HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11-07-2024 - Business Meting 1
APPROVED 12/10/24
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUSINESS MEETING
November 7, 2024
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Thursday, November
7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, 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. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Greene to remove the
closed session from the agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda
Megan Kimball read from the following statement:
Good evening, Commissioners. Thankyou forthe opportunityto comment on the land use
plan. I urge the county to continue partnering with our municipalities to coordinate land
use that supports environmental sustainability and fosters affordable, vibrant
cornmunIties.
Scenarios one and two align with the hard work ourtowns have put into their own plans,
which concentrate development within municipal boundaries, close to services. This
approach supports walkable, connected communities and increases transportation
options, reducing car dependency. Maintainingthe Rural Buffer and the Urban Services
Boundary in Hillsborough is essential to this strategy.
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In contrast, scenarios three and four would encourage development outside town
boundaries, increasing household and taxpayer costs while also driving up air pollution
and greenhouse gas emissions,which harm public health and contribute to climate
change.
Moreover, it's unlikely that QWASA or Hillsborough would extend water and sewer services
beyond their boundaries, especially with the high costs of crossing 1-40. With the towns
committed to managing growth within their boundaries, it's premature to include such
expansions in the county's land use plan. If this ever changes, it should be a collaborative
decision.
Without these services, new developments would rely on private water or septic systems,
leading to costly maintenance. Private providers often failto meet standards, which risks
unreliable, expensive water quality. Recent examples in western NIC highlight the
importance of dependable utilities for public health.
Lastly, housing affordability remains a critical issue. While building outside municipal
boundaries may seem less costly, it hides a major drawback—higher transportation costs
as families travel farther forwork, school, healthcare, and groceries. Instead of sprawl, we
need affordable housing solutions within ourtown cores, where all community members
can live, work, and thrive in walkable neighborhoods.
Thankyou for your time, and I urge you to prioritize scenarios that support smart growth,
sustainability, and affordability for all Orange County residents.
b. Matters on the Printed Agenda
(These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.)
3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
Commissioner McKee said he attended the recent Chiefs Association meeting at the
Efland Fire Department. He said that the facility was recently renovated, and he was able to tour
that. He said that they have a lot of activity due to their location and proximity to the interstate. He
asked that staff provide information on the current plans for the Link Building in the
February/March timeframe to be considered before the budget is finalized. He said he has
concerns about the shape of the building. He said that there is a report in the agenda on
foreclosures and he asked for a report on the geographic area(not specific property identification),
household size, property value, and ethnic/racial breakdown of the 45 properties that have been
foreclosed upon.
Chair Bedford said that Commissioner Portie-Ascot had asked the manager for similar
information earlier that day and the manager reported that they may not have all of the
demographic information available but would provide all that they can.
Commissioner McKee encouraged commissioners to stop by the renovated Efland Fire
Department.
Commissioner Fowler said she attended a Board of Health and Behavioral Health
Subcommittee meeting, and that they are considering ways to address the behavioral impact of
social media and cell phone use on adolescent mental health. She said that she met with Justice
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United and there is a backlog of funding for home repairs and the need for more re-entry housing.
She said those services are already provided but they are asking for more. She congratulated the
commissioners who were re-elected to the Board and noted that Marilyn Carter was also elected
to the Board.
Commissioner Hamilton thanked voters for supporting her and the other commissioners
who were re-elected and for supporting the bond. She said she attended a plaque unveiling for
Mayor Howard Lee at Chapel Hill Transit. She said that she attended the Habitat dedication in the
Weaver Grove community. She said she also attended an Alliance Health board meeting.
Chair Bedford said that she, Commissioner McKee, and Commissioner Greene have
volunteered for the Board retreat committee, to be held in January. She thanked everyone who
worked to make the election process smooth and successful in Orange County. She
congratulated all who were elected and reelected. She thanked the candidates that won and lost.
She said it is nice to have candidates run. She thanked the bond education committee, the staff,
and citizens for voting for the bond. She said there will be several Veterans' Day events on
Monday. She petitioned staff to prepare a report on the incentive package for economic
development and review on tax impact related to the cost. She said that she would like to see a
pros and cons list.
Vice-Chair Greene congratulated everyone who was elected to the Board. She thanked
the voters for supporting the bond. She said she recently spoke with Mike Ortosky at Cooperative
Extension who said they had made a presentation on farming and farmland protection and
preservation at a recent Planning Conference. She said that she would share the presentations
from that with the Board. She said she attended a conference on mass transit in Philadelphia and
it focused on how to build vibrant communities around transit and housing through a climate
protection lens. She said DOT, USDOT, and HUD are working closely together to talk about grants
and planning in the interest in co-location of housing and transit.
Commissioner Richards congratulated everyone who was elected to the Board and
thanked the community for supporting the bond. She thanked the Board of Elections for running
a smooth election. She said a lot of young people worked hard on this election. She said that her
children were feeling concerned and a little down after the election and shared a message with
them that they would continue to survive, serve, and thrive in their communities. She said that is
what has to be done regardless of the elections and that the sun will come up tomorrow and they
can all do their best.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott thanked the Board for initially appointing her to the vacancy
in early 2023 and thanked the voters for supporting her and electing her to the Board. She thanked
everyone who worked on the bond education committee and thanked the voters for supporting
the bond. She said she stopped by the Kids Voting site at Bonnie B. Davis Environmental and
Agriculture Center on Election Day. She said that the children were putting together a list of how
to make Orange County better and she is interested in the final list.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. "The Nature of Orange" Photography Contest 2024
The Board recognized the winners and thanked all participants and judges of "The Nature of
Orange" 2024 Photography Contest.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Commission for the Environment and Orange County
Parks and Recreation Council are once again proud to sponsor this year's"The Nature of Orange"
Photography Contest. The theme this year was Orange County Flora and Pollinators. The goal of
the contest was to inspire exploration, celebration and appreciation of Orange County's diverse
landscapes and outdoor experiences. Photographers help document the beauty and diversity of
important, and diverse pollinators, and the habitats they maintain.
