More feasibility studies for highway improvements in Chatham; financial disclosure required to serve on committees; why property revaluation for taxes is a good thing; who does NOT own their mineral rights in Chatham; renting Old Courthouse for events; Chatham County BOC annual report.

Work Session (all present)

1. NC DOT discussion about pending 2013 corridor study, 15/501 Pittsboro bypass, north to NC 54 (Orange Co).  Darius Sturdivant (DOT, Div. 8) said the 13-mile study would determine deficiencies along this stretch related to increasing traffic flow and how to address it (traffic circles, managed lanes, park & ride, etc).  DOT working with Triangle Area Regional Planning Organization (TARPO) and DCHC-MPO (see #2) to form steering committee on project scope.  DOT also beginning a Hwy 751 feasibility study.
2. DCHC-MPO (Durham-Chapel Hill-Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization) wants Chatham money.  This transportation planning group just includes a small northeast slice of Chatham bordering Orange and Durham counties.  Marcia Brown said Chatham has been a member of this body for 20 years and the City of Durham provided the entire 20% match for federal dollars.  Now Durham wants all members to contribute a pro-rata share for 2014.  The Federal money for 2014 is $1,262,102 and using a population breakdown for the area covered (14,160 folks in the northeast Chatham area), they asked for $11,201 from Chatham BOC.  This group’s planning activities include the metropolitan transportation plan, comprehensive transportation plan, congestion plans, special studies, and the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) that actually funds road improvement projects [Chatham doesn’t get much $ attention].  The existing 1994 Memoranda of Understanding is being revised.  No one made a motion to pay Chatham’s share.
3. Statement of Economic Interest required by Ethics Law.  Sally Kost stated that financial disclosure of spouses (and other relatives) is now required if a Commissioner or staff is appointed to a regional planning organization because of provisions in the ethics law.  She found that objectionable and a reason not to become an “official” member.
4. Revaluation pros and cons.  Michael Brown, NC Department of Revenue, said state law requires every county to conduct a revaluation of real property every 8 years.  Chatham’s last revaluation was 2009.   However, the Chatham Co. tax office will complete property revaluation in 2014 and notify owners of new valuation on January 1, 2015.  The purpose of the revaluation is to reflect the current housing market.  Brown said 40 counties are on a 4-year reappraisal cycle [think urban counties with lots of growth], and the revaluation is a “snapshot” that reflects buyers/sellers...and realigns values to the market.  He said the Dept. of Revenue does a random sampling every year in all 100 counties to compare the sales price of properties to the tax assessed valuation, to achieve a ratio. Chatham’s ratio is 1:04 which means the market value of homes is somewhat below assessed value.
5. Split estates in Chatham County.  More than 4,000 acres of land in Chatham County have mineral rights severed (by deed).  Sally Kost asked the Register of Deeds to find information on the specific boundaries involved in these split estates, and map them as an overlay to parcels.  Numerous surface owners are affected because property may have been inherited, or otherwise subdivided, and it is difficult to track back through deed history because deed language is not consistent.  [Note: Title searches only investigate prior 40 years and these split estates go back much further.] This is an issue for property owners because of the potential for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in southern Chatham County.  The County collects ad valorum taxes from the mineral rights owners (if they listed the property), so the Register of Deeds can attempt to identify the property boundaries.  Kost pointed out that Lee County’s GIS researched and mapped 76 split estates.
6. Rental of Old Courthouse.  The old Courthouse in the circle will be dedicated Saturday, April 20.  County Manager Charlie Horne drafted guidelines on rental policy:  $400 deposit (refundable); a $35/hour charge for custodial service (2 hr. minimum); 60-day reservation; no food or drink on the second floor courtroom.  The BOC approved these guidelines.  The first use of the refurbished Courthouse will be the Chatham Democratic Party Convention on Saturday, April 27.
7. Chatham stays with Triangle J Council of Government.  Mike Cross is working with NC Legislative Forum regarding the proposed re-alignment of counties into various regional patterns.  The DOT regional reorganization would have moved Chatham into the Mecklenburg sphere, but we will now stay with Triangle grouping.

