Minutes 02-01-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2. Need to consolidate services to fewer locations on a transportation route. 3. Southern Human Services Center— looking into future facilities (updating of Master Plan and transportation, location, etc.) Workforce Diversity 1. Ongoing concern that our workforce doesn't reflect our County's diversity. 2. There needs to be enhanced focus on recruitment and training to retain the best employees. Technology Access/Closing the Digital Divide 1. The County needs a better way for residents to navigate the website and get information. It was suggested that if the website was more accessible, it could reduce the number of calls that Commissioners receive. 2. It would help to get a person when you call the County, if it is possible, the County should budget for a receptionist position again so when people call they get a live voice to make government feel more accessible. 3. There's a digital divide in the northern part of the county- no cable service— dial up only. To address the inability to reach 1/3 d of the county due to technology challenges, the County could post county information on bulletin boards at convenience or grocery stores. There are bulletin boards in county facilities. We could co-locate internet cables on existing Emergency Service Communications cables in areas without internet access. 4. There is no protocol for how Commissioners should respond to citizen's requests, so it is left to Commissioner's discretion. Although the staff has the answers to resident's questions, they sometimes contact Commissioners because they want to relate to their representative in county government or they just want the human contact rather than go through technology. 5. IT Director Jim Northup said the strategic plan addresses the website to update it and address some of the concerns mentioned today. He said despite the challenges raised, they get 4000 hits per day on the Orange County website. (Requests for Staff 1. When Orange County resident's concerns and information requests are referred to County staff, Commissioners need a feedback loop so they know how resident issues are resolved. 2. Provide the Commission with Orange county workforce demographic data. 3. Modify the current system that requires residents to download the entire Orange County BOCC meeting agenda when all they want is one item. 4. Utilize non-electronic means to recruit County workforce for those without access to technology. Review BOCC Goal #3 and Priorities Goal1l#3„ li alllanced, IDynarnliic, Sustaliinalbllle IEconornliic IDevelllolpment IBriiief Overviiiew/Ristory„ The new board in 2008 recognized they needed a diverse economic development strategy because they recognized that economic vitality is important to all they do in Orange County and that, land use planning, zoning, and transportation are important to economic development Commissioners recognized that in some Orange County areas there was limited water and sewer. They wanted to develop infrastructure to pull density to where it can best be served. They implemented a '/4 cent sales tax, worked hard with entities like Hillsborough, Durham County and Mebane- partnerships to make water and sewer available to more areas. Orange County has suffered from the perception that they were averse to economic development.