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this was a superb job. He would like to follow up with a letter signed by all County <br />Commissioners with a copy of the letter put on the wall next to the interpretive message. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis also would like to send a letter to DOT Division Engineer Mike <br />Mills thanking him for all of the work he has done for Orange County. He would especially like <br />to reiterate the need far a safe pedestrian bicycle bridge addition to get over the interstate at the <br />other side of Orange Grove Road that leads to Cedar Ridge High School and Grady Brown <br />Elementary School. He made reference to the concerned citizen, Nancy Baker, who has <br />researched this issue. The price of the bridge addition has been brought down from $1 million <br />to $750,000. Ms. Baker is convinced that DOT has embraced similar concepts in other bridges <br />across North Carolina far less than this. <br />Commissioner Carey commended Commissioner Jacobs and Commissioner Halkiotis <br />for their work in getting together with DOT and making things happen. <br />Commissioner Jacobs added that Doug Galyon should also be included, the <br />Transportation Board Representative, because he has to give his blessing to any of the projects <br />within his area. <br />4. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT <br />Jahn Link recognized EMS Director Nick Waters. Jahn Link assured the Board and the <br />citizens that they are in the midst of initial preparations far this upcoming hurricane. <br />Nick Waters said that they have participated with the State Emergency Management <br />and the National Weather Service in conference calls and other emergency responders. All <br />generators have been checked and tested and the Emergency Operations Center is staffed and <br />ready. He gave the latest information on the hurricane forecast. If shelters are needed, Smith <br />Middle School and C. W. Stanford will be open. He encouraged people not to go to the shelters <br />unless they hear over the media the official word that shelters are open. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that back in December some of the television stations <br />were reporting shelters that were open in Orange County and some were not reporting for <br />Orange County. <br />The number to call and verify if shelters are open is 968-2050, the administrative office <br />for Emergency Management. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked to add this to the County's phone recording on 732- <br />8181. Jahn Link said that if they activate the EOC and the shelters, they would da this. There <br />will also be a link on the website. <br />John Link introduced Economic Development Director Dianne Reid. <br />Dianne Reid said that this weekend is the concluding event of the 250t" anniversary <br />celebration for the County, pending the weather. She distributed an insert that was in the <br />Chapel Hill Herald on Sunday. She recognized the sponsors of the event -CCB, News of <br />Orange, WHCL, and the Chapel Hill News. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked about the parking and shuttles and Dianne Reid said that <br />there will be free shuttles and OPT busses at Eubanks Road, New Hope school, CCB on <br />Churton Street, and at Stanback school. The busses will run continuously throughout the day. <br />John Link said that there has been a significant increase in the Planning Department for <br />building permits. They are taking steps to reduce the waiting time. He introduced Planning <br />Director Craig Benedict. <br />Craig Benedict said that they have had unprecedented activity in building permits due <br />to the low interest rates. They are trying to address the backlog and the building permit activity <br />will continue and they are addressing this issue. Tomorrow they will start interviewing for an <br />additional Inspector that was approved in this year's budget. It will take about a month to catch <br />up. <br />