 Regular Session (all present)

8. State of County report, 2013.  No property tax increase; 958 new jobs in last year; spending for general operations is down, but spending for schools is up (a one-time payment of $458,000 for charter schools in 2011 contributed to this increase); mandated services are 72% of the County budget, balance is facility maintenance and computer systems; fewer staff working hard to deliver great service; new buildings include the Justice Center that houses all courtrooms and court officials; the historic courthouse reconstruction...grand reopening April 20; a new backup 9-1-1 center in Siler City; and new 62-acre park in northeast Chatham on land donated by Brian Chapel; fabulous staff that win top state awards; new permitting efficiencies for businesses; electronics recycling; assisted 75 pullet and broiler farms to secure new contracts after closure of Townsends; connecting to City of Durham’s water system to supply water for Northeast Water District; Chatham had NC’s highest percentage voter turnout in November 2012.

Diana Hales, retired

More cellphone towers in our future; American Tobacco Trailhead parking on New Hope Church Rd; another bad legislative bill, S127, puts Chatham and Charlotte in same transportation region; update to last week’s BOC sale (vote 3 to 2) of 188 acres in Siler City’s business park.   

Regular Session (Walter Petty absent, Brian Bock chaired the meeting)

1.  Annual public hearing to review telecommunication tower search rings.  Good news, about 10 proposed cell towers will be built (AT&T plans to build 6, co-locations with other vendors) for underserved areas in Chatham.  There will still be holes in coverage in some rural areas.  Discussion about county’s 199-ft height limit (above 200-ft must have strobe light on top), but Planning Dept. will review ordinance.
 
2.  New Hope Church Rd. parking for American Tobacco Trail.  Chatham Co. is responsible for design, maintenance and parking for its 4.6 mile section of American Tobacco Trail.  Through the Interlocal Agreement with Town of Cary, a Congestion, Mitigation, Air Quality (CMAQ) 2009 grant application was successful for federal funds managed by NC DOT to construct a 12-acre trailhead park on New Hope Church Rd.  The grant will include water, sewer (bathrooms) and stormwater features as well as a future playground area.  Construction begins in 2014 and will be complete in 2015.  This will replace the sidewalk along New Hope Church Rd.  Parking area will be open 24 hours, but patrolled by Cary police.
 
3.  S127 to Establish Uniform Regional Districts for all state services.  Sally Kost said this proposed bill would take Chatham out of Triangle transportation and economic planning organizations and place Chatham in the Mecklenburg region for all services.  The bill actually assigned counties that make up the larger triangle metropolitan area to different regions. The BOC agreed to send a letter to Senator Ellie Kinnaird and Representative Deb McManus to ask to defeat this bill.    
 
4.  Sale of 188 acres in Siler City’s business park to private individual.  Last week at the “special” BOC meeting, the vote was 3 to 2 (Kost, Cross opposed) to sell this county acreage that touches the Rocky River in the Central Carolina Business Park (Hwy 64 and Wal-Mart in Siler City).  Mike Cross and Sally Kost, as well as several citizens, opposed this sale because it permanently removes this site from any future commercial development that would benefit Siler City and Chatham County taxpayers, and it did not recoup the County investment in the property ($21,000/acre) at the sale price of $6,000/acre.  Additionally, a two-year Siler City citizen-led project to create a concept plan for a nature trail along the Rocky River was ready for presentation to the Chatham Co. Board of Commissioners, but the quick sale squashed that opportunity.  Brian Bock said that he and Walter Petty met with the buyer (130 of Chatham LLC) after the March 11 meeting, and there was the possibility of talks between Siler City and the new owner about the nature trail. 

Special Meeting: Consider request by Board of Education for Special Election; consider need for building Northeast area high school; and consider sale of county property along Rocky River in Central Carolina business park (Siler City).  Regular meeting of Chatham Co BOC will be Monday, March 18, 6:00 pm 

Work Session (all present)

1.  Mega Site Certification.  From consent agenda, the BOC supported a resolution to promote future industrial use of a 1,625 acre non-residential site, currently owned by Tim Booras and D.H. Griffin, Sr., through application to NC’s Certified Sites Program.  The acreage borders western Chatham and eastern Randolph counties and is along the Norfolk Southern rail line between Old US 421 and US 64.
 
2.  Special Election, Bd. of Education vacancy.  The BOE (District 4) seat vacated by Deb McManus is in contention.  The current 4-member Board of Education is deadlocked on an appointment, and has requested an election.  The county submits a Resolution to the General Assembly requesting this election.  Sally Kost said since the BOE election is county-wide it could be combined this November with a bond referendum for construction of a new Agricultural Building. The three Chatham towns are holding municipal elections this November, so everything could be accommodated in one election.  The Board of Elections is figuring the cost of holding the countywide election. Chair Walter Petty says the BOC has not “officially” decided to more forward with the bond issue.  Question on whether the cost of this election should be split between County and Bd. of Education.  Motion to adopt a revised resolution requesting the Special Election, passed.   
 
3.  Need a northeast High School?   Probably not, per Superintendent Robert Logan.  This school, slated to be built 2015-16 on county-owned land off Jack Bennett Rd., many not be needed based on projected enrollment patterns, which he expects could be accommodated (with student reassignment) until 2020.  Delay has a financing cost, but an operational school has on-going costs.  Logan argued that when the County acquired the Jack Bennett land, the growth was expected in the northeast area.  Now, the larger Chatham Park development southeast of Pittsboro would shift the optimal school location closer to Hwy 64 around Lake Jordan.  He said two smaller schools cost more than one larger school to operate.  If the Jack Bennett Rd. site is built, it would split Northwood High School student population (1,100) into two schools resulting in loss of some of the 14 current AP programs, and numerous student activities: 30 clubs and honor societies, 38 sports teams, and all arts--band, dance, visual, choral, theatre.  Logan mentioned Chatham Central HS low enrollment (now at 380) is of great concern because it could lose some state funding and the smaller student population reduces course offerings and student opportunities; there will be another attempt to redistrict students.  [Note: Jordan-Matthews HS in Siler City has 720 students]. Sally Kost was concerned about current lengthy school bus commutes from the northeast corner of the county to Northwood HS and wanted some express routes considered.  She said the Bd. of Education should have brought this up sooner in the Capital Improvement Planning (CIP) process and agree on a cost for the business model.  Walter Petty said if numbers don’t support building new high school, should delay construction, and try to rotate more students to Chatham Central.  Brian Bock said numbers do not justify keeping the Jack Bennett high school in the CIP, and said the Bd of Education should actively search for a new school site of at least 65 acres.  Discussion about safety of Jack Bennett road and problems with that site; perhaps it was not a wise purchase.  Staff said it is more favorable to delay the school, but they are collecting financial information about the cost of a construction delay.  Motion to accept the BOE recommendation to delay northeast high school for 2 years and make assumptions on a debt model of $55 million, passed 4 to 1 (Sally Kost, no).

4. County Sells Property along Rocky River.  The Central Carolina Business Park, on Hwy 64 next to Wal-Mart in Siler City, was purchased by the County in 2000 to provide a business park setting for commercial development in Siler City.  Currently UNC Chatham Hospital, a medical center, a dialysis center, the CCCC Siler City Campus and a juvenile detention facility are the only facilities in the 469-acre park.  A private buyer, 130 Chatham LLC, has contracted to purchase 188 acres in the lots that touch the Rocky River for a price of $6,000/acre, or $1.128 million.  This private buyer indicates that he wants to conserve the Rocky River corridor, will not grant public access, and will not develop the land per the covenant.  Three speakers spoke against this sale.  From an economic standpoint the County has invested  $21,062/per acre in the initial purchase and infrastructure development of this property and loses ALL potential tax benefits that could accrue from any development on those 188 acres; therefore this is NOT a benefit to taxpayers.  Additional points were that the property was not adequately marketed, had no web-presence for years, compounded by the recession, and should remain for sale as economy improves.  Asked for a delay in the sale.
 
