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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda 11-06-2025; 8-a - Minutes for October 7, 2025 Business Meeting and October 14, 2025 Joint Meeting with Chiefs Association and Work Session 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 6, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 8-a SUBJECT: Minutes for October 7, 2025 Business Meeting and October 14, 2025 Joint Meeting with Chiefs Association and Work Session DEPARTMENT: Board of County Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Draft Minutes (under separate cover) Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board, 919- 245-2130 PURPOSE: To correct and/or approve the draft minutes as submitted by the Clerk to the Board as listed below. BACKGROUND: In accordance with 153A-42 of the General Statutes, the Governing Board has the legal duty to approve all minutes that are entered into the official journal of the Board's proceedings. Attachment 1: October 7, 2025 Business Meeting Attachment 2: October 14, 2025 Joint Meeting with Chiefs Association and Work Session FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — COMMUNICATION AND AWARENESS We provide information and opportunities for engagement in a transparent manner so that all in our community have knowledge, understanding, and a voice. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve minutes as presented or as amended. Attachment 1 1 1 DRAFT MINUTES 2 ORANGE COUNTY 3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 4 BUSINESS MEETING 5 October 7, 2025 6 7:00 p.m. 7 8 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, October 9 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC. 10 11 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton 12 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie- 13 Ascott 14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. 15 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts 16 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin 17 Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified 18 appropriately below) 19 20 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present. 21 22 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda 23 A motion was made by Chair Bedford and seconded by Commissioner McKee to remove 24 item 8-d from the agenda. 25 26 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 27 28 Commissioner McKee noted that one applicant for item 11 was not included in the agenda 29 packet and asked that the Board take time to review the application before making a decision. 30 31 Chair Bedford read the public charge. She reviewed the instructions for making public 32 comment. 33 34 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) 35 a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda 36 Sara Stephens from Duke Energy said she is the new district manager with Duke Energy, 37 and she will be the county's representative. 38 An individual named Gurley said he wanted to speak on a possible bridge at Ayr Mount 39 and asked for more information. 40 Chair Bedford said that would probably be a topic for the Town of Hillsborough or the non- 41 profit. 42 Laura Streitfeld requested that a discussion on the Strategic Communications Work Group 43 be put on a future agenda. She suggested changes to improve communications with the public. 44 She asked that Board of County Commissioners meetings be included in the weekly Orange 45 County newsletter and on social media posts, not just a separate link to events. She said Planning 46 Department project pages do not include outcomes of meetings. She asked the Board to consider 47 how they might engage the public more effectively in important decisions that are taking place. 48 She said it's important to have a big public turnout to influence decisions about land use and other 49 issues, but posted signs for planning and zoning meetings are small and illegible to passing 50 drivers. She said neighborhood meetings are run by developers who cannot advise neighbors 51 about the procedures for engaging in the process and don't appear to report thoroughly on some 2 1 of the concerns raised by neighbors for planning and zoning decisions. She said there is no 2 mention of how or where to send comments to the Planning Board or to commissioners' email 3 accounts. She asked the Board to prioritize equitable access to information. 4 5 b. Matters on the Printed Agenda 6 (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 7 8 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members 9 Commissioner Fowler said she attended the Triangle West TPO meeting where they held 10 a public hearing on the 2025 MTP preferred options and their work plan. She said they approved 11 the SPOT 8 candidate project list. She said there was a Board of Health meeting on September 12 24th. She said one of the subcommittees is preparing a resolution advocating for initiatives to 13 increase affordable housing, recognizing it as a health issue. She said she attended Last Fridays 14 in Hillsborough with the Board of Health to provide information on suicide prevention. She said 15 she attended a meeting the evening before with Justice United where vertical equity in tax 16 revaluations was discussed. She said the Board is very committed to researching this issue in 17 detail and examining inequities so that they can improve. 18 Commissioner Carter said she attended the reception for Paint it Orange, hosted by the 19 Arts Commission. She congratulated the winners and said that the event demonstrates the 20 county's whole community focus. She said she toured the OWASA plant on Mason Farm Road. 21 She learned more about how they managed the flooding from Tropical Storm Chantal. She said 22 she attended the Justice United event the previous evening. She petitioned for the Board to 23 receive brief updates on the progress of that work at every business meeting. She said she was 24 looking forward to hearing more about the impacts of federal funding changes to nutrition 25 programs. 26 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she attended the Justice United meeting the previous evening. 27 She was glad to hear from many residents of how the revaluation process affects them and is 28 committed to finding a way to do it better. 29 Chair Bedford highlighted the Orange County Road Show on October 12 at the Cedar 30 Grove Community Center. She noted that there was a proclamation for 4-H Week on the agenda 31 and she applauded the group for the work they do with children. She said it was Fire Prevention 32 Week and gave tips on preventing fires from lithium batteries and chargers. She noted item 8-1 on 33 the agenda regarding animal control contracts with the municipalities. She petitioned for 34 information on why animal control is not available on the weekends, the history of animal services 35 in the county, and why the towns pay for service. 36 Commissioner Greene said that this week is Banned Books Week. She said the theme is 37 "Censorship is so 1984 - Read for Your Rights." She said Pen America, an organization that a 38 literary organization that champions the freedom to write, reports that 6,870 books were banned 39 from school libraries in 2024-25. She said that the General Assembly passed a law in July 40 requiring schools to catalog all books in libraries, including the books kept by teachers in their 41 classrooms. She noted the Arts and Humanities Month proclamation on the agenda, and said the 42 the humanities are best equipped to teach critical thinking and fostering the power of empathy. 43 She said empathy is needed to get through the present time and back to the framework of a 44 pluralistic society, because pluralism is essential to a democratic culture. She petitioned for a 45 formal proclamation for Banned Books week and an updated Arts and Humanities Month 46 proclamation. 47 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she completed her orientation as district director for 48 District 9 with NCACC, and said data fact sheets are available at NCACC.org that provide a clear 49 picture of how Orange County performs across key areas. She emphasized that while data helps 3 1 understand numbers, conversations with people help understand lived experiences. She attended 2 meetings at Caldwell with Commissioners McKee and Carter, and met with the Neighbor to 3 Neighbor Rural Organizing Committee with Commissioner McKee to share county updates. She 4 petitioned the board to make biannual community town halls a regular practice starting January 5 2026, held in different parts of the county and livestreamed to keep communities informed and 6 connected. 7 Commissioner McKee said he supported the petition for a biannual community town hall 8 and noted the advantages for residents to have another way to share information with the county. 9 He said he attended the Justice United meeting the previous evening to hear more from residents. 10 He highlighted item 8-r, honoring Coach Willie Lawrence Vanhook. He petitioned management 11 to look at the possibility of additional staff or outside appraisal personnel to perform full appraisals 12 on each property under appeal and those already appealed, stating that if appraisals come in 13 lower than the reevaluation, that appeal value should be honored, and that certified appraisals 14 lower than county reevaluation should be honored. 15 16 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations 17 a. Disability Employment Awareness Month Proclamation 18 The Board approved a proclamation declaring October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness 19 Month in Orange County. 20 21 BACKGROUND: October is recognized nationally as Disability Employment Awareness Month 22 and 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of this observance, which began in 1945 and has grown to 23 honor the contributions of individuals with all types of disabilities, including those with mental 24 health conditions and other non-apparent disabilities. Orange County affirms its commitment to 25 inclusion, opportunity, and respect for all people, and recognizes the ongoing importance of 26 expanding access to employment for individuals with disabilities and promoting inclusive practices 27 that ensure people with disabilities have equal access to good jobs and opportunities. 28 29 Brenda Bartholomew, Human Resources Director, introduced the item. 30 31 Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: 32 33 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 34 PROCLAMATION 35 36 DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT AWARENESS MONTH 37 OCTOBER 2025 38 WHEREAS, October is recognized nationally as Disability Employment Awareness Month; and 39 40 WHEREAS, 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of this observance, which began in 1945 with a 41 focus on workers with physical disabilities and has since evolved to include the contributions of 42 individuals with all types of disabilities, including mental health conditions and other nonapparent 43 disabilities; and 44 45 WHEREAS, the purpose of Disability Employment Awareness Month is to educate the public 46 about disability employment issues while celebrating the many and varied contributions of 47 America's workers with disabilities; and 48 4 1 WHEREAS, this year's national theme, "Celebrating Value and Talent," highlights the skills, 2 perspectives, and achievements that workers with disabilities bring to our workplaces and our 3 economy; and 4 5 WHEREAS, Orange County recognizes the immense contributions of individuals with disabilities 6 and reaffirms its commitment to dignity, respect, inclusion, and opportunity for all residents; and 7 8 WHEREAS, Orange County continues to work toward building an inclusive community, increasing 9 access to good jobs, and reinforcing the value and talent people with disabilities contribute to our 10 workplaces and communities; 11 12 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners 13 recognizes and commemorates the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment 14 Awareness Month and declares October 2025 as Disability Employment Awareness Month in 15 Orange County; and 16 17 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability 18 Employment Policy and Orange County call upon employers, schools, and community 19 organizations to ensure that individuals with disabilities have meaningful access to good jobs 20 every month of every year; and 21 22 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners pledges to 23 continue efforts to recruit, hire, retain, and advance individuals with disabilities and to pursue the 24 goals of opportunity, full participation, economic self-sufficiency, and independent living for all 25 people with disabilities. 26 27 This, the 7th day of October, 2025. 28 29 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair 30 Orange County Board of Commissioners 31 32 33 A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to 34 approve the proclamation and give the Chair the authority to sign it on behalf of the Board. 35 36 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 37 Chair Bedford said several commissioners are parents of children with disabilities and 38 emphasized that even if an adult child can't work eight hours a day, having opportunities for some 39 work or volunteer work and community interaction is incredibly valuable. 40 Commissioner Fowler said that she served as a job coach that afternoon for her son who 41 works at a local organization folding clothes and putting stamps on envelopes, which he does with 42 pride and care. She said she appreciates his ability to work and the proclamation. 43 44 b. Domestic Violence Awareness Month Proclamation 45 The Board approved a proclamation recognizing October 2025 as Domestic Violence Awareness 46 Month in Orange County. 47 48 BACKGROUND: Domestic Violence is a pattern of behaviors used by someone to maintain 49 power and control in an intimate or family relationship. 5 1 In 1989, the U.S. Congress first passed Public Law 101-112 designating October of that year as 2 National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and has adopted similar legislation each year 3 thereafter. The goal has been to educate and make the public aware of domestic violence issues, 4 support the victims of domestic violence, and to connect advocates across the nation who are 5 working to end domestic violence. 6 7 The Board of Commissioners is asked to proclaim October 2025 as "Domestic Violence 8 Awareness Month" in Orange County to support victims of domestic violence, to educate 9 residents, and support those working to end domestic violence. 10 11 Commissioners read the following proclamation in turn: 12 13 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 14 PROCLAMATION 15 16 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH 2025 17 18 WHEREAS, domestic violence is a pattern of behaviors used by someone to maintain power and 19 control in an intimate or family relationship; and 20 21 WHEREAS, domestic violence encompasses not only physical abuse, but also emotional, verbal, 22 financial, sexual, or digital abuse, isolation, and/or stalking; and 23 24 WHEREAS, domestic violence disproportionately impacts racial and ethnic minorities, 25 undocumented people, women, trans and gender non-conforming people, and disabled people; 26 and 27 28 WHEREAS, racism, sexism, xenophobia, transphobia, ableism, and other forms of oppression 29 and discrimination perpetuate domestic violence and make seeking safety and stability more 30 difficult for marginalized survivors; and 31 32 WHEREAS, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average nearly 20 33 people per minute are abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this 34 equates to more than 10 million people; and 35 36 WHEREAS, in North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic 37 Violence, at least 94 individuals were murdered by a current or former intimate partner in 2024 38 and at least 49 have been murdered so far in 2025; and 39 40 WHEREAS, Compass Center, the state-designated domestic violence service provider for 41 Orange County, serves more than 1,600 survivors of domestic violence each year through its 24- 42 hour domestic violence crisis and lethality assessment program lines, support groups, court and 43 community advocacy, Latinx programs, career and financial counseling, and other services and 44 engages thousands more in prevention education and outreach; and 45 46 WHEREAS, preventing domestic violence requires the collective awareness, care, and action of 47 individuals, institutions, and systems to transform our communities through social norms, policies, 48 and laws that reject violence and abuse and promote healthy relationships based on respect, 49 trust, and equity; 6 1 NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, do hereby 2 proclaim October 2025 to be: 3 4 "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" 5 6 and encourage the residents of Orange County to observe this time in ways appropriate to its 7 importance and significance. 8 9 Proclaimed this the 71" day of October, 2025. 10 11 12 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair 13 Orange County Board of Commissioners 14 15 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to 16 approve the proclamation and give the Chair the authority to sign it on behalf of the Board. 17 18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 19 20 Patrick Summers from the Compass Center said that the numbers have changed since 21 the proclamation was written. He said that on average, someone is murdered by domestic 22 violence every five and a half days, and that figure has increased in the last five years. He thanked 23 the Board for recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month and for their support. 24 25 5. Public Hearings 26 a. Zoning Atlas Amendment— 3531 NC Highway 54 W, Chapel Hill, Bingham Township 27 The Board held a public hearing, receive the Planning Board and staff recommendations, received 28 public comment, closed the public hearing, and approved a Zoning Atlas Amendment to rezone 29 +/- 61.11 acres (PIN: 9749-42-2010) located at 3531 NC Highway 54 W, Chapel Hill, within the 30 Bingham Township of Orange County. 31 32 BACKGROUND: A Conditional Zoning Atlas Amendment application (Attachment 1) was 33 received from Forestar Group, Inc., on behalf of Carolyn Rigsbee, proposing to rezone 34 approximately 61.11 acres of property at 3531 NC Highway 54 W, Chapel Hill, to allow for 35 development of a 43-lot conservation cluster subdivision for single-family dwellings. The Staff 36 Report in Attachment 2 contains additional information, maps, and analysis with regard to the 37 application's consistency with County adopted plans. Approval of a site-specific plan is part of the 38 conditional district rezoning process, and the site plan and any agreed-upon conditions are 39 binding to the development permitted for the zoning district. 40 Basic Review Process: A conditional district rezoning application requires submission of a site 41 plan and other documents, in accordance with Section 2.9.1(C) of the Orange County Unified 42 Development Ordinance (UDO). All application materials can be found on the Orange County 43 Permit Portal. Sections 2.8 and 2.9 of the Orange County UDO require the following review: 44 FIRST ACTION —Application is sent for courtesy review. 45 STAFF COMMENT: County staff submitted application materials to the State 46 Clearing House for review on February 18, 2025. Comments were received from 47 the Orange Grove Fire Department on July 18, 2025. All courtesy review 48 comments are available on the Orange County Permit Portal. 49 • SECOND ACTION —Applicant holds a Neighborhood Information Meeting (NIM). 7 1 STAFF COMMENT. The NIM was held on April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at Antioch 2 Baptist Church, 1707 White Cross Road, Chapel Hill. 3 • THIRD ACTION — The Planning Board reviews the application at a regular meeting 4 and makes a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). 5 STAFF COMMENT. The Planning Board reviewed this application at its regular 6 meeting on August 6, 2025, and recommended approval by a 6-3 vote. 7 • FOURTH ACTION — The BOCC receives the Planning Board and staff 8 recommendations at an advertised public hearing and makes a decision on the 9 application. 10 STAFF COMMENT: The public hearing is scheduled for October 7, 2025. 11 12 Proposed Site Plan and Conditions 13 Per Section 2.9.1 (F) (3) of the UDO, mutually agreed upon conditions can be imposed as part of 14 this process if they address: 15 a. The compatibility of the proposed development with surrounding property, 16 b. Proposed support facilities (i.e. roadways, and access points, screening and buffer areas, 17 the timing of development, etc.), and/or 18 c. All other matters the County may find reasonable and appropriate or the petitioner may 19 propose. 20 21 Orange County Development Advisory Committee staff has recommended the imposition of 22 conditions, as included in the Ordinance in Attachment 9. 23 24 A formal site plan is required as part of a conditional rezoning application and has been submitted 25 (Attachment 1). Forestar Group, Inc., on behalf of Carolyn Rigsbee, have initiated a Zoning Atlas 26 Amendment in order allow for future development of a 43-lot subdivision for single-family 27 dwellings. Additional background information related to this request, including information on 28 proposed dedicated open space, impervious surface, and amenities, is contained in the Staff 29 Report (Attachment 2). 30 31 Public Notification: In accordance with Section 2.8.7 of the UDO, notices of the Public Hearing 32 were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 ft. of the subject parcel. These 33 notices were mailed on September 24, 2025, 13 days before the meeting. Staff also posted the 34 subject parcel with a sign on September 24, 2025, 13 days before the meeting. See Attachment 35 3 for the notification materials. 