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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 19690804MINUTES OF THE ORANGE COUNTY _,,E ?? BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 4, 1969 The Board of Orange County Commissioners met in regular session in the Social Services.Department Staff Welfare. in Hillsborough, North Carolina on Monday, August 4, 1969, at 10:00 o'clock A.M. Members Present: Chairman Carl M. Smith, and Commissioners Harvey D. Bennett, William C. Ray, Henry S. Walker and Ira A. Ward. Members Absent: None Minutes of the previous meetings were read and approved. Chairman Smith read the following statement from Fiber Industries, Inc.: "Fiber Industries, Inc., today withdrew its recuest for re-zoning of its Blackwood Station property in Orange County. In connection with that action, Fiber Industries President Robert L. Dietrich of Charlotte said: "When the Droperty in question was purchased, it was known by us to be less than ideal for our purposes from an engineering point of view. Nevertheless, it was the only useable site we could find in Orange County and its shortcomings were, in our mind, counterbalanced by the multi-faceted attractiveness of the area-and its find people, the essence of any successful venture. There was then, additionally, no zoning in the area and industrial plant construction was permitted without question. "At that time too, we appeared to have the full support of all responsible organizations and citizens of Chapel Hill and Orange County, a fact which encouraged us to undertake the expense and trouble necessary to overcome the problems of the site. "Our recent request for re-zoning, unfortunately, brought forth significant opposition. Although the opposition has agreed that Fiber Industries has earned an excellent reputation as a corporate citizen, they, nevertheless, are opposed to our plans for construction of a plant. "We feel it necessary to have near unanimous support of all major organizations in a community. Thus, while we are profoundly and sincerely appreciative of the warm and generous support accorded us by many fine citizens within the Orange County Community, Fiber Industries has decided to withdraw its reauest for re-zoning. "No decision has been made as to disposition of the site." Chairman Smith advised the Board that he had drafted a letter of reply to Fiber Industries, Inc. relative to their request for withdrawal. Copies of the letter and statement were submitted to the press. Vpon motion of Commissioner Ray, seconded by Commissioner Walker, it was moved and unanimously adopted, that the letter of reply to Fiber Industries, Inc. be made a part of the minutes of this meeting. "August 1969 Mr. Robert L. Dietrich, President Fiber Industries, Inc. Box 10038 Charlotte, N. C. Dear Mr. Dietrich: Mr. James Allen gave us this morning your statment in which Fiber Industries, Inc. withdrew their request for the re-zoning of their property in Orange County. On behalf of the Orange County Board of Commissioners and the people of Orange County let me express our sincere disappointment. We feel that unless we can work out some arrangement which will bring Fiber Industries, Inc. to our county, that this will be a major loss not only from an employment opportunity and from a tax base standpoint, but from the loss of an industry of this exceptional cuality. Many PHD candidates could have been kept in North Carolina rather than leaving the state as they are now doing. The Commissioners have asked that I strongly convey to you our utmost appreciation for the cooperative spirit that you people have shown throughout the past few years. We cannot compliment you highly enough. May we assure you that we will do whatever we can to keep the door open. We are hopeful that we can find another site for you in Orange or can eliminate to your satisfaction the current objections that have caused you to ask for the delay in the re-zoning of this property. I would be remisa if I did not say that the people of our County have been the most united behind the possible coming of Fiber Industries, Inc. that I have ever seen them during my seventeen years of public office holding. The liberals and the conservatives, the communities and their civic clubs, the negroes and the farmers, and the University faculty and townspeople have asked us to do whatever we could to get you to locate in Orange. Again lot me thank you for your interest in Orange County and for your wonderful spirit throughout, emphasize our feeling of a great loss, and assure you that we will do what we can to eliminate any concern that you may have about locating in our County. Sincerely yours, Carl M. Smith, Chairman Orange County Board of Commissioners" Ebert Pierce, Chairman of the Agriculture Extension Agent, presented Robert Mehlhorn as the candidate for the position as Assistant Agriculture Extension Agent. Mr. Pierce stated the background of the candidate and assured the Board that Mr. Mehlhorn had been recommended by the State Agriculture Extension Department and that he could begin his employment in the county as of August 18, 1969. The Board talked with Mr. Mehlhorn and then advised Mr. Pierce that their decision relative to Mr. Mehlhorn's employment would be made later in the meeting. Norman Long, Zoning Officer, presented the following recommendations from the County Planning Board: 1. Reauest of Jack Gates for re-zoning of a tract of land along Highway #54 to a mobile home park. Mr. Long reported he had investigated this case and the Planning Board had determined Mr. Gates was operating a mobile home park on this site prior to the adoption of the ordinance. The Planning Board, therefore, recommended this reauest be approved. Upon motion of Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Walker, it was moved and unanimously adopted, that the recommendation of the Planning Board relative to the request of Jack Gates be adopted. 2. Request of Kenneth Cheek for re-zoning of a tract at the inter- section of North Carolina 86 and SR #1733 (Weaver Dairy Road) from residential to general commercial be approved. Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Ray, it was moved, 'that the recommendation of--the Planning Board relative to the request of Kenneth Cheek be adopted.. .. . . . • . Discussion ensued relative to the approval of the request of Kenneth Cheek by the County Planning Board. Mr. Long advised the Board that this property was located adjacent to property which was already zoned for general commercial use. It was agreed that an inspection of the Cheek property by the Board of Commissioners would be made before any action was taken. Commissioner Walker withdrew his motion. 3. Request made by Paul Robertson on behalf of Mrs. Rufus W. Smith and Mr. Robert Glosson for re-zoning of 13 acres South of North Carolina Highway 54 on State Road 194; from residential to general industrial be denied. Upon motion of Commissioner Ray, seconded by Commissioner Ward, it was moved and unanimously adopted, that the recommendation of the Planning Board relative to the request of Paul Robertson be denied. L?. The request made by Jefferson Builders on behalf of Claude Best for re-zoning a tract of land, on the East side of U. S. Highway 15-501 near the Chatham County line, from residential to general commercial be denied. Upon motion of Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, it was moved and unanimously adopted, that the recommendation of the Planning Board relative to the reauest of Jefferson Builders be denied. Boa 7 PACE 915 Mr. Long advised the Board that a plat entitled "property of Mabel Watson" had been recorded in plat book 17 page 75 of the County Register of Deeds office and that said plat had not been approved by the County Planning Board. He stated further that there existed a technical point in the ordinance law, in that, this plat did not fall within the definition of a subdivision plat, however, the property had been divided into eight (8) tracts with tract number eight containing 2.62 acres which does not meet the requirements of the subdivision section as contained in the Chapel Hill Township Zoning Ordinance. Tracts one through seven (1-7) normally would have been outside the Planning Board's Jurisdiction due to the fact that lots one through seven (1-7) contained more than five acres, however, the problem arises from the fact that lot number eight (8), which is the Holmes place retained by Mabel Watson, has an acreage of 2.62 acres. The County Planning Board has reviewed this matter and recommends that the recorded plat be approved as filed. Upon motion of Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, it was moved and unanimously adopted, that the Board of Commissioners support the recommendation of the County Planning Board relative to the validation of the plat entitled "property of Mabel Watson" recorded in plat book 17 page 755, Orange County Registry. The Register of Deeds was authorized to enter upon the face of the plat the authorization of approval. Discussion ensued relative to the appointment of Robert Mahlhorn. Upon motion of Commissioner Bennett, seconded by Commissioner Walker, it was moved, that Mr. Mehlhorn be employed and that his salary be set within the amount approved in the current budget for the Agriculture Extension Department. Further discussion ensued and Commissioner Bennett agreed to withdraw his motion. Chairman Smith was authorized to sign the following Blind Aid Agenda: "AID TO THE BLIND AGENDA August 4, 1969 NEW NAME EFF. DATE AMOUNT REASON Josephine Remelin 7-1-69 $98 Client entered skilled nursing home. Sudie W. Price 8-1-69 $191 Transferred from OAA Josephine Remelin 8-1-69 $98 to $181 Client entered skilled nursing home Novella D. Sykes 7-1-69 $201 to $256 Co. Insurance expired Matilda Pickett 8-1-69 $189 to $199 Increased boarding home rates Julia W. Fisher 7-1-69 $181 to $186 Increased boarding home rates Banks R. Hobby 7-1-69 $184 to $189 Increased boarding home rates Chairman Smith filed the following items with the clerk: 1. Veterans Service Officer report. 