HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 09-10-2024 - Work Session I
APPROVED 10/15/24 MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
WORK SESSION
September 10, 2024
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Work Session on Tuesday, September
10, 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, Phyllis Portie-Ascott, and Anna
Richards
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None.
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Interim Deputy County Manager
Caitlin Fenhagen, 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.
1. Consultant Briefing on Orange County Land Use Plan 2050
The Board received a briefing from Clarion Associates, LLC, on the Land Use Plan 2050 for
discussion and feedback.
BACKGROUND: At its April 30, 2024 work session, the BOCC received a presentation with an
update on completed project deliverables and progress towards the development of land use
alternatives to be used to test and explore policy options for the new Plan. The work session
provided an opportunity for the Board to ask questions and offer input for refining land use
alternatives prior to the upcoming community engagement window. Agenda materials from this
work session can be viewed at:
http://server3.co.orange.nc.us:8088/WebLink/0/doc/72384/Page1.aspx
All deliverables are also made available to the public on the project website, "Resources" tab:
https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com
Tonight's presentation from Clarion will include a briefing on the development and preliminary
findings of four (4) modelled land use alternatives. Much of the information to be presented can
be found in a recently completed project deliverable, the"Land Use Alternatives Report", available
at the following link: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com/resources
Community Engagement Window #2 (three total) — A series of public workshops and targeted
community meetings will provide opportunities for community members to participate and share
their reactions to the four alternatives. Community reactions to various aspects of the alternatives
will inform an eventual single map, the Conservation and Growth Framework (also known as a
"Future Land Use Map"), which will be an important part of the overall Land Use Plan. The public
survey period, including online surveys, will launch on September 18, 2024 and close on
November 3, 2024. Two (2) surveys will be offered, in short-form and long-form versions, to
provide options for participation and increase online participation. Two Public Workshops are
scheduled as follows:
2
3
Wednesday, September 25, 2024, 6:00pm —7:30pm
Gravelly Hill Middle School Auditorium, 4801 W Ten Rd., Efland
Thursday, October 3, 2024, 6:00pm — 7:30pm,
American Legion Post 6, 3700 NC Highway 54, Chapel Hill
County Planning staff has been tabling at area community events such as Efland-Cheeks
Community Center Back to School, Festival Latino Americano in Carrboro, and others. This work
will continue until early November and is to promote interest and collect input via surveys.
Planning staff is also working directly with community organizations and leaders to host
community meetings for reaching populations that have traditionally been underrepresented in
Orange County land use planning. The Clarion team will be assisting Planning staff with the
facilitation of meetings and Planning staff is partnering with meeting hosts to distribute invitations
and encourage participation among respective communities. This is a different approach than
that which was used during Community Engagement Window#1, which featured fewer meetings
and less Planning staff involvement.
Additional information is provided in Attachment A. A PowerPoint presentation will be provided
at the meeting.
Tom Altieri, Senior Planner, introduced the item and the presenters Leigh Anne King and
Emily Gvino of Clarion Associates.
Leigh Anne King made the following the presentation:
Slide #1
1*4
M�
September 1 2024
• •
♦ PLAN BOCC
2050
CLARION
4
Slide #2
Agenda• Project Status
• Land Use Alternatives:
• Purpose and intent
• How they are defined
• Outcomes of modeling
• Collecting feedback
• Next Steps
Slide #3
Project Process
oeleo I'll,
'zovv
5el thesla Collect Evaluate Creme Orak Adopt Plan
9e Community Existing Vision and Goals
& Inputs Conditions &
Callen Test Land use
Stakeholder 8` & Alternatives
Inputs t7efine New Planning &
Issues and Influences o.ak aad
Opportunities tinalire Plan
Slide #4
Purpose of Land Use Alternatives
Identify the areas Define and explore Evaluate the Collect and use
where the potential land use impacts those Community
community might alternatives changes could feedback to inform
want to see through yield using development of the
Chang e, hypothetical modeled outcomes. plan policies
modeling exercises. needed to support
the desired
outcomes.
5
Slide #5
• Formal recommendations for new policies
• They are hypothetical land use policy options to evaluate
through mapping analysis and discuss as part of community
engagement activities.
• A recommended new future land use map (FLUM)
• They are policy options to evaluate and inform development
# of the new 20SO Land Use Plan's FLUM.The new FLUM could
be a hybrid of different aspects of the alternatives.
Chair Bedford asked how long it will take to change the future land use map.
Perdita Holtz, Deputy Director of Long Range Planning, said a new future land use map
will part of the comprehensive plan, which may be adopted in December 2025. She said there
would not be a separate process.
Slide #6
How LU Alternatives will be used...
Refine Plan
Goals and Policies
Adjust Future
• � Land Use Map
Develop and Feedback �-
Model from BOCC -
Alternatives Briefing and -
Public
Engagement -
Slide #7
Basic Steps of Land Use
Alternatives Exercise
1. Identify key question to answer with land use alternatives.
2. Start from current Future Land Use Map(FLUM)and policies.Update to
current policy context.
3. Develop and model hypothetical future policy alternatives for
unincorporated Orange County and assess outcomes.
4. Share outcomes with County leadership and residents and gather feedback
on support for future alternatives.
