Minutes - 20030520 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

and asked what kind of vote this is because the County Commissioners do not have the authority to vote on the paving of roads. Commissioner Jacobs said this resolution arose out of discussions with representatives of DOT and the developer. They knew they were treading in an area where the Board of County Commissioners usually does not go, but some policies have changed. He said that Arthur Minnis Road has been discussed on and off for 30 years about being paved. He said that it seems to him that it has been the County's default decision to protect the citizens because there were safety concerns that were articulated at first by the residents of the road. Also, this road has a connectivity function that some other unpaved roads do not have. He thinks the intent is to try and bring clarity to a situation where there has been no policy. Another element that came up in this was the possibility of the developer to provide money to pave the road. He thinks there should be a policy to address this. Commissioner Gordon appreciates what Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Halkiotis did with talking with neighbors. She said that she remembers that some residents said that if the entire road were paved then it would be all right. She is not quite sure why we need to have a policy and why it has to say, "even though adjacent residents may not be supportive". Commissioner Carey said that this should be sent back for more work to clarify some issues for the public. Commissioner Jacobs suggested deferring this resolution to the public hearing where this will be held. Chair Brown suggested putting this on a work session to work out what kind of policy is needed. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to table this item to the meeting where the Board will act on the Secondary Road Improvement Plan. This is with the understanding that the language will be reviewed. Commissioner Gordon said that there is no meeting. John Link agreed and said that DOT will make decisions on what is paved or not paved and this whole process is to give DOT guidance about what the Board thinks is important. Commissioner Jacobs asked DOT Division Engineer Mike Mills if the Board would have an opportunity to work on the policy before it goes forward. Mike Mills said that once they present the program, they would like to get the resolution then. Commissioner Jacobs said that the problem is if we go away tonight without having any policy, then there has been no feedback or guidance to DOT. Mike Mills said that if Arthur Minnis Road were still on the program, then they would go back and try and get right-of-way. If they do not get right- of-way, they will not pave the road. Commissioner Jacobs verified that the County Commissioners could request that Arthur Minnis Road be taken off the list, and DOT will not pave it. Chair Brown asked Mike Mills about the meeting with the residents of Arthur Minnis Road about a month ago. Mike Mills said that District Engineer Chuck Edwards attended and he deferred to him. NCDOT District Engineer for Orange and Alamance Counties Chuck Edwards said that at the meeting in March, 20 people were in attendance. He said that they showed the proposed plan for the road and they talked about right-of-way issues and how they affect individual properties. They also talked about some of the legislation regarding condemnation. It was an educational meeting. Commissioner Carey asked what this vote was specifically for and Craig Benedict said that this vote is specifically for when they are reviewing subdivisions and the developer contributes to pave the road. Commissioner Carey clarified that the motion is to defer this to make some amendments and vote on this at the same meeting of the vote on the Secondary Road Improvement Plan. Mike Mills said that they would need the resolution tonight. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs said that this resolution was derived from conversations that the Board had at previous meetings. He pointed out that when the Board further discusses transportation issues, there needs to be a separate transportation advisory board for recommendations.