Minutes 04-16-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Rich asked about Heather Altman's career life as it relates to her volunteer life. Heather Altman said she is the Director of Community Connections at Carol Woods Retirement Community. Chair Jacobs noted that he and Commissioner Gordon both served on the first two iterations of the Master Aging Plan. Heather Altman said this is the eleven year mark of the Master Aging Plan and this is an awarding winning program. She said this was the first plan of its kind implemented in the state. Chair Jacobs asked how guidance and service is made available to seniors Janice Tyler said there is an aging helpline number and this is intended to be the one- stop shop. Heather Altman said there is a 411 and a 911 number and it can meet any need. Janice Tyler said the board will be hearing more information about long term care facilities in the near future. Chair Jacobs suggested that information on the hotline be given to the public affairs officer for a possible press release. • Agricultural Preservation Board - Howard McAdams, Co-Chair; (with Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation Director David Stancil) Howard McAdams said the board is increasing the number of acres in the voluntary agriculture districts. He said that a year ago, there were 2,956 acres and there are now 4,597 acres in the districts. He said that by June 1 there will be 5,463 acres. He said agriculture is thriving in Orange County and strawberry season is approaching in May. Commissioner McKee said there is some transition being done into the enhanced voluntary agriculture districts, which will provide a few more benefits. Commissioner Pelissier said there was mention of a meeting with all county agriculture boards for joint planning and she asked what came out of this. Howard McAdams said that meeting was a year ago. Chair Jacobs asked if the board did get a report. Dave Stancil said this meeting was noted as part of an answer to the question regarding the board's most important accomplishments and it did not go by a 12 month standard. He said this meeting was part of the creation of the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Plan and there was an outcome that the Board of County Commissioners approved. This plan is now being implemented. Chair Jacobs encouraged the board to convene another meeting in the coming months and he offered to provide suggestions for topics. Chair Jacobs referred to the last page of concerns and emerging issues, and working with the tax administrative office. He asked Dave Stancil if there has been a meeting yet and he encouraged staff to do so before the legislature makes changes to the use value system. Commissioner McKee said, having been involved in these transfers, he can say that the staff working in the tax office are accommodating and competent. Chair Jacobs noted that Orange County has the highest use value percentage in the region, partially because the County's policy to be accommodating. He suggested that information be put on the website. • Arts Commission -Alice Levinson, Chair( with Arts Commission Director Martha Shannon)