Minutes 09-15-2015 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Pelissier reminded residents that there is a public hearing on the proposed light rail on Tuesday, September 29 at the Friday Center at 4:00 p.m. Commissioner Pelissier said there is a potential funding issue from the State, but a conclusion has not yet been reached. She said Go Triangle received a $1.7 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to do planning around light rail. She said it is the second highest grant amount ever awarded. She said this shows Federal support for the Light Rail project. Commissioner Dorosin said he had no comments. Commissioner Price said she attended the Neighborhood Night Out at the Hargraves Community Center as well as the Virtual Enterprises. She said both were great community events. Commissioner Jacobs said he attended the Business Expo at the Friday Center. He said it was a joint venture of both chambers and Orange County Economic Development. He said it was very well received. Commissioner Jacobs said the legislature commanded a certain number of layoffs in the Department of Transportation, most of whom were women. Chair McKee said a news outlet has requested comments from the Board regarding the potential State funding issues with the light rail. He forwarded the request to the County Manager. Commissioner Rich suggested having a coordinated statement on the issue of light rail from Orange County, Chapel Hill and Durham. Bonnie Hammersley said the response that she gave to the news outlet was that the County was working with its partners and was not ready for comment at this time. She said she is reaching out to stakeholders. Commissioner Pelissier said this is in direct violation of the State Transportation Improvement law that was passed by the General Assembly. She said the project is not dead in the water, even if the State is not involved as expected. She said the plan does not call for State funds in the immediate future. Chair McKee said three Board member volunteers are needed to serve on the retreat planning committee. Commissioner Rich, Commissioner Pelissier and Commissioner Burroughs volunteered. 13. Information Items • September 1, 2015 BOCC Meeting Follow-up Actions List • Memo Regarding Rural Recycling Service Area Expansion • BOCC Chair Letter Regarding Petitions from September 1, 2015 Board Meeting 14. Closed Session NONE 15. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Price, seconded by Commissioner Burroughs to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Earl McKee, Chair