Minutes - 20080212 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Chair Jacobs asked if this group really needs to meet monthly. Jabrina Robinson said that the opportunity is there for it to meet monthly, but it is not required or envisioned on a regular basis. Chair Jacobs made reference to Article IV, Section 2, and suggested that it say, "Meetings shall be held with notice....." This leaves it flexible without there being predetermined monthly meetings. Laura Blackmon pointed out Article II, Section 4, and said that the terms are 3 years, instead of not less than 2 or more than 5. Chair Jacobs said that this should be consistent with all of the other boards. Commissioner Gordon asked to hear from Geof Gledhill on the purpose of the Housing Authority. Geof Gledhill read the purpose. Housing and Community Development Director Tara Fikes arrived at 7:49 pm (she was stuck in Whitted elevator, power outage). Chair Jacobs asked if there could be a position for someone from Human Rights and Relations because it investigates housing. Jabrina Robinson said that there has not been discussion about this department directly, only in recruiting different members. Chair Jacobs suggested that the authority think about other groups within County government. Geof Gledhill made reference to an earlier question about appointing County officials and said that it is not defined and could include elected officials and staff. He said that it would be a good idea to track the language in the statute. Chair Jacobs suggested leaving a couple of seats on the authority for members of other County boards and commissions. 2. Regional Value-Added Shared Use Food & Agricultural Processing Center Willie Best made reference to the back page of the abstract under Financial Impact and said that the consultant from Smithson Mills said that instead of"in profit per year," it should say, "in revenue to the clients." to the Report on the Feasibility of Establishing a Regional Shared Use Food & Agricultural Processing Facility Serving Alamance, Chatham, Durham, and Orange Counties by Smithson Mills. Noah Ranells said that the objective of this meeting is to discuss some more and ask questions of staff. Some of the first items to consider are consideration of the recommended site, which is the Orange Enterprises building on Valley Forge Road; a resolution indicating continued interest to participate as a multi-jurisdictional county effort; and trying to pursue initial grant funding. He reminded the Board that it authorized staff to submit a grant proposal to the North Carolina Agricultural Development Farm and Preservation Trust Fund in December. There has been no word on this to date. Commissioner Nelson asked about the total of$750,000 and where the rest of the money was coming from. Noah Ranells said that as grant opportunities arise, there are cycles for proposals and funding sources. The staff is considering opportunities to get this almost fully funded by grant funds. Commissioner Nelson asked about financial participation by the other counties. Noah Ranells said that the degree of financial participation is up for discussion. The degree of participation as discussed in the stakeholder group has been seed money, $3,000-5,000 to try and make sure there is a strong start to a Project Manager. Chair Jacobs said that he talked to Representative Faison today and he introduced a bill, as did Senator Kinnaird, and talking about making this one effort and bringing in Caswell and Person Counties. The Vice-Chair of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners has already talked to Representative Cole and some other Representatives are very supportive. He thinks that there are some promising avenues for funding.