Minutes 05-07-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Rich asked about the permanent seating for Board of County Commissioners. She asked if there will be seating accommodation for other boards that might use the space. Frank Clifton said the space has been designed to accommodate other groups such as the Planning Department and other County entities. He said that the Commissioners are one of the largest boards. Commissioner Rich and Frank Clifton discussed a meeting room in Indiana with balconies and false ceilings, and Frank Clifton said this was considered, but there were issues. Ken Redfoot said there is significant budget devoted to audiovisual and technology. Commissioner Gordon said that there is no curved dais in Concept A or Concept C. She noted that Southern Human Services Center has a curved dais, which provides a seating arrangement that allows Board members to see each other easily. There is also a permanent electronic installation for computer devices. She asked if that is a contemplated design. Jeff Thompson showed a schematic of a curved dais and said this was discussed at length during the tours. He said this is in the list of considerations. Commissioner Gordon asked how the audiovisuals would be designed. She said the structure often drives the functionality of the audiovisual equipment. She asked for an explanation of how this would work in the space so that everyone can see and hear. Chair Jacobs reminded everyone that this is just the conceptual phase and asked if these issues can be addressed later in the process. Commissioner Gordon said it is very important to discuss this now and lock in on a concept for the audiovisual to avoid another scenario like Southern Human Services Center where some cannot see the presentations. Jeff Thompson said the audiovisual components of the facility are of utmost priority and this will be addressed throughout the schematic. Commissioner Gordon referenced the Commissioners' space and the difference between the "flexible meeting and closed session space" and the "BOCC Pre-function". She asked if this space is for the Commissioners use only. Jeff Thompson said yes. Commissioner McKee said there had been discussion about keeping the school board and the Town up to speed on these issues and asked if this is being done. Jeff Thompson said this is happening. Commissioner Price asked about monitors for viewing presentations. Jeff Thompson said this is being researched. Commissioner Price asked about space for quarterly public hearings and joint meetings with other entities. She asked about building accessibility and the use of steps on both sides of the dais, and she requested a ramp. Ken Redfoot said there is a ramp behind the dais, and one could be put on the side. Chair Jacobs clarified that, under no scenario, will the large room be split, and staff agreed. Chair Jacobs said a line of trees was planted east of the building, in commemoration of 9/11, and he asked of these will remain. Jeff Thompson answered yes. PUBLIC COMMENT: Max Wallace lives with his wife on West Tryon Street three doors east of the Whitted Building. He has been there 35 years and his wife is an artist. He has served on the Durham Arts Council and is sympathetic to the idea of a cultural center in theory, but is very concerned about the idea from the standpoint of a neighbor three doors down in a historic residential