Minutes 05-14-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Chair Jacobs asked what happened to the library services task force and if the Board should strike this from the books if there is no place for it in the planning process. Lucinda Munger said the members of the 2007 task force were part of the leadership survey on the plan through individual conversations. She said that, because the plan is due in this form to the state library by June 28th, 2013, feedback is needed from the Board of County Commissioners tonight. She said staff will continue to reach out to the community, though it may not be a formal work group. She said that this plan needs to be reviewed annually in order to be viable. She said she hopes to involve citizens on a broader scale, while seeking out some of the leaders of that task force. Chair Jacobs asked that this information be included when the final recommendation is brought back. Commissioner McKee said that when this comes back in the fall, staff needs to address the parking issue, including the availability of free parking. Lucinda Munger said this was brought up at a prior work session, and the Board of Alderman is aware that this is an issue for the library and downtown in general. She said that there is a town owned property that may be converted into a parking area. Commissioner Gordon said she would like to see a more formal detailed statement of how the needs assessment relates to the goals and objectives, as well as the metrics. Dr. Anthony Chow described what a 21 st century library will look like. He said that core services that have been identified show little change, but the means by which these are met are changing. He said there is more choice, and technology is value-added, but not a replacement. He noted that patrons still express a desire for both books and e-books. He said the trend shows that urban libraries are becoming a mixed use space and a social place. He said there is more versatility and diversity of services. 2. Assessment of Jail Alternative Programs Michael Talbert reviewed the following background information from the abstract: In October 2012, the NC Council of State authorized issuance of a 50 year land lease to Orange County for approximately 6.8 acres for construction of a Jail facility. The proposed new Jail is included in the County's FY 2013-18 CIP, with an estimated total project cost of $30,250,000. A consultant has been retained to evaluate the site and determine the best configuration of the potential site, along with any constraints (environmental/regulatory for example) that might impact the development. Site related planning costs have been included in the CIP at $250,000 for FY 2013-14. Construction cost estimates from firms in the business of building detention facilities range from $80,000 to $120,000 per bed. The new jail is intended to house a minimum of 250 prisoners and provide support spaces needed for such a facility. Site design costs are planned for FY 2015-16, and Architectural/Engineering costs are included in FY 2016-17, with construction costs in FY 2017-18. The proposed new Jail project involves the review of jail alternative programs, individual program effectiveness and impact on the inmate population of the Orange County Jail. At the Board's August 30, 2012 work session, District Court Judge Joseph M. Buckner presented an overview of Court Programs to the Board. Attachment A is the PowerPoint presented by Judge Buckner that outlines Court Programs. The County requested and has received a proposal from Solutions for Local Government, Inc., to assess Jail Alternative Programs in Orange County. Before planning for a new jail begins, a comprehensive assessment of jail alternative programs needs to be completed. Solutions for Local Government, Inc. has experience evaluating alternatives to