Orange County NC Website
Orange County Planner Craig Benedict spoke concerning water and sewer needs that were <br />needed for Gravely Hill Middle School which led to a utility service area agreement between <br />Orange County and Mebane in 2004. He stated that potential plans for future needs in that area <br />led both parties to collaborate further by putting together anEfland-Mebane small area plan. He <br />spoke of a Buckhorn area utility design study that is currently underway. He stated affected <br />property owners would be notified of the proposed plans. Mr. Benedict stated that the present <br />service area agreement between the City of Mebane and Orange County covers approximately <br />800 acres but the county may possibly want to modify that agreement to include more property <br />that Mebane could annex in the future. Mebane would then take on the responsibility of <br />maintaining those utilities. <br />Mebane Council members discussed the need to open up the interchange on Mattress Factory <br />Road. Orange County staff stated they would look into this further and pursue discussions with <br />their board. <br />Orange County Manager Frank Clifton stated that at some point, based on all the new residential <br />construction, discussions would need to take place concerning the impact on schools and the <br />potential need for an elementary school or a middle school. <br />Orange County Manager Frank Clifton stated Orange County staff are exploring the concept of <br />creating several utility service districts as defined by the North Carolina General Statutes. He <br />also spoke of expanding Orange County's Jordan Lake water allocation of one (1) million gallons <br />a day (MGD) to two (2) MGD to accommodate future development partnership with service <br />providers such as Mebane. <br />Mr. Clifton went onto speak of the Efland sewer system which is currently maintained by the <br />Orange Water and Sewer Authority, with the wastewater being treated by the Town of <br />Hillsborough. He stated discussions have taken place with City & County staff and with Efland <br />citizens concerning a potential future contract between Mebane and Orange County for <br />maintenance/operation of that sewer system for approximately 400 customers. He said the Efland <br />citizens have shared some concerns with the cost of utility rates. He stated the Town of <br />Hillsborough has no desire to service the area moving forward. <br />Chairman Foushee stated as important as it is to have the utility agreement to provide for <br />economic development, it is crucial and important to the board that they provide some relief to <br />the Efland residents living in that area. <br />After more discussion, Mebane City Manager Robert Wilson opened the floor to Efland residents <br />in attendance to voice any comments concerning this issue. No one from the public spoke <br />concerning this issue. <br />Orange County Planner Craig Benedict spoke briefly concerning Regional Transit and <br />Transportation Planning items. The Triangle Regional Transit Plan includes short-term bus plans <br />and long-term fixed guideway plans. <br />Mebane and Orange County Officials agreed that a meeting should take place on an annual basis. <br />No formal action was taken at the meeting. The meeting was adjourned. <br />Glendel Stephenson, Mayor <br />ATTEST: <br />Stephanie W. Shaw, City Clerk <br />