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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 05-13-25; 8 - Orange County Board of Adjustment – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: May 13, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 8 SUBJECT: Orange County Board of Adjustment — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Applications of Members for Reappointment Applications of Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss appointments 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 outlined 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 five (5) members and two (2) alternates. The Board of Adjustment does not make recommendations for appointments. The following individuals are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Leon Meyers At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2028 Holly Fraccaro Alternate First Full Term 06/30/2028 reappointment If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. 2 ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Orange County Board of Adjustment. 3 Orange County Board of Adjustment Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Nathan Robinson Member Male White 35-59 Bingham JeffScott Member Male White 35-59 Hillsborough Leon Meyers Member Male White Eno Greg Niemiroski Member Male White 35-39 Eno Andrew(Kyle)Myers Member Male White 35-59 Cedar Grove Affordable Housing Advisory Board Elizabeth Bronson Member Female White 18-34 Cheeks Holly Fraccaro Member Female White 35-59 Cheeks Leto Copeley Applicant Female White 60+ Eno Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Jennifer Sykes Applicant Female Hispanic 35-59 Hillsborough Human Relations Commission Orange County Housing Authority Board 4 Page 1 of 2 Leon Meyers Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Leon Meyers Name Called: Home Address: 3126 Carriage Trail Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-422-5773 Email: LMeyersNC@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2005 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Homebuilders Association of Durham Orange and Chatham Counties, Past President; Durham County Orange County Board of Adjustment Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange County Board of Adjustment Boards/Commissions applied for: Board of Equalization and Review (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Retired homebuilder with related experience in real estate values. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: To support the Orange County community. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: Homebuilding business experience. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Orange County Board of Adjustment (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Application Date: 4/23/2018 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Past experience with Durham Board of Adjustment includes solid understanding of quasi judicial format. Broad professional experience with land use regulation provides solid understand of basic regulations. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: 5 Page 2 of 2 Leon Meyers Past experience as applicant before boards and commissions has highlighted the need for responsible board members. Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: This application was current on: 3/8/2021 Date Printed: 3/8/2021 6 Page 1 of 2 Holly Fraccaro Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Holly Fraccaro Name Called: Home Address: 1322 High Ridge Dr. Mebane NC 27302 Phone: 919-265-9350 Email: holly@hbadoc.com Year of OC Residence: 2014 Township of Residence: Cheeks Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce The Chamber for a Greater Carrboro-Chapel Hill Triangle Community Coalition INCHUCO Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Chapel Hill Housing Advisory Board (past service) Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Board of Adjustment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board My background as an affordable housing developer and now as the CEO of the Home Builders gives me a keen understanding of the development process. I m well-versed in the codes and ordinances related to construction. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I believe investing in my local community and as an Orange County resident I feel this board makes the most sense for me to serve, if selected. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As an affordable housing developer and advocate and now a representative of the residential construction industry I bring real-world experience to a full continuum of housing needs and issues. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? As the CEO of the Home Builders Association there could be a perceived conflict, (in the instance of a BOA case involving a home builder) and if that is the case I would recuse myself. 7 Page 2 of 2 Holly Fraccaro Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 8/28/2023 5:00:08 PM Date Printed: 8/29/2023 8 Page 1 of 2 Leto Copeley Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Leto Copeley Name Called: Home Address: 100 Vireo Ln. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-606-8707 Email: Icopeley@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2003 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange/Chatham District Bar, NC Bar Association, NC Advocates for Justice, NC Association of Women Attorneys, National Crime Victim Bar Association (advisory board member), Governor's Crime Commission (Commissioner appointed by the Governor). Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Board of Adjustment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I have also worked as an ombudsperson for a 20,000 member professional organization. Through this work I've developed the ability to interpret statutes and regulations, apply the law to facts, and consider multiple viewpoints in order to arrive at a just result. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am fortunately in a position to be partially retired and seek to serve my local community as opposed to the more state and national level organizations with which I have been involved. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a taxpayer who owns property in Eno Township, I talk with my neighbors (where in this semi- rural neighborhood property values vary greatly) about land use, regulations, and the functioning of county government. Those same topics came up during my five years of service in the Hillsborough Rotary Club. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Orange Unified Transportation Board 9 Page 2 of 2 Leto Copeley Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I have also worked as an ombudsperson for a 20,000 member professional organization. Through this work I've developed the ability to interpret statutes and regulations, apply the law to facts, and consider multiple viewpoints in order to arrive at a just result. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Through my work early on as a legal services attorney, my service on the board of Legal Aid of North Carolina, and as a member of the Governor s Crime Commission (now in my second term), I know firsthand that access to appropriate transportation is essential to safe and full participation in society and I have a strong interest in the subject. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'm good at reaching out to people, facilitating relationships, and listening to others. I work to understand why people feel underserved or wrongly served by their local government. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I've also worked as an ombudsperson and have experience in practical problem solving. Through my service on the Governor s Crime Commission I have developed an ability to evaluate grant proposals. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am a lifelong birder and also enjoy spending time hiking and walking on local trails and on other managed properties. I have also come to understand that access to outdoor and green spaces helps reduce crime and keep a community healthy. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Having grown up in a blue-collar community and having worked as a lawyer for people from very diverse backgrounds. I'm aware that access to green spaces is often, for various reasons, limited for lower-income people and members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and for women. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/13/2025 1:00:02 PM Date Printed: 1/13/2025 10 Page 1 of 3 Jennifer Sykes Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Jennifer Sykes Name Called: Home Address: 210 Collins Ave Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-442-8152 Email: sykes.jennifer@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2007 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: Hispanic Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Vice Chair, Human Relations Commission Chair, Hillsborough Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Member, Housing Advisory Council Member, Hillsborough Board of Adjustment Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Human Relations Commission Housing Advisory Council Affordable Housing Advisory Board Orange Unified Transit Board Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Board of Adjustment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have just rolled off the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment and Planning Board and enjoy the work on that committee and would like to continue it with the county. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have just rolled off the Hillsborough Board of Adjustment and Planning Board and enjoy the work on that committee and would like to continue it with the county. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I am familiar with how the process works in Hillsborough and can bring that to the other parts of the county. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? 11 Page 2 of 3 Jennifer Sykes Boards/Commissions appointments: Human Relations Commission Application Date: 7/13/2022 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: My work on various advisory boards has focused on how policy can be used to create greater equity in the county, from development processes to working on partnerships for reducing costs to residents. I know the HRC has a larger platform to help encourage Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: The HRC has a major platform in the county to advance social justice initiatives, particularly around equity and supporting those in the county who need it most. Conflict of Interest: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Application Date: 3/20/2024 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have experience on other boards, but this one actually fits better with my 9 to 5. 1 work in analytics and have handled supply chain, customer service, and compliance for regulations in that and feel it would be similar to what the ABC Board would revie Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: The ABC Board also helps with economic development for the restaurants in town, and one thing I have interest in is helping to promote economic development. Conflict of Interest: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Application Date: 1/21/2017 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have served on the Hillsborough Planning Board and live in a part of the county where gentrification and developer priorities have limited affordable housing. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I live in an area where I m starting to see more and more people forced out of their homes and want to help them ensure their voice is heard. Orange County doesn t do the best job of encouraging people who might be in housing trouble to come forward, and Conflict of Interest: Orange Unified Transportation Board Application Date: 1/21/2017 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I serve on the Hillsborough Planning Board and often sit in traffic in the county. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: The county needs more options in the northern part to help people get to and from homes and work. Conflict of Interest: 12 Page 3 of 3 Jennifer Sykes Orange County Housing Authority Application Date: 7/13/2022 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I am on the Affordable Housing Advisory Board and this board has a similar role to that one. Conflict of Interest: BOCC Elections Advisory Group Application Date: 10/15/2020 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I studied political science in undergraduate and graduate school, and have volunteered and worked in good government groups since 2005. 