Minutes - 20011211 - Laserfiche WebLink

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resolution. The state also adapted some of the same goals. He will bring this forward again at the retreat. Chair Jacobs supported Commissioner Corey's request for an update on the goals in supporting minority and female participation in construction projects. Commissioner Halkiotis said that it appears that a traffic light will be put at the new Cedar Ridge High School. He thinks we need to highlight the work of a lot of parents in the Orange County School system, the Orange County School Board, the Orange County Commissioners, and Senator Ellie Kinnaird. Senator Kinnaird was the moving farce behind getting the light put in. He would like to send a thank you Hate to Senator Kinnaird for convincing those at the state level to put a light at this location. Chair Jacobs announced that the fourth annual Orange County Agricultural Summit will be held on February 19~" at 9:00 a.m. at the Schley Grange Hall. Commissioner of Agriculture Meg Scott Phipps will be the keynote speaker. There have been some significant changes regarding agriculture and these will be discussed at the summit. Chair Jacobs congratulated Brenda Stephens who stepped dawn as President of the North Carolina Public Library Directors' Association. Chair Jacobs asked County Attorney Geoffrey Gledhill to update the County Commissioners on the court case, which was heard before the North Carolina Supreme Court today. Geoffrey Gledhill said that it was his high honor and privilege to represent Orange County before the Supreme Court in the civil rights lawsuit. The constitutional question involves an obscurity of the North Carolina constitution, which affects how the General Assembly can pass laws that are local laws. There is concern in the business community that Orange County's civil rights ordinance is not pra- business. The court was very interested in the arguments and their questions indicated that their interest was in the areas that are the chief points of difference between Blue Cross-Blue Shield and Orange County with respect to the constitutional question. Justice Martin made the observation that this case was a very important case in the law of North Carolina. Geaf Gledhill said that he has na way of predicting what will happen next. The County was well received, as was Blue Cross-Blue Shield's representatives. NOTE: Commissioner Brown arrived at this point in the agenda. Chair Jacobs commented on the meeting with DOT. It was a very productive meeting. DOT continues to be collaborative in their response to issues that we raise. For instance, they promise to keep us informed an their decisions to close the VIlest Hill Avenue railroad crossing. There will also be signal synchronization for Churton Street. There will also be significant upgrades to US 70 beginning at highway 751 and working toward Hillsborough. Chair Jacobs Hated that the Commissioners each has been provided with afollow-up list of items that are still pending. 4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT John Link made reference to John Robinson of Mebane who spoke before the Board at their December 3`d meeting about some safety concerns and also about a portion of a road where some homemade speed bumps had been made in the roadway. He said that he spoke with Mr. Robinson about going to the Magistrate initially about a complaint of this nature. The County Engineer today talked with Mr. Robinson who thanked the County Commissioners and staff far their quick response to his concern about the roadway. County Engineer Paul Thames assured Mr. Robinson that he would continue to work with DOT to resolve the road issue. Commissioner Halkiotis said that he did go out to the subject road with the Sheriff and it was apparent that there were three speed bumps on this section of pavement. There were homemade signs, which indicated that there were speed bumps. He did see a lot of "No Trespassing" signs, but he did not see what he thought he would see, as was indicated by Mr. Robinson last week.