Orange County NC Website
a) Update on Riverwalk <br /> Margaret Hauth said that there is an RFQ for a feasibility study for the remainder of the <br /> pathway. This is shown as the red line on the map. Everything shown in red is Phase 2. This <br /> would involve the detailed bridge design for two bridges and a feasibility study for the path. <br /> She said that there has been $1 million in grant funds to help in funding this. <br /> Eric Peterson said that the plan is to get another$500,000 in grant funds. There is <br /> also CMAQ funding forthcoming and there will be a fundraising effort to make this project <br /> affordable. <br /> b) Future of Fairview Park <br /> Dave Stancil distributed a grounds amenity map and said that the park is essentially <br /> completed. The plan is to have a grand opening day of April 9th. He pointed out the <br /> chronological history of the park in the agenda packet. <br /> Brian Lowen said that they are extremely excited to have this completed and this is an <br /> impressive park. <br /> Commissioner Gordon agreed and said that she is extremely happy that the park is <br /> done. <br /> Evelyn Lloyd said that she has been involved with Fairview since she was on the Board <br /> of Health many years ago. She gave a history of this project. <br /> Chair Pelissier made reference to the issue of the operation of the park and said that <br /> there was an amount that Hillsborough was going to contribute, but it did not come to fruition. <br /> She hopes that when there are joint efforts in a park in the future that there is a joint funding <br /> effort. <br /> Michael Gering said that there was never any agreement on this park to contribute <br /> financially and he said that this is a County park and it is not appropriate for Hillsborough to <br /> contribute. <br /> Mayor Stevens said that the Town Board saw the $30,000 in the Town budget as a <br /> placeholder only and not an agreement. He said that there could be discussions about <br /> contributions going forward. He said that there are issues with equity. He said that the Town <br /> is not asking for contributions from Orange County for Riverwalk and this is a regional facility. <br /> He said that he wants to look at the overall policies and Hillsborough contributes with water <br /> and security and is committed to do those things that are within its purview. <br /> Chair Pelissier agreed that they need overall policies and said that is why she raised <br /> this issue. She said that these are larger issues with all of the municipalities and she wants to <br /> do it in an equitable fashion. <br /> Commissioner Yuhasz said that as they go forward with future projects, they all need to <br /> be clear on what the expectations are from each entity. <br /> Michael Gering said that, going forward, having clear expectations and communications <br /> is important. He said that he feels like the Town's trust has been betrayed on Fairview Park. <br /> He said that it seems that the partnerships have hidden strings attached. <br /> Chair Pelissier said that there is a communication issue. She hopes that future projects <br /> have agreements attached. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that the aquatic center was in the 2001 bond portrayed by <br /> Chapel Hill and Carrboro mayors as the highest recreation priority. When it was jointly planned <br /> with Chapel Hill, it was short of funding and Chapel Hill kicked in money. He said that the <br /> County did always insist this was a County park and not a neighborhood park and it was jointly <br />