Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
She said that they couldn't close dawn Orange Enterprises because many of their <br />clients are too disabled to work in the community. They also need the profits from their contract <br />work because this is partial funding far the services. She said that they would mechanize <br />internally and hire people without disabilities so there is an integrated work force. They are <br />hoping the State will provide some service definitions that are not so work oriented. She <br />thanked the Board of County Commissioners for its stand against the asphalt plant that would <br />have gone next to them. <br />Allen Debevek made reference to a letter that his wife wrote to the BOCC an <br />January 17th, asking to consider suggestions for improving the safety of convenience stores in <br />Orange County. Specifically mentioned were requiring appropriate cameras within the store. <br />More importantly, there are obstructions in the front window because of signs. Also, height <br />strips should be put at the doors to aid in identifying suspects. These small measures would be <br />of minimal cost and would enhance the safety. <br />Chair Jacobs suggested that he speak with the Sheriff. Mr. Debevek said that the <br />Sheriff was copied on the letter. Chair Jacobs asked that the staff get the Sheriff involved. <br />b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br />(These matters were considered when the Board addressed that item an the agenda <br />below. <br />3. Board Comments <br />Commissioner Gordan said that Triangle Transit Authority has appointed a new general <br />counsel, Grainger Barrett. They have also received notice from the Federal Transit <br />Administration that the President's proposed budget includes the TTA regional rail project, <br />phase I. TTA had hoped for a full funding grant agreement designation, but it got a new <br />category called Proposed Other Project Funding Commitments. They had hoped for $60 million <br />and they got $20 million. TTA is also talking about possible funding for phase 2, which will be <br />the Chapel Hill extension. <br />Commissioner Gordon referred to a Transportation Advisory Committee meeting and <br />highlighted that Mike Mills said that there would be money for improvements at Homestead <br />Road. This would not include sidewalks. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis reported that on December 24th there was another serious <br />accident at Palmers Grove Church Road and US 70. A picture of that accident was given to <br />Doug Galyon from NCDOT and Division Engineer Mike Mills. He and Chair Jacobs met with <br />NCDOT last week and again asked them for relief at this juncture since it does not have a signal <br />light. There are 1.5 accidents per month at this intersection. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked the Board to consider a story on the 2003 Governor's <br />award recipient. There was an Orange County native author that was honored in the group in <br />Raleigh. He would like the Board to honor Jackie Shelton Green at a future meeting to herald <br />her work as an author. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that he was not running for anything this year, but he did <br />watch the super bowl this year because of the Carolina Panthers. He said that, as a farmer high <br />school principal, he used to suspend kids from school for using profanity towards teachers. <br />Parents used to object to the suspension based on the grounds that they use the same <br />language on television with NYPD. He found the halftime show revolting and disgusting. He is <br />tired of people grabbing body parts on television as well as other indignities. <br />He is tired of all of this and someone needs to draw a line in the sand and say we have all had <br />enough. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he shares some of Commissioner Halkiotis' views. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners an <br />email related to the actions of the State of Virginia House of Representatives and the perceived <br />