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John Link asked that the Board designate their first work session in the new year to work on and confirm their goals. Chair Margaret Brown made reference to the timeline for solid waste issues and suggested doing a strategic plan that would incorporate our solid waste management plan that was sent to the state and this plan and a timeline and long range financial plan. She feels this would provide in one document a plan that can be easily understood by the County Commissioners, elected officials and citizens. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page three and the Natural Resource Protection goal to add a new division to the Planning Department and asked that the County Commissioners consider whether they should have a separate department. She made reference to her memo dated May 25 which outlines a proposal to form a new Environment and Resource Conservation Department. This memo is incorporated into these minutes by reference. She asked that the County Commissioners direct staff to formulate a resolution and wording so the goal can be considered by the County Commissioners and adopted on June 15 or June 22. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed a concern with setting up a separate department in County government versus incorporating into a current County department. He would like to know what the Planning Department looked like 15 years ago and what new responsibilities have been added to their workload over the last few years. He asked if this could be incorporated into our Planning Department. Commissioner Crowther feels that we should not be creating positions when there may be state or federal personnel that will provide some assistance in these areas. Chair Margaret Brown said that she supports the proposal. She would like to have a report on what the planning staff can do in this area to articulate the goal. John Link suggested that the staff work on a comprehensive response which will include the cost of personnel, space, furniture, equipment, etc. and bring back to the Board in August. Commissioner Crowther made reference to the school of the hospital and asked for staff to investigate and report back on a way to shift the cost of this hospital school to the state. The Board continued to review the goals and make revisions which will be incorporated in the final goals. John Link said that they will come back with what they understand the County Commissioners want to adopt. Orange County Public Library: Carrboro Branch John Link said that the County received a letter from Carrboro's Mayor Mike Nelson asking that the County look at the long-term needs of the Carrboro library. He feels the County has gone a long way in providing services to the citizens of Carrboro. Orange County Library Director Brenda Stephens summarized information on other cities and counties and their contribution to library services. Commissioner Crowther feels we need to convene a meeting and try to respond to the Mayor's letter. Chair Brown will contact the Mayor to see if these needs are still applicable. u Living Wage Ordinance This item was presented to provide further information regarding a proposed Living Wage ordinance for Orange County which would establish a minimum wage level for certain firms doing business with County government. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he sees this thing getting watered down and does not like it. Regarding day care salaries, he said that there is a problem nationwide with low pay and high turnover rates. Chair Margaret Brown said she talked with three bankers who are interested in providing money for the County's loan pool. They are against the County's setting a living wage and this stipulation being included in the loan pool guidelines. She feels that the low pay for daycare workers needs to be addressed by the daycare providers. She made reference to nonprofit agencies and asked that a letter be sent to each one encouraging them to provide a living wage for their employees. She would like to encourage a discussion on why they don't pay their employees $8.00 an hour. This may be a project that the Human Services Advisory Commission (HSAC) may want to consider doing. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a copy of what Durham's ordinance covers. After further discussion, the County Commissioners decided to pursue three options in lieu of adopting an ordinance at this time.