These intergovernmental funds awarded to Durham County will be used for the purchase of equipment for the Sheriff’s Investigators, Emergency Response Team, Security, Property Management, Training, Search and Recovery Team, and general field deputies.

The Sheriff established an Advisory Board as specified by the grant, which met on December 15, 1999 to recommend the proposed use for these funds. The equipment to be purchased as suggested by the Advisory Board are as follows: Employee ID camera upgrade, two dogs with car kennels, money counters, raincoats, scuba dry suit, scuba wet suits, X-ray bomb machine, bullet proof vests, VCR/TV for training, Magellon GPS EC-10X (tracking device for drugs) and hand-held radios. Such equipment and technology will enhance and improve the law enforcement abilities of the Sheriff’s Office.

One of the special conditions of this grant award program is to conduct a public hearing to receive public comment as to the use of these funds. This public hearing has been advertised in the Durham Herald Sun paper on January 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2000 to give proper public notification.

No additional county funding is required and no subsequent year budget impact is anticipated. The Office of the Sheriff will provide the required grantee local cash match of $5,601 from their current budget. The total appropriation is for $56,798, the revenue recognized is for $50,407 from the grant award and $790 from interest earned on the LLEBG Trust Account.

County Manager's Recommendation: We congratulate the Sheriff on applying for and receiving another Local Law Enforcement Block Grant to continue these traditional improvements. The Sheriff’s Office has traditionally used the LLEBG funds, received in 1996, 1997 and 1998, for improving and upgrading the agency’s equipment and technological infrastructure. It is recommended to conduct the public hearing to receive public comment, and then approve the Advisory Board’s recommendation for the proposed use of the 1999 LLEBG award funds. Approve Budget Amendment #00BCC000023 to accept grant funding and appropriate program spending.

The public hearing for this request was advertised on January 8, 2000 and January 14, 2000 in the Durham Herald-Sun.

Resource Person(s): Dick Hails, Planning Manager

Resource Person(s): Bonnie Estes and Norm Standerfer

County Manager's Recommendation: Consider approval of the amendments after conducting a public hearing.

Following the public hearing, the Board is requested to adopt the attached resolution annexing the Biogen property into Research Triangle Park research and production service district.

Resource Person(s): Charles Case, attorney for Biogen; Hal Price, Biogen; and Rob Teer, Consultant to Biogen.

County Manager's Recommendation: Hold the public hearing to consider annexing the property in Research Triangle Park Research and Production Service District. Following the public hearing, adopt the resolution if appropriate based on the information received.

The major uses of HOME funds are to expand the supply of safe, decent, sanitary and affordable rental and owner-occupied housing. In May 1993, the Board of County Commissioners and the City Council approved a Durham City-County HOME Consortium Agreement to be used in the administration of the HOME program. HOME program activities are included as a part of the Durham Consolidated Plan and submitted annually to HUD for approval.

At the January 10, 2000 regular meeting the Board of County Commissioners requested additional information on whether residual funds from the HOME program could be utilized for rental subsidies. DHCD staff is prepared to respond to this matter.

Resource Person(s): John Mickle; Ava Hinton

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends that the Board of County Commissioners hold the Consolidated Plan Needs Public Hearing. DHCD staff will available to answer questions.

In late December, Planning staff contacted the NC Division of Wildlife Management, the agency that issued the most recent license for a Hunting Preserve on this site. Zoning enforcement officers advised them of the zoning violation which has been determined to exist on the property. They responded back via letter that they have no legal foundation to revoke his permit since commercial operations are not prohibited under their licensing requirements.

Staff will continue to monitor this site for compliance and will be able to give an update at the 1/24/00 BOCC meeting.

Resource Person(s): Dennis Doty, Zoning Enforcement Officer, and Lowell L. Siler, Deputy County Attorney

County Manager's Recommendation: Receive for informational purposes.

Resource Person(s): Dan Hudgins, DSS Director, will be available as a resource person for this item.

County Manager's Recommendation: County Manager recommends approval of budget amendment No. 00BCC000030 in the amount of $55,000 to accept new revenues from NC Division of Social Services to support prospective foster and adoptive families, and approval to establish the corresponding social worker position.

The Health Department also requests approval for the establishment of the following positions funded by the grant. Additions to the Linkages Program include a Public Health Nurse, an Early Childhood Educator, and a part-time Nutritionist. The Child Care Health Consultant Project requires three new Public Health Nurses, a Health Educator, a part-time Nutritionist, and a part-time Processing Assistant.

The Linkages to Families Project provides home visits to low to moderate risk pregnant women on a regular basis, providing health education on priorities decided by clients. The Child Care Health Consultant project provides preventive health services to children in child care centers including: assessment; follow-up and referral of individual children; information about health problems related to child care; and consultation provided to anyone with a specific health concern related to children in a child care setting.

The grant runs through June 30, 2000. It is anticipated that this funding will be continued through the FY 2000-2001 budget period. Positions established are contingent upon continuation of grant funding and applicants for the positions are notified.

The Board of Health has adopted this amendment.

Please note that this amendment requires no additional county funds.

Resource Person(s): Gayle Harris, Nursing Director, Public Health Department.

Based on the work plans and responses received, the Leadership Team is recommending Public Consulting Group, Inc. (PCG) to conduct the analysis and delivery system study. Consultants from PCG, along with input from the Leadership Team, developed the following revised scope of service to be performed in a six to eight week period at a cost of $50,000:
 

Resource Person(s): Carolyn P. Titus, Deputy County Manager

County Manager's Recommendation: The Manager recommends approval of the consulting contract in the amount of $50,000 with Public Consulting Group (PCG), Inc. to conduct a study of the health and human services delivery system for the purposes of meeting the Board’s FY 1999-00 Goal.

At this time, District Court Officials have submitted a revised schedule for use of the Commissioners’ Chambers. The new schedule is Tuesdays and Wednesdays every other week during the months of February through June 2000 as per the memorandum. This does not increase the net number of days but does extend the schedule into June. By granting this request, the backlog to the District Court System can be reduced and provides for effective use of judges’ time.

Resource Person(s): Kathy Shuart, Trial Court Administrator, and David F. Thompson, County Manager.

County Manager's Recommendation: Recommendation is that if the Board of County Commissioners agree with the attached revised schedule that the same restrictions apply that the room will be used for motions with judges, attorneys, and their clients. The only concern I have is that this will extend into the budget season. However, I believe that it can be accommodated if a revised budget calendar is brought to the Board prior to final approval of utilization of the boardroom for the months of May and June. I did not feel comfortable approving this request administratively since the Board was specific in its approval the last time this issue was brought forward.

County Manager's Recommendation: Staff needs direction as to how to proceed. After listening to Board’s expectation of staff support, I believe a discussion must be held concerning appropriate staffing of the Charter Commission and County Commission so staffing shortages will not interfere with the startup of this new stage.