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federal Farm and Ranchland Protection Program, and authorize the Chair and the Clerk to sign, subject to <br />final review by staff and county attorney, with a closing and recordation of the document expected to occur <br />by December 15, 2003; and authorize the County to accept the $338,150 grant award for the Walters <br />easement; and approve the attached Conservation Easements Capital Project Ordinance. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />Dave Stancil said that this puts the Lands Legacy program aver the 1000-acre mark. <br />b. Resolution for Purchase of Conservation Easement- Mark and Lori Volpe <br />The Board considered a resolution approving the purchase of a conservation easement in land <br />owned by Mark and Lori Volpe (Cheeks Township) to provide an Eno River buffer and other conservation <br />values and authorizing the Chair and the Clerk to sign, subject to final review by staff and the county <br />attorney; and approving the attached Conservation Easements Capital Project Ordinance. <br />Land Conservation Manager Rich Shaw said that this project is also being carried out through <br />the Lands Legacy Program. This project is 66 acres, north of Halls Mill Road in northern Cheeks Township. <br />This property is located at the confluence of the east and west forks of the Eno River. This is within a <br />protected watershed critical area. This land has a direct affect on the quality and quantity of the local water <br />supply. The Volpes have kept the land intact and have a few nature trails along the river. They are <br />interested in keeping a trail along the river, allowing the natural vegetation to grow back and be in a natural <br />state. The Volpes have agreed to sell the conservation easement at the appraised value of $70,600, or <br />about $3,200 an acre for the 23.5 acres of this property. They will continue to own the land, but they will <br />relinquish most of the development rights within the property, except for the maintenance of some trails and <br />a few small amenities. <br />Mark Volpe said that it was a pleasure to work with the ERCD and Rich Shaw and to be able to <br />protect the feeds of water and that hopefully other properties will follow suit. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Carey to adopt this <br />resolution, which is incorporated by reference, approving the purchase of a conservation easement in land <br />owned by Mark and Lari Volpe (Cheeks Township) to provide an Eno River buffer and other conservation <br />values and authorize the Chair and the Clerk to sign, subject to final review by staff and the county attorney; <br />and approve the attached Conservation Easements Capital Project Ordinance. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />c. Acknowledaement of Completion of Clock Restoration and Approval of Commemorative <br />Plaque to be Placed in the Historic Courthouse <br />The Board considered a resolution commending the efforts of the Hillsborough Town Clock <br />Restoration Committee and others; and authorizing a plaque to be located in a location mutually acceptable <br />to the County and Court officials and the Clock Committee. <br />Purchasing and Central Services Director Pam Jones said that they would like to present an <br />acknowledgement of the clock restoration in the old courthouse. Crauford Goodwin was in attendance and <br />was very involved in the process. One reason far this resolution is that the group would like to be able to <br />put up a bronze plaque in the lobby of the old courthouse. <br />Crauford Goodwin said that this project has been going on for two years and the Town made a <br />commitment of $30,000 and Orange County agreed to take care of the tower. He was able to find support <br />far this from many organizations and people, and their names will be added to the plaque. The clock is now <br />working and they are grateful for all of the help. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that there is a history here and she asked if they could get someone <br />to explain the history and have a display with the plaque. She was told that it was a royal gift. <br />Crauford Goodwin said that several people had suggested this idea but much of the history is <br />shrouded in mystery. The clock is sort of the Timex of the middle 18`" century. But it is perhaps the oldest <br />operating tower mechanical clock in the nation. <br />Chair Jacobs read the resolution. <br />