Orange County NC Website
2 <br />Gene Bell handed out information that he summarized. The first document was the <br />resolution of intent concerning the role of the Schools and Land Use Councils. He said that item "b" of this <br />resolution sets the stage for what we are doing on these councils. It states that "the process shall be one that <br />elevates these outcomes of information to the board level of each jurisdiction so that board consideration can <br />be made on issues such as the following:" <br />• capital improvement plan and potential forjoint capital plans <br />• plans for infrastructure <br />• siting schools with other public facilities <br />• siting schools appropriately in a development or in a geographic area <br />Gene Bell distributed a memorandum which outlined the possible structure for communication. <br />Three relevant areas were identified: roles of municipal/county government related to processing <br />development proposals, tracking cumulative development, and the role of the two school systems in keeping <br />local governments apprised of their activities. <br />Susan Dovenbarger asked if the municipalities have agreed to this process and the <br />framework. Commissioner Gordon said that we are not sure that Hillsborough has bought into this but she <br />feels everyone else has. <br />In answer to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis about any planned subdivisions, Gene <br />Bell said that the Lawrence Road Project could provide 250 units. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he would <br />like to know of any planned subdivisions and asked that he be provided that information on a monthly basis <br />via a-mail. John Link agreed to provide information on concept plans. <br />Discussion ensued on development and the donation or bargaining for a school site and the <br />responsibility of the developer. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis suggested going out to Magnolia Place and counting the number of <br />children living in the 40 houses and to also take an area of Chapel Hill and do the same. <br />b. Process for sitin new schools <br />The County Commissioners and the Orange County School Board discussed at length <br />different processes for siting new schools. They discussed several figures being used. for children per <br />household. Additional information on student generation numbers will be forthcoming to the County <br />Commissioners. <br />Susan Dovenbarger said that the biggest hurdle for them when looking for a site is the <br />availability of water and sewer. <br />c. Planning/timetable for new elementary and high schools <br />Randy Bridges made reference to the projection as included in the packet. He said that they <br />hope to open a new elementary school in August 2000 and a new high school in August 2001. <br />d. Use of fund balance in operating budgets <br />Randy Bridges said that they wanted to discuss this since this issue was raised in last year's <br />budget process. He needs to know if this is going to be a standard practice to use fund balance or if they <br />should use their fund balance to fund needed items. <br />John Link made reference to a memo dated June 22 in which he suggested parameters for <br />appropriation of school fund balance. After a brief discussion, it was decided that the County's Finance <br />Director would meet with the two School Board finance directors to discuss the policy on fund balance. <br />