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does not want to preclude HOV lanes. He thinks that these two issues are worth bringing to NCDOT's <br />attention at the information workshop. <br />John Link suggested that the NCDOT be asked from an engineering perspective how pursuing a <br />six-lane cross-section between two eight-lane cross-sections works out over time and how that still provides <br />for the potential of HOV lanes. <br />Chair Gordon counseled against saying anything that would suggest that Orange County would <br />like eight lanes. <br />Air quality is also an issue if there is a bottleneck with the six-lane cross-section. <br />The Board of County Commissioners would like to have responses in writing. <br />By consensus the Board of County Commissioners agreed that Planner Gene Bell would write up <br />these comments to present at the NCDOT information workshop. <br />C. OWASA Request for Sewer Easement on County Property <br />The Board considered a request by OWASA that the County provide an easement across a tract <br />of County-owned property in Chapel Hill to install a sewer line. <br />County Engineer Paul Thames made reference to the information in the agenda and said that <br />OWASA is replacing the existing Booker Creek sewer line because of periodic problems with overflow of <br />sewage. The Town of Chapel Hill has endorsed this project. The property is adjacent to Chapel Hill <br />greenways. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked if this sewer line would render the property unsuitable for <br />development. <br />Paul Thames said that it would not be any more unsuitable for development than it was before. <br />He explained that the property was in a very low-lying area. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked if it would be rude to give the property to the Town of Chapel Hill and <br />subtract the value of the property from the bond monies that Orange County is going to give the Town of <br />Chapel Hill for the two parks. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to direct staff <br />to prepare the documents necessary to assign the requested easement to OWASA under the signature of the <br />Chair. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />The Board decided by consensus to ask the staff to think about the disposition of the property and <br />track it on the BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions sheet. <br />John Link asked the County Commissioners if they want to convey this property to the Town of <br />Chapel Hill for green space. The Board said no. <br />Chair Gordon said that the suggestion is for the staff to come back to the Board of County <br />Commissioners with suggestions before contacting the Town of Chapel Hill. <br />d. Innovation and Efficiency Committee - Charge. Composition and Time Line <br />The Board considered a charge, the composition, and timeline of the Innovation and Efficiency <br />Committee. <br />John Link said that at the BOCC meeting on November 3rd, the Board discussed the issues that <br />they wanted to be pursued by the Innovation and Efficiency Committee. The staff tried to capture the Board's <br />direction and the charge is on the second page of the abstract. The staff will come back to the Board with an <br />interim report in mid-April of 2000. <br />Commissioner Jacobs recognized Jim Goldstein who served on the Innovation and Efficiency <br />Committee. He asked that the charge reflect exploring opportunities for electronic government. <br />Assistant Manager Rod Visser said that he could make the charge more specific to electronic <br />government. <br />John Link made reference to space issues and the issue of electronic government and the <br />ramifications on the use of present space and future space. This includes parking, entrances, exits, etc. <br />8