Orange County NC Website
As to the Historic Preservation Committee, Commissioner Jacobs made the observation <br />that this was becoming an almost totally male board and that women applicants were needed for more <br />diversification. Chair Gordon agreed and also pointed out that the bylaws stated the appointee must <br />have a background in architectural preservation and/or engineering to join, which have traditionally been <br />male-dominated fields. The Chair stated further study would be made as to how to attract qualified <br />women applicants. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Brown, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to <br />appoint to the Historic Preservation Committee Rob Golan for a term ending 3/31/2000 and to appoint <br />Brad Lessler to a term ending 3/31/2002. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS. <br />b. Text Amendments - Flexible Development Provisions <br />This item was deleted from the agenda. <br />The Board considered accepting a grant from Smart Start in the amount of $47,887.00 in <br />support of the Orange County Community Awareness Project, and to establish a new permanent time- <br />limited bilingual community awareness coordinator position. <br />Manager Link commended Health Director Rosemary Summers on her initiatives to <br />pursue and obtain a Smart Start grant for this project. Mr. Link also recommended approval of this <br />proposal to be able to obtain continued funding from Smart Start next year. Ms. Summers was <br />introduced to present the proposal. <br />Ms. Summers stated that the grant was aimed toward bringing Hispanic children into the <br />available County services. A series of community outreach events are planned since the language <br />barrier can make reaching and educating the County's Hispanic community difficult. Ms. Summers <br />emphasized that many strategies will be needed to make the program successful. Commissioner <br />Halkiotis asked for clarification of the phrase "permanent time-limited". Director of Personnel Elaine <br />Holmes stated that the position would have benefits, unlike a normal temporary position, but would be <br />limited as to the amount of time that the chosen person was employed by the County. Commissioner <br />Halkiotis asked that this phrasing be rethought. Ms. Summers explained that the programs will be <br />available to all Hispanic children that are either citizens or permanent residents whose parents and/or <br />guardians possessed a "green" card. However, immunizations and screening will be provided to anyone. <br />There will also be limited mental health benefits and some agencies have private funding. Additionally, <br />there will be developmental evaluation services above the normal ones offered by the Health <br />Department. The department seeks to hire a bilingual person for the coordinator position, and Ms. <br />Summers stated that it would take a fair amount of time for the newly-hired person to become familiar will <br />all available programs. Ms. Summers mentioned that the salary level will be in the mid-$30,000 range, <br />including benefits. Ms. Summers stated that the dental office in the Carr Mill location have donated office <br />space. The needs of adults have not yet been assessed, but will be once the program is in place and <br />operating. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to <br />accept the Smart Start Grant for Orange County Community Awareness Project and to create the <br />Bilingual Community Awareness Coordinator position. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS. <br />d. Funding Support for La Fiesta Del Pueblo <br />The Board considered a request to provide $5,000.00 in funding to La Fiesta Del Pueblo <br />as a sponsoring partner for the event. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to <br />provide $5,000.00 in funding for La Fiesta Del Pueblo as a sponsoring partner. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS.