Orange County NC Website
but she would like to ask staff to bring back the decision on the dental clinic in a separate <br /> agenda item so the public will have time to discuss it. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Nelson to <br /> approve the Manager's recommendation, but with the following items to be brought back as an <br /> agenda item before action is taken on the dental clinic: <br /> (1) Guiding principles for delivery of Health, Dental, and Social Services, including the <br /> dual service model, as well as a long range plan for delivering those services. <br /> (2) Until the County Commissioners get this information, the Commissioners will not <br /> endorse the closure of the dental clinic at Carr Mill Mall nor the expenditure of funds <br /> for the expansion of the dental clinic in Hillsborough. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs agreed with the sentiment of Commissioner Gordon and he <br /> found this item confusing, because in approving Hillsborough Commons, the Board affirmed a <br /> dual-service model. He said that Commissioner Gordon defers too much in the motion. He <br /> said that Orange County has a CIP, which includes a dental clinic at Southern Human Services <br /> Center. The Board has already made decisions related to this item. Regarding the Heritage <br /> Center, the Board has not decided anything about it. He does not know where this information <br /> from staff is coming from. Also, people from the arts community had asked to make a <br /> proposal about the use of this building, and he does not think that this group has been given a <br /> chance to be heard. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs requested OCS Superintendent Patrick Rhodes to come forward <br /> so that he could ask some questions. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked Patrick Rhodes if OCS would be amenable with having <br /> conversations with members of the arts community about sharing this space for performances <br /> and Patrick Rhodes said yes. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is comfortable with this <br /> because he trusts the school system. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that there have been some issues before about charging <br /> KidsCope for the learning center. The County Commissioners help to subsidize KidsCope as <br /> part of the mess of mental health reform. He asked if the school board could reconsider the <br /> rates that are being charged to KidsCope. Patrick Rhodes said that the school board sets <br /> those rates, and he will bring it forth. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she is supportive of allowing this space to be shared <br /> with the school system and other groups. <br /> Commissioner Hemminger asked about the parking for the building and Pam Jones <br /> said that the parking should be sufficient for the uses of the building. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked if the school system was going to keep its current building <br /> and Patrick Rhodes said yes. The space study that was done a few years ago recommended <br /> more space for the school system staff. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that his recollection is that the Board of Health, in the last <br /> budget cycle, very reluctantly agreed to close the dental clinic at Carr Mill as a result of budget <br /> constraints. While it was not done because of the lease situation, it is still a possibility. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she thinks that the County needs a written policy for <br /> the guiding principles and long-range plan for the delivery of services. After there is a written <br /> policy, then there can be a decision. She said that her motion does not preclude further <br /> discussion about the location of the dental clinic, and just indicates that we are not going to <br /> take action on it tonight. <br /> Frank Clifton said that if the Board wants to exclude the dental clinic then it can. The <br /> County is paying a premium price for this property now. He would like to explore other <br /> locations that are less expensive. He said that his only concern with the motion is that it <br />