2. Orange County Planning Board Minutes Regular Meeting July 21, 1969. 3. Letter of resignation from Mrs. Dorothy Efland 4. Letter from United States Department of Agriculture relative to 5,000 - 6,000 acres of soil surveys for a Land Use Survey and Analysis, Population and Economy Study, and Land Development and Community Facilities plan for Carrboro. 5. Letter from Alex S. Brock, Executive Secretary, State Board of Elections relative to Emergency Management of Resources. 6. Special Bulletin from North Carolina Association of County Commissioners relative to Act Now to Prevent Taxation of State and Local Bond Interest 7. Letter from Department of Water and Air Resources relative to Federal flood insurance was authorised by an Act of Congress last August. 8. Letter from Harold R. Roberts, University of North Carolina School of Medicine. 9. Letter from Elizabeth A. McMahan to Mr. Charles W. Johnston, Chairman, Orange County Planning Board. BOOK . _ PAGE M 10. Letter from James R. Sheridan, Senior Vice President, North Carolina National Bank, relative to higher interest costs on state and local government financings. 11. Social Services Bulletin. 12. Letter from John T. Morrissy, Sr., General Counsel, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners relative to county service fees. 13. Area Newsletter from North Central Piedmont Resources Conservation and Development of North Carolina 14. Financial Statement for fiscal 1968-69 and the Librarian's Report to the Trustees on Library operation. 15. Booklet entitled Good Neighbors at work in North Carolina. 16. News of the Orange County Welfare Department Homemakers and related services. 17. Vetter from Marjorie R. Pearce, Hearing Officer, State Commission for the Blind, to Miss Betty A. Horne, 519 Highway 70A West, Hillsborough, N. C., relative to notification of public hearing. 18. Letter from L. A. Alley to Mr. Carl M. Smith relative to 10" Sanitary Sewer Outfall to Melville Furniture Plant 19. Report of Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action, Inc. 20. Memorandum from Jacob Koomen relative to legislation. 21. North Carolina General Assembly, 1969 Session, Ratified Bill, Chapter 719, Senate Bill 479. Discussion ensued relative to the taxation of State and Local Bond Interest which was contained in a special bulletin by the Commissioners Association. Upon motion of Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Ray, it was moved and unanimously adopted, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners go on record as being opposed to any taxation of State and Local Bond Interest. The clerk was instructed to write the two Senators and the Congressman advising them of the action taken by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Chairman Smith advised the Board that correspondence had been received from Marjorie R. Pearce, Hearing Officer of the State Commission for the Blind. Mrs. Pearce advised that Miss Betty A. Horne of Hillsborough, North Carolina, had requested a hearing relative to the rejection of her application. L. A. Alley, Engineer for Alley, Williams, Carmen and King, submitted four copies of a change order relative to a 10" sanitary sewerage outfall to Melville ; Furniture Plant. The Board approved the following change order: ORANGE COUNTY WATER & SEWER IMPROVEMENTS ESTIMATED COST OF INSTALLING 10" SANITARY SEWER MAIN (OUTFALL) TO MELVILLE FURNITURE COMPANY. JOB NO. 120-68. 1 Boo L.P. 10" V.C. Pipe 0-61 Deep @ $5.10 $ 9,180.00 L1. O L.F. 10" V.C. Pipe 6-81 Deep @ $5.60 2,1}61}.00 0 20 L.F. 10" V.C. Pipe M01 Deep @ 6.40 1288.00 30 L.F. 10" V.C. Pipe 10-121 Deep @ $8.00 240.00 210 L.F. 10" V.C. Pipe 12-24, Deep @ 10.25 2,152.50 12 Ea. Standard Manholes 0-61 Deep @ 200.00 2,400.00 16 L.F. Extra Depth Manholes 6-121 Deep @ $35.00 560.00 3 L.P. Extra Depth Manholes 12, + @ $75.00 225.00 18 L.F. 10" C.T. Pipe @ 10.00 180.00 2 Ea..10" Double Hubs @ 50.00 100.00 Change Order No. 3 @ L.S. ^2,500.00 Subtotal $20,129.50 + Overhead & Contingencies @ 15% + 3,070.50 GRAND TOTAL $23,200.00 Chairman Smith presented, at the request of Dr. 0. David Garvin, District Health Officer, a resolution entitled: "RESOLUTION TO ENTER AGREEMENT FOR NORTH CAROLINA LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL