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7. PUBLIC HEARINGS <br /> a. 1998-2008 Capital Investment Plan <br /> The Board held a public hearing on the County Manager's proposed 1998-2008 Capital <br /> Investment Plan. <br /> Citizen comments were received as stated below: <br /> Mr. Carl Rice said that education is important to him and his family and other parents. He <br /> supports the Orange County Charter School. He asked for assistance to purchase three buses, more <br /> playground equipment, computers, etc. <br /> Mr. Jim Barrick said that he has three children in charter schools. He told about how they got <br /> started and how they made it happen. They have a school that is safe, drug free and the kids love it. <br /> What they need now is financing for computers, playground equipment and computer software, He is <br /> speaking as a believer in the charter system. <br /> Mr. Rod Chaney, parent of 4 children, 2 of which are in charter schools said that he feels that <br /> charter schools is a way to save money and keep schools smaller. He asked for the County <br /> Commissioners support for charter schools. <br /> Ms. Bessie Wiggins presented a prepared statement. She summarized the repairs and <br /> renovations that are needed at the Northern Center in Cedar Grove. <br /> Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a report on all the issues that Ms. Wiggins brought up. He <br /> wants to know the status of items that were suppose to be done. <br /> Robert Seymour thanked the County Commissioners for their strong support of their senior <br /> center in Chapel Hill . He supports the County's decision to build a new senior center and the $1.8 <br /> million in this CIP. <br /> Ann Johnson said that the major thing to focus on is the partnership to make true what has <br /> been tried all over the United States for senior citizens. She noted that nineteen percent of seniors are <br /> below the poverty level and expressed a need to coordinate the service delivery system for the older <br /> Americans. The senior center is one concept that helps to promote this coordination. She supports the <br /> $1.8 million for the senior center. <br /> Ida Wright spoke in support of the $1.8 million for the future senior center. She is president <br /> of the Chapel Hill Senior Center. <br /> Nancy Lau asked that the Board give consideration to financial help for the Village Charter <br /> School. They are having trouble locating space and they have no assets. They need space and <br /> financial backing. She invited the County Commissioners to visit the school. <br /> Bob Lockwood, Executive Director of the Orange County Chapter of the Red Cross, said that <br /> the Red Cross has served Orange County for over 80 years. They are located in Chapel Hill . They <br /> serve in excess of 30,000 people a year in either services or training. He is asking on behalf of their <br /> Board of Directors, their staff and volunteers the County's help with purchasing the facility where they are <br /> presently located at an amount of$25,000 a year for the next three years. <br /> John Chesman told about the Orange County Charter School. He said that the teachers at <br /> that school are extraordinary and extremely dedicated as well as the parents. <br />