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that he supports OWASA and thinks that they are the best-run utility in the state, but he thinks <br />the questions that Commissioner Brown brought up need to be addressed. <br />Chair Jacobs made reference to the bio-solid information and asked if there were <br />any questions. <br />Commissioner Brown asked about out of county water and sewer companies <br />bringing sludge into Orange County. Mr. Speaker (he was speaking from the audience and <br />never identified himself) said that they knew this but did not know where this was happening <br />specifically until a few months ago. It is a state regulatory function and the state issues the <br />permits. There are no prohibitions about crossing jurisdictional lines ar about land applying bia- <br />solids in water supply watersheds. He said that at this point OWASA does not have a position <br />on other jurisdictions coming into Orange County ar OWASA watersheds. They are satisfied <br />with what they know to be happening at this time. The water quality sampling has not given <br />them any reason to be concerned. <br />Chair Jacobs asked about OWASA working with farmers. Mr. Speaker said that they <br />provide bio-solids to farmers that need it and also provide cost-share monies for farmers in the <br />Cane Creek and University watersheds for implementing agricultural best management <br />practices. <br />Chair Jacobs asked if farmers receiving Burlington's sludge were working with <br />OWASA. Mr. Speaker said that they had worked with one farmer and the land was well cared <br />for and the streams were fenced. <br />Mr. Speaker answered more clarifying questions of Chair Jacobs. <br />Chair Jacobs said that it makes more sense that if a farmer in the Cane Creek <br />watershed was to apply bio-solids that it would be better to use OWASA's class Abio-solid <br />versus Burlington's class Bbio-solid. He hopes that the board of directors will look at this <br />because it is an opportunity to improve the situation. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that they have been through something like this about <br />ten years ago. He said that they went sludge watching one morning. He said that this is a great <br />opportunity to educate the public and to hold a session where everyone can attend. <br />Chair Jacobs said that this would be put on the AOG agenda. <br />7. Public Hearinas <br />a. Orange County Consolidated Housing Plan Update <br />The Board received comments from the public regarding the housing and non- <br />housing needs to be included in the 2004-2005 Annual Update of the Consolidated Housing <br />Plan for Housing and Community Development Programs in Orange County and proposed uses <br />of 2004-2005 HOME funds. <br />Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes summarized the <br />information in the abstract. The U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires <br />all jurisdictions that receive Home Investment Partnership funds to conduct these hearings to <br />get an idea from the community of the pressing housing needs of low-income families and <br />special population groups. This is also an opportunity far the public to comment on how <br />proposed HOME funding might be used in the coming year. Orange County is expected to get <br />$829,000 available in HOME funding for 2004-2005. Eligible activities include acquisition of <br />property, new construction, housing rehabilitation, and rental assistance. The deadline for <br />applying is February 27, 2004. <br />Public Comment <br />Robert Dowling from Orange Community Housing and Land Trust said that they <br />have two requests for HOME funds. The first is far a development in Carrboro called Pacifica <br />where the developer has included seven affordable homes that are priced to be affordable, but <br />they are not quite as affordable as they need to be. They are asking for $10,000 per unit far the <br />seven units, which is $70,000. All of the homes would be in the land trust. Secondly, they have <br />