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Andresen that the County should consider providing additional recreational opportunities in the southern <br />portion of the county. <br />Mayor Waldorf mentioned a potential park area in the southern portion of the County which is owned by <br />the Town of Chapel Hill. She suggested that the County could consider the possibility of accepting the land as <br />dedicated park space and then allocating money to turn it into an operational park. <br />Commissioner Gordon suggested that elected officials, including the school boards, formally discuss the <br />Recreation and Parks Work Group's report as it pertains to the co-location of parks and school sites. She <br />agreed to spearhead such a move. <br />Chair Carey suggested using the existing Work Group and appointing school board members. He <br />requested that staff come back with draft recommendations within the next six months. <br />COMPREHENSIVE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN: <br />Mayor Nelson stated that, although Carrboro has strong feelings about the proposed landfill site, they <br />do not believe that the process has broken down. They are committed to the process and are willing to have <br />their concerns addressed and move forward. <br />Gayle Wilson reviewed the handout entitled "Update on Comprehensive Solid Waste Management <br />Plan". He indicated that the final paper is being prepared by the consultant WESTON and the final report is <br />expected in April, 1996. It will be presented as soon as it is available. The final report will consist of a <br />synthesis of previous work, an implementation guidance document and an analysis of a system of solid waste <br />prevention, collection and processing methods. Following that presentation, WESTON will revise the final report <br />based on feedback from the public and the Landfill Owners Group. <br />Commissioner Willhoit mentioned that a plan has already been adopted by three of the four units of <br />government. The Landfill Owners Group intends to proceed with the adoption of the Solid Waste Management <br />Plan and the voluntary acquisition of property at OC17. There are less than 10 years' capacity remaining at the <br />current landfill site and action must be taken as soon as possible. He mentioned that the handout entitled <br />"Toward a Sustainable Community Landfill Operation" is a work plan and action items will be developed for each <br />item. He suggested scheduling a public forum at the next Joint Public Hearing on April 18. <br />Council Member Evans asked for a thorough review of technological advances which have occurred <br />with the last 5 years. She felt this process is important even if none of the options were found to be more <br />practical than siting a new landfill. <br />Commissioner Willhoit indicated that the Board of Commissioners is required by law to provide solutions <br />for waste disposal and reduction. Although the landfill has an estimated 10 years of remaining life, it is also <br />projected that a new site could require 10 years to become operational. The Board of Commissioners have a <br />duty to act if this process reaches an impasse. <br />Council Member Andresen asked the County Attorney to address equity and environmental issues <br />which are of concern to the Town of Carrboro. She asked what could be done to resolve these issues and how <br />soon it could it be accomplished. <br />County Attorney Gledhill indicated that the County can only pay fair market value for land purchased for <br />public purposes and may not pay any other compensation. <br />Alderman Anderson stated that he is not concerned about the OC17 site selection. He is concerned <br />that the residents in that area be compensated for real and/or perceived groundwater contamination they have <br />experienced. This issue could be resolved by providing water and sewer to this area. <br />Council Member Brown pointed out that the Landfill Owners Group is not separate from the governing <br />bodies. It is the responsibility of local government to create solutions to the solid waste problem. She felt <br />discouraged to hear discussion of options that do not encourage waste reduction. Any solution that requires a <br />constant source of waste in order to operate would work against the goal of waste reduction.