EMPLOYEESv RETIREMENT SYSTEM TO PROVIDE EMPLOYEE DEATH BENEFITS. WHEREAS, the 1969 General Assembly amended the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System laws so as to permit agreements for providing death benefits for employee members pursuant to G.S. 128-27(1); and tOOK .7 PACE 217 WHEREAS, the governing body of this Unit realizes the desirability of providing its employees with the security and protection provided by a plan for death benefits; and WHEREAS, Article 3 of Chapter 128 of the General Statutes of North Carolina provides that any employer governmental unit desiring to provide death benefits for its employee members must execute an agreement therefor with the Director of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees, Retirement System: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE Orange County Board of Commissioners in regular session, 1. That the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby elects to secure death benefits for its employees in the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement system. 2. That the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby agrees to comply with all provisions of the North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System as defined in Article 3, Chapter 128 of the General Statutes of North Carolina, as amended, and to make such increased employer's contributions as the Local Governmental Employees, Retirement System may determine to be necessary in order to provide employee death benefits. 3. That the Chairman, Board of Commissioners is hereby ordered and directed to execute an agreement with the Director of the North Carolina Local Governmental. Employees? Retirement System to implement the employee death benefits of G.S. 128-27(1). Discussion ensued. Upon motion of Commissioner Ray, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, the above resolution entitled. "Resolution To Enter Agreement For North Carolina Local Governmental Employees' Retirement System To Provide Employee Death Benefits, was unanimously adopted and the clerk was authorized to certify to the North Carolina Local Governmental Enployeesy Retirement System the action taken by the Board. Ebert Pierce, Chairman of the Agriculture Extension gent, advised the Board that the salary of Robert Mahlhorn would be the same as that received by Eugene Jackson plus the ten per cent (10%) cost of living raise which had been given and approved. Upon motion of Commissioner Walker, seconded by Commissioner Bennett, it was moved and unanimously adopted that Robert Mahlhorn be employed as Assistant Agriculture Extension Agent at the salary recommended by Ebert Pierce. Discussion ensued relative to the matter of Fiber Industries. IIoon motion of Commissioner Ward, seconded by Commissioner Ray, it was moved and unanimously adopted and the clerk was instructed to write a letter of appreciation to all Civic clubs, organizations and individuals who participated as proponents at the public hearing held on Thursday, July 17, 1969. Discussion ensued relative to the enactment of G.S. 143-214.1. Commissioner Ward expressed concern over the fact that the two universities of the area were seeking a re-classification of New Hope Creek. Discussion ensued relative to the issues involved. The clerk was instructed to write Pearson Stewart, Director of the Research Triangle Regional Planning Commission, and request that a survey be conducted in order to determine what effect a re-classification of New Hope Creek would indicate as to the economy in the way of land usage and the potential residential and industrial development of the New Hope Basin area. Road petitions were filed for secondary road number 1162 and secondary road number 1139. The clerk was instructed to forward same to the State Righway Commission. Lucius Cheshire, County Attorney, presented the following contract between the County of Orange and Durham Ambulance Service, Inc.: NORTH CAROLINA ORANGE COUNTY nnVMPnrm THIS CONTRACT, Made and entered into this 4th day of August, 1969, by and between COUNTY OF ORANGE, hereinafter designated as "County", and DURHAM AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC., a North Carolina corporation, hereinafter designated as the "Company". BOOK FACE 218 WITNESSETH: That whereas, the execution of this contract is necessary to assure the provisions of adequate and continuing ambulance services in Orange County and to preserve, protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of Orange County. Therefore, for and in consideration of the covenants and agreements herein contained the County and the Company hereby covenant and agree as follows: Section 1. (a) The Company agrees to provide the County qualified ambulance service twenty-four (24) hours