Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> in an interim era, he would like the Manager to look at reorganizing the County more — such as <br /> small departments, early retirement, etc. He would welcome more aggressive and creative <br /> thought before the Manager leaves. Chair Foushee agreed. <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that over time he has grown more comfortable with the <br /> proposal but Commissioner Hemminger had strong arguments about the timing. He said that <br /> he worries about an interim person coming on and dealing with this. He said that he does <br /> appreciate the efforts put into this. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier agreed and suggested that the Board approve this and then <br /> defer the enactment until the permanent Manager comes on board. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she is concerned about the timing too and there is no <br /> formal organizational chart. She said that it would be better if there was an overall plan for <br /> reorganization. She agreed with approving in concept and letting the new Manager review it. <br /> She would like a more formal organizational chart with the job descriptions fleshed out. <br /> Commissioner Nelson asked the Manager about the timing issue and asked if she had <br /> any suggestions on how to structure this timing wise. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that the people in these departments were ready to move forward <br /> in February. She said that the reason she did not bring forward job descriptions is that some <br /> of the positions would evolve. She said that she could bring an organizational chart of the <br /> existing positions. <br /> Commissioner Pelissier said that the whole focus is what kind of efficiencies the County <br /> will have in the long-term. She thinks that there should be an assessment of the <br /> reorganization on a timeline and it should be checked regularly. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz asked if the departments could be integrated by July 1st and <br /> Laura Blackmon said that she thought so. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Yuhasz, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to <br /> approve the reorganization as presented. <br /> VOTE: Ayes, 5; Nays, 2 (Commissioner Hemminger and Commissioner Gordon) <br /> Commissioner Nelson said that it will be imperative that the County Commissioners ask <br /> questions of the Interim Manager about their reorganizational experience. <br /> 7. Reports <br /> a. Domestic Violence: A Background Report on Question of Need for a <br /> Shelter in Orange County <br /> The Board received a background report on the incidence and alternatives to persons <br /> experiencing domestic violence in Orange County along with a proposal for helping to facilitate <br /> a community response. <br /> Assistant County Manager Gwen Harvey said that it was a year ago that the Board was <br /> approached by advocates who saw a need for a domestic violence shelter in Orange County. <br /> The Board asked the staff to come back with some information about what the Board could do <br /> regarding this. She made reference to the memo from Human Rights and Relations, which <br /> provided an overview of what has been happening in Orange County about domestic violence. <br /> There was a proposal embedded in the abstract from the Commission for Women. <br /> Human Rights and Relations Director Shoshannah Sayers said that this is a growing <br /> problem and most of her statistics came from the Family Violence Prevention Center. She <br /> reviewed her memo. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br />