Minutes 10-17-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Dorosin said he believes that it is appropriate to let the EPA know that the Board feels the allegations are baseless; however, in the interest of providing sewer to the community, the Board is also prepared to move forward with "A, B, and C." He questioned whether this might resolve the complaint. Commissioner Dorosin agreed with Chair Jacobs that the Board should work toward an agreement in principle. He feels the Board needs to discuss which of the two possible options it supports if the EPA issue is resolved, as well as if connections are to be made to the homes. He said that an impression has been given that his interest in providing fair treatment to these residents is not consistent with the obligations of being a County Commissioner. He said that the County attorney is his attorney also, however he does not agree with the advice. He said his main interest in resolving the big issue is in the context of a County Commissioner trying to serve the best interest of everyone in this County. Alderman Johnson said she was hopeful the County would get more clarification from the attorney. She said that it is possible to discuss this without taking action. She said that the residents of this community are present and watching this discussion but not believing anything will happen. She said she hopes this issue will be resolved. She said she sat on the task force and a lot of work was done. She hopes that the Board does want something to happen. She said she hopes that the Board gets a response from the EPA soon, and she likes Commissioner Dorosin's idea of sending a follow up letter outlining what the Board is willing to do. Alderman Gist asked if the value of the properties will be increased when sewer and water are hooked up, and if this will affect the tax rates. She does not want the residents to have an issue with surprise tax bills. Michael Talbert said the County would go through revaluation in 2017, and if the market values have come up then this would have an impact. Commissioner Rich said that roughly 30 homes have indicated interest in hooking up to sewer. She said that those homes will have an increase in value, but so will the neighbors who choose not to hook up. Alderman Gist said she is saying this as a neutral point, but to clarify this as a consequence of this action. Commissioner McKee said none of his comments are intended to question anyone's motives. He said all three of the boards are in different positions. He said that Orange County is the only one being investigated. He said the Board did not have a clue until well into the discussion of this community center about this investigation. Commissioner McKee said his opinion is that the possibilities need to still be discussed, but he cannot go against the strong opinion of the County attorney. Chair Jacobs said he is speaking for a majority of the Board of County Commissioners. He said it bothers the Board that the EPA claim is delaying this action and the Board is not delaying this willingly or happily. He said the County has acted on the attorney's advice. He said it is not fair to question whether the County can be believed. He said the County has done more to address Rogers Road issues than any local government. He noted that the County spent $200,000 to put in a water line, as well as a no fault well fund. He said the County has committed $650,000 to build the Community Center. Chair Jacobs said no one should say that the County cannot be trusted. He said Orange County is committed and wants this to work. He said the Board represents the whole County and does not want to open the County to liabilities that the Attorney has warned against. Chair Jacobs said the Board can continue to talk to the County attorney on point A and point B, while continuing to look for ways to move forward.