The Siler City NC STEP team had completed a concept plan for a nature trail and walkways along the “undevelopable” county-owned portion of the Rocky River, and was ready to present it to the BOC at the March 18 meeting.  This contract for sale to 130 Chatham LLC and the hastily-called Special Meeting made that request moot.  The NC STEP team planned to present the concept plan, and ask BOC for easements for the unbuildable portions of these lots (about half the actual acreage), leaving the buildable portions for development.  The idea for trail/pathways along the Rocky River has been in the business park plan since it was purchased; just no action ever taken. This county-owned land is the ONLY possible public access to the entire 37-mile length of the Rocky River, with the exception of White Pines nature preserve, owned by Triangle Land Conservancy, off 15/501 south of Pittsboro at the confluence with the Deep River.  It was also pointed out that this owner, 130 of Chatham LLC, had already purchased thousands of acres along the Rocky River.  Mike Cross said Siler City was expecting water and sewer customers, which will not happen if this land is not developed, and he said the County should retain the unbuildable strip along the river.  He said this is a handout to this buyer; the County does not need to sell.  Brian Bock said take the money, this sale protects the Rocky River, and still leaves 134 buildable acres in the park for future development.  The Chatham Co. Economic Development Corporation is handling the sale and spoke in favor, using terms like “albatross around the neck” in characterizing the business park.  Pam Stewart said the 2-year building covenant timeframe should be waived; Sally Kost says public access is lost, possibly forever, and citizens are shortchanged for this private party; Walter Petty said maybe we should “ask” potential owner if County can keep easement and provide access, but Joe from EDC said owner was clear he did not want public access.  They voted to accept the offer of $6,000/acre from 130 Chatham LLC after publishing a Public Notice in Chatham News and Record (it appeared in March 14 paper) for an upset bid...just in case someone else wants to buy this at more than $1.128 million.  Motion to accept offer:  3 to 2 (Kost, Cross voted against)

Diana Hales, retired

Energy audits of county buildings; oppose proposed NC law on local vehicle tax collection; new agricultural center for Pittsboro; riled-up second amendment gun supporters speak; new cell tower off O’Kelly Chapel Rd.; Westfall (Booth Mt) conditional use and First Plat approved; BOC goals refined; First Responders memorial site approved; BOC to send letter AGAINST Compulsory Pooling for natural gas drilling—fracking.
 
Work Session (all present)
1.  Energy audits.  County had previous contract with Johnson Controls to identify equipment replacement/upgrades to achieve energy savings; estimated about $1.5 million saved after HVAC and lighting improvements.  Petty/Bock wanted more info on the LEED-certified buildings and whether they are actually energy efficient, as promised.  David Hughes said the solar collectors (Pollard school) were designed incorrectly and had to be re-engineered. Kost said another aspect is whether we are following efficiency recommendations, for example, to keep windows uncovered to allow natural lighting during the day.
   
2.  Library reservations.  Current policy on the Holmes Meeting Room in the Chatham Community Library is to take reservations no more than 45 days in advance.  Library says they need flexibility so they can schedule their own events as a priority.  Kost asked if they could extend the advance booking 60-90 days because some community groups have complained about the short time to schedule an event that needs advance publicity. The Library advisory committee will meet March 5 and consider the request for extending the advance booking and also door access issues related to non-library hours.
 
3.  Oppose HB30.  After several years of work, the NC Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is ready to roll out a new system in July that will allow the State to collect local vehicle taxes when you annually register your license tags.  This system actually saves counties money and will guarantee more robust tax collections, including collection of delinquent taxes before tags will be issued (Chatham collects 92% of vehicle taxes owed).  A bill in the NC House, HB30, would stop that process, now, and revert to a more expensive operation for each county.  The BOC unanimously agreed to send letters to the Governor and NC Association of County Commissioners opposing HB30 and also ask to hold counties harmless in tax reform.
 