AswrrdoNon Neat RrraJ prekrred Gmu?h a�Canservahcn Framework(FI UMJ yae a rombiuN'arr afpoliry the Yrons from Nrese altemaNver
6
Slide #8
ContextDefining Land Use
■
Initial Current 0AIternatives
Community Technical Future Feedback Analysis Land Use[strareg�[w CEw x,,and PoliciesStakeholder Interviews
Slide #9
Refresher on Key Question Derived
from Public Engagement FeedbackT ,,
Which aspects of the Poect C,Paal Wa e.afied Away
antl Open Spaces antl Pieserre
land use alternatives
best achieve the balance
of sustainable
CULTIVATE
development in Orange SUSTAINABLE
77 ..
County?
0
Slide #10
Start from Current Policies
Baseline Alternative
with Policy Updates
Enhance Agricultural Low-Impact Rural Mixed-Use Centers
Conservation
,— 0 and Environmental and New Employment
protections Neighborhoods and New in strategic Locations m
Employment in Strategic
Cnntin—C.,-rent Pol,nes Ln:alior's
Regarding slide #10, Chair Bedford asked if by "employment" Leigh Anne King meant
jobs.
7
Leigh Anne King said yes, it refers to opportunities for employment development. She said
this is an opportunity to test how much capacity could be created or reduced, based on these
alternatives. She said options 3 and 4 have the same strategic employment component.
Slide #11
Environmentally Sensitive Areas 7T
For all"new'"alternatives,
avoided adding more dense or
thin._.
• Critical water supply
watersheds
• Voluntary Agricultural
Districts(VAD)and
Enhanced(EVAD)
I n the ex'erit practical,avoideLi
adding more dense or intensive
d .,
Protected water supply Enhance Agricultural Low-Impart Aural Mixed-Use Centers
watersheds and Environmental Conservation and New Employment
• Conservation corridors Protections Neighborhoods andNew in Strategic Locations m
( Employment in Strategic
Eno/New Hope Habitat]
ocations
Slide #12
LandUse Classifications
Updated ClaSSifiLations for Hypothetical Land Use
Alternatives
Mixed Use Center
Low Density Neighborhood
Urbanizing Residential
Rural Activity Node
Rural Conservation Neighborhood
Rural Residential
Rural Buffer
8
Slide #13
Baseline Alternative #1
Baseline Altemative
with Policy Updates
Updates:
• Refined palette of land use classifications
• Reflect Hillsborough's new Comprehensive Plan
and study area for Mebane's forthcoming plan
• Update to include Blackwood Station as Rural
Node(bring into alignment with Joint Planning
• _ Agreement,Rural Node as subcategory of Rural
Buffer)
Continue Current Policies
Slide #14
Baseline Alternative #1
Maintain current densities for
land use categories in
unincorporated areas
Land Use Alternative 1
City Limits
ETJ
JPA
Economic Development
Area
Rural Activity Node
Rural Buffer
Rural Residential
Low Density
Neighborhood
III!urbanizing Residential
Slide #15
Alternative Agricultural s
Environmental Protections
Focus on protecting priority
agricultural,environmental,
watershed,and rural lands
Would lower densities for all
B?s��in• residential areas(except Urbanizing
Residential and Lower Density
Altematllve * Residentlaq
Would limit the extent of new
housing opportunities in
unincorporated Orange County
through more restrictive residential
density Folio-
Wou Id not require changes to
Enhance Agricultural water/wastewater policies;users
and Environmental would rely on individual well and
Protections septic systems
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the third bullet point on slide #15. She asked if
it was correct that this alternative would limit the extent of new housing opportunities more than
the county currently does.
9
Leigh Anne King said yes.
Commissioner McKee asked if there was any consideration on the impact to lower-income
residents by limiting opportunities for housing.
Leigh Anne King said that these alternatives are only for discussion purposes, they are
not recommendations.
Commissioner McKee said that by discussing the alternatives it would raise a lot of
concerns.
Vice-Chair Greene said that she would not support lowering density. She said that the
community would not support that. She said that as far as she could recall, the last time it was
done was decades ago to create the Cane Creek water supply, and it created hurt feelings. She
said that her preference is that this not be an option to bring to the community.
Chair Bedford said unless the consultants use it as an extreme example as something
they are not going to do.
Leigh Anne King said there was a lot of community feedback for protecting priority areas,
so they created an alternative that explored doing more conservation. She said everything has
tradeoffs.
Commissioner Richards said she was glad to see it as an alternative. She said she
reviewed the survey results from a previous year and said the number one reason people said
they moved to Orange County was for the open space. She said having that alternative is helpful
for people to understand the implications and tradeoffs from a practical standpoint. She said it is
also helpful for residents to understand that this alternative also involves more wells and septic
tanks.
Commissioner Fowler said that this discussion isn't happening in a vacuum and if the
towns are building up while the county conserves land, we could end up with more housing.
Leigh Anne King said it is helpful to remember that these alternatives are for
unincorporated areas.
Slide #16
EnvironmentalProtections
Lower residential densities for
majority of lands in
unincorporated areas
Land Use Alternative 2
City Limits
ET]
JPA
.Economic Development
Area
_ Rural Activity Node
Rural Buffer
Rural Residential
■ei Low Density
��^^• Neighborhood
Urbanizing Residential
10
Slide #17
Alternative #3: Rural Conservation
Neighborhoods
• Would require Rural Conservation
Neighborhoods in strategic locations
Would require that Rural Conservation
Neighborhoods permanently protect
60%of site prioritizing key areas(farm,
Baseline ecological areas,hahitat)in trade for
ltemati V�@ higher-density housing
tU Would offer the potential for a mix o1
housing types and neighborhood-
scale commercial in un'inmrporated
J areas
Would support expansion of
Buckhom Economic Development
Low-Impact Rural District south of West Ten Road
n Conservation Nei hborhoods m
9 Would require explicit polity to allow
and New Employment in for community systems(water and
Strategic Locations wastewater)
Leigh Anne King said that this alternative would require allowing community wastewater
and water systems.
Vice-Chair Greene said the county's policy does not restrict those types of systems, but
they are very expensive.
Slide #18
■
— Imagesc to yy
of Randali Arendt
Convenlional Neighborhood Rural Conservation Neighborhood
Slide #19
Alternative #3: Rural Conservation
Neighborhoods
Rural Conservation Neighborhoods
and Economic Development Areas
in strategic locations
Land Use Alternative 3
teary emits
�E17
]PA
-Etarromr Development
Nee
_ r Rumal Activity Node
Rura Ru(fer
'°""' -Rural Conservation
Neighbwlwotl
Rural Resltlent;al
Low bensity
Neighborhood
��....x Unuiniring Residential
11
Commissioner Richards asked if this alternative would expand the Buckhorn Economic
Development district farther than it currently stands.
Leigh Anne King said yes.
Commissioner Hamilton asked what water and wastewater community systems means.
Leigh Anne King said most developments are on private well and septic in the county.
She said well and septic is not suitable for more intense developments. She said community
systems are private water and wastewater systems that are only for specific developments.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if there needs to be a policy change or is the barrier the
cost.
Perdita Holtz said in the 2010s there was a requirement removed from the development
regulations that required a special use permit for community systems. She said they are
expensive systems, but there may be a misconception that they are still not allowed.
Commissioner Hamilton said it may be more an issue of education for the community.
Commissioner McKee said that there are many community systems in Wake County.
Vice-Chair Greene said her understanding of water and wastewater community systems
is that they are better than they used to be.
Commissioner McKee said they are essentially micro-municipal utilities that are limited to
the development project.
Chair Bedford said that the community then hires a company to manage the community
system. She said that they are learning that they need to do more education in the community.
Tom Altieri said there are some community water systems, but there is not an example of
a conservation subdivision that incorporates both a community water system and a community
wastewater system. He said the closest example is the Fiddlehead Corners development
proposal which has gone to the Planning Board.
Slide #20
Alternative #4: Mixed Use Centers
Would allow two areas to provide
higher-density,mixed-use
developments
Would support expansion of
Buckhorn Economic Development
BiIS!(Ili1! y� District south of West Ten Road
Altemative Mixed Use Centers to he located
adjacent to municipalities to
increase the feasihilityfor extension
of public water and wastewater
utilities
Would require changes to
waterlwastowatarpolicles to allow
Allow Mixed-Use Centers and for expansion of public water and
New Employment in Strategic sewer systems to these sites
Locations
12
Slide #21
r
v
Southern Village
Slide #22
Alternative #4: Mixed Use Centers 7T
® New Mixed Use Centers and
Economic Development Areas in
strategic locations
Land Use Alternative 4
City Limits
ET]
IPA
-Economic t}evelopment
. Area
_ L Mixed Use Center
Rural Activity Node
Rural Buffer
tea_ �RuraIResidential
m
Low Density
� Neighborhood
"�"� �Urbanizing Residential
13
Slide #23
It
Outcomes of Alternatives
Conservation Residential Nonresidential
Land Capacity Capacity
requiredTotal amount of Residential Nonresidential
land development development
. be capacity capacity
protectedconserved as if all lands
either in unincorporated if
permanently Orange County all lands in
open were to bp un�ncorporatpcl
space or as part developed. •"County
of private rural were to be
lots if all lands developi?d.
were to bo
developed
Slide #24
• • mes: Conservation Land 7T
Alternative#1 74,589
Alternative#2 74,589
Alternative#3 75.827
Alternative#4 73,947
{
M000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 50,000 70,000 80,000
Acres of Conservation Lands
Leigh Anne King said that Alternatives #1 and #2 result in the same conserved acreage
amount. She said Alternative #3 has more because of the conservation because of the 60%
requirement that was applied. She said Alternative #4 had less because it is building out more of
the land.
Chair Bedford asked how many total acres there are in unincorporated Orange County.
Leigh Anne King said it depends on how you want to calculate acreage.
Chair Bedford said it would be helpful to know what percentage of the county is being
conserved.
Leigh Anne King said for Alternatives #1 and #2, it is roughly 33%. She said that total
acres in the land use classification is 216,593, which is on page 26 of the report.
14
Slide #25
■ • mes: Residential Capacity
Alternative#'1 46,669
PJternative M2 38366
Alternative*3 49.4 T 7
Alternat-F4 48,860
9 T0,001) 20,00❑ 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,0❑0
Number of Dwelling Units
Commissioner Hamilton asked for clarification on residential capacity. She asked if this
reflects new capacity or new plus existing capacity.
Leigh Anne King said it is new capacity.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if dwelling units considers the number of beds.
Leigh Anne King said that was not part of this analysis.
