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Planner David Stancil reported on the tasks that the new department will address. He explained that some <br />tasks are existing and some are new that are not being addressed. <br />Commissioner Carey agrees with holding a public hearing on November 4 and suggested that the County <br />Commissioners not decide on the effective date until after the public hearing. He said that this new department <br />troubled him because he feels the County could accomplish some of the goals set for this new department without <br />forming a new department. <br />Commissioner Crowther made reference to the Soil and Water Conservation District and said that he feels <br />we need to work on an agreement with them. <br />John Link said that they have met with the Soil and Water Conservation District and they are looking <br />forward to working together. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she feels that this department is needed at this time because the <br />environment is an important issue to a lot of citizens. She wants to see this department formed so they can proceed <br />with conservation easements and focus on various ways to protect land. One important part of what this department <br />will do is work collaboratively with other departments. They will not take over any function of any established <br />department. She feels that Nov. 23 is not unreasonable. She hopes that public comments will improve the proposal. <br />Chair Brown said that she strongly supports the creation of this department. She feels that this new <br />department will help us in planning and acquiring resources in Orange County to preserve and protect farmland, <br />recreational land and wildlife. <br />Marshall Isenhour who lives on Pleasant Green Road said that he has concerns with this department <br />because of the restrictions this new department may place on farmland. <br />Ben Lloyd clarified that this is a decision item on November 20. He said that a public hearing for pubic <br />input would have been good before all the work was done in establishing this department. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordon to bring back to the <br />October 20 meeting the proposed operation plan for this department and to establish a public hearing date of November <br />4. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />b. Employee Pay and Benefits Report <br />The Board heard a report on employee pay and benefits in preparation for its scheduled Oct. 13 work <br />session. <br />Personnel Director Elaine Holmes summarized the information the County Commissioners received on the <br />employee pay and benefits in preparation for the Board's work session on employee compensation scheduled for <br />October 13, 1998. Various questions from the County Commissioners were so noted and information on these will be <br />distributed before the work session. <br />c. Report on the Paving of the Southern End of Buckhorn Road <br />The Board heard a report on the current N.C. Department of Transportation project to pave the southern <br />end of Buckhorn Road. <br />County Engineer Paul Thames summarized the information in the agenda. He said that the Department of <br />Transportation is trying to address as many problems as possible. One portion of Buckhorn Road will not be paved <br />because of a right-of-way problem. <br />Tommy Dyer, district engineer from DOT answered various questions. He said that the cost of the bridge <br />and the associated improvements will exceed one half million dollars which would put this project in the TIP process. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked how wide the bridge is in relation to how wide the roadway is and Tommy <br />Dyer said that width of the road would be 20 feet and the width of the bridge would probably be 16 feet. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis questioned why it would cost that much and Tommy Dyer said that since it would <br />be classified as a TIP project, that these projects are usually in excess of one half million. <br />Lynwood Futron of 3818 Ten Road said that his concern is safety. The road which is paved turns onto this <br />bridge that is 16 feet wide. He will not let the fire units use this bridge because of the safety issue. <br />Mr. Ed Johnson endorsed paving this road saying that he does not want to stop the paving. He lives within <br />100 feet of the bridge. This is a dangerous bridge. There has been at least one accident a year. The railings have <br />been knocked over. He is afraid that the paving will cause additional accidents down the embankment. He asked that <br />signs be posted for the one lane bridge. <br />Mr. Tommy Dyer said that there is a possibility that the bridge could be widened. He will report back to the <br />Board on this issue. He will let the County Commissioners know what they can do to help. It was also decided that <br />Chair Margaret Brown will write a letter of endorsement. <br />d. Cane Creek Watershed Staff Report <br />The Board heard a report on staff recommendations to protect the Cane Creek watershed. In summary, in <br />October 1997, the OWASA Board of Directors adopted their "Final recommendations for Protecting Cane Creek