4.  New Agricultural Building.  Discussion about where this building would be built...Siler City not selected, even though BOC had received a resolution from Siler City BOC asking for consideration.  Unanimously agreed on Pittsboro property adjacent to CCCC for the site.  Discussion about what public space could be accommodated in this structure, in terms of meeting space and performance space.  Kost said community groups need to be included in discussions on the uses of this building.  Bock said he did not think the new ag building should be viewed as a civic center or performing arts space.  Kost said there is a shortage of community meeting space in Pittsboro; this building could help.  Sam Groce said there are 30 current users of the Ag Bldg. that regularly meet and have classes/workshops.  They need more space.  Charlie Horne said he had requested a “capacity use” for architect, and was told 300 people with tables and chairs.  [Note: The existing Ag auditorium “supposedly” can seat 200 theater-style in the auditorium...no way.] There will be discussion about multiple uses of this building in the future, and a review of the plans/design.  Unanimously agreed to send a letter to Siler City Board of Commissioners on why it was not selected.
 
Regular Session (all present)

5.  Public Input.  Second amendment pro-gun owners had their say about gun rights and any attempt to restrict gun sales at Wal-Mart, a false rumor attributed to Commissioner Sally Kost.
 
6.  Proposed 150-ft cell tower at Old Chatham Golf Club, O’Kelly Chapel Rd.  This will serve the Williams Township area, a current dead zone.  Tower will look like a tree.  Rezoning of .27 acres to light industrial.  BOC sent to Planning Bd. for review.
 
7.  Westfall Associates (formerly Booth Mt) conditional use permit amendment.  Unanimously approved the subdivision reconfiguration from 180 to 242 lots with new riparian buffers and stormwater rules; adding 14 acres and 62 lots while decreasing the overall footprint by 23 acres.  Unanimously approved the First Plat.  Environmental Impact Assessment was completed.  Kost says her 2005 concerns were addressed with the riparian buffer improvements and use of the challenging topography.  Roads will be private because of hilly standard that DOT did not want to approve; but there is a covenant for road maintenance funds.
 
8.  First Responders Memorial to be located by new Justice Center, 128 Sanford Rd., Pittsboro.  Kost said she would prefer a Chatham-centric memorial, instead of a 9-11 memorial (the Twin Towers artifact) at this location.  Kost said she wanted other sites evaluated, and stated that no other 9-11 memorial sites are at courthouses.  She was concerned that it would be a 9-11 reminder with negative connotations.  Pam Stewart said this site is across from a fire station and should be viewed as a memorial to first responders and self-sacrifice.  Bock said the local first responders do not have an issue with this site.  Mike Cross said the Chatham Fair people do not have an issue [there will be a plaque commemorating this as a former property of Chatham County Fair Association].  The monument will be built with private donations.  Motion to approve the site for memorial, passed 4 to 1 (Sally Kost, no).
 
9.  BOC goals, revised.  One goal was to increase the tax base by 1% per year...too optimistic per Chatham’s Economic Development Corp.  Changed to 5% over 10 years.  Kost made suggestions to move a number of items to “efficient government” goal.
 
10.  Renee Paschal, Assistant County Manager is leaving (after 20 years) to join Wake County as Director of the Budget.
 
11.  Bock wants to send a letter to Mining and Energy Commission strongly opposing the Compulsory Pooling aspect of the hydraulic fracturing rule-making.  It was unanimously agreed that this is an excessive reach of eminent domain for economic interests.
 
12.  Kost wants Chatham Register of Deeds to present to the BOC about the severed estates (deeded mineral rights) and show, via GIS mapping, the properties affected.  Kost had seen this presented by Lee County GIS at a Compulsory Pooling Study Group meeting.