Orange County NC Website
Neil Pedersen said that they still require Board of County Commissioners' approval for <br />the school site. He asked for clarification on this. Commissioner Jacobs said that he <br />would like far the school board to reconsider the site, but in this motion, the Board is not <br />approving the site but the amount. <br />Chair Brown made reference to Commissioner Halkiatis' suggestion of the additional <br />$2.2 million for specific smart growth models and said that she would be glad to work <br />with the school board to see how it could be worked into the project. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she thought that the commissioners could look at <br />reduced parking and land disturbance, etc. but it was not her view that the Board would <br />approve the plans. She does think that there would be County Commissioners chosen <br />to work with the school board on the design and construction. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that if we do settle on the Rock Haven Road site, then he <br />thinks we should ask the County Attorney about an MOU about eminent domain and to <br />limit the County's exposure and to make it clear that the County is not legally liable for <br />additional costs. <br />Superintendent Pedersen verified that $30 million would come from the County and the <br />School Board would not have to adjust the CIP with additional funds. John Link said <br />yes. The initial $28 million included some impact fees and this is still expected to be <br />budgeted toward the project. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked how the school board would get site approval and John <br />Link said that he would recommend the school board coming back after the County <br />consults with the County Attorney. <br />Commissioner Gordan asked if the school board could craft something and then come <br />up with an interlocal agreement and let them work over the summer to see if they need <br />the extra $2.2 million. Jahn Link said that the first step is for the school system to make <br />that decision. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that the motion sounds like everything happens at once <br />Superintendent Pedersen said that they could go forward and meet each other's <br />expectations. They have $3Q million and they need to work within this for the site and <br />the completion of the school. <br />Chair Brown asked about the MOU and if the decision is made for eminent domain, then <br />the cost should be within the $27.8 million. Commissioner Jacobs said yes, and the <br />school will find money other places than the County for any lawsuit. <br />Superintendent Pedersen said that they have gone through a process for fair market <br />value for the property and he will use that figure for the site, and if they wind up in court <br />and the figure increases then the money will come from the CIP budget (pay as you go}. <br />VOTE: Ayes, 4; Nay, 1-Commissioner Gordon <br />Commissioner Gordon is in favor of building the school, but she feels that the <br />commissioners should have given the school system the money they needed. She also <br />thinks that it should be clear to the school system about how to get permission to acquire <br />