Slide #26
Outcomes: Nonresidential Capacity
Alternative#1 59,179,789
Alternative#2 69,179,789
Alternative#3 81226,184
Alternative#4 87,995,297
0 10A0❑A00 209❑❑.000 30.000,000 40,OOg000 50,000,❑00 60.000,❑00 70,00❑,O❑0 80,000,000 90,000,❑❑0 100,000,000
Square feet of Nonresidential Capacity
Chair Bedford asked for clarification of non-residential capacity.
Leigh Anne King said it is square footage of development that is non-residential, such as
stores, shops, commercial buildings, etc. She said it is looking at land capacity.
Commissioner McKee said it is approximately 2,000 acres.
15
Slide #27
Itk
Comparison of Outcomes
Alternative#2 Alternative#3 Alternative#4
1 nc reasi ng protedi o n o(
high-value environmental, Wdium Medium Low
agricultural,and rural lands
I nc reasi ng a(fo rda 61e
housing or increase housing Low High Medium
stock
I nc reasi ng po ten li a I to r
transit use in unincorporated LOW Medium High
Orange County
ReducingVMTsorreducing Medium Low Medium
greenhouse gases
Creating new employment
opportunities in Low Mediurn High
unincorporated areas
Chair Bedford asked that the word affordable be removed from the comparison, because
she did not want the county to make that kind of promise and not be able to deliver.
Commissioner McKee said he does not envision affordable housing occurring in the
commercial sector.
Commissioner Richards said it will not happen at a large scale.
Leigh Anne King said they can focus on increasing housing stock in the alternatives.
Slide #28
t,
eChniCa Re
port {•�}
IDocuments the methodology,
llanalysis, and outcomes.
VIC
Available online:
https:llwww.crangecountylanduseplan.com/resources
16
Slide #29
EngagementCommunity . .
Testing Land Use Alternatives
Please join us at the following events:
Wednesday,September 25th Thursday,October 3
6:00 pm-7:30 pm 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Gravelly Hill Middle School American Legion Post 6
4801 W Ten Rd,Efland,NC 27243 3700 NC-54,Chapel Hill,NC
27516
In addition,Orange County Planning staff is working directly with community
representatives to host targeted community meetings.
Commissioner McKee noted that Alternative #1 was not in the comparison of outcomes
table.
Leigh Anne King said that Alternative #1 is no change, so the other three reflect a change
from #1.
Commissioner McKee said that there might be questions on where remaining the same
might rank.
Leigh Anne King said they did not do an analysis of how the county is doing today.
Commissioner Richards said the quantitative information would be helpful for making
comparisons.
Commissioner Hamilton said that they might consider putting in Alternative #1 and
describing it as "baseline."
Slide #30
�r22
Community
Engagement
tir1GAGE�,j��T
0 4 f
j'
A
17
Slide #31
Community • •
CHOICES FOR OUR FUTURE @ LAND USE ALTERNATIVES @CHOICES FOR OUR FUTURE
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Slide #32
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Community
AITEWINAINTO q�"� COWINVE CVAMEW POVCICS e ..e e' N&GHBOR"DOM TRUEGtE LOCARONS CENTERS IN STRATEGIC LOCATIONS
18
Slide #33
Community Engagement
LAND USE ALTIERNAIVES: LAND USE ALTER NAMES
oDRAFT
Slide #34
Community Engagement
SHARE YOUR FEEDBACN� E%IT OIIESTEDMNAIRE
wm�la�san n.�Gqu iH cas w.qip s
A short survey and a song survey are available for the convenience of participants.
Voluntary exit questionnaires can provide self-reported data.
19
Slide #35
Commissioner Richards asked if calibrating with the Mebane and Hillsborough plans
impact the economic development districts and activity and industrial transition nodes that the
county currently has.
Tom Altieri said there were relatively small reductions around the Hillsborough fringe. He
said on the Mebane side it would be an expansion.
Commissioner Richards asked if the economic development district maps would be
updated.
Tom Altieri said that the next step would be to prepare a single draft future land use map.
He said that would be part of the draft plan for the third and final engagement window. He said
they would be looking to home in on what those economic development districts would look like.
Commissioner Hamilton said she would like to see the impact of these alternatives on
equity. She said they should know if some of these alternatives are disproportionately affecting
communities.
Leigh Anne King said that as they begin looking at the future land use map that will be an
opportunity to get more finely grained on what areas are we potentially talking policy change and
having more specific discussions with the Board of Commissioners. She said that it has been a
higher-level, broad-brush test, and this will be pared down and more detailed. She described a
tool that is being used by Buncombe County to analyze development proposals.
Vice-Chair Greene asked if Clarion Associates coordinated with Chapel Hill and Carrboro
and their land use plans.
Leigh Anne King said they were assumed as part of the land use alternatives. She said
they assumed that joint planning areas that have been defined will continue to be as current policy
is today. She said they focused on unincorporated areas.
Commissioner Fowler asked if there were plans for better community engagement in the
Blackwood Station area.
Tom Altieri said there is not currently a meeting scheduled in the Blackwood Station area.
He said that they are trying to move meetings around.
Commissioner Fowler said that the community needs to be educated about this.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she would be interested in how diverse the attendance
will be at the proposed meetings. She suggested having representatives from the non-profit and
for-profit housing partners.
Tom Altieri said they are working with housing partners, but not specifically for the current
workshops. He said they are planning to host smaller community meetings during the next
engagement window and will rely on housing partners to notify members.
20
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they have been receptive to participating.
Tom Altieri said they have found some community leaders who were willing to assist.
Chair Bedford asked if previous attendees would receive notifications.
Tom Altieri said that over 200 people have signed up to receive notifications, in addition
to advisory board networks and the work done by the Community Relations Department.
Perdita Holtz noted that Tom Altieri has worked very hard to cultivate new relationships
with populations the county has not previously worked with.
2. Discussion on Orange County Outside Agencies Application, Scoring and Funding
Process
The Board discussed the current Outside Agencies funding process to ensure the County's
Strategic Goals and Objectives are prioritized and that the application and scorecard incorporate
the Strategic Plan and the County's priority needs.
BACKGROUND: At the June 4, 2024 Business meeting, Board of Commissioners` Chair
Jamezetta Bedford submitted a petition requesting that the Board review the Outside Agencies
funding process to align it more directly with the County's priorities and the Strategic Plan and
Objectives.
Currently, Outside Agencies apply for funding from Orange County using a joint funding
application created by the County and the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro. The Outside
Agencies process begins in late October/early November with a kick-off orientation hosted by the
County and Towns for the agencies explaining the application process and requirements.
Attachment A is the application used for the FY 2024-25 funding process. (Please note that the
attached application is a hard copy version of the online application that is available in the
Open.gov portal on the Town of Chapel Hill's website.)
Upon receipt of the applications in mid-January, the County Manager's office distributes
applications to assigned Department Directors for review and evaluation. The County Manager
requests that the County's scorecard be completed by the Department Director (and any
applicable review boards) prior to individual agency meetings with the Manager in mid-March.
The current scorecard used by Orange County is provided at Attachment B. Currently, the same
scorecard is used for new agencies and those that have received prior funding. The towns utilize
their own scorecards.
The County Manager, Business Officer/Outside Agencies Coordinator Melissa Allison and the
assigned Department Director meet with each agency that has applied for a brief presentation.
The towns jointly host their own agency presentations to their advisory boards and town staff.
Following the County Manager presentations, the scorecards are reviewed, finalized and
submitted to the Manager for the final funding recommendations.
Following Board of Commissioners` adoption of the Budget in June, the assigned Department
Directors (or their designees) are responsible for formalizing the funding agreements with the
agencies beginning at the start of the next fiscal year. Directors (or their designees) receive and
review quarterly outcome forms and ensure quarterly payments to the agencies. The Outcomes
Form is provided at Attachment C.
The current application, scorecard and outcomes form do not reference the County's Strategic
Plan and Objectives.
21
County Manager's office staff have discussed possible changes to the application, scorecard and
quarterly outcomes form that would require agencies to indicate which Strategic Goals and
Objectives would be met by the agencies and ensure the applications are evaluated for
addressing priority County needs. In addition, staff could ensure performance measures are in
place that track these goals and objectives. The County's Strategic Plan Manager, Kelly
Guadeloupe, would consult on these changes, and moving forward would be included in the
presentations by the agencies along with Melissa Allison and the assigned Department Director.
These three County staff members would complete the scorecards for submittal to the County
Manager for final funding recommendations. The need to have a separate scorecard for new
agencies which does not lower their score for prior outcomes and results has also been disussed.
The County Manager would make the final funding recommendations with a formula that
prioritizes the highest scoring for new and exisiting agencies that align with County strategic goals
and needs.
Caitlin Fenhagen introduced the item and made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Outside Agencies Application,
Scoring and Funding Process
Board of Commissioners
Work Session
September 10, 2024
22
Slide #2
Background for Discussion
June 4, 2024 Petition by Chair Bedford
■ Align Outside Agencies Funding Process with County Strategic Plan and
Objectives
■ Review Application and Scorecard to Ensure Agencies Evaluated on
County's Priority Needs
• Discuss Changes to Process
ORANGE COUNTY
2 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #3
Background on Current Process
• Kick-off Meeting led by Orange County, Chapel Hill and Carrboro
staff in late October/early November with interested agencies.
• County and Towns use a common funding application. Chapel Hill
and Carrboro have a special section for their applicants which
includes Specific Strategic Objectives and Performance Indicators
for their towns. Orange County does not.
• O &A sessions held for applicants November—January
• Applications due Mid-January
• County uses its own Application Scorecard for evaluators
• County Manager, relevant Department Director, and Manager's
Business Officer/Outside Agencies Coordinator meet with every
applicant agency for up to 30 minutes. Chapel Hill and Carrboro host
a separate joint presentation meeting with each applicant agency
• County Scorecards submitted to County Manager for final funding
recommendations to present in Budget.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
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Slide #4
Communication with the Towns
• Chapel Hill, Carrboro and County Outside
Agency/Human Services coordinators meet regularly
throughout the year
• Chapel Hill and Carrboro are considering revisions to
their processes
• Chapel Hill and Carrboro coordinators have been briefed
on potential changes to the County process
ORANGE COUNTY
4 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #5
Possible Changes to Consider
• Inclusion of Orange County Strategic Goals and
Objectives
y In Application, Scorecard and Quarterly Progress Reports
• Require that Performance Measures in Application Align
with a County Strategic Goal and Objective
• County Strategic Plan Manager Consults on Revisions to
Materials and Reviews Submitted Applications and
Scorecards and Provides Feedback to County Manager
• Outside Agencies Coordinator, Relevant Department
Director and Deputy Manager Attend Joint County and
Towns Agency Presentations
• Separate Scorecards Completed for New Agencies
• Manager Receives Scorecards and Prioritizes Fun�g
for County Needs ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
Caitlin Fenhagen said that new agencies cannot score as high as existing agencies with
the current scorecard. She said a new scorecard would level the playing field.
