Minutes 03-03-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

internet providers. He said counties, unlike cities, do not have legislative authority to operation communications facilities, so the FCC guidelines are directed toward cities. A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to close the public hearing and review and discuss the Legislative Issues Work Group's (LIWG) proposed 2015 legislative package and any other potential items for inclusion in Orange County's legislative agenda package for the 2015 North Carolina General Assembly Session. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Additional item: Commissioner Jacobs said the state legislature is considering a constitutional amendment regarding eminent domain, and one of the drafts was very vague about extending eminent domain to those who provide telecommunication. He suggested the following additional wording: "Oppose adding language to a constitutional amendment on eminent domain that extends any further preemption of county authority to regulate the placement of telecommunication towers." Commissioner porosin said he had the following suggestions to add: • Add an item requesting a raise in the age for juvenile jurisdiction from 16 to 18 years of age. • Add an item requesting a raise in the state minimum wage to 10 dollars an hour. • Request restoration of the state earned income tax credit. • Request state expansion of the Medicaid program. • Add a goal to restore same day voter registration, early voting periods, Sunday voting, and pre-registration of 16 and 17 year olds. • Add a goal that the state should abolish the death penalty. • Support Orange County Schools' request for the addition of three items. • Add the planning request regarding transportation funds. Commissioner porosin said these legislative goals are a statement of the County's values, and it is important to add these things. Chair McKee requested that a separate vote be taken for item #1 so that he can vote against this. He noted that a transfer tax was defeated in Orange County, and it has been passed in several other counties. He would like the option to vote against this one item. There was clarifying discussion noting that the total number of items is now 27, with the three recommendations by OCS being counted as one item. A motion was made by Commissioner Jacobs, seconded by Commissioner Pelissier to approve Item #1 Revenue Options for Local Government. VOTE: Ayes, 6; Nay, 1 (Chair McKee) A motion was made by Commissioner Rich, seconded by Commissioner Price to approve the proposed legislative matters resolution on Statewide Issues and additional items. VOTE: UNANIMOUS