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Commissioner Crowther suggested three (3) additions. It was decided that the Board wil <br />receive a report on conservation easements before adding this topic as a goal. A definition of sexual <br />orientation for incorporating into the Human Rights Ordinance would be determined before forwarding to <br />Raleigh for local legislation. With regard to strengthening the regulations for zoning violations, Geoffrey <br />Gledhill said that he feels the increase in penalties provision will give this regulation more enforcement <br />power. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to hold a <br />public hearing on these goals on April 16. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />D. CHILD CARE SUBSIDY IN ORANGE COUNTY <br />Michele Rivest, Executive Director of the Orange County Partnership for Young Children, gave <br />this report which is in the agenda. She said that in Orange County two agencies, the Department of Social <br />Services and Day Care Services Association, administer the various child care subsidies and scholarships <br />that are available for low-income families. The majority of child care subsidy resources are directed toward <br />assisting working poor families. She said that child care is the essential ingredient for families to be able to <br />work, pursue an education or get job training. Michele Rivest talked about the cost of day care and why it is <br />so expensive in Orange County. <br />They expect the money received from the federal and state level to decrease. The total <br />number of eligible children is estimated to be about 1,000 children. The current waiting list is 273. Because <br />50% of the families receiving child care subsidies earn $12,000, child care subsidies are critical to many <br />families in Orange County. For every dollar invested in child care, the return is nine dollars. <br />The report was received. <br />XI. APPOINTMENTS <br />Committee on Affordable Housing - This appointment was delayed until Chair Carey meets with the <br />mayors to clarify what this committee will address. <br />Orange County Planning Board - Commissioner Halkiotis nominated S.A.M. Brooks, Commissioner <br />Willhoit seconded the nomination. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />Commissioner Crowther made a motion to table the AT LARGE appointment until the next meeting <br />so that Commissioner Gordon, who was out of town due to the illness of her mother, could participate. NOTE: <br />This motion died for lack of a second <br />Commissioner Halkiotis nominated Bob Strayhorn to the AT LARGE vacancy. This nomination was <br />seconded by Commissioner Crowther. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />XII. MINUTES -NONE <br />XIII. CLOSED SESSION <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Carey to go into Closed <br />Session to instruct staff concerning the material terms of a proposed contract for the acquisition of real <br />property by lease or purchase by Authority: G.S. Section 143-318.11 (a)(5) and to discuss matters relating <br />to the location and/or expansion of industries within Orange County by Authority: G.S. Section 143- <br />318.11(a) (4) <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Willhoit to adjourn the <br />Closed Session and to reconvene into open session. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS