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i. Bid Award: Countv Building Fiber Optic Cable Installation <br />The Board considered awarding a bid to Integrated Communication Services of Raleigh in the <br />amount of $36,746, for the installation of fiber optic cable between various County buildings in downtown <br />Hillsborough. <br />Commissioner Carey spoke about the big difference in the amount of the bids. <br />Assistant County Manager Rod Visser said that this question came up in the Information <br />Technology Committee. He spoke about the original bid that was $32,040, but the company moved and <br />was unable to handle the project. <br />Pam Janes said that Integrated Communication Services had a proven track record with <br />Sprint. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs to award a <br />bid to Integrated Communication Services of Raleigh in the amount of $36,746 for the installation of fiber <br />optic cable between various County buildings in downtown Hillsborough and authorize the Purchasing <br />Director to execute the contract. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />k. Sign Translation Project -Countv Commissioners' Goal <br />The Board received information an the status of the approved goal to "Translate signs into <br />Spanish, especially at key government buildings," and received a recommendation. <br />Commissioner Brown said that the sign project was originated because there was a need for <br />more signs on County office buildings. Then it was decided to use this as an opportunity to <br />communicate in other languages. She supports using international symbols. She made reference to her <br />trip to Mexico and some people that she spoke with that said signage was not an issue and that it was <br />not worthwhile to spend money on something like this. She said that the money could be used far <br />translation purposes and more direct services. She also has a question about using Braille because she <br />has heard that it is not being used much anymore. She also does not understand how someone that <br />uses Braille could find the sign. She would like to consider this project only for international signage and <br />to be more precise as to where it is absolutely needed. <br />Chair Halkiotis noted that the Register of Deeds office has made its own paper signs in <br />Spanish. He thinks we need to start somewhere with respect to the signage. <br />Commissioner Jacobs clarified how this project began. He thinks that there are many places <br />in County government where people need more information than international symbols. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to a Communication Committee meeting and said that <br />she thought this was going to come back to that committee before being presented to the County <br />Commissioners. She thinks there needs to be more work on which languages would be used an the <br />signs. <br />Commissioner Brown said that she loves the idea of being welcoming and friendly and having <br />signs where they are appropriate. Otherwise, she thinks international signage should be used so that it <br />covers everyone. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she lived in Europe for two years and that from her <br />experience what is needed is help once a person gets in the building. <br />Chair Halkiotis is of the opinion that we should take one specific department like the Register <br />of Deeds office and see what can be done to replace the signs, develop the international symbols, and <br />move on from there. <br />The Board agreed with Chair Halkiotis' suggestion. Chair Halkiotis will check with the <br />Register of Deeds office to see what the need is for signage. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that we had asked the Manager to pursue automated telephone <br />options that when a Spanish speaking person calls they can be referred to someone who speaks <br />Spanish. He would like a report on this. <br />q: TANF Housing Program -Professional Services Contract Renewal <br />9 <br />