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Chair Margaret Brown emphasized that when there is a bid that is over what is budgeted, the school <br />system needs to meet with the County Commissioners to find a viable solution. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to approve a revised <br />capital project ordinance as incorporated by reference in these minutes for renovations to the Cultural Arts Building at <br />Chapel Hill High School <br />Commissioner Halkiotis suggested and Chair Brown agreed that there needs to be a monthly meeting <br />between the County Manager and the superintendents since 50% of our budget goes to the schools. A printed agenda <br />would be shared with the County Commissioners. John Link agreed with this suggestion. <br />The Board amended this motion instructing the County Manager to meet with the superintendents and talk <br />about all the projects they have on the books. This would send clear expectations from the County Commissioners to <br />the School Boards. <br />Commissioner Carey does not feel that the County Commissioners should try to find the money for overruns <br />but that the respective school systems should be responsible to come up with the funds or cut back on the project. <br />Chair Margaret Brown would like to have some priorities set so we understand what really needs to be <br />done. It would help her to have a book with each building showing the renovations that have been made and what <br />renovations need to be done. <br />Vote on the motion with the amendment: UNANIMOUS <br />b. 1998-2008 CIP Adoption <br />The Board considered adoption of the 1998-2008 Capital Investment Plan. <br />At the May 19 meeting, the Board approved the allocation of $100,000 for farmland preservation, held in <br />reserve in the 1998-99 CIP, pending adoption of a conservation easement program specific to Orange County. The <br />Board also approved a decision to proceed with a $4.8 million private placement loan to carry out major renovations at <br />the Whitted and Northern Human Services Centers, and to replace the Chapel Hill Senior Center. The Board indicated <br />its intention to discuss at its next meeting the options available for funding the debt service on that private placement <br />loan. <br />Budget Director Donna Dean distributed a chart which shows the County capital projects and what would <br />happen with the continuation of the one cent setaside for school/park land acquisition and what would happen if it is not <br />continued. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to her comprehensive program for resource conservation which <br />would use this one cent setaside. She noted that Orange County has not spent very much on the environment over <br />the last ten years. She feels it is not fair to pit county conservation against county buildings and that people in the <br />County want them to put dollars toward the environment. She asked that the County Commissioners have a work <br />session to discuss this issue further. She asked that this one cent setaside for land acquisition stay intact and that the <br />County look elsewhere for monies for County buildings. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he feels Orange County is doing more than most counties in the state in <br />protecting our environment through land use regulations. He does not want to see the needs of our County buildings <br />which serve County citizens delayed. It is the County's responsibility to upgrade and improve County buildings and he <br />is not prepared to cut County projects. <br />Commissioner Crowther supports the County Manager's proposal to formally adopt the 1998-2008 CIP, <br />less any specific projects that the Board may identify as needing further deliberation during June 1998 budget work <br />sessions. <br />John Link said that environmental issues and county projects are competing for funds. He asked that the <br />Board consider this as a revenue stream and asked that they direct the staff to fund the needs that are necessary. <br />The Board has a full year for reallocating these monies. <br />Chair Margaret Brown said that these are modest sums for maintaining our County buildings and making <br />them serviceable. She also supports a comprehensive approach for environmental issues that need to be addressed. <br />She would like to keep supporting this fund and hopefully do both things. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis does not support the $6 million for Information technology. With reference to <br />County buildings, he said that the County has taken better care of the school buildings than our own. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to retain and <br />continue the one cent setaside for school/park capital reserve for one year. The decision on what to do with the reserve <br />fund after one year will be made later. <br />John Link clarified that the funding stream will be kept the same for the coming year. Beginning in 1999- <br />2000, they will incorporate into the CIP the initiatives that Commissioner Gordon has recommended. They will look at <br />the revenue stream and reduce items as necessary to provide funds for County needs. <br />VOTE: 4-1 (Commissioner Gordon) <br />C. Pocket park for Skills Development Center <br />The Board considered approval of plans for a "pocket park" at the Skills Development Center in the area