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A total of 93 photographs were submitted. A panel of independent judges selected first, second
and third place winners from the Youth and Adult divisions. In addition, judges identified an
additional Honorable Mention award per age group since there were so many high-quality
submissions. This year's judges were Lindsay Metivier, Andrew Neal, and Ethan Duvall.
Winners received a congratulatory letter, certificate, and for first through third place, a small
monetary award. The photographs will be displayed throughout the County. Last year's photos
were displayed at the Chapel Hill & Orange County Welcome Center, the Chapel Hill Library,
Central Recreation Center, Whitted Center, Hillsborough Visitor Center, Orange County Library,
Lanza's Cafe, and Southern Human Services Center. In addition, winning photographs are
displayed on the Orange County DEAPR website under the "breaking news" section
http://www.orangecountVnc.gov/deapr/, on the department's Facebook Page, and will be
"streaming" around the County on the visual monitors.
Abby Mattingly,Administrative Support at DEAPR, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
The ^
of
Photography Contest
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#2
Annual Photography Contest
The goal is to inspire exploration, Score Criteria
celebration and appreciation of Relevancy
Orange County's diverse Composition/Arrangement
landscapes and outdoor Focus/Sharpness
experiences.We want to document Lighting and Creativity
the beauty of our wildlife,
waterways, natural resources, and Entries Adult Youth
people connecting with the 2024 sa as
environment.
The theme was Orange County's 2023 57 zz
Flora and Pollinators 2022 41 16
5
Slide#3
Is' Place Adult Winner
Transparent Wings
Matt Robinson
Cates Creek Park
A bee on a coneflower with light shining
through its wings.
Slide #4
2nd Place Adult Winner
Dragonfly
Darren Strickland
NC Botanical Gardens
Dragonflies thrive at the Botanical
Gardens,and they are excellent at posing
for photographs.This was one shot in a
series of 4 or 5 angles I managed to get
e �
the best depth of field and make this one
stand out.
Slide #5
3rd Place Adult Winner
Pollinating moth
Darren Strickland
NC Botanical Gardens r
The hummingbird moth is fairly large
when comparing to bees and other
pollinators which can make them r
somewhat challenging to photograph.On
this day there were a few at the Botanical
Gardens,so I managed to grab a few
examples.
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Slide#6
Honorable Mentions Adult
Golden Gathering
Kylee Harvey
Blackwood Farm Park
Two Monarch Butterflies gather both
nectar and pollen from a White Lilac
bush.
Slide #7
151 Place Youth Winner
Austin Poole tT Ir
Bonnie B.Davis EAC
� .
This is a picture of a butterfly on a clover 2� _
flower at the Bonnie B.Davis Facility.
t
Slide#8
2nd Place Youth Winner
Sidney Pearce
WildSide Farm
A honeybee collecting nectar on a
Miss Violet Butterfly Bush.
i
J
7
Slide#9
3,d Place Youth Winner
busy bee Nor
V Valencia
Gold Park
I took this photo in the pollinator garden
of Gold Park.I was crouched down to see
all the bees at work and this one landed
right in front of me!
'G
Slide#10
Honorable Mentions Youth Winner
Cabbage White
Sidney Pearce
WildSide Farm
A Cabbage White Butterfly having some
nectar from a white flower. •
Slide#11
Photo Displays
�l-Chapel Hill&Orange County Welcome Center J
-Chapel Hill Library
-Central Recreation Center
-Whined Center
-Hillsborough Visitor Center
-Hillsborough Library
•Lanza's Cafe `
V
8
Slide#12
Thank You =
-Orange County DEAPR
-Parks and Recreation
Council Lindsay Metivier Andrew
*Commission for the Lindsay Metivier is a Andrew Neal works at Ethan'
Environment photographer,aneducator,a curator, Public Library and is a with CBS17 in
the Orange County news photographer
-Judges and a gallerist based cartoonist and self- Raleigh.Ethan en�oys
in Carrboro,North publisher.He lives in documenting and
Carolina,Lindsay Hillsbarough. sharing the stories of
opened Peel Gallery+ North CaTolinian5 and
Photo.Her work has their communities,
been exhibited
Vice-Chair Greene asked if the pictures could be permanently displayed.
Abby Mattingly said that she would like that and is open to suggestions.
5. Public Hearings
None.
6. Regular Agenda
a. Requests from Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board for General Manager Salary
Cap Increase and ABC Board Member Monthly Stipends Increase
The Board approved requests from the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board to:
1) increase the salary cap for the ABC General Manager; and
2) increase the monthly stipends provided to ABC Board Members.
BACKGROUND: Orange County Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) General Manager Tony
DuBois, at the request of the ABC Board, submitted information to County staff on October 8,
2024 with two (2) requests for consideration by the Board of Commissioners (Attachment 1).
ABC General Manager Salary Cap Increase
The first request is to increase the salary cap for the Orange County ABC General Manager.
North Carolina General Statutes stipulate that the salary of the General Manager of a local ABC
board "shall not exceed the salary authorized by the General Assembly for the clerk of superior
court of the county in which the appointing authority was originally incorporated unless such
compensation is otherwise approved by the appointing authority."
