Minutes 01-31-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioners. It may be premature because of things beyond our control, but he is hesitant to vote either yes or know without the Board knowing what is involved. Rod Visser pointed out that what Chair Jacobs proposed also represents a decision and asked the Board how they feel about that. He heard a request that staff pull together some of the things they have discussed today about timelines and impacts and getting partners together and bring that information back for the February 11 work session. Then the Board could consider at that point whether the writing is on the wall that November 2014 is out of the question, or whether it could get done. This would be a deliberate postponement of that decision until after the Board gets more information. Commissioner Rich said she preferred Commissioner Jacobs's approach. Unlike Commissioner Gordon, she has not lived through one of these bond referenda. They know a number from Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools but they haven't heard anything from the Orange County Schools. Rod Visser asked if there is anyone uncomfortable with that proposal from Chair Jacobs, or does that seem workable to the Board and the Manager. Michael Talbert said he thinks it is workable, but cautioned he did not know how much information they would have from Orange County Schools. They will do the best they can with what they have. Rod Visser said he is heard reluctant skepticism but a willingness to get more information and take another look at it on February 11. Michael Talbert confirmed that it would be fine to discuss other related topics like task forces on February 11 as well. The Board agreed to get the information on this date. The Board took a half hour break for lunch. 2. Goals for Strategic Communications Plan A. Presentation (Todd McGee, Director of Public Relations — NCACC) Todd McGee, Public Relations Director for the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, made a presentation titled "County Communications", based on a set of PowerPoint slides that are included with the background materials for this meeting of the Orange County Board of Commissioners. Todd McGee explained that in his capacity as President of the National Association of County Information Officers (an affiliate of the National Association of Counties), he was involved last fall in carrying out a non-scientific survey about what counties are doing to communicate with their citizens. The survey instrument was sent to county managers in about a dozen states. They received over 200 responses and felt they had received a representative cross-section of the country and a pretty good idea of what is going on out there. Commissioner Rich asked if we know whether people are reading the newspaper itself or online.