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4 <br /> 1 ordinance has greatly improved the correlation of addresses to parcels. There are <br /> 2 only a couple of similar tools in the state (Wake and Mecklenburg), but none with the <br /> 3 level of detail, Google maps integration and accompanying single function toolset of <br /> 4 ARiES. <br /> 5 <br /> 6 - Parks locator map—http://server2.co.orange.nc.us/ParkLocator/ This tool allows the <br /> 7 public to search parks throughout the County based on specific amenities. It is the <br /> 8 only tool of its kind allowing multiple amenity search (e.g., find all the parks in the <br /> 9 County that have basketball courts, picnic facilities, and a playground), Google Maps <br /> 10 integration and covering all County parks including those managed by municipalities. <br /> 11 <br /> 12 Information Technologies staff is also investigating the feasibility of developing mobile apps of <br /> 13 some of these tools which could run on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. <br /> 14 <br /> 15 As shown in the spreadsheet comparing Orange County's online services with those of other <br /> 16 North Carolina counties, Orange County's variety and completeness of online services is <br /> 17 among the leaders, if not the leader, in the state of North Carolina. The Information <br /> 18 Technologies Department continues to partner with other departments to identify additional <br /> 19 areas in which government information and services can be made available over the Internet. <br /> 20 These ongoing efforts include: continuing study of peer counties' efforts, review of vendor <br /> 21 enhancement plans, outreach to the community on what the public would like to see available, <br /> 22 and internal brainstorming on capabilities that may position Orange County as pioneers for <br /> 23 certain services. <br /> 24 <br /> 25 Todd Jones said Information Technologies appreciates the strong support from the Board of <br /> 26 County Commissioners in these endeavors, as well as the excellent collaboration from other <br /> 27 Orange County departments. Staff is confident that the County can maintain and expand its <br /> 28 position as leaders in online services through continued efforts to excel in these areas. <br /> 29 <br /> 30 Commissioner Gordon asked about a map of the fire districts. Todd Jones said that in <br /> 31 the larger GIS site, it will show the larger boundaries. <br /> 32 Commissioner Jacobs asked Todd Jones to tell the public the amount of staff used to <br /> 33 provide this service as opposed to other counties. Todd Jones said that Orange County is at <br /> 34 about 50% staff of comparable-sized counties, but it provides as much or more than staffs twice <br /> 35 their size. <br /> 36 Chair Pelissier asked about outreach to the public. <br /> 37 Todd Jones said that they are using some of the local blogs in the County. He asked for <br /> 38 suggestions on outreach. <br /> 39 Frank Clifton said that there are regular inquiries from users of the website and those <br /> 40 are always forwarded to IT. <br /> 41 <br /> 42 b. UNC Report on Entrepreneurship Opportunities in Orange County <br /> 43 The Board received a report prepared by the University of North Carolina at Chapel <br /> 44 Hill's Department of City and Regional Planning that summarizes the current state of <br /> 45 entrepreneurship activity originating from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and <br /> 46 provided comments to staff. <br /> 47 Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, introduced the UNC consultant Dr. <br /> 48 Milizia. He said that Dr. Milizia's research shows the current state of entrepreneurial activity <br /> 49 originating from the University, and identifies options where Orange County could work to <br />