Orange County NC Website
Chair Gordon suggested forwarding this report to the governing boards of Chapel Hill and <br />Carrbore and to put the open facilities policy on nn III w. ing agenda <br />After further discussion, Chair Gordon suggested forwarding this report to the towns as <br />well as the County advisory boards and to put the open facilities policy on an upcoming agenda. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to <br />forward the report and place the open facilities policy on an upcoming agenda. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS. <br />b. Water and Sewer Management Planning and Boundary Agreement <br />The Board received a report from the Water and Sewer Boundary Task Force and <br />reviewed a final draft of the water and sewer management planning and boundary agreement. <br />Manager Link stated that this process has been ongoing for ten (10) years and has been <br />verycomplex. Chair Gordon and Commissioner Carey served on this group as the Board of County <br />Commissioners representatives, while Commissioner Jacobs had represented OWASA. <br />Commissioner Carey expressed his concern that the issue still needs work and should be <br />referred to a work session rather than action at this meeting. Chair Gordon questioned how other <br />jurisdictions were handling the issue. Planner Gene Bell stated that the Chapel Hill Town Council and <br />the Hillsborough Town Commissioners are to consider the issue at its September 13, 1999 meeting, <br />while the Carrboro Board of Aldermen will consider it on September 28, 1999. Chair Gordon stated that <br />it was important to expedite this matter. <br />Commissioner Carey stated that while progress had been made and has evolved over the time <br />period, it has produced a document that he, as Chair of the work group, cannot recommend to the Board <br />of County Commissioners. He further stated that he has concerns about the impact on the Orange <br />Water and Sewer Authority's (OWASA) ability to provide services. Commissioner Jacobs asked what <br />Hillsborough's reaction was to this issue. Chair Gordon stated that there did not seem to be any specific <br />concerns for Hillsborough. As to issues of concern in the task force deliberations, it had been difficult to <br />define "emergency" water transfers. The Chair stated that this agreement would be scheduled for a work <br />session and requested OWASA should be advised and that the OWASA Board chair and vice-chair, plus <br />the two County OWASA Board representatives should be invited. <br />C. Countywide Literacy Initiative <br />The Board received a report from Lucy Lewis, Director of the Orange County Literacy <br />Council and a request that the Board provide matching funds, which were, received from the two (2) <br />school systems for this initiative. Ms. Lewis stated that too many children come to school not ready to <br />read or to attend school, in general, so a more comprehensive literacy policy is needed to adequately <br />address these issues. Within the County, there is a wide division between literate and non-literate <br />citizens and the gap needs to be bridged by strengthening parental skills, which will flow down to <br />improving the children's skill levels. This initiative was developed over the spring and summer with the <br />Orange County Partnership, with the following goals: <br />1. Eliminate adult literacy in Orange County. <br />2. Aid children in achieving literacy. <br />3. Create a positive climate to attain literacy. <br />4. Develop a public awareness campaign. <br />5. Implement a series of pilot projects to help both parents and children. <br />Ideas proposed thus far include use of bumperstickers, pamphlets, and other materials to <br />be given out at area schools and libraries. Ms. Lewis is seeking seed money of $2,500.00 to begin. <br />Chair Gordon stated that she would like to see more specific outcomes, such as reaching <br />100 families, to ensure there are measurable results because this is a worthwhile project. Ms. Lewis <br />stated that more specific goals are forthcoming, but with the onset of the school year, it was thought to <br />be important to at least begin the process. Chair Gordon wanted to see Goal five clarified and pursued.