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e. Revocation of Preliminary Plan - University Manor, Phase 1 <br />This item was deleted from the agenda per a request from the attorney for the project. <br />f. Proposed Amendment to Board of County Commissioners Rules of Procedure (Rule 11) <br />The Board considered a proposal to include a time for inspiration as part of the Board of County <br />Commissioners regular meetings. <br />Commissioner Crowther said that he feels this is timely since we are beginning to meet in new <br />facilities. This would be a moment for meditation or pledge of allegiance. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis sited some personal issues he has with this proposal. He has learned <br />that the issue of a moment of silence can't be done in schools but that other legislative bodies have a <br />moment of silence. He said that he has been elected three times and has been sworn in as a County <br />Commissioner and when he says things, he means it. He has seen that insensitivity going on. He thinks it <br />interesting that in Orange County we don't get involved in this sort of thing because we are a diverse <br />community. He respectfully disagrees with this practice. <br />Commissioner Carey also shared some concerns noting that the County Commissioners <br />represent a broad cross section of people and our behavior should recognize that. He does not want to <br />offend anyone and while a moment of silence may not offend anyone, it may. He prefers to keep it the way it <br />is and does not support this item. <br />Commissioner Gordon agreed with Commissioners Halkiotis and Carey. <br />Chair Margaret Brown also prefers to do her meditation on her personal time and in a personal <br />way. She feels that the oath they have taken is adequate. <br />Commissioner Crowther said he would like to have the information they consider balanced with <br />inspiration but because of a lack of support will withdraw his proposal at this time. <br />q Child Protective Services Funding and New Positions <br />The Board considered accepting funding from the N.C. Division of Social Services to fund five new <br />child protective services social worker positions (salary grade 70, $32,303-$51,365) and two child protective <br />services supervisor positions (salary grade 72, $35,615-$56,630). <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve <br />accepting the funding from the North Carolina Division of Social Services and establish the proposed seven <br />new permanent full time Child Protective Services positions to meet State staffing standards and fulfill the <br />County's responsibility as an agent of the State in providing child protective services. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />h. Request for Funding - Dispute Settlement Center <br />The Board considered a request for funding in the amount of $13,450 for the Dispute Settlement <br />Center. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Carey to approve <br />Dispute Settlement Center Fiscal Year 1997-98 funding request of $13,450. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />10. REPORTS <br />a. Overview of Items Proposed for April 8, 1998 Joint Public Hearing <br />The Board heard a report on items proposed for the Joint Planning Area joint public hearing <br />scheduled for April 8, 1998. <br />Interim Planning Director Gene Bell summarized the items in this abstract. <br />John Link suggested approving the items as submitted by Chapel Hill and Carrboro contingent <br />upon both jurisdictions agreeing to a date that American Stone can be heard. <br />Commissioner Carey suggested hearing American Stone and the request from Inna Deng and <br />asking Chapel Hill and Carrboro to agree on a date to hear their items. <br />Chair Margaret Brown said that she would like to deal with Carrboro's request in April. <br />Barry Jacobs said that the OWASA Board has indicated they are willing to postpone American <br />Stone's application until October, 1998.