Orange County NC Website
said that the Rogers Road community will have a real interest in what this physical plant will <br /> look like and what it will entail from a planning and construction perspective. There is not a <br /> graphic presentation ready yet, but this will be built in to whatever happens next, if the Board <br /> approves moving forward. <br /> Ray Dubose, Director of Energy Services for UNC, said that there is a very good <br /> working relationship between the County and the University. He introduced the people that are <br /> working on this project. He said that it is very important to the University to have a successful <br /> project and he believes that this will be a win-win situation with the University and the County. <br /> Laura Blackmon highlighted the timeline and said that a lot of effort has been put into <br /> this. She asked for feedback from the Board. <br /> Chair Jacobs said that Commissioner Nelson brought up at a work session that when <br /> the County Commissioners get blacked out graphics, it is hard to read. <br /> Commissioner Nelson thanked all for their work on this project and on the specialized <br /> legal services. He said that it is important to have this and is warranted in this case. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Carey to <br /> formally authorize the County and UNC teams to move forward in the development of a final <br /> contract to be brought back for BOCC consideration, targeting the meeting of August 19, 2008. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> b. Water Conservation Priorities and Initiatives <br /> The Board received the "Collaborative Water Conservation Strategies for Joint <br /> Consideration by Carrboro, Chapel Hill and Orange County," considered approving the <br /> resolution regarding general support for interlocal water conservation strategies, including <br /> OWASA's pursuit of water use efficiency conditions of service and authorizing the Chair to sign, <br /> and directing staff to continue collaborative work on these water conservation initiatives. <br /> Planning Director Craig Benedict said that this has been a collaborative effort between <br /> Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and OWASA, and Pat Davis is here from OWASA to answer any <br /> questions concerning the strategies. These strategies were described more elaborately at a <br /> work session in March. The droughts over the last 5-6 years have prompted these <br /> conservation efforts. The strategies are both short- and long-term. The resolution suggests <br /> that this collaborative effort continue and that an implementation plan be brought forward. The <br /> recommendation is approval of the resolution and to direct staff to continue the collaborative <br /> work. <br /> Commissioner Foushee said that she is in support of this, but as these efforts are made <br /> known, everyone should be aware of the impacts of some of these requirements on future <br /> affordable housing. She said that in order for the affordable housing stock to remain affordable <br /> when the houses are up for resale, the costs of maintaining the houses must remain affordable. <br /> Chair Jacobs agreed with Commissioner Foushee and said that he would like to see the <br /> costs for a single-family home to retrofit to be in compliance with #2 at the top of page 3. He <br /> thinks that a source of funding will have to be identified to replace the fixtures. <br /> Craig Benedict said that the discussion about affordable housing recently has been the <br /> cost of maintenance. This will be considered. <br /> Chair Jacobs suggested that these strategies, especially the long-term ones, be shared <br /> with the Planning Board. He wants to receive a recommendation back to the Board about <br /> proceeding with incorporating some of these standards into the ordinance. The Board agreed. <br /> Commissioner Carey asked if local school systems were included and Pat Davis said <br /> that the CHCCS is OWASA's second largest water user, so it is important for OWASA to <br /> pursue whatever partnership approach that it can with the school system to increase water use <br /> efficiency, not only in the schools, but by the students that are in the schools. There are <br /> discussions with the Superintendent about these issues and cost-effective retrofit opportunities. <br />