At its April 5, 2022 Business meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved an
increase to the ABC General Manager's salary cap to $132,000 in response to a request from
the ABC Board. Attachment 2 is an excerpt of the minutes from the Board of Commissioners'
April 5, 2022 Business meeting. More recently, the North Carolina General Assembly raised the
Orange County Clerk of Superior Court's salary effective July 1, 2024 to $135,248, above the
$132,000 ceiling approved by the Board of County Commissioners in 2022.
As detailed in Attachment 1, the ABC Board approved salary increases for ABC employees in
February 2024, and approved a salary increase for the ABC General Manager to $127,923 in
July 2024. Attachment 1 notes that the staff salary increases, in conjunction with the current cap
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on the General Manager's salary, have resulted in compression issues.
The Orange County ABC Board requests an increase in the salary cap for the General Manager
position to $150,000. Attachment 1 provides ABC General Manager compensation comparison
data points from other jurisdictions to support the ABC Board's request for a salary cap increase
for the General Manager.
Stipends Increase for ABC Board Members
The second request from the Orange County ABC Board seeks an increase in the stipends for
ABC Board Members. The stipends were last raised in July 2004 for ABC Board members as
follows:
• $75 per month ($900 annually, up from $50 per month); and
• $125 per month ($1,500 annually, up from $100 per month) for the ABC Board Chair.
Attachment 1 notes the ABC Board's request to increase the stipends to:
• $150 per month ($1,800 annually) for ABC Board Members;
• $200 per month ($2,400 annually) for the ABC Board Vice-Chair; and
• $250 per month ($3,000 annually) for the ABC Board Chair.
Attachment 1 also provides ABC Board Member stipend comparison data points from other
jurisdictions with similar annual sales of$30-$35 million, and also from neighboring jurisdictions,
to support the ABC Board's stipends increase request.
Judson Williamson,ABC Board Chair, reviewed information from the abstract.
Commissioner Richards asked if the ABC Board reviewed salaries and stipends from other
ABC Boards around the state.
Judson Williamson said they reviewed the salaries for ABC Boards that generate $25-$30
million per year. He said that the general manager salaries and board stipends are all higher in
those areas.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said there is no financial impact to the county. She asked for
clarification on the reason the ABC Board has to ask the Board.
Judson Williamson said they are asking for a variation from the statutory structure where
the position is tied to the Clerk of Court unless there is approval from the local governing body.
He said there is no financial impact to the county.
Commissioner McKee said he supports the request given the size of the organization and
that it has no financial impact on county government. He said that the Orange County ABC gives
funding to the Sheriff's Department to assist. He said the proposal is not unreasonable and it has
been a long time since any changes were made.
Commissioner Hamilton said it is reasonable to compare the salary to the Clerk of Court
position with the general manager's position, given the importance of that work to the citizens of
the county. She said in regard to ABC Board member stipends, there are many people who serve
on boards in Orange County who do not receive stipends. She said the more funds that go to
salaries, the less will go back to the county. She said that there is an indirect financial impact on
the county with the decision. She said that she supports changing the salary cap to $135,000,
and not above, and stipends.
Judson Williamson said he does not believe the position of Clerk of Court and ABC
General Manager are not analogous positions in every county given the number of locations and
staff that the General Manager oversees. He said that Orange County has over 9 retail locations
with a warehouse.
Commissioner Hamilton said it is a value judgment and arbitrary.
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Chair Bedford said she would support increasing the salary cap to $140,000 and the
stipend.
Commissioner Fowler said that she has served on the ABC Board, and it is very
transparent and a working board. She said she agrees with the points Commissioner Hamilton
raised and noted that they have maximized income, which has resulted in funding for some county
programs within the justice division. She said that she supports the $150,000 salary cap.
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
increase the salary cap for the ABC General Manager to $150,000.
VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Fowler, Vice-Chair Greene,
Commissioner Richards, and Commissioner Portie-Ascott); Nays, 2 (Chair Bedford and
Commissioner Hamilton)
MOTION PASSES
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
increase the stipends provided to ABC Board Members as follows:
• $150 per month ($1,800 annually) for ABC Board members;
• $200 per month ($2,400 annually) for the ABC Board Vice-Chair; and
• $250 per month ($3,000 annually) for the ABC Board Chair.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Safe Route to School Plan
The Board approved the Orange County Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Plan.
BACKGROUND: The 2014 Orange County Safe Routes to School Action Plan was updated with
public involvement, field investigation and extensive analysis. Detail information on the federal
Safe Routes to School program can be found on the Federal Highway Administration website
here (link). This update includes and is not limited to:
• Planning level analysis of existing transportation around schools
• All Orange County public schools
• Youth involvement in the planning process
• Implementation—Surface Transportation Block Grant(STBG), Transportation Alternatives
Program (TAP) and others
WSP as the consultant conducted the Existing Conditions Analysis, Draft Recommendation and
finalized the Plan (Attachment 1). The Existing Conditions Analysis involved a comprehensive
field study of each Orange County public school, focusing on a 2-mile radius around the school
property. Orange County Transportation Services hosted a virtual public meeting with all the
school principals and administration in accordance with the approved Scope of Work, Chapter 3
in the attached Plan.
Public Involvement:
• March 7, 2024 — OCTS, WSP, and Orange County Schools - Stakeholder Meeting
• July 8, 2024 — Public Engagement event with Orange County Schools
• July 9 to August 9 — Existing Conditions Report with Recommendations out for public
review
11
Some of the key highlights of the Plan include:
• Students walking and cycling to school include — Orange Middle and High School,
Hillsborough Elementary, Efland Cheeks Global Elementary, Gravely Hill Middle, River
Park Elementary, Pathways Elementary, and Cedar Ridge High School
• Recommendations include:
- Crosswalks at intersections and mid-block crosswalks near schools
- Reduced speed zones and other traffic calming measures
- Extending sidewalks to rural areas and filling in gaps in urban areas
- Multi-use Paths and Greenways along major corridors and some secondary roads
The County's Transportation Advisory Service (TAS) and Orange Unified Transportation Board
(OUTBoard) recommended the SRTS be approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
TAS Action:
September 26, 2024— Unanimous approval
OUTBoard Action:
September 30, 2024— Unanimous approval with:
• Narrative emphasizing each school to pursue Municipal and School Transportation
Assistance (MSTA) with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to
address car line and its impact on State roads.
