Agenda - 11-09-2006-1c - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. Re- assignment of Space to Courts Function. The planned 25,000 square foot expansion of the existing courthouse is slated for completion in late 2007. County offices in downtown Hillsborough would systematically be assigned to court functions as needs dictate and as new county facilities are brought on line, in order to provide future court operation needs. 5. Green Building Practices. The County has for several years integrated green building practices into new construction and renovations alike. A basic premise of the recommendations of this report is that green - building practices will continue to be integrated as appropriate. Further, a policy will be brought forward for Board consideration that would further institutionalize the practices. The Board approved the Environmental Responsibility Goal, which incorporates green building practices into all County construction projects, to the extent practicable. Each of the facilities designed for the County within the past several years, including the Durham Technical Community College campus building and the recently approved expanded County campus project, has included a significant number of sustainable design features in the project. . 6. Cost estimates. Project recommendations within this report are accompanied by a cost estimate that utilizes cost guidance from recently designed buildings for Orange County. Projects nearing the commencement of their development timeline should be thoroughly assessed for accuracy of the cost estimate in order to avoid budget shock at such time bids are solicited. Criteria for Tier Level Placement As was the case with the 2000 study, the following criteria were observed when placing projects within a designated Tier level: 1. Overcrowded facility. The present facility is significantly overcrowded. 2. Growth and no recent new space. The Department has been allocated no additional space to accommodate significant employee growth or increases in service demands. 3. Improved service and /or collaboration. Carrying out the recommendation will provide significant opportunities for improved service delivery and /or collaboration among like- function departments within County government. 4. Reduced rental costs/ Carrying out the recommendations will provide the opportunity to significantly reduce the cost of, or eliminate the need for existing property for which the County currently pays rent. 5a Long- standing need. The initiative is a long- standing need with considerable pubic support.