Minutes 11-11-2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Jacobs expressed his appreciation for the town being here and including the County in this discussion. He said the town and the County are inextricably intertwined and have the same goals and aspirations. He hopes that they can make this work. Commissioner Gordon expressed her thanks to the Mayor and two members of the Chapel Hill Town Council for coming here to share their vision. She said it has been a new day in Orange County for collaboration in many areas. Mayor Kleinschmidt thanked the Board members, as well as some retired Commissioners for their efforts to work together. Commissioner Gordon said she feels that we are all in a good place and the partnerships are all strong. Commissioner McKee said this project has some definite benefits, and it can be a tool to help move Orange County out of the 81 St position for retail sales. He said the County cannot remain in that low position and expect not to continue increasing tax on residential properties, which is not sustainable. Commissioner McKee said he questions a few of the numbers, and he had hoped to have some financial information tonight to help clarify some issues for him. He said he would like to see information from staff on the potential with regard to the commercial and retail development when this comes back in January. He said there needs to be some sort of business that will generate a significant amount of retail sales. Commissioner McKee said he would like to see all of the costs associated with the residential development, including the impact of additional housing, additional retail, and how it impacts our social services. He would like to know the pros and cons on whether this will create a cascading effect of other projects coming to them. Commissioner McKee said no county in this state is in the road business. He said this project involves a considerable amount of expenditure for road improvements. He questioned whether involvement in the project would put the County in the road business. He would to see some strong financial analysis from the Orange County staff. Commissioner porosin said this project is focusing analytically on the idea that development of any kind has to not only pay for itself, but also be a net gain. He said this is a dangerous way to look at the future of the County, as it will effectively eliminate projects like meaningful affordable housing. He said this comment is not aimed at this project in particular, but it is a comment about the way the Board needs to think about growth and whether the tax revenue always has to offset the cost. Commissioner Pelissier she would like to see a breakdown of the different values for residential and commercial developments. 3. Update on Employment and Child Care Proqrams Operatinq at Social Services Nancy Coston said this is a discussion of employment and childcare. She said she would like to start by sharing some successes. Sharron Hinton reviewed the following new and successful employment programs at the Department of Social Services: -- NC Food and Nutrition Services Employment and Training program. - This is a volunteer program for low income residents who recently began receiving food stamps, and it provides job support and employment training services. -- Job Club—This has provided help to 92 individuals who have received employment through this program in the past 12 months. --Youth Employment and Training Program (Building Futures Program)—This is targeted to residents aged 16-21, and it provides various means of educational support. 113 individuals have been served with this program.