NS ORD-1998-015 Living Wage Ordinance

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Chair Margaret Brown feels that any survey sent out from County government should be �aC reviewed by the County Commissioners first. Commissioner Gordon asked why the updates are done and John Link said that they changed the format so that changes could be easily recognized. Commissioner Gordon feels that the goals should be adopted before the budget and that the updates should be listed separately so they can see the progress made on specific goals. Also, new goals should not be added unless the County Commissioners adopt them first. John Link asked that the Board designate their first work session in the new year to work on and confirm their goals. Chair Margaret Brown made reference to the timeline for solid waste issues and suggested doing a strategic plan that would incorporate our solid waste management plan that was sent to the state and this plan and a timeline and long range financial plan. She feels this would provide in one document a plan that can be easily understood by the County Commissioners, elected officials and citizens. Commissioner Gordon made reference to page three and the Natural Resource Protection goal to add a new division to the Planning Department and asked that the County Commissioners consider whether they should have a separate department. She made reference to her memo dated May 25 which outlines a proposal to form a new Environment and Resource Conservation Department. This memo is incorporated into these minutes by reference. She asked that the County Commissioners direct staff to formulate a resolution and wording so the goal can be considered by the County Commissioners and adopted on June 15 or June 22. Commissioner Halkiotis expressed a concern with setting up a separate department in County government versus incorporating into a current County department. He would like to know what the Planning Department looked like 15 years ago and what new responsibilities have been added to their workload over the last few years. He asked if this could be incorporated into our Planning Department. Commissioner Crowther feels that we should not be creating positions when there may be state or federal personnel that will provide some assistance in these areas. Chair Margaret Brown said that she supports the proposal. She would like to have a report on what the planning staff can do in this area to articulate the goal. John Link suggested that the staff work on a comprehensive response which will include the cost of personnel, space, furniture, equipment, etc. and bring back to the Board in August. Commissioner Crowther made reference to the school of the hospital and asked for staff to investigate and report back on a way to shift the cost of this hospital school to the state. The Board continued to review the goals and make revisions which will be incorporated in the final goals. John Link said that they will come back with what they understand the County Commissioners want to adopt. u Orange County Public Library -Carrboro Branch John Link said that the County received a letter from Carrboro's Mayor Mike Nelson asking that the County look at the long-term needs of the Carrboro library. He feels the County has gone a long way in providing services to-the citizens of Carrboro. Orange County Library Director Brenda Stephens summarized information on other cities and counties and their contribution to library services. Commissioner Crowther feels we need to convene a meeting and try to respond to the Mayor's letter. Chair Brown will contact the Mayor to see if these needs are still applicable. (c) Living Wage Ordinance This item was presented to provide further information regarding a proposed Living Wag ordinance for Orange County which would establish a minimum wage level for certain firms doing business with County government.