Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
The Board considered authorizing the completion of the Register of Deeds office automation <br />project. <br />Rod Visser said that significant progress has been made in the Register of Deeds office to <br />improve automation. They would like to replace the Legacy software system eventually. The staff is <br />asking the Board to approve a contract to complete the work of the automation update. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis commended Joyce Pearson for the wonderful job she has done since <br />she became Register of Deeds. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Brown to 1) <br />authorize the Register of Deeds to proceed with the completion of the project to automate the Register of <br />Deeds office with an integrated software package; 2) approve a contract with Harshman Consulting in an <br />amount not to exceed $28,600, subject to final review by staff and the County Attorney, to provide <br />professional services in various capacities through the implementation of the project; and 3) to authorize <br />the Purchasing Director to execute the appropriate paperwork. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />c. Approve Funding for Initial Site Work at Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools {CHCCS) <br />Elementary School #9 at Meadowmont <br />The Board received an update on the status of elementary school #9 at Meadowmont and <br />considered allocating November 2001 band funds for initial site work. <br />Rod Visser summarized the information in the agenda abstract. The staff is asking the <br />County Commissioners to approve a $235,000 appropriation for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools <br />Elementary School #9 project to accomplish pre-grading of the site. This will also include money for <br />construction bidding and some project contingency. This process is in accordance with the policy <br />adopted by the County Commissioners last year for planning and funding schools and County capital <br />projects. This is just a portion of the construction costs. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to <br />approve the Elementary School #9 Construction Capital Project Ordinance, which is incorporated herein <br />by reference. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS (Commissioner Brown was out of the room) <br />d. County Limited English Proficiency Policy and Action Plan <br />The Board considered adapting a policy to eliminate ar reduce to the maximum extent <br />possible limited English proficiency (LEP) as a barrier to accessing County government services. <br />Human Rights and Relations Director Annette Moore said that this policy is consistent with <br />the goal of the County to eliminate LEP as a barrier to non-English speaking residents. It is also <br />consistent with executive order 13166, a presidential order mandating that all federal agencies ensure <br />that they and the recipients of federal aid improve access to the LEP population. The policy provides no <br />new rights or benefits, but clarifies existing responsibilities and sets forth steps to provide meaningful <br />access to services by the LEP community. <br />Director of Central Stares and Purchasing Pam Janes spoke about the tools available to <br />departments to come up with specific programs. She made reference to page nine of the abstract, which <br />is the toolbox. There are four areas: County employees proficient in other languages taking calls, etc.; <br />independent contractors (interpreter services); telephone interpreter services; and Spanish-speaking <br />mailbox greeting and voice mailbox. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to page six and asked how the signage would be <br />operational. Annette Moore said that this information would come from census data. <br />Chair Jacobs made reference to pages five and ten and said that there should be a specific <br />standard response time. He thinks it should be within one business day and it should be stated in the <br />policy. He made reference to some additional statements in the policy and recommended clarifications, <br />which were Hated by the staff. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis stated that, in working with Clerk to the Board Beverly Blythe and <br />Register of Deeds Joyce Pearson, he volunteered to do an experiment eight months ago to look at the <br />sign next to elevator with directions to the Register of Deeds office in Spanish. He also commended the <br />Solid Waste staff for having a sign on the back of a garbage truck stating that Orange County recycles. <br />