Minutes 02-02-2016 - Laserfiche WebLink

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7 The Board conducted a Public Hearing on the appropriation of Economic Development funds the Article 46 apportionment for Economic Development in accordance with recently modified state law, SL 2015-277, and closed the Public Hearing. Steve Brantley, Orange County Economic Development Director, reviewed the following information: BACKGROUND: A recent (summer 2015) state law change now requires additional specificity when expending funds for Economic Development. In consultation with the County Attorney's office, this change requires a more elaborate explanation of the use/purpose and justification of public benefit related to Economic Development monies. This information would be noticed to the public via a newspaper advertisement for input. The information required complements prior adopted Capital Investment Plan (CIP) and budget approvals from a past and current year budget. The attached advertisement meets those requirements. The project is the Efland Mebane Phase II Extension, which was approved by the Board in June 2015. The advertisement explains the project and a map is attached to show the area. The monies have been budgeted in prior and current year CIP budgets in the amount of approximately $4.97 million funded from Article 46 funds. Steve Brantley said one of the land tracks is a 79-acre site, which is referred to as the Simpson Efland Heirs site. He said this property was the first choice site for Morinaga, but was ultimately rejected, as it did not have water and sewer. He said there is currently a new prospect showing strong interest in this property. He said adding utilities to this land would greatly help economic development efforts. Craig Benedict, Orange County Planning Director, reviewed several maps pertaining to the project's sewer line easements, a routing location, and how it impacts the several adjacent, passer-by residential lots. He said property lines were followed whenever possible. He said there are 13 easements, primarily in the Efland area. He noted that an area has been purchased for a sewer lift station. He said this project provides backbone for the infrastructure for this Economic Development zone. Commissioner Jacobs referred to the forced main on Route Ten and asked if it can be tapped into. Craig Benedict said the forced main would not be tapped into. He said any properties west of Gravely Hill Middle School can tie into an existing sewer line, and those to the east would have to have a private lift station. Commissioner Jacobs asked if there is a grand opening date yet for Morinaga. Steve Brantley said a date in April or May is preferable for Morinaga but are flexible to accommodate the BOCC. Commissioner Jacobs asked if Chair McKee would write a letter to Morinaga, acknowledging its accomplishment of being confectionary vendor of the year 2015. Chair McKee said he would do so. Commissioner Price asked if properties to the south would be affected. Craig Benedict said these properties are not within the water and sewer boundary agreement. Commissioner Rich asked if the number of water and sewer agreements held by Orange County is known. Craig Benedict said there is one with the City of Mebane, which was updated in 2009; one with the City of Durham, for the Eno Economic Development zone; and an agreement with the City of Hillsborough is in process. PUBLIC COMMENT None.