36 37 Planning Board Recommendation: The Planning Board reviewed the Zoning Atlas Amendment at 38 its August 6, 2025, regular meeting.At this meeting the Board voted 6-3 to recommend approval 39 of the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment 40 (Attachment 9), as presented, with the exception of correcting an error in Condition #3 to 41 accurately reflect the conditions as submitted by the applicant in Attachment 1. 42 43 Planning Director's Recommendation: 44 The Planning Director recommends that the Board of County Commissioners: 45 1) Consider the matter for action; 46 2) Acknowledge that legally-sufficient public notice was given for the application and this 47 meeting, in accordance with State law and the Orange County UDO; 8 1 3) Review the staff report (Attachment 2), featuring analyses of UDO compliance, impact 2 of the use to the surrounding area, safety and efficiency of land use, and consistency 3 of the application with the Orange County's adopted plans; 4 4) Allow for the applicant's presentation of materials; 5 5) Conduct the public hearing, receive public comments, and consider the Planning 6 Board recommendation; 7 6) Close the public hearing; and 8 7) Vote to Approve the Statement of Consistency (Attachment 7) and Zoning Atlas 9 Amendment Ordinance (Attachment 9). 10 OR 11 Vote to Deny the Zoning Atlas Amendments, including a statement as to why the 12 application is not reasonable and/or not in the public interest, as detailed in the 13 Statement of Inconsistency (Attachment 8). 14 15 Lauren Honeycutt, Planner ll, made the following presentation: 16 17 Slide #1 f ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Board of County Commissioners Meeting October 7, 2025 7:00 p.m. 18 19 20 9 1 Slide #2 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Zoning Atlas Amendment (Conditional [district) R-1 Zoning to R-CD Zoning Location:3531 NC H1ghway 54 PIN:9749-42-2010 Applicant: l=orestar Group, LLC Case#: MA25-0002 2 3 4 Slide #3 Conditional District Overview nventional District 7District Standards must be uniformly Request is use-specill—ith applied throughout the County individualized development conditions and standards No site-specific,individualized Site-specific development plan conditions may be imposed. is part of review and approval process ORANGE COUNTY NOW14I CAROMNA 5 6 7 10 1 Slide #4 Zoning Atlas Amendment- MA25-0002(Rigsbee) 3531 NC Highway 54 N1 V cdnity Map for Reza Ing Application PIN 97"IZZ Ira Address 3531 NC Highway 54 W 9749-42-201(} Bingham Haw River _ Unprotected , Forestar Group,LLG Y� - AJ ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #5 Zoning AtlasAmendment- MA25-0002(Rigsbee) 3531 NC Highway 54 W • • '• G u rre nt Zern i n Rezcming Appkatlon so R-M for RI N 9749422010 g - ■ Rural Residential(R-1) , i Reauested Zoning ■ Residential Conditional District(R- CD) ■ Use;Major Subdivision,Single-Family ` Dwellings SurroundingZoning Rural Residential(R-1) ■ Agricultural Residential(AR) II ■ Local Commercial(LC-1) °� 1 ■ Neighborhood Commercial(NC-2) 11 1 Slide #6 Zoning Atlas Amendment- MA25-0002(Rigsbee) 3531 NC Highway 54 W 1 -• Adopted Future land Use Ma with Parcel 9249422Mo Depicted Future Land Use Map Designation I - Rural Community Activity Node • Land focused on designated road intersections Which serves as a nodal crossroads for the surrounding rural community and is an appropriate location for any of the following uses:church,fire station,small post office,school, R or other similar institutional uses and one or more commercial uses. • No proposed amendment — f 2 3 4 Slide #7 Zoning Atlas Amendment- MA25-0002(Rigsbee) 3 5 3 1 N C H i g h w a y 5 4 W Overview • -•Conditional District Application Requirements Reigning Application To R-CO fnr PIN 974g42ioro • Site Specific Plan — ■ Environmental Assessment •` - _I ■ Biological Inventory ■ Additional Information as Identified by Reviewing Agencies S } w..nFm 5 12 1 Slide #8 Site-Specific Plan _ "\\ / � +��j�� -.�r-c. \1�� rte. � ..R.1•' 12 2 3 Lauren Honeycutt noted the site-specific plan conditions for the proposal. She said it is a 4 proposal for 43 lots, which averages to about 1.42 dwelling units per acre. She said the minimum 5 lot size proposed is 20,000 square feet, and the average is 22,000 square feet. She said the 6 proposal includes 25 acres of open space, which is 41% of the development. She said the 41% 7 includes both primary and secondary open space. 8 9 13 1 Slide #9 Current Summary of 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 (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 orthe petitioner may propose. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #10 Current Summary of Conditions 1-4 Per Section 2.9.1 (F)(3) of the UDO,the following conditions are being proposed: 1. The subject property shall be developed generally in accordancewith the proposed site plan submitted asa partof this application("Site Plan")featuring no moret'han 43 lots, no lessthan 25 acresof dedicated open space and atieast5,600 linearfeet of dedicated phvatetrails,all as described below. 2. All streets not offered to NCDOT as public streets shall meet the design requirements of Class A Private Roads,provided that,private street rights-of-way shall permit the encroachmentof kiosks,raingardens,bioretention areas,trails,parking,gathering spaces,play areas and othersimilar improvements designed to serve the neighborhood. No such encroachment shall extend Into a Travel-way,which shall be at least eighteen feet(18')wide and constructed of compacted gravel of pavement. 3. The minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet.This deviates from the minimum in UDO Section 3.8.Suitable septic shall be provided on each parcel. 4. No home shall be constructed on the subject propertywith more than four(4)bedrooms. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 7 14 1 Slide #11 Current Summary of Conditions 5-7 5. A decorative well house shall be installed over the well head within the general area designated as"100'well radius"on the Site Plan.The well house shall be designed to incorporate elements of the existing.Rigsbee farmhouse located on Highway 54 by utilizing white siding as the primary material on the exterior walls and black accents such doorcolor or light fixture color.A photo of the existing Rigsbee farmhouse is attached hereto as Exhibit A-1.An example of a well house that meets the requirements of this condition is attached as Exhibit A-2. 6. The mail kiosk shall be designed to complementthe existing Rigsbee farmhouse located on Highway 54 by continuing the white color for the exterior elements.The mail kiosk shall incorporate a weather covering with recessed lighting and shall include at least two(2)benches and at least one(1)trash can.An example of a mail kiosk that meets the requirements of this condition is attached as Exhibit B. T. At least 5,600 linear feet of private trails shall be installed as shown on the Site Plan with precise trail locations to be determined at subdivision plat.Trail surfaces shall be natural (earthen),mulch,wood chip,gravel,or crushed stone.No asphalt or pavement shall be permitted.Trail amenities shall include at least three(3)benches located along the trail and at least(4)signs providing scientific information ahoutthe flora and fauna found on the subject property with picture or other images. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #12 Current Summary of Conditions 5-10 S. No less than 25 acres of Open Space areas shown on the Site Plan shall collectively include a tota I of; a.one(1)covered,open alrstructure similar to those shown on the attached Exhibit C in the general area identified as the"Community Building Structure"on the Site Plan; b.at least two(2)grilling stations; c.at least one(1)fire pit; d.at least four(4)trash cans;. e.at least four(4)pet waste stations;and f.at least ten(10)bird nesting boxes in the general area identified as a"bird sanctuary"on the Site Plan,all to be maintained by the HOA. 9. Individual septic systems meeting{Prange County requirements and designed to Serve homes with four(4)bedrooms shall be provided an each residential lot. 10. Subject to NCDOT approval,the property owner shall provide a right-hand turn lane (deceleration)and a left-hand turn lane(center lane)into the property entrance on Highway 54 meeting NCDOT standards.The subject property shall be developed generally in accordance with the proposed site plan submitted as apart of this application("Site Plan"). �f ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA. 5 6 15 1 Slide #13 Review Process Planning Staff • Determine application completeness and analyze proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment with Comprehensive Plan Neighborhood Meeting (NIM) • Coordinated by applicant • Held on April 29,2025 Planning Board • Hear from the applicant, staff,and the public • Review and discuss analysis and staff recommendation • Recommend approval or denial to Board of County Commissioners *'Board of County Commissioners - Schedule and hold public hearing to receive application - Hear from the applicant, staff,and the public • Review and discuss analysis and recommendations from staff and Planning Board • Close public hearing 2 3 4 Slide #14 Applicant P ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 16 1 Beth Trahos, representing the applicant, began presenting: 2 3 Slide #15 Zoning Atlas Amendment Rigsbee Subdivision 3531 IAC Highway 54 W,Chapel Hill i FoX,op- Rothschild 4 5 6 Slide #16 Site Location xf ' �— Fox l � � 5 � Rothschild 7 Existing Zoning R1 Proposed Zoning R- GD �7 r� Foxes 17 Slide #17 AR Rothschild Slide E�GSBEE S�TBDIV�S�DN t - Faxl Rothschild 18 1 Slide #19 RV Jrf I Yl 1! + .k - l is+F ti 1 �- z Fox Rothschild 2 3 Beth Trahos said an advantage of the type of development being proposed is that by 4 aggregating environmentally sensitive areas, the appearance of the rural and historic area is 5 preserved. She said that the proposal of 43 homes on 61 acres is less than one unit per acre. 6 Commissioner Fowler asked about the approximate lot size. 7 Beth Trahos said the minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet, which is roughly half an acre. 8 9 19 1 Slide #20 Comprehensive Plan Compliance • Provides much needed housing while preserving Rural Land Use Pattern • 43 homes for families clustered together on 61.11 acres • 25.11 acres or 41.11%of the parcel is open space • Retain existing farmhouse • Freserves significant natural area • Conservation Cluster Flexible Development Subdivision protect environmental features • No significant environmental impact is expected Foxy Rothschild i 3 4 Laura Haywood continued the presentation: 5 6 Slide #21 Historic Character Well Hause Foy Existln�FaRrn Hause �� Rothschild 7 8 Laura Haywood reviewed the site map and the design features of the proposed 9 development which reflect the historic character of the site. 20 1 Slide #22 CaMmunity T ; Structure Mail Kiosk wId • Rothschild 2 3 Laura Haywood said there would also be a walking trail for residents, and they are 4 considering adding a dog park. She said two roads will be maintained by NCDOT, and three will 5 be private and maintained by the HOA. She described how they plan to manage stormwater. She 6 described the environmental features of the site and that they plan to leave an area untouched 7 as part of a bird sanctuary. She said the property will not be mass cleared, and the only clearing S will be for roads and the building pads. 9 10 21 1 Slide #23 Proposed Zoning Conditions 1. The subject property shall be developed generally in accordance with the proposed site plan submitted as a part of this application("Site Plan")featuring no more than 43 lots,no less than 25 acres of dedicated open space and at least 5,600 linear feet of dedicated private trails,all as described below. 2. All streets not offered to NCDOT as public streets shall meet the design requirements of Class A Private Roads,provided that,private street rights-of-way shall permit the encroachment of kiosks,raingardens, bioretention areas,trails,parking,gathering spaces,play areas and other similar improvements designed to serve the neighborhood.No such encroachment shall extend into a Travel-Way,which shall be at least eighteen feet(18')wide and constructed of compacted gravel of pavement. 3. The minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet. This deviates from the minimum in UDO Section 3.8. Suitable septic shall be provided on each parcel. 4. No home shall be constructed on the subject property with more than four(4)bedrooms. 5. A decorative well house shall be installed over the well head within the general area designated as"100' well radius"on the Site Plan.The well house shall be designed to incorporate elements of the existing Rigsbee farmhouse located on Highway 54 by utilizing white siding as the primary material on the exterior walls and black accents such door color or light fixture color.A photo of the existing Rigsbee farmhouse is attached hereto as Exhibit A-1. An example of a well house that meets the requirements of this condition is attached as Exhibit A-2. Rothschild z 3 Slide #24 Proposed Zoning Conditions (Continued) 6. The mail kiosk shall be designed to complement the existing Rigsbee farmhouse located on Highway 54 by continuing the white color for the exterior elements.The mail kiosk shall incorporate a weather covering with recessed lighting for a portion of the site and shall include at least two(2)benches and at least one(1)trash can. An example of a nail kiosk that meets the requirements of this condition is attached as Exhibit B T At least 5,600 linear feet of private trails shall be installed as shown on the Site Plan with precise trail locations to be determined at subdivision plat.Trail surfaces shall be natural(earthen),mulch,wood chip,gravel,or crushed stone.No asphalt or pavement shall be permitted.Trail amenities shall include at least three(3)benches located along the trail and at least(4)signs providing scientific information about the flora and fauna found on the subject property with picture or other images. S. No less than 25 acres of Open Space areas shown on the Site Plan shall collectively include a total of: • one(1)covered,open air structuresirrilar to those shown on the attached Exhibit O in the general area identified as the"Coni nunity Building Structure"on the Site Plan; • at least two(2)grilling stations, • at least one(1)fire pit; • at least four(4)trash cans; • at least four(4)pet waste stations;and • at least ten(10)bird nesting boxes in the general area identified as a"bird sanctuary"on the Site Plan,all to be maintained by the FICA. Foxg Rothschild 4 22 1 Slide #25 Proposed Zoning Conditions (Continued) 9- Individual septic systems meeting Orange County requirements and designed to serve homes with four(4) bedrooms shall be provided on each residential lot. 10. Subject to NCDOT approval,the property owner shall provide a right-hand turn lane(deceleration)and a left-hand turn lane(center lane)into the property entrance on Highway 54 meeting NCDOT standards. Fox Rothschild z 3 David Barcal continued the presentation: 4 5 Slide #26 Individual - r Systems on r Conventional operatingSimilar systems Heritage Hills, Rolling Rolling Woods and Dogwood qr, neighborhoods County �� r3 Foy1 Y Rothschild 6 7 23 1 Slide #27 - " Q Fox...�.A.Y.,_ Rothschild 2 3 David Barcal explained the process his team used to analyze the soil at the proposed 4 development site. 5 6 Slide #28 Pi '' ,1 4 Y~ 1 _ .yrti•�..� .ale ^+ Rothschild 24 1 Slide #29 i .tee FOXuork Rothschild 2 3 David Barcal said there would be a detailed soils analysis for each lot if the project was 4 approved and all applications would be submitted to Orange County for approval. 5 Commissioner McKee asked where the original septic and repair fields were located. 6 David Barcal said there are two different line types in the slides. He said on the left picture 7 in slide #29, the initial field is on the back of the property with a solid center line. He said the 8 repair field is represented by a dashed center line, and that represents trench widths. 9 Beth Trahos said larger images are included in the full agenda packet. 10 David Barcal said there are different types of products that give more reduction. He said 11 this is only a preliminary layout. 12 Beth Trahos continued the presentation: 13 14 25 1 Slide #30 Community Well System Studied • Community Well has been permitted by Orange County • Sufficient water capacity exists to serve the planned 43-home community Raw data analysis after monitoring two(2) nearby wells shows that even significant withdrawals from the proposed community well has no impacts shallow or deep nearby wells Roox thschild 2 3 Beth Trahos said they'd heard concerns about the impacts on wells, so they had a study 4 done on capacity analysis and the impact on adjacent wells. 5 Ward Marotti said the study they performed was more in depth than what would typically 6 be done for projects that haven't been rezoned yet. He said there were no measurable impacts 7 to adjacent wells resulting from full drawdown of the proposed well, and at almost twice the 8 maximum capacity would be for serving all of the homes at their maximum capacity at one time. 9 He said they documented variances under normal conditions at adjacent wells, then continued to 10 collect data from those wells during maximum drawdown of the proposed well. 11 Beth Trahos said the data was available in the full agenda packet. 12 Commissioner McKee asked how long the drawdown was. 13 Ward Marotti said it was 24 hours total, and the steady state was 1 hour, which is typical 14 protocol. He defined steady state as the pumping out of water to a point where it does not change 15 the water level within the well being tested. 16 Commissioner McKee said that he has multiple wells on his property and they have all 17 had anomalies going on at times. He said he is concerned about anomalies on that much draw 18 down on surrounding properties. 19 Chair Bedford asked for an explanation of a statement in the agenda packet, "It is 20 important to mention that no information was provided for the past, well, installation attempts at 21 the site that showed no groundwater yield." 22 Donna Browder from Forestar said they drilled the first well 1,001 feet and got no water. 23 She said they drilled a second well 600 feet down and hit 90+ gallons per minute. She said they 24 reason they studied the wells before and after the drawdown was to measure the anomalies that 25 occurred daily on those wells. She said the drawdown lasted 24 hours, but they studied the wells 26 two weeks beforehand to find anomalies. 27 Ward Marotti said they collected several weeks of ambient data prior to the drawdown, 28 and then several weeks of ambient post draw down, as well as doing the initial drill testing almost 29 six months prior. He said they had very similar results with capacity. 26 1 Commissioner McKee asked at what depth they hit water. 2 Ward Marotti said in the 30-foot zone from the surface and the total well depth is 600 feet. 3 Commissioner McKee asked if the 30 feet was in soil or rock. 4 Ward Marotti said it was saprolite and bedrock. 5 Commissioner McKee said that water vein is connecting throughout the system, and any 6 water that is drawn down might affect the surrounding area. 7 Ward Marotti said he believed that by sampling 6 months a part speaks to the conditions 8 and that the data that meets the state's requirements should also speak to it. 9 Commissioner Greene referred to Planning Board meeting minutes included in the agenda 10 packet. She quoted Ward Marotti's comments, "We actually drilled two wells for this site, one of 11 which came up with no water, didn't hit an aquifer, but there was geologic data associated with 12 that. And based on that, it's likely that these are not even touching the same water tables or 13 aquifers, rather." She asked what the geologic data was. 14 Ward Marotti said it's a series of veins, a lot of which are connected, some of which may 15 not be. He said the location that they did not hit water at was a location that didn't have a vein 16 running through it. 17 Commissioner Carter asked about the timing of the study and its occurrence after a major 18 flood event. She said that she and Commissioner Portie-Ascott visited the property and met the 19 property owner. 20 Ward Marotti said in the context of the impacts to the water table in general and the surficial 21 aquifer in the area, and in looking at the ambient data of the adjacent wells, there was no spike 22 or drop that was substantive nor tied from a timeline perspective to that precipitation event. He 23 said that the short answer is that he didn't think so. 24 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how long a typical water vein might be. 25 Ward Marotti said it varies and he could not answer that question. 26 Vice-Chair Hamilton said a question is the effect of drawing water on the surrounding 27 community. She said they tested two wells, but there are 74 properties within 1,000 feet and what 28 is the impact on those other wells. She said they don't have a good understanding of the 29 hydrology and its impact on others. She said if there is a failure it would be hard to fix. 30 Ward Marotti said this is where the state models come into play because they consider 31 the typical conditions in substrates in the Piedmont. He said that's what those models are there 32 for, to extrapolate from the raw data. 33 Donna Browder said a better word to use is predict. She said the tool is used to predict 34 how a well is going to be impacted at different distances. She said when you enter your data you 35 are using a state program to predict the impacts. 