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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 06-25-2001-9f w r 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: June 25, 2001 Action Agencla Item No. 1 T' SUBJECT: Resolution of Intent to Create a Bond Education Committee and Proposed Charge and Structure of the Committee DEPARTMENT: County Commissioners PUBLIC HEARING: (Y/N) No County Manager ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: John Link, ext 2300 Draft Resolution Draft Committee Charge and Structure TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Hillsborough 732-8181 Chapel Hill 968-4501 Durham 688-7331 Mebane 336-227-2031 PURPOSE:, To consider a resolution indicating the intent of the Board of Commissioners to create a Bond Education Committee that will develop and disseminate information to voters concerning the November 6, 2001 bond referendum and to consider a proposed charge to, and structure of, that Bond Education Committee. BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners appointed a citizens' Bond Education Committee to help develop and disseminate factual information about the capital needs that led to bond referenda in November 1988, November 1992, and November 1997. The attached resolution indicates the Board's intention to appoint a Bond Education Committee comprised of interested citizens who will communicate to community groups, civic organizations, and voters in general about the needs that have led to the scheduling of a November 6, 2001 bond referendum for Orange County. The resolution includes plans for the Board to appoint Committee members and a chair, or co-chairs, at its August 14 regular meeting. Also attached to this abstract is a proposed charge to the committee and a suggested sub- committee structure for the overall Bond Education Committee. The proposed charge and structure mirror the framework used during the 1997 bond education process. Public funds may be spent to present relevant factual information to voters about the proposed bonds, the projects expected to be financed by the bonds, and the circumstances and needs that have given rise to the bond referendum. Public funds may not be spent on campaigns either to promote or defeat passage of any bond order put before the voters. The Manager's proposed 2001-2002 Budget includes a $15,000 appropriation for Bond Education Committee activities and informational materials. As the subcommittees undertake their work and develop cost estimates for the production and distribution of informational materials, the Board could consider an additional appropriation, if needed, from the Contingency account. 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with approval of the resolution. There would be some costs, if the Board so directs, associated with advertising for citizens interested in serving on the Committee. The Manager's proposed 2001-2002 Budget includes a $15,000 appropriation for actual Bond Education Committee activities and informational materials. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt the attached resolution, approve the proposed Committee charge and structure, and request that the Clerk to the Board begin advertisement for citizens interested in serving on the Committee. • • • 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS A RESOLUTION OF INTENT TO CREATE A BOND EDUCATION COMMITTEE WHEREAS, the Orange County Board of Commissioners has appointed a Bond Education Committee in connection with the November 1988, November 1992 and November 1997 bond referenda; and, WHEREAS, these committees proved extremely useful in providing voters with relevant, factual information about the capital needs that led to each bond referendum; and, WHEREAS, the Board of Commissioners has scheduled a bond referendum in conjunction with the November 6, 2001 elections; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Orange County Board of Commissioners does hereby indicate its intent to create a Bond Education Committee to assist in public information efforts related to the November 2001 bond referendum, with the Board planning to appoint Committee members and a chair, or co-chairs, at its August 14 regular meeting. This the 25th day of June, 2001. 4 DRAFT CHARGE TO ORANGE COUNTY BOND EDUCATION COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2001 BOND REFERENDUM • become familiar with the purposes of each of the bond orders • become familiar with the projects expected to be addressed with bond funds • understand the community needs that led the Board of Commissioners to adopt each of the bond orders • develop appropriate informational materials that will address the bond orders • design and implement a campaign to distribute relevant factual information about the bonds to Orange County citizens in the most effective and efficient manner possible • design and implement a process for informational meetings with civic groups,non-profit agencies, neighborhood associations, and other interested parties in the community • ensure that equal access to factual information is provided to all individuals and groups,regardless of their position for or against any bond order • encourage all eligible voters to participate in the November 6 election SUGGESTED BOND EDUCATION COMMITTEE STRUCTURE Bond Education Committee Steering Comnrittere Schools Subcommittee Recreation&Parks Subcommittee Senior Centers Affordable Housing Subcommittee Subcommittee Information& Outreach Subcommittee