• Add lineal feet or miles - to each sidewalk, bike lane, and/or side path
• Increase priority for - No parking on state/town roads near schools, speed limit reduction
and bike/ped recommendations.
The final 2024 Orange County Safe Routes to School Plan was updated with OUTBoard action.
Nishith Trivedi, Transportation Director, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Orange County
Safe Routes to School Plan
12
Slide #2
Outline
1. Background
1. Scope of Work
2. Planning Process
1. Analysis
2. Public Engagement
3. Plan
1. Recommendations
4. Action
2
Slide #3
Background — 2014 Plan
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL b
Strateglc Action Plan
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• Existing Conditions&
Recommendations a.e„,,•A�,
Grady Brown Elementary
CW Stanford Middle
Cameron Park Elementary
3
13
Slide #4
Background — 2024 Update
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Slide#5
Background — 2014 Plan
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14
Slide#6
Existing Conditions Analysis
Crader.Senvked 9'°-12"' .
Total Enroilment T103
Number of&JSes n \
Number Of Students Wine the Bus SM In the AM;615In the PM
Number or Students Walking 2030
Number of Students Cycling 0
Number or Students DO— S00
Special Needs Pop,,wi n Unknown
tang Q5eS S,rrounding Schoa P-1.LOW-density residential,Agricultural
Presence of Slke Packs Yes
Y-
No Walk Zones
Citssig Guards Sherrill directing lraflNc In the AM and PM
poucles that Pestrict Walking or Bicycling Unknovm
BlcyclWI)edes7lan Safety Taught to Students unknown _ rr
EYKungi parking Capacity Gmspaces _ '=•'I r
H pO )
fkesenre of Car Walnrg lnrtes Yes
Number of Staff Managing DropoMtMck up 4-5
rlesldences wfWnalO min bike ride from the VMS
5c lOd
- I
r
■ Example
Cedar Ridge High
Field visit with pictures
Detailed tables each school •""°°
Travel behavior
Infrastructure
Slide#7
Planning Process - Analysis
4
Cedar Ridge High:Traffic from the Efland Cheeks Global Elementary:
New Hope Elementary'Afternoon afternoon pick up is heavily backed Afternoon pick-up line an School
pick-up line along New Hope up at the New Grady Brown School House Road.Several parents
Church Road Road and Orange Grove Road walking to pick up students.
intersection
My ,
` I+
Gravelly Hill Middle:Traffic in the left-
turn lane during the afternoon pick up Orange High:Students walking on Hillsborough Elementary:Looking
the opposite side of the road to get to south along N Nash St at the pick-up
a car line for grades 2-5.A bus is passing on
• Field visit—am and pm peak the left.while a car coming from the
opposite direction is also passing.
School input and staff input
Characteristics table for each school
7
15
Slide #8
Planning Process — Engagement
• March 7, 2024—Stakeholder Meeting
• July 9 to August 9 — Existing Conditions Report with Recommendations out for
public review
On July 8, 2024, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, OCTS conducted a Public Engagement
event with all Orange County Public Schools in accordance with the approved SOW.
All the principles, vice-principles, school board staff were invited to participate in an
open discussion.
Key highlights from the event include:
Students continue to walk and bike along dangerous roads like NC 86 (AL
Stanback Middle and New Hope Elementary), Orange Grove Road (Cedar Ridge
High and Grady Brown Elementary), Richmond Road (Efland Cheeks
Elementary)
Increasing population is resulting in increasing impact on schools, and
subsequent increase in walking and biking toffrom schools.
All schools are working on transitioning to Infinite Campus (from Power School)
to help improve messaging to students and parents.
The Existing Conditions report was very helpful and informative to the schools.
a
Slide #9
Plan Recommendations - Strategies
Task January-May June-July August- October-
Se tember December
A-Existing Conditions Report
R-Public Engagement Report
C-Draft Plan
D-Final Plan
Infrastructure Strategies Encouragement Strategies
• Bicycle Lane, Sidewalk,Greenways Promote School Bus Use
• Buffered Bicycle Lane and Paved Shoulder Walking School Bus
• Bike-Ped Bridges Safety Education Programs
• School Zones and Speed Limit Reductions Walking&Biking Incentive
• Crosswalks and Midblock Crossings
• Signals
• High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk
(HAWK)Signal
• Speed Hump/Cushion
s
16
Slide #10
Plan Recommendations
• Example
ALStanback Middle
Prolect ID Rixommendation Issue Addressed Need
la Add traffic calming Traffic s significant along High
res,such as NC 06 and poses a safety
extending the school rune barrier for cyclists and
further south and reducing pedestrians
the speed limit from 45
mph to 35 mph throughout
the school zone.
lb Add a high visibility Benton Drive and NC 86 Medium
crosswalk and pedestrian presents a key crossing
crossing signage to NC 86 ssue for cyclists and
and Benton Drive. pedesuions.
lc Add 3-5 mll¢5 of wlewolk The rack of bide end Metlium r�
and 4'paved shoulders,a pedestrian infrastructure
bicycle lane,or a shared- along NC 86 presents key
use path along NC 86 from infrastructure gaps for
Hillsborough's northern cyclists and pedestrians,
town limit to south of New
Hope Church Road.
