Minutes 03-17-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Bonnie Hauser thanked the Board for the decision to defer their decision on the bond referendum. She said it is clear that better policies are needed to manage the older schools. She asked the Board to please consider the policies that govern how funds are allocated to the schools. She said the current policy design is such that school maintenance needs are made at the expense of teachers and classrooms, and this is why maintenance needs have been deferred for years. She said it is time to modernize these policies. Bonnie Hauser said there is nothing in the CIP about modernizing the Bradshaw Quarry Solid Waste Convenience Center, and she would like for some statement to be included about this facility. She does not want to see it close again. Commissioner McKee noted that there has been no delay or suspension of the bond discussion, and it is in process. Commissioner porosin asked for clarification regarding the Rogers Road Infrastructure. Bonnie Hammersley said the schedule has not changed. She said the way it was originally listed in the CIP, all of the money was in one year, and there is one more phase left. She said she and the County attorney are in the process of creating the next interlocal agreement. She said the next design phase would take a year, and the anticipated start is in April or May of 2015, and this will be complete in June or July of 2016. She said the schedule has not changed, but the money has been moved to more accurately fall where it will be spent. Commissioner porosin said he would like for them to expedite this process. Bonnie Hammersley said there are a number of easements, and there is work being done with the Jackson Center on these. Commissioner Pelissier said the way this has been presented is different than it has been in the past and it is great for the Board and the public. Commissioner Burroughs said she would like to learn more about the site work at Southern Human Services Center campus and the urgency there. Commissioner Burroughs expressed thanks for the planning funds for Orange County Schools (OCS) and Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS). She said the timeframe in the presentation for the schools is very SAPFO oriented, and it is important to remember the varying states of dilapidation for both school systems, as well as the safety concerns with the Orange County Schools. She said there is some breathing room, that allows them not to rush on the capacity piece, but these other issues still exist. Commissioner Burroughs said one inconsistency she saw was regarding the recommendations for shovel ready projects when the bond passes. She referred to page 96 and noted that the CHCCS projects lists work starting in the second year, concurrent with the bond. She said she understands the political discussion of starting this before the referendum, but she also knows that the needs are there, and she would be comfortable explaining why work needs to start. Commissioner Jacobs asked that a copy of the CIP be put in the libraries too. Commissioner Price asked about the study related to the sewer construction at Rogers Road. Bonnie Hammersley said this is referring to the schematic design of the system. Commissioner Price asked if Bonnie Hammersley can give the Board advance notice of what sections will be looked at in the future work sessions. Bonnie Hammersley said yes. Commissioner Rich said she appreciated the overview. She likes reviewing projects one at a time and she asked staff to keep the Board updated with the capital projects' sheets. Chair McKee expressed his appreciation for the presentation tonight. He said he also appreciates the conversation about the difference between debt capacity and debt affordability, and he feels it is important to keep this in mind moving forward. He does not want to take a loan that will require a tax increase.