36 Ward Marotti said those models are based on real data collection and measured results. 37 Beth Trahos said this is an early stage of development and the information on well testing 38 is more than what is required, and it is supportive of allowing the project to move forward. She 39 suggested that the 74 adjacent property owners likely did not test the impact of their wells on the 40 property owners of the site. 41 Chair Bedford asked if the site is on the Hyco formation, and referred to information shared 42 in the packet. 43 Ward Marotti said that is the geologic formation that the site is on. 44 Chair Bedford said the sentence ends with "and this certainly explains the poor and 45 variable yield." She said she wants to understand that. 46 Donna Browder said this is the type of rock and substrate in the whole area, not the 47 proposed site specifically. She said she thought this part was giving a description of the area in 48 general. 27 1 Ward Marotti said it speaks to the veins that they discussed earlier that one area can be 2 dry, and another can be wet. 3 Chair Bedford noted that the Rigsbee well had fluctuations. She said there doesn't seem 4 to be an explanation. 5 Ward Marotti said they can't speak to the variances. He said that is one of the reasons 6 they collected data under normal conditions. 7 Vice-Chair Hamilton said that the water system was sized for 40 single family detached 8 residences, but the proposal is for 43 residences, and she saw another figure of 45 residences. 9 David Barcal said he thought that was a typo. He said they are proposing 43 lots. He 10 said the system could handle up to 49 residences, but they are only proposing 43. 11 Ward Marotti said if they had more than 49 residences, they would need a second well. 12 David Barcal said that if you are designing a community of more than 50 lots, the state 13 requires that you have two sources of water. He said when they were originally designing it, they 14 knew they would not plan for more than 49 residences. He said as they were designing the 15 system they went through many iterations, and he thought that the 40 residences figure was a 16 holdover from that process. 17 Vice-Chair Hamilton said that there were two references to 40 homes in the agenda 18 packet. 19 David Barcal said the design of the system is sufficient for 43 homes. 20 Vice-Chair Hamilton said one of the Board's struggles is that they get data without 21 understanding it enough, and it makes her hesitate when information isn't clear. She said that 22 they must make sure that if a development is going to draw a lot of water, that it doesn't affect the 23 neighbors. She said that it's an issue that's come up for other developments and that she takes 24 it very seriously. 25 Ward Marotti said the steady state is well over 90 gallons a minute. He said the system 26 will be taken over by a private utility that requires double the capacity than the state requires. He 27 said they have over four times the state minimum capacity. 28 Commissioner Fowler asked about adding a filter for the elevated manganese levels. She 29 also said she didn't see anything about the well in the zoning conditions other than the well house. 30 David Barcal said the state will require them to treat for it to be below the MCLs. 31 Commissioner Fowler asked if Environmental Health would require it. 32 David Barcal said it would be the public water sector at DEQ that would review it. 33 Commissioner Fowler said they have information on septic in the zoning conditions, but 34 nothing about the well and asked if that is necessary. 35 Cy Stober, Planning Director, said the septic is only within the land use regulation authority. 36 He said it would defer to the county environmental health department or DHHS for the permitting 37 of individual septic tanks. He said as a community well, this will go to the state to be permitted. 38 Commissioner Fowler asked if the well failed, who would be responsible for digging a new 39 well. 40 Cy Stober said it would be a civil matter for the HOA to resolve. 41 Donna Browder said Aqua will own the system, and they will bill the individual homeowners 42 and be responsible for any state required testing. She said they won't get permits if they do not 43 meet state standards. She said Aqua will be the owner of the system and they will take care of 44 it. 45 Commissioner Fowler said she wanted to be sure that the county or OWASA will not be 46 responsible for providing water. 47 Donna Browder said no. 48 Chair Bedford asked if it is reasonable for no in-ground pools to be a condition. 28 1 Donna Browder said it likely won't be an issue because there won't be room for it. She 2 said that they could add it as a condition. 3 Josh Reinke, traffic analyst, continued the presentation: 4 5 Slide #31 Public Benefits • 43 needed homes for families with amenities including walking trails and community gathering area with shade structure • Protecting 41.1% of the site (25.11 acres) as open space along the perimeter of the property to maintain the rural feel of the area • Preserving the existing farmhouse on Highway 54 to maintain the rural feel of the area • Providing right and left turn lanes from Highway 54 into project drive, if permitted by NCDOT Fox Rothschild 6 7 Josh Reinke said after speaking with a fire chief in the area about traffic safety, the 8 developer thought turn lanes would be a good idea. He said they will request to NCDOT to put in 9 a left and right turn lane, and it's highly unlikely they will say no. 10 Commissioner McKee said he didn't understand why they wouldn't put the turn lanes in 11 given that the road is heavily traveled. 12 Josh Reinke said they don't control the road and they must have permission from NCDOT. 13 He said they will propose it and request to do so as part of the driveway permit. 14 Commissioner McKee asked why the request to NCDOT has not already been done. 15 Josh Reinke said that will be part of the driveway permit. 16 Donna Browder said they are willing to do it and put it in the conditions that if NCDOT will 17 allow it, they will commit to putting turn lanes in. 18 Commissioner McKee expressed concern that the left turn lanes have not already 19 received permission from NCDOT. 20 Beth Trahos said they will add turn lanes if approved by NCDOT. 21 Commissioner McKee said in his experience he always knew what NCDOT was going to 22 do before he moved forward because it affected the cost of the subdivision. 23 Donna Browder said they've had conversations with NCDOT, but they can't get an official 24 answer until the driveway permit is sent in, which requires engineering. She said they want the 25 turn lanes because the community needs it, and they are willing to commit to it if NCDOT allows 26 it. 29 1 Commissioner McKee said he has never had a conversation with NCDOT where they 2 could not tell me what he was going to need or not need. 3 Commissioner Fowler said she thought NCDOT had already told the applicant that they 4 don't need the turn lane, but that the applicant is willing to put it in. 5 Commissioner McKee said it's not on their plans. 6 Chair Bedford said that NCDOT representatives told them they didn't have to do it, but 7 that the applicant will do it. 8 Josh Reinke said NCDOT controls the road so no developer can dictate what they will or 9 will not do. He said they will request it as part of the driveway permit. He said the reason it is not 10 shown is because they were told it is not needed. 11 Commissioner Carter asked if this was a sequencing issue, and that the property needs 12 to be rezoned first before the permit can be submitted. 13 Cy Stober said no permits other than the application to rezone have been pulled; not for 14 water, septic, NCDOT access, driveway access, or for temporary construction access. He said 15 at this time, none of those departments will confirm that an onsite or offsite improvement is 16 warranted unless they have the warrant justification by their analysis, and there is no warrant 17 justification per Chuck Edwards, NCDOT district engineer. He said that Chuck Edwards told him 18 that a condition to provide both right and left turn lanes would be welcome. 19 Commissioner McKee asked what assurances that they will have that the turn lanes will 20 be built. 21 Cy Stober said he would be responsible, but if NCDOT does not allow them to add turn 22 lanes then the county could not require it. He said he did have assurances from the district 23 engineer that this would be a welcome improvement to that corridor on Highway 54. 24 25 Slide #32 _e C O • 26 30 1 Slide #33 THANKYOU QUESTIONS ? Fox jop Rothschild 2 3 Carol Rigsbee, the owner of the property, made a statement in support of the zoning atlas 4 amendment. 5 Lauren Honeycutt continued the presentation: 6 7 Slide #34 Public Notification ■ Notices were mailed via first class mail to property owners within 1,000 ft. of the subject parcel on September 24,2025. ■ Signs posted the subject parcel on September 24, 2025. ■ Legal Ad published on September 24, 2025 and October 1,2025. ■ Application information has also been posted on the Planning Department's"Active Deve lopment"webpage. 8 31 1 Slide #35 Staff Analysis 1. The application is complete in accordance with the requirements of the UDO. Staff review determined that the application is complete,and all submitted materials are in compliance with the following applicable sections of the UDO: ■ Section 2.8,Zoning Atlas and Unified Development Ordinance Amendments ■ Section 2.9,Conditional Districts ■ Section 5.21.1,Major Subdivision Conditional Districts 2. Staff review of the application included considerations for how the request. relates to the 0range County 2030 Comprehensive Plan. 3. The requested zoning district,R-CD(Residential Conditional District),is consistent with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan,Appendix F,Relationships Between Land Use Classifications and Zoning Districts. 4. The applicant has provided an environmental assessment as part of this submittal.Staff has reviewed and determined no significant environmental impact is expected from this project based on existing conditions. .�1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #36 Zoning and Land Use Review ppendix F.: Land Use and Zoning Matrix `:�' Z<11'IV(:01tiT01(Tti P o 7 y r _ dd a Chnprl llill Tmn,ili— P-11t,kd"1i—tm111 h,NI—ilipulitil,andrr thr pmv ionLLu(the loin)Plunnin,Agrtrrxnr — C'arrhttm Transition T - ti 10-Yaw Trans(tlon I • • ♦ ♦ ♦ 20-Ymr Transom. comm rri.1 rmd,;rna a nre,i kind—H.[ Lct c 0e.elupment • K—d 13u Mee Nu m1 Reaidr 17 :\,!nruliuna Nreiilinlia • • ♦ liurvl[nmmunin\r¢t Nurvl tieighhorhaad Hund Industrial Arltrhr \udr I'uhlic Inienwi\inn Orange County 2030 Comprehensive Plan,Appendix F ©RANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 32 1 Slide #37 Zoning and Land Use Review m,M1 mery a ly ure-4 Faoory S 5 S S S 8 5 3 .b. GrwpHwe S S S S 5 9 5 5 d S S S S d 0 , =I1hPerattal Gre Fwklry� a8. Farcnrq Hwae �Gk IMryIuw WRa.iEml� 6 d d d h d h S 6 S h d d h Unified Development Ordinance—Section 5.2 ORANGECOUNTY Table of Permitted Uses NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #38 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 21,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 far 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)andZoningAtlas Amendment[Attachment 91. OR Vote to Denythe Zoning Atlas Amendment,including statement as to why the application is not reasonable and/or not in the public interest,as detailed in the Statement of I nconsistency(Attach ment 8). �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 33 1 Slide #39 Planning Board Recommendation Planning Board reviewed the rezoning application at its August 6,2025 meeting As available in the meeting minutes(Attachment 6),the Planning Board voted 6-3 to recommend approval of the Statement of Consistency[Attachment 7 and the proposed Zoning Atlas Amendment(Attachment 9). ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Z 3 4 Slide #40 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 Approvethe Statement of Consistency(Attachment 7)and Zoning Atlas Amendment(Attachment 9). OR Voteto Oenythe Zoning Atlas Amendment,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 NOWFH CAROLINA 5 6 7 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to open the 8 public hearing. 9 10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 34 1 PUBLIC COMMENTS: 2 Tony Blake said he has concerns about the number of rezoning requests along Highway 3 54 and the ongoing updates to the comprehensive land use plan. He said he has concerns about 4 the RCD designation, which would mean that decisions would bypass the special use permit and 5 go straight to staff. He asked the Board not to approve the request, because he believes that 6 zoning is not a patchwork, but a system. He said he has concerns about not including staff at 7 public information meetings. He said that when a developer controls the meetings the community 8 is at a disadvantage. He felt that the public information meeting was not valid. 9 Andre Ristaino said he owns two parcels that abut 60% of the proposed site. He 10 described his property and his private road. He said he has tried to balance the growth in the 11 area with his family's needs. He said the developers agreed to put up a fence along the property 12 line. He asked if the developers would commit to allow them to tap into the development if their 13 well goes dry. 14 Peter Childers said that making a left hand turn out of the development during rush hour 15 would be difficult and unsafe. He said density destroys quality of life. He described the 16 developer's plans as "cookie cutter." He listed reasons why people move to low density areas. 17 He said that the developer will not be taking any risk for the effect on people's wells. He said that 18 he didn't understand why the amendment was being considered while the comprehensive land 19 use plan was being updated. He said the land could be developed in a safer way considering 20 wells, and he asked the Board to deny the request. 21 Laura Streitfeld asked the Board to deny the rezoning application. She said without 22 rezoning, the existing R-1 zone allows for development of 20 lots at a minimum of 40,000 square 23 feet. She said 1 acre lots would limit water use and traffic. She said rezoning burdens the 24 community with impacts from water use, crowded septic systems, stormwater runoff, and 25 increased traffic on a blind curve on a highway with a history of fatalities. She said this would 26 leapfrog past the rural buffer, and would set a precedent for sprawl in the rural county with no 27 municipal services. She said the developer's well draw down took place in July, after heavy rain 28 from Tropical Storm Chantal, and the impacts on neighboring wells are unknown. She said the 29 groundwater recharge rate is less than 400 gallons per day per acre at Cane Creek on Orange 30 Grove Road. She said this development claims to be a conservation district, but appears to 31 undermine conservation. She said the proposed development is inconsistent with the 32 comprehensive plan. She said there are significant inconsistencies with the application. 33 34 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to close the 35 public hearing. 36 37 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 38 39 Commissioner Carter asked about the sequencing of the amendment request given that 40 the comprehensive land use plan is being updated. She said that it is her understanding that the 41 proposal does not necessarily set precedents that take the county outside the current uses that 42 are allowed for the property. 43 Cy Stober said conditional zoning is allowed by state law and is negotiated between the 44 county and the applicant. He said it provides for a site-specific plan that is custom to each 45 property. He said the conditional zoning would be site specific, and any new property, including 46 one next to it would be evaluated by the Board with its own site-specific plan and its own 47 conditions that are unique to that property. He said that it is not a menu of options, but a narrow 48 prescription of development rights and allowable uses on the property, as approved by the 49 governing board. 35 1 Commissioner Carter noted that part of the property is in the riparian buffer and would not 2 be developed, and is already conserved, in a way. She asked if some incremental land on the 3 proposal would continue to be conserved under the 43 homes that are proposed as compared to 4 what might be proposed under R-1 zoning. 5 Cy Stober said yes,there's secondary open space that could be developed that's not being 6 proposed for development in this plan. 7 Commissioner Carter asked if that was approximately 10 acres. 8 Cy Stober said yes. 9 Commissioner Greene asked if up to 50 homes could be developed under R-1. 10 Cy Stober said it is theoretically possible, but the primary open space would be located on 11 individual lots. He said assuming landscape buffers and road requirements are complied with, 12 that is a somewhat reasonable assumption. He said any property can build 20 lots by right. 13 Commissioner Greene said after 20, it would be the Board that needed to make the 14 decision rather than staff. She asked if that would still be R-1. 15 Cy Stober said it would not be, it be a residential conditional district and the lot size would 16 have to be presented as perhaps 40,000 square feet. 17 Commissioner Greene clarified that 20 is the administrative cutoff. 18 Cy Stober said yes. 19 Vice-Chair Hamilton read the fifth RCD district specific development standard as listed on 20 the Orange County website: "For lots outside of a watershed protection overlay district, the 21 minimum usable lot area for lots that utilize ground absorption wastewater systems shall be 22 30,000 square feet for partially between 40,000 square feet and 1.99 acres, and zoning lots two 23 acres and greater in size will have minimum usable lot areas of at least 40,000 square feet." She 24 asked if this was a standard for this conditional district. 25 Cy Stober said yes, but that it also conflicts with an allowance in the subdivision 26 allowances for flexible subdivisions,which allows for lots to be reduced in this case by 60%, which 27 would be 19,500 square feet. He said the county has a conflict in the ordinance that is 28 irreconcilable. He said that both are allowed; that the county has a governing regulation and then 29 an allowance that allows it as long as it's provided offsite and subject to environmental health 30 permitting. He said it's an internal conflict in the ordinance that needs to be addressed. 31 Commissioner McKee described how big a 20,000 square foot lot would be. 32 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she would like to continue the item and review the information 33 about the water analysis. 34 35 Vice-Chair Hamilton made a motion to continue the item to a later date 36 37 Motion died for lack of a second. 38 39 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she had concerns about making a decision and having 40 enough time to consider all of the comments. She said she had learned a lot about the impact of 41 the proposal after visiting the site. 42 Commissioner Greene said she also visited the site. She said she was in favor of the 43 development. She said she appreciated all of the information in the agenda package. She said 44 she was satisfied with the water and sewer analysis and appreciated the trails. She said she was 45 ready to move forward with making a decision. 46 Chair Bedford said she wanted to remove some of the conditions as they seemed 47 burdensome to planning staff. She referred to slide #12: 36 Current Summary of Conditions 8-10 8. No less than 25 acres of Open Space areas shown on the Site Plan shall collectively include a total of: a.one(1)covered,open air structure similarto those shown on the attached txhibit C in the general area identified as the-Community Building Structure'on the Site Plan; b.at least two(2)grilling stations: c.at least one(1)fire pit; d.at least four(4)trash cans; e.at least four(4)pet waste stations;and f.at least ten(10)bird nesting boxes in the general area identified as a"bird sanctuary'on the Site Plan,all to be maintained by the NDA. 9. Individual septic systems meeting Orange County requirements and designed to serve homes with four(4)bedrooms shall be provided on each residential lot. 10. Subject to NCOOT approval,the property owner shall provide a right-hand tum lane (deceleration)and a left-hand turn lane(center lane)into the property entrance on Highway 54 meeting NCOT standards.The subject property shall be developed generally in accordance with the proposed site plan submitted as a part of this application("Site Plan"). ORANGE COUNTY NOWFI I CAROLINA 1 2 Chair Bedford said she wanted to remove items b-f from section 8 of the conditions. 3 Commissioner Greene said she supported the removal. 4 Commissioner Carter asked how the removal would impact the preservation of open 5 space. 6 Chair Bedford said she only wanted to remove items b-f in condition 8. 7 Cy Stober said the open space areas are designated and cannot be developed for 8 anything else. 9 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked from a process standpoint, if conditions are removed, 10 does the applicant need time to go back and consider them. 11 Beth Trahos said the applicant is comfortable removing items b through f from section 8. 12 John Roberts said that staff will need the applicant to put their agreement in writing, stating 13 that they had reasonable time to consider the removal and they do not need additional time, and 14 that they are amenable to removing those five things. 15 Beth Trahos said she could confirm that the applicant was amenable to removing those 16 five things, and that she would put it in writing. 