Agenda - 01-21-20 6-a - 2020 Greene Tract Resolution and Environmental Assessment Interlocal Agreement

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3 With adoption by all three governing boards, the attached resolution would supersede the 2002 Resolution, approved December 10, 2002, and the 2019 Resolution adopted on February 19, 2019 which outlined the County and Towns' intentions for developing the Greene Tract. Greene Tract Environmental Assessment Interlocal Agreement The proposed 2020 Greene Tract resolution outlines next steps, which includes the initiation of an environmental assessment of the 164 acre Greene Tract to determine the most environmental sensitive area to be designated as the Headwaters Preserve along with required environmental areas within the 104 acres. The purpose of this environmental assessment is to obtain site-specific information on environmental conditions present on the Greene Tract in order to identify areas of the property to be preserved and/or protected. The assessment will also balance the environmental conditions in conjunction with future infrastructure (i.e. roads, water, sewer, stormwater, etc.) necessary for adjacent future development. A future developer would use this information as a base and not have to duplicate such work. After future preserved areas are identified, then other areas that could be considered for desired uses as determined in future site evaluations, suitability analyses, community input sessions, site plans, and development proposals. Orange County, in partnership with the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro, will be providing joint funding to cover the costs of the environmental assessment as outlined in the Interlocal Agreement (Attachment 3). The estimated cost for the environmental assessment is $40,000. Based on the proposed cost share agreement of 43/43/14 percent (Orange County/Chapel Hill/Carrboro respectively), Orange County's cost share will be approximately $17,200. The proposed Interlocal Agreement has also been reviewed by the respective Attorneys of the three local governments. The 2020 Greene Tract Resolution and Interlocal Agreement are planned for adoption consideration at the January 21 Carrboro Board of Aldermen meeting and the January 22 Chapel Hill Town Council Meeting. Any amendments to the resolution and/or interlocal agreement by the Town of Chapel Hill and the Town of Carrboro would prompt a return to the BOCC for consideration. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no direct financial impact associated with the 2020 Greene Tract Resolution. Following adoption of the proposed Interlocal Agreement, Orange County will be responsible for paying the provider as detailed in the proposed Interlocal Agreement from the current (FY19/20) Budget/Capital Investment Plan (CIP). The Towns will be notified of the County's payment and authorize reimbursement to the County based on the proposed cost share agreement (Chapel Hill 43% and Carrboro 14% of the total cost). If the cost of the environmental assessment exceeds the allocated budget, Orange County staff will present a budget or CIP amendment to the BOCC for consideration. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents.