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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes - 20020402RESOLUTION HONORING MARCIA ARGO, AN ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY TEACHER, ON HER APPROXIMATELY FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION WHEREAS, Marcia Argo, an Orange County Schools teacher at Efland-Cheeks Elementary School, has served approximately fifty (50) years in the field of education; and, WHEREAS, Mrs. Argo retired from State of Georgia Public School Systems in 1985 after more than 33 years of instructional service and has since served Orange County Schools, including the last 13 years in a teaching position at Efland-Cheeks Elementary; and, WHEREAS, Mrs. Argo pursued and received an undergraduate degree from Piedmont College in northeast Georgia, a Masters of Education from the University of Georgia, a 6t" year Degree of Education from the University of Georgia, and completed coursework toward a Doctorate, all while raising a family of three daughters; and, WHEREAS, Mrs. Argo achieved Life Certification in Education from the State of Georgia, has pursued continuing education and rigorously maintained her re-certification, and continues to teach and voluntarily tutor today's youth beyond the classroom hours to ensure that students progress toward their goals; NOW THEREFORE, do we, the Board of Commissioners for Orange County, North Carolina hereby recognize and honor Mrs. Marcia Argo for her many years of dedication and service to the education of youth in the State of Georgia and here in Orange County, and express our appreciation to her for her efforts in support of the educational needs of students in Orange County. This, the second day of April 2002 VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Child Abuse Prevention Month The Board considered proclaiming April 2002 as Child Abuse Prevention Month. Chair of the DSS Board Dee Gamble distributed information to the County Commissioners. She said that they have in the County at this time under protective custody 100 children who have been seriously neglected or abused. It is essential to have the workers in the County to do the work they do and bring dawn these numbers. They would like to prevent the child abuse. She said that they would not just work on prevention of child abuse during April but also during the entire year. They will be at Apple Chill, Hillsborough Wal-Mart, and they hope to get the faith community involved in recognizing this important cause. They will also be at Hillsborough Hog Day and later with the Human Services Commission at the Community Forum. She read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION Child Abuse Prevention Month April 2002 WHEREAS, child abuse is a community problem and finding solutions requires involvement among people throughout the community; and, WHEREAS, over 1500 children in Orange County were referred to Social Services far suspected child abuse or neglect last year; and, WHEREAS, the impact of abuse and neglect lasts throughout life; and, A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: A PROCLAMATION PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATORS' WEEK WHEREAS, Thousands of dedicated Telecommunicators daily serve the citizens of the United States and Canada by answering their telephone calls far law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services by dispatching the appropriate assistance as quickly as possible; and WHEREAS, The critical functions performed by professional Telecommunicators also include those related to forestry and conservation operations, highway safety and maintenance activities, and many other operations performed by federal, state and local government agencies; and WHEREAS, Professional Telecommunicators work to improve the emergency response capabilities of these communication systems through their leadership and participation in training programs and other activities provided by the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association; and WHEREAS, These associations are organizations of more than 10,000 people engaged in the design, installation and operation of emergency response communications, has set aside the week beginning April 14, 2002, to recognize Telecommunicators and their crucial role in the protection of life and property; and WHEREAS, Michael F. Easley, Governor of North Carolina, has proclaimed the week of April 14-20, 2002, as Public Safety TelecommunicatorWeek in North Carolina; NOW, THEREFORE, we the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaim the week of April 14-20, 2002, as "Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week" in Orange County, North Carolina, in honor and recognition of our County's Telecommunicators and the vital contributions they make to the safety and well being of our citizens. This, the 2ND day of April 2002 VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Orange County Government Week The Board considered proclaiming the week of April 7-13, 2002, as County Government Week and endorsing "Official for a Day" activities. Official far a Day will be on April 25th for high school students. Management Analyst Sharron Hinton outlined the activities for County Government Week. She read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: ORANGE COUNTY GOVERNMENT WEEK April 7 - 13, 2002 PROCLAMATION ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR GAMES EVENTS DAYS AND encourages citizens age 55 and over to participate. This, the second day of April 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS -NONE 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. 