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Chair Halkiotis also talked with another citizen who is concerned about the number of cats and <br />dogs that are being picked up by animal control. He said that there might be some people out there who <br />are not responsible pet owners and not following good spaying and neutering procedures. <br />Chair Halkiotis reminded everyone about the Pow-wow that will be held this weekend. <br />Chair Halkiotis said that Commissioner Brown and he met with Congressman Price to solicit his <br />support in getting involved in a meaningful way in dealing with the issues with Carolina Power and Light. <br />CP&L plans to create the largest depository of spent nuclear waste rods in the United States in the <br />greater Triangle area. He said that the fact that there is a possibility that an accident could happen <br />leaves one to conclude that health, safety, and welfare issues should be taken seriously by all elected <br />officials. The meeting with Congressman Price was not successful, so the Commissioners are now <br />soliciting the offices of United States Senator John Edwards. Chair Halkiotis and Commissioner Brown <br />wrote a letter asking Senator Edwards to step in and help in their effort. Senator Edwards has the <br />prerogative to call a public hearing in his own district, and the letter asked him to do that. Chair Halkiotis <br />said that he thinks it is ludicrous that we cannot get a public hearing on a safety matter that could <br />potentially impact the lives of over a million people. He said that there is also going to be a news release <br />stating that Orange County is going to the U. S. Court of Appeals and that we have solicited Senator <br />Edwards' help. <br />Chair Halkiotis said that he and Commissioner Brown met with the planning group for the Northern <br />Human Services Center in Cedar Grove and there will be a package brought back to the Board soon. <br />Chair Halkiotis would like an update on the Fairview ball field. <br />Chair Halkiotis said that we have heard that 20% of the children in the County live below the <br />poverty level. He said that we sited the Skills Development Center an West Franklin Street because it <br />was the area that the last census clearly shaved had significant issues with respect to people who <br />needed help. He said that what we do is based on specific needs as they are identified. He thinks that <br />we have been more than fair to all citizens in this County and this should be our driving farce. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to the list of meetings in June and said that she thinks the <br />Board should spend some time on capital funding issues, specifically the CIP and the bond projects. <br />She said that the impact fees should be set in the context of the bond referendum. She would be willing <br />to set another meeting ar come to a meeting earlier. <br />John Link said that the discussions of the CIP are projected for the work session of June 18t". It <br />could be addressed at an earlier meeting, if needed. <br />Chair Halkiotis would rather elongate a meeting and not set another meeting. <br />The Board will be palled about elongating the meetings on June 14t" and 18'" <br />4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT <br />John Link recognized Dianne Reid as one of 37 Economic Development Directors in North Carolina <br />who has achieved certification as an Economic Developer. <br />5. RESOLUTIONS/PROCLAMATIONS <br />a. Resolution of Approval of Grant -Victor and Lucille Walters Conservation Easement <br />The Board considered entering into a farmland preservation conservation easement <br />agreement with Victor and Lucille Walters and accepting a grant from the N.C. Farmland Preservation <br />Trust. <br />Environment and Resource Conservation Director David Stanch summarized the information <br />in the agenda. He said that this resolution would accept the grant and approve the conservation <br />easement, which is the first conservation easement for Orange County. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that Orange County was considered one of the leaders in North <br />Carolina in farmland conservation, voluntary agriculture districts, lands legacy program, etc. He also <br />pointed out that the monies received from this project constitute almost half of what the legislature is <br />proposing to put into the farmland preservation trust fund this year. He thinks this is very regrettable. He <br />suggested that the County Commissioners write a letter to our delegation asking far full funding of the <br />four trust funds offered by the State of North Carolina at least at the levels of last year. The three trust <br />funds that Orange County has worked with are the Recreation and Parks Trust Fund, the Clean Water <br />Management Trust Fund, and the Farmland Preservation Fund. <br />3 <br />