Orange County NC Website
Commissioner Hemminger asked about making motions on work sessions and the <br /> County Commissioners' policy. <br /> Commissioner Gordon said that ordinarily the Board does not make motions during <br /> work sessions. The only difference with this is that it was brought forward at a regular meeting <br /> and noticed. She said that she thinks it is important not to break the policy and this was <br /> noticed by the posting of the agenda to the web. She thought that the Board agreed that this <br /> issue would be ok. <br /> Commissioner Jacobs said that the practice has been if there are items that need to be <br /> addressed in a timely manner, they have been brought to a work session for action. He said <br /> that if there is concern, this could be added to the June work session when Board procedures <br /> are discussed. <br /> Commissioner Hemminger said that her concern is that the public is aware that the <br /> Board normally does not vote on items at a work session. <br /> Commissioner Gordon agreed with that sentiment and said that it is important that the <br /> Board be transparent. <br /> Resolution Expressing Orange County's Opposition To Senate bill 183 Regarding <br /> Regulation of Vegetation Removal For Outdoor Advertising Structures and Preemption of <br /> Local Government Land Use Authority For the Placement and Type of Outdoor <br /> Advertising (Billboards) <br /> Whereas, the regulation of outdoor advertising and structures has long been considered a <br /> matter best left to local control and regulation, since each local government reflects distinct <br /> community values on balancing the demands of commerce with the preservation of the natural <br /> and visual environment, making it undesirable, except for the billboard companies, to <br /> implement a one-size-fits-all solution for perceived statewide billboard issues; and <br /> Whereas, the 1965 federal highway Beautification Act was primarily intended to preserve <br /> scenic beauty along the nation's major roadways, particularly by removing and regulating <br /> billboards because outdoor advertising structures have long been regarded as aesthetic <br /> blemishes, particularly in undeveloped areas, and can also create an unsafe traffic situation, <br /> distracting motorists; and <br /> Whereas, Orange County has maintained consistent billboard regulations since June 1984 <br /> when it adopted its current outdoor sign standards in major transportation corridors (Interstate <br /> 40, Interstate 84, U. S. 70, N. C. 86 and N. C. 57) as part of its zoning ordinance; and <br /> Whereas, Orange County is noted for its excellent quality of life, based on a longstanding <br /> commitment to the preservation of green space, the environment, agriculture, and rural <br /> character, and safeguards these attributes and benefits significantly from its tourism and <br /> housing industries in part by maintaining the community's outdoor advertising standards <br /> consistent with its land use regulations; and <br /> Whereas, research cited by the American Planning Association reveals that changeable copy <br /> LED billboards can be more distracting to motorists than traditional billboards, even as a body <br /> of evidence grows indicating that distractions both within and beyond the vehicle are hazards <br /> to safe driving; <br />