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<br />Chair Jacobs said that at the Triangle J meeting, there was a long presentation and <br />discussion about immigration. He said that Rod Visser framed the discussion as looking at <br />what the dysfunctional federal policy on immigration is doing and what its effects are on local <br />government. <br />Chair Jacobs thanked the citizens that Game out to vote. He congratulated <br />Commissioner Gordon and Mike Nelson on their wins. He said that it is an honor and a <br />privilege to serve. <br />Chair Jacobs made reference to the district elections and said that they need to look at <br />the possibility of having non-partisan Commissioner elections. He is also becoming concerned <br />about the Gost of County Commissioner elections in Orange County. He is worried about pricing <br />some peaple out of running far office. He urged groups like the League of Women Voters, the <br />Chambers of Commerce, citizen groups, the newspapers, and the radio stations to do a better <br />job of providing forums for the voters to hear the candidates. He said that there was one forum <br />for the entire November General Election campaign and it was not publicized and there was no <br />media. <br />4. County Manager's Report <br />Rod Visser recognized Elections Director Barry Garner far the work that his department <br />did an the election and the support he got from other departments and volunteers. <br />Barry Garner said that over 37,000 people voted and all 44 precincts opened and closed <br />on time. There Were no machine problems at all. There was a provisional recount today and <br />there will be a recount on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. He said that several departments helped: <br />Public Works, Information Technology, Purchasing, Finance, Personnel, Budget, and Library <br />Services. The one-stop voting was moved to the library and this was the first time that <br />Hillsborough outvoted Carrboro. He would like to have three or four more one-stop voting <br />facilities in 2008. This year, there were 6,781 peaple that voted early. He is expecting 50,000 <br />people to vote early in 2008. <br />Commissioner Gordon thanked Barry Garner. She asked him about the 50-foot marker <br />for campaigning. She said that sometimes the marker is not at the polling places the night <br />before the elections. Barry Garner said that he tells the precinct workers to try and patrol this <br />because they know the area better than he does. <br />Barry Garner reported that the final turnout was 37,624, Which Was 36°~. This Was <br />higher than the State average. <br />Rad Visser asked County Engineer Paul Thames to come forward to talk about the <br />progress at the Northern Human Services Center's infrastructure. Paul Thames said that he put <br />a memo and support materials at the County Commissioners' places. The staff has been in the <br />permitting process with the public water supply since early last May. Everything has been <br />submitted and the design is approved. Mast of the equipment will be installed by staff, with the <br />exception of a licensed plumber. The wastewater treatment system is about six months behind. <br />It might be next spring before it is completed. <br />Chair Jacobs suggested to the Manager that the County get requirements from the State <br />and other entities in writing up front in the process. He would like to be more aggressive and <br />get clarity in writing for what is supposed to be done and the timeframe. <br />Rod Visser made reference to item 9-c, related to the comprehensive plan update, and <br />said that staff has tried to accelerate the timeline. The neW timeline is about two years, which <br />includes the addition of a public information meeting and a joint advisory board meeting and <br />Planning Board meeting in January. This is one of the County Commissioners' top six goals for <br />the rest of the calendar year. <br />Rod Visser extended his best wishes to Commissioner Halkiotis on his retirement. <br />5. Items for Decision--Consent Agenda <br />