each day, each ambulance to be fully equipped with facilities and adeauately manned by personnel to enable the proper transportation of injured or infirm persons within or without the County when necessary. (b) It is agreed that one "emergency vehicle" be placed in Chapel Hill. The Company shall man the emergency vehicle with a minimum of two persons at all times, one of whom shall qualify as an "attendant" under the regulations for the operation of ambulances as adopted by the North Carolina State Board of Health. Any emergency vehicle and/or ambulance furnished by the Company shall comply with the regulations applicable by such vehicles adopted by the State Board of Health. In addition to requisite drivers/attendants, Company agrees to employ one full time manager who shall have the responsibility of managing the entire operation. (c) It is agreed that the Company shall charge for such ambulance service Twenty-Five Dollars ($25.00) for residents of the County. Section II. The Company agrees that upon receiving a request for ambulance service it will dispatch an ambulance to the location requested and there promptly pick up and transport to the nearest hospital or other medical or nursing facility the person or persons requiring such transportation. Section III (a) The County agrees to provide payment to the Company for transporting any resident of Orange County who is a "public assistance recipient" to hospitals or other medical or nursing facilities when sash transportation is on an emergency basis provided the "public assistance recipient" failed to pay for such service after being billed for said service as hereinafter provided. The County further agrees to pay the Company for transporting any resident of Orange County who is a "public assistance recipient" to and from any hospital or other medical or nursing facility to which they may be sent and for transporting such persons to other counties or states when necessary, provided that the Company has obtained from the proper county agency prior written authorization for such transportation, and provided further that the "public assistance recipient" fails to pay for such service after being billed for said service as hereinafter provided. (b) Payments by the County shall be on a monthly basis after receipt from the Company of a statement setting forth the names and addresses of persons who have not paid for services rendered as well as such other information as the County may require. The Company before presenting the County with this statement shall submit by mail to the proper party on at least three separate occasions over a period of at least ninety days from the date of the service call a bill for the services rendered. All payments to the Company shall be made by the County within a reasonable time after receipt of each monthly statement, and in no event more than twenty days after receipt of the bill from the Company, provided, however, that the County shall not be required to pay any portion of said bill which is payable from medicare, workman's compensation, or insurance, or other independent source. (c) In the event the Company collects all or part of its standard ambulance service charge for any of the above persons from any source other than the County, the County shall receive credit therefor or shall be entitled to a refund from the Company. Section IV. In addition to the payments provided for in Section III above for services rendered by the Company to the County, the County agrees to pay to the Company an annual sum of Twenty-Nine Thousand Three Hundred and No/100 ($29,300.00). This sum shall be paid to the Company in twelve monthly installments of approximately Two Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Two and No/100 Dollars ($2,1.2.00) each, said monthly payments being prospective and to be due and payable by the tenth of each month. Section V. It is agreed that on or before October 1, 1969, duly authorized representatives of the County and the Company will confer for the purpose of re-evaluating all the terms of this contract. Section VI. For the purpose of counting trips for which payments by the County will be made as set forth in Section III the following definitions shall apply: (a) Service Call. Service call is defined as a trip made by an ambulance transporting one person requiring aid. When two persons requiring medical aid are transported in the same ambulance this shall be counted as two service calls. BOOK .7 PnE 219 (b) Uneollectible Bill. Uncollectible bill is defined as one which the Company has submitted by mail to the proper party on at least three separate occasions and upon which nothing has been paid; provided that efforts to collect shall have covered a period of at least ninety days from the date of the service