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importance is the maintenance of existing facilities. Lastly, he mentioned that there were other items not <br />addressed in the above categories. The Recreation and Parks Study Group will make a recommendation in the <br />near future regarding anticipated needs. They will address the potential for cooperation with other jurisdictions <br />including the school systems. He mentioned that a recommendation will be forthcoming from staff on the <br />process for establishing a committee of interested groups with experience regarding affordable housing. That <br />group will create a policy for the Board of Commissioners to discuss, review and ultimately adopt. That policy <br />would then guide the funding process. In the near future, County Engineer Paul Thames will present options <br />for using a combination of County funds and grant money for the Efland Sewer project. <br />Chair Brown requested that County staff provide information for the April 7th meeting regarding what <br />percentage of housing built in Orange County within the last ten years is classified as affordable housing. She <br />also asked that a representative from each of the School Boards attend the Parks & Recreation Task Force to <br />discuss possible bond projects. <br />Budget Director Donna Dean handed out a summary of the County's proposal to address major repairs <br />and renovations of County facilities. County Manager Link mentioned the need to renovate the Northern Human <br />Services Center and to build a senior center. A new location for the Senior citizens program presently at the <br />Galleria would need to be operational by the year 2001. <br />The $280,000 listed for Orange Enterprises is for future projects after the year 2000. Commissioner <br />Crowther indicated that he would like to see the date for this project moved up several years on the schedule. <br />OPC Mental Health will occupy most of the Northside facility. They are aware that there is not a great <br />deal of County money available for remodeling. <br />The contractors began work on the Skills Development Center located at 503 West Franklin several <br />weeks ago and are progressing with this renovation. <br />County Manager Link indicated that technological challenges are being addressed with the help of the <br />Information Technology Advisory Committee. The LEGACY System will be replaced in the future and <br />consultants will be hired to help with that project. <br />Commissioner Crowther requested that if the proposed Firing Range is pursued that it be included as a <br />item in the CIP under Public Safety. Commissioner Halkiotis indicated that he would be meeting with the Sheriff <br />in the near future and will report to the Board of Commissioners in late April or early May. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis indicated that the current EMS facility needs enlarging and upgrading. He <br />pointed out that there was no space for additional parking for emergency vehicles and that there is no location <br />for outdoor repair of equipment. EMS Director Nick Waters agreed and indicated that they are in need of <br />additional space. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked that the small house located along the driveway of the new Southern <br />Human Services Center be renovated, at least on the outside, as soon as possible. It is what citizens first see <br />as they enter the driveway and it is important that it be in good repair. <br />County Manager John Link indicated that this house would be used by the Cooperative Extension <br />Service in the future and that the initial repairs will begin shortly. <br />Cooperative Extension Director Fletcher Barber mentioned some of the possible uses of this facility by <br />his department. Commissioner Halkiotis suggested that this area could also be used to display local horticulture <br />for educational purposes. Mr. Barber indicated that there was a pond behind the house which could be used to <br />display plants used for weed control. <br />1998 POSSIBLE LEGISLATIVE ISSUES: This item was presented to discuss issues that the Board may wish <br />to consider as part of a legislative agenda for consideration in the 1998 session of the North Carolina General <br />Assembly. County Attorney Geoff Gledhill presented a brief update on the legislative issues listed in the agenda <br />packet which are likely candidates for consideration in this short session of the General Assembly. After <br />discussion it was decided, by consensus, to send the following items to public hearing for possible inclusion.