Id Add 0.1 miles of sidewalk The lack of bicycle and Medium
or shared-use path along pedestrian infrastructure
Benton Dirl along Benton Drive
presents key infrastructure
gaps for cyclists and
pedestrians.
le Add 0.1 miles of sidewalk The lack of bicycle and Medium
or shared-use path along pedestrian infrastructure
Storey Lane, along and Storey Lane ■uw�n ,m,
presents key infrastructure
gaps for cyclists and O�ma�o wxcm.
pedestrians —bmm-' _e
�aa a�xxu..
Slide#11
Plan Recommendations - Funding
Federal
• Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
• Surface Transportation Block Grant(STBG)
• Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A)
• Carbon Reduction Program
State and Local
• NCDOT Safe Routes to School
• Scholl District Budget
Staff will also work with NCDOT for SPOT Safety/Mobility, resurfacing, bridges, etc.
And other locally administrative processes as they become available
11
Nishith Trivedi said by having a plan, the county can use this information to seek grants
for implementing projects.
17
Slide #12
Plan Recommendations
Plan
Adoption/
L Update -A
Transportation
Evaluation ...
FundingL Plan
SRTS
Champion
Engagement Steering
Committee
12
Nishith Trivedi said the plan will be updated every few years.
Slide #13
Action
September 30, 2024
Unanimous approval with:
• Narrative emphasizing each school to pursue Municipal and School Transportation
Assistance (MSTA) with the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to
address car line and its impact on State roads.
• Add lineal feet or miles-to each sidewalk, bike lane, and/or side path
Increase priority for-No parking on state/town roads near schools,speed limit reduction
and bike/ped recommendations.
Incorporated into Final Plan
October 10, 2024
- CPRPO-Endorsed Plan
October 15, 2024
- BG MPO-Approved Plan for use in CTP, MTP, and STIP
November 5, 2024
- DCHC MPO—TC recommended Board incorporate in CTP, MTP, and STIP
13
18
Slide #14
Action
The Manager recommends Board approve orange County SRTS Plan.
14
Commissioner Fowler said this is the third time she is seen the presentation, and she
really appreciated all of the details provided. She said that this plan will also impact CMAC as a
source of funding and this plan aligns with the climate plan.
Cedar Ridge High School senior Chloe Pankratz served as the youth representative on
the advisory committee. The Board thanked her for her participation.
Commissioner Hamilton asked how hard it is for the schools to apply and if they had the
capacity to do so.
Nishith Trivedi said it is a phone call from the administration to the NCDOT. He said that
the municipal school transportation assistance program is its own division within the DOT and that
is who the school would call to request assistance. He said that the request must come from the
school itself.
Chair Bedford asked who the contact person is.
Nishith Trivedi said he would find that information for the Board.
Chair Bedford asked for information on the application process for the Surface
Transportation Block Grant.
Nishith Trivedi said it is separate from Spot 7 and Spot 8 and applied for separately.
Chair Bedford asked if the projects with a match are more likely to receive funding.
Nishith Trivedi said that was a separate and outside of the STIR He said that it is part of
the overall budget of the state but not part of the law that prevents NCDOT from funding bike/ped
projects that do not have a road involved.
Chair Bedford said that it is important for the public to know that often the county's hands
are tied for a lot of these projects.
Nishith Trivedi said they have worked with DOT to include sidewalks if there is a highway
project on Orange Grove Road.
Chair Bedford said that the laws recently changed on allowing counties to maintain
sidewalks. She said they have one that they maintain and asked how that works as far as grant
application.
Nishith Trivedi said that they have worked with Hillsborough to coordinate projects that are
within the town limits.
19
Chair Bedford said that the county cannot fund all of these projects and there will be a
process for selection.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Ben Tengelsen said he has children at Grady Brown Elementary and at AL Stanback
Middle Schools. He said that a lack of sidewalks is notable around the community and that he
has seen a lot of children walking around schools on the roads. He is an enthusiastic supporter
of sidewalks.
Terren Green said she is a Cedar Ridge High School parent. She noted that there are
children walking to the high school as well as young drivers and she supports safer routes to
schools. She asked the Board to pass the Safe Routes to School Plan.
Carrie Winkler said that providing routes will be great for students as well as the
community. She said she is excited to see this moving forward. She said there should be
consideration for future tweaks to walking routes on the east side of Hillsborough.
Barry Weston said he lives near Grady Brown Elementary School. He said the number of
students walking along the road can be scary. He said that the area could also use better lighting.
Rudy Free said he is a parent of two children at Cedar Ridge. He said that Oakdale Drive
is also a treacherous road with drivers going too fast. He said his kids want to walk but it is an
unsafe situation.
Karen Clissold said she is a parent of a school aged child and that he would like to walk
to school but she is terrified due to safety concerns. She said she looks forward to safety
improvements.
Richard von Furstenberg said he has two school aged children. He said that the burden
of needing safe routes to school is not shared equally. He said that often the children walking are
students of color and students who come from low-income families.
Alissa Martucci said she bikes with her child to River Park Elementary daily and there is
no particularly safe way to do that. She said that a crosswalk would be helpful. She said that the
schools are part of the community and the pathways that get the students there safely will
positively impact the community.
Amy Gross said she is a teacher at Cedar Ridge High School. She said that sidewalks
would allow more students to participate in activities before school and after school. She said the
buses are a one-time shot and the students that rely on walking are a majority low-income
students and this would be beneficial to allow them to participate in more activities.
