Minutes - 19990116 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Carey feels that "effective school funding" and defining what we mean by that may be more appropriate than "equity". It was decided that the County Commissioners would continue discussions at a later time on "effective school funding" and the construction manager concept. They agreed to ask the two school systems to put their expansion items in priority order for the budget this year. The Board took a break for lunch. D. BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ON WHICH BOARD MEMBERS SERVE The Board discussed and decided which boards would require Commissioner membership, which should have a Commissioner as a liaison (with or without membership) and for which groups it would be sufficient to have a member appointed by the Board of County Commissioners The list as included in the agenda was reviewed and changes noted by the Clerk to the Board. These appointments will be presented at the February 2, 1999 meeting for approval. E. PRESENTATION FROM BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS The County Commissioners heard several reports as listed below: ADULT CARE HOME ADVISORY BOARD Chair Cherie Rosemond outlined their 1999 goals. She said that one of the issues is that frontline caregivers are paid the least and do the most work. Another issue is the need for meaningful activities. She asked that the County Commissioners watch the regulations coming out about family care and rest homes. She said that there is a need for an improved ratio of caregivers to residents. They also need more volunteers to help in the homes. Commissioner Carey suggested that these issues be brought to the attention of the NCACC. He asked that Cherie Rosemond make a list of what she feels needs to be done so that the County Commissioners can support the efforts through the Association and other state groups. Efland Volunteer Fire Department Peter D. Hallenbeck, Assistant Chief/Secretary of the Efland Volunteer Fire Department, summarized his memo. He said that the primary goal of the memo was to inform the County Commissioners about things coming down the road. He talked about their training. He said that Chapel Hill has a facility to test the pumpers. He asked the County Commissioners to investigate working with Orange County Emergency Management and Chapel Hill to be sure they have access to these facilities. The cost of fire fighting equipment has increased drastically. Efland will need to spend $550,000 in the next 10 years to provide an engine, tanker and brush truck that are newer than 20 years old. The fire department budgets will need to be increased to cover this cost. They continue their efforts to obtain a better ISO grade (insurance rating). This has proven to be a very long, detailed task for which there is little assistance from County resources. They are working with different County departments on this effort and these departments may need extra resources so that they can help in this effort. A problem nationwide is that fire departments are going more and more to paid staff. As less and less people work locally, it is hard to have volunteer firefighters. In Efland, adding two paid people would add 60% to their budget. Lastly, he said that he appreciates the volunteers because they are dedicated and have great pride in what they do. Commissioner Halkiotis noted that Efland has the lowest tax rate of any of the fire districts. He is sure that all fire districts are experiencing the same problems Efland is facing with funding and volunteers. He noted that the rural education plan has built in a testing pit which would help in testing their equipment. This entire issue needs to be looked into and he is grateful for the information from Mr. Hallenbeck. Historic Preservation Commission Tom Allison, Chair of the Historic Preservation Commission, asked for continued funding for their local landmark program. He made reference to the membership of this Commission and said that they have one