HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 06-03-2025-Business Meeting 1
APPROVED 8126/25
MINUTES
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
BUSINESS MEETING
June 3, 2025
7:00 p.m.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, June 3,
2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC.
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton,
and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Commissioner Earl McKee
COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts
COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen
(All other staff members will be identified appropriately below).
Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present
except Commissioner McKee.
1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda
Chair Bedford made a motion to remove item 8-k from the Consent Agenda and refer it to
the Planning Board. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Fowler.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Kristin Prelipp, Assistant Community Relations Director, introduced the graduates of the
2025 Orange County Government Academy. She shared some information about what they
learned during their classes, and the group took a photo with the Board of County Commissioners.
Chair Bedford read the public charge and explained the process for making public
comments.
2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour)
a. Matters not on the Printed Aqenda
Allison Mahaley said she understands and appreciates the needs that the Board is trying
to balance with the budget. She asked the Board to give special scrutiny to the Orange County
Sheriff's Office budget. She mentioned new employees over the past few years and updates to
law enforcement vehicles, along with other items. She said Orange County includes seven law
enforcement jurisdictions including the Sheriff's Office. She said SROs are not necessary in
school buildings based on her personal experience. She said the 16 years she worked with 11,
12, and 13-year-olds she never needed a law enforcement officer.
Bernadette Pelissier said she was previously on the Board of County Commissioners and
during that time she was the liaison to the Ag Preservation Board. She said that agricultural land
peres and if farmland is not preserved and houses are built, that land will never come back. She
said this is something happening nationwide. She said that she is concerned that if the
conservation easements are deferred for ten years, it will be forgotten. She said there was a
survey done in 2023 and 70% of respondents said farming was not their main source of their
income. She said that high cost of land and small profit margins make it hard to make a living
farming. She said that development is considered by residents and farmers as the biggest threat
to farmland in this county. She said that there is a lot of demand for conservation easements. She
said a lot of farmland has been lost. She said that they need to let farmers know that conservation
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easements will be available, and they are supported. She said that farming is a local business,
and this county supports local businesses.
Susan Walser said she is part of the Maple View community and there was a meeting last
week to educate the community on the agritourism improvement requests from Union Grove
Farm. She said these requests are detrimental to the Maple View community and neighbors. She
said that this was a standing room only crowd and she estimates there were 300 at the event and
they were all in support of the neighbors and the community. She said that they will be making
public comments to the Board at the next several meetings. She said that one of the largest
concerns is seeing bona fide farm owners abusing the agritourism statute to advance their goals
of large commercial enterprising in areas of the county where the businesses would never be
permitted but for the loose definition of agrotourism. She said the farm exemption properties are
exempt from zoning except for electrical, water, and septic reviews. She said there are no other
inspections. She said that they have concerns about public safety. She said this is especially true
in the rural buffer. She said agrotourism can be better defined and they are already working with
legislators to do that. She asked the Board to review their website.
Marilee McTigue said that she is a thirty-year resident of Bingham Township. She said that
she wanted to add some to what Susan Walser spoke about. She said that there was a party in
Northern Orange County recently with 2,500 people. She said the party was in the rural buffer
and in a protected watershed. She said the implications of this are clear.
Elizabeth Young said she met with a resident that wanted to do an appeal of her property
valuation. She said the latest revaluation was one of the largest in history. She thanked the Board
for taking this issue seriously and said that it is important to address each neighborhood issue.
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 Fowler said she attended the Board of Health meeting last Wednesday and
heard updates from the Child Fatality Task Force. She said local teams are no longer required to
review every death of a resident child, and instead will review deaths of residents under age 18
that fall into one of 9 categories. She said interestingly, perinatal deaths were removed from the
list, which was one of the largest subsets. She said she believes they should still be investigated
in order to understand factors that affect prematurity and perinatal deaths. She said the Board of
Health also received an update on the opioid settlement and approved allocations for the coming
year. She said she also heard concerns from a Board of Health member who is an Emergency
Room physician at a private hospital in Roxboro. She indicated that the hospital offered a $120
million parachute to their departing CEO, while she has trouble finding sutures in order to sew up
people in the ER.Along those lines, she said the Board received a letter from a resident concerned
about the state of care for seniors in nursing care facilities. She said the corporatization of medical
care is to blame in this case as well. She explained that direct care workers are stretched thin
across large number of seniors who are therefore receiving inadequate care. She thanked the
Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee for their regular visits to
these facilities. She said this is another reason the Board should continue to advocate for
Medicaid funding. This past Friday, she said she attended the measles symposium, which
included a table-talk exercise on how to respond to a measles outbreak. She acknowledged that
the Board has heard many concerns about the revaluation and the impact it will have on residents,
with particular concern about vertical inequity. She said something of particular concern to her is
that commercial apartment properties were valued less than recent sale values, while single
family homes saw a much larger increase. She said she is glad residents can appeal their
revaluation and encouraged them to do so. She said there is an avenue for more systematic
review via the Board of Equalization and Review and hopes the county will use what tools are
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available to ensure greater vertical equity and ensure commercial property values are equitable
when compared to residential. She said she respects colleagues that have proposed
amendments to lower the tax increase, but believes getting the tax valuations right is the most
appropriate means of ensuring vertical equity.
Vice-Chair Hamilton thanked everyone who has come to a public hearing, written, and
commented on the budget. She said the last Budget Work Session will be on Thursday, June 5tn
where the Board will approve an Intent to Adopt Resolution. She said according to state law, the
County Manager recommends a budget, and commissioners can propose amendments to the
recommended budget. She said the Board will go through the budget amendments on Thursday
and approve them or not. She explained that this is the perfect storm for a budget cycle with the
federal and state cuts and the property revaluation. She said she attended the Central Pines
Board of Delegates meeting on May 28t" and was shown an economic analysis that underlines
the unprecedented economic uncertainty. She said she is looking to have a balanced view of the
budget that supports and invests in the future, and also projects that support the most vulnerable
residents. She said because of the revaluation, the Board will have to hold the line or retract on
other projects. She said the County Manager's budget does not fully fund the schools'continuation
budget, but how the funds are spent is the determination of the school boards and residents
should speak to the school boards directly if they have questions about financial decisions and
why fund balance was spent. She said there will be sacrifices that will have to be made, but unlike
the federal budget, the Board is not going to ask those with the least resources to make the
greatest sacrifices. She said the "big, beautiful bill" is not sound policy but is also a type of
gaslighting. She said as Commissioner Fowler mentioned, she heard and shares concerns about
the fairness of the revaluation. She said she is looking forward to conversations about vertical
equity in future revaluations. She said she is glad she attended the Memorial Day service in
Chapel Hill and heard the inspiring words from Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray that
reminded attendees that our Democracy was a vision, and all are responsible to manifest that
vision. She said in the face of tyranny to remember that others have sacrificed, and we will have
to make sacrifices.
Chair Bedford said there is a gathering on Friday at the Peace and Justice Plaza on gun
violence prevention. On Saturday, she said there is a similar event at Fairview Park where she
will read the proclamation approved by the Board. She said gun violence is the number one killer
of children in this country, and this Board supports common-sense regulation. She shared that
the Local Government Commission (LGC) approved the county's annual financing package. She
said Travis Myren will share comments about tax appraisals during his report this evening.
Commissioner Greene said she attended the Visitors Bureau Meeting last week or the
week before and the guest speaker was Ivy Taylor, who is the UNC representative on the board.
She said that Ivy Taylor indicated the University is committed to the Day Center Idea on
Homestead Rd. She said she also talked about UNC's budget, which is facing a lot of threats, but
their goal is to increase the undergrad population by 5,000 students over the next 10 years. She
said they are also working on a master plan for Carolina North, which in addition to Dean Dome
2.0, would be a living-learning campus that would include housing, campus recreation, dining,
etc. She said tomorrow she is having lunch with the new GoTriangle CEO. She brought the
Board's attention to the cover of the County Quarterly, which shows work by Hillsborough's Max
Dowdle, who is embarking on a plan to paint murals in all 100 counties.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she will use her time tonight to reflect. She said there
are 55,259 households in Orange County according to the 2020 Census, and they include real
people with real issues. She thanked those who have reached out to say they can pay more and
are willing to support a tax increase for schools and the social safety net. She said that generosity
means a lot, and wishes those who can, could, but state law does not allow for a graduated tax
rate. She said she must think about all constituents. She said she is also thinking about those
who cannot afford to pay more, especially in a year with so much uncertainty. She said that when
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systems fail, it is county government that provides the safety net to provide for people. She said
as someone who proudly supports public schools and has been involved in public schools when
her children attended, she knows what is at stake. She said the state is failing children and has
for over a decade now. She said families of students must also be supported, and risk making
their homes unaffordable by increasing taxes. She said housing, mental health services, and crisis
response, are essentials. She said every voice of residents who have spoken out stay with her,
and she hopes they understand that this budget is a balancing act for the Board, and they will
continue to work for the residents of Orange County.
Commissioner Carter said she is also grateful there have been so many engaged
residents who advocate for their community and for staff who provide services that impact so
many areas of our lives. She said she also understands many residents may not know how to
engage in this process. She said she was grateful to hear that long time homeowners on fixed
incomes who are concerned about being able to pay their tax bills and repair their homes. She
said she is also grateful to hear from those who say they would be willing to pay higher taxes
towards schools. She said as someone who deeply supports public schools, it is vexing to know
that federal cuts that support children in school are likely to come, like for nutrition support. She
said local governments are going to be severely strained and will only be able to respond if there
is some capacity to buttress the social safety net. She said she has also been grateful to see so
many staff that support emergency response. She said their work reduces overall costs. She said
Orange County Elections staff ensure that residents are able to cast their vote in free and fair
elections. She said 153,000 Orange County residents are depending on the Board to balance all
needs across the county. She said she commits to faithfully consider all as budget season ends.
4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations
a. Juneteenth Freedom Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation designating June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth Freedom Day in
Orange County.
BACKGROUND: On June 19, 1865 — more than two (2) years after the signing of the
Emancipation Proclamation — U.S. Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas,
to inform the last enslaved African Americans that they were free. This day, now known as
Juneteenth, marked a powerful moment of delayed liberation and became a defining milestone in
the struggle for Black freedom. The first Juneteenth celebration was held in Texas in 1866, where
communities gathered for prayer, food, music, and dance. As Black families migrated from Texas
to other parts of the country, they carried Juneteenth's cultural and historical traditions with them.
In 2007, North Carolina approved legislation that allowed Juneteenth National Freedom Day to
become an official state holiday once federally recognized. In 2020, Orange County and the
Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, and Hillsborough affirmed Juneteenth as a local holiday. Today,
Juneteenth is celebrated as a federal holiday across all 50 states, recognized as a time of both
jubilation and reflection.
Juneteenth not only honors freedom — it invites us to reckon with the ongoing legacy of slavery
and the long, unfinished journey toward justice. Historian Ira Berlin, in The Long Emancipation:
The Demise of Slavery in the United States, argues that emancipation was not a singular event,
but "a near century process" driven by the resistance, resilience, and determination of Black
Americans. Freedom was not granted — it was fought for. Through centuries of struggle, Black
Americans have expanded the meaning of citizenship and reshaped the promise of American
democracy, redefining who is included in the phrase "We the People."
This year, Orange County will host a Juneteenth celebration on June 13, 2025.
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Paul Slack, Department of Civil Rights and Civic Life Director, introduced the item.
Paul Slack and Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNETEENTH 2O25
WHEREAS, Orange County has recognized Juneteenth as the moment when freedom finally
reached all enslaved African Americans, marked by the arrival of Union troops in Galveston,
Texas more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation — reminding us of the strength
of those who, even in bondage, sowed the seeds of liberation and began reuniting their families
in the aftermath of slavery; and
WHEREAS, the Board has reflected on Juneteenth as both a celebration and a solemn reminder
of the long struggle for true freedom — recognizing that the end of slavery did not immediately
bring justice, and that Black Americans have continuously led efforts to expand the meaning of
democracy and belonging for all; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Juneteenth celebration, themed "Where Freedom Gathers, We Rise,"
builds on this legacy by uplifting the stories of Black families who persevered after emancipation
and continue to shape our communities through generations of strength; and
WHEREAS, this year's events honor the service and sacrifices of Black veterans who fought for
freedom abroad while being denied it at home—demonstrating unwavering commitment to justice
in the face of systemic exclusion; and
WHEREAS, Orange County affirms the essential role of youth in imagining and shaping a better
future, and we commit to listening to their voices and supporting their leadership as builders of
what's next; and
WHEREAS, we are reminded by the words of Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong
children than to repair broken men," — a call to nurture young people as an act of ongoing
liberation; and
WHEREAS, the June 13, 2025 Orange County Juneteenth celebration will offer opportunities to
gather and learn together— creating space for connection, remembrance, and shared purpose;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED, that we, the Orange County Board of
Commissioners, honor Juneteenth as a living tradition — a reminder of how far we've come, and
a commitment to continue building a community rooted in truth, dignity, and repair.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we proclaim Thursday, June 19, 2025 as JUNETEENTH
FREEDOM DAY in Orange County, North Carolina, and encourage all residents to take part in
commemorating this historic day—by learning from the past, gathering in the present, and carrying
the work of freedom forward.
This, the 3rd day of June 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
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A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Chair Bedford said many proclamations are on the consent agenda, but there are some
that the Board feels are critically important to read aloud.
Paul Slack shared information on some of the events taking place on June 13'"
b. Proclamation Recognizing June 2025 as Pride Month in Orange County
The Board approved a proclamation designating June 2025 as Pride Month in Orange County.
BACKGROUND: Each June, communities across the nation celebrate the courage and
contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals while honoring the movement's roots in resistance and
resilience. Pride Month commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City — a
spontaneous response to police harassment that sparked a nationwide push for LGBTQ+
liberation and visibility. The first Pride marches, held one year later, transformed that momentum
into public demonstrations for equality, dignity, and freedom.
Since Stonewall, LGBTQ+ advocacy has driven significant progress, including landmark Supreme
Court decisions affirming marriage equality and workplace protections, as well as expanded
federal hate crime legislation. Today, LGBTQ+ individuals serve in leadership roles across every
level of government, and Pride events around the world continue to amplify voices of joy, identity,
and justice.
Despite this progress, challenges persist. Discrimination, targeted legislation, and violence —
especially against transgender women of color— remain pressing concerns. LGBTQ+ youth still
face disproportionate levels of bullying and mental health risks. In Orange County, local data
echoes national trends, underscoring the need for affirming spaces in schools and communities.
Pride Month calls us not only to celebrate how far we've come, but to reaffirm the commitment to
a more inclusive and equitable future where all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
identity, are treated with dignity and respect.
There are several Pride Month events happening around Orange County in June, including:
• Chapel Hill Pride Promenade — June 7, 2025 at 12:00 pm
• Carrboro's Pride Piper Walk—June 14, 2025 at 4:30 pm
• Carrboro Orgullo Pride Celebration —June 14, 2025 from 5-8 pm
Paul Slack, Department of Civil Rights and Civic Life Director, introduced the item.
Paul Slack and Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn:
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PROCLAMATION RECOGNIZING JUNE 2025
AS PRIDE MONTH
WHEREAS, LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer) Pride Month is
celebrated nationally each year in the month of June, this month being chosen to commemorate
the riots that took place at the Stonewall Inn in Manhattan on the morning of June 28, 1969, often
viewed as the birth of the modern LGBTQ rights movement; and
WHEREAS, Pride Month honors the legacy of LGBTQ trailblazers who paved the way for greater
acceptance, visibility, and equality—from the courageous acts at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 to the
ongoing advocacy that has led to transformative social and legal progress across the nation; and
June serves as a time to reflect on these milestones, celebrate the rich diversity of the LGBTQ
community, and recommit to building a future rooted in equity, inclusion, and justice for all; and
WHEREAS, Orange County has a history of advancing the rights of its LGBTQ residents,
including Carrboro becoming the first town in the state to enact a domestic registry for same sex
partners, extending eligibility for employment benefits to same-sex partners of County employees
in September 2004, and the election of a gay and lesbian elected officials within the County; and
WHEREAS, additionally, in January of 2021, Orange County was among the first local
governments in the state (along with Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill) to pass a local
nondiscrimination law extending protections in public accommodation and employment for
persons based on their sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression; and
WHEREAS, Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of love, authenticity, and community, honoring
the strength and resilience of LGBTQ individuals who continue to shape culture, drive progress,
and inspire future generations; and Pride events across the country and in Orange County—such
as the Chapel Hill Pride Promenade on June 7th - provide opportunities for education, artistic
expression, joyful visibility, unity, and foster environments where people of all identities can be
seen, supported, and celebrated; and
WHEREAS, Orange County is committed to standing with and supporting the LGBTQ community,
and to working to ensure that all of people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity
or expression, are treated with respect and dignity;
NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the
month of June 2025 as PRIDE MONTH in Orange County.
This the 31 day of June 2025.
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Orange County Board of Commissioners
A motion was made by Commissioner Carter, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
5. Public Hearings
a. Application for Zoning Atlas Amendment — 1125 New Grady Brown School Road,
Hillsborough, Hillsborough Township
The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on a County-initiated Zoning Atlas
Amendment to rezone +/- 69.58 acres (PIN: 9863-28-1858) located at 1125 New Grady Brown
School Road, Hillsborough, within the Hillsborough Township of Orange County.
BACKGROUND: A Conditional Zoning Atlas Amendment application (Attachment 1) was
received proposing to rezone approximately 69.58 acres of property at 1125 New Grady Brown
School Road, Hillsborough. Orange County is the property owner on record of Cedar Ridge High
8
School, which is located on the parcel. The Staff Report in Attachment 2 contains additional
information, maps, and analysis in regard to the application's consistency with County-adopted
plans. Approval of a site-specific plan is part of the conditional district rezoning process, and the
site plan and any agreed-upon conditions are binding to the development permitted for the zoning
district.
