Minutes 02-02-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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developments that have already been approved by the local governments, including 140 West Franklin in Chapel Hill, Ballentine in Carrboro, and Waterstone in Hillsborough that will require substantial amounts of subsidy. Although it is difficult for us to predict when Home Trust homes will resell, or when private sector developers will initiate already approved developments, we are required to project our subsidy needs 18 months into the future. Based upon what we know at this time and what developments might get built in 2011, we believe we will need an additional $75,000 of HOME funds in this cycle. I want to thank the Board for all the support you have provided to the Home Trust over the past decade. We have worked hard to create a program that allows low-income families to live in affordable, well maintained homes that are integrated into the larger community. Our success would not have been possible without your support." Commissioner Jacobs asked Tara Fikes how the County was doing on providing SRO's in this community in light of the mental health issues. Tara Fikes said that there have been no new initiatives to provide SRO's. Commissioner Jacobs asked about the housing complaints and asked if Tara Fikes had heard anything different with the supposed more sympathetic federal government. Tara Fikes said that she has not heard any new developments. She said that the federal government has held the County harmless from reductions in income levels that are used for program purposes. She said that Congressman Price is quite aware of these problems and Commissioner Jacobs said to jog his memory. Commissioner Jacobs asked Robert Dowling about the long-term maintenance issues that he approached the Assembly of Governments about a couple of years ago. Robert Dowling said that they addressed the affordability challenge with the HOME funds. The maintenance issues are difficult to address because most of the homes are new. The HOME funds have to be spent each year. Commissioner Pelissier made reference to Goal 3 — Promote Neighborhood and Economic Development— and said that there is a statement that says that the County would work with the area Chambers of Commerce and others to promote general economic development. She asked how this would be done. Tara Fikes said that this goal is specific to Chapel Hill's community development grant program. The Town of Chapel Hill is involved in that activity. b. Public Hearing for EMS Franchise The Board conducted a public hearing on the need for ambulance services. Frank Montes de Oca said that the North Carolina General Statute § 153A-250 provides that before a County may by ordinance franchise ambulance services in the County, "the Board of Commissioners must first hold a public hearing on the need for ambulance services." He said that notice must be published once a week for two successive weeks before the hearing. "After the hearing the Board may adopt an ordinance if it finds that to do so is necessary to assure the provision of adequate and continuing services and to preserve protect, the promote the public health, safety, and welfare." He said that the notice has been published as provided in the statute. If the Board determines a need for ambulance service exists it may permit a franchise by Ordinance. Any franchise ordinance granted by the Board cannot, in accordance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 153A-46, be adopted "until it has been passed at two regular meetings of the Board of Commissioners."