2002-12 Capital Investment Plan Public Hearing This item was presented for the purpose of receiving public comments on the Manager's recommended 2002-12 Capital Investment Plan. Budget Director Donna Dean made a PowerPoint presentation, which is incorporated herein by reference. Copies of the proposed CIP are available in the County's budget office in Hillsborough; the libraries in Hillsborough, Chapel Hill, and Carrboro; and on the County's web site. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the SportsPlex funding. She said that the original agreement for this facility was that the County would pay $400,000 a year for 10 years. Also, for project funds through June 30, 2002, the amount of total project costs was listed as $6.9 million. She asked if this amount was checked. Donna Dean said that she did check this amount and the revenue reflects $2.9 million, which is the correct number. This is on the list for items to discuss on April 22"d PUBLIC COMMENTS Kathy Bryan spoke in support of the addition to Orange Enterprises. She said that she is not sure how the state funding cuts will affect their operation next year. She said that thirty percent of their income is from contract work. She said that with the downturn in the economy, they usually lose work because companies do the work in-house instead of contracting it out. They had to turn down an opportunity recently because they did not have the space for the inventory. This is one of the reasons that they need more space. She said that they have a friend in the state purchasing department and they have a contract with the state. Their association of rehab facilities will act as the conduit and the state will get the offers of work. This opens up a lot of possibilities, but they do need additional space. She is also pursuing federal set-aside contracts. This might take up to two years. She also said that if anyone comes to the office in a wheelchair by themselves, they have to sit outside until someone sees them because there is no electronic door. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested that Kathy Bryan send a request to the County Commissioners in writing for an electronic door. This type of door is not a great expense. Roy Fortmann, Chairperson of the Commission for the Environment, presented a statement on the position of the Commission far the Environment on the plan far funding the Lands Legacy Program. This statement is incorporated by reference. The Triangle region has been losing an average of 45 acres of green space a day. The Lands Legacy Program has protected 794 acres of natural and cultural resource lands and future parkland. The Commission for the Environment has helped to frame the vision for the Lands Legacy Program and believes that the appropriation for fiscal year 2003-2004 could be inadequate for this program. They urge the County Commissioners to consider moving forward some of the bond funds that have been allocated for later years. They believe that land acquisition for the preservation of functioning ecosystems and watersheds, sustainable agriculture, archeological resources, and parkland far our growing communities cannot be put off. If the acquisition of an important area is postponed for two to three years, we may find that the land in question has already been converted to residential or business use or that the cost has escalated beyond the County's means. They urge the County Commissioners to shift $1 to $1.5 million from fiscal year 2005-2006 to fiscal year 2003-2004. The success of the Lands Legacy Program will depend on adequate funding being available sooner rather than later. Matthew Barton, Legislative Liaison for McDougle Elementary School PTA, thanked the County Commissioners for their support for school funding. He is pleased that there is funding far a third high school in the CIP. He feels that it is important that planning for the third high school start immediately. He asked haw high school #3 could be built for the same cost as a middle school. The school projections are showing that in the 7t" or 8t" year, the third high school will be full and there will be a need for a high school #4. He said that Steve Scroggs, Assistant Superintendent for the Chapel Hill- Carrboro City Schools, has said that it is possible that Elementary School enrollment will begin to decline this next year. Mr. Scroggs will know better about this next September. He said that he is glad that impact fee money is going to provide much of the funding for High School #3. He supports the continuation of impact fees far the future. Annette Jurgoski represents the Orange-Chatham group of the Sierra Club, which is a group of conservationists. She agreed with everything that Roy Fartmann said. She reiterated that in the triangle area we are losing 45 acres of green space a day. Within two years, the triangle region would have lost 33,840 acres. There is going to be a lot less land to choose from by this time. She does endorse the proposal by the Commission for the Environment to move the funding up to fiscal year 2003- 2004. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to set an additional public hearing on the CIP for April 16, 2002, to set a public hearing far Durham Technical Community College Satellite Campus for April 16, 2002, and to advertise these two public hearings in the same way that other public hearings are advertised. Commissioner Brown said that she feels that some of the questions that came up in the comments tonight should be clarified -lands legacy and school funding. Chair Jacobs said that we could get back to people that had specific questions through the decision of the CIP. In answerto the questions about school funding and the third high school and whether there would be a fourth high school in the 10-year time frame, the high school planning work group would probably bring some answers to this. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 8. ITEMS FOR DECISION -CONSENT AGENDA A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve those items on the Consent Agenda as stated below: a. Chance in Berard of County Commissioners Meeting Schedule The Board amended its regular meeting schedule to add meetings on April 17, April 18, and May 2, 2002, and to cancel the meeting scheduled for April 4, 2002. b. Budget Amendment #5 The Board adapted the budget ordinance amendments and a grant project ordinance for fiscal year 2001-2002, incorporated herein by reference. c. Renewal of Consolidated Agreement between N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the Orange County Health Department The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign an annual agreement with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services that provides state and federal funds to the Health Department to partially support mandated services, pending County Attorney review. d. Housing Rehabilitation Contract Award The Board approved and authorized the Chair to sign two contract awards to Taylor Home Improvements in the amount of $14,625 at 211 Barnes Street, Carrboro, and $14,875 at 701 Shannon Drive, Chapel Hill, for the CDBG Housing Rehabilitation Program. VOTE ON THE CONSENT AGENDA: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Non-emergency Ambulance Transport The Board considered appointing members to the Special Board of Equalization and Review. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Bill Crowther, Margaret Brown, and Reginald Morgan as regular members and Tam Hefner, Jane Sparks, and Pam Davis as alternate members of the Board of Equalization and Review for terms ending December 31, 2002. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Commissioner Brown as Chair of this board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Reappointments and Appointments to the Orange County Planning Board The Board considered reappointing three members to the Orange County Planning Board and appointing three new members. A motion was made Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to reappoint Cranford D. Goodwin and Rachel Preston to second terms, and Maria Tadd to a first full term, all with term expiration dates of March 31, 2005. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Brown nominated Sam Lasris for one of the new appointments. Commissioner Gordan nominated Jay Bryan, contingent upon the Clerk contacting him to find out if he really wants to serve on this board. Commissioner Gordon has only spoken with him, so it is unofficial. Commissioner Carey nominated Renee Price. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to close the nominations and appoint Sam Lasris for the term ending March 31, 2004; Jay Bryan far the term ending March 31, 2003; and Renee Price for the term ending March 31, 2005, to the Orange County Planning Board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS e. Appointments to the Commission for the Environment (CFE) The Board considered three appointments to the Commission far the Environment. Commissioner Gordon suggested that Richard Whisnant be appointed to position #11, Rebecca Vidra to position #15, and Jean Wright to position #13. Johnny Randall would then be moved to position #3, Land Resources, with the term ending December 31, 2005. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Brown to close the nominations and to appoint Richard Whisnant for a term ending December 31, 2005; Jean Wright and Rebecca Vidra far terms ending December 31, 2003; and to move Johnny Randall to position #3, Land Resources, for a term ending December 31, 2005. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Rules of Procedure for the Board of County Commissioners The Board considered reviewing, amending and adopting revised Rules of Procedure far the Board of County Commissioners. Beverly A. Blythe will give the County Commissioners a copy of the old manual at the first meeting in May, along with a cover memo, which highlights the major changes. The County Commissioners said that they need time to look over the new manual with the highlighted changes. Commissioner Gordon noted that Beverly Blythe did extensive work on this manual. Chair Jacobs said that the Board also needs to look at some of the rules regarding advisory boards. An issue has come up about someone serving who is a resident and not a U. S. citizen, but is married to a U. S. citizen. 10. REPORTS a. Symposium on Initiating Regional Planning to Address Potential Terrorist Attacks on Spent Nuclear Fuel Storage Facilities at the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant APPROVED 6!18102 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING April 2, 2002 The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in regular session an Tuesday, April 2, 2002 at 7:30 p.m. in the F. Gordon Battle Courtroom in Hillsborough, North Carolina. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Barry Jacobs and Commissioners Margaret W. Brawn, Moses Carey, Jr., Alice M. Gordon and Stephen Halkiotis COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill and S. Sean Borhanian COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant County Manager Rod Visser and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below} NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS REFERRED TO IN THESE MINUTES ARE IN THE PERMANENT AGENDA FILE IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE. 1. ADDITIONS OR CHANGES TO THE AGENDA -NONE PUBLIC CHARGE Chair Jacobs read the public charge. 2. CITIZEN & AUDIENCE COMMENTS a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda -NONE b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters were considered as the Board addressed the items on the agenda below.) 