Minutes 03-19-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Heather Altman said the advisory board's report did not include all of the compelling and un-compelling statistics. She noted that N.C. is in the midst of a significant demographic change as the state's 2.4 million baby boomers enter retirement age. She said for the first time in the history of Orange County there are more older adults than there are children in the school system. She said it is important to pay attention to these compelling statistics, as well as the compelling stories of residents. Heather Altman said they have exceptional staff in the Department on Aging, and she commended Janice Tyler and Mary Frasier for the energy they bring to the Advisory Board on Aging. She said the board is committed to tackling all of the issues outlined in the Master Aging Plan. Heather Altman invited the Commissioners to an event at the Seymour Center on Wednesday, March 25th, regarding tiny houses and different housing alternatives. She said she presents all of this as an opportunity for Orange County to be innovators in service delivery, work force preparedness and economic development. Commissioner Pelissier said not everyone realizes the amount of public engagement there has been with the Master Aging Plan and the Department of Aging. She expressed appreciation for all of the work that has been done. Commissioner Pelissier asked if the mobility manager is focused only on helping individuals, or if he/she helps identify the transportation needs of the aging population. Heather Altman said the goal is generally to help individuals navigate the opportunities. Janice Tyler said the mobility manager does work closely with OPT and the Planning Department. Commissioner Price asked how much collaboration is done with Adult Care. Heather Altman said there is quite a bit of collaboration with the Nursing Home Advisory Committee and the Adult Care Home in exchanging information and planning educational programs. Chair McKee expressed his appreciation for all that this board does. • Affordable Housing Advisory Board -Arthur Sprinczeles —Vice Chair Arthur Sprinczeles thanked the Board members for all of their support at the recent Rotary Pancake sale. He said the advisory board meets once a month and advises the Orange County Board of County Commissioners regarding affordable housing issues and increasing community awareness. He said the board also monitors the implementation of affordable housing and bond programs. He said more affordable housing is needed in Orange County for young and older adults. He listed the following tasks of the Board: - Completed the FY 2014 performance report - Monitor the Affordable Housing Bond Program - Review non-departmental funding applications for six housing related non-profit organizations - Conduct the annual on-ground affordable housing bus tour - Review the Community Home Trust requests for charter and interlocal agreements Arthur Sprinczeles said the advisory board was very involved in the development of housing element of the comprehensive plan. He said the Board plans to continue to pursue the opportunity to work collectively with the planning board to assess progress. Chair McKee said the Board is concerned about affordable housing in Orange County. He said this is one of the most pressing issues the County is facing.