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Commissioner Carey said that his opinion is that in a community that is 95% built <br />out, it is unlikely that property values are going to be adversely affected, regardless of <br />whether we merge or not. People are still going to want to live here because it's a great <br />place to live. <br />Commissioner Jacobs told Jim Ward that the Board has asked Planning Director <br />Craig Benedict to report back as to how merger will affect land use plans and to report <br />on this on November 20t". This should address the concerns about land use. <br />Jacquelyn Gist asked about how the decision would be made and if there is no <br />option but for the five County Commissioners to make the decision, and that there is no <br />referendum, and is that what the law says. Rod Visser said that in a County <br />Commissioner initiated merger that is correct. <br />Jacquelyn Gist said that to have just five people making that huge of a decision is <br />unnerving. She asked if there was no other model to use. She trusts that there would <br />be a public process as much as possible. Chair Brown said that the legal statutes are in <br />the report and online. <br />Chair Brown said that the Board of Commissioners has only asked for a report <br />for now and that some County Commissioners might have different opinions and <br />positions. There has been no vote on merger. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to the additional information requested in <br />the spring that has not been provided yet. She would specifically like to know which <br />schools would be affected by redistricting and busing. She anticipates this information <br />on November 20t". She pointed out that one of the major components of merger is <br />financing, and whether you merge or not, you can have equity of funding. <br />Edith Wiggins asked when the Commissioners might make a final decision on <br />merger. She would like to have periodic updates for the Assembly of Governments. <br />Chair Brown said that thus far there are only two public hearings and two work <br />sessions in November. <br />Diane McDuffee commended the Board of County Commissioners for <br />undertaking this study and she said that it is the right time to do it and she looks forward <br />to the conclusions. <br />Edith Wiggins said that she supports the idea of merger and the biggest hurdle is <br />going to be one of public relations. She thinks that when the people in Chapel Hill <br />understand that no student will suffer from a merger and that it can only enhance, and <br />then it will probably be accepted. She wished the County Commissioners well. <br />John Herrara asked if either of the school boards have discussed this yet. <br />Gloria Foley said that their board has not taken any position at this time but are <br />gathering information and discussing it in depth. They are trying to get the issues out as <br />much as possible so that a good decision can be determined. <br />Keith Cook said that the Orange County School Board has not made a decision <br />about merger yet. He is not in favor of merger from what he knows right now. He would <br />like to look at other options instead of merger. <br />Jackie Gist suggested putting links on the Town websites about this issue. <br />2. "Smart Growth" Principles Related to School Design and Construction <br />Chair Brawn said that they have looked at smart growth principles in working on <br />CHCCS high school #3. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that the Board of County Commissioners <br />appropriated $27.8 million toward the construction of the third high school, with up to <br />$2.2 million in additional funds if the project met certain smart growth principles. They <br />are trying to articulate what these principles are and how they might apply. They have <br />been focusing on transportation. They view this as an educational opportunity regarding <br />