Basic Review Process: A conditional district rezoning application requires submission of a site
plan and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.9.1(C) of the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO). Sections 2.8 and 2.9 of the Orange County UDO require the following review:
• FIRST ACTION —Applicant holds a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM).
Staff Comment: The N I M was held on January 9, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. at Cedar Ridge
High School.
• SECOND ACTION —The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting
and makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
Staff Comment: The Planning Board reviewed this application at its regular
meeting on April 9, 2025.
• THIRD ACTION — The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff
recommendations at an advertised public hearing and makes a decision on the
application.
Staff Comment: The public hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025.
A formal site plan is required as part of a conditional rezoning application and has been submitted
(Attachment 1). Orange County, in coordination with Orange County Schools, has initiated a
Zoning Atlas Amendment in order to bring the existing Cedar Ridge High School site into
compliance with the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance and to allow for future
development. Additional background information related to this request is contained in the Staff
Report (Attachment 2).
Proposed Conditions
Per Section 2.9.1 (F) (3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions can be imposed as part of
this process if they address:
a. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
b. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways, and access points, screening and buffer areas,
the timing of development, etc.), and/or
c. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate or the petitioner may
propose.
Orange County Development Advisory Committee staff has recommended the imposition of
conditions, as included in the Ordinance in Attachment 8.
Public Notification: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices of the Public Hearing
were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject parcel. These
notices were mailed on May 19, 2025— 15 days before the hearing. Staff also posted the subject
parcel with signs on May 19, 2025 — 15 days before the hearing. See Attachment 3 for the
notification materials.
Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the zoning atlas amendment at
its April 9, 2025 regular meeting. At this meeting the Board voted unanimously to recommend
approval of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and the proposed Zoning Atlas
Amendment (Attachment 8).
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An excerpt of the approved minutes from the meeting, as well as the Planning Board's signed
Statement of Consistency, are included in Attachment 6. Agenda materials from the meeting can
be viewed at:
https://www.orangecountync.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/ 04092025-2215.
Planning Director's Recommendation:
The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
1) Consider the matter for action;
2) Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this
meeting, in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO;
3) Review the staff report(Attachment 2), featuring analyses of UDO compliance, impact
of the use to the surrounding area, safety and efficiency of land use, and consistency
of the application with the Orange County's adopted plans;
4) Allow for the applicant's presentation of materials;
5) Conduct the public hearing, receive public comments, and consider the Planning
Board recommendation;
6) Close the public hearing; and
7) Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas
Amendment Ordinance (Attachment 8).
Ashley Moncado, Planner III, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting
June 3, 2025
7:00 p.m.
10
Slide #2
Conditional District Overview
Conventional District Zoning Conditional District Zoning
Standards must be uniformlyqW
use-specific with
applied throughout the Countyed development
and standards
4�0.ndiji,'npe'_rif','_�
site individualized development plan be imposed. iew and approval
rocess
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #3
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Item 5a: Zoning Atlas Amendment
(Conditional District)
R-1 Zoning to NR-CD Zoning
Location: 1125 New Grady Brown School Road
PIN: 9863-28-1858
Applicant: Orange County
Case#: MA24-0005
11
Slide#4
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0004 (Cedar Ridge High School)
1 1 2 5 New Grady Brown School Road
•
Address 1125 New Grady V lty Mapf R —g,AppI ton P€N 986528,853
Brown School Road
® 9863-28-1858
° 9
Township
Hillsborough
Lower Eno : v
Watershed Unprotected °Applicant -
Orange County
Ashley Moncado explained that in 2021 Orange County adopted several amendments to
the UDO to address zoning changes at the state level. She said as part of this, the LIDO no longer
allowed for Schools: Preparatory to be in the R-1 District, resulting in Cedar Ridge becoming a
non-conforming use. She said illegal non-conforming uses are allowed to continue operating but
are not allowed to expand, so when the pole barn proposal was submitted, it could not be
approved as an accessory structure.
Slide #5
Zoning Atlas Amendment- MA24-0004 (Cedar Ridge High School)
1 1 2 5 New Grady Brown School Road
,Overview • •
RezoningAppllca6.'i to R{D forPJN 9863281858
Current Zoning
• Rural Residential(R-1)
Requested Zoning
• Non-Residential Conditional Districto
(NR-CD)
• Use-Schools:Preparatory -
Surrounding Zoning
■ Rural Residential(R-1)
• R20 Residential(Town of Hillsborough)
�a
12
Slide #6
-oning Atlas Amendment- MA24-0004(Cedar Ridge High School)
1125 New Grady Brown School Road
'Overview • •
Adopted Future Land Use Map with Parcel 9863z81858 Depicted
Future Land Use Map Designation \
10-Year Transition
• Areas that are in the process of
changing from rural to urban
densities and/or intensities,that x
are suitable for higher densities
and/or intensities and could be
provided with public utilities and
services within the first 10-year
phase of the Plan update orwhere
such utilities and services are
already present or planned.
• No proposed amendment
Slide #7
-on ing Atlas Amendment- MA24-0004(Cedar Ridge High School)
1125 New Grady Brown School Road
'Overview • '•
Conditional District Application Requirements Rezoning Appll.tlo toR-CD for PIN 9863281858
■ Site Specific Plan � f—
■ Environmental Assessment i
■ Biological Inventory --
■ Additional Information as Identified by
Reviewing Agencies
2
5
t],wwn.wwi� 7
e
13
Slide #8
Site-Specific Plan
u.,:. .n
f
s rrr�
At
1177
mm
Ashley Moncado said the landscaping, parking, and stormwater control measures all
conform with the UDO. She said access is provided along two entrances at New Grady Brown
School Rd. and no traffic impacts are expected.
Slide #9
Applicant Presentabul'i
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH C:AROLINA
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Cy Stober, Planning and Inspection Director, began presenting here. He explained that he
is acting as the applicant because he initiated the change when the school system submitted this
project.
Slide #10
Orange County Planning Board
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
EN CHALLENGE.INSPIRE.
Orange
County
Schools
Slide #11
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
- x
4 ' ENGAGE CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
15
Slide #12
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
Why Are We Here?
2021 UDO Amendment placed all Schools:Preparatory in conditional zoning districts
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]a. Sande:unrvnT�ucs.Odle9es A 6 A A A 6 6
ENGAGE.CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
Slide #13
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
The applicant will provide a single boundary survey of the high school \^
property to replace the four currently recorded.The road R.O.W.
internal tothecampusthatrunsperpendiculartoNewGradyBrown
School Roadwillbe abandoned.The survey will becompleted and
,-�
recorded with a revised deed no later than SS months from zoning "
approval.
The property shall be developed consistent with the reviewed site
plan and application as acted upon by the Orange County Board of
Commissioners on June 3,2025.
�1
r
ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
16
Slide #14
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
The applicant proposes two future development areas asshown onsite —
p Ian C2.O dated 2/12/2025.A.Area in northwest corner of existing site;
and B.Area on the east side of existing site.Proposed future development
contained within these areas shall follow the Non-Residential Zoning 1\ —..p...-
Compliance Permit process
The applicant proposesa 30'-0"wide pedestrian easement along Orange
Grove Road and a portion of New Grady Brown School Road(to provide a - I
pedestrian connection from this intersection to the school).The site plan 1 II_g \�`\✓`
dated 2/12/2025 shows it behind the existing buffers;however,the final o� --
location is to be determined and is contingent on the approval of the
Orange County School Board.
ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE,
Cy Stober indicated that any future additions will still need to conform to all ordinance
standards. He said the easement is a small step in achieving a long-sought goal to provide for
pedestrians and possibly bicycle access to this high school.
Slide #15
Cedar Ridge High School Rezoning
W,
M.—
Questions? w / '
ENGAGE. CHALLENGE. INSPIRE.
17
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what the final easement will look like.
Cy Stober said it will be a concrete or asphalt-like surface. He said typically a multiuse
path is 8-10 ft. and the easement is 30-ft ft. He said it would allow access from Orange Grove Rd.
and possibly Grady Brown School Rd.
Chair Bedford said this was in the top five most requested transportation projects in
Orange County.
Cy Stober said this does not fully achieve the goal, but it is a step in the right direction.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if this is the only non-conforming school.
Cy Stober said all schools in OCS are now non-conforming. He said he is in discussion
with the school system about that. He said Planning has received an application from Carolina
Friends School to expand their campus and they are in a similar situation. He said he hopes to
bring that to the Board as a conditional zoning request in September.
Chair Bedford asked if schools have to pay fees for this conditional zoning request.
Cy Stober said Carolina Friends School did have to pay fees, but Orange County was the
applicant in this case, so there were no fees.
Chair Bedford asked if there would be fees if these changes were text amendments.
Cy Stober said no, and Ashley Moncado has been a strong advocate for that approach.
He said that it can be brought to the board for approval.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was one signed up to speak.
