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shortly, and there are a lot of overlaps with OWASA's information. There may be places where <br />some partnerships could be affected. He suggested that the two entities get together in <br />channeling the information. <br />Commissioner Foushee asked about the mitigation tract and what will occur after the <br />public hearing on March $t". She asked how long it would take from the public hearing before <br />the proposal is brought before the OWASA board. Bernadette Pelissier said that it would be <br />about a month. <br />Chair Carey shared Commissioner Jacobs' sentiment about the reimbursement policy. <br />He asked if this was a decision that the OWASA board made recently. Bernadette Pelissier <br />said that they discussed it at their last meeting, and it appeared that the majority of the board <br />members would prefer to leave the policy as the status qua. <br />Mark Marcoplos said that they revisited it, knowing that they would be in front of the <br />County Commissioners tonight, and there was a consensus to not suggest any changes at this <br />time. He knows that the issue deserves more discussion. <br />Chair Carey asked how they plan to provide public notice about the public hearing on <br />March 8t". Mark Marcoplos said that they are partnering with the wildlife commission. It is not <br />technically a public hearing, but a community meeting. There will be a lot of publicity. <br />Chair Carey agreed with the suggestion of further discussion of using the mitigation <br />lands during the off-season for hunting. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that the opportunity to hunt the OWASA lands has been <br />an issue for several years. He asked if there has been a situation of illegal hunting an this land <br />and Mark Marcoplos said that they have no facts, but there is evidence. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to the reimbursement issue and said that as <br />lines are extended, the question is who can tap on to them. She would like for OWASA to <br />consult with attorneys on this issue and determine whether someone could force atop-on. <br />Commissioner Gordon made reference to the Commission for the Environment and <br />said that there are several components of the Water Resources Initiative, and the most related <br />goal is the section on droughts and flooding. This initiative has been approved by the <br />Commission far the Environment and will be going to the Board of Health for discussion. Mark <br />Marcoplos said that they welcome more input from those boards. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said that if they do partner on the mitigation lands, the recreation <br />would come under the auspices of the County and OWASA would not be expected to pay for <br />that. <br />8. Public Hearinas <br />a. Orange County Consolidated Housing Plan <br />The Board received comments from the public regarding the housing and non-housing <br />needs to be included in the 2005-2009 Consolidated Housing Plan for Housing and Community <br />Development Programs in Orange County and proposed uses of 2005-2006 HOME funds. <br />Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes summarized the information <br />in the agenda abstract. The County last completed a plan in 2000, so HUD requires a new plan <br />by May 13, 2005. In addition to the public hearing, they will hold two community meetings - <br />February 22"d at Orange County Public Library Conference Room and March 1St at the Southern <br />Human Services Center. <br />PUBLIC COMMENT: <br />Ann Henley, Vice-President of Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, read a prepared <br />statement. She said that there have been discussions of the growing problem of homelessness <br />and the future direction of the IFC in Orange County. A report was completed, and the group <br />