17 Commissioner McKee asked why the conditions were included and if they were a 18 distraction. He asked what the county would gain or lose. 19 Chair Bedford said that staff would have to enforce the conditions. 20 Commissioner McKee said he did not feel it was burdensome. 21 Cy Stober said a zoning regulation applies to this property in perpetuity until it is amended 22 by the board at a public hearing. He said if those items remain in as a condition, they would be 23 enforceable actions, including, for example, if different parties within the HOA invite staff in as an 24 arbitrator on say a bird house or a trash can. He said staff would be obligated to enforce that 25 zoning regulation through enforcement methods. 26 Commissioner McKee asked how the conditions were decided. 27 Cy Stober said they were provided by the applicant. He said staff did not provide comment 28 on the conditions except that they looked difficult for staff to enforce. 29 Commissioner McKee said he was ok with taking them out. 37 1 The Board agreed by consensus to remove items 8b through 8f of the proposed 2 conditions. 3 Commissioner Fowler referred to condition 7 on slide #11: Current Summary of Conditions 5-7 5.A decorative well house shall be installed over the wellhead within the general area designated as"100"well radius"on the Site Plan.The well house shall be designed to incorporate elements of the existing Rigsbee farmhouse located on'Highway 54 by utilizing white siding as the primary material on the exterior walls and black accents such door color or light fixture color.A photo of the existing Rigsbee farmhouse is attached hereto as Exhibit Al.An example of a well house that meets the requirements of this condition is attached as Exhibit A2. 6.The mail kiosk shall be designed to complement the existing Rigsbee farmhouse located on Highway 54 by continuing the white color for the exterior elements.The mail kiosk shall incorporate a weather covering with recessed lighting and shall include at least two(2)benches and at least one(1)trash can.An example of a mail kiosk that meets the requirements of this condition is attached as Exhibit B. 7.At least 5,600 linear feet of private trails shall be installed as shown on the Site Plan with precise trail locations to be determined at subdivision plat.Trail surfaces shall be natural (earthen),mulch,wood chip,gravel,or crushed stone.No asphalt or pavement shall be permitted.Trail amenities shall include at least three(3)benches located along the trail and at least(4)signs providing scientific information about the flora and fauna found on the subject property with picture or other images. = ` ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 4 5 Commissioner Fowler asked if the dotted lines on the map equaled 5,600 linear feet of 6 private trails. 7 Beth Trahos indicated yes. 8 Commissioner McKee referred to slide #12, condition 10. He said he did not understand 9 why the condition stated "subject to NCDOT approval" regarding the addition of turn lanes. 10 Beth Trahos said if NCDOT turns them down for whatever reason, the applicant would 11 have to go back through the amendment process. She said they added that language because 12 they cannot control it. 13 Josh Reinke said he believed that everyone agrees that it is unlikely that NCDOT will turn 14 it down. He said it is subject to NCDOT approval, and it is highly likely they will approve. He said 15 they can't promise it because they still need NCDOT approval. 16 Commissioner Carter said she thought that NCDOT must approve a turn lane on Highway 17 54. 18 Commissioner Greene said NCDOT didn't require it, so now they must approve it. 19 Commissioner McKee said the wording was concerning. He said he was also concerned 20 about the last sentence in condition 10, which read "The subject property shall be developed 21 generally in accordance with the proposed site plan submitted as a part of this application." He 22 asked what "generally" meant. 23 Beth Trahos said that condition 10 in the agenda packet did not contain that sentence, 24 and that it was only on the presentation slide. 25 Planning staff reviewed the material to determine if there were any inconsistencies. 38 1 John Roberts said that the last sentence in condition 10 was a duplicated sentence from 2 condition 1 and it could be stricken. 3 Cy Stober said it would need to be stricken in the statement of consistency and the 4 ordinance. 5 Commissioner McKee said he had concerns with the public safety of entering and exiting 6 the development, and he had no guarantees that turn lanes would go in. 7 Chair Bedford said she appreciated the additional water analysis information. 8 Commissioner Carter said as they look at the future land use plan, the Board needs to 9 discuss about how much additional protected land they might want to have in the UDO. She said 10 she supports the request because she sees value in a denser configuration of the lots. She said 11 she also was in favor because it uses individually sited septic on each lot, which will reduce the 12 overall risk of septic issues. She said she was also in favor because it preserves an additional 10 13 acres than would have otherwise been preserved under R-1 zoning. She said when they consider 14 the good to the community, they have to remember both the neighbors as well as the property 15 owners. She hoped that if there were any well issues that the HOA would engage in friendly and 16 cordial discussion. 17 18 A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Chair Bedford, to approve 19 the statement of consistency (Attachment 7) and the zoning atlas amendments (Attachment 9), 20 subject to striking the duplicated sentence in condition 10 and deletion of conditions 8b through 21 8f, which will be confirmed in writing. 22 23 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she would not support the motion. She said she was not 24 confident in the water study and the risk of well failure is too great. She said that they should take 25 time to understand things before they vote, and she looks forward to getting a deeper look when 26 considering updates to the land use plan. 27 28 VOTE: Ayes, 5 (Chair Bedford, Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Greene, 29 Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Portie-Ascott); Nays, 2 (Vice-Chair Hamilton, 30 Commissioner McKee) 31 32 MOTION PASSES 33 34 6. Regular Agenda 35 a. Appointments and Amendments to the Charge of the Orange County Broadband Task 36 Force 37 The Board amended the charge, appointed two Commissioners, reappointed two At Large 38 members, and authorized the recruitment of three new resident members to fill the vacant Orange 39 County Resident—At Large seats. 40 41 BACKGROUND: On November 17, 2020, the Board of Commissioners created a Broadband 42 Task Force. The group included the County Manager, Information Technology Department 43 Director, a representative from the North Carolina Department of Information Technology 44 (NCDIT), Orange County Schools Superintendent, Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools 45 Superintendent and five (5) Community members living in the unincorporated areas of Orange 46 County who are underserved, including those with an interest in resolving the digital divide in 47 Orange County. 48 39 1 The Task Force's charge was to discuss broadband solutions that will improve the quality of high- 2 speed internet services to Orange County residents and to recommend a plan to the Board of 3 Orange County Commissioners to expand reliable high-speed internet services to all County 4 residents and businesses. The work of the Task Force culminated in an incentive-based contract 5 with North State Communications Advanced Services, LLC (now Lumos) to deploy broadband 6 technology in rural Orange County. 7 8 During spring 2024, Lumos began experiencing delays due to construction and budget issues, 9 and much of the construction activity on the project slowed considerably. Lumos reported that 10 those issues had an impact on the overall project schedule and drove the project well over budget. 11 Lumos subsequently proposed to lower the number of addresses served from 6,370 to 5,852, 12 completing 92% of the passings in the original contract. Consistent with reducing the number of 13 passings, the amendment also lowered the total payment to Lumos from $10 million to $9.2 14 million. In response to the amendment, Commissioner Jean Hamilton petitioned that the Board 15 reestablish the Broadband Task Force. 16 17 Proposed Composition 18 Later discussion on the amendment suggested that the same members of the Task Force be 19 asked if they were willing to serve on a reconvened group. Resident appointees Patricia Hull and 20 Terri Buckner expressed interest in serving on the reconvened Task Force. Other resident 21 members have moved or did not respond, leaving three (3) Orange County Resident—At Large 22 seats vacant. The table below represents the proposed composition of the 2025 Task Force. 23 Representation 2021 Appointee 2025 Appointee County Manager (Designee) Travis Myren, Deputy County Travis Myren, County Manager Manager Orange County Chief Jim Northrup Robert Reynolds Information Officer Chapel Hill Carrboro City Doug Noell, Director of IT Doug Noell, Director of IT Schools Superintendent Operations Operations (Designee) Orange County Schools Dr. Monique Felder, Superintendent (Designee) Superintendent OCS Superintendent Designee Durham Technical Victoria P. Deaton, Compliance Community College Specialist Office of Institutional Awaiting response Representative Equity and Inclusion Board of Commissioners - 1 Sally Greene BOCC Appointment Board of Commissioners—2 Earl McKee BOCC Appointment 40 Orange County Resident— Todd Broucksou BOCC Appointment At Large (Not Available/Not Eligible) Orange County Resident— Terri Buckner BOCC Appointment At Large (INTERESTED/ELIGIBLE) Orange County Resident— Paul Cardillo BOCC Appointment At Large (Not Available/Not Eligible) Orange County Resident— Patricia Hull BOCC Appointment At Large (INTERESTED/ELIGIBLE) Orange County Resident— Vasu Kilaru BOCC Appointment At Large (Not Available/Not Eligible) 1 2 Proposed Charge 3 The Task Force's proposed charge is consistent with the initial charge, with the addition of items 4 #3 and #4 below: 5 6 1. To discuss broadband solutions that will improve the quality of high-speed internet 7 services to Orange County residents, and 8 2. To recommend a plan to the Board of Orange County Commissioners to expand reliable 9 high-speed internet services to all County residents and businesses. 10 3. To update and track broadband coverage needs as State and Federal program awards 11 are made. 12 4. To consult with County staff on how to best communicate information related to broadband 13 coverage to all residents. 14 15 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to 16 approve the amended charge for the Broadband Task Force; to appoint Commissioner Greene 17 and Commissioner McKee, to reappoint Patricia Hull and Terri Buckner to the Broadband Task 18 Force through September 30, 2028; and to authorize the Clerk to the Board to advertise three 19 remaining county resident—at large seats. 20 21 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 22 23 7. Reports 24 None. 25 26 8. Consent Agenda 27 28 • Removal of Any Items from Consent Agenda 29 • Approval of Remaining Consent Agenda 30 • Discussion and Approval of the Items Removed from the Consent Agenda 31 41 1 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to 2 approve the consent agenda. 3 4 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5 6 a. Minutes for September 4, 2025 Business Meeting and September 9, 2025 Work Session 7 The Board approved the draft minutes for the September 4, 2025 Business Meeting and 8 September 9, 2025 Work Session. 9 b. Motor Vehicle Property Tax Releases/Refunds 10 The Board adopted a resolution to release motor vehicle property tax values for nine (9)taxpayers 11 with a total of nine (9) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue. 12 c. Property Tax Releases/Refunds 13 The Board adopted a resolution to release property tax values for twenty-two (22) taxpayers with 14 a total of twenty-two (22) bills that will result in a reduction of revenue. 15 d. Late Applications for Property Tax Exemption/Exclusion 16 This item was removed from the agenda. 17 e. 4-H Week Proclamation 18 The Board approved a proclamation recognizing October 5-11, 2025, as 4-H Week in Orange 19 County. 20 f. Fire Prevention Week Proclamation 21 The Board approved a proclamation designating the week of October 5, 2025, through October 22 11, 2025 as Fire Prevention Week in Orange County. 23 g. Arts and Humanities Month Proclamation 24 The Board approved a proclamation designating October 2025 as Arts and Humanities Month in 25 Orange County. 26 h. Adoption of a Resolution of Intent for Orange County to Participate in the North 27 Carolina Commercial Property Assessed Capital Expenditure (C-PACE) Program 28 The Board adopted a Resolution of Intent declaring Orange County's intention to participate in 29 the statewide C-PACE Program and authorized staff to proceed with the required public notice 30 and public hearing. 31 i. Installation of Targeted Staff Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations Before a Planned 32 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Study 33 The Board: 34 1) received information regarding the need to install staff Electric Vehicle (EV) charging 35 stations at select County facilities ahead of the planned Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment 36 (EVSE) study; and 37 2) approved staff proceeding with the installation of targeted staff Electric Vehicle charging 38 stations consistent with approved budgets at the identified County facilities, and prior to 39 the completion of the Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment study, to address immediate 40 operational charging needs and supporting the County's transition to an electric fleet. 41 j. Approval of Lease Renewal Amendment for IFC HomeStart 42 The Board adopted a resolution authorizing a five-year renewal of the lease agreement between 43 Orange County and Inter-Faith Council for Social Service (IFC) for three (3) buildings on the 44 Orange County Southern Human Services Campus for IFC HomeStart. 45 k. Approval of a Two-Year Contract with Granicus, LLC for the Visitors Bureau Website 46 The Board approved a two-year contract with Granicus, LLC, the web provider for 47 VisitChapelHill.org for the Orange County Visitors Bureau. 48 42 1 I. Approval of FY 2025-26 Animal Control Services Contracts with Towns of Carrboro, 2 Chapel Hill and Hillsborough 3 The Board approved the FY 2025-26 annual contracts with the Towns of Carrboro, Chapel Hill, 4 and Hillsborough for the provision of Animal Control Services. 5 m. Request for Road Additions to and Deletion from the State Maintained Secondary Road 6 System for Sehon Circle, Lucia Lane and Tinnin Road 7 The Board made recommendation to the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) 8 and the North Carolina Board of Transportation (NC BOT) concerning a petition to add Sehon 9 Circle and Lucia Lane to the State Maintained Secondary Road system and remove a portion of 10 Tinnin Road (SR 1313) from that same State system. 11 n. Whitted Chiller Replacement Equipment Contract Award 12 The Board: 13 1) approved the County entering into a construction contract with Brady Services, Inc. for the 14 purchase of replacement chiller equipment for the Richard E. Whitted Complex; and 15 2) authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the 16 County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen 17 requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board. 18 o. County-Wide Parking Lot Resurfacing and Sealing Construction Contract Award 19 The Board: 20 1) approved the County entering into a construction contract with Williams Paving, Inc. for 21 the resurfacing and seal coating of parking lots for nine (9) Orange County facilities; and 22 2) authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the 23 County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen 24 requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board. 25 p. Justice Facility Mural Courtroom HVAC Replacement Award 26 The Board: 27 1) approved the County entering into a construction contract with Brady Services, Inc. for the 28 purchase of the Justice Facility Mural Courtroom Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning 29 (HVAC) replacement; and 30 2) authorized the County Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to final review by the 31 County Attorney, and any subsequent amendments for contingent and unforeseen 32 requirements up to the approved budget amount on behalf of the Board. 33 q. Approval of Budget Amendment#2-A to Fund the Mobile Crisis Team Pilot (CARE) with 34 Grant Funding Awarded to Alliance Healthcare 35 The Board approved Budget Amendment # 2-A to provide grant funding for an additional year 36 and expansion of the Mobile Crisis Pilot — the Crisis Assistance, Response and Engagement 37 (CARE) Team — in collaboration with Alliance Healthcare and the Town of Chapel Hill. 38 r. Resolution Naminq the Cedar Grove Park Athletic Field #1 as the "Coach Willie 39 Lawrence Vanhook Athletic Field" 40 The Board adopted a resolution naming the Cedar Grove Park Athletic Field #1 as the "Coach 41 Willie Lawrence Vanhook Athletic Field". 42 s. Approval of Board of Commissioners Meeting Calendar for Year 2026 43 The Board approved the meeting schedule for the Board of Commissioners for calendar year 44 2026. 45 46 43 1 9. County Manager's Report 2 Projected October 14, 2025 Joint Meeting with Chiefs'Association Items 3 Discussion Topics from Orange County Chiefs'Association 4 • Tropical Storm Chantal Response: Successes and Challenges 5 • VIPER Improvement Project 6 7 Projected October 14, 2025 Work Session Items 8 Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 — Board Request for Additional Information 9 • Water & Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) & 10 Central Orange Coordinated Area Land Use Plan (COCA) 11 • Hillsborough Utilities Constraints 12 • Board Feedback on Meeting Facilitation Consultant 13 Review of Upcoming Boards and Commissions Appointments 14 15 10. County Attorney's Report 16 John Roberts had no report. 17 18 11. Appointments 19 a. Tax Assessment Work Group—Appointments Discussion 20 The Board discussed and approved appointments to the Community Representative positions on 21 the Tax Assessment Work Group. 22 23 BACKGROUND: At the September 16, 2025 Business Meeting, the Board of County 24 Commissioners officially established and approved the composition and charge for the Tax 25 Assessment Work Group (the Work Group), and appointed Commissioners Phyllis Portie-Ascott, 26 Marilyn Carter, and Amy Fowler to serve. 27 28 The charge of the Work Group is to evaluate the policies, processes, and procedures used by the 29 Orange County Tax Office to assess property values and communicate to the public. The Work 30 Group will provide feedback and input to a consultant retained by the County to make 31 recommendations on changes and enhancements to the tax assessment process that will 32 improve and ensure the accuracy and fairness of property assessments. 33 34 The full composition of the Work Group includes: 35 36 • Three Commissioners 37 • County Manager 38 0 Tax Administrator 39 • Budget Director 40 • Director of Civil Rights and Civic Life 41 • Community Relations Director 42 . Representative from the North Carolina Housing Coalition 43 • Representative from the Orange County Property Tax Justice Coalition 44 • Non-Profit Housing Provider 45 • Two (2) Community Representatives from District 1 46 • Two (2) Community Representatives from District 2 47 44 1 All positions have been filled except the Community Representative positions, which required an 2 application process. 3 4 The following positions are presented for Board consideration: 5 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC Community First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Representative— District 1 BOCC Community First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Representative— District 1 BOCC Community First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Representative— District 2 BOCC Community First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Representative— District 2 6 7 Commissioner McKee suggested that the Board delay the item. 8 There was not agreement from the other commissioners to delay. 9 Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board, introduced the item. 10 11 Commissioner Fowler nominated Neal Bench and Caitlin Saunders as representatives for 12 District 1. Vice-Chair Hamilton seconded the nomination. 13 14 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 15 16 Commissioner McKee nominated John Ferguson as a representative for District 2. 17 Commissioner Carter seconded the nomination. 18 19 VOTE UNANIMOUS 20 21 Commissioner McKee nominated Horace Johnson as a representative for District 2. Chair 22 Bedford seconded the nomination. 23 24 Commissioner McKee explained his reasoning for nominating Horace Johnson, in that Mr. 25 Johnson would be a good advocate for the community and has been involved in the property tax 26 coalition. He said that Mr. Johnson would be a good asset as the county works to fix revaluation 27 problems. 28 29 VOTE: Ayes, 1 (Commissioner McKee); Nays,6 (Chair Bedford, Vice-Chair Hamilton, 30 Commissioner Carter, Commissioner Fowler, Commissioner Greene, Commissioner 31 Portie-Ascott) 32 33 MOTION FAILS 34 45 1 Commissioner Carter said she opposed nominating Horace Johnson because the coalition 2 is already represented on the work group and that she wanted to bring a different perspective 3 from District 2 to balace out experiences and points of view. 4 5 Commissioner Portie-Ascott nominated Kate Millard as representative for District 2. 