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3 <br />Courts <br />John Link summarized the information in the budget document pointing out their need for <br />more space. He said that if the legislation for two new positions is approved, the County will need <br />to provide additional space. <br />Board of Elections <br />Director of Elections Carolyn Thomas said that her budget reflects a decrease, although <br />there is a request for an increase in hours from 37.5 to 40 . She explained the state's requirement <br />for information that they must enter twice. She was commended for a good job this year. <br />BREAK <br />Soil and Water Conservation Deaartment <br />John Link commended Director Brent Bogue on his outcomes and measurements. <br />County Engineer <br />John Link said that they have requested an engineer's assistant. County Engineer Paul <br />Thames expanded on the need for this position. He said that implementing the outcome of the <br />Efland Sewer Bond will take a great deal of work. Also, policy management aspects of how we can <br />implement a greater level of review for school projects would be added to this position. He said <br />that they would need someone with construction evaluation experience. In talking with architects <br />he has found out the particulars of what would be involved with oversight of buildings and in most <br />cases it is straight forward, depending on the type of building. <br />Chair Brown asked if this could be contracted out and Paul Thames said that this would <br />need someone constant to keep up with the projects under construction. This would be more of a <br />technician type individual. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked what this person would be doing long term and Paul explained <br />that there will be a lot of other duties that this person will take on including acquisition of <br />easements for the Efland sewer system which take a lot of coordination and time. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked if he was looking for someone who was a licensed contractor <br />and Paul Thames said that generally there are design professionals with construction experience <br />and that most of these people are not licensed contractors. <br />In answer to a question from Chair Brown, Paul Thames said that his duties are technical in <br />nature. He coordinates the activities of the Eno River Capacity Use Group and manages the <br />Efland Sewer activities. He works on public works projects, heating and air conditioning projects, <br />reviewing cost estimates for letters of credit, helps with technical landfill issues, deals with any <br />regulatory or environmental utility issues and reviews CIP projects. This new position would be <br />under his supervision. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis feels that Paul Thames has done an outstanding job. Chair Brown <br />also commended him for his help on many issues. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about regulatory environmental utility issues. Paul Thames <br />explained utility extensions and potential environmental impacts of extending or not extending <br />utilities to address a problem. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about utilizing GIS and Paul Thames explained that with the <br />GIS he will be able to identify all the utilities in the County and be able to easily make changes and <br />keep updated. <br />