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Daman Siles, a member of the Orange County Human Relations Commission and a County <br />employee, thanked the Board for approving the domestic partner benefits for the County. He pointed out <br />that Orange County is only the second county in the state to extend these benefits to employees. <br />b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br />(These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item on the agenda below.) <br />3. BOARD COMMENTS <br />Commissioner Gordon reported on two meetings that she attended recently. One was a design <br />meeting for high school #3 in which Cammissioner Brown was ill and could not attend. They discussed <br />interior design elements that would affect the overall design of the school. They spent a lot of time <br />discussing the media center and where it should be located. Assistant County Manager Rod Visser <br />attended the meeting and she asked him to make his notes available to the Board. <br />The second meeting was the Southern Community Park meeting in which Chair Jacobs had a <br />conflict. She asked Parks and Recreation Director Lori Taft to share with the County Commissioners the <br />results of the meeting. They discussed the aquatic center and the park timeline, with special attention to <br />public meetings and meetings of the committee. Staff also brought forward some recommended design <br />changes. There were several different locations recommended for the dog park because the residents <br />thought it was too close to them. Also, the soccer field was reoriented so the sun would not get into the <br />players' eyes. <br />Commissioner Gordon noted that the Orange County middle school had been discussed by the <br />Board of Education and she asked far a report on this. Also, at the same school board meeting there was a <br />facility use policy that she would like the Board to receive. <br />Commissioner Gordon mentioned that there is a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting <br />tomorrow. Karen Lincoln will report on this. <br />Cammissioner Carey said that the Orange-Chatham Justice Partnership Board met and developed <br />some recommendations to come up with a process that implements the goals and objectives as it relates to <br />adults and juvenile offenders and potential offenders in the County to try and serve the population in a way <br />that prevents them from coming into contact with the justice system. This effort has been driven by a few <br />volunteers and one staff person, Trish Vandersea, supported by Sharron Hinton. This has became a huge <br />effort to maintain the operations of the group consistent with the State requirements for the amount of <br />money that the County has received for it. They are coming forward with recommendations for carrying out <br />the objectives. <br />Cammissioner Halkiotis apologized for forgetting his recycled holiday cards. He will have them <br />available to the Clerk for viewing tomorrow. <br />Commissioner Brawn said that there have been several meetings of the OPC Advisory Committee <br />that is guiding OPC Mental Health into another form. They have been looking at the system that Orange <br />County and Chatham County have together and to figure out how not to lose these programs, since OPC is <br />the employee base far these clinics. They want to make sure they continue to make these services <br />available. <br />Chair Jacobs referred to the 2004 Agricultural Summit that is to be held an Monday, February 23rd. <br />It will be held at this time unless there is an objection from the Board. <br />Chair Jacobs said that it has been brought to the Board's attention about a development in Orange <br />County in Mebane with 400 units. They have been contemplating working with Mebane anyway on water <br />and sewer regarding the middle school and the economic development district there. He suggested <br />sending a letter to Mebane that they would like to have the opportunity to comment and to send Planning <br />Director Craig Benedict to participate in this consideration of this development. <br />Chair Jacobs said that in reference to the renovation of the library space in the Whiffed Building, <br />the Library Task Force needs to be reactivated. With the Board's permission, the group can be asked to <br />start meeting again. Same of the members would no longer be eligible and there could be nominations at <br />the next meeting. The task force would talk about the future of the library. <br />Commissioner Gordon suggested having the staff come back with a charge and then advertise for <br />additional members. <br />