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to close
the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas Amendment Ordinance
(Attachment 8).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
b. Application for Zoning Atlas Amendment — 9900 NC 57, Rougemont, Little River
Township
The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on an applicant-initiated Zoning
Atlas Amendment to rezone +/- 11.22 acres (PIN: 0910-24-6642) located at 9900 NC 57,
Rougemont, within the Little River Township of Orange County.
BACKGROUND: A Conditional Zoning Atlas Amendment application (Attachment 1) was
received proposing to rezone approximately 11.22 acres of an +/- 80.52-acre parcel located at
9900 NC 57, Rougemont. The Staff Report in Attachment 2 contains additional information, maps,
and analysis in regard to the application's consistency with County-adopted plans.Approval of a
site-specific plan is part of the conditional district rezoning process, and the site plan and any
agreed-upon conditions are binding to the development permitted for the zoning district.
18
Basic Review Process: A conditional district rezoning application requires submission of a site
plan and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.9.1(C) of the Unified Development
Ordinance (UDO). Sections 2.8 and 2.9 of the Orange County UDO require the following review:
• FIRST ACTION —Applicant holds a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM).
Staff Comment: The NIM was held on December 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Orange
County Main Library.
• SECOND Action —The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting and
makes a recommendation to the BOCC.
Staff Comment: The Planning Board reviewed this application at its regular meeting on April 9,
2025.
• THIRD Action — The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff recommendations at
an advertised public hearing and makes a decision on the application.
Staff Comment: The public hearing is scheduled for June 3, 2025.
Aformal site plan is required as part of a conditional rezoning application and has been submitted.
The required site plan identifies the proposed structures, parking, landscaping, and setback
information for the project (Attachment 1). The applicant is proposing "Storage of Goods" (Use
62(P), UDO Table of Permitted Uses)to locate a self-storage business on this site. This use would
include a total of 41 storage buildings, including an office, to be developed in three (3) phases.
Proposed Conditions
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions can be imposed as part of
this process if they address:
d. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
e. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways, and access points, screening and buffer areas,
the timing of development, etc.), and/or
f. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate or the petitioner may
propose.
Orange County Development Advisory Committee staff has recommended the imposition of
conditions, as included in the Ordinance in Attachment 9.
Public Notification: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices of the Public Hearing
were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 feet of the subject parcel. These
notices were mailed on May 19, 2025— 15 days before the hearing. Staff also posted the subject
parcel with signs on May 19, 2025 — 15 days before the hearing. See Attachment 3 for the
notification materials.
Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the zoning atlas amendment at
its April 9, 2025 regular meeting. At this meeting the Board voted 10-1 to recommend approval
of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment
(Attachment 9), as presented, with the exception of amending Condition #15 to state all required
landscaping plantings shall be selected from the Orange County Preferred Plant List.
An excerpt of the approved minutes from the meeting, as well as the Planning Board's signed
Statement of Consistency, are included in Attachment 6. Agenda materials from the meeting can
be viewed at:
https://www.orangecountync.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/ 04092025-2215.
Planning Director's Recommendation:
The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
19
1) Consider the matter for action;
2) Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this
meeting, in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO;
3) Review the staff report (Attachment 2), featuring analyses of UDO compliance, impact
of the use to the surrounding area, safety and efficiency of land use, and consistency
of the application with Orange County's adopted plans;
4) Allow for the applicant's presentation of materials;
5) Conduct the public hearing, receive public comments, and consider the Planning
Board recommendation;
6) Close the public hearing; and
7) Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas
Amendment Ordinance (Attachment 9)
OR
Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a statement as to why the application is
not reasonable and/or not in the public interest, as detailed in the Statement of Inconsistency
(Attachment 8).
Ashley Moncado, Planner III, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Board of County Commissioners
Meeting
June 3, 2025
7:00 p.m.
20
Slide#2
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Item 5b: Zoning Atlas Amendment
(Conditional District)
AR Zoning to REDA-0-1 Zoning
Location: 9900 NC 57
PIN: 0910-24-6642
Applicant: Justin Chandler
Case#: MA24-0006
Slide #3
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 Nc 57
9900 NC 57 Vicinity Map for Rezoning Application-PIN 091G246642
n�
0910-24-6642
Township
Little River
Watershed Flat River Protected f, v
*a x acmacwx F-
Applicant Justin Chandler
21
Slide#4
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
• • -d
Rezoning Application to REDA-CD for PIN 0910246642
Current Zoning
■ Agricultural Residential(AR)
Requested Zoning
■ REDA-CD-1(NC Highway 57 Speedway
Area Rural Economic Development Area
Conditional District) RNRNx Pm�ebE
. Use-Storage of Goods
Surrounding Zoning
■ REDA-CD-1(NC Highway 57 Speedway
Area Rural Economic Development Area
Conditional District)
• Agricultural Residential(AR) ` w,
Existing Commercial(EC-5) _
■ R:Residential(Person County)
C�anMeoinm`f LM R"rProWtl
-1WIp&04v�HbNNt ll`
Reo.co., ....•
Slide #5
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
• • e•
Aerial Ima a Wth_P.—I091024s64z 0uUined FAStingioningIda
6
Y
,� f9,oNtrlxtm - `\
Q�eneum-y"n
G ....� .a. A
22
Slide #6
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
,Overview • -•
Adopted Future land Use Mapwith Parcel 0910246642 Depicted
Future Land Use Map Designation
Agricultural Residential
MI
• Agricultural activities and
associated residential and
commercial uses predominate. 09102"642
• No proposed amendment •
i
t Flat Rrver Protected
I�
Lit le�ar Prate�terl V�
�51h ,i
Slide #7
Zoning Atlas Amendment - MA24-0006 (Chandler)
9900 NC 57
'Overview • -•
Rezoning Application tp€bA{0 for PIN 091D246642
Conditional Conditional District Application Requirements Requirements
■ Site Specific Plan
■ Environmental Assessment
■ Landscape Plan
■ Additional Information as Identified by PI°1R1°.rPr° .° L,
0910246642
Reviewing Agencies
G m°soe�rpo3+oarbF]
�ww aar, 11
L911°R°P�ioEeeled
__ nn swwxsi.a„e:
z-wy
23
Slide#8
Site-Specific Plan
%�L Q.N 5EQX
----------
Nam!
A
F-1
Ashley Moncado said both entryways meet NCDOT requirements.
Slide #9
Applicant Presentation
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
24
Justin Chandler, applicant, addressed the Board. He said he lives on the proposed lot
being subdivided. He said that the OCS raceway has been an area of concern and that it was
assigned a to small area task force. He said that since purchasing the property he has cleaned it
and is trying to make it as appealing as possible. He said that he would like to provide a vital
service to the community that is low impact, quiet, and clean. He said upon approval, he would
like to decommission the raceway and make it a better use for all in the community.
Commissioner Fowler asked how long does the paved area need to be.
Ashley Moncado said 70 feet and that is based on NCDOT guidelines.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how many employees will be hired.
Justin Chandler said it would just be himself.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked where bathroom facilities would be.
Justin Chandler said it will be within the office.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if he could point it out on the map.
Justin Chandler showed the Board the location on the map.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what will happen to the cart track.
Justin Chandler said it will be decommissioned. He said he cleaned up the dilapidated
structures, removed 1300 stockcar tires, and took down fencing. He said that he has made as
much improvement as he could.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what he sees for the future.
Justin Chandler said he would like for it to be a nice pasture.
Slide #10
Public Notification
■ Notices were mailed via first class mail to property owners within
1,000 ft. of the subject parcel on May 19, 2025.
■ Signs posted the subject parcel on May 19, 2025.
■ Legal Ad published on May 21, 2025 and May 28, 2025.
■ Application information has also been posted on the Planning
Department's "Active Development" webpage.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
25
Ashley Moncado continued the presentation:
Slide #11
Proposed Conditions
Per NCGS 160D-703, imposed conditions and site-specific standards
are limited to those that address conformance of the development and
use of the site to local government ordinances and adopted plans or the
impacts reasonably expected to be generated by the development or use
of the site.
Per Section 2.9.1 (Fl(3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions
can be imposed as part of this process if they address:
a. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property,
b. Proposed support facilities(i.e.roadways,and access points,screening
and buffer areas,the timing of development,etc.),and/or
c. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate orthe
petitioner may propose.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #12
Proposed Conditions (Attachment 9)
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3)of the UDO,the following conditions are being proposed:
1. The propertyshall be developed consistent with the reviewed site plan and application as acted upon by
the Orange County Board of Commissioners on June 3,2025.
2. The existing Go Kart use and tract contained on the existing 80.52-acre tract shall be terminated and
shall no longer operate on site.
3. Retail sales from the proposed rental office shall be limited to packing supplies(i.e.boxes,tape,
packing materials,etc.)and shall not involve the sale of general retail items such as food,drinks,or
other similar items not consistent with the use of the property as a self-storage facility.
4. No ancillary commercial or residential use of individual storage facilities shall be permitted.This
includes the use of storage facilities for automotive repair or retail sales.
