Orange County NC Website
Commissioner Brawn made reference to the staff findings where it states "There is frustration <br />about not knowing how to proceed, as the County seems to have difficulty settling on a direction". <br />She asked if this is specific to one department and Kevin Fitzgerald said that it was several <br />departments. This is mare specific around the clarity of the communication function in relation to <br />their respective department. Commissioner Brown made reference to the chain of responsibility for <br />web content and asked how one does that. Kevin Fitzgerald said that his recommendation is to have <br />the PIO responsible for the material an the website. The liaisons for the department would make sure <br />that this information is updated and communicated to the webmaster. Commissioner Brown asked <br />what was meant by "listening effort be credible". Kevin Fitzgerald said that this really referred to when <br />there are decisions that need to be made by the County Commissioners that those decisions are <br />communicated clearly along with any process the County Commissioners may desire. It relates to the <br />importance of the process that will lead to an outcome that the County Commissioners desire. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he sees several references about counties that do not write <br />news releases and asked how they communicate to their citizens. Kevin Fitzgerald said that in some <br />of the areas the Board has decided not to have a PIO because they want to be quiet and be seen as <br />just getting the job done. They do not want to draw attention to what they do. <br />Commissioner Jacobs made reference to the listening efforts and said that he would be <br />interesting in looking at this area a little more creatively. Sometimes, it seems that we are just going <br />through the motions. Kevin Fitzgerald stressed that it helps to have good education about issues as <br />a tool to explain what is happening. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked if Kevin Fitzgerald looked at the job description far the <br />Communications Specialist and if the functions would be similar. Kevin Fitzgerald said that the <br />functions for the PIO will depend on what the County Commissioners want for this position. He said <br />that the functions would be similar. He suggested that the County Commissioners recruit a person <br />who has a level of expertise with the media. She asked what the difference is between what he is <br />recommending and the original Communication Specialist position. He said that his thinking is that <br />we would want someone with five to ten years experience who would be a senior level position. <br />2. Brief Updatelpresentation on Chapel Hill Township Park/Educational Campus <br />ERCD Director David Stancil gave the County Commissioners an update on what is <br />happening with the Chapel Hill Township Park/Educatianal Campus. He did a paver point <br />presentation to show what is on the site now and what is proposed. The house was built in 1929 and <br />is in good condition. There is a 5-acre meadow at the entrance which goes back toward the pond. <br />There are trees like white ash, pecans and oaks which surround the farmstead area. There are <br />wildflowers and a 3-acre pond. There is a Carrboro greenway connection and picnic areas. David <br />Stancil said that the road runs along the entire southern boundary. There is an old cabin, probably <br />dating back to the 19t" century an the southeast portion of the property. <br />The northern part of the site is known as the Hunter site. They have looked at the possible activities <br />an this site. Elementary School #10 and other future school facilities could be located on this portion <br />of the property. The agenda includes a draft process for moving forward on making some decisions <br />about this property. He talked about the draft concept plan. He made reference to the map and said <br />that the area along Old 86 was identified as law impact recreation area. <br />David Stancil asked for the County Commissioners direction on what staff should do to further <br />develop this site. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked about running the road along Duke Forest and David Stancil said <br />that Duke University has expressed an interest in doing just that. There may also be same other <br />opportunities to work with Duke in offering educational opportunity for the students. <br />Commissioner Jacobs made reference to a letter from Carrboro asking for a site far a public <br />works facility. David Stancil said that they would need additional information an how the public works <br />facility would be designed. It is too early to comment on this request. <br />