6 Commissioner Greene seconded the nomination. 7 8 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9 10 12. Information Items 11 • September 16, 2025 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List 12 . Tax Collector's Report— Numerical Analysis 13 • Tax Collector's Report— Measure of Enforced Collections 14 • Tax Collector's Report— Foreclosure Chart 15 • Memorandum — HR 1 Food and Nutrition Services Expanded Work Requirements 16 • Memorandum — Countywide Strategic Plan FY2024-25 Progress Report 17 • Memorandum — New Environmental Recognition Awards Program (RIPPLE) 18 • Memorandum — Recognition of County Employee Retirements from July 1, 2025, through 19 September 30, 2025 20 21 13. Closed Session 22 None. 23 24 Adjournment 25 26 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, to 27 adjourn the meeting at 10:11 p.m. 28 29 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 30 31 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair 32 33 34 Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board 35 36 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board Attachment 2 1 1 DRAFT MINUTES 2 ORANGE COUNTY 3 BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 4 JOINT MEETING WITH THE 5 ORANGE COUNTY FIRE CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION 6 AND BOCC WORK SESSION 7 October 14, 2025 8 7:00 p.m. 9 10 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Joint Meeting with the Orange County 11 Fire Chiefs' Association, followed by a BOCC Work Session on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at 12 7:00 p.m. at the Whitted Human Services Center in Hillsborough, NC. 13 14 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton, 15 and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie- 16 Ascott 17 COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: NONE 18 COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts 19 COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin 20 Fenhagen, Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen, Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders, 21 and Division Chief of Fire and Life Safety Stephen Smith (All other staff members will be 22 identified appropriately below) 23 ORANGE COUNTY CHIEFS' ASSOCIATION MEMBERS PRESENT: Chief Matthew Mauzy, 24 Chief Kevin Brooks, Chief Jeff Cabe, Sam Smith (representing Chief Daylon Hayes), Chief 25 William Blankenship, Chief Ricky Baker, Brandon Mullen (representing Chief Jeff Borland), 26 Chief Brad Allison, Chris Wade (representing Chief Phillip Nasseri), Chief Will Potter, Chief Jay 27 Mebane, Chief John Wellons, Interim Chief Matt Ingold 28 29 Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present. 30 31 The Commissioners, Fire Chiefs, and staff introduced themselves. 32 Before proceeding with the agenda, Commissioner Carter read a recognition into the 33 record for Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15th through October 15th. The 34 theme for this year is "Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future." She 35 announced that Orange County Schools will be hosting a celebration the following evening from 36 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Orange High School in Hillsborough, featuring student dancing, music 37 performances, art, and poetry readings. 38 39 1. Discussion Topics/Presentation from Orange County Fire Chiefs' Association 40 41 Chief Will Potter indicated that Chief Jeff Borland, President of the Orange County Fire 42 Chiefs' Association is under the weather, so he will be presenting to the Board this evening. He 43 began the following presentation: 44 45 46 2 1 Slide #1 t.k4 ti October 14, 2025 Joint Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners and the Fire Chiefs Association 2 3 4 Slide #2 Topics for Discussion • Departmental Updates: Administration and Accomplishments • Tropical Storm Chantal: Successes and Challenges • Preparing for the Future • Open Forum: Q&A 2 5 6 7 Slide #3 Departmental Updates g 3 1 Slide #4 South orange Fescue Squad Chief, Matthew Mauzy Accomplishments • Volunteers completed Emergency Medical Technician(EMT)certification and field training to be able to operate independently • Provided free Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)training throughout the community • Provided Emergency Medical Services standby coverage for numerous special events throughout the county • Provided technical rescue response locally and throughout the state, including swiftwater rescue and large-area search and rescue a 2 3 Chief Matthew Mauzey noted South Orange Rescue Squad has 120 members, broken out 4 between EMS, the technical rescue team, CPR instructors, and community member volunteers. 5 6 Slide #5 Efland Fire Department 1 Fire Chief: Kevin Brooks Insurance District(ISO Rating): West orange(3) Accomplishments • Completed renovations at Efland Station 2 • Took delivery of a new fire engine and placed it into service • Conducted a fire academy to complete certification requirements for three members • Three members completed North Carolina Emergency Medical Technician certification 5 7 8 Chief Potter indicated a mistake on slide #5 and noted that the renovations took place at 9 Station 1. 4 1 Chief Kevin Brooks reported having 43 volunteers and seven part-time firefighters (with 2 three positions currently vacant). 3 4 Slide #6 Orange Rural Fire K Department Fire Chief: Jeff Cabe Insurance District(ISO Rating): Town of Hillsborough(3) Central Orange(3) Accomplishments • In the process of constructing a training facility near Orange Rural Station 1 • Improved insurance rating in Town of Hillsborough and Central Orange Fire Districts • Conducted two fire academies to complete certification requirements for new personnel s 5 6 Chair Bedford asked what a fire academy consists of. 7 Chief Jeff Cabe explained that fire academies take firefighters from civilians through 8 Firefighter II, EMT, and Technical Rescuer certifications, noting that departments like Orange 9 Rural, Efland, and Chapel Hill are state-certified delivery agencies. 10 Chief Jeff Cabe reported that his department has 57 people total, including approximately 11 20 part-timers, 36 paid 24-hour staff, and one volunteer. 12 13 Slide #7 Eno Fire Department Fire Chief: Daylon'Hayes Insurance District(ISO Rating): I East Orange(4) Accomplishments • Placed a new heavy rescue response apparatus in service r 14 5 1 Sam Smith (representing Chief Daylon Hayes) said Eno Fire Department has 60 2 members, closely split between part-time paid personnel working day and night shifts and 3 volunteers. 4 5 Slide #8 New Hope Fire •`"�PE Department Fire Chief: William Blankenship Insurance District(ISO Rating); Orange New Hope(4) Accomplishments • Ordered a new fire engine • Updated water rescue equipment • Working to update other rescue equipment • Improving static water paints • Preparing for an upcoming insurance rating inspection • Actively recruiting for multiple full-and part-time positions • Improving volunteer recruitment and retention efforts s 6 7 Chief Potter noted that static water points are areas that are not near fire hydrants. 8 Chief William Blankenship reported having around 50 personnel, split evenly between 9 volunteers and part-time staff, with four full-time positions that have all recently become vacant. 10 Commissioner Carter asked Chief Blankenship to describe the water rescue equipment 11 upgrades. 12 Chief Blankenship described how they experienced unprecedented flooding during 13 Tropical Storm Chantal that left longtime members saying they had never seen water levels that 14 high. At one point, all boats were committed to calls, leaving none available when two people 15 were stranded on top of their completely submerged vehicle, forcing firefighters to perform a "live 16 rescue" by entering the flowing water themselves. Since then, they've purchased rafts, personal 17 flotation devices, helmets, throw bags, and other equipment to be more resilient in future events. 18 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what is involved in an insurance rating inspection. 19 Chief Blankenship explained that inspections evaluate communications (performed by the 20 county), water supply, personnel, training hours, number of structure fires, and how many people 21 can be put on scene within certain timeframes. 22 Chief Potter said he would like to point out that many volunteers are full-time firefighters 23 in other districts, so not all volunteers are available at one time. He explained that many volunteers 24 are needed to ensure there is coverage 24/7. 25 26 6 1 Slide #9 Orange Grove Fire Department Fire Chief: Ricky Baker Insurance District(ISO Rating): Cane Creek(5) Accomplishments • Significant(20%+)increase in call volume • Increased part-time firefighter coverage • Began permitting process for expansion of Orange Grove Station 2 • Continued renovations at Orange Grove Station 1 to improve energy efficiency • 6,430 hours provided by members including training classes and incident response s, 2 3 Chief Ricky Baker said he has 32 roster members, three full-time personnel, and about 4 half a dozen part-time workers. He noted the call volume for Orange Grove jumped from about 5 400 to over 500 annually, largely due to increased medical calls, and doesn't anticipate it 6 decreasing. 7 8 Slide #10 Cedar Grove Fire ' Department Fire Chief: Jeff Borland Insurance District(ISO Rating): I Cedar Grove(5) Accomplishments • Added three new volunteer members • Applied for zero percent interest loan through Piedmont Electric for New Engine that was ordered June 2024(anticipated delivery October 2026) 10 9 7 1 Brandon Mullen (representing Chief Jeff Borland) said Cedar Grove has 32 volunteers, 5 2 part-time firefighters, and one full-time Chief. 3 4 Slide #11 Caldwell Fire Department Fire Chief: Brad Allison Insurance District(ISO Rating): Caldwell (4) Accomplishments • Increase in volunteer members • Ordered new brush truck • Completed station renovations at Caldwell Station 1 • Purchased additional rope rescue equipment • Two members graduated from the ACC Fire Academy/EMT Class • Maintained insurance rating for the Caldwell fire district • Received grant to replace tires on Tankers 733 &743 11 5 6 Chief Brad Allison reported 42 volunteers with no paid staff currently, though he foresees 7 adding part-time staff next year. 8 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how a brush truck is different from the new engine 9 Cedar Grove purchased. She also asked why it takes so long to get a truck. 10 Chief Potter said there is no exact answer at this time for why there are such drastic delays 11 and price increases. He said the state and federal government are looking into that. He shared 12 that an engine contract signed in 2021 for about $600,000 would cost over $1 million to replace 13 today. He deferred the Chief Allison about the brush truck. 14 Chief Allison explained that brush trucks are smaller units for wood, fuel, and grass fires, 15 holding 200-300 gallons of water with smaller pumps, carrying chainsaws, backpack blowers, and 16 rakes. They cost about $70,000 compared to over $1 million for engines. He described losing a 17 brush truck during Chantal when it dropped off a road in heavy rain, with water rising to the 18 windows, forcing both firefighters to climb onto the truck's top. He said the replacement should 19 arrive by the month's end. He explained that engines respond to structure fires and vehicle fires, 20 and current wait times are three to five years for delivery of those vehicles. 21 22 8 1 Slide #12 White Dross Fire ,.��. ,WHITE CROSS' Department ' Fire Chief: Phillip Nasseri Insurance District(ISO Rating): I White Cross(4) Accomplishments • Volunteer memberships are up two percent in the fast 12 months • New fire engine delivery expected in December • Contuined collaboration with the Chapel Hull High School Firefighter program. • Held an open house, over 340 community members attended • Participated in an event with NC State Extension Master Grader program of Orange County, at Blackwood farms showcasing the departments large animal rescue capabilities and hosted a children's fire safety education area 12 2 3 Chris Wade (representing Chief Phillip Nasseri) said White Cross has 39 firefighters on 4 roster with about 15 part-time paid staff. 5 6 Slide #13 Carrboro Fire-Rescue Department Fire Chief: Will Patter Insurance District(ISO Rating): Town of Carrboro(1) South Orange(2) Accomplishments • Improved insurance rating in Carrboro and South Orange Fire District • Hired a new Deputy Chief of Operations • Completed restructuring process and increased staffing to increase efficiency and effectiveness • Executed a contract for aerial ladder truck replacement • Updated the department's annual training plan 13 7 8 Chief Jeff Cabe commended Chief Potter and his team and emphasized that Carrboro's 9 Class 1 rating is as good as it gets and represents a huge milestone. 9 1 Commissioner McKee asked Chief Cabe to explain why that rating is challenging for more 2 rural districts. 3 Chief Cabe explained that rural departments face challenges with water systems not 4 extending beyond municipal areas, requiring them to haul water to fire scenes. He explained that 5 hauling water requires more people on the scene, which is difficult with limited volunteers. He 6 added that an ISO rating of 1 requires six people per truck, which is also difficult for smaller 7 departments. He said that the county's practice of dispatching four departments to structure fires 8 in unincorporated areas helps address water supply needs. 9 Chief Potter added that deployment analysis, examining station locations and response 10 times, significantly helps municipal departments achieve better ratings. He shared that Carrboro 11 Fire-Rescue has 40 staff members total. 12 13 Slide #14 Chapel Hill Fire "' kwu Department #' � Fire Chief: Jay Mebane Insurance District(ISO Dating): Town of Chapel Hill(2) Greater Chapel Hill(2) Aerial and engine on order • Beginning construction documentation for Chapel Hill Station 4 replacement • Beginning site feasibility study for Chapel Hill Station 3 replacement in partnership with Orange County EMS • CalU volume on track to increase approximately 15-20%in 2025 • Discussion initiated for relocation of training center currently located beside Chapel Hill Station 4 on Weaver Dairy Road 14 14 15 Commissioner Greene asked where stations 3 and 4 are. 16 Chief Potter said Station 4 is on Weaver Dairy Road Extension and Station 3 is on Elliot 17 Road. He said Chief Mebane was unable to attend, but he will ask him to answer any questions 18 after the meeting. 19 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the increase in these calls is also medically related. 20 Chief Potter said they had across-the-board increases generally. He explained that in the 21 municipal fire department space, 60 to 70% of calls are EMS-related. He said Chapel Hill is seeing 22 an increase in EMS calls, as well as fire alarms and other fires calls. He explained that some of 23 the increase has to do with population density, while some can be attributed to aging populations. 24 Commissioner Greene said she believes the training center on Weaver Dairy Rd. has 25 been an ongoing conversation. 26 Chief Potter explained that there are two training sites: one on Millhouse Road (Orange 27 County Chiefs' Association training site) and the Chapel Hill training center beside Station 4 on 28 Weaver Dairy Road Extension. He said there were discussions some years ago about 29 demolishing the latter training center. He asked Chief Cabe to provide additional context. 10 1 Chief Cabe said there were complaints from community members that the smoke noise 2 disturbs them. He explained that the training facility was built before the surrounding 3 neighborhoods were built so it was not an issue until then. 4 Commissioner Greene asked if the trouble is finding a new site. 5 Chief Cabe said yes. 6 Chief Potter said they also want to relocate Station 4, which is another reason for the 7 delay. 8 Commissioner Greene asked what the new Orange Rural training center would do. 9 Chief Cabe explained that Orange Rural is building a training facility at Piedmont Minerals 10 (owned by RESCO Products)outside Hillsborough on two acres of leased land. He explained that 11 this will keep their trucks in the district, and will keep their personnel in the district, so they can go 12 from training to response without having to drive all the way from Chapel Hill back to 13 Hillsborough. This addresses ISO requirements for training at designated facilities while keeping 14 trucks and personnel in-district for response. He said the facility will include a burn structure, 15 rappelling capabilities, confined space, and forcible entry training. Chapel Hill's Weaver Dairy 16 facility includes classrooms and a drill tower in addition to burn capabilities. Chief Cave noted the 17 Hillsborough Fire Department is in early construction permitting stages, using shipping containers 18 welded together, which creates permitting challenges. The Piedmont Minerals location offers 19 appropriate setbacks from residences in an already loud, dusty environment. 20 Chair Bedford asked how the new facility would be paid for. 21 Chief Cabe said Orange Rural is self-funding the facility from budget savings, having 22 previously funded Waterstone improvements. Chief Cabe mentioned that Orange Rural ordered 23 an engine 18 months ago for $1.1 million with expected delivery in 2027, compared to $460,000 24 for the last similar unit. 25 Chair Bedford asked Emergency Services Director, Kirby Saunders, if the pandemic-era 26 delays for ambulances are continuing. 27 Kirby Saunders explained that a congressional hearing recently addressed these issues, 28 with initial pandemic-related labor shortages and inflation now resolved, but prices remaining high. 29 One conglomerate controls about 80% of the market for both fire apparatus and ambulances, with 30 local impacts including delays, cost overruns, and increased maintenance costs. 31 Chair Bedford said it sounds like a national issue, and Congresswoman Foushee and the 32 two state senators should be kept informed. 33 Chief Matthew Mauzy said it is a national issue and is not just fire trucks, but ambulances 34 as well. He said in the last couple of weeks, his department took delivery of an ambulance that 35 had been on order for almost two years. He said they just signed a contract three months ago for 36 an ambulance that won't be delivered until the middle of 2028. He reiterated that what 37 departments were already planning to do now has to back up months and months, and years in 38 many cases, ahead of time,just so they can forecast out and take delivery in a reasonable amount 39 of time to lifecycle the existing apparatus. 40 Kirby Saunders added a point about the station the county is working on with Chapel Hill. 41 He said a site feasibility study is being done, and the ambulance that will go in that station was 42 ordered a year ago,just to try to have an ambulance by the time the brick and mortar is complete. 43 He explained that the county is having to forecast and advance purchase equipment two years 44 ahead to maintain operational fleets. 45 Chief Potter shared that some manufacturers come back after contracts are signed to 46 request additional funds due to the increased cost of manufacturing. 47 48 49 50 51 11 I Slide #15 Mebane Fire Department 1822 Fire Chief: John wellons Insurance District(ISO Rating): Town of Mebane(2) East Alamance(3) Accomplishments • Hired new Assistant Chief of operations • Certified 30 members in Confined Space rescue • Placed new Engine 2 in service • ordered a new Ladder truck • Added three new Lieutenants ,5 'v- 2 3 4 Slide #16 North Chatham Fire Department Fire Chief: Matt Ingold(Interim) Insurance District(ISO Rating): North Chatham(3) Damascus(3) Accomplishments • Chief John Strowd retired after 51 years of service • Improved insurance rating in North Chatham and Damescusfire districts • Promoted one captain and two lieutenants • Finished renovations at North Chatham Station 2 • Began a full scope Emergency Medical Technician program • Three new apparatus on order:Two engines and an aerial platform ,E 5 6 Chief Matt Ingold said they have 8 volunteers and 67 career staff people. He said they are 7 looking to hire 6 additional people. He explained that the department hires EMTs but has been 8 functioning at a First Responder level, and is transitioning into the full scope. 9 Chief Potter said that allows them to perform additional skills and carry additional 10 medications for patient care. 12 1 Slide #17 Tropical Storm Chantal: Successes and Challenges 2 3 4 Slide #18 Calls Received to OC 911 Wrtn Re¢w p 71953 WyterR e wee RiKur Wztrr Recur wwn R" p Wee*Rexw Incidents Dispatched wpe Aexu Witer Rtuur ': e W,kw 2,054 Wnzi kuur Water Ressw M...� ti SuucluY{dyplr w�ter�kf<•ue Walrr Reu Related Incidents by Type _Y w.te kxw Traffic 911 Hangup Tree in Water Crash or Hazard Road Rescue Accident Stiuclual Cd4pu 210 474 90 70 75 Weln Reuw INP((wr to Kish I loW, Electrical Water in Water in Fire Alarm Structure 1 "`�(:'�"'kwUMI(dLi,te v Hazard Collapse Structure Road WMe k¢w 54 53 42 33 B 5 6 7 13 1 Slide #19 Successes • Emergency protocols were successfully implemented and ,performed as intended under operational stress. • The exceptional dedication and performance of personnel were instrumental in ensuring the safety of the community. • Effective collaboration with partner agencies proved to be a critical component of the successful response. 