5. No hazardous materials shall be stored on the property.
6. The applicant shall contract with a private solid waste contractorto remove trash from the site
consistent with the submitted site plan and in accordance with the Orange County Solid Waste
Management Ordinance.
7. The facility shall meet all applicable requirements of the State of North Carolina Building Code.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
26
Slide #13
Proposed Conditions (Attachment 9)
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3)of the UDO,the following conditions are being proposed:
8. The storage facility's hours of operation shall not be before 6:00 am nor after 9:00 pm.
9. Outdoor lighting fixtures shall not exceed 25-feet in height from ground level.All lighting shall be
downward to minimize light trespass and obtrusive lighting.
10. The property owner shall record a final plat dividingthe+/-11.22-acre parcel from the existing+/-
80.52-acre tract within 120 days of BOCC approval of the rezoning application.
11. Offsite easements forwater,wastewater,utilities,and access shall be recorded within 120 days after
approval of the rezoning application.
12. Offsite landscape preservation easement shall be recorded within 120 days after approval of the
rezon i ng application.
13. Impervious surface transfer shall be recorded within 120 days after approval of the rezoning
application.
14. The project shall maintain the existingvegetation on the north,south,and west sides of the site and
incorporate an offsite easement area of approximately 1.28 acres along the northern,southern,and
western parcel lines in lieu of standards contained in Section 6.8,Landscaping,Buffers,and Tree
Protection:Street Trees,Between Lot Plantings,Foundation Plantings,Landscaping of VehicularAreas,
and Screening of the Unified Development Ordinance.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #14
Proposed Conditions (Attachment 9)
Per Section 2.9.1(F)(3)of the UDO,the following conditions are being proposed:
15. Thefinal landscape plan will be reviewed as part of the Zoning Compliance Permit process.If existing
vegetation contained onsite orwithin the recorded landscape preservation easement area does not
meet UDO standards,additional plantings shall be required,All required landscaping plantings shall be
selected from the Orange County Preferred Plant List.
16, All required landscaping for Phase 1 shall be installed prior to the issuance of a Certificate of
Compliance for Phase 1 al lowing for the units to be rented/occupied.Required landscaping shall be
Installed per phase.
17. The applicant shall be required to maintain all required land use buffers,including those of preserved
vegetation,in accordance with the requirements of the Orange County Unified Development Ordinance
Section 6.8,Landscaping,Buffers,and Tree Protection.
18. Proposed driveway connections with NC-57 shall be paved with asphalt.
19. The parking and drive aisles shall be surfaced with Type 57 washed stone.
20. The Planning Director shall have the authority to review and approve minor changes to the approved
plan,per Section 2.9.1(1),Alterations to an Approved Conditional District of the Orange County Unified
Development Ordinance,specific to the location and arrangement of development within the limits of
disturbance and the proposed"activity area".The"activity area"shall be defined as the edge of gravel
as shown on the provided conditional zoning plan set.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
27
Slide#15
Staff Analysis
1. The application is complete in accordance with Section 2.8 and Section 2.9 of the UDO.
2. Staff review of the application included considerations for how the request relates to the Orange
County 2030 Comprehensive Plan.
3. Per Section 3.8 of the UDO,the purpose of the NC Highway 57 Speedway Area Rural Economic
Development Area Conditional Zoning District(REDA-CD-1)is to encourage additional,
compatible,and unique non-residential development opportunities in a predefined area of the
County as identified within the adopted 2007 NC Highway 57 Small Area Plan.
4. The REDA-CD-1 district shall be located consistent with the parcels designated as"Rural
Economic Development Area"within the aforementioned Small Area Plan.The subject parcel is
located within the Rural Economic Development Area of the NC Highway 57 Small Area Plan
allowing for rezoningto the REDA-CD-1 to be considered.
5. The 2030 Comprehensive Plan identifies Agricultural Residential as land designated in the
Comprehensive Plan as land for agricultural activities and associated residential and commercial
uses.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #16
Zoning and Land Use Review
This district shalt to bated conmstent wth the palcels desgnake as
-Rural Eoono Development Area'wrdrin fie aforementmnad Smafl
Area Plan,a map of which s provded herein for IMtmWe purposes
onkY-
r • r
ECONOMICINC HIGHWAY 57 SPEEDWAY
AREA RURAL
DEVELOPMENT AREA
..
the perpose of the NC Highxay 57 Speedway Area Rural E[manic a�
Dere"M_l Area Conditional Zomnq Drslr-a!REDA-CDA)Is Ito
encourage addruonal. compatiple. and unique r>on--WenEaf
development oppot—b-m.� predefined a or Inc County tie
idenuhed Within the adopted NC Hign WaV 57 5ma11 Aiea Plan.
Furtlrr,this tlsinq is intended Io p•o�itle c�islinq rpn.conlorminq land
n pppprtunrty to Oewme crnrbrm:nq Ihrough a developrnent
w process so Thai pippeHY vvn nporaCe Their eldWv
Cosiness to adtlrcss changing needse�'nlenrewgni;,inq and Eallq p
5151ent vnth.!oral land use fe ulahons
C3
Unified Development Ordinance—Section 3.8 1
Conditional Districts ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
28
Slide #17
Zoning and Land Use 1
T4SLE OF PER*IMD USES
BT iNI Sis9e�
On+dram
R lai ��rOnen,e
bw.vww
R 1pl &orpdC
az ro s
Unified Development Ordinance—Section 5.2 1
Table of Permitted Uses ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #18
Planning Director Recommendation
The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners:
1. Considerthe matter for action;
2. Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this
meeting,in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO;
3. Review the staff report(Attachment 2),featuring analyses of UDO compliance,impact of the
use to the surrounding area,safety and efficiency of land use,and consistency of the
application with Orange County's adopted plans;
4. Allow forthe applicant's presentation of materials;
5. Conduct the public hearing,receive public comments,and considerthe Planning Board
recommendation;
6. Close the public hearing;and
7. Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency(Attachment 7)and Zoning Atlas Amendment
Ordinance(Attachment 9)
OR
Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a statement as to why the
application is not reasonable and/or not in the public interest, as detailed in the
Statement of Inconsistency(Attachment 8).
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
29
Slide #19
Planning Board Recommendation
Planning Board reviewed the rezoning application at its April 9, 2025 meeting
Voted 10-1 to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 7}and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment(Attachment 9). as
presented,with the exception of revising Condition #15 to include all required
landscaping plantings shall be selected from the Orange County Preferred
Plant List
1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #20
Recommendation
The Manager recommends the Board:
1. Conduct the public hearing and receive the Planning Board and
staff recommendations and public comments;
2. Close the public hearing;and
3. Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency(Attachment 7)and
Zoning Atlas Amendments(Attachment 9).
OR
Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a
statement as to why the application is not reasonable and/or not
in the public interest, as detailed in the Statement of
Inconsistency, (Attachment 8).
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Commissioner Carter said she is supportive of the application. She asked if the applicant
is amenable to the condition about plantings.
30
Justin Chandler said yes.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the current track is paved, and if so, will that be demolished.
Justin Chandler said it is paved and yes.
Chair Bedford noted that is not part of the rezoning application and should not be
considered.
Ashley Moncado said there is a condition that references that the raceway will be
decommissioned.
Commissioner Fowler asked about the impervious surface conditions.
Ashley Moncado said the applicant is working on those with staff.
Commissioner Fowler asked if the paved track must be taken up to meet the impervious
surface requirements.
Ashley Moncado said that is not the case in this situation.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was no one signed up to speak.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
close the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to
approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas Amendments
(Attachment 9).
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
c. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Telecommunication Facilities
Standards
The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on County-initiated text
amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to telecommunication
facilities standards in order to: better achieve established UDO and 2030 Comprehensive Plan
goals; be consistent with Federal and State Law; clarify language for improved administration and
enforcement; and reflect contemporary best professional standards.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department has initiated
amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance — Sections 5.2: Table of Permitted Uses,
5.10: Standards for Telecommunications Facilities, and Article 10: Definitions, as well as creating
a new section, 8.14: Nonconforming Wireless Telecommunication Facilities. These amendments
are supported with legal services provided by the Brough Law Firm, PLLC.
The proposed amendments to the ordinance represent the first update to these standards since
the adoption of the UDO on April 5, 2011. In an effort to protect residential areas, minimize new
facilities, and encourage new telecommunication facilities to locate in non-residential areas,
County staff has identified the need to update the text to reflect current federal and state laws as
well as professional best practices. A community and industry meeting detailing the proposed
31
ordinance amendments was held on April 7, 2025, to notify and receive input from stakeholders.
Comments were received from industry representatives and addressed.
Joint Planning Area (JPA) Review: In compliance with the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement, the proposed amendments were sent to both
towns for comment on March 27, 2025. To date, no comments have been received.
Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted 7-3 to
recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with
some changes to the proposed text amendments. The changes recommended by the Planning
Board have been incorporated into the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The
Planning Board's signed Statement of Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025
meeting minutes are included in Attachment 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning
Board had reviewed the materials in an "Ordinance Review Committee" (ORC) meeting on April
9, 2025. The amendments were modified since the Planning Board recommendation to focus
solely on those utilities related to communications.
Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
1. Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are
reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1.
2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2.
Patrick Mallett, Deputy Director for Development Services, made the following
presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Agenda Item 5-c:
UDO Text Amendment -
Telecommunications Standards (5. 10)
32
Slide#2
Summary of Need for Text Amendment
■ Telecommunications elements of the UD4 has not been
amended/updated since adoption on April 5, 2011.
■ Since adoption, numerous federal and state laws
pertaining to telecommunications have changed.
■ Technology (e.g. 5G), the market and best
industry/regulatory practices have changed significantly
in the last 5-10-years.
• Current regulations and procedures don't align with the
public need for adequate and equitable rural coverage or
the County's long-range plans and goals.
■ Current system doesn't meet the current public safety
service needs. �—
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #3
Telecommunication Sites
•
•
a
a
•
•"*xw •
• aTUM • •
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
33
Slide#4
Approved Master Telecommunications Plan Map
1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Patrick Mallett said the white areas are gaps in coverage.
Slide #5
Summary of Proposed Amendments
Drafted through contract with Brough Law Firm
Amendment would repeal and replace all of UDO
Section 5.10 Standards for Telecommunications
Facilities, and revise:
■ 5.2 Table of Permitted Uses; and
■ 10 Definitions
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Lydia Lavelle with the Brough Law firm said that after Orange County adopted this version,
the General Assembly then adopted mandatory standards that track the FCC standards, thus
34
making the Orange County code out of compliance. She said this is an effort to bring all into
compliance.
Slide #6
Summary, continued
■ Continues the trend to allow staff approvals for
lower impact towers.
■ Streamlined approval processes for stealth
towers (60 days or less), administrative approval
for towers on government and university owned
lands 214' feet or less.
■ Includes the mandatory statutory definitions.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide#7
Other related efforts and next steps
■ Coordinated efforts with AMS, IT and EMS to
better integrate existing and planned
infrastructure opportunities.
■ Update applicable long-range plans.
■ Update fees to align with federal and state law.
■ Improve community and industry access to
telecommunications data and information.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
35
Slide#8
Planning Board Recommendation
Planning Board Ordinance Review Committee reviewed and
discussed at their April 9, 2025, meeting.
Planning Board voted (7-3)to recommend approval of the
proposed amendments at their May 7, 2024, meeting.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLNA
Patrick Mallett said the split vote was not due to lack of support for the change but an
issue with the way the tense of one word was used — a grammar correction. He reviewed some
of the recent proposed changes since the agenda was published.
Chair Bedford asked why#70, footnote 1, remained.
Commissioner Fowler said it is because they want to keep water and sewer.
Patrick Mallett said it is really a different way of presenting it.
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what the added footnote is saying.
Patrick Mallett said they propose repealing an entire section and adding back the new
section with the remaining information in #70 for water treatment plants.
Slide #9
Recommendation forTonight
The Manager recommends the BOCC:
1. Consider the Planning Director's and Planning Board's
recommendations,
2. Conduct the Public Hearing and accept public comment,
3. Deliberate on the proposal, and
4. Decide and vote on the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 1) and the proposed ordinance(Attachment
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
36
Slide #10
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NCIRF1l CAROT 1N�
Commissioner Carter asked about the tower height changes for a streamlined approval
process. She asked about terminology for micro towers. She said she thinks she understands
stealth tower.
Patrick Mallett said those terms are born in SEC, federal, and state regulations.
Lydia Lavelle said that they had a good discussion around "stealth" and it means
camouflage. She said that it is an attempt to conceal with something that is already there, so it is
not readily apparent.
Commissioner Carter asked how they can track where the gaps start to close. She said
that this version will not have them regularly meeting with the industry.
Patrick Mallett said there probably is a need for a call to industry folks to collaborate with
Emergency Services and he sees that as a next step.
Commissioner Carter asked the characteristics of a micro tower.
Patrick Mallett said they would be well below 75 feet. He said it would be on a telephone
pole in many cases.
A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open the
public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was no one signed up to speak.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to close
the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to
approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 1) and the Ordinance in Attachment 2, with
the discussed changes.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
37
d. Unified Development Ordinance Text Amendments — Solar Arrav Standards
The Board conducted a public hearing and considered action on County-initiated text
amendments to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) pertaining to solar array standards to
better achieve established UDO, 2030 Comprehensive Plan, and Climate Action Plan goals,
clarify language for improved administration and enforcement, and reflect contemporary best
professional standards.
BACKGROUND: The Orange County Planning & Inspections Department, in partnership with
the Sustainability Office, has initiated amendments to UDO Section 5.9.6, Solar Array, and
revisions to Article 10, Definitions. The proposed amendments are intended to be comprehensive
in addressing overly complex text, and to improve interpretation and application for both staff and
applicants.
These amendments represents the first update to the solar standards since the adoption of UDO
section 9.5.6: Solar Array UDO on November 8, 2012. Because best practices surrounding solar
array residential and accessory standards have since changed, County staff has identified the
need to update the language to reflect current practices.
Orange County's Climate Action Plan prioritizes solar energy adoption as a foundational strategy
for achieving renewable energy goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Strategy Built
Environment and Energy (BE) 2.5.1 of the Climate Action Plan specifically calls for
"implementfingl an expedited permitting process for all new solar projects across the county."The
purpose served by this text amendment is to carry out these objectives.
As part of the commitment to advancing solar energy, Orange County earned a SolSmart
designation, recognizing the County's efforts to make solar more accessible. By updating the
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) with best practices in solar zoning, the County can
eliminate regulatory obstacles, simplify permitting, and provide greater clarity for property owners.
These updates will further the SolSmart goals, directly support BE 2.5.1, and ensure faster
approvals, reduced administrative burdens, and a smoother transition to clean energy for the
community.
Joint Planning Area (JPA) Review: In compliance with the Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro
Joint Planning Land Use Plan and Agreement, the proposed amendments were sent to both
towns for comment. Town of Chapel Hill provided comments which were incorporated with
revisions.
Planning Board Recommendation: At its May 7, 2025 meeting, the Board voted unanimously
to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency and the UDO text amendments, with
one amendment to the proposed changes. The changes recommended by the Planning Board
allow for administrative edits as recommended by the staff attorney and have been incorporated
into the proposed Ordinance contained in Attachment 2. The Planning Board's signed Statement
of Consistency and an excerpt of the draft May 7, 2025 meeting minutes are included in
Attachment 3. Prior to making its recommendation, the Planning Board had reviewed the
materials in an "Ordinance Review Committee" meeting on April 9, 2025.
Planning Director's Recommendation: The Planning Director recommends approval of the:
1. Statement of Approval and Consistency indicating the text amendments are
reasonable and in the public interest, as contained in Attachment 1.
2. UDO text amendments, as contained in Attachment 2.
38
Patrick Mallett made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Agenda Item 5-d:
UDO Text Amendment - Solar Array
Standards (5.9.6)
Slide #2
Summary of Need for Amendment
■ Solar elements of the UDO has not been
amended/updated since November 8, 2012.
■ Since adoption, numerous best practices and
technology changes have occurred in the solar
industry.
■ Orange County Strategic Plan identifies
"Environmental Protection and Climate Action"
as the first priority strategy.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
39
Slide #3
Summary of Proposed Amendments
■ Revised UDO Section 5.9.6 -Solar Array, and
Article 10-Definitions.
■ Revisions only cover solar regulations for
residential and non-residential accessory uses.
Solar as a Public Utility is unchanged.
■ Addresses overly complex text, and to improve
interpretation and application for both staff and
applicants.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #4
Other related efforts and next steps
■ Future efforts will look at a fast-track
permitting process for some solar related
permits.
■ Fees will be revisited.
■ Also conducting work on solar/EV located
on government facilities.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
40
Amy Eckberg, Sustainability Programs Manager, continued the presentation:
Slide #5
Solar Energy: A Key Strategy in Meeting
Climate Action Plan Goals
■ Reduce GHG emissions 50% by 2030 and 100%
by 2050
• Energy use accounts for 54%of total GHG
emissions(residential energy= 18%)
• Solar energy is key strategy for cutting emissions
I Top Priorities in the Climate Action Plan:
0MAACCTIQ
i❑ Meet GHG reduction targets
PLAN ❑z Expand community-wide solar capacity
❑3 Build resilient infrastructure for climate emergencies
- - Updating the UDO:
-Enables broader solar adoption
-Supports emission reductions and energy resilience
-Aligns land use policy with climate action
ORANGECOUNTY ORANGE COUNTY
SUSTAINABILITY NORTH CAROLINA
Patrick Mallett continued the presentation:
Slide #6
Planning Board Recommendation
Planning Board Ordinance Review Committee reviewed and
discussed attheirApril 9, 2025, meeting.
Planning Board voted unanimously(10-0)to recommend
approval of the proposed amendments at their May 7, 2024,
meeting.
