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