19 2 3 4 Slide #20 Challenges • Tropical Storm Chantal formed and made landfall with little to no advance notice, challenging standard preparedness timelines and forcing the immediate execution of emergency protocols. • The storm event resulted in severe and widespread impacts. • Downed trees and flooding blocked roads, created access limitations throughout the county. • Significant challenges were encountered in maintaining communications and situational awareness. • The scale of the incident exceeded local response capabilities, necessitating assistance from state resources. • Some apparatus and equipment was damaged during response to the storm. zn 5 6 Chief Potter said damaged equipment will take time to get replacements due to the delays 7 in manufacturing. 8 Chair Bedford asked if departments will be involved in the Emergency Operations Plan 9 update. 10 Kirby Saunders said yes. 14 1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if any misinformation was happening during Tropical 2 Storm Chantal that impacted their work. 3 Chief Potter said it didn't necessarily impact their work, but there was a lot of confusion. 4 He said people were scared and they saw a roller coaster of emotions. He said there was some 5 misinformation, but county and town staff did a great job of providing updated and accurate 6 information to residents. 7 Kirby Saunders said there was misinformation, but that is normal in disasters. He said 8 there was no purposeful disinformation that he is aware of. He commended Community Relations 9 and communicators across the county for addressing misinformation and putting out accurate 10 information. 11 Commissioner Fowler said the Board is extremely grateful for the heroic actions of first 12 responders. She shared her experience with the weather returning home that day from the 13 Western part of the state. She asked if they are working more formally to make connections with 14 neighboring counties for aid in case of future emergencies. 15 Chief Potter explained that there is a statewide emergency mutual aid agreement that 16 allows for the assistance received from other jurisdictions across the state. He reiterated the 17 unprecedented impact of Tropical Storm Chantal in this area. 18 Kirby Saunders said there is a lot of opportunity to improve the emergency action planning 19 and invest in technology with better measuring capability, especially of critical infrastructure, but 20 there will always be an unknown. He expressed kudos to the fire department personnel for always 21 being prepared and having a plan B and a plan C and a plan D when plan A doesn't always work 22 out. He shared that of the almost 8,000 9-1-1 calls, 3,000 were received within one hour. In 23 addition to the sheer magnitude of what was happening, he said not only did they risk their lives 24 going into harm's way, they did so with very little support from Emergency Services because they 25 had lost the capability to provide the support that they normally depend on every day. He said 26 their response was an impressive team effort. 27 Commissioner Fowler asked if other counties answer calls when there is an increase like 28 there was that night. 29 Kirby Saunders said yes. He explained that there is a national effort to implement the 30 coordination that allows for this in North Carolina. 31 Chief Potter said they have had extensive conversations about what happened and what 32 they can do with the ultimate understanding that there are some situations they simply can't 33 anticipate. He said with flooding, there are so many different variables. 34 Chief Cabe said in addition to the calls received in the 9-1-1 center, they were coming 35 across others in need while responding to other calls. He said the only way to tell what really 36 happened is to look at all the fire and EMS reports from that night because even the call volume 37 doesn't capture all the responses. 38 Chief Kevin Brooks agreed that responses were higher than the calls. 39 Chief Mauzy said this was not an isolated incident, so all departments were impacted and 40 responding to their maximum capacity. To add to Commissioner Fowler's question, he said they 41 rely heavily on professional weather forecasters, and based their anticipated response on the 42 forecasted 5-7-inch worst-case scenario, when in reality it was much worse and worsened so 43 quickly. He explained that it was difficult to call staff back in and difficult to call for mutual aid 44 quickly because of that. 45 46 15 1 Slide #21 Emergency Communications 2 3 4 Slide #22 Completed Projects • Implementation of the Automated Dispatch System • Migration to the Statewide VIPER TDMA Radio Platform • In-Building Communications Enhancement: Bi- Directional Antenna (BDA) Project • Public Safety Radio Fleet Modernization Initiative (ABPA-Funded) 22 5 6 7 Slide #23 Scheduled Projects • Upgrade radio infrastructure and strategically expand VIPER network coverage. • Enhance the performance and reliability of the public safety paging system. • Execute the full replacement of the current Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. 23 8 16 1 Slide #24 Preparing for the Future 2 3 4 Slide #25 Strategic Planning The Orange County Chiefs Association has initiated a strategic planning process to define the organization's future direction and enhance its service to the community. • Define a unified vision and mission • Setting clear goals and priorities 25 5 6 7 Slide #26 Emergency Operations Planning • Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment • Countywide Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan zs g 17 1 Chief Potter said he's not aware of another countywide plan like this in our area. 2 3 Slide #27 Request for Continued Support • Countywide Interoperable Communications Plan Development • Situational Awareness & Coordination Resource Enhancement • Resiliency and Continuity of Operations (COOP) Planning • Technical Rescue Capability Development 27 4 5 6 Slide #28 Questions and Discussion 7 8 Commissioner Carter commented on the board's admiration for the Chiefs' commitment 9 and heroism during Tropical Storm Chantal, particularly those performing live water rescues. She 10 noted the difficulty in envisioning specific improvements for future events but appreciated the 11 items they presented. She raised a larger conversation about river hazard mitigation planning and 12 addressing risk exposure at the source by removing hazards and relocating people from 13 inherently at-risk structures, specifically mentioning flood-prone properties that generated many 14 swift water rescue calls. She said she hopes the Board can come back to this discussion later. 15 Chief Potter said there are several mitigation strategies identified in the Eno-Haw Hazard 16 Mitigation Plan that will be incorporated into the Emergency Operations Plan. 17 Vice-Chair Hamilton added her thanks and admiration. She noted that when thinking about 18 county growth and land use planning, the Board needs to consider emergency services and fire 18 1 department needs, including setting aside land for stations, since insurance ratings depend on 2 proximity. 3 Chair Bedford expressed that every commissioner puts resident health and safety as the 4 primary consideration. She noted receiving emails from people out of state offering help if Director 5 Saunders needed anything, and that the Board's goal was to stay out of the way and let 6 responders do their jobs during the emergency. She mentioned ongoing partnerships post- 7 incident, with departments going to neighborhoods addressing water distribution concerns due to 8 water and sewage plant damage. She said DSS has reduced hotel placements from the storm to 9 six people, with recovery continuing three months later. 10 Chief Potter acknowledged those still displaced and working to recover and responders 11 are keeping them in their thoughts. 12 13 BRIEF RECESS/Transition to Work Session 14 15 Chair Bedford made a motion to recess the meeting for 7 minutes, seconded by 16 Commissioner McKee. 17 18 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 19 20 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to reconvene 21 the meeting at 8:24 pm. 22 23 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 24 25 2. Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 — Board Request for Additional Information 26 The Board received the second presentation in a series in response to the Board's request for 27 additional background information for the Land Use Plan 2050 process and to provide feedback 28 to staff on two scopes of services for meeting facilitation services, as requested by the BOCC at 29 the September 9, 2025 work session. 30 31 BACKGROUND: At its April 8, 2025 work session, the Board reviewed a tentative schedule for 32 receiving presentations from County staff and in some cases, guest presenters, to provide 33 additional background information for better informing its direction on the Land Use Plan 2050 34 process. The Board's calendar preference was for staff to schedule agenda items through mid- 35 November to receive the information. 36 37 Attachment A is Part A of the BOCC request for additional information grouped into six (6) topic 38 areas by subject. To cover all topic areas, presentations to the Board are scheduled for work 39 sessions on September 9, October 14, and November 11, 2025; and at half-day retreats, 40 scheduled for November 14 and November 21, 2025. The half-day retreats are needed to cover 41 Part B (Attachment B) of the Board's request for information and will include several guest 42 presenters. 43 44 Due to time constraints at the September 9 work session, Staff was unable to complete the entire 45 planned presentation; therefore, the October 14 work session will include completion of the 46 presentation on the Central Orange Coordinated Area (COCA) and the Water and Sewer 47 Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA). Additionally, staff from the 48 Town of Hillsborough will present information on the Towns' utility constraints. Specifically, the 49 BOCC requested the following information from the Town: 50 51 19 1 1. WHY does Hillsborough want to constrict their water/sewer boundary? 2 a) Cost? Of what? Maintenance? Expansion? Other? 3 b) Lack of water supply? 4 c) Or combination of factors? E.g., Choosing to be denser in smaller footprint not related to 5 water supply? 6 d) Seems like density should be near the train station. 7 8 Additionally, at the September 9, 2025 work session, the Board requested to review scopes of 9 services for potential meeting facilitation services for the November 21, 2025 Board retreat. 10 Attachment C includes two scopes of services from potential consultants. The Board is requested 11 to provide feedback to staff regarding any preferences BOCC members may have. 12 13 The draft PowerPoint presentation is included in Attachment D. 14 15 Community Engagement Window#3, to unveil a draft Land Use Plan 2050, is anticipated to occur 16 early next year. Additional information, including robust public notification, will be forthcoming 17 closer to the opening of engagement. 18 19 Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, are available 20 on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com. 21 22 Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also 23 available on the project website: https://www.orangecountylanduseplan.com/resources 24 25 Perdita Holtz, Planning & Inspections Deputy Director, Long-Range Planning & 26 Administration, continued the presentation on joint plans and agreements started at the 27 September work session, noting the importance of reaching Tom Altieri's time-sensitive portion: 28 29 Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Item 1 Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 - Board Request for Additional Information 30 31 20 1 Slide #2 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Central Orange Coordinated Area (COCA) Water & Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) 2 3 4 Slide #3 BOCC Request a) Remind us about the rural buffer/joint planning and distinguish that from the WASMPBA (Water and Sewer Management, Planning,and Boundary Agreement). b) What is the rationale for each? c) Where does the WASMPBA interact? d) Who are the Agreement partners? e) Which includes policies and practices that would be implemented if there were failing wells and septic systems and/or a waterlsewer emergency? f) If appropriate, please reference other joint agreements with the towns and utility providers. g) What can be built and/or operated in the rural buffer? h) What are the processes to make changes to the agreements? i) If the Board does wish to have an action item to explore expanding water/sewer at some location of the map where it is not currently allowed,then is that in the Land Use Plan 2050?Or is it a separate work petitioned by the Board?What is the order of doing things? Seems like it matters?What would that process look like? j) On the map of Carrboro Transition and/or ETJ area, is that blue dot in the rural buffer? ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 5 6 21 1 Slide #4 Central Orange Coordinated Area (COCA) ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #5 Town of Hillsborouglvorange County Central Orange Cooreinateo Area Land use Plan Areas Within the To 's Urban Semm Snuneary Parties- Town of Hillsborough and Orange t' County t • 2006 — Strategic Growth Plan Report (Phase 1) • 2009 — Interlocal Land Management Agreement " (Phase II) Called for preparation of a Joint Land Use Plan • 2013 — Joint Land Use Plan adopted by both jurisdictions � rlW wwrs n�ri�.w4rI�+WW9wrr+�i + 'fi r..[� Mr.rwr.w�. �� yyYra wwrm•! wx�arryw a rw�u �rhwr.aV>ri.,, htt2s://www.orangecouniync.gov/3031/Long- 5 Flange-Comprehensive-Planning 22 1 Perdita Holtz noted that the map pictured on the slide [and enlarged on the next page of 2 the minutes] has been amended a few times since the plan was adopted. She said there have 3 also been several implementation measures over the years, including a swap of jurisdictional 4 lands, basically swapping EJS and non-ETJ areas. Additionally, there was an expansion of the 5 economic development area south of 1-40 in 2020. She added that at some point during the mid- 6 2010s, Orange County and the Town of Hillsborough adopted a resolution indicating both 7 jurisdictions considered the implementation of the plan to be complete. Perdita Holtz explained 8 that the map shows the boundaries of the Hillsborough urban service area, the area the town 9 anticipated serving with water and sewer. She said the Board will hear more later about the utility 10 capacity study and the sustainability plan that Hillsborough completed approximately two years 11 ago. She explained that eventually, the town will initiate the process to pull back its utility service 12 area due to capacity constraints, which would require amendments to this plan. 13 Commissioner Carter asked if there was anything in place like this before the COCA, or if 14 this was a greenfield-type effort. 15 Perdita Holtz said this was a greenfield-type effort except for a courtesy review agreement 16 for development projects that was in place before, and still is in place, with the Town of 17 Hillsborough. 18 19 20 23 1 [Enlarged from slide #5] To-,S,r'i u[ Hillsboroughi0range County Central Orange Coordinated Area Lard use Plan Areas 'within the Town's Urban S=ervice SGundar+ � L i 1111`I til.. •1Y I �" � `, _ .w �'{ I+ J y r 1 �I e y• -ffes. I r �±e '�` ' rc.I-.l FL-n— Q&irhan Servke Eor�dary - 1 } 1•rld�FeiLAW hrn,Wintnl 4-� 'h �ry J I i Empfuyr*Yerk IAr �$du-dnn < N F-�:) �tr tt lndusMal MedRpri-DeneitrKi!P enkW lei Mk,d Riii"tolai Naghb}rbpr,+d .b 1Aii 4 _MGcd use Th9 g0tian SmIce Uounciery indcWo-.5 IN limb,.Or H lrhWopjgri tva6?r aril"wor spNICS rrm5tard vAth ein �Ffti h wed U Ilrteraa alAgr�emenkrilh Orange CDvnlg OWA5A.OhY@rel Hill.Cirrhoro aryl HtledorxQh Evian Lend Uses Nrn i.—„e Op.,.SOAL. tioppo re eyed t y Ha5t34rq"gh and Orange Coonty in 11w bmip dor?pprgonq zr.-rg lovg4lmv.on sabred F&AIIServices parpak><#rW tivre vAthri iha baNrxlpry.Ccnr,a Nmt rtibh II4"r4v-* Agripwrrenl WAi+en OrrRngge cwnty WA I LS 1-1110n Uh I�Srn;M Lat Pooddantly Arraas alrlxlrle thrl 1lrnarr`;r.,rrrr.s F.aunciary wl7h a Fula^m 6;wlb LPW niks qnadon iN9F 7Uq i4 Ins tIL'Lfl Qr7^}Y iSuhurUenUffice crassing a parml. Areas Dutride the Utan Scrvccs Haunriaffr wHh current uhlity wrvoce frarn ft TDwn of T—n Cariwr Hi Istorcrugh will resin service ,depraved by Hllsbec"h 3-11-13 hhan NcLV*crhuad Ap-pavetl by IIx GOICII 11.5.13 J•Markin]Farm Ar-lencled by Ihs®OCC and Hi6Uoraugh 6w12j19 6rre-Idrd trr Hilisbanaugh 13.26-1 91 wid IIx®OCC i.11040•21d) 2 24 1 Slide #6 Water & Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 4 Slide #7 Water & Sewer Management, Planning, and Boundary Agreement (WASMPBA) 5-Party Interlocal Agreement 1 PI "A � Walar and Sawpr Martapomcn9 Planning and 6pvndary Agnpmard — QC, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough, OWASA • Signed in 2001 after several years of work on the topic • The map defines areas where parties to the agreement may and may not provide water and/or sewer service. https://www.orangecountync.gov/3031 Long-Range-Comprehensive-Planning - _- 5 25 Appendix A Water and Sewer Management Planning and Boundary Agreement i, �,ilz'�i-9,JI, t VEL I ` C Legend Mil]sborough Lorg-Term Interest Area N14Sborough Pnmary Service Area O OWASA Long-Term merest Area r Orange Courcy Primary Service Area OWr'ASA Primary Service Area Orange Courty Lcsngjerm snfer'est Area H:! -Rural Buller Boundary 4-' a z 3 4 Miles r 1 inch-3 miles AWM PEO. WL}r—3wri A—rMw GM—r O Mw3w 00Rr[wneT nesYy Sr�MF Ca la3,L LMMe/IYYM�e+'a�rr StrweY Mr W..Guwr.,16?]p HsrFL�ri�C�wa,300] tw�/{yMl�fe A,rpNCaYiw/dWi,lv6Rl RewWl'CweN "'W a}r sr� fh i.w lt��ew ON MT S1SeCUv'e data 11;1,'.2020 1 26 1 Slide #8 Orange County Primary Service Area • Orange County does not operate a water system and no longer operates a sewerage system — (former Efland system was transferred to the City of Mebane in the early/mid 2010s). • Idea for Orange County Primary Service Areas(PSA) was for Orange County to coordinate with providers to operate systems within the County's PSAs. — Former agreements with the Cities of Mebane and Durham • Agreements now defunct ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 2 3 Perdita Holtz emphasized that Orange County does not operate a water system and no 4 longer operates a sewer system. She explained that the idea for Orange County's primary service 5 area was for Orange County to coordinate and partner with providers to operate systems within 6 the county's primary service area, so there were former agreements with the cities of Mebane and 7 Durham, but those agreements are now defunct. 8 Commissioner Fowler asked why those agreements are defunct. 9 In Durham's case, Perdita Holtz explained that there was a sewer system study done in 10 the mid-2000s that determined that sewer expansion into the Eno Economic Development District 11 (EDD) was not going to be financially feasible because of capacity constraints further down the 12 line within Durham. In Mebane's case, she said Mebane is currently covering the areas that were 13 included in the service agreement, like the Buckhorn EDD, and took over the former Efland system 14 that was Orange County's. She said it is understood that they will continue to serve those areas, 15 so the service agreement was sunset. 16 Commissioner Carter asked if these agreements timed out or if formal notice of withdrawal 17 from the agreement was required. 18 Perdita Holtz said these agreements had termination dates that went into effect unless the 19 agreements were renewed. 20 Chair Bedford asked if her memory is correct that Orange County Planning staff has 21 recently contacted Durham and confirmed that they still do not have capacity. 22 Perdita Holtz said there were some attempts in 2020 to work with Durham, but efforts 23 fizzled out. 24 On a related note, Cy Stober shared that Mebane has initiated a study with Orange- 25 Alamance's Water System to look into consolidating the two systems. He said the report from that 26 study will be delivered sometime in the next year. 27 Commissioner McKee said he recalls that Durham was not interested in pursuing an 28 agreement. 29 Chair Bedford agreed. 30 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if leadership in Durham has changed since the last 31 attempts. 32 Cy Stober said there were staff changes, and council members have changed as well. He 33 said that Bryant Green was with the City of Durham at the time, so he may be able to share more 34 information. 27 1 Bryant Green, Engineering Services Manager with the Town of Hillsborough, said that he 2 was assigned to study this topic when he was with the City of Durham. He explained that the very 3 western edge of Durham's water system is very small, barely big enough to serve a trailer park 4 or infill development. He said what was envisioned in the Eno EDD was a very large, potentially 5 industrial-based pump station with a lot of flow. When the study was done, there was a significant 6 amount of downstream gravity sewer upgrades that would've been necessary, which amounted 7 to double or triple the cost of the project. He said some Planning issues would have had to be 8 navigated as well regarding required annexation. He shared that, ultimately, the combined weight 9 of those factors resulted in the project fizzling out. 10 11 Slide #9 Purpose (paraphrased) • To provide a comprehensive, countywide system of utility service areas. • To complement growth management, land use, and annexation plans. • To resolve in advance and preclude future conflicts about future service areas. • To provide predictable long-range water/sewer capital planning and financing. • To provide for limitations on water and sewer service in certain areas. ©RANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 12 13 14 Slide #10 Some Key Definitions (paraphrased) • Primary Service Area:Areas where water and/or sewer service is provided,or might be provided according to adopted plans and future amendments to adopted plans(see Appendix A map). • Long-Term Interest Areas:Areas where water and/or sewer service is not anticipated,but if provided,OWASA, Hillsborough,or orange County(depending on the geographic area)will be responsible for coordinating the provision of service(see Appendix A map). • Essential Public Facility: A publicly owned facility such as a school, fire station,or solid waste convenience center that provides a service for the health,safety,and/or general welfare of county residents. • Adverse Public Health Condition: A situation where a wastewater (septic)system is failing and no on-site repair area is available or a well water supply system is contaminated and options to remedy the situation do not exist. tip_ ORANGE COUNTY NOR I I(A.ROLI NA 15 28 1 Perdita Holtz highlighted the definition of Long-Term Interest Area, emphasizing that it 2 does not mean an area that will have services someday. 