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WHEREAS, trees have long been seen as an enduring symbol of life and renewal; and WHEREAS, trees enhance the appearance of our communities; increase property value; provide food and shelter for wildlife; reduce energy costs, soil erosion and storm-water runoff; and, thus enhance our mental and physical well-being; and WHEREAS, Orange County's Master Gardener Volunteers and North Carolina Cooperative Extension - Orange County Center educators are helping citizens plant trees as an enduring reminder of those lost September 11 and to honor those who protect and defend us, as well as a means to celebrate our unity as a nation; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS do hereby proclaim November 2001 as "Trees of Strength Month" in Orange County, and urge all citizens to commend this observation. This, the 16t" day of October 2001. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 6. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation -November 6, 2001 Bond Referendum Staff presented educational materials, including a PowerPoint presentation, developed by the Bond Education Committee in preparation for the November 6, 2001 bond referendum. John Link said that there would be public service announcements and letters to the newspapers regarding the bond. There is also a brochure about all aspects of the bond as well as brochures on each issue. Budget Director Donna Dean made the PowerPoint presentation. The presentation outlined each aspect of the bond referendum and how the funds would be used. Forty-seven million dollars is dedicated to public school facilities, $4 million for two new senior centers, $4 million for affordable housing, and $20 million for parks, recreation, and open space. The Chapel Hill-Carrbora City School system will receive a total of $27.6 million, which will fund two new elementary schools and improvements to indoor air quality at older school facilities. The Orange County School system will receive a total of $19.4 million, which will fund a new middle school and to renovate Hillsborough Elementary School. The band provides $18.5 million for the construction of this middle school. The remaining $900,000 will be used to renovate Hillsborough Elementary School. Four million dollars of the band will be used to construct two senior centers that will allow convenient access for seniors throughout the County. Both centers will be served by public transportation. The first site will be located at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, and the second site will be located in Hillsborough. The location has not yet been determined. Due to the high cost of home ownership in the County, $4 million dollars of the bond has been dedicated to affordable housing. The average price for new and existing homes in Orange County has increased from $197,000 in 1997 to just aver $235,000 today, a 20°~ increase. Almost 19,000 residents in Orange County currently rent their homes. Of these residents, about 60% pay more than 30% of their income for housing, and about 24°~ pay more than 50°r6. The County can use these bond funds to leverage federal, state, and private funds. The bond also includes $20 million to support needs far parks, recreation facilities, and open space located throughout the County. Bond funds totaling $1.2 million have been designated to create Cedar Grove Park, located at the Northern Human Services Center in northern Orange County. The park will likely offer soccer fields, nature trails winding to an adjoining lake, a playground, and a picnic area. Bond funds totaling $1.2 million have been designated for development of the first phase of the park located on Eubanks Road in Chapel Hill Township. Bond funds of $2 million will be combined with existing funds to develop the Town of Chapel Hill's Southern Park. This park will probably include soccer fields, trails, and a mix of active and low impact recreation. Also included in the bond package are