3. BOARD COMMENTS Commissioner Carey said that the Greene Tract work group has made considerable progress. At the last meeting, they did identify a problem. He is asking that the time limit for the work of this committee be extended by 60 days to work through this issue. Part of the issue is to have a survey done of the area around the tract so that they can determine the most appropriate route for extension of sewer lines. A resolution will be added to the agenda tomorrow night asking for additional time far the Greene Tract work group to have further discussions. Commissioner Brown agreed and said that the work group has made considerable progress and that they will be bringing forth some well-defined recommendations. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he has been watching a situation on Orange Grove Road. There is a lot of new growth in this area and people are walking on the road and in the grassy area along the side of the road going or coming from Lowe's, Food Lion, or Wal-Mart. There were also children on bicycles with fishing poles trying to travel the same roadway with automobiles. He asked that discussions be held with DOT and the Town of Hillsborough to see what can be done about this situation. There might be over a thousand units in this area. He suggests that sidewalks need to be in this area. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to the Stargazer Gazette from Club Nova. He asked the County Manager to report back to the County Commissioners on what kind of employment opportunities might be available in County Government for the Club Nova participants. Commissioner Halkiotis made reference to a meeting he attended for the Partnership for Young Children. He said that there are budget cuts across the board including one position in our Department of Social Services and one position in our Health Department. The cuts in Raleigh have an impact in Orange County. He heard this morning that the Governor is considering cuts in Medicaid monies. He thinks it is totally inappropriate to balance the budget on the backs of the young and the very old. Commissioner Brown encouraged the public and the County Commissioners to take advantage of the groups being formed to discuss mental health reform and to participate in developing the plan that must be developed this summer. Anyone interested in participating can call the Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe orOrange-Person-Chatham Mental Health. Commissioner Gordon said that the Triangle Transit Authority {TTA} is recruiting for a General Manager and will be interviewing soon. She sent to all the County Commissioners a summary of the Transportation Advisory Committee meeting prepared by Karen Lincoln. The Transportation Advisory Council {TAC) approved the regional priority list. Commissioner Gordon asked about the Capital Investment Plan {CIP} public hearing and if there was going to be one April 16t" as well as tonight because the school systems are on spring break right now. She also does not think that the CIP public hearing was advertised in the newspaper. She asked that it be noticed in the newspaper. Chair Jacobs congratulated Gail Goestenkors and the Duke Women's basketball team for reaching the final four. Chair Jacobs made reference to the situation on Orange Grove Road and said that he and the County Manager talked about following up a luncheon meeting held with DOT because he shares the same concerns. He spoke about the Heritage apartment community and the fact that there are no sidewalks. This is another last opportunity. He would hate to see any more opportunities last. Chair Jacobs said that we have in the past tried to work with Club Nava. One of the listings for the Visitors' Bureau is a direct result of the efforts of the Personnel Department to hook up Club Nova. Chair Jacobs said that when the Assembly of Governments meeting is held later this month, maybe there should be a discussion about the budget implications of the state cutting back county and municipal funding. He said that the discussion of all of these additional cuts that are potentially at the expense of those least able to protect themselves brings those issues to a different level of focus. We may need to talk about addressing some of the holes of our safety net at a local level. We may need to talk to our colleagues about how we can band together to make sure that there are not children left behind or seniors left alone in their houses or people thrown out into the community without adequate support. He encouraged all the County Commissioners when speaking to members of other elected boards in the County to start the conversation about focusing on some kind of common cause. Chair Jacobs mentioned that there is going to be a community meeting next Monday, April 8t", at 7:00 p.m. at the Faith Tabernacle Church on Rogers Road regarding the provision of water service to the historic Rogers Road area. This is an opportunity for citizens in that area to have their questions answered. Commissioner Brawn asked why the Town of Hillsborough is permitting apartment complexes without requiring the developer to put in sidewalks. She thought that it was the function of municipalities to provide sidewalks. County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill said that in all probability, the Orange Grove Road area is in the extraterritorial planning jurisdiction of Hillsborough. Chair Jacobs said that the EDD work group had a number of recommendations and one of the recommendations was to continue working on other issues. He said that he believes we need to have a meeting with the Town of Hillsborough and talk about some of these issues. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT -NONE 5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS a. Resolution Honoring Marcia Argo, Orange County Schools Teacher The Board considered a resolution honoring Orange County Schools' teacher Marcia Argo far approximately 50 years of service to education. Commissioner Halkiotis read the resolution. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the resolution as stated below: WHEREAS, children who are loved and nurtured grow up to be healthy, creative and productive community members; and, WHEREAS, it is the goal of Orange County to improve the quality of life of all children; and, WHEREAS, preventing child abuse and breaking the cycle of abuse is the responsibility of every citizen; NOW, THEREFORE do we, the Board of County Commissioners of Orange County, North Carolina, hereby proclaim April 2002 as "Child Abuse Prevention Month" and call upon all citizens and organizations to join together to prevent child abuse. This, the 2ND day of April 2002 VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Fair Housing Month The Board considered proclaiming April 2002 as Fair Housing Month. Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore outlined the activities that will take place this month to highlight Fair Housing Month. She read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION FAIR HOUSING MONTH WHEREAS, April, 2002 marks the thirty-fourth anniversary of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the Federal Fair Housing Act, which provides for equal opportunity for all people in the sale, rental, and financing of housing, and prohibits housing discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, or national origin; and, WHEREAS, the Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 added familial status and handicap to those classes protected by Title VIII and added strong new rights, remedies, monetary penalties, and judicial and administrative enforcement procedures; and, WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners enacted the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance on June 6, 1994, which affords to the residents of Orange County the protections guaranteed by Title VIII and additionally encompasses the protected classes of veteran status and age; and, WHEREAS, in spite of the protections afforded by the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance and Title VIII as amended, illegal housing discrimination still occurs in our nation and in our county; NOW, THEREFORE, do we, the Commissioners of Orange County, proclaim April 2002 as FAIR HOUSING MONTH and commend this observance to all Orange County citizens. This, the 2nd day of April 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS d. Public Safety Telecommunicators Week The Board considered proclaiming the week of April 14-20, 2002, as Public Safety Telecommunicators' Week. Gwen Snowden, Deputy Director of Emergency Management, said that this proclamation recognizes the work telecommunicators do for the citizens of Orange County. Quinton White, a telecommunicatar, read the proclamation. WHEREAS, The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners and the National Association of Counties have urged citizens across the state and the nation to learn more about county government's role in our lives; and WHEREAS, Orange County government has served the citizens of the County since 1752 and places its emphasis on addressing citizens' concerns and needs; and WHEREAS, The elected and appointed officials of Orange County take pride in serving the citizens in the County and ensuring that each citizen knows he or she counts; and WHEREAS, County government provides a wide range of services including public safety, community planning, and human services, which have a direct impact on citizens; and WHEREAS, Citizens may learn about county services and resources through outreach efforts provided by County officials. NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners, do hereby proclaim the week of April 7 -13, 2002 as Drange County Government Week, and further encourage all citizens to become familiar with the services provided by Orange County Government. This, the second day of April 2002. VOTE: UNANIMOUS f. Orange County Senior Games Events Days The Board considered proclaiming the weeks of April 8-May 7, 2002, as Orange County Senior Games Events Days. Lisa Berley, Local Coordinator for the Senior Games and Senior Coordinator in the Recreation and Parks Department, outlined the activities for the senior games. She read the proclamation. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve and authorize the Chair to sign the proclamation as stated below: PROCLAMATION ORANGE COUNTY SENIOR GAMES EVENTS DAYS Whereas, According to recent population figures, there are more than 19,550 persons aver 55 years of age in Orange County; and, Whereas, Orange County is concerned about the health, fitness, and social well-being of its mature adult population; and, Whereas, Orange County Senior Games provides a special opportunity for mature adults to grow positively in the areas of health, fitness and social well-being; and, Whereas, Orange County would like to encourage local business and resident support of these events and participation from county residents age 55 and older; NOW, BE IT THEREFORE PROCLAIMED, that the Orange County Board of Commissioners declare April 8 through May 7, 2002 as The Board considered awarding a franchise to AAA Transport of Durham to provide non-emergency ambulance services. They also received a report on needed modifications to the existing franchise ordinance. EMS Director Nick Waters summarized the information in the agenda. He said that there is only one private service franchised to provide non-emergency ambulance transportation within Orange County -Johnston Ambulance. In the last few months there has been an increase in the number of delays and backlogs of their trips. Another franchisee has applied to operate in the County, and it applied through a recommendation from UNC Hospital -AAA Transport of Durham. AAA operates six ambulances that would be available to schedule trips within Orange County and the staff thinks that there is a need for these six ambulances. There is also a need to look at the Convalescent and the Non- Emergency Franchise Ordinance. The ordinance does not address all the needs that are developing in the non-emergency transport arena in the County such as non-medical non-emergency transport service. There are people with mobility problems that do not need medical attention, but still may need to be transported by an ambulance. The Franchise Ordinance needs to comprehensively address all non-emergency transportation services and not just ambulances. This would require input from other departments and stakeholders. Commissioner Carey asked if the additional service was in response to increased demand. Nick Waters said that it is in response to the institutions that were experiencing long delays. One of the problems is that when patients are discharged, the hospitals want to expeditiously get those people out of the hospital sa another patient can use that bed. Commissioner Carey asked if the group of stakeholders would look at the economic viability of multiple transporters in the County and Nick Waters said yes. Commissioner Brown is interested in this issue and would like to serve on the stakeholder group. Chair Jacobs asked about qualifications for the staff who provides ambulance services. Nick Waters said that there are state qualifications that must be met by ambulance attendees. A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Carey to award a franchise to AAA Transport of Durham to help relieve the needs of facilities by having service provided in a timely manner. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The staff will bring back a list of the proposed stakeholders, which will include Commissioner Brown, and a meeting schedule of the stakeholder group. b. Appointments to the School Facilities/Construction Standards Task Force and Hiah School Planning Work Group The Board considered designating two of its members to the School Facilities/Construction Standards Task Force and High School Planning Work Group. School FacilitieslConstruction Standards Task Force -Commissioner Gordon and Commissioner Brown will serve with Commissioner Carey as the alternate. High School Planning Work Group -Chair Jacobs and Commissioner Halkiotis will serve with Commissioner Gordon as the alternate. Chair Jacobs suggested that the Chair and Vice-Chair serve on the High School Planning Work Group since there is already a working relationship with the chairs and vice-chairs of the two school boards. Commissioner Gordon expressed interest in serving on the High School Planning Work Group. The other Commissioners were under the impression that she was going to be the liaison with the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools for the concept of the new high school. Commissioner Gordon said that she was never appointed, but only attended one of the meetings. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the appointments as stated above, with the addition that Commissioner Gordon will serve as the High School #3 Concept representative. VOTE: UNANIMOUS c. Appointments to the Board of Equalization and Review (E8~R Board) The Board discussed co-hosting a public symposium to discuss emergency planning and strategies for preventing a possible terrorist attack on nuclear waste storage facilities at the Shearon Harris nuclear plant. County Engineer Paul Thames said that we have been talking for same time about how to plan for an issue like this in terms of emergency response and how to avoid a terrorist attack. The staff asked Chatham County if they would be interested in co-sponsoring an event and they agreed. The symposium is proposed for May 2nd at the Friday Center. There are some costs associated with renting the auditorium and mailings of invitations. The costs are estimated at approximately $2,000. There has been an informal offer from Chatham County to provide some of the funding. There was also a press release and a draft letter of invitation far this event. Commissioner Gordon made reference to the invitation list and suggested, for the Environmental Affairs Board, to add Commission for the Environment ar related boards. Any additions to the list can be sent to Beverly Blythe. The planning group will be meeting every Thursday at noon until May 2nd A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to agree to ca-host the symposium and allocate $2,000 in direct funding support (unless Chatham County contributes}, direct staff to proceed with the planning of the symposium, and provide notice that the meeting will be between 7:30 and 10:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 2nd at the Friday Center. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 11. APPOINTMENTS -NONE 12. MINUTES -NONE 13. CLOSED SESSION A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis at 9:40 p.m. to go into closed session "To discuss the County's position and to instruct the County Manager and County Attorney on the negotiating position regarding the terms of a contract to purchase real property," NCGS § 143-318.11(a) (5) . VOTE: UNANIMOUS 14. ADJOURNMENT With no further items for the County Commissioners to consider, a motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS The next meeting will be held April 3, 2002 at 6:30 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Chair Barry Jacobs Beverly A. Blythe, CMC