Chloe Pankratz said that there are students who walk to and from Cedar Ridge who were
not included in the count. She said they seem low especially because some students have early
release or late arrival. She said those would not have been included in the count. She said they
walk at all times of the day.
Christi Lewis said she is an employee of Orange Middle School. She described situations
where she saw students walking back to school for events in the dark. She said that it is very
dangerous, and more sidewalks would be a huge benefit for the community.
Chair Bedford asked about lighting and if it is included in the projects.
Nishith Trivedi said it is an administrative cost and considered a utility so he will look at
this information and get back to the Board.
Commissioner Fowler thanked everyone who made comments and participated in the
report.
Vice-Chair Greene also thanked everyone for their participation. She also expressed
frustration with the rules in place that prevent funding for Bike/Ped projects that do not have a
road included.
20
A motion was made by Commissioner Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve Orange County SRTS Plan.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. Reports
a. Update on the Impact of New FY 2024-25 Emergency Housing Assistance Guidelines
The Board received an update on the impact of new Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA)
guidelines during the first quarter of fiscal year.
BACKGROUND: The Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) program made several eligibility
and policy changes for Fiscal Year 2024-2025. EHA can assist 12 households per month with a
payment of up to $4,500 if the following requirements are met:
• Earn <_ 30%Area Median Income (AMI)
• Experience a "Life-Changing Event" (LCE) within the last three (3) months which affects
the ability to pay rent, OR receive a court summons for an eviction.
Additionally, applicants are required to complete a written plan for income stability and making
rental payments in the future.
Program Data
The average number of applications per month increased from 47 before the changes to 63 after
the changes. However, the higher average was caused by a large, one-time spike in applications
in July. Otherwise, the average number of applications has stayed relatively consistent throughout
the past year, as seen in the accompanying chart:
New Applications 2023-2024
P P
Given that the number of applications dropped significantly in August and September,the increase
in July is likely related to other factors such as summer holiday and school closures, rather than
the change in policy. The number of pending applications has fluctuated throughout the three (3)
months, but is typically in the range of 20-40.
The average total amount spent per month since the policy change is$48,396.69, with an average
of$4,033.06 per household assisted. The average amount households receive is lower than the
21
$4,500 cap on assistance because additional months are only paid if they can be paid in full since
a landlord could begin eviction proceedings based on a partial payment.
The percentage of applications denied has increased from 53% to 66%. As seen in the chart
below, denials are predominantly due to the household being over 30% AMI or living outside of
Orange County. Insufficient documentation of an LCE contributed to 22 denials.
Denied Applications (127)
40 34 33
35
30 22
25 18
20
15 10
10 3 5 2
0
o
Q1 O o J� J ,
OoG J� J�S�a� Q�oQ Go Ica oJ
O
Life-Changing-Event Qualification
The main change to the policy from a non-financial standpoint is the ability to qualify for EHA
through an LCE. LCEs allowed some households to qualify for assistance before the eviction
process, but limited the ability to provide financial assistance once a case reached court.
The option to qualify through LCEs allowed 21 households to apply for assistance earlier than if
they had to wait for a court case to be filed. While twelve (12) of those households avoided an
eviction filing completely, nine (9) still had a court case filed against them as the eviction was
initiated after the application was submitted, but before it was evaluated and approved by staff. A
total of fifteen (15) households were approved for EHA assistance based solely on a court
summons.
There was not a significant difference in average processing time between applications with an
LCE (24 days) as opposed to a court summons (22 days). The primary reasons for the gap were
time spent waiting on responses from households and property owners and the quantity of
applications.Applications that relied solely on an LCE required more follow-up questions and time
from EHA staff as the documentation provided in the original application was often insufficient or
unclear.
Repeat Evictions for Eviction Diversion Program Clients
Finally, the Board previously requested data on repeat evictions. The data presented in the table
below covers the six-month timeframe from April 1, 2024 through September 30, 2024:
22
1111[ag rm, M"I, Me Percent of Tot21
Total EDP Clients Served 280
Repeat Court Summons* + No EHA 30 10.7%
Repeat Summons + Received EHA 19 6.8%
Total Repeat Court Summons (With 49 17.5%
and without EHA)
*First eviction resolved, then anew eviction filed later
Summary
Initial data suggests that the addition of a qualifying Life Changing Event has allowed Emergency
Housing Assistance funds to be used earlier and to prevent an eviction filing in over half of cases.
At the same time, households which were not able to apply before eviction court were still able to
receive assistance, representing a balance between the two types of applications.
Blake Rosser, Housing Director, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
nORANGE COUNTY
� HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Impact of New FY24-25 Emergency
Housing Assistance (EHA) Guidelines
November 7, 2024
23
Slide#2
But for Judy spike, application numbers
about the same
New Applications 2023-2024
NOVEMBER UECLMBER JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNL JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER
nORANGE COUNTY
0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Slide #3
"lop reasons for denial: income level and
non-residency
Denied Applications(127)
40
]5 34 33
]0
25 22
20
15 —
Id
10
s
inORANGE COUNTY
O HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Chair Bedford asked if applications rollover to the next month.
Blake Rosser said yes.
Chair Bedford said that she and Commissioner Portie-Ascott were curious if they have
always had applicants from outside of Orange County.
Blake Rosser said yes.
Commissioner Portie-Ascot asked if the application and information is available in a
prominent location on the website.
Blake Rosser said yes.
Commissioner McKee asked how it is hard to document illness or loss of job.
Blake Rosser said they would require documentation of hospital or doctor and those may
have an illness that reduces the hourly wage earned but did not require a hospital visit or stay. He
also said that letters of lost employment can be difficult because the applicant is unable to reach
the employer or to receive a letter of termination.
Commissioner McKee said it seems a bit counterintuitive.
