Minutes 02-02-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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6 Commissioner Jacobs said the ABC Board has made admirable positive steps to treat its employees appropriately. Commissioner Jacobs asked if the BOCC could be updated when, and if, the legislature speaks about the ABC control system, in order to offer support. Lisa Stuckey said the legislature has banned powdered alcohol which she deemed a wise decision. Commissioner Rich expressed thanks for the wage study and the implementation of the living wage. She urged the ABC Board to get in touch with the Living Wage Project of Orange County in order to be certified as a certified as living wage employer. Commissioner Pelissier echoed Commissioner Rich's comments. She asked if the sales for this year could be compared to those of the previous year. Ron McCoy said the sales were up by about a half million dollars this year. He said there has not been a large increase in the number of bottles sold but rather the bottles being purchased are at a higher price point. Commissioner Burroughs said serving as the liaison this past year has shown her how invested the ABC Board is in the organization, and the living wage issue in particular. She thanked the ABC Board for the work being done. Commissioner Rich asked if the local product selections are selling well. Tony Dubois said it has been well received by everyone and there are local liquors from all over the state. Commissioner Price referred to the allocations of funding and asked if there has been an increase in the needs for education and rehab programs. Lisa Stuckey said there is a grant process on the website and about 8-10 requests per year are received. She said the process is similar to the way Orange County funds outside agencies. Commissioner Price asked if underage drinking is an increasing problem. Lisa Stuckey said there has been an increase in monetary requests each year. She said a lot of underage drinkers end up in the emergency room, which is designed to maintain privacy; and this is why she is especially excited about the town gown collaborative, as it will address treatment needs in a new way. Chair McKee acknowledged the professionalism of the ABC Board. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there are any other quasi-county entities over which the BOCC has some indirect control, with reference to promoting the living wage issue. Bonnie Hammersley said one of the guidelines for the 2016-2017 budget is to identify those entities, and department directors are contacting vendors to determine this information. Commissioner Dorosin said the County should promote the living way to all the quasi- governmental agencies, like Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), the ABC Board, the schools, etc. Commissioner Jacobs said he agreed. He offered the Community Home Trust (CHT) as an example recipient of County funding but is unsure whether CHT pays a living wage. He suggested the BOCC consider even broader application than just the living wage, such as accessibility, noting that those receiving County funds should need to follow certain standards. 5. Public Hearings a. Local Economic Development Public Hearing for Appropriation of Funds for Infrastructure