spent on campaigns either to promote or defeat passage of any bond order before the voters. Budget Amendment#8 included on the April 16, 2024 Board of Commissioners' Business meeting agenda proposes allocating $50,000 to support the Committee's activities and information materials. Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. She reviewed the materials in the agenda packet. She said the Community Relations office planned to be the staff liaison for the committee. Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:50 p.m. Chair Bedford reviewed the charge for the committee: ■ Become familiar with the purpose of the bond order ■ Become familiar with the projects expected to be addressed with bond funds ■ Understand the community needs that led the Board of Commissioners to adopt the bond order ■ Assist in developing appropriate informational materials that will address the bond order ■ Assist in designing and implementing a campaign to distribute relevant factual information about the bonds to Orange County residents in the most effective and efficient manner possible, using multiple media and information outlets ■ Assist in designing and implementing a process for information meetings with civic groups, non-profit agencies, neighborhood associations, and other interested parties in the community ■ Ensure that equal access to information is provided to all individuals and groups, regardless of their position for or against any bond order ■ Encourage all eligible voters to participate in the November 5t" election Vice-Chair Greene asked if the charge was similar to previous bond initiatives. Tara May said yes. The Board agreed by consensus that they were fine with the proposed charge. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how much time people will be given to apply and she asked what criteria will be used to select the members of the committee. Tara May said they are ready to roll out the application tomorrow and they will work to advertise the openings. She said that it will follow the normal agenda process for the June 4t" meeting and the deadline will be May 30t" 17 Chair Bedford clarified that she thinks Commissioner Portie-Ascott is asking if it will be done in one meeting or if they will have more meetings added for this. Tara May said it would be decided at a business meeting on June 4. Commissioner Richards asked if the process will be the same as appointments to other advisory boards. Tara May said it would be the same process as for other advisory boards. Chair Bedford said Tara May would sort through them to determine who lives in which school district. She said the school boards would choose the members that represent their districts. She said that on June 4, the Board of Commissioners would choose four seats. Commissioner Richards said the charge is specific and it's a short time frame. She asked how they would review the applications. Chair Bedford said it would include everything. Commissioner Richards asked what is meant by staff support. She asked who would do the advertising. Chair Bedford said there is a $50,000 budget amendment on the consent agenda to hire a consultant to do a lot of those tasks. She said that the Public Information Officers for the two school districts would also be involved. She said the consultant would present to the committee. Tara May said that the deadline would actually be May 29. Commissioner Hamilton said Commissioner Richards' questions seemed like she was concerned that the bond education being professionally done. She asked if they should be looking at doing interviews. She asked if that is needed. Commissioner Richards said her questions really stemmed from thinking that the committee and staff needed professional support. She said she didn't realize that the consultant and the PIOs would be working together. She said if it was like an ordinary advisory board and they had such a short amount of time, without support, it would have been a tough job for staff to do all of the work in a short time frame. Commissioner Fowler asked if the process in previous years was adequate and if the public felt well-informed. Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager, said if he recalls correctly, the media campaign was well received. He said that this time, he's sure the video campaign will be higher quality. He said the lions' share of the work will be done by staff and the consultant. Commissioner McKee said he didn't remember any criticism or issues from previous bond referendums. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said there was not an issue getting people to apply for the committee. Chair Bedford said no. She said they are using the general application and that way the applicants can tell them what they think is important. Commissioner Hamilton said she is interested in serving on the committee. Chair Bedford said they will vote on members on June 4th. She said that the bond education committee has to focus on education and in the past PTAs were allowed to advocate, but the bond committee is for information only. A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to establish a Bond Education Committee; to approve the Committee's charge and composition; to direct staff to advertise and accept potential appointment applications for the Committee; and to bring the applications for appointment back for consideration at the Board's June 4, 2024 Business meeting. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 18 7. Reports None. 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 Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to approve the consent agenda. VOTE: UNANIMOUS a. Minutes The Board approved the draft minutes for the March 7, 2024 BOCC Meeting as submitted by the Clerk to the Board. b. Public Safety Telecommunicators Week Proclamation The Board approved a proclamation recognizing the week of April 14 - 20, 2024 as Public Safety Telecom municators Week in Orange County, and highlighting them as First Responders for the amazing work they do throughout the year. c. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget Amendment #8 The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for Fiscal Year 2023-24. d. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance — Approval and Certification of 2024 Report The Board approved and certified the 2024 Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) Report. e. Approval of Transit Certifications &Assurances The Board approved the Federal Certifications &Assurances and other documents required by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for Orange County transit. f. Approval of Orange County Agreement — Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) 2.0 Study The Board approved the Orange County agreement with the North Carolina Department of Transportation for the Freeway, Arterial, Street, and Tactical (FAST) 2.0 study. g. Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) to Drawdown Funds from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction The Board approved an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to release proceeds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2023-24 debt service payments for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS). h. Application for North Carolina Education Lottery Proceeds for Orange County Schools (OCS) to Drawdown Funds from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction The Board approved an application to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) to release proceeds from the NC Education Lottery account related to FY 2023-24 debt service payments for Orange County Schools (OCS). 19 9. County Manager's Report Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the agenda items for the following two BOCC meetings: Protected April 25, 2024 Joint Meeting with Schools Items Bond Referendum Update Budget Student Data School Safety Task Force Report Follow-up Projected April 30, 2024 Work Session Items Consultant Briefing on Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 Discussion on Piedmont Food Processing Center and Potential New Agreement Review of Upcoming Boards and Commissions Appointments 10. County Attorney's Report John Roberts said he did not have any legislative updates for the Board. He said that in the previous week, the county had a case at the supreme court, Arter v. Orange County. He said that in 6-8 months he will be able to report on the outcome. 11. *Appointments None. 12. Information Items • April 2, 2024 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Recognition of County Employee Retirements from January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024 13. Closed Session None. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Greene, to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board