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the railroad to consider this as a possibility far evacuation. They are actively developing these <br />plans. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she specifically asked for this to be in the study. She <br />asked what Jack Ball could propose to make sure this happens with the evacuation plan. She <br />wants a specific response. <br />John Link said that this study is focused on the internal ability of Orange County <br />Fire/Rescue/EMS services to respond to our citizens with the scope of services, how to identify <br />gaps, and how to work together in the future. He said that the issue that Commissioner Gordon <br />raised is valid but a much broader issue and one that all Towns and the County will have to <br />address together. He said that with the concerns of Shearon Harris, this is valid to address but <br />not with this study. They will ask the consultant for direction. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said that he supported what Commissioner Gordon said but he <br />also understands the limitations of the study. He said that they have been talking about this <br />since the big forum at the Friday Center in 2002. They have seen gridlock in the Triangle area <br />with one inch of snow. He suggested putting together a citizen group like Chair Jacobs said <br />about the Shearon Harris Nuclear Power Plant, and this should be part of the discussion. <br />Commissioner Carey agreed with Commissioners Halkiotis and Gordon and that the <br />issue of evacuation is much bigger than this study. <br />Commissioner Foushee suggested that the Board get an update on the evacuation items <br />discussed before a task force is created. John Link said that this is a huge issue and a valid <br />one. <br />Chair Jacobs suggested that on the follow-up items that the staff put a date on this for <br />the Manager to come back with. <br />Chair Jacobs asked if the Sage Consulting Group was invited to come tonight and it was <br />answered that staff did not invite them. Chair Jacobs said that he is disappointed that they were <br />not invited because he has a lot of questions for them. Since there is a short timeframe, he will <br />vote for it, but otherwise he would vote against it. He would like to see Sage offer to interview <br />each County Commissioner if they care to speak with the consultants at the Commissioners' <br />convenience. He also suggested having a team of Rod Visser, Jack Ball, Commissioner <br />Halkiotis, Fire Chief Council President, and someone from one of the two rescue squads so that <br />there is a broader group to discuss ideas. He made reference to page 7 (top) and the <br />methodology of delivering the report on Fridays and emailing to the client on the following <br />Monday. He suggested that they send the email to the Clerk and she can distribute it to the <br />County Commissioners. <br />Chair Jacobs asked if the consultant would be looking at the issue of extending County <br />benefits to some of the personnel (fulltime professional firefighters, etc.). He asked if they were <br />also going to consider the resources in Chapel Hill and Carrboro. He also made reference to <br />page 13 (top} and that the data gathering would be done in three weeks. He is not sure that <br />accessing the information remotely will be successful. Jack Ball said that the consultant had <br />planned to visit all facilities and staff. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis said to be careful in saying "men" when referring to volunteers <br />because there are also female volunteer firefighters. <br />Commissioner Foushee said that if the County Commissioners would be speaking with <br />Sage, she would like a revised scope of work in case there are situations that change. Jack <br />Ball will provide this. <br />Commissioner Gordon said that she understands moving forward with this, and she <br />supports the suggestion to get an update on evacuations on a date certain. John Link said that <br />they would strive to have the update by February 21St <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Carey, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to <br />approve awarding a contract with amendments for a Fire and Rescue Assessment and Plan <br />