Minutes - 20040504 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Metadata

Thumbnails

Annotations

Whereas, the women and children and elderly of Orange County suffered hardship and privation during this period. Whereas, all citizens of Orange County should study the history of this period so they will have a better understanding of this tragic time. Whereas, since every generation should honor the generations in their past it is only right and proper that we should officially recognize the sacrifice and fortitude of the people of Orange County who lived and died during the War Between the States. Therefore, we, the Orange County Board of Commissioners do hereby proclaim the Month of May hereafter as Confederate History Month and proclaim that the First National Flag of the Confederacy be flown from the Courthouse on the 10t" of that month. " He said that the SCV is anon-political organization dedicated to preserving the history and legacy of the Confederate soldier. It was begun in 1896 and all members are descendants of Confederate veterans. He said that of the 376 men enrolled at UNC in 1860, only 1 remained to graduate -the rest had volunteered to fight in defense of their state. There were two generals from Orange County -General George B. Anderson and General William W. Kirkland from Ayrmount in Hillsborough. The largest surrender of the war occurred on the Bennett farm in 1865 in Orange County. He said that Confederate veterans used to be honored in every community, but times have changed. He said that, na matter how we view the past, everyone should show honor and respect to these people. One positive way of doing this is to proclaim the month of Mayas Confederate History Month and to allow their flag to be flown one day of that month. Elliot Cramer read a prepared statement, as follows: I want to compliment John Link on the pace at which he and his staff are moving forward as evidenced by today's agenda, this despite the lack of cooperation from APS. I note that an announcement has gone out to local veterinarians regarding spay/neutering and I know of at least one who has responded. This announcement correctly estimates the number of surgeries as being about 1,500 per year, one third of the number stated by Ann Peterson. After the last meeting Ann told me her figure came from former interim Director Suzy Cooke. Where's Suzy's figures came from, I do not know. I again urge the County to consider outside applicants for two of the top positions in shelter management. I don't question John Link's right to hire whomever he chooses; I do question the decision to retain all of the current APS employees without any evaluation of their past performance and without consideration of other more qualified persons. It was publicly stated an several occasions that APS employees could make application far County positions and that they would be evaluated for these positions BEFORE being hired by the County. It appears now that they are being hired without any serious evaluation. This is not a significant issue for the lower level positions, given the turnover at the shelter. Nine of eighteen current employees have less than a year's service. It IS a significant issue for the Volunteer Manager, a recent 2003 UNC graduate with less than a year's full time work experience in a position that did not exist six months ago. It is even more significant far the Shelter Operations Manager who must bear much of the responsibility for the many shelter problems noted by HSUS. At the salaries they are being offered, $5,000 mare than they earned last year, well-qualified candidates are available now, let alone July 1. I understand that these employees will be evaluated as to their meeting minimal necessary skills over their first six months, but is this the best the County can do? Surely the County should avail itself of the opportunity to start afresh with really well qualified employees. I have two names right here {he gave the names to the Chair).