Minutes - 06-18-2001 - Laserfiche WebLink

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commitment to equity would be better than a specific statement as to the timeframe and geographic boundaries. Commissioner Brawn said that she was not at the meeting when this policy was approved. She said that the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group discussed this and was concerned that the policy did not address everything. The policy made it appear that there was anorth/south issue in the County in terms of funding for parks and open space. She made reference to the four bullets on the memo from the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. The work group is asking the Board to reconsider the adopted language. She thinks that it is great to reassure the public that the Board is approaching the infrastructure in a fair and equitable manner. She would like to move away from northlsouth issues. Commissioner Jacobs said that this was considered at two separate meetings. He was using the 48.1 °In as a target but not as a rule. This reaffirms that the County Commissioners try to achieve a balance. He said that until 1997, the County has not created any new facilities north of Hillsborough. He does not see it as a point of division. Commissioner Brawn wonders why it was necessary to say this and asked if it was to reassure the public. Commissioner Jacobs said that, to him, it was to reassure the public and to demonstrate to citizens that we have a wider purview to include municipalities. Commissioner Carey said that it does not matter what we say but what we do. People want parks and recreation areas near where they live. We have to continue to do the best we can. Chair Halkiotis said that if it had not been for the people in southern Orange, the Efland Sewer line bond referendum would not have passed. There were members of the Capital Needs Task Farce who greatly supported doing what is best for all. He is concerned about the point in the memo from the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group that says, "and may prove counter-productive to the bond education campaign this fall." He does not want anything to be counter-productive to the bond education campaign. He suggested that a couple of the County Commissioners get together with the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group and work through the issues. He said that he does not feel we need a policy. He said that we have been fair and equitable because we involve so many people in the process. He suggested that a group come together in July to reconsider this policy. Commissioner Jacobs will go with Commissioner Brawn to the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group meeting. Commissioner Gordon asked why this was limited to park projects and why we did not include all projects on the bond. She suggested adopting a more general policy if we are going to adopt any policy. A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Brown to get a group together in July to reconsider this policy. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 3. COUNTY DEPARTMENT AND NEW STAFF RESOURCES REVIEW Public Safety Regarding emergency services, Commissioner Jacobs said that there have been some concerns about the private ambulance service with which the County contracts and how its service is inadequate. He asked where this is reflected and if we are looking to improve it or change it. John Link said that the service was through Johnson Ambulance and it was for non-emergency transportation. EMS Director Nick Waters said that the concerns they receive usually stem from an incorrect expectation about what Johnson Ambulance does. They do not address emergency issues. They will be reviewing this aspect of EMS. Commissioner Jacobs invited Nick Waters to attend the next Department on Aging Board meeting to hear the concerns from the alder citizens in our County. John Link encouraged the Board to speak with other franchises to see if anyone is willing to come into Orange County and provide this service.