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he asked that the County find some warehouse space for these supplies from the Red Cross. He <br />apologized to Spense Dickinson about the burning of debris at the landfill. He asked that the downed trees <br />be viewed as a resource and an opportunity to capitalize on this resource. He asked that the County <br />facilitate the mulching operation. <br />Chair Carey agreed that the County needs to view the wood as a resource which means the County <br />must plan ahead on how to handle an abundance of this resource. <br />Commissioner Willhoit reminded everyone of the waste summit on September 30 beginning at 6:00 at <br />the Homestead Community Center with food available at 5:30 and adjournment at 10:30. Also he attended <br />the Carrboro Northern Transition meeting and is concerned that there is not a regular member of this Board <br />attending these meetings. It seems to him that they are starting at ground zero without addressing the issues <br />that led to this facilitated planning process. He asked that the Board of County Commissioners get involved <br />so that they are not presented with a dilemma. Chair Carey indicated he volunteered and has not been able <br />to attend because of conflicts. <br />Commissioner Crowther commended all the citizens in the County -- neighbors helping neighbors <br />during the Hurricane Fran cleanup. He reported that for the five day period that emergency food stamps <br />were available, 1,344 applications were made. He commended the DSS staff for the tremendous job they <br />did during this period. <br />Chair Carey made reference to price gouging and said that all reported cases are being investigated <br />and will be reported to the Attorney General's office for followup. <br />4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT <br />John Link commended the County staff for working hard to serve the citizens during and after hurricane <br />Fran. He said that the County will critique their response to what happened to see what improvements can <br />be made. They will continue to have Bob Lockwood at the Homestead Center. FEMA is located there now <br />but may move later this week. The Department of Social Services will continue to respond to other needs. <br />He made reference to a memo from Town of Chapel Hill Manager Cal Horton about Hurricane Wood Debris <br />Disposal and said that there is an enormous amount of debris. In recent years, the landfill has annually <br />received 4-5000 tons of yard waste. They anticipate they could receive from this Hurricane 40,000 tons or <br />more of wood waste. They are burning the brush that is being picked up by city crews, DOT and FEMA. <br />They simply do not have enough space to store this enormous amount of debris. They are looking at <br />alternatives and will divert as much wood waste to a chipping operation in Hillsborough as possible. Details <br />are to be worked out. <br />5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS <br />a. Resolution of Intent on Long-Term School Capital Financing Plan <br />John Link asked that the Board consider adopting a resolution indicating the intent of the Orange <br />County Board of Commissioners to (1) implement a plan for financing long term capital needs for the Chapel <br />Hill-Carrboro City School District and the Orange County Schools, and (2) support passage of the $1.8 billion <br />Statewide school bond in November, 1996. At the September 3, 1996 meeting, the Board of Commissioners <br />requested County staff to refine the school capital options financing plan that was presented to the Board of <br />Commissioners at the August 20 meeting. <br />Budget Director Sally Kost presented in detail a refinement of option 5 and labeled it option 5A. <br />This option would not require an increase in the County's ad valorem tax rate. The revenues have been <br />updated based on more current information and will be updated again as part of the development of the <br />1997-2007 Capital Improvements Plan. <br />Commissioner Willhoit expressed a concern that there be money available if a strategic parcel of <br />property became available so that it could be purchased. <br />Commissioner Gordon expressed a concern that the new plan does not include money for <br />renovations to the older schools to bring them up to standard. <br />Superintendent of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City School District Neil Pedersen said that his <br />concern is that renovations to the existing schools would not be able to be made for several years. School <br />Board members Mary Bushnell and Nick Didow expressed the same concern. <br />Commissioner Willhoit said that the plan does address the issue of equity and puts the money <br />where the need are. However, if more money is needed, then it will have to be provided.