24
Blake Rosser said they do attempt to contact employers, but employers are not always
returning the contact. He said that for illness, it often requires more than a doctor's note.
Commissioner Hamilton asked how mental illness can be accounted for.
Blake Rosser said that they evaluate those cases individually. He said if there was
confirmation that they missed work due to that, it would work.
Commissioner Hamilton said in that case a doctor's note might suffice.
Blake Rosser said yes and noted that it would vary case-to-case.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that some individuals that struggle with mental illness do
not seek medical assistance. She asked if they still needed a doctor's note.
Blake Rosser said yes because they have not figured out a way to allow someone's word
without exposing the program to vulnerability.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they could show bank statements that show income
from an employer and then none if that would work.
Blake Rosser said if they can show loss of income, that is what is needed.
Slide#4
Average amount, timing of assistance show
interesting trends
COW W
Avg.Assistance Amount $4,033
Avg. Monthly Expense $48,397*
Avg.Time to Process 26 days
Households assisted with Life- 21
Changing Event(LCE)
Households assisted with Court 15
Summons
Number of LCE Households 12
assisted prior to eviction
"lncludes some larger holdover applications from June n O R A N G E CO U N TY
O HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification on how it is determined that the landlord
will not accept partial rent.
Blake Rosser said that the county made a policy decision to cap it in that way because of
the past experience with landlords. He said that they did it in an effort to preserve funds.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she hoped that that policy decision would be
reconsidered to prevent evictions, since not all landlords are the same.
Blake Rosser said that is certainly good to consider.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what assistance was provided to the 12 people
assisted prior to eviction.
Blake Rosser said that an EHA specialist is working with them to fill out a budget and help
track costs and expenses and look into areas that can be approved.
Chair Bedford asked if there is a change in trends in the winter when utility bills increase.
She asked if evictions increase at that time.
Blake Rosser said he has not been over the program long enough to notice a trend. He
said that there have been a lot of changes in funding in the last four years, so it is harder to spot
a trend.
25
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that she wondered the same thing especially with the
spike shown in January.
Blake Rosser said that is when they scaled back the program and only assisting with
evictions and he wonders if there was a backlog of applicants.
Slide#5
Board previously requested data on repeat
evictions
• Data is for 6-month window (4/1/24-9/30/24)
. .
Total EDP Clients Served 280
Repeat Court Summons*+ No EHA 30 10.7%
Repeat Summons+ Received EHA 19 6.8%
Total Repeat Court Summons(With 49 17.5%
and without EHA)
'First eviction resolved,then a new eviction filed later
nORANGE COUNTY
O HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Blake Rosser said that they will continue to track repeat evictions.
Chair Bedford asked if that seems to be working.
Blake Rosser said he was pleased by the number but will leave it to the Board to decide
if that is low or high.
Slide#6
For any questions:
• Blake Rosser
• brosser@orangecountync.gov
• 919-245-2492
nORANGE COUNTY
0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT
Commissioner McKee thanked Blake Rosser for providing the data on repeat evictions
and for continuing to track that information. He said it will help the Board make decisions.
26
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what AMI range denied applicants fall into, those that
were denied due to their income.
Blake Rosser said he would have to go back and look at that data. He said that they were
also denying applicants when it was over 50% as well.
Commissioner Richards asked if this data will be on a scorecard, or will it be tracked
quarterly.
Blake Rosser said that he would be happy to update the Board at the frequency they
prefer. He credited his staff for putting together the information.
Commissioner Richards said this type of information is important for the community to
know and to be part of a living document like the strategic plan.
Chair Bedford suggested that the County Manager provide this information at a future
meeting.
Commissioner Fowler said it has proven its point that it is useful to maintain in the budget.
Commissioner McKee said he will share this information with Justice United at a future
meeting.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for detailed information on how the attorney assisted
280 people.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
Chair Bedford removed item 8-t for further discussion.
Commissioner McKee removed item 8-j for further discussion.
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Richards, to
approve the remaining consent agenda, with the exception of items 8-j and 8-t.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
In regard to item 8-t, Commissioner McKee made a motion to clarify that the second
budget public hearing and work session in May will be held on May 29, 2025, in addition to moving
the February 18 business meeting to February 20, 2025 and holding a meeting with the Town of
Carrboro on March 27, 2025. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hamilton.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
In regard to item 8-j, Commissioner McKee asked if there was any information given on
the breakdown of what percentage for distribution would go back to the counties, or would the
increase go to GoTriangle's general budget.
Chair Bedford said none would come back to the counties.
Commissioner McKee said he would not oppose the increase.
Chair Bedford said the tax had not been indexed to inflation. She said the General
Assembly approved it first.
Vice-Chair Greene said it originally started at $5, so indexed to inflation it would be $11.
Commissioner McKee said he would have had a larger issue with the increase if it had
been indexed to inflation.
27
Chair Bedford said on the special tax there were representatives from Durham and Wake
in addition to Orange County. She said each county board had to now approve the increase.
Chair Bedford made a motion to approve item 8-j, seconded by Vice-Chair Greene.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
a. Minutes
The Board approved the draft minutes for the September 26, 2024, October 1, 2024, and October
8, 2024 BOCC Meetings as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for two (2)taxpayers
with a total of two (2) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board adopted a resolution to release property tax values for fourteen (14) taxpayers with a
total of seventeen (17) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
d. Late Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion
The Board approved fifteen (15) untimely applications for exemption/exclusion from ad valorem
taxation for fourteen (14) taxpayers for the 2024 tax year.
e. Approval of Additional Closing Costs — Kittrell-McAdoo Tract
The Board approved an increase in closing funds toward the County's previously approved
purchase of the Kittrell-McAdoo Tract.
f. Resolution of Approval — Donated Conservation Easement on Property of William Bruce
and Phyllis Richmond
The Board adopted a resolution approving the acceptance by Orange County of a conservation
easement for the William Bruce and Phyllis Richmond property.
g. Resolution of Approval — Donated Conservation Easement on Property of Circular
Design Construction, LLC (Array)
The Board adopted a resolution approving the acceptance by Orange County of a conservation
easement for Circular Design Construction, LLC (Array) property.
h. Acceptance of NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Grant —America 250
Program and Approval of Budget Amendment #2-E
The Board accepted a grant from the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural
Resources for the America 250 Program for$10,000 and approve Budget Amendment#2-E.
i. Orange County FY25 Quarter 2 Annual Work Program Amendments
The Board approved FY25 Quarter 2 Amendments to the Annual Work Program (AWP).
j. Resolution Authorizing Vehicle Registration Tax Increase
The Board approved a resolution authorizing the GoTriangle additional two dollars ($2.00)vehicle
registration tax increase.
k. Resolution Naming the 203 Greensboro Project as the Drakeford Library Complex
The Board approved a resolution naming the 203 Greensboro Project as the "Drakeford Library
Complex".
I. Approval of the Sale of 0.2 Acre Property, PIN #9863668236, in Hillsborough
The Board approved the sale of a 0.2-acre County-owned property, PIN #9863668236, located in
Hillsborough.
m. Request for Road Additions to the State-Maintained Secondary Road System for
Shagbark Court and Mocker Nut Lane
The Board made a recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT) concerning a petition to add Shagbark
Court and Mocker Nut Lane in the South Grove Subdivision to the State-Maintained Secondary
Road System.
28
n. Service Agreement for Public Safety Communications Radio System and Approval of
Budget Amendment #2-F
The Board approved an agreement to provide service and maintenance for the Motorola Solutions
radio system equipment in the Primary and Backup Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and
approve Budget Amendment#2-F.
o. Purchase of Vehicles for Planning & Inspections and Emergency Services Departments
The Board approved and authorized Orange County Fleet Services to:
1) purchase three (3) Chevy Electric Equinox FWD (front wheel drive) vehicles for the
purpose of conducting inspections and performing other duties as needed for the Planning
& Inspections Department; and
2) purchase two (2) Chevy Silverado 1500 vehicles and one (1) Chevy Silverado 2500
vehicle for first responders with the Emergency Services Department.
p. Purchase of Solid Waste Vehicles for Recycling Collection and Tire Hauling and
Approval of Budget Amendment#2-G
The Board approved Budget Amendment #2-G, and approved and authorized Orange County
Solid Waste to purchase:
1) a LaBrie 33 cubic yard Automizer Tip to Dump Side Loader for the purpose of collecting
residential and commercial recyclable materials;
2) Two (2) Freightliner M2-106 with Heil PT1000 rear-loader vehicles for the purpose of
collecting residential recyclable materials; and
3) a Western Star 47X Road Tractor for the purpose of transporting tires to the tire recycling
processor.
q. Services Contract Award for Justice Facility Fire Alarm System Replacement
The Board:
1) Approved the County entering into a service contract with Siemens Industry, Inc. for the
replacement of the Justice Facility Fire Alarm system; and
2) Authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the
County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen
requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board.
r. Family Caregivers Month and Caregiver Day of Care Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation recognizing November 2024 as Family Caregivers Month in
Orange County and designating November 16, 2024 as Orange County's Caregiver Day of Care.
s. Continuation of Takeaway Meals Program and In-Home Services Program and Approval
of Budget Amendment #2-H
The Board approved the continuation of the Department on Aging Takeaway Meals Program and
In-Home Services Program previously funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and
approve Budget Amendment#2-H.
t. Change in BOCC Meeting Schedule for 2025
The Board approved changes to the Board of Commissioners' meeting calendar for 2025.
9. County Manager's Report
Projected November 12, 2024 Work Session Items
Consultant Briefing on Orange County Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2050
Discussion on Housing Scoring Matrix, Eligible Projects, Naturally Occurring Affordable
Housing, Etc.
Additional Discussion on School Capital Funding Policy
Review of Upcoming Boards and Commissions Appointments
Travis Myren said the Board approved a budget amendment that will continue take-home
meals for seniors.
29
Commissioner McKee said he appreciated that the take-away meals have been brought
back. He said that he has received feedback from the community that people need this service.
Chair Bedford asked if the county needs to lobby the legislative delegation for someone
to come and deliver the meal.
Travis Myren said that the congregate meal program only provides funding for congregate
meals so it would have to be expanded to include take-way meals.
Chair Bedford said she would like to consider that for the legislative agenda because some
people could not physically come to meals.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what in-home services are provided.
Travis Myren said that is for in-home aides who help with daily tasks for 36 citizens.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many hours a day they are provided services.
Travis Myren said he is not sure how many hours.
Vice-Chair Greene said they approved on second reading the naming of the southern
branch library as the Drakeford Library Complex. She said that the name is from Robert
Drakeford, and he was Carrboro's first Black mayor.
Chair Bedford asked if there was an update on this project.
Travis Myren said they are expecting a ribbon cutting ceremony in February 2025.
Commissioner McKee expressed appreciation to Vice-Chair Greene for working on the
naming committee.
10. County Attorney's Report
John Roberts said he would share an update in My Case with the Board and asked them
to check it.
11. Appointments
None.
12. Information Items
• October 15, 2024 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
• Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
• Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under$100
• Memorandum — Overview of Foreclosure Procedure and Foreclosure Activity & History
Graph
13. Closed Session
None.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
adjourn the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board