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The Board considered awarding housing bond funds in the amount of$632,300 to <br /> Community Alternatives for Supportive Abodes (CASA) to purchase five (5) duplexes in Chapel <br /> Hill and authorize the Manager in consultation with the County Attorney to enter into a <br /> Development Agreement detailing the conditions of award. <br /> Tara Fikes said that the County received an application for housing bond funding from <br /> CASA, requesting funds to purchase five duplexes in the Town of Chapel Hill. CASA is a non- <br /> profit housing developer incorporated in 1992 and is based in Raleigh. It has dedicated its <br /> service to the housing needs of low wealth individuals, particularly those with disabilities. The <br /> organization has developed 158 housing units and has had extensive experience working with <br /> most affordable housing programs. This would be CASA's first project in Orange County. The <br /> duplexes are located on Pritchard Avenue Extension. These housing units would be available <br /> for rent to individuals who are either formerly homeless and/or disabled. CASA will also <br /> manage this property. <br /> Commissioner Nelson asked what happens to the property if CASA goes defunct. Tara <br /> Fikes said that the County's investment would be secured. A declaration of restricted covenants <br /> will be recorded against the property and the County would be lending CASA the money for this <br /> purchase. <br /> Commissioner Nelson verified that CASA is restricted from turning this property into for- <br /> profit. <br /> Chair Jacobs pointed out that this is being paid for by bond money that was approved in <br /> 2001. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Carey to <br /> approve awarding housing bond funds in the amount of $632,300 to Community Alternatives <br /> for Supportive Abodes (CASA) to purchase five (5) duplexes in Chapel Hill and authorize the <br /> Manager in consultation with the County Attorney to enter into a Development Agreement <br /> detailing the conditions of award. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Media Consultant for Land Transfer Tax Voter Information Effort <br /> The Board considered approving a proposal for media consulting services to assist with <br /> the County's planned effort to inform voters about the purposes for, and implications of, the land <br /> transfer tax measure that the Orange County Commissioners have placed on the May, 6, 2008 <br /> ballot. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that Rod Visser distributed a memorandum on this issue. <br /> Laura Blackmon said that, except for the front page of the memorandum, the Board has <br /> seen everything else. On March 10th staff distributed an RFP to the Board of County <br /> Commissioners that was sent to 19 firms. Staff interviewed two firms today— Ballen Media of <br /> Durham and The Campaign Network of Carrboro - and Rod Visser, Laura Blackmon, Donna <br /> Coffey, and Pam Jones interviewed the applicants and also conferred with Geof Gledhill. The <br /> review team unanimously decided to recommend Ballen Media for the following reasons: <br /> Demonstrated core competency in developing and disseminating messages <br /> intended to educate and inform, in contrast to materials that would advocate or <br /> persuade <br /> - Experience with educational campaigns, such as a rural AIDS testing program <br /> Submitted examples of prior work products for other clients that reflect the <br /> principles of"simplicity" and "clarity" that the Board has previously cited as vital <br /> characteristics for the County's message regarding the land transfer tax <br /> referendum <br /> Commitment to a message encouraging voters to learn more, participate, and <br /> make an informed choice <br /> 12 <br />