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agreement and the situation about the homeowners and how much it will cost, how <br />much the County will recoup, etc. <br />Rad Visser said that they could provide some scenarios to the Board. <br />John Link spoke in support of using OWASA or some other third party that is an <br />expert in the assessment process. <br />b) Efland Sewer Rate Structure <br />Rod Visser said that they would like to move on this quickly and, given the rather <br />small size, this should not be hugely expensive and they will bring back to the Board <br />answers this fall. He agreed that they should take advantage of OWASA's offer far <br />assistance. <br />The Board directed staff to came back with information and far them to ask <br />OWASA to give a ballpark figure to bring back to the Board of County Commissioners. <br />Commissioner Carey suggested that if the amount is not over $10,000 then they <br />should go ahead and get it done. The Board agreed. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Foushee, seconded by Commissioner Carey <br />to direct staff to retain the services of a qualified consultant to provide technical <br />assistance in the conduct of an Efland Sewer System rate study, authorize the <br />Purchasing Director to carry out all actions and execute paperwork associated with <br />soliciting and retaining the services of a qualified consultant; and direct staff to bring <br />back recommendations in Fall 2006 for the Board's consideration regarding a revised <br />Efland Sewer System rate structure and an assistance program to help Efland Sewer <br />System customers of limited financial means. This is contingent upon the cost being <br />under $10,000. If it is over $10,000, then the action items will come back to the Board. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />5. Economic Development Commission Strategic Plan Update <br />Economic Development Director Dianne Reid said that they are bringing one <br />year out from the start of the strategic plan. The overall goal of the strategic plan is to <br />create 5,000 new private sector jobs by 2010 and to ensure the development of $125 <br />million in new commercial development. Ta achieve this goal, there are four areas that <br />work groups are pursuing: <br />- Improving Business Climate <br />- Infrastructure <br />- Workforce development <br />-Quality of Place <br />She said that the work groups have been meeting regularly aver the course of <br />the year. The highlights were in the abstract. She reminded the Board that private <br />sector employment has been slipping from 2002-05 and they do not expect a huge <br />turnaround in 2006. A positive thing is that last year the approved commercial <br />development totaled $45 million. <br />Commissioner Halkiotis asked how the EDC interfaced with Durham Tech <br />currently and the new interface with the new campus in Orange County. He said that <br />there should be same strong relationships there so that some of the findings can be <br />dealt with. Dianne Reid said that the work force group includes four Durham Tech <br />officials. Durham Tech employees facilitated bath the employer surveys and the <br />employee focus groups. <br />Commissioner Foushee said that the business climate far the smaller businesses <br />in Orange County is important and not to be overlooked. She asked what type of <br />business facilitation could be provided to those types of businesses and if there is a plan <br />