call. (c) Public assistance recipient. Public assistance recipient is defined as one who is receiving from the Orange County Welfare Department old age assistance, aid to the permanently and totally disabled, or other assistance paid by the Welfare Department by virtue of the recipient's lack of a means of support or subsistence. Section VIZ. (a) The financial records _of -the Company shall be maintained by an accounting firm and the Company agrees to furnish the County with a semi-annual financial statement of its operations. (b) The Company further agrees that its financial records shall be available at all times for review by any authorized representatives of the County. Section VIII. The Company agrees to provide and maintain a policy or policies of liability insurance on each vehicle used in its operations, such liability insurance shall provide a minimum coverage of one Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000.00) for any one person injured, Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000.00) as a minimum for all persons injured, and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($50,000.00) for property damage, as a result of any one accident. Section IX. This contract shall be in effect from January 1, 1969, until December 31, 1969, unless sooner terminated as-hereinafter provided. If the Company fails to provide the vehicle and personnel to man the same as herein provided, the County reserves the right to terminate this agreement forthwith. For any other breach or breaches by the Company of this agreement, the County reserves the right to cancel this agreement upon giving the Company ninety days written notice of such intention. Notice shall state the specific reasons for such intended cancellation, and in the event the Company does not correct such deficiencies within the period of ten days from the receipt of such notice, such notice shall be deemed final and binding and the agreement thereby terminated; but in all events, other than maintaining the reo_uired vehicle with the recuired personnel to man the same, the Company shall be given the opportunity to correct any deficiencies in its compliance with the terms of this agreement. Section X. (a) It is agreed that the uncollected accounts paid by the County shall be assigned to the County by the Company. (b) The Company agrees to serve that portion of Orange County South of the Highway known as "Interstate 85". The Company further agrees to render mutual aid in the Northern portion of Orange County when such aid is requested by competent authority. (c) The Company further agrees that the County will in no way be responsible for the payment of accounts of those persons not residents of Orange County. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, The County Commissioners of Orange County and Durham Ambulance Service, Inc. have set their hands, and the County has caused these presents to be signed in its name by the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, attested by its County Administrator, and its corporate seal to be affixed thereto, all by order of the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County; and the Company has caused these presents to be signed in its name by its Vice President and attested by its Secretary- Treasurer, and its corporate seal to be affixed hereto, all by order of its Board of Directors. Attest: County Administrator Attest: Secretary-Treasurer ORANGE COUNTY By, /s/ CM Smith Chairman, oar o omml ss oners o Orange County DURHAM AMBULANCE SERVICE, INC. By, ice President Upon motion of Commissioner Ray, seconded by Commissioner Walker, Chairman Smith was authorized to execute said contract. BOOK 7 PACE 220 Chairman Smith advised the Board that a Civil Defense Director for Northern Orange County should be appointed. It was suggested that the County Administrator approach Burch Compton, Commander of the Orange County Rescue Scuad, to see if the rescue squad would undertake all civil defense matters. Clarence Jones, Chairman of the Orange County Human Relations Council, submitted a letter of resignation from Mrs. Dorothy Efland and Howard Compton. He advised the Board that he felt these positions on the council should be filled at the earliest convenient date. Reports were made to the Board by the delegates who attended the National - Association of County Officials annual conference which was held in Portland, Oregon on July 27-30, 1969. Commissioner Ray Informed the Board that the Register of Deeds had been elected as President of the National Association of County Recorders and Clerks. The clerk was instructed to insert the following resolution in the minutes of this meeting: "THAT WHEREAS, Betty June Hayes was elected Register of Deeds of Orange County in 1954 and has