Minutes 06-19-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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WHEREAS, North Carolina residents spend about $35 billion a year on food, and Orange County residents spend around $300 million a year on food, meaning that 10% of this amount spent on local foods would generate approximately $3.5 billion (or $30 million in Orange) for the local economy; and WHEREAS, Piedmont Grown, a 37-county regional program to promote awareness about locally grown, raised, and made farm and food products as well as ag tourism opportunities was launched in May 2011 with significant support from Orange County; WHEREAS, the public health benefits of local foods have been widely researched and found to be very beneficial to reducing childhood and adult obesity and healthy lifestyles; and WHEREAS, the Center for Environmental Farming Systems' (CEFS) "10% Campaign" — working in conjunction with the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service - supports these local and regional food economies and benefits local food producers, businesses and communities; and WHEREAS, Orange County has stated goals of promoting local agriculture as a means of promoting economic development, which provides job creation and helps protect the health, safety and general welfare of County residents both now and in the future: NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of Commissioners supports the "10% Campaign" to promote the local food economy and encourages County residents to commit 10% of their food dollars to supporting local food producers and related businesses. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board instructs the County Manager and staff to identify existing County government practices and programs that support this effort, and report back on ways to expand or create new opportunities to further implement this goal through County programs, initiatives, practices and events. This, the 19th day of June, 2012. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Hemminger to approve a resolution supporting the Center for Environmental Farming Systems "10% Campaign" to support local and regional food economies, and ask County staff to explore ways to augment or incorporate these principles and goals into the County's organizational culture and authorize the Chair to sign. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Jacobs said that Orange County is also one of the leaders in conserving easements on agricultural lands through the Lands Legacy program. This is part of a tradition. c. Appointment of Tax Administrator The Board considered approving a resolution appointing Dwane Brinson as Orange County Tax Administrator, effective August 6, 2012, to fill the remainder of the unexpired term of Jenkins Crayton ending June 30, 2013. Frank Clifton said that over a year ago the County went through an extensive process for a Tax Administrator and another gentleman was offered the position but has since retired.