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
41
Slide#7
Recommendation forTonight
The Manager recommends the BOCC:
1. Considerthe Planning Director's and Planning Board's
recommendations,
2. Conduct the Public Hearing and accept public comment,
3. Deliberate on the proposal, and
4. Decide and vote on the Statement of Consistency
(Attachment 1 , and the proposed ordinance (Attachment
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #8
Questions?
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to open
the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
42
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
There was no one signed up to speak.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to close
the public hearing.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if there is a height maximum.
Patrick Mallett said heights are governed based on zoning classification. He said that
maximum building heights are anything with a roof. He said a structure could be there and that
would not be a building, like a fence. He said that it is typically 25 feet but there is a bump up in
height if setbacks are increased. He said that ground mounted solar arrays usually do not reach
anywhere close to 20 feet.
Vice-Chair Hamilton said it could be a concern in a residential area if it blocks a view.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 1) and the Ordinance in Attachment 2.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
6. Regular Agenda
a. Approval of Solid Waste Master Plan — Path to Zero Waste
The Board approved the Solid Waste Master Plan as revised based on the Board of
Commissioners' guidance to staff in February 2024.
BACKGROUND: Orange County issued a Request for Proposals on April 9, 2021 for
development of a Solid Waste Master Plan that would move the County to "Zero Waste" by
2045. As approved by the Solid Waste Advisory Group, the overarching goals for the Solid
Waste Master Plan and its development are as follows:
Goal 1. Develop a comprehensive and easily understandable Solid Waste Master Plan,
with identifiable action items and a plan summary.
Goal 2. Develop a comprehensive strategy that by 2045 will lead to "Zero Waste," as
defined by the County.
Goal 3. Integrate the Plan's efforts with the ongoing climate action plans of the County,
the Municipalities, the University and the University Health Care system.
Goal 4. Select a sustainable business model that incorporates the financial, social and
environmental, including carbon footprint reduction impacts on our community.
Goal 5. Identify future programs, initiatives, facilities, and infrastructure to achieve the
"Zero Waste" goal, as defined by the County, while ensuring the long-term
financial stability of the County's solid waste and recycling program.
Goal6. Identify strategies to increase public education and participation in waste
reduction and waste diversion programs through awareness of reduction, reuse,
recycling and composting; while addressing ordinance and enforcement
requirements.
43
Goal 7. Develop and include an equitable comprehensive public engagement process
that effectively includes input by the general public, including groups that
historically have been marginalized, and key interest groups, including the
municipal and university partners, and keeps the public informed and updated on
the process.
Goal 8. Ensure all proposed programs and policies are in regulatory compliance with
local, state and federal requirements.
The BOCC awarded the contract to develop the Plan to Gershman, Brickner&Bratton, Inc. (GBB).
The Board provided guidance to staff on the Plan at its February 6, 2024 Business meeting, and
revisions reflecting that guidance have been incorporated. While making the revisions and
reshaping the Plan, staff conducted an audit of material collected in the County's waste stream.
The audit included waste from the Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Orange
County. Information obtained from the audit was used to help inform the Plan.
Robert Williams, Solid Waste Director, made the following presentation:
Slide #1
ORANGE COUNTY
NORTH CAROLINA
Department of Solid Waste
Management
Path to Zero Waste
Robert Williams
Director
June 3, 2025
44
Slide #2
PURPOSE:
Request BOCC Approval for the Solid Waste
Master Plan.
The Solid Waste Master Plans outlines a
sustainable waste management model that
balances financial, social, and
environmental impacts.
z ORAN GE�AROLINA COUNTY
Slide #3
Path to Zero Waste
Orange County's Definition of Zero Waste
The reduction of solid waste to nothing, or as
close to nothing as possible, by minimizing
excess consumption by means of responsible
production, consumption and reuse and
maximizing the recovery of solid wastes through
recycling and composting.
ORANGE COUNTY
3 NORTH CAROLINA
45
Slide #4
Background/History
In 2022, Solid Waste Management was tasked with hiring a consulting
firm to create a Solid Waste Plan that would lead to the county having
an effective Zero Waste Plan.
Solid Waste Management Department contracted with Gershman,
Brickner& Bratton
Inc. (GBB)to create the Plan
Eight project goals were established to guide the County's Zero Waste efforts:
• Goal#1—Develop a comprehensive and easily understandable plan
• Goal#2—Develop a comprehensive strategy that will lead to"Zero Waste,"by 2045,as defined by the County.
• Goal#3—Integrate the Plan's efforts with the ongoing climate action plans of the County
Goal#4—Select a sustainable business model
• Goal#5—Identify future programs,initiatives,facilities,and infrastructure to achieve the Zero Waste goal,
• Goal#6—Identify strategies to increase public education and participation in waste reduction and waste diversion
• Goal#7-Develop and include an equitable,comprehensive public engagement process
• Goal#8—Ensure all proposed programs and policies are in regulatory compliance
�1
4 ORAR H GE COUNTY
Slide #5
Path to Zero Waste?
Community Outreach and Engagement
When developing the Road to Zero Waste Plan,the County advocated for the collection of community
feedback and input throughout the planning process.
The County sought opinions and feedback from the public via the following in-person and virtual methods:
✓ Formed a solid waste advisory group and identified key stakeholders and one-on-one interviewees
✓ Held four(4)public meetings
✓ Promoted the efforts online through the Solid Waste Management website and social media accounts
✓ Participated in three(3)farmers markets located throughout the County
✓ Participated in a fall Shred-a-thon event
✓ Advertised in print media and on television
✓ Conducted online surveys in multiple languages(English,Spanish,Mandarin,Burmese)
✓ Conducted one-on-one interviews and Small Group Listening Sessions
t
+r
ORANGE COUNTY
5 NORTH CAROLINA
Robert Williams said there were 1,400 completed surveys.
46
Slide #6
Path to Zero Waste?
Sustainable Materials Management Hierarchy
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4
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Oi AN HE�AROLI COUNTY
Slide #7
Path to Zero Waste
What's In The Trash?
Other Matsdals,12.3% Corrugated C Irdboard.1,7°e Other Recydable Paper,
70.0%
Oiapere,3.7%_ _Plastk Bottles,Jars,and
Tubs.2.7%
Metal Cans.1.4%
_ Glass Bottles and
Jars.2,2%
Plastic Filrn,T,7%. -
Other Potential
Recoverable.,4.3%—
TextieslLeather,6.6% - --Food Waste_269%
Patentlally Recoverable
Plastk,4.4%
Other Potential
Compostsbles.5.0%
Canposteble Paper, 1,Yard Waste,2.1%
6 d%
�1
ORANGE COUNTY
7 NORTH CAROLINA
47
Slide#8
Potential Recoverables — 15.3%
Textiles/Leather—6.6%
Potentially Recoverable
Plastic—4.4%
• Plastic drink cups
• Plastic clamshells
• Other plastic containers
• Bulky rigid plastics
Packaging expanded
polystyrene foam
• Retail bags and stretch film
Other Potential
Other Potential Recoverables,4.3%
Recoverables—4.3%
Other ferrous metals Tawieaaeamer,_
6.6"k
Aluminum foil
Other non-ferrous metals
Other C&D debris Polentl0ly
Recoverable Plastic,
Other hazardous waste 4.4%
Lead acid batteries
Dry cell batteries
Oil filters
Electronics
Reusable waste
Tires and rubber `
$ ORAN GE�AROLINA COUNTY
Slide #9
Potential Compostables — 42.3%
Food Waste—26.9%
Compostable Paper—8.4%
Yard Waste—2.0%
Other Potential
Compostables—5.0%
• Waxy cardboard
• Other organics
• Wood pallets
• Wood lumber
• Slump/heavy sections Food Wasle,26.9%
4illl
Other Potential
Conrpostables,
50% Compostahle Paper, ,_Yard Waste,2-1%
a.4%
�1
9 ORAN GE�COUNTY
48
Slide #10
All Other Materials — 24.1 %
Other Materials.
Plastic Film—7.7% z.a%
Diapers—3.7% Diapers.3.7% .
Other Materials—12.8%
• All other paper
• Food expanded polystyrene foam Plastic Film,7 7%
• All other plastics
• Other glass
• small appliances
• Painledltreatedwood
• Infectious waste
Large items
Composite materials
Liquids
�ti
ORANGE COUNTY
10 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #11
Program Recyclables — 18.1 %
Plastic Bottles,Tubs,Jugs,and Corrugated Cardhoara,.--Other Recyclable
Jars—2.7% Paper,10-0%
Mask Bottles,Jars,
and Tubs,2 7%
Metal Cans—1.4% Metal Cana,1 a%
Glass Bottles
Glass Bottles and Jars—2.0% and Jars,,..
Other Recyclable Paper—10.0%
• Newspaper
Glossy magazines
• Mixed recyclable paper
• Aseptic containers
Corrugated Cardboard—1.7%
ORANGE COUNTY
11 NORTI I CAROLINA
Slide #12
49
Potential RecoverablesOther
11tons)
Potential .. .. -
... Waste
111
Program
Other Recyclable Paper—10.0%
lFood Waste,2E.9%
111
ORANGEa
Slide
Hath to • Waste • Recommendations:
Scenario # Recommendation
1 Update Marketing;imagery,Public education&social media;Create a rallying point
2 Focus on all language speakers in signagelmessaging.
3 Ra ise awareness on reuse and waste prevention.
bne 4 Advocate for more material bans and revise the solid waste ordinance.
5 CreateCounry-lerelcommercialandmultifamilyrecyclingrequirements.
5 Innovation partnerships with UNC and Uf�kC health system.
7 Caunty purchasing for waste preventianlsoil health.
B Consider becoming part of a reuse markaEplace.
9 Consistency across items accepted at WRCs(with exception of HHW�
10 Enforcement at WRCs(with staff and!or security cameras}.
11 More accessible drop-off options/tocationsfor multifamily buildings.
12 Offer multiple cart sizes.
13 Create model programs across schools far waste reduction,recycling,and composting
14 Implement deconstruction ordinance updateslfaciliry auditslcollect C&D recycli ng data,
Three 15 Organics program development
ORANGE COUNTY
50
Robert Williams said they have a serious problem with dumping of illegal materials, and
they are monitoring with cameras. He said they are running a pilot program for organics collection
with the schools.
Slide #14
Path to Zero Waste Implementation Timeline
Eral
wau, ly.
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waste prevention htl�edlsfoMce. �d'M Mrealr ra
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a poky wantal.
ORANGE COUNTY
14 NORTH CAROLINA
Slide #15
Questions
A
• e
ORANGE COUNTY
'S NORTH CAROLINA
51
Commissioner Fowler asked if compost is a separate pick up.
Robert Williams said yes.
Commissioner Fowler asked if assignments have been made for who will be in charge
Robert Williams said yes, and the website is being updated along with the social media.
He said the containers have been secured by grants. He said there are people are in place to
lead the divisions.
Commissioner Greene asked about glass recycling. She said she understood that glass
is easily recyclable and asked if it is okay to put it in with all the rest of the recycling.
Robert Williams said there is glass on the side program with bars and restaurants. He said
they started separating that from co-mingled materials. He said they took a lot of the high-volume
places out. He said that it generates revenue because it is separated and hauled.
Commissioner Fowler said they get some funds back on recycling but pay for glass, so it
pays for the program.
Commissioner Carter asked when the pilot program for organics would start.
Robert Williams said it would start next fiscal year. He said the goal is to put collection
containers in front of restaurants and farmer's markets. He said that it will be moved around to
find the most effective locations.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the QR code for containers.
Robert Williams said that the QR code will take you to the app to download and the app
will then give you the location.
Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if an app is the only way to access it.
Cheryl Young said there may be a way to do it with a code rather than an app. She said
they are fairly new in the market in this country.
Chair Bedford said this is a great opportunity to partner with Community Relations on
education campaigns.
Commissioner Greene said she would like to continue to encourage people with enough
land on their property to do composting at home.
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Carter, to
approve the attached Solid Waste Master Plan as revised based on the Board of Commissioners'
guidance to staff in February 2024.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
7. Reports
None.
8. Consent Agenda
• Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda
• Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda
• Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda
Chair Bedford reminded the Board that Item 8-k was removed at the beginning of the
meeting and referred to the Planning Board. She called attention to the increase in CHCCS's
special district tax in the budget amendment.
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
approve the consent agenda.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
52
a. Minutes
The Board approved the draft minutes for the April 8, 2025 and April 15, 2025 BOCC Meetings
as submitted by the Clerk to the Board.
b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board approved a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for seven (7)
taxpayers with a total of eight (8) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds
The Board approved a resolution to release property tax values for six (6) taxpayers with a total
of twelve (12) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue.
d. Approval of Interlocal Agreement with Durham County for Billing and Collection of
Orange County Solid Waste Program Fees for Town of Chapel Hill Properties Located
in Durham County
The Board approved an Interlocal Agreement (ILA) between Orange County and Durham County
under which Durham County will administer billing and collection of Orange County's Solid Waste
Program Fee for those properties that are located within the Town of Chapel Hill and also within
the jurisdictional limits of Durham County.
e. National Gun Violence Awareness Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation recognizing June 6, 2025 as National Gun Violence
Awareness Day.
f. Pollinator Week Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation declaring June 16-22, 2025, as "Pollinator Week" in Orange
County.
g. National Trails Day Proclamation
The Board approved a proclamation declaring June 7, 2025 as "National Trails Day" in Orange
County.
h. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Budget Amendment#10
The Board approved budget, grant, and capital project ordinance amendments for Fiscal Year
2024-25.
i. Approval of Staff Computer Lease Purchase Agreement for Orange County Schools
The Board approved a resolution approving the Orange County Schools District lease agreement
to replace staff computers.
j. Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance — Approval and Certification of 2025
Report
The Board approved and certified the 2025 Schools Adequate Public Facilities Ordinance
Technical Advisory Committee (SAPFOTAC) Report.
k. Major Subdivision Preliminary Plat Application — Eden View Acres
The Board removed this item from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
I. Request for Road Additions to the State-Maintained Secondary Road System for Zieger
Lane and Cattail 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 Zieger
Lane and Cattail Lane in the Rusch Hollow Subdivision to the State-Maintained Secondary Road
System.
m. Lease Amendment for the Communications Tower at 3605 Walnut Grove Church Road,
Hillsborough
The Board approved an amendment to the TowerCo lease for County-owned property at 3605
Walnut Grove Church Road in Hillsborough and authorize the County Manager to sign the
amendment upon final review by the County Attorney.
n. Approval of FY26 Annual Work Program for Transit Updates
The Board approved the FY26 Annual Work Program for transit updates.
o. Contract Approval for Recycling and Municipal Solid Waste Processing
53
The Board approved and authorized the County to enter into a contractual agreement with WM
Recycling America, LLC and Waste Management of Carolina, Inc., to provide Recycling material
processing and Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) disposal services.
p. Approval of Sportsplex Management Services Agreement
The Board approved a Management Services Agreement between Orange County and
Recreation Factory Partners to operate the Orange County Sportsplex.
q. Approval to Increase in the Letter of Credit Required from Travelers Indemnity
Company for Secure Payment of Workers Compensation Deductibles
The Board approved an increase in the Letter of Credit (LOC) required from Travelers Indemnity
Company (Travelers), the County's insurance carrier, from $500,000 to $1,000,000.
r. Renewal of Health Services Agreement with Southern Health Partners for Medical
Services at the Orange County Detention Center
The Board approved a renewal of the Health Services Agreement with Southern Health Partners
for medical services at the Orange County Detention Center.
s. DSS Computer Peripheral Surplus Declaration and Donation to Triangle Ecycling
The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign a resolution declaring items listed below as
surplus and authorizing the donation of those items to the non-profit Triangle Ecycling.
t. Resolution of Approval — Conservation Easement on Property owned by Jane Saiers
and Darin Knapp (RambleRill Farms)
The Board approved a resolution approving the purchase of and acceptance by Orange County
of a conservation easement on property owned by Jane Saiers and Darin Knapp (RambleRill
Farms).
u. Approval of Health Department Fee Changes
The Board approved changes to the Personal Health Services fee schedule as recommended by
the Board of Health and amend the FY 2024-25 County Fee Schedule.
9. County Manager's Report
Travis Myren reviewed the upcoming meeting schedule and topics listed below:
Projected June 5, 2025 Budget Work Session Items
Decisions on Proposed Budget Amendments to Manager's Recommended FY 2025-26 Budget&
2025-35 CIP
Decisions on Tax Rates
Resolution of Intent to Adopt FY 2025-2026 Budget
Chair Bedford asked the Clerk to print out all of the proposed amendments for the next
meeting.
Travis Myren said they will also be in his PowerPoint presentation.
Travis Myren said in response to some of the concerns about vertical equity and the
revaluation, as a short-term effort, Orange County will retain a vendor to run mathematical models
that will identify potential areas where there are vertical equity problems so that the Tax Office
can take those to the Board of Equalization and Review for changes. As a longer-term strategy,
Travis Myren said he will convene a work group in the late summer or early fall of subject matter
experts, community members, and Tax staff to look at different tools to use in the future that can
measure vertical equity so those tools can be used proactively, as well as some recommendations
to build staff capacity. He explained that this is highly technical statistical work.
Chair Bedford reminded the Board that the meeting on Thursday will take place at the
Southern Human Services Center, and the Closed Session to evaluate the Manager, Attorney,
and Clerk will be next Tuesday at the Whitted Building.
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10. County Attorney's Report
John Roberts had no report for the Board.
11. *Appointments
None.
12. Information Items
• May 20, 2025 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List
• Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis
• Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections
• Tax Collector's Report— Foreclosure Chart
• Tax Assessor's Report— Releases/Refunds under $100
• April 2025 Child Care Subsidy Monthly Report
13. Closed Session
None.
Adjournment
A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to
adjourn the meeting at 9:17 p.m.
VOTE: UNANIMOUS
Jamezetta Bedford, Chair
Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board
Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board