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<br />JOINT PLANNING FOR SERVICE DELIVERY WITH PUBLIC ANDjOR PRIVATE ORGANIZATIONS <br />Commissioner Gordon presented a proposal for joint planning of <br />recreation, parks and library services. The Board agreed that a separate <br />committee needs to be formed to address joint planning for these services. <br />They also would like this committee to address youth services and senior <br />services. This committee would only address specific issues. <br />Commissioner Willhoit noted that with regard to the request from Chapel <br />Hill to increase the County~s allocation for their new library, Chapel Hill <br />made the decision independently to build a new library which will increase <br />their operational budget by $200,000 to $300,000. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis endorsed the idea of moving toward a shared <br />level of service. His concern is that Hillsborough did not want to hire a <br />fire inspector, yet they just hired a solid waste planner. He feels there <br />could be savings for everyone if efforts were combined. <br />Chair Carey said that he feels the Board needs to think about <br />initiating a cooperative effort further before proceeding. <br />BOARD POLICY ON CITIZEN COMMENTS ON DECISION ITEMS <br />Discussion ensued on how and when public comments should be received on <br />public hearing items that are placed on the agenda as a decision item and <br />not a public hearing item. <br />Commissioner Willhoit said he prefers following the ordinance where <br />public comments are heard, the public hearing is closed for public comments <br />and would appear on the agenda as a decision item. By keeping it open for <br />additional information, citizens will always want to speak. <br />Commissioner Gordon feels that when an issue is complicated, the <br />Commissioners need to discuss it before the public hearing so they are <br />informed and can make midcourse corrections if necessary. Each process <br />needs to have a definite charge and interim steps. This could be <br />accomplished at the bi-monthly work sessions. <br />Commissioner Willhoit noted that if there is not enough time to hear <br />all the citizens, the public hearing can be continued. <br />John Link suggested that a policy be developed with a time frame. <br />However, if that time frame cannot be met, build into the policy an <br />extension of time. <br />Chair Carey feels that it is very important for the staff to know <br />midstream if they are going in the right direction on a project before it is <br />finalized. He has no problem in receiving updates from time to time on <br />projects. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked that the County Commissioners be given time <br />to consider, evaluate and provide feedback on projects which are complicated <br />and have taken a long time to develop. It was agreed that the bi-monthly <br />work sessions would be used to update the Board on such projects. <br />ADJOURNMENT <br />The Board decided that the remaining items on the agenda would be <br />discussed at a later time. Chair Carey adjourned the meeting. The next <br />regular meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, December 21, 1993 at <br />the OWASA Community Center in Carrboro, North Carolina. <br />Beverly A. Blythe, Clerk <br />Moses Carey, Jr., Chair <br />