Minutes - 11-30-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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sewer. Orange County is also suggesting an emergency access over to US 70. The water plans involve asix-inch water line. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he is enthusiastic about seeing A Southern Season staying in Orange County. He feels that with same architectural changes that it will look nice. It is a clean business, which does not pollute or use a lot of water. He said that it complements the Triangle Sportsplex, which is right behind it and that it would be nice to have a pedestrian pathway from the building to the Sportsplex. Commissioner Gordon asked about the intersection of NC 86 and US 70 and the sight distance. She asked what would be done with this intersection. Craig Benedict said that a right turn lane was being suggested. Also, the road will be realigned with Elizabeth Brady Road. Commissioner Gordan feels that the development should be configured so that the intersection can be made safer than it is now. Commissioner Brown made reference to Phase II and III and asked what was planned. Craig Benedict said that the planned development would indicate what would go in those phases. He said that there are two areas that are fully wooded. Commissioner Jacobs said that the Board could recommend that the developer put a traffic light at the intersection of NC86 and US70. He asked Craig Benedict if, based on his experience in working with developers, how he would describe the developer's proposal. Craig Benedict said that he does not feel the developer went through the special regulations. He feels that the developer did not see the plan for the entranceways because they would have enhanced it. Commissioner Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Halkiotis that this is the kind of economic development the County has been trying to achieve. He said that we still have not adequately addressed phased plans. Also, we need to make it clear that there are standards that we consider basic standards. Commissioner Jacobs asked about interconnectivity and Craig Benedict said that the only interconnectivity is across Cates Creek. He asked if the burm eliminated the possibility of having sidewalks. Craig Benedict said that the sidewalks would not go in Phase I but could be included in Phases II and III. The Board will support the staff working with Hillsborough Planning Director Margaret Hauth and will submit the comments as presented and amended as stated above. 2. Employee Pay and Benefits Personnel Director Elaine Holmes made this presentation. The Board completed a comprehensive review of pay and benefits on 1998-99 and had reached consensus on the elements of the pay and benefits plan. The Board adopted atwo-year plan that covered last year and this year. The purpose of this work session is to consider directions for the upcoming two years, which would be 2001-2002 and 2002-2003. She presented two questions for the Board's discussion - Is the Board satisfied as to current directions? and, Are there any new or unachieved objectives the Board wishes to pursue? In the past two years, the Board approved cost-of-living increases of 2°~ and 2.75°1°, approved the in-range increase as a half step {about 2.5°fo), established Meritorious Service Awards for superior and exceptional accomplishments, and initiated an employee 401 {k} contribution. The Board also added two personal leave days and addressed the pay of the County's lowest salaried employees by setting a minimum salary of $20,798 for a permanent employee. The pay and benefit plan has been very successful. Some key elements for future consideration are cost of living, the labor market, recruitment, and present employee salaries. It has become increasingly difficult to be competitive in the market place and maintain equity with the current staff. The report as presented provides information on Cafeteria benefits, 401 (k) plan contribution, vacation buy back, domestic partners, and early retirement incentives. John Link asked that the County Commissioners give staff guidance on what the County Commissioners would like to see changed in the plan, 401(k), cafeteria plan, etc. The staff would like some direction sa they can work an these items between now and budget time.