Orange County NC Website
Chair Gordon explained that there are three openings on the Orange County Planning Board and all of <br />them are specific to a township. At this time, there are no representatives from Bingham, Eno, or Hillsborough <br />Townships on the Planning Board. <br />Commissioner Jacobs nominated Theresa Nicole Gooding Ray from Bingham Township. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to close the <br />nominations for Bingham Township. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Theresa <br />Nicole Gooding Ray to the Orange County Planning Board, representing Bingham Township for a term ending <br />3/31/2002. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />Commissioner Halkiotis nominated Rachel Preston from Eno Township. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to close the <br />nominations for Eno Township. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to appoint Rachel <br />Preston to the Orange County Planning Board, representing Eno Township for a term ending 3/31/2002. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />In response to a suggestion from Commissioner Jacobs, the Board agreed by consensus to advertise for <br />additional applications from Hillsborough Township. <br />b. Approval of the Charge and Appointments to the Master Aging Plan Committees <br />The Board considered approval of the charge to and membership of the Master Aging Plan committees. <br />Chair Gordon distributed a list of items for discussion and possible action. In summary, she asked that a <br />specific process be followed in creating this task force, formulating the charge, and setting up a committee structure. <br />She was concerned about the diversity of the task force and subcommittees. <br />Florence Soltys, Chair of the Aging Board, said that there are now more people in Orange County that <br />are over 60 than there are in the public schools. She said that it is projected that over the next 20 years the amount <br />of people over 60 will grow by 140%. She said that the Department on Aging staff has advertised for applicants in <br />the Senior Times twice. This publication goes out to 25,000 people. There were also 6,000 letters sent to a wide <br />diversity of people from various organizations. She said that 109 people responded. She noted that she realizes <br />that there is not a Hispanic representative on the committee, but they have not been able to identify anyone who is <br />interested. <br />Chair Gordon asked if there were any advertisements put in a newspaper of general circulation and <br />Florence Soltys said no. <br />Florence Soltys explained that there are several steering committees with subcommittees branching off. <br />She said that the steering committees have been structured to include people with expertise in the specific areas. <br />Chair Gordon stressed to Florence Soltys that the Board agrees that this is a very important thing. The <br />question is how is the best way to accomplish the Master Aging Plan. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis suggested that Maria Palmer be contacted for assistance in recruiting someone <br />from the Hispanic community. <br />Jerry Passmore said that the Department on Aging is willing to add to this committee and that any <br />suggestions are welcome. <br />Florence Soltys said that she feels this project needs to be pursued while the enthusiasm is there. She <br />feels that the Master Aging Plan would fall behind in the process by not moving ahead on this project at this time. <br />Commissioner Jacobs suggested approving the process at this meeting and the membership at the next <br />meeting. He would like to see the staff use this time to recruit additional members in an attempt to add diversity to <br />the Master Aging Plan Committee. He suggested looking at applicants who are not already serving on other <br />committees. <br />Florence Soltys said that people on this committee are those who know the most about specific areas. <br />Commissioner Brown said that the policy of the Board of County Commissioners is that members can <br />only serve on two boards in the County. She said that it would be nice to add some people to the steering committee <br />who are not always involved with the aging issues. <br />Chair Gordon said that the County Commissioners would work hard to see that this process gets a good <br />start but she would like to see diversity on this task force. She said that the County's application file could be <br />researched and there could be an advertisement in a newspaper of general circulation. She would like to separate