Minutes 06-17-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Chair Jacobs said one possibility is to have the Board appoint elected officials, Chapel Hill elect its representatives, and then this group could meet over the summer while advertising is done for public positions in the larger group. Commissioner Price asked if this means there would still be citizen participation, just not as many, and not as early. Chair Jacobs said it is a good point that the interlocal agreement is between the governments, although he would argue that the University should also be included. He said this does not necessarily require participation of residents who were anticipated to deal with the more complex list of issues that the interlocal agreement covers. Commissioner Gordon said the four groups of elected officials could meet as a phase 1 of this group, to define the charge and work on the interlocal agreement, and then phase 2 would allow for residents to participate. She said this is a big project, and phase 1, which would be comprised of elected officials, would report back at a time to be determined, and then phase 2 would be the full group, who could work for at least a year. Commissioner Pelissier made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Rich to refer the attached draft agreement to a work group of elected officials—two from each of the municipalities and two from the County; and that the group complete their work in time to present to the Assembly of Governments in November; and that part of that interlocal agreement would outline the composition, scope and mission of the advisory board and its purpose. Chair Jacobs said the University should be included in this if possible, and they are not elected officials. He said there may not be two elected officials from Chapel Hill immediately. Chair Jacobs offered a friendly amendment to include the University if UNC is willing to appoint representatives, and that there be no specific designation of the number of elected officials. Commissioner Pelissier rejected the friendly amendment. She said she agrees that the University should be involved, but she is not sure if this is necessary for the interlocal agreement. She will let her motion stand as-is. Commissioner porosin said he will not vote for this motion because it has taken citizens out of the process. He said the idea that there are decisions to be made without citizens and decisions to be made with citizens is against participatory democracy and transparency. Commissioner Price said she will vote against it for the same reasons. Commissioner McKee said he agreed with the idea of citizen participation, but governments should have the first shot at the interlocal agreement. VOTE: Ayes, 4 (Commissioner Pelissier, Commissioner Rich, Commissioner McKee, Commissioner Gordon), Nays, 3 (Chair Jacobs, Commissioner porosin, and Commissioner Price) 8. Reports NONE 9. County Manaqer's Report NONE 10. County Attorney's Report NONE 11. Appointments