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DEAPR shared its findings and the recommendations of the Office of State Archaeology with <br />the Town of Hillsborough's Historic District Commission (HDC). The HDC reviewed the project <br />plans and asked questions following a presentation by the project contractor. The HDC was <br />satisfied that no archaeological survey was necessary and issued the County a Certificate of <br />Appropriateness for the project. <br />Had early maps revealed the presence of structures in the area of disturbance, staff would have <br />recommended conducting a Phase I cultural resources survey and /or having a qualified <br />archaeologist' on site to monitor the drilling process. DEAPR received a precursory estimate of <br />$6,000 - $11,000 to monitor the drilling process from Legacy Research Associates —the <br />archaeological firm that surveyed the Justice Facility expansion project. DEAPR does not, <br />however, feel that expenditure of funds is justified given what we know about this project. <br />DEAPR would rather spend funds on a survey of the surrounding properties should the project <br />result in the need for ground disturbance for tying in other buildings to this geothermal well <br />project. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked when the County Commissioners would get to tour the <br />new justice facility. Pam Jones said that she would speak to the judge again. There was <br />something set up and then it got cancelled. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that he thought that during the CIP discussions, the County <br />Commissioners talked about investing in the Link Center and whether there could be a phased <br />approach to using a meeting room where it was planned before. He asked what happened to <br />this. <br />Pam Jones said that the Board asked them to put the meeting room on hold and it is <br />on hold for the time being. There was not consensus to move forward with phasing in this <br />room. <br />Commissioner Yuhasz said that he also recollected the same as Commissioner Jacobs <br />about the phased in plan, but it was not possible. He reiterated that this project does not need <br />to fall too far down the CIP. <br />Commissioner Hemminger asked about the system and why it is so expensive. <br />Pam Jones explained that this is a large and old building and they have run out of <br />band -aids to hold the existing system together. It is a 1992 system and has aged out. The <br />direction from the Board is to look at sustainability first. There is an eight -year payback for the <br />10% up front. She said that a geothermal system should be the standard because there it is a <br />50 -year system. She commended the County Commissioners for taking the long -view. <br />Commissioner Hemminger said that she wanted to get this explanation on record for <br />the citizens to hear so that they understand. <br />Frank Clifton said that about $180,000 of this project is being paid for with a federal <br />energy grant. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Hemminger, seconded by Commissioner Jacobs <br />to approve awarding the bid and approving a construction contract to Warren Hay Mechanical, <br />Hillsborough, NC, in the amount of $679,326 for the installation of geothermal HVAC system at <br />John M. Link, Jr. Government Services Center to replace the existing system and authorize the <br />Chair to sign subject to final review by the County Attorney. <br />John Roberts said that this agenda item has a sample contract, but he has some <br />concerns about this particular contract. He said that the motion needs to authorize the Chair to <br />