Minutes - 20050816 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Carey made reference to the resolution from the Economic Development Commission supporting the Board taking some action to assist the Midway Business Center and their request for tax-exempt status. He wants to respond to the EDC and to Midway. He has asked staff to do an assessment of this request so that the Board can respond in some manner. Chair Carey said that he sent to the Board of County Commissioners and staff several options for trying to focus public comment in the two public hearings later this month on district elections for County Commissioners. He wants the public to know that, before the public hearings are held, the public will be informed about the options. Chair Carey said that the Board approved a study of the community transportation systems in conjunction with the community transportation systems of other counties in the Triangle. The Board will be receiving information from the Triangle Chairs/Mayors meeting about this study. He also learned at this meeting that at least the State believes that the modeling they are doing as a result of the air quality standards in the Triangle may not require any new local measures to achieve the indicated air quality goals required. Chair Carey said that the TTA Smart Commute Challenge began yesterday, and the goal is for people to use an alternative means of transportation for six weeks. Some options for alternative transportation are free during this period. 4. County Manager's Report John Link assured Commissioner Jacobs that he would follow up on the sign for Twin Creeks. He did instruct the staff to pursue this. John Link introduced Michael Harvey as the new Zoning Enforcement Officer. Also, Carla Thames has now been promoted to Economic Development Specialist. She had worked in the Planning Department for five years. She will be focusing on small business development. Also, Noah Rannels is also going to be a member of the Economic Development Department and working in the agricultural area. John Link introduced Bob Moratto as the new Animal Services Director and read his credentials. Bob Moratto said that there was an unusually high number of rabies cases in Orange County this year, and there was another case today with a rabid raccoon. He said that we need to raise our awareness of this issue and have our animals vaccinated. Commissioner Halkiotis said that the department has been great about setting up rabies vaccination clinics. Bob Moratto said that there were two clinics in July with 135 people and it is only $5. There are three more clinics in September. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that this information be posted on the County's website. John Link thanked Rosemary Summers for the smooth transition of the Animal Services department and he also thanked Ron Holdway for being the Interim Animal Control Director. John Link recognized Finance Director Ken Chavious, who had some good news. Ken Chavious reported on the results of the bond sale today, which consisted of $29.1 million invoter-approved bonds from the 2001 referendum. The bonds consisted of $25.6 million for schools, and $3.5 million for senior centers. In addition, the County refunded (refinanced) about $30 million in bonds issued in 2000 in an effort to generate some savings. The bids were opened at 11:00 a.m. today and the County received five bids on the 2001 bonds. The winning bidder was Davenport and Company, which is an underwriting firm that purchases bonds and markets them. Their bid was an interest rate of 4.15°~, which is very low. Far the refunding bonds, the winning bidder was Wachovia and the interest rate was 3.88%. It is expected that the County will save about $1.4 million over the remaining term of the bonds. By combining the two sales, the County saved a significant amount of money. The County Commissioners commended the staff for getting these good rates. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a listing of how much money has been saved by bond sales over the last ten years.