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property. He thinks the issue of clear cutting along the interstate is having some consequences <br />all around. <br />Commissioner Foushee said that she is in support of the recommendation, but she <br />wants to be clear that the $3.5 million does include the $271,000 difference in the land <br />acquisition. It was answered yes, it is included. She asked about the startup costs that are not <br />included. Executive Qirector for Auxiliary Services for Orange County Schools George <br />McFarley said that some of the one-time startup costs would be borne by the school district's <br />fund balance. <br />Commissioner Foushee said that the OCS fund balance is considerably reduced from <br />last year and she cautioned the school board not to leave these requests out of the budget <br />because the Caunty Commissioners understand that the school system has spent down its fund <br />balance. She asked when the County Commissioners might expect a status on the policy as it <br />relates to smart growth. She said that the idea of smart growth principles has been a nebulous <br />subject. John Link said that he proposes giving the history of discussion on this subject. He <br />thinks there is a framework of such a policy in writing. He will bring this forward. <br />Chair Carey said that they have a good framework and this item may need to be <br />deferred as one of the substantive items of the school collaboration group. He said that it is <br />much broader than schools. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that the Caunty Commissioners have talked about this <br />issue. He would like to see some real life examples of each smart growth principle and how <br />they have impacted schools today. He would like same feedback from both school systems on <br />how many children ride buses, how many come with parents, and how many walk. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she wanted to reiterate that she thinks the County <br />should build the middle school, the high school, and the senior center right and they should be <br />funded. She is in favor of moving forward with the amount for the middle school, but she has <br />questions about some of the line items. She made reference to page 20 and asked what the <br />site development costs include. Ken Redfoot said that in the $2,723,132, this includes all of the <br />work that is required beyond the early site work package. Off-site work would include the road <br />improvements along West Ten Road and on-site work would include utility work for water and <br />sewer as well as all of the driveways, parking lots, ball fields, irrigation, and sidewalks. The <br />baseball field, the softball field, a track, a practice field, and an athletic field are also <br />incorporated. This would not include off-site water and sewer. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked about the site acquisition and Rod Visser said that the <br />$795,000 represents the cost of the entire property. The 66 acres was $775,000 and $20,000 <br />was for associated and professional fees. The cost of the Euliss property that the County <br />acquired for use of the soccer complex was a little over $500,000 in addition to this. The cost of <br />the Euliss property is not included in this capital project. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked when they would get the information back on the additional <br />items. She said that there are a number of outstanding issues that need to be resolved. Chair <br />Carey said that they will get this information back as soon as possible. <br />Commissioner Gordon asked when they would break ground and Ken Redfoot said that <br />they have started the early site work package. They are ready to get started with the rest as <br />soon as everything is approved. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked about Mebane's policy on the possibility of getting <br />reimbursed to extend water and sewer lines and a future tap-on. Paul Thames said that it is <br />Mebane's policy that there is no reimbursement. He thinks that Hillsborough is the only one <br />around that has a reimbursement policy. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked that a request be put in writing for Mebane. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Commissioner Gordan to <br />adopt the accompanying resolution indicating the intent to provide additional funding for Orange <br />