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requests for proposals for preparation of a nomination of the White Oak Grove School to the National Register of <br /> Historic Places. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA <br /> a. Housing Bond Program Policy <br /> The Board considered approving the Housing Bond Program Policy. <br /> Keith Cook summarized the concerns expressed by the County Commissioners at their October meeting <br /> and the responses of the committee. The committee also added language to the policy which requires all existing <br /> housing projects to be completed within three years of funding and all new construction projects to begin within three <br /> years of funding award. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs asked about the urgent repair program and if a review committee will make <br /> recommendations. Keith Cook said that Orange Community Housing administers this review. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to approve the Housing <br /> Bond Program Policy. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Forest Service Contract <br /> The Board considered an annual agreement with the North Carolina Department of Environment and <br /> Natural Resources to support N.C. Forest Service activities in Orange County. <br /> John Link made reference to the concern expressed by Orrin Pilkey at a previous meeting and stated that <br /> the Orange County Forest Ranger Brad Bowling was available to speak to their responsibilities and also the <br /> responsibility of state government. <br /> Brad Bowling said that they are responsible for all logging services and in this particular case there was a <br /> violation. He said that while they respond to complaints, generally violations are referred to the Land Resources <br /> Division of DENR. He said that in this incident cited by Dr. Pilkey, the loggers will be required to come back and plant <br /> trees and do whatever is necessary to prevent erosion. <br /> In answer to a question from Commissioner Halkiotis, Mr. Bowling said that loggers can cut to the property <br /> lines because there are no required setbacks. <br /> There was a consensus to have Geoffrey Gledhill check to see if there is any way that the County can <br /> require licensing of loggers and report this information to the County Commissioners at their next meeting. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve and <br /> authorize the Chair to sign the annual agreement between Orange County and the Department of Environment and <br /> Natural Resources and request that the County Attorney report on what the County Commissioners can do to regulate <br /> loggers. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> C. Facilitated Small Area Plan for Carrboro's Northern Study Area and Joint Area Planning <br /> Agreement Amendments Relative to Transition Area I and II and "Floating" Conditional Use <br /> Districts <br /> The Board considered adopting proposals amending the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and Map and <br /> the Joint Planning Agreement to incorporate the Facilitated Small Area Plan for Carrboro's Northern Study Area. <br /> Chair Gordon introduced this item by noting that this is the first time the Commissioners have really <br /> discussed the substance of this plan since the April Public Hearing. She said that Interim Planning Director Gene Bell <br /> will make a presentation and Carrboro's Planning Director Roy Williford is available to answer questions. The County <br /> Commissioners will then take public comment for one-half hour and then assess the situation and decide on how to <br /> proceed. <br /> Gene Bell pointed out on a map the area under consideration. He said that on April 8, 1998 they had a <br /> Joint Planning public hearing. Many citizen comments and concerns were raised at the hearing and an attachment to <br /> the agenda abstract dated May 26,1998 from the Carrboro Board of Aldermen attempts to address these comments and <br /> concerns. He reviewed the process and timeline as included in the abstract. The recommendation includes two <br /> options, (1) adoption of the Planning Board recommendations as outlined in the agenda or (2) denial of the <br /> recommendations as outlined in the agenda. <br /> NOTE: Since this is not a public hearing , the following comments are summarized. <br /> Michael Nelson . Mayor of Carrboro, said that the plan gives Carrboro the tools they need to curb urban sprawl. <br /> He made reference to the Northern Transition Area Advisory Committee and said that they would be willing to <br /> compromise on the composition of this committee. <br />