served in that capacity with distinction since said tim6; and whereas, she has provided for the citizens of Orange County one of the most modern and efficient operations in the entire State, having incorporated the most modern techniauss of recording and indexing; and whereas, she has participated both in the State and National organizations of Registers of Deeds, having been a member of the National organization for ten years, where she has served as Secretary-Treasurer for four years, has held the office of Third Vice President and First President, has served as a member of the Board of Directors for three years; and whereas, she has contributed tremendously toward accomplishing the objectives of the National organization in their efforts to encourage the passage of uniform laws pertaining to the administration of the duties of Clerks and Recorders, and the organization's efforts to provide a medium in which Clerks and Recorders may exchange thoughts and ideas relative to their respective offices; and whereas, in recognition of her efforts and contributions the National Association of County Recorders and Clerks at its annual convention held in Portland, Oregon, did, on Wednesday, July 30, 1969, elect the said Betty June Hayes President of the National Association; and whereas, to the knowledge of the Board of Commissioners she is the first county official to be so honored: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners by this resolution does recognize the high tribute paid to Miss Betty June Hayes by the National Association of County Recorders and Clerks. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution be spread upon the minutes in order that the record of this honor be perpetuated in the records of our County. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be presented to Miss Betty June Hayes. Chairman Smith advised the Board that a public hearing was scheduled for Monday, August 4, 1969 at 8 P.M. in the Courtroom of the Courthouse for the purpose of determining whether or not the county would create a Public Housing Authority. Chairman Smith read the following from G.S. 157-33: "After such a hearing, the board of county commissioners shall determine (i) whether4snsanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations exist in the county and/or (ii) whether there is a lack of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in the county available for all the inhabitants thereof. In determining whether dwelling accommodations are unsafe or insanitary, the board of county commissioners shall take into consideration the following: The physical condition and age of the buildings; the degree of overcrowding; the percentage of the land coverage; the light and air available to the inhabitants of such dwelling accommodations; the size and arrangement of the rooms; the sanitary facilities; and the extent to which conditions exist in such buildings which endanger life or property by fire or other causes". There being, no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned to meet again on Monday, August 4, 1969. Carl M. Smith, Chairman Betty June Hayes, Clerk MINUTES OF THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS August 4, 1969 BCDK 7 PAGE 221 The Board of Orange County Commissioners met in adjourned session in the Courtroom at the Courthouse in Hillsborough, North Carolina on Monday, August 4, 1969, at 8:00 o'clock P.M. for the purpose of holding a public hearing on whether or not the county would create a Public Housing Authority. Members Present: Chairman Carl M. Smith, and Commissioners Harvey D. Bennett, William C. Ray, Henry S. Walker and Ira A. Ward. Members Absent: None Chairman Smith cited G.S. 157-33, same being as follows: "The board.of county commissioners shall determine (i) whether arisanitary or unsafe inhabited dwelling accommodations exist iri th.e county and/or (ii) whether there is a lack of safe or sanitary dwelling accommodations in the county available for all the inhabitants thereof. In determining whether dwelling accommodations are unsafe or insanitary, the board of county commissioners shall take into consideration the following: The physical condition and age of the buildings; the degree of over- crowding; the percentage of the land coverage; the light and air available to the inhabitants of such dwelling accommodations; the size and arrangement of the rooms; the sanitary facilities; and the extent to which conditions exist in such buildings which endanger life or property by fire or other causes". Chairman Smith recognized Coolidge Porterfield, Rousing Development Co-ordinator for the Joint Orange-Chatham Community Action Agency, who acted as Chairman of the proponents for the establishment of a Public Housing Authority. Mr. Porterfield stated