Minutes 11-05-2013 - Laserfiche WebLink

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18 A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner McKee to approve the Orange County Public Library Strategic Plan (2013-2016). VOTE: UNANIMOUS b. Southern Branch Library Siting Criteria, Process Update The Board received an update on the Southern Branch Library siting process, discussed/considered Carrboro's response(s) to County staff requests as well as County staff recommendations, and provided direction to staff regarding next steps. Lucinda Munger said Carrboro sent an email response stating that no official position has been taken on 1128 Hillsborough Road, but there is little indication of support without a proper land swap. She said the Carrboro town attorney expressed strong concerns with the liability and increased cost associated with the rock blasting that would be required to prepare the site at 401 Fidelity Street Lucinda Munger said Carrboro staff is willing to provide requested permit information for the 120 Brewer Lane site. She said the recommendation, based on the response from Carrboro, is that the Board should eliminate the Hillsborough Road and Fidelity Street sites from consideration and move forward with due diligence on 120 Brewer Lane. She said staff will provide follow up information to the Board by the January 23, 2014 meeting. Michael Talbert said the Town of Carrboro unanimously wants the Brewer Lane site; therefore staff sees no need to continue with the other two sites. He said staff would like to proceed with Brewer Lane. Chair Jacobs noted that, subsequent to the January 23 meeting, staff recommended moving to the public phase of the siting project, which includes a public hearing to gain input. Commissioner Gordon said when the public phase of the project is reached, the public should not be told that this is a take it or leave it approach with only a single site option. She noted that the 1128 Hillsborough Street is still an option. She said the lack of another site gives little negotiation room with a developer. Commissioner Gordon said keeping the Hillsborough Road property on the table gives more choice to the public and allows for a fallback position if Brewer Lane does not work out. She strongly urged the Board to keep two sites moving forward. Commissioner Dorosin said residents still have a choice to simply not vote for the library. He disagreed with the idea of continuing to spend resources and staff time on a site that the Town does not support. He said he feels the Hillsborough Road site is not a viable site anyway, as it does not meet the necessary criteria. He said it would have been good to have the public hearing for this conversation. He said it is unfortunate to have a public hearing with only one site, but that is the reality of where the process stands now. Chair Jacobs asked Michael Talbert if another site could be included in deliberation if it came to the attention of staff between now and February. Michael Talbert said yes, another site could still be included. He said there were still seven other sites that have been suggested over time. He said this list could still be re-visited, or new sites could be considered. Chair Jacobs said the Board can advertise that the process started out with 7 properties, before being narrowed down to 3, and now potentially one; however the Board is still open to other sites that may meet their criteria.