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the bi-monthly work sessions was changed. All the changes were so noted by the Clerk to the Board and will <br />be incorporated into a revised meeting schedule and placed on the Consent agenda for the next meeting. <br />10. REPORTS <br />A. UPDATE ON SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT ISSUES <br />The County Commissioners discussed recent developments regarding solid waste management <br />issues in Orange County and established dates and times for two required public meetings or hearings. The <br />deadlines in the abstract are progressive because decisions need to be made by the end of November. <br />John Link reviewed the public hearing process. He explained that another joint public hearing is <br />required because of the length of time which has passed since the 1996 public hearing. With regards to the <br />interlocal agreement, December 1 has been set as the deadline for reaching agreement on that document <br />which includes community benefits and a process for working toward the disposition of the Greene Tract. It <br />is proposed that community benefits be discussed at an Assembly of Governments meeting. Final decisions <br />by the Board of Commissioners on the interlocal agreement and the siting of a new landfill would need to be <br />made at the meeting scheduled now for November 24 or at another special meeting to be established. <br />Roger Barr distributed information on the Orange Solid-waste Enterprise 1997-98 Budget. He <br />asked that the Board of County Commissioners consider making a budget using the right numbers, showing <br />the amount of reserves and recognizing that this is an enterprise that is in serious financial trouble. <br />Gail Smith from the Town of Chapel Hill Solid Waste Division said that they have equipment <br />reserve funds, landfill construction funds, reserves for acquisition of property and undesignated reserves. <br />Reserve funds total a little over 2 million dollars. He will provide a report to the County Commissioners. <br />Commissioner Brown clarified the figures on the handout and asked if the Landfill does run at a <br />deficit. Gail Wilson said that sometimes they do and he explained why this may happen for a short period of <br />time. John Link will provide the County Commissioners with additional information on this issue. <br />The County Commissioners agreed to set a public hearing. They discussed at length many <br />issues dealing with the landfill. John Link indicated he would try to provide answers to all the questions and <br />concerns within the next few days. <br />A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to 1) review and <br />discuss the solid waste matters described in the agenda abstract and provide appropriate direction to the <br />Manager and Attorney; 2) approve an Assembly of Governments meeting for October 22 at 7:00 p.m. at <br />OWASA Community Center meeting room for discussion and possible decisions on solid waste issues <br />including community benefits; 3) approve a joint public hearing on socioeconomic and demographic data for <br />areas around candidate landfill site(s) for Thursday, November 20, 1997 at 7:00 p.m. at Stanback Middle <br />School; and 4) approve a public meeting on a landfill siting decision as required by the North Carolina <br />Administrative Code. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />B. CITIZEN REQUEST TO MODIFY WATERSHED CRITICAL AREA BOUNDARY <br />The Board heard a report from Planner Mary Willis on a citizen's request to change land use <br />restrictions on his property located in the Seven-mile Creek watershed. <br />Sim Efland explained that this property is located on the north side of the highway between US 70 <br />and Mt. Willing Road. The decision to extend watershed designation beyond one half mile is a local <br />decision. He has five (5) ponds on his land and a holding pond which collects rainwater so there is no <br />runoff. <br />Planner Mary Willis said that Mr. Efland's property is split by the water quality critical area. She <br />will be glad to look at this line to see what portion of this property was taken for the highway widening <br />project. <br />A motion was made by Chair Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to request the <br />County's Planning staff to remeasure the distance the property is from the water quality critical area and <br />bring back a report.