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Slide #6
Discussion and Questions
ORANGE COUNTY
6 NORTH CAROLINA
Caitlin Fenhagen said that at this point in the year it will be difficult to incorporate dramatic
changes to the process.
Commissioner Richards said that the timing is difficult. She said that there will be a
strategic plan scorecard coming based on strategic plan performance measurements.
Caitlin Fenhagen said that the Strategic Plan Coordinator, Kelly Guadalupe, was working
on the scorecards and would have them ready by the end of the year. She said that those
measures will be incorporated into the process.
Commissioner Richards said that since the agencies support departments, understanding
how they will be measured would be helpful. She asked if by the time an agency is selected if
they will have the scorecard. She said the agencies won't have it by the time the application is
released.
Caitlin Fenhagen said that they will have objectives and they will be asked to come up
with performance measures.
Commissioner Richards clarified that it would be how agencies support the strategic plan.
She thanked Caitlin Fenhagen for proposing a change to the scorecard for new agencies.
Chair Bedford noted that the Board agreed with Commissioner Richards' comment.
Commissioner Richards clarified that it should not be a problem if Chapel Hill and Orange
County have different questions on the application. She said having a joint meeting would be
productive in that they would hear all of the questions, but the criteria and selection rubrics would
be different.
Caitlin Fenhagen said they would continue to have the different scorecards.
Commissioner McKee noted that the application in the agenda packet was for the previous
year and that it would be updated for the next application cycle.
Chair Bedford said that the proposed changes still keep a separation of the process from
Board influence. She said that this is enough changes for one year. She said advisory boards
don't always know of the various ways the county supports non-county agencies. She said that
it would be good to have the strategic plan manager, department directors, Business Officer
Melissa Allison, and the Deputy County Manager review the applications because they know more
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about what's happening in the county. She said that she felt the scorecard needed updating to
make sure that agencies are supporting key county priorities. She hoped that connecting funding
to the strategic plan will help the county get closer to funding those priorities. She suggested that
if an agency does not align with a strategic plan goal or priority, that they not be considered for
funding.
Caitlin Fenhagen said the scorecard will be updated to reflect the strategic plan.
Chair Bedford said the current formula does not capture key priority areas for county
funding. She said that not enough points are given for equity. She said two other areas of concern
are timing and geography. She said that new agencies or agencies that didn't score as highly
should continue to provide quarterly reports. She said that agencies with a good track record
could probably submit reports less frequently. She expressed concerns about funding
educational agencies when the county already provides funding to the school districts.
Commissioner Hamilton said they want to make sure agencies are treated fairly. She said
that on the scorecard, the points assigned seem arbitrary. She said that the county must reflect
on whether the scorecard is working the way it's designed. She said that will be the only way to
know if their performance matches the given score. She said they don't have the strategic plan
performance measures yet, so she expressed concern about using those to score applicants.
She said that they should find a system that doesn't require a lot of staff time to make sure
resources are being used wisely.
Vice-Chair Greene clarified that the performance measures listed by the applicant in their
application would be reviewed to ensure that they align with the strategic plan. She said they
aren't county performance measures.
Caitlin Fenhagen said that was correct.
Caitlin Fenhagen said that Chapel Hill and Carrboro offer an agency review twice a year.
She said that would really help departments. She said for contracts that are now housed in
departments, they should apply the same principles when reviewing those contracts. She said
they want those performance measures to also be aligned with county priorities. She said it will
be important to discuss these changes with department heads.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what type of review is happening quarterly.
Caitlin Fenhagen said they submit progress reports with their outcomes that quarter, and
then are paid out for that quarter after a review of the report.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott clarified that they must meet benchmarks to receive funding.
Caitlin Fenhagen said they are the benchmarks that were listed in their funding agreement.
Commissioner Richards asked if it would be helpful to identify priorities for funding.
Chair Bedford said that the Board has never discussed priorities or a hierarchy.
Commissioner Hamilton asked if it is an issue that there are some agencies that don't fit
into the priorities.
Chair Bedford said that all non-profits could be slotted into a county goal.
Commissioner Hamilton said that on the scorecard points could be assigned based on
where the agency falls in the strategic plan.
Chair Bedford suggested that they had enough change at this time, but they should bring
back ideas in the spring.
Commissioner Hamilton said they could compare the data that they receive over the year
and determine how the process meets their priorities.
Commissioner Fowler said that the Board has set goals, but priorities may change
depending on what the county is already doing or has accomplished. She said it makes sense to
her to have the County Manager change and prioritize based on what the county is already doing.
Travis Myren said that while an agency might fit into a strategic objective, their activities
might not be as directly related as other agencies.
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3. Review of BOCC Proclamations
The Board reviewed the proclamations that have been approved by the Board of County
Commissioners since 2016.
BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners requested that staff create a 12-month
calendar of proclamations for possible inclusion on future Business meeting agendas.
Chair Bedford introduced the item. She said that this stemmed from a request for priority
proclamations to not fall through the cracks and be forgotten. She said that the process for adding
proclamations has fallen to the position of the Chair. She said she would like to discuss the
purpose of proclamations and review the list of proclamations from 2016. She would like to make
sure that the proclamations that are priorities for the Board are added to agendas. She said that
they need to decide if those proclamations should be read aloud at the meeting or be put on
consent. She said they should talk about requests from the public for adding proclamations. She
asked if those who request should reside in Orange County.
Commissioner Richards asked what does it mean for the county to approve a
proclamation. She asked if departments should be part of a proclamation and have planned
activities. She asked what is the purpose of a proclamation. She asked if it would be a useful
activity during the work session to go through the list.
Chair Bedford said she thought they could identify the priority proclamations during the
meeting.
Commissioner Fowler said that if the county has planned activities around a proclamation,
they should be prioritized.
Vice-Chair Greene said that she thought that they should still remain receptive to the
community and their interests.
Chair Bedford thought that some of those proclamations should be on consent, but any of
those could be pulled from consent.
Commissioner Richards said if there are certain proclamations that they will do every year,
they should be planning ahead.
Commissioner Hamilton said the purpose of a proclamation can fall in a couple of
categories. She said a proclamation could fall into an advertisement for a county event or activity,
but that could be done without a proclamation. She said another reason is that a proclamation
might reflect the views of the Board. She said that a third reason is that a proclamation might
recognize a larger community and the importance, or something that's about safety that the
county wants to emphasize. She said that agendas can be long, so they still have to keep some
proclamation items brief.
Chair Bedford said that for some proclamations, it emphasizes how much they value staff.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said it is good to acknowledge different events. She asked
how the Board approves proclamations being developed.
Chair Bedford said that the Chair and Vice-Chair review each proclamation. She said
there are no standards, and that is the dilemma.
Commissioner McKee said that proclamations can burn up a lot of time during a meeting.
He said proclamations are celebratory and a way for the county position its priorities and publicly
broadcast them. He said the more that they have, the less impactful they are. He suggested it
be pared back to one or two a month. He said he would like to see it tied to department activities
and something the county is specifically doing.
Vice-Chair Greene said that on the next meeting's agenda there will be a proclamation on
family literacy. She said that the county has provided funding to the organization. She said when
there a group that is aligned with the county's mission asks for the proclamation, she supports
that. She said that the requestor wrote a draft and it was refined by the County Manager's Office.
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The Board reviewed the list of proclamations and discussed which ones they wanted to
make sure were considered each year. They also identified proclamations that could be
potentially on the consent agenda.
February
• Black History Month
• Women's History Month
March
Incorporate the two below together and include on consent:
• Creek Week
• World Water Day
April
• Child Abuse Prevention Month (include on consent unless there are specific activities or
requests)
• Public Safety Telecom municators Week (consent)
• Fair Housing Month (include on consent unless there are specific activities)
May
• Older Americans Month
• Mental Health Awareness Month
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week
June
• National Gun Violence Awareness Day (include on consent unless there are specific
activities)
• Juneteenth
• Pride Month
September
• Suicide Prevention Month
October
• National 4-H Week
• Fire Prevention Week
• Arts and Humanities Month (include on consent unless there are specific activities)
• Domestic Violence Awareness Month (consent)
• Disability Employment Awareness Month (consent)
November
• Native American Heritage Month
December
• Bill of Rights Day (consent)
Commissioner Richards said they can acknowledge without having a proclamation.
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Chair Bedford said that Assistant to the County Manager Greg Wilder will keep the list on
his calendar and make sure they are included on agendas.
4. Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee — Appointments
Discussion
The Board discussed appointments to the Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community
Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND: The Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
works to maintain the intent of the Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Residents' Bills of Rights
and promote community involvement and cooperation with these homes to ensure quality care
for older and disabled adults.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fourteen (14) members.
REMINDER: As of July 1, 2017, House Bill 248 was approved by the North Carolina Legislature
regarding the training period for pending members of the "Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee". Applicants will be selected from
our county "Applicant Interest List" for a condensed training and if the applicant successfully
completes the training, they would be recommended for appointment. Therefore, when an
applicant is recommended for appointment, it would initially be for a one year preliminary term
and their training will have already been completed.
The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Rev. Dr. Robert At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027
Ashburn
Jacqulyn At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027
Podger (reappointment)
Karen Green- At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027
McElveen (reappointment)
Dr. Carol Kelly At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027
(reappointment)
Dr. Prakash At-Large One-year initial term 09/17/2025
Sista
SPECIAL NOTATION: None of the other applicants have completed the mandatory pre-
appointment training and are therefore not eligible for appointment at this time.
If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION DATE
At-Large 09/30/2026 Vacant since 11/02/2023
Adult Care Home 09/30/2025 Vacant since 11/02/2023
Administrator
Nominee
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Adult Care Home 09/30/2026 Vacant since 11/02/2023
Administrator
Nominee
Nursing Home 09/30/2024 Vacant since 11/02/2023
Administrator
Nominee
Nursing Home 09/30/2025 Vacant since 11/02/2023
Administrator
Nominee
Tara May introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants.