1 have both academic and practical knowledge about how districting impacts representation and governmental outcomes. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: When I was in undergrad I worked on fair-districting initiatives in the state I went to college in (Virginia), and in my time in Orange County while working as a precinct official have spent a lot of time explaining to voters who they were voting for and Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: Applied for BOA 07/13/2022 This application was current on: 3/20/2024 4:26:57 PM Date Printed: 8/28/2024 13 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Orange County Board of Adjustment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Patrick Mallett Meeting Place: Whitted Building,Room 230 Contact Phone: 919-245-2577 Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: 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.All members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Nathan Robinson 1 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/21/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr. Jeff Scott 2 First Appointed: 10/06/2020 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 05/16/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Leon Meyers 3 Chair First Appointed: 05/01/2018 Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 05/24/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Greg Niemiroski 4 First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Eno Current Appointment: 05/21/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Mr. Andrew (Kyle)Myers 5 First Appointed: 09/17/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 09/17/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Alternate Number of Terms: Friday,May 2,2025 Page 1 14 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Orange County Board of Adjustment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Patrick Mallett Meeting Place: Whitted Building,Room 230 Contact Phone: 919-245-2577 Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Elizabeth Bronson 6 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 05/16/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: At-Large Number of Terms: 1 Holly Fraccaro 7 First Appointed: 09/19/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 09/19/2023 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Alternate Number of Terms: Friday,May 2,2025 Page 2 15 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Patrick Mallett Orange County Board of Adjustment Contact Phone: 919-245-2577 Ms. Leto Copeley Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/13/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Jennifer Sykes Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 03/20/2024 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Hillsborough Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Also Serves On: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Also Serves On: Human Relations Commission Also Serves On: Orange County Housing Authority Board Friday,May 2,2025 Page 1 of 1 16 NAME OF BOARD/COMMISSION: Board of Adjustment (BOA) Report Period January 2024-December 2024 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN FOR THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Board/Commission Name: Board of Adjustment (BOA) Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Leon Meyers, BOA Chair Imeyersnc(c)_gmail.com 919 422-5773 3126 Carriage Trail, Hillsborough Primary County Staff Contact: Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director Development Services Planning & Inspections Department pmallett orangecountync.gov Office (919) 245-2577 / Mobile (919) 819-3402 How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? One meeting per month as outlined in the published BOA Calendars. https://www.orangecountVnc.gov/1178/Calendars Note: the BOA only meets on published dates when there is a case to be considered and/or required administrative actions or training. Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. As required by NCGS §160D-302 and Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Section 1.8.1, the BOA is required quasi-judicial appointed board that is established and maintained to hear and decide: 1. Appeals regarding any decision, or determination made by the Planning Director; 2. Applications requesting the approval of Special Use Permit (SUP); 17 3. Variance requests from the minimum requirements of the UDO; and 4. Other matters as required by state law, the UDO and/or the BOCC. What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? 1. Successfully deciding appeals, variances and SUPs per the state statue and UDO requirements without any higher appeals or legal challenges. 2. Revised procedures and processes regarding legal standing for cases. 3. Successfully appointing all the required and alternate BOA seats. 4. Revising the applications, required materials and published calendars to make the process simpler, quicker and more accessible to the public. List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. N/A Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. 1. Successfully meeting state and UDO requirements for BOAs. Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? 1. Operationally none. The BOA is by definition an independent, autonomous quasi-judicial decision-making body. 2. Administratively, BOA's meetings, needs and support is coordinated alongside the Planning Board. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, and other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). 1. Continuing to improve the process and public information about the BOA and its processes. 2. Streamlining the review process and legal notification processes. 3. Improving language translation and interpretive services for BOA cases. What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? 1. Aligning with the various regulatory changes and recent case law.