3 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if Perdita Holtz is saying that was the intention of the 4 Board members at the time, and cannot be changed. 5 Perdita Holtz said it was the intent of all the parties at the time, but it can be changed, and 6 there have been changes through the years. 7 Commissioner McKee said he anticipates future expansions around Hillsborough, 8 Mebane, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro as available land builds out, and density needs increase. 9 10 Slide #11 Provision of Service • Within a primary service area(or as needed in a long- term interest area),the designated provider agrees to provide service as system capacity,financial resources, and other reasonable considerations allow. • The designated provider for a primary service area or long-term interest area has the right of first refusal to provide service to an adverse public health condition or essential public facility. Orange County retains the right to address an adverse public health condition of essential public facility need if no other water and sewer provider is available. ORANGE COUNTY \f 1RI-H(AROLINA 11 12 Commissioner Carter said she recalls former Commissioner Barry Jacobs sharing that this 13 clause is what helped get the WASMPBA agreement started during his recent comments at a 14 meeting. 15 Perdita Holtz confirmed that Piney Mountain, a subdivision with failing septic systems in 16 the mid-1990s, was one of the impetuses for the WASMPBA. She said it's conceivable that new 17 developments on community septic or well could have challenges again, and that's what 18 WASMPBA helps address. 19 20 Slide #12 Limitations on Service • No extension of public water and sewer lines into a long-term interest area except to address an adverse public health condition or serve an essential public facility. • Public water and sewer lines extended into a long-term interest area shall be sized so as to serve only the intended use and cannot be used for other purposes. ��R�.PJGE COUNTY kl li< "k'']IA4 21 29 1 Perdita Holtz connected the concepts on this slide to other county regulations, including 2 UDO prohibitions on water/sewer in the rural buffer, the zoning district charts in Article three of 3 the UDO where access or no access to water and sewer systems are mentioned, and the land 4 use and zoning matrix in Appendix F of the Comprehensive Plan, which zoning are considered to 5 be consistent with land use classifications. She explained that all of this ties together to indicate 6 where water and sewer can and cannot be provided. She explained that this impacts development 7 because there cannot be dense development if there are no water and sewer systems. 8 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there is a termination date for this agreement. 9 Perdita Holtz said this agreement is in effect until one party withdraws or all parties 10 reconvene to renegotiate the terms of the agreement. With that said, she explained that there 11 have been four or five amendments over the years, and while most of them were rather small, 12 there have been expansions and changes to the primary service area. 13 Chair Bedford said she recalls seeing a recommendation or suggestion that the parties re- 14 examine the agreement every 10 years. 15 Cy Stober said a 10-year review and readoption was proposed in the draft CLUP that the 16 Board saw in the spring. 17 18 Slide #13 Amending the Agreement • Prescribed Process in Section ILD • Any change requires approval of all parties to the agreement • The addition of other parties to the agreement requires the consent of the current parties ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 19 20 21 Slide #14 Withdrawal from the Agreement • Prescribed Process in Section ILE • Party wishing to withdraw must hold a public hearing on the proposed withdrawal • Written notices to the other parties after public hearing • Withdrawal effective one year after receipt of written notice by other parties • Withdrawal of one party does not invalidate the Agreement with respect to the remaining parties ORANGE COUNTY NON7 H C XROUNA 22 30 1 Chair Bedford said it seems like there wouldn't be much of an impact if Orange County 2 withdrew from the agreement, but there would be impacts if OWASA or Hillsborough withdrew. 3 Perdita Holtz said it would theoretically depend on the reason Orange County withdrew, 4 but agreed that if one of the utility service providers withdrew, their withdrawal would be more 5 consequential than if Orange County or Chapel Hill withdrew. 6 Cy Stober agreed with Perdita Holtz, explaining that the agreement prevents oversizing 7 utilities to invite development between existing service and new connection points. 8 9 Slide #15 Order of Amending (County-only Plans/Regulations vs. Joint Plans/Agreements) ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 10 11 Commissioner Carter asked for information on the amendments to WASMPBA. 12 Perdita Holtz said there is a list of amendment dates on Appendix A map, the first of which 13 was in 2010 to make changes in the Efland-Mebane Corridor, particularly between HWY 70 and 14 Lebanon Rd. There were also changes in the early 2010s to pull back Hillsborough's primary 15 service area, creating long-term interest areas. She added that there were also two small 16 amendments done for Carrboro off of Smith Level Rd., and one done for Chapel Hill's ETJ. 17 Chair Bedford also recalled an amendment approved a couple of years ago down 15-501 18 to the Chatham County line. 19 20 Slide #16 • Ajoint plan and/or agreement should be amended first, but process can run concurrently with the amendment process for a County-only plan/regulation. • Rationale: • The County(or Towns)should not adopt something in conflict with a joint plan/agreement — Causes confusion -- Possibly violates terms or spirit of a joint plan/agreement — If County adopts something inconsistent with a joint plan/agreement,there would be ambiguity regarding which applies. ORANGE COUNTY 21 NORTH CAROLINA 31 1 Perdita Holtz said it is ultimately up to the Board if they would like to pursue amending 2 agreements concurrently, but this is the recommendation from staff. 3 4 Slide #17 • Draft 2050 Land Use , - Plan (LUP) contains Topics for Future Coordination. • The proposed +�,, �, �•.. . Conservation and Growth Framework mapAV in the draft 2050 LUP _ ."► , does NOT change .` existing policy in the �`• _°'I Rural Buffer or Municipal /� Orange County-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Joint Planning Area Land Use Transition Areas. Plan Topics of Future Coordination — Draft plan includes an 4 Re-evalvanon&Rums Bu!ter Q Concept of Murcpal Trans-.on Arra exyans.on action item for coordinated ()Vti S rviceAreabouWar"andpoimss review of p Concept of a Mixed Uses Centel around Blackwood O Conoept of Rural Consena w Neighborhoods.n R;.-31 B„'}e- intergovernmental p Concept of Rural AawyNodes inRural Bu"er planning agreements on a 5 10-year cycle 6 Perdita Holtz explained that the plan is suggesting exploring the six ideas on the map 7 [enlarged on the next page of the minutes] with county partners, not that the county is adopting 8 changes to the existing plans or agreements. 32 'wool-w ",F f �r to E W il9otk 04 � 1 ,k a � � i %m low ftft � a � � �Ac7►lr Wx. • a ` � -�K,ewtl 0vr4 VA a V i � a a � a • a a a to r - z . +�K�71�R y s y R r AM ` :QAC j Orange County-Chapel Hill- Carrboro Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan Topics of Future Coordination Re-evaluaton o` RuraL 'su'fer Conoept o` Mun::opal Trans►ion Area expansion Q -,k ty Se.N` cue Area boundares and policies Conoept o` a M xed Uses Center around Blackwood Station 0 Concept of Rural Conservatcon Neighborhoods n R,,ral BufFe• Q Conoept of Rural AcWty Nodes in Rural Buger 1 2 3 33 1 Slide #18 Questions/ Discussion ORANGE COUNTY noizni i-arua m,1 2 3 Commissioner Carter explored the idea of the county pursuing concurrent amendments 4 to joint plans and the comprehensive plan, acknowledging that staff recommended joint plans 5 should be amended first. 6 Perdita Holtz said the Board can if they so choose. 7 Commissioner Greene stressed the importance of trust between Orange County and its 8 municipal partners, expressing that changes to intergovernmental agreements without planning 9 with partners would not be perceived well by other elected boards. 10 Commissioner Carter agreed it would be important to maintain transparency with partners 11 throughout the process to ensure alignment and avoid any mistrust or miscommunication. 12 However, she said the Board should align itself first. 13 Commissioner Greene advocated for the Assembly of Governments meeting as a forum 14 for such a discussion. 15 Cy Stober shared that the six concepts on the map on the previous slide were presented 16 as part of a public engagement draft to the Board in March and April. He said staff would have 17 also gathered input from the public and the Planning Board as well as municipal and utility 18 partners. He explained that it was table setting for a discussion with partners on these agreements 19 and would have been struck if there was no interest. 20 Chair Bedford said the Board may want to keep all options open at this point and narrow 21 down specific topics for future coordination as they move through this process. 22 23 Slide #19 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Town of Hillsborough Utility Constraints 24 34 1 Matt Efird, Assistant Town Manager and Director of the Community Services 2 Department with the Town of Hillsborough, continued the presentation: 3 4 Slide #20 Land Use Planning and Water & Sewer Capacity Update BOCC Presentation on Orange County Draft Land Use Plan October 14,2025 1(14t'N ilf 5 H I LL`BOROUG H 6 Matt Efird indicated that the information that will be presented is the official position of the 7 Town of Hillsborough Board of Commissioners, as those board members reviewed the 8 information at last night's meeting. He introduced Bryant Green, Engineering Services Manager 9 with the Town of Hillsborough. 10 11 Slide #21 Topics •Town Water&Sewer Capacity Constraints and Updates Town and County Land Use Planning Updates and how Hillsborough is planning for sustainability through coordinated land use,utilities,and transportation planning 12 • 35 1 Bryant Green continued the presentation: 2 3 Slide #22 Water & Sewer Capacity Status • Water treatment capacity remains,sewer treatment plant capacity is constricted by permit limits • Projection through 2040 • P+vjects kixd asap wafer rapa[RY smrcrdsheet vrw.uea W tAannne deoarlmen+.- - cdnmll[cea•w'patenWl ! =+ • River sewer basin is capacity constrained due to wet weather • Monitor Elizabeth Brady sewer basin --- - T" Otber Smaller 5ewer pumping 5tations projected Capacity concerns • Additional developments that are already approved will use more treatment plant capacity 1 • Currently working on water system capacity modeling • Given the constraints with pressure and water quality,the Town is — reserving the remaining sewer capacity for projects that can he served with better quality water at higher pressures. 4 5 Bryant Green said a lot of this information was presented to the Board in February or 6 March. He confirmed that the Town of Hillsborough has a significant amount of water treatment 7 capacity remaining and a significant supply of raw water remaining in its system. He said the 8 sewer treatment plant capacity is constrained by a lot of permitting limits, and the town was also 9 driven by some regulatory thresholds they are required to meet in addition to being part of the 10 Falls Lake rules. He shared that the town is fine-tuning its final water system model and will 11 present that to the Town of Hillsborough Board of Commissioners with some CIP 12 recommendations later this year. Connecting this topic back to the joint portion of the evening, 13 Bryant Green said that a lot of fire districts in the county rely on the town's water system to provide 14 adequate fire flow protection, and they are always mindful of that when doing hydraulic modeling 15 in the water system. He said his goal is to make sure the town is a good steward of both water 16 quality and fire flow availability so that they can remain a good partner in the community. He 17 explained that one of the driving factors behind the town's technical desire to reduce the urban 18 service boundary is the desire to provide the best quality and quantity of water to as many people 19 as possible, and the town plans to achieve that by serving a smaller area that has a higher level 20 of density. 21 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the regulatory constraints are federal requirements. 22 Bryant Green said the regulatory constraints in question are part of the town's NPDES 23 (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) permit that is issued by the state. The state 24 dictates how many pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus the town can discharge into the Eno River 25 each year, and there is a cap to that number. Given the current Falls Lake rules and pending Falls 26 Lake rules, he explained it is unlikely the town would get additional discharge into that reservoir 27 and has been a good steward of the poundage allocated so far. 28 Commissioner Carter said she is the representative on the Neuse River Basic Association 29 board, and there is a lot of discussion happening on the Falls Lake rules. She said it seems they 30 are in flux and is not clear if they will become more or less strict right now. 36 1 Matt Efird said the Falls Lake rules are the biggest threat to the continued growth of 2 Hillsborough, explaining that the town will hit the limits in those rules faster than any others, and 3 that horizon is not much longer than five years. 4 5 Slide #23 Water Supply • WFER w w! 1A 41.12. IM ,i6% e,r W W.W t, 645.]I 516.]] Full Jordan Lake Allocation (1 MGIC) 6 7 8 [Enlarged from slide #231 Estimated Days °Remaining Shamtlovr Channel Remaining Remainingwith Mean Total Storage Unusable Usable Storage Useable Current Average Augmentation Lass Lake Orange Days of 20% Condition NO Elevation al Storage WQ I (gal) Storage 0l Daily Use Multi liar Su lemet d Storage I Eva atian Phase 2 53 643 1,B29,157,124 7,692,649 1821464 47§ 100% 1700 000 650,000 1.2 645.91 516.73 9 Full 10 Bryant Green said in addition to the West Fork of the Eno reservoir, the Lake Orange 11 facility, which is owned and operated by Orange County, is another important source of raw water 12 for the town. He reiterated that the town has a very comfortable supply of raw water that amounts 13 to almost two years' worth. Additionally, the town has an allocation out of Jordan Lake, and can 14 access it through the City of Durham interconnection, which would bring even more water into the 15 town's system. 16 Commissioner Carter asked if Hillsborough depends on Lake Orange for an emergency 17 water supply. 18 Bryant Green said the town relies on Lake Orange, but has a run-of-the-river supply vs. a 19 direct connection that other municipalities may have. He explained that Lake Orange and West 20 Fork discharge into the Eno River, and the town then pulls its water out of the river. 21 Cy Stober described the locations of the intakes and told the Board that there is a relevant 22 text amendment about reservoir setbacks coming forward soon. 23 24 37 1 Slide #24 Water Quality oiPuee i.e.waL•?a.L r.nn w.3s Water service area reduced to 1'c decrease the distance from the r Town's water plant �; • The Urban Service Boundary j was adjusted most significantly g on the eastern side of the system, the water plant is on ! the western edge of the Town's service area. 2 3 Bryant Green said the town serves around 70% of the land area that OWASA serves and 4 has about 20% of the customers, so the water is spread very wide and very thin. As a result, it 5 takes a long time to get water from the water treatment plant to the very edges of the service area. 6 He said the town is pulling everything closer to the water plant to reduce the distance from the 7 water plant and the most distant customers, consistent with the town's desire to serve the best, 8 highest quality water possible, given the amount of capacity that's remaining. 9 Commissioner Carter asked if there are currently people being served in the areas the 10 town is pulling back from. 11 Bryant Green said yes, and some schools are outside of the boundaries as well. 12 Commissioner Fowler asked if the town would continue to serve the schools regardless. 13 Bryant Green said yes. He explained the town would not extend new water and sewer 14 mains past those points, but those currently receiving service will still receive service. 15 16 38 1 Slide #25 Water Quality • The further water gets from our water treatment plant,the longer it sats in the pipes and tanks • Water age affects water quality.older water has lower chlorine and increase risk - of developing disinfection byproducts • Town changes disinfection process and flushes annually to address water quality, but the volume of water required is significant -1i. MM EADUNR w:INll� 2 3 4 Slide #26 Topography •The Town's water system is divided into three pressure zones. These zones are defined the elevation of the water tank that serves them � •The north zone's tank is at an T elevation of 814'.There are =� Isolated areas in this zone that are over Twin likely elevation.These � areas would likelyly not have enough pressure. 5 6 Bryant Green said the combination of water quality concerns and topography concerns 7 explains why there is a planned reduction in the service area. 8 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked if there is any way to increase the pressure in places of higher 9 topography. 10 Bryant Green said the town could create a "new pressure zone", but the pumps that would 11 be required are expensive to operate and maintain. He said domestic booster pumps are another 12 option, but those are part of the private plumbing of a residence and the homeowner would 13 maintain those. 14 15 39 1 Slide #27 Wastewater Plant Wastewater Plant Daily Flows 5 f �• 4-5 ••� 4 3.5 �2019 AVG f �2024 AVG 2.5 'r ••� • �. ••••2019 MAX 2 •�••2024 MAX ,.�;� •�r iMaz Hydraulic Capacity i 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Plov Dec 2 3 Bryant Green said the max days are routinely significantly higher than the capacity of the 4 plant to pass sewage through it, while still treating it to an acceptable standard. This is another 5 thing the town monitors, but this is not as big a restriction as some of these nutrient limits. 6 Chair Bedford asked if that is due to rainfall and stormwater. 7 Bryant Green said yes. 8 9 40 1 Slide #28 Future Wastewater Flaw Projection Hillsborough Wastewater Average Annual Dally Flow Million Gallons per Day 3 VAVfP Rates Capecn r. as aeu Past I8}aaryarlrivtaiz�a,._m,age�,*.w mcue ue xagy.n r.a.gemad nar.,unp,.. n.s 0 g 2 3 [Chart enlarged below] 4 Hillsborough Wastewater Average Annual Daily Flow 3 Million Gallons per Day WWTP Rated Cap 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 00 M O 1-4 N rn 't7 rn 1.0 n 00 a) O 1-4 N M -1' Ln 1.0 n 00 M O r-t N M -It rn l0 n 00 M O O O ri r-I ri -4 ri ri ri ri 1-4 i--I N N N N N N N N N N M M M M M M M M M M c* O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O 5 N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N 6 Bryant Green explained that the solid blue line is the town's predicted flow based on 7 permitted developments or those under construction, as well as historical trends, while the purple 8 line represents actual data. He said there is a cone of uncertainty at the end of the projection, 9 which basically means that the flow could end up falling anywhere in the shaded blue area. He 10 said the town can treat about 3 million gallons safely per day; however, due to nutrient limits, the 11 town can realistically only treat about 2.2 to 2.5 million gallons a day. 12 41 1 Slide #29 Nutrient Limitations • Falls Lake Rules * Town wastewater permit limits pounds of nitrogen and phosphorus discharged annually • No concentration permit limit for these but measured in mg/L and converted to pounds • Nitrogen is of main concern • Found in organic waste(i.e.,mostly human and fond sources) • Limited to 10,422 lbs.per year • Used 68%in 2024 • Noticeable increase in 2023 and 2024 2 3 Bryant Green reiterated that annual nitrogen limits in the Falls Lake rules have a significant 4 impact on the town's capacity. 5 Commissioner McKee asked if updates to the water treatment plant are still on track 6 despite issues with federal funding. 7 Bryant Green said, unfortunately, the town's FEMA BRICK grant for pump station 8 upgrades was rescinded as part of a nationwide program elimination, so there is no funding 9 source for upgrades to the pump station that pumps into the wastewater treatment plant. 