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25 <br /> comprehensive planning, zoning, and inspections software solution would increase employee <br /> efficiency and responsiveness. The County should conduct an evaluation of software offerings <br /> through the IT Governance Council to determine the most appropriate software solution for the <br /> enterprise. In order to most effectively implement a project of this magnitude and importance to the <br /> County (the comprehensive planning, zoning, and inspections software package), it is recommended <br /> that the County hire a third party, external project manager for this project. The project manager <br /> should report to County administration (County Manager or Assistant County Manager) to ensure that <br /> all parties involved in the implementation and use of the new software system are adequately and <br /> fairly represented. <br /> Paperless Agendas,Tablets, and Recordings of Commissioners' Meetings: <br /> As the County continues to expand its technology initiatives to engage citizens and to improve County <br /> services, improvements are needed related to County Commissioners' meetings and committee <br /> meetings. First, it is recommended that the County select one location for all Board of County <br /> Commissioners' meetings, as well as all committee meetings. This location needs to be properly <br /> equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for recording the meetings for live web-streaming, <br /> archiving, and television productions. Furthermore, the design of the room should accommodate <br /> technology for both Commissioners and citizens, such as screens and monitors to view presentations <br /> regardless of location in the room. By dedicating a single location with high-quality audio and video <br /> recording systems, the County can effectively capture all Commissioners' and committee meetings <br /> with uniform quality and results. <br /> In addition, the Commissioners and County should consider implementing true paperless agendas for <br /> all Commissioners, with an option for printed items for selected large-format items or for those <br /> Commissioners desiring hard copy versions. Currently the County spends considerable tax payer <br /> dollars on printing agenda packets for each Commissioner and having those packets hand-delivered <br /> by Sheriff deputies to each Commissioner. Moving to a tablet option with downloadable agenda <br /> packets will save money, improve the environment by printing less paper and eliminating hand <br /> deliveries, and it will demonstrate a commitment to being a progressive, technology-savvy <br /> community. The use of tablets and paperless agendas (and agenda packets) has become <br /> commonplace among North Carolina local governments and is much lauded by elected officials once <br /> they become familiar with the technology and tools. <br /> Social Media: <br /> Across the country, local governments are utilizing Facebook,Twitter, Nixle, YouTube, and other <br /> forms of social media to engage their citizens, solicit feedback, and provide additional outlets for <br /> information. Orange County currently does not have an official social media presence, but should <br /> consider developing a presence, as well as policies to govern use of social media in the workplace. <br /> 23 <br />