Minutes 05-08-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Jacobs said this is what could be staggered in the CIP. He said necessary improvements could be paid for later, as needed. Michael Talbert said it seems that the Board would like to do part or all of the renovations to save the wings. He said he would encourage them to do all of the work now while borrowing costs and construction costs are low. He said these costs are only going to increase. He said this would also only disrupt the site once. Commissioner Dorosin said every issue and project can be reduced to the cost. He said the pie is the pie, and the debate is about how to cut it. He said this is a little more expensive than expected, but there are also other competing considerations. He said there are not a lot of resources in this part of the County, and this has the potential to be an invaluable asset to this area. He said the County is continuing to grow, and there is always the potential to use the land across the street if the Community Center is successful. He said it is shortsighted to discuss knocking down or not using these wings. He said the costs are more than offset by the advantages to the community. Commissioner Price said this project encompasses so much, including historical preservation, sustainability, community, education and economic development. A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Dorosin to amend the project plan by directing staff to maintain the classroom wings for future occupancy and/or minimally conditioned storage available for both County department and County tenant use ("Alternate Plan"). Commissioner Rich said she is in favor of the community center, but she struggles with the money, and it does not sound like there is a solid plan for the use of the wings. Commissioner Pelissier said there is no question that she supports the community center, but she does not see the need for this amount of additional storage space. She will vote against it, but she is not against the community center. Jeff Thompson said the timeline for the storage plan will be brought back in the fall. He said there will be no decision on moving forward with construction dollars until this final plan is brought back. Commissioner Gordon echoed what Commissioner Pelissier and Commissioner Rich have said. She said she is in favor of the community center. She does have some concerns about this alternate plan in the absence of a comprehensive facilities and revenue plan. She noted that the County has already committed to building this community center in the CIP. She wants it to be clear that if she votes against this, it is only because she is against the addition of the alternate plan and not the community center. Commissioner McKee said he would like to thank Commissioner Dorosin for his comments regarding the needs in the northern end of the County. He said he is strongly identified as a District 2 Commissioner, so he did not want to say this. He said he hopes the Board can also eventually reinstate some services in that part of the County. Chair Jacobs said he represents everyone in Orange County, and he is proud to represent the Cedar Grove Community. He has learned that government does not work in neat little segments, and sometimes you have to take a leap of faith that things will work out. He said you can set yourself on a course and adjust as you move forward. He said there are some good ideas, and there is a pretty good fix on this project. He also has some concern about the additional costs, and he is not opposed to phasing it. However, he feels the manager made some good points regarding the potential inflation. VOTE: 4-3