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Asset Management and Purchasing Services Director Pam Jones said that the Board <br /> of County Commissioners last looked at this on June 10, 2010 and asked for cost estimates. <br /> She said that this project is Phase 2 of the Link Government Services Center. This includes <br /> the renovation for a Board of County Commissioners' meeting room, ADA up-fitting, and HVAC <br /> replacement with a geothermal system. There is a grant for$177,000 for this geothermal <br /> system. She introduced Ken Redfoot from Corley Redfoot Zack Architects. <br /> Ken Redfoot made a PowerPoint presentation with pictures of the floor plan. He said <br /> that the cost estimate includes the operable wall, but it includes it as an alternate. The fixed <br /> seating is also an alternate cost and is not in the overall budget at this point. There is also a <br /> $150,000 lump sum that would be included for the AV and audio system. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked about the range of costs for the alternates and Ken <br /> Redfoot said that the operable wall is about $23,000 and the fixed seats are $26,000. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked about the work session area and if this area would <br /> accommodate joint meetings with the school boards, AOG, etc. Pam Jones said yes. <br /> PUBLIC COMMENT: <br /> Earl McKee said that the previous item on the dental clinic is a need for the citizens of <br /> Orange County and this item is a want. He said that the initial plan presentation was on May <br /> 11, 2010. He said that this is a flawed plan located in the wrong place and presented at the <br /> wrong time due to the continued financial shortfalls. He said that the cost seems to increase <br /> with every review. He asked that the County Commissioners table this item until the economic <br /> situation improves. He said that this Board and previous Boards have managed to work quite <br /> well using the current facilities. <br /> Steve Graf thanked the Board of County Commissioners for all of their hard work. He <br /> spoke on behalf of Orange County Voice. He said that the citizens are out of money and the <br /> County does not have enough money set aside for the inevitable rainy day. He said that in <br /> 2010 the taxes did not go up, but fees did. He said that services are being cut at the same <br /> time that fees are being increased. This is at the same time that new facilities are being <br /> opened with the library, the Gateway Center, and Hillsborough Commons. He said that this <br /> sends a message to the public and is creating a crisis in confidence. He asked that the <br /> County Commissioners spend money on essential public services until the economy rebounds. <br /> He asked the County Commissioners to vote against the Link Center improvements. He asked <br /> if this proposal had enough exits as per the fire code. <br /> Chair Foushee said that any plan that has been brought forward has gone through the <br /> necessary permitting processes. <br /> Stan Cheron spoke on behalf of Orange County Voice. He said that they are in <br /> opposition of moving forward with the Link Government Services Center renovations. He said <br /> that this is not the right time and it may not be the right place. He said that Hillsborough <br /> Commons was more than adequate for now when the money is tight. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that there is an ECEG grant of $178,000. He asked about <br /> the lifespan of that grant. Jeff Thompson said that the grant expires December 31, 2011. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that they have had conversations in the past about allowing <br /> the Town of Hillsborough and the Orange County Schools to use this space and getting <br /> compensation for that. He asked if this has advanced at all. Frank Clifton said that the <br /> specifics have not been worked out yet. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that the County Commissioners have discussed before that <br /> the Town, when it made a deal with the County about Fairview, specifically decided not to cut <br /> the truer hardwoods to create a meeting space there in exchange for the opportunity to share <br />