Orange County NC Website
a group to look at how the Sportsplex will interface with other departments and to do this as <br />soon as possible. The architects need guidance from the County Commissioners and there <br />should not be any duplication of things in the senior center that are already in existence in the <br />Sportsplex. <br />Commissioner Carey made reference to the sheet identifying the times, locations, and <br />dates of one-stop voting locations. He read the sheet far the public. <br />Commissioner Carey said that he is sure that they all received a copy of the Medicaid <br />alert from NCACC and all know what the legislature is doing to the counties. He said that the <br />NCACC is trying to assist with supporting the counties. At the request of the NCACC, the <br />House Select Committee on Health Care decided to use $65 million in State Medicaid savings <br />to provide Medicaid relief to counties beginning in 2006-07. This will allow a permanent cap on <br />county costs for Medicaid. This proposal still has to be approved by the House of <br />Representatives and this is not a done deal but it is a good sign. <br />Chair Jacobs said that the one-stop voting handout was distributed because there was <br />some confusion on the County's website about the dates. If the public has questions, the Board <br />of Elections phone number is 245-2350. <br />Chair Jacobs said that in the back are some yellow sheets for public input on the County <br />Manager search, and until May 15t" they will be soliciting public comment. There will be ads in <br />the newspapers, fliers in the libraries, and opportunities on the County's website. <br />Chair Jacobs said that the Eno River Confluence took place last week and there were <br />about 55 in attendance. Several groups continued meeting after this confluence and others <br />commented on what a good opportunity it was to speak with others about the Eno River use and <br />protection. <br />Chair Jacobs said that the County Commissioners received a petition from residents <br />near Southern Park about a proposed change in the plan for the park that increased the size of <br />the parking lot on Dogwood Acres Drive from 40 spaces to 122 spaces. The Board asked that <br />the group discuss this when it met and to make recommendations on haw to address the <br />residents' concerns. Within two meetings, he believes that they have addressed the residents' <br />concerns within the budget, meaning that if Chapel Hill can came up with an additional <br />$480,000 to execute the plan, it will be phased and there will be an opportunity to have a <br />smaller parking lot and a dog park at the southern end of the park. He said that the Chapel Hill <br />Town Council would be considering this in a week or so and the Board would be receiving a <br />memo about this soon. The residents that came to both of the meetings came away pleased <br />that the concerns were addressed. <br />Chair Jacobs said that on Friday, April 21St, at 2:00 p.m., at the Teer Farm near Cane <br />Creek, USDA will honor Orange County. USDA has given away $10 million in the State for farm <br />easements, and Orange County has received a quarter of these funds. USDA approached <br />Orange County about this. <br />Chair Jacobs said that next Monday, April 24t" at 1:OOpm they will have a dedication of <br />the Homestead Crosswalk that goes to Homestead Park. Senior citizens brought this about and <br />they recommended this crosswalk. The DOT representatives quickly responded and so DOT <br />and the Board of County Commissioners will honor these seniors. <br />Chair Jacobs said that Orange Enterprises has moved into a new building and will hold <br />an open house to honor the employers that have supported them. This event will be on Friday, <br />April 28t" from 12:30-3:OOpm. This organization helps people with developmental disabilities. <br />Chair Jacobs said that driving up here, he was looking at the construction site at the <br />senior center, and that the construction fencing is too close to the trees. He suggested that <br />someone go out there and make sure that the fence is properly placed. <br />Chair Jacobs said that he knows that Rod Visser has been trying to set up a meeting <br />with the company managing the Sportsplex. They also need to discuss food service there. <br />