HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 12-10-2002-6aORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
WORKSESSION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: December 10, 2002
Action Agenda
Item No. ~~Q
SUBJECT• AmeriCorps Improvements Project -Southern Human Services Center
DEPARTMENT: Environment and Resource PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No
Conservation, Recreation and
Parks, Purchasing
ATTACHMENT INFORMATION CONTACT:
1) Map of Southern Human Services Center Gwen Harvey, 245-2300
David Stancil, 245-2590
Lori Taft, 245-2660
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Hillsborough 732-8181
Chapel Hill 968-4501
Durham 688-7331
Mebane 336-227-2031
PURPOSE: To review tentative plans for an AmeriCorps improvements project at the
Southern Human Services Center in early 2003.
BACKGROUND: In the spring of 2002, at the Board's request, staff submitted an application
to AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, a national public service agency, for
assistance with a project at the Southern Human Services Center (SHSC). In September,
AmeriCorps responded that the project had been selected.
A 12-member AmeriCorps project team (known as Team "Silver-5") will arrive in Orange
County on January 14th and will stay six weeks, departing on February 28th. The project team
will include 1-2 supervisors from AmeriCorps. A representative from AmeriCorps will be
present for apre-site visit on December 11 to
The BOCC will recall that within the Space Needs Study, reference is made to the restoration
and future use of the old house (Conference Center) on this property for meeting and
conference space. The AmeriCorps work is designed to be compatible with future plans and
intentions for both the Conference Center and the surrounding developable properties.
While some flexibility is needed to provide for changes to AmeriCorps work plan items, the
basic activities planned for the project team are:
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- Preparation work for an ADA-accessible paved trail from the future Conference Center
(old house) to the existing pond, to be fully developed during a later phase with County
resources
- Clearing and construction of trails around the undeveloped portion of the Southern
Human Services Center site (avoiding areas of potential future expansion)
- Clearing and improvements around the house to the existing pond
- Cleaning of the exterior of the future Conference Center
- If needed, trail construction at McGowan Creek Preserve and Little River Park
- If needed, assistance to Habitat for Humanity at the Richmond Hills subdivision
It is not proposed that any structural additions be made to the future Conference Center as
part of this project, although construction of a deck was part of the original proposal. The
uncertainty about future use and design of the Center, the need for structural engineering
review and the requirement for a Town of Chapel Hill Zoning Compliance Permit combine to
make that part of the project impractical during the AmeriCorps visit.
Upon completion, staff envision that the initial use of the AmeriCorps improvements will be
for the enjoyment and benefit of employees and visitors to Southern Human Services Center.
While the AmeriCorps team is here, the County is also responsible for offering educational
and recreational opportunities. The staff team planning for the project (with representatives
from the Manager's Office, Recreation and Parks, Public Works, ERCD, Planning, Housing,
and Social Services) has identified the following possible experiences (a subset of which
would be pursued):
- A bus tour and orientation of the county,
- A tour and orientation to the Southern Human Services Center,
- A community shelter visit,
- UNC basketball tickets,
- "Inside" tour of UNC hospitals,
- Duke Forest visit and talk with Forest Manager,
- Volleyball,
- Invitation to the annual Community Dinner in Carrboro,
- UNC and Duke campus tours
- Site visit with Habitat for Humanity,
- Site visit to Triangle SportPlex, and
- Apre-project welcome and closing dinner/celebration.
Also, while the team is here, County staff members from ERCD, Recreation and Parks and
Public Works will need to be present to instruct and oversee the work of the project team.
The extent of this time commitment is not known at present, but may potentially affect the
timing of other County projects.
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FINANCIAL IMPACT: Funds in the amount of $10,000 in this year's CIP were appropriated
for improvements as part of this project. The cost of the team labor is covered by
AmeriCorps. County financial impacts will be primarily in lodging (which has been secured at
Camp Chestnut Ridge at $2,500) and miscellaneous tools, work gear and work implements.
The AmeriCorps team will provide and cook their own food, using the kitchen facilities at
Camp Chestnut Ridge.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the BOCC receive the special
presentation and offer any feedback to staff, as desired.
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