Minutes 09-06-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Yuhasz asked if anyone had talked to OWASA about this sewer. He said that this is a significant amount of money to pay for a sewer. Commissioner Yuhasz made reference to the minutes from June 5th and that there was a request by him and Commissioner Jacobs for the County to investigate a low-cost loan program for people to hook up to the system. He asked about the progress on this. Frank Clifton said that nothing has been done yet. He said that the County has already approved paying the connection fees for the water system, but there have been no takers. Commissioner Yuhasz said that he would like to encourage the County's partners to have a conversation with OWASA to see if there is something that can be done. Commissioner Hemminger said that it is a complicated and complex issue. She said that the County can run sewer, but cannot guarantee if people want to hook up. She said that the school system is still interested in the Greene Tract for a future school. Commissioner McKee made reference to the community center and said that the landfill belongs to the County and is operated by Orange County and all citizens pay taxes to the County. He would like to see this Board move ahead with the community center, and if there are no partners, so be it. He supports building a new center if needed as quickly as possible. Commissioner Foushee said that she appreciated Commissioner McKee's comments. She said that the Board made a commitment to this community that the outcomes would be different. She said that the County may not get financial assistance from the towns and she sees the towns using this as a delay tactic. She wants to make a commitment as a Board to ensure that the community center is built. She does not think that the Board needs to take on as a task preserving the Hogan-Rogers House. She would like to see it renovated with some private funds. Commissioner Jacobs said that he agreed with what his peers have said regarding how to proceed. He made reference to the list on page 5 regarding local government initiatives that have been accomplished. One of the concerns is getting the speed limit reduced and someone has done this. He does not know which government entity did this. He said that this should be recognized. He made reference to item #1 and the $650,000 to extend water service and said that this was a decision of this Board. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there has been any discussion about selling the joint part of the Greene Tract to help pay for some of the sewer costs. Frank Clifton said that the Managers have talked about this but not the politicians. Michael Talbert said that the task force did discuss this and there was confirmation that the school system was still interested but it was not part of the charge of the task force. Commissioner Jacobs said that he is curious about another possibility for funding and asked if anyone had discussed putting the upcoming items (middle school for CHCCS, jail, etc.) in the closure of the landfill with a bond. Frank Clifton said that one of the key elements is the 15% of the total operating budget for debt service. Commissioner Foushee said that there was a comment made in the task force that the County should pay for this and when she asked how the County would pay for it, there was a clear suggestion that the County raise taxes. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there has been any discussion about putting in infrastructure and how this would affect the neighborhood. Commissioner Foushee said that this was not part of their charge. Commissioner Gordon said that it is important to move forward with the community center and do it expeditiously. She would like more information on the pros and cons of having a new facility or renovating the old house.