Tara May noted that she sent an email to the Board earlier regarding training requirements
for this committee.
5. Affordable Housing Advisory Board — Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board prioritizes affordable housing needs
and assesses project proposals. The board also publicizes the County's housing objectives,
monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works
to increase the community's awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in
producing attractive affordable housing. As a general practice, this board has decided not to make
recommendations for vacancies.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members.
The following position is presented for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027
Appointee
If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain.
Tara May introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Todd Orr to the vacant position.
6. Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool —Appointments Discussion
discuss appointments to the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool.
BACKGROUND: The charge of the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool is to hear appeals
concerning violations of the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 4 ("Animal Control
Ordinance"), as provided in the Orange County Code of Ordinances, Section 4-53 Appeals and
also potentially dangerous dog appeals as prescribed by NC General Statute §67-4.1(c). It is the
responsibility of pool members to conduct fair and impartial hearings for these appeals and they
will receive training in both law and proper procedure prior to participating in a hearing.
30
The Board of County Commissioners appoints twelve (12) members, with representation from
various fields. There are also two (2) members representing the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill,
and Hillsborough.
The following individuals and positions are presented for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Pam C. At-Large Second Full Term 09/30/2027
Schwentner Unincorporated
Cynthia J. Veterinarian Second Full Term 09/30/2027
Stubbs
BOCC At-Large Partial Term 03/31/2026
Appointee Unincorporated
If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESIGNATION DATE
Town of Carrboro 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023
Town of Carrboro 03/31/2027 Vacant since 03/31/2024
Town of Chapel 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023
Hill
Town of 03/31/2025 Vacant since 03/31/2022
Hillsborough
Public Health Field 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023
At-Large 03/31/2025 Vacant since 03/31/2022
At-Large 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2023
Tara May introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Pam Schwenter to the At-Large
Unincorporated position, Cynthia Stubbs to the Veterinarian position, and James Wheeler to the
Public Health position.
7. Arts Commission — Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Arts Commission.
BACKGROUND: The Arts Commission recommends strategies to promote the artistic and
cultural growth of Orange County, advises the Board of Commissioners on matters involving the
arts, and acts as the granting panel for funding programs available to individual artists and non-
profit groups sponsoring arts projects in Orange County.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members.
31
The following individual is recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Renee Hayes At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2027
If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain.
Tara May introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicant.
8. Historic Preservation Commission —Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission.
BACKGROUND: The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with undertaking an
inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance. It
recommends areas to be designated or removed as "historic districts" and reviews and acts upon
proposals for alterations, demolition, new construction, etc.
In considering new applicants, the HPC is required to follow the guidelines from the State Historic
Preservation Office (SHPO) in order for the County to remain eligible to participate in the state's
Certified Local Government (CLG) program. Those guidelines include the following language
governing the qualifications of prospective HPC applicants: "All members shall have
demonstrated experience or knowledge in history, architecture or related disciplines that is
supported by resume information sufficient to allow the SHPO to confirm the qualifications of
members, pursuant to 36 CFR Part 61."
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seven (7)At-Large members.
The following individual is recommended for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Eric Deetz At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2026
If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancy remains:
POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION DATE
At-Large 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/31/2024
Tara May introduced the item.
Commissioner Fowler asked for more information about Kristofer Cason's experience
and qualifications.
Tara May said she would follow up.
The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicant.
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9. Orange County Board of Adjustment—Appointment Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Orange County Board of Adjustment.
BACKGROUND: The Board of Adjustment hears, reviews, decides appeals, and reviews any
order requirement, decision, or determination made by the Zoning Officer in the performance of
official duties. It also hears and decides applications for the approval of those Special Uses
requiring Board of Adjustment approval, in accordance with the rules and conditions laid down in
the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), hears and decides appeals for variances from the
dimensional regulations of the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO), and decides or determines
other matters as may be required by the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) or State law.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seven (7) members. Due to the nature of its
work, the Board of Adjustment does not make recommendations for appointments.
The following position is presented for Board consideration:
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
BOCC Alternate First Full Term 06/30/2027
Appointee
If the position listed above is filled, no vacancies remain.
Tara May introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Kyle Myers to the vacant position.
10. Orange Unified Transportation Board —Appointments Discussion
The Board discussed an appointment to the Orange Unified Transportation Board.
BACKGROUND: The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUT Board) advises the Orange
County Board of County Commissioners on the overall planning and programming of
transportation improvements in the County.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members, with representation from
each of the County's townships to the extent possible. There is also one (1) non-voting youth
member. The OUT Board does not make recommendations.
The following positions are presented for Board consideration:
33
NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION
DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Roy Schonberg Chapel Hill Township Second Full Term 09/30/2027
Michael Hughes At-Large Second Full Term 09/30/2027
BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027
Appointee
BOCC At-Large Partial Term 09/30/2025
Appointee
BOCC Youth Member (non- First Full Term 09/30/2027
Appointee voting)
If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain.
Tara May introduced the item.
The Board agreed by consensus to reappoint Roy Schonberg and Michael Hughes to the
Orange Unified Transportation Board.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Chloe Pankratz to the vacant youth position.
The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Heidi Perry and Gene Owens for the vacant
At-Large positions.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Greene , seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to adjourn
the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Laura Jensen
Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.