that it was his job to interview citizens from the lower income bracket in order to determine whether or not they could afford to purchase their own homes. He cited that a two hundred dollar ($200.00) down payment must be paid on a ten thousand dollar ($10,000.00) mortgage at an interest rate of one percent (1%) and a monthly installment rate of forty-nine dollars ($49.00). That his investigation found there were 3,885 citizens or thirty-one (3170) percent of the citizenry of this county whose homes lacked indoor plumbing and that there were 2,319 families whose incomes were less than $3,200 annually. Mr. Porterfield recognized the following persons: Mrs. Elva J. Butler, a Public Health Nurse from Chatham County. Mrs. Butler stated that inadequate housing and ill health go hand in hand to create an undesirable situation. Wiley Perry, Farm Supply Dealer, stated that due to his experience with the Orange Alamance Water Systems, Inc. he had become acutely aware of the lack of economic opportunities for employment in the county. Re stated further that he was now working with the Research Triangle Planning Commission and the Orange County Economic Opportunity committee, hopefully for the purpose of broadening the employment base in the county. Horace Johnson, member of the human Relations Council, stated that employment and housing are impossible to separate and that with the loss of Fiber Industries, Inc, it was his opinion that the economic situation in Orange County, especially to the low income families, would be a long time in being relieved, Dr. Henry Turlington, Minister of the University Baptist Church, stated that it was the general opinion that poverty was the fault of the person who dwelt in poverty, but he pointed out that sometimes this is not the case, in that, homes were not currently being built by commercial builders for the low income citizens. He suggested that the Commissioners help provide decent jobs for the less skilled citizens and assist with the changing of housing problems by the establishment of a Public Housing Authority. Dr. Dorothy Kiester, Assistant Director of the Institute of Government and a member of the Community Action Committee, stated that a Public Housing Authority would provide the necessary machinery for home ownership and thus enable some individuals to help themselves towards a better way of life. Pearson Stewart, Executive Director, Research Triangle Regional Planning Commission, stated that after a personal investigation of the sub-standard housing condition in Orange County that under the prevailing situation he knew of no way to meet the housing defici6ney.exeept by using all avenues which were available, such as public and private housing. He suggested that the Orange County Board of Commissioners appoint the members of the Board of Commissioners as the Public Housing Authority, because this board was accountable and they had the authority to co-ordinate their efforts with other agencies of government and were aware of what was happening in the county. aoaK 7 PACE 222 Watts Hill, Sr., former Chairman of the Durham Housing Authority, stated that he favored Pearson Stewartfs recommendation and that home ownership should be encouraged rather than creating potential ghettos with barrack type buildings. He urged that a County Housing Authority be established as one means of improving the housing situation. Rev. Benny Mack stated that because of his position as a minister he was aware of the housing needs which existed in the county and that the establishment of a Public Housing Authority could mean a great deal to those persons who had lost-hope for a better future. He urged the Commissioners to establish a Public Housing Authority. Coolidge Porterfield read N. C. Bill 10-19 relative to the housing shortage and urged the Commissioners to establish a Public Housing Authority. Chairman Smith inqured if there were any persons present who wished to speak in opposition to the establishment of a Public Housing Authority. No opponents to the establishment of a Public Housing Authority came forth to speak. Chairman Smith stated that the Board of Commissioners had expended much energy, time and effort in trying to create an economy which would help raise the standard of living for all of Orange County's citizens, however, the loss of Fiber Industries, Inc. had dealt a tremendous blow to the efforts of the Board. Chairman Smith asked if there were any other persons who would like to be heard. No response came forth from the audience. Chairman Smith then thanked those persons present for their interest in county government and declared that there was no other business to come before the public hearing. The public hearing was then adJourned. Carl M. Smith, Chairman Norman Long, Acting Clerk