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5 <br /> THE MEETING WAS OPENED FOR COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FROM CITIZENS <br /> Gene Bell responded to a question about the planning process by <br /> stating that this process initially involves a complete analysis of <br /> the study area which the students at UNC are currently working on with <br /> the cooperation of county staff using the Geographic Information <br /> System (GIS) . GIS will then be used to create overlays using <br /> information such as existing land use patterns , environmental features <br /> (steep slopes , flood plains , etc . ) , transportation network. Out of <br /> this process, areas will emerge that are suitable, or unsuitable, for <br /> different types of development . A list of principles to guide this <br /> process is listed on the handout . These principles will be used as <br /> the beginning point for defining goals and objectives. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit indicated that the time commitment for <br /> participation on this Planning Group will be fairly intensive through <br /> May. The overall process will probably extend beyond May with a less <br /> intensive time commitment . The Charge will be completed when a final <br /> report, with recommendations , is presented to the Board of <br /> Commissioners or when agreement is reached by the group itself that <br /> there is no further reason to meet . <br /> In response to a question about how the study area was defined, Gene <br /> Bell stated that the primary determinant for the boundaries of this <br /> area was the Stoney Creek drainage basin. He also mentioned that this <br /> is one of the areas that the Town of Hillsborough has identified for <br /> possible extension of sewer. The Town of Hillsborough's planning <br /> jurisdiction is to the Northwest with the Economic Development <br /> Districts on the perimeters at the I-85/US 70 Interchange and the I- <br /> 40/Old 86 area. Also, to the south is the rural buffer. <br /> Lee Rafalow, a resident of the Powder Mill Road area, mentioned that <br /> his concern with the Planning Group proposal was that it did not <br /> include sufficient citizen representation. He felt that the Chamber <br /> of Commerce, School Board and other groups did have an interest in the <br /> growth of this area and should be requested to share their expertise; <br /> however, the actual planning should to be handled by people who live <br /> in the area. He requested that the planning group consist primarily <br /> of residents and that the boundaries take into account the fact that <br /> residents are concerned with broader issues than just those of <br /> watershed protection. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit mentioned that having stakeholders from outside <br /> of the study area gives them an opportunity to become sensitized to <br /> specific community issues. He also mentioned that consensus is <br /> extremely important to the success of this Work Group's mission. A <br /> successful outcome will have been reached to the extent that consensus <br /> is reached. He mentioned that State Statues and County ordinances <br /> require that the Board of Commissioners make decisions about land use <br /> matters following recommendations by the Planning Board. The Board of <br /> Commissioners will consider the extent to which the planning group is <br />