10 Commissioner McKee asked how the town's nutrient level would be impacted if they were 11 able to access funding to upgrade the pump. 12 Matt Efird said, given the already high rates, if the town were forced to choose between 13 growth limitation and putting in a reverse osmosis plant or something similar, the community 14 would be better served by limiting growth. He explained that it is prohibitively expensive to explore 15 those alternative treatments. 16 Commissioner McKee asked what the downside is to limited growth. 17 Matt Efird said costly legal defenses for developers that are denied are one of the 18 downsides. 19 Chair Bedford added that housing costs go up as well. 20 21 42 1 Slide #30 Capacity Takeaway Utilities Staff Concerns in Priority Order M 1. Collection system r 2. Distribution system 3. Nutrient wastewater limits 4. Water treatment process limits r 5, Water storage/fire protection N.9PIv MrTP n1iT COU W%TP 6. Water supply 2 3 Bryant Green said this slide summarizes the barriers the town is balancing and shows the 4 order of priority in which they are trying to address them. He said the pump station mentioned 5 earlier that was going to be addressed before the BRICK funding was rescinded is part of the 6 collection system, which is the top priority right now. The second priority is the distribution system, 7 which encompasses the water quality issues as well as the quantity of water and maintaining 8 adequate fire flow. 9 Matt Efird reiterated that there are issues with the system that takes the water from the 10 water treatment plant and provides it to homes, and the town has invested a lot of capital money 11 in that area. He said there is a big problem with the system that takes the sewage from the homes 12 to the water treatment plant, and that's where most of the system capacity restraints are. To 13 summarize, he said it's less of a system treatment capacity issue but more of the constraints 14 between the existing system and homes and moving that sewage to the plants. As a result, there 15 are a lot of planned upgrades to serve development, things like outfalls and the pump stations 16 that move the sewage around wastewater. 17 Chair Bedford asked what outfall is. 18 Matt Efird said it's a collection of smaller pipes that move water to a bigger pipe and out. 19 20 43 1 Slide #31 RN,+'.4 Polxtlul Geri Veal Sewer Capacity Connection t0 Land Use Plans ------------- .. - The Town's Comprehensive Sustainability Plan is recommendations: t • Reduction of the Urban Service Boundary to prevent/reduce sprawl and encourage ' consolidated infrastructure and easier - system maintenance. This will impact the 'a WASAMPBA agreement and necessitate updates. ' r � • Adjusting the UDO during the rewrite to include \� t by-right flexibility through zoning for smaller lot sizes, more density,and varied housing types to focus growth within town limits and encourage "y i contiguous annexation • Future alignment of the FLUM with Fig. 4.4 (Potential Growth Areas)This will impact the COCA agreement and JPA with Hillsborough and Orange County.This may also impact established EDD areas. 2 3 Matt Efird reiterated that utility capacity was one of the drivers in the reduction of the urban 4 service boundary in the comprehensive sustainability plan, but it wasn't the only one. He said the 5 plan also includes goals similar to the county's draft land use plan, like discouraging sprawl, 6 improving opportunities for mass transit, and improving opportunities for alternative transportation 7 methods. He said those are all better served by dense infill development in municipalities than 8 expanding out into the county. He said that some recommendations in the town's adopted plan 9 require updated to some of the joint plans. He said the town is in the process of updating its unified 10 development ordinance and there is a goal of having a draft completed and out to the public for 11 review by May 2026 and adoption in August 2026. 12 13 44 1 Slide #32 Sewer Capacity Connection to Lana Use Plans {cont.} mower The Town's Comprehensive Sustainability Plan recommendations: • Not concentrating density or large development > -- projects north of U5 HWY 70 due to , transportation impacts on the Churton Street corridor Already congested intersections projected to continue tote congested based on the 2050 - regional model include: 1 N Churton Street and Us HWY 70/NC 85 N 5 Churton Street and US HWY 70A • Develop and maintain a safe,efficient,and ,P sustainable multimodal transportation system (including bicycle,pedestrian,and transit options) that offers alternatives to single- occupancy vehicle trips and promotes health and access to fobs,destinations,and services in town. - 2 3 Matt Efird said the reality is that neither the town nor the county can improve the major 4 road systems. He said the town is already experiencing peak traffic issues on US 70, Churton 5 Street, 1-85, and both HWY 86s, and providing additional dense growth, particularly to the north 6 of US 70, is just going to exacerbate it. NCDOT does not have a near-term plan to improve this 7 situation, and so again, concentrating growth in the current town limits to try to get away from 8 some of that through traffic of people trying to get to the interstates using Tryon Street was one 9 of the considerations in the recommendations. 10 Commissioner McKee asked how growth will be accomplished in the town limits. 11 Matt Efird described the significant development tracks available in the southern part of 12 town, particularly in the old Daniel Boone property and Waterstone. 13 Commissioner McKee asked how many units that could accommodate. 14 Matt Efird said there are about 2000 permitted units that have already gone through the 15 town's entitlement process and are yet to be constructed, which alone will increase Hillsborough's 16 population by 30%, not including the potential in the areas he mentioned. 17 Commissioner McKee said he thought the problem was infrastructure in sewer. 18 Matt Efird said the town's CIP includes upgrades to conveyance systems that are the 19 constriction for those areas of town to accept growth. In the next 5 years, he expects there should 20 be capacity to move sewage within the system to get to the treatment plant to serve greater 21 density in the southern part of town. 22 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many units constitute a large development. 23 Matt Efird said he doesn't have a specific definition, but there are some proposed projects 24 around 200-600 units, and those would be considered large. 25 26 45 1 Slide #33 Communicating About New Projects with developers • There is limited capacity for development projects that will use a large amount of water/sewer,at this time,especially those outside of town limits or non-contiguous to town limits • Utilities will evaluate potential available capacity for projects at the pre- development meeting,but capacity is not guaranteed until a water and Sewer Extension Contract is executed(construction drawings) • There are options for developer cost sharing and/or modifying scheduled water/sewer improvements to keep pace with development demand through conditional zoning and development agreements with developers • Properties that want to develop immediately,located on the edges of town or outside of town may look to evaluate cost/benefit of developing in the County with traditional large lot well/septic vs.annexation into the town 2 3 4 Slide #34 Financial Constraints voa[,[be..[.a�ewo e.ewrcn xoon-mexs Weee6 Servet 6pen[len • High utility bills,particularly for out-of- town customers • Tight operating ratios—cost of operations .. and deet service increasing faster than --M revenues Debt Service Cowan • Significant CIP needs-$50m by FY32— not including any plant upgrades • Adding significant customers may increase revenues,but also increases need for system improvements r..._,... �— _• .«.� 5 6 Chair Bedford asked if Hillsborough is below PFAS limits. 7 Matt Efird said PFAS isn't an issue for Hillsborough because of its location and the nature 8 of development around the upper Eno. 9 Bryant Green agreed and explained that Hillsborough is at the top of the basin and has so 10 far not been close to the threshold for PFAS. 46 1 Commissioner Carter asked if improvements to the pump station to address the possibility 2 of future catastrophic events like Tropical Storm Chantal are accounted for in the $50 million in 3 the town's CIP now, or if that would be additional funding needed on top of the amount in the CIP. 4 Matt Efird said that it is not factored into the current CIP, which is partially driven by 5 financial restraints. He said the $50 million is not going to grow and will supplant something else. 6 He explained that one of the first things the town did in its after-action report was pause planned 7 renovations to the water and sewer distribution and collection maintenance facility that was 8 impacted by Tropical Storm Chantal and pivot to a redesign. He said that the cost of the project 9 increased and has also delayed completion by several months. 10 Bryant Green added that the town is applying for a FEMA hazard mitigation grant. 11 12 Slide #35 Orange County Land Use Plan updates & how we can align • In order for the County to align with the Town's growth strategy,areas outside of the Town's new recommended Urban Service Boundary should remain zoned and planned for as agricultural and/or rural residential with a focus on agricultural uses and large lot(1 ac+1 subdivisions that can be served with traditional well and septic systems • Density and large development projects should be encouraged within the municipality and not out in the County,where traffic generation and private sewer systems may cause operational issues within the town • Expansion of existing commercial nodes between municipalities,in the County,that can be destinations connected with future greenways and transit stops(example: Blackwood,Calvander) 13 14 Matt Efird reviewed the information on this slide and ended by saying the Town of 15 Hillsborough Board of Commissioners welcomes any efforts to collaborate. 16 Commissioner McKee expressed concern about language, asking the county to "align" 17 with the town's growth strategy, preferring mutual alignment. 18 Matt Efird agreed that the plans should align mutually. 19 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what is meant by "private sewer systems may cause 20 operational issues within the town," as seen in the second bullet point. 21 Matt Efird said there are concepts in the draft land use plan about package plants out in 22 the county serving conservation subdivisions. He explained that adding private sewer systems 23 that discharge into the surface waters crowds out the town's ability to utilize the Falls Lake nutrient 24 limits and becomes an issue for growth. 25 Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what package plants are. 26 Cy Stober explained that package plants are privately operated wastewater plants as 27 opposed to a community septic system. He said package plants are in the draft plan as presented 28 to the Board in March, and the feedback from the Board at that time was that they were not 29 interested in including them in the final plan. He reiterated Matt Efird's point about the impact it 30 could have on the town. 47 1 Commissioner Portie-Ascott seconded Commissioner McKee's concerns about aligning 2 plans. 3 Chair Bedford asked if individual septic or community septic systems would be okay if the 4 county were to approve cluster development. 5 Matt Efird said that is preferable from a utility perspective, but traffic and transportation 6 are still considerations. 7 Commissioner McKee asked if there had been any discussions or interest in a bypass for 8 Hillsborough. 9 Matt Efird said there are no active discussions because there is no identifiable, feasible 10 path since NCDOT doesn't have the funding for such a substantial project. However, it wouldn't 11 be a closed conversation from Hillsborough's perspective. 12 13 Slide #36 Land Use Planning and Water & Sewer Capacity Update BOCC Presentation on Orange County Draft Land Use Plan October 14,2025 III • rowN 0' 14 HILLSBOROUGH 15 16 Tom Altieri, Planning and Inspections Senior Planner, continued the presentation: 17 18 Slide #37 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Board Feedback on Meeting Facilitation Consultant 19 48 1 Slide #38 True North r • r Central Pines Introduction,Review,and Research Preparation • Meetings with staff • Review key documents • Review key materials • Individual meetings with Commissioners • Attend Nov 11 to introduce role and • Attend Nov 14 process • Attend Nov 14 Nov 21 Retreat Facilitation Nov 21 Retreat Facilitation • Tailored agenda,facilitation guide,and • Structure facilitation tools • Facilitate to find consensus and identify • Facilitate to build consensus to advance next steps for Plan development Plan to community engagement Deliverables Wrap-Up • written summary with key decisions and • written summary report that highlights next steps discussion and action items • Consultation with staff and key • Meet with staff to review report stakeholders to align priorities,clarify follow-up actions,and ensure readiness for community engagement Key Staff Key Staff Rebecca Jackson,CEO, project Lead and Alana Keegan,Local Government Services Facilitator Director,Project Lead and Facilitator;and Chris Lawson,Senior planner Proposed Cost: $10,000 Proposed Cost: $7,500 2 3 Tom Altieri presented the two proposals for facilitation services. 4 Commissioner Carter said she noticed a difference in the deliverables. She asked about 5 the nature of True North's "key stakeholders" consultation and whether or not it would include 6 conversations with partners. 7 Tom Altieri explained that this likely refers to stakeholders within Orange County itself, 8 such as the Planning Board, internal staff, and perhaps various departments that would be 9 impacted by the decision-making process, but there is potentially additional opportunity there to 10 include partners. 11 Commissioner Greene said she has significant experience with Alana Keegan and 12 believes she is well-qualified. She added that Central Pines wants to be a partner, and their 13 services should be taken advantage of. 14 Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she likes Central Pines because of the price but wants 15 to understand the additional services it looks like True North is offering. She asked Tom Altieri to 16 explain what the tools might be that are mentioned under the November 21 Retreat Facilitation 17 section. 18 Tom Altieri said those tools are to be determined. He said both facilitators said they would 19 attend the Board's retreat on November 11th and would have ideas afterward on what tools would 20 be helpful for facilitation at the next retreat. 21 Chair Bedford said the other option is not to have a facilitator. 22 Vice-Chair Hamilton said she is not keen on having a facilitator but prefers Alana Keegan 23 of the two options because she thinks individual meetings with the commissioners are important. 24 She said she is concerned about this process because commissioners have not had a chance to 25 talk at a higher level and then delve in. She said she isn't interested in someone coming in and 26 controlling that process. She added that she is not concerned with bringing in other partners at 27 this point for discussion. 28 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if facilitation must be done by someone outside of the 29 county. 49 1 Travis Myren said Kelly Guadalupe, Strategic Planning Manager, is a trained facilitator, 2 but would have to rearrange what she is currently working on in order to be the Board's facilitator 3 on this topic. 4 Commissioner Carter added that she would like the facilitator to come back and present 5 to the Board after the retreats. 6 Cy Stober said neither proposal includes a presentation after the retreats. 7 Commissioner Carter said that is another benefit of county staff doing facilitation. 8 Commissioner Fowler said she prefers Central Pines of the two choices but originally 9 thought the Board did not need a facilitator. 10 11 A motion was made by Vice-Chair Hamilton, seconded by Commissioner McKee to set 12 aside the Board's rules of procedure to allow the Board to vote at this work session. 13 14 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 15 16 Vice-Chair Hamilton made a motion to have county staff facilitate the Board's November 17 21 st retreat rather than hiring an outside consultant. The motion was seconded by Commissioner 18 McKee. 19 20 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 21 22 3. Affordable Housing Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion 23 The Board discussed appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. 24 25 BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board advises the Board of County 26 Commissioners on prioritizing affordable housing needs and assessing project proposals. The 27 Board also publicizes the County's housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing 28 programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works to increase the community's awareness 29 of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in producing attractive, affordable housing. 30 31 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15)At-Large members. 32 33 This Board has decided not to make recommendations for appointments. 34 35 The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: 36 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Mariela At-Large Second Full Term 09/30/2028 Hernandez Thomas Grasty At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2028 (reappointment) 37 38 If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. 39 40 Tara May introduced the item. 41 The Board agreed by consensus to reappoint the listed individuals. 42 43 50 1 4. Opioid Advisory Committee —Appointments Discussion 2 The Board discussed appointments to the Opioid Advisory Committee. 3 4 BACKGROUND: The Opioid Advisory Committee is charged with discussing opioid-related 5 health concerns and issues impacting the residents of Orange County and advising the Board of 6 Commissioners on options to expend funds to remedy opioid impacts. The committee also plans 7 and hosts an annual meeting open to the public to receive input from municipalities on proposed 8 uses of the settlement funds and to encourage collaboration between local governments. 9 10 The Board of County Commissioners appoints seven (7) members, and there are thirteen (13) 11 designee positions. 12 13 This committee does not make recommendations and does not submit an Annual Work Plan. 14 15 The following positions are presented for Board consideration: 16 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC Resident with Lived First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Experience BOCC Resident with Lived First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Experience BOCC Substance Use First Full Term 10/31/2028 Appointee Treatment Provider BOCC At-Large or First Full Term 10/31/2027 Appointee Employment Provider 17 18 If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain. 19 20 Tara May introduced the item. She reported recommendations from the Opioid Advisory 21 Committee's meeting the previous evening. 22 The Board discussed the Committee's recommendations. 23 Commissioner Carter and Commissioner Portie-Ascott expressed interest in delaying 24 moving Elisabeth Johnson until the County Attorney could provide an opinion about a potential 25 conflict of interest regarding Freedom Housing (her employer) receiving opioid grant funds. 26 Chair Bedford asked Deputy County Manager Cait Fenhagen to share a bit about the work 27 of this Committee. 28 Cait Fenhagen explained the committee's role in making recommendations for funding 29 allocations, creating and reviewing applications, meeting monthly, and holding annual meetings. 30 The Board agreed by consensus to proceed with the following recommendations from the 31 Opioid Advisory Committee: 32 • Move Elizabeth Johnson from at-large to the substance use treatment provider position 33 • Appoint Richard Cooper (new applicant) to the open at-large position 34 . Appoint Breana Montgomery and Victoria Menz to the resident with lived experience 35 positions 36 37 51 1 5. Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion 2 The Board discussed an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Council. 3 4 BACKGROUND: The Parks and Recreation Council consults with and advises the Department 5 of Environment, Agriculture, Parks, and Recreation, and the Board of County Commissioners on 6 matters affecting parks planning, development, operation, recreation facilities, policies, and 7 programs, and public trails and open space. 8 9 The Board of County Commissioners appoints twelve (12) members, with representatives from 10 each of the County's townships and municipalities, and two (2) non-voting youth delegates. 11 12 The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: 13 NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alissa Martucci Hillsborough Town First Full Term 09/30/2028 Limits (reappointment) Chloe Reid Youth Delegate (non- First Full Term 12/31/2028 voting) reappointment 14 15 If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: 16 POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Carrboro City 03/31/2027 Vacant since 08/14/2025. Limits 17 18 Tara May introduced the item. 19 The Board agreed by consensus to reappoint the recommended individuals and to 20 continue recruiting applicants for the remaining vacancy. 21 22 Adjournment 23 24 A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to adjourn the 25 meeting at 10:22 p.m. 26 27 VOTE: UNANIMOUS 28 29 Jamezetta Bedford, Chair 30 31 32 Recorded by Tara May, Deputy Clerk to the Board 33 34 Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.