Minutes - 04-17-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Halkiotis and Commissioner Gordan thanked the Nutters for providing this land in a ten- year lease at $1 per year. Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the attempt to include the Hispanic community. The league that had been playing in Orange County disbanded. He said that there was provision made by the other groups to accommodate the needs of the Hispanic community in Orange County should they decide to take advantage of it in this instance. Commissioner Jacobs suggested having a public information meeting so that we can let the neighbors know what we are planning and explain that the field will have limited use, no lights, and minimum impact on the community. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Carey to support the publiclprivate partnership concept outlined in the abstract far the development of one full-size field at Mapleview Farm. John Link will come back to the Board with a detailed proposal. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 9. ITEMS FOR DECISION -REGULAR AGENDA a. Appointments The Board considered appointments to the Orange County Planning Board. Commissioner Jacobs nominated Maria Tadd. Commissioner Carey supports this nomination and hopes that, as more seats become vacant that we try to provide diversity on this board. VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Use and Access Plan -McGowan Creek Preserve The Board considered a staff proposal for the future public use of and access to the McGowan Creek preserve. Land Conservation Manager Rich Shaw made this presentation. This is the revised plan. The McGowan Creek Preserve is a 63-acre tract of land located west of Hillsborough and north of US 70. The County purchased this land from Duke University last year for the purpose of water supply protection and for low impact recreational uses. The entire site is wooded and was managed as part of Duke Forest since acquired by Duke in the 1930's. The proposed plan includes ideas for an entranceway, a small parking area, picnic tables, walking trails, and signage to explain features of the site. The revised plan incorporates the Board comments made last October -recognition of the need for trash and recycling receptacles, key information on signs in Spanish, signs including important features of the property, and a turnaround lane for eastbound traffic. Some of the next steps are to solicit bids for the park development and determine the actual costs; submit a formal application to the NCDOT for the driveway entrance, the turn lane, and the turnaround; and engage in communications with Orange- Alamance about the potential for expanding some of the trails on the properly down to McGowan Creek itself, which is on Orange-Alamance land. The Manager recommends that the Board authorize staff to solicit bids for park development and determine the costs of implementing the plan. The Manager also recommends that the Board authorize staff to initiate communications with Orange-Alamance Water Systems about the potential expansion of hiking trails that could link the property to McGowan Creek. Commissioner Jacobs offered assistance by the Commissioners in speaking with NCDOT about the turnaround lane. Commissioner Jacobs made some comments about the proposed rules, which were so noted by Rich Shaw. Chair Halkiotis suggested asking the Sheriff to assist in securing the site at night and patrolling the site. A motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Carey to authorize staff to solicit bids for park development and determine the costs of implementing the plan, and to authorize staff to initiate communications with Orange-Alamance Water Systems about the potential expansion of hiking trails that could link the property to McGowan Creek. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs asked about the timeframe far the preserve to open to the public and Rich Shaw said that it was doable by the fall if the funds were identified.