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PFr <br /> 1 <br /> APPROVED 12/19/95 <br /> MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> NOVEMBER 8, 1995 <br /> 6:00 P.M. SPECIAL MEETING <br /> The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in special session on <br /> Wednesday, November 8, 1995 at 6:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussing <br /> the wording for the Flexible Development/Open Space Preservation <br /> Strategies for the advertisement for public hearing for November 27, 1995 <br /> that was approved on November 1, 1995. <br /> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr. , and <br /> Commissioners William L. Crowther, Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis <br /> and Don Willhoit. <br /> COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill <br /> COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr. , Assistant <br /> County Manager Rod Visser and Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe (other <br /> staff members will be identified where appropriate) <br /> The Board discussed flexible development. It was decided that they <br /> would take the items in the order they are listed in the public hearing <br /> notice and that staff would put estimated times on each item. <br /> The Board discussed optional versus mandatory open space. Marvin <br /> Collins noted that developers are becoming sensitive to the desire for <br /> open space and want to provide some open space, even for smaller <br /> developments. Commissioner Willhoit indicated he would like for there to <br /> be sufficient incentives for a developer to want to provide some open <br /> space regardless of how many acres are in the development. <br /> Commissioner Gordon feels that if open space is made mandatory <br /> for one acre lots, it might encourage the use of alternative systems <br /> instead of conventional wells and septic tanks. Commissioner Willhoit <br /> noted that he feels the County can write in as part of the approval <br /> process the protection needed for alternative systems. John Link noted <br /> that the Board will receive early in 1996, a plan for monitoring and <br /> maintenance of alternative systems. <br /> The Board discussed mandatory versus optional open space and <br /> decided on sending the optional choice to public hearing. The County <br /> will try it for two or three years, and consider changing it to mandatory <br /> if it doesn't work. <br /> The Board discussed the percentage of open space -- 33% or 50% <br /> and if this would apply to the entire tract or just the buildable portion <br /> of the tract. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that she would like to hear from the <br /> public before making a decision. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit and Chair Carey both indicated they would <br /> like to get something adopted to see if it works. They can always <br /> consider amendments if it does not. Marvin Collins said that once the <br /> flexible development guidelines are adopted, there will be an educational <br /> process for the public including landowners, developers and surveyors. <br /> Flexible development will apply to areas outside the municipalities and <br /> outside the Joint Planning Area. It does apply to areas in the watershed. <br /> It was the consensus of the Board to send to public hearing the <br /> option of 33% open space of the entire tract as stated in the proposal. <br /> There were no further questions and this Special Meeting adjourned <br /> at 7: 15. <br />