Minutes 03-03-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

of productive and responsible citizens as well as lifelong learners with critical thinking and problem solving skills who will lead us in the future. Scottie Seawell said there is also recognition from the community of all of the work that has already been done to support public education. Commissioner Jacobs referred to appendix B, regarding choices in addition to college and the need for more people to work with their hands. He recently talked to an appliance repairman who said it is difficult to find young people interested in apprenticeship programs in the field of appliance repair and related areas. He asked if there are any active apprenticeship programs or a contact person for that. Scottie said the idea of apprenticeships and alternatives was a broadly agreed upon issue with the stakeholders. She referenced the woodworking program at Cedar Ridge and the amazing work that is being done there. She referred the question about apprenticeship programs to Del Burns. Del Burns said there are limited opportunities for apprenticeships through the career and technical education programs at this time. He said the hands-on work ethic is a tradition in Orange County, and there was a discussion of the need for alternatives for students. He said the schools are not taking full advantage of apprenticeships, and this is on the radar. b. Resolution Acknowledqinq February 24, 2015 as Spay Neuter Day in Oranqe County, North Carolina The Board considered adopting the proposed resolution acknowledging February 24, 2015 as Spay Neuter Day in Orange County, North Carolina and authorizing the Chair to sign the resolution. Bob Marotto expressed appreciation to the Board for putting this item on the agenda retroactively, due to inclement weather. He said spay/neutering is a community issue, and he thanked the Board of County Commissioners for their support over their years. The Commissioners were presented with spay/neuter support t-shirts. He noted some of Animal Service's 2014 accomplishments. He said the program sterilized 433 cats and dogs that belong to low income residents, and 289 of these animals belonged to clients of the Department of Social Services (DSS.) He said the outcomes of this effort are measured in the decline of admissions to their facility and the fact that the number of animals being euthanized is at a historically low level. Michelle Walker read the following resolution: ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SPAY NEUTER DAY RESOLUTION WHEREAS, cats and dogs provide companionship to and share the homes of thousands of individuals in Orange County; and WHEREAS, the problem of pet overpopulation costs the taxpayers of Orange County hundreds of thousands of dollars annually through animal control and sheltering programs aimed at coping with unwanted and homeless cats and dogs; and WHEREAS, humane societies and shelters throughout the country have to euthanize approximately four million cats and dogs each year, although many of them are healthy and