Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
6 <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Commissioner Rich presented the resolution to Tony Hayes. <br /> Tony Hayes said he sees recognition, acknowledgement and declaration as an act of <br /> courage. He said the indigenous (American Indians) of Orange County are pleased this step <br /> has been taken and would like to be more interactive with Orange County in the future. He <br /> said they are looking forward to better relationships with Orange County. He works with the <br /> seven other tribes within the State, and North Carolina is the most populous Indian state east <br /> of the Mississippi. He said all the tribes want to be a part of the discussion to make North <br /> Carolina better, and the Occaneechi are the only tribe in the central part of the State. He said <br /> the tribe seeks to make Orange County the most progressive county in the State. He said they <br /> are pleased to have the opportunity to get the resolution and look forward to working with <br /> Orange County. <br /> d. OWASA Annual Update Presentation <br /> The Board considered receiving the presentation and information from the Orange <br /> Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA) on recent activities, and providing any feedback as <br /> necessary. <br /> BOCC appointees: Terri Buckner and Barbara Middleton-Foushee <br /> Barbara Middleton-Foushee is here with Terri Buckner, Mary Darr, OWASA Director of <br /> Engineering and Planning, and Ed Kerwin, OWASA Executive Director. She said Chair John <br /> Young was unable to attend. <br /> Barbara Middleton-Foushee reviewed the following information: <br /> Sewer system design for the Historic Rogers Road Area <br /> Design and the process of getting construction permits are on schedule for completion in the <br /> fall of 2016. Surveying, checking for underground rock and other information gathering in the <br /> neighborhood are 95% complete. Design work to establish the basic sewer route was <br /> completed in December 2015. The Rogers Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA), the <br /> Marian Cheek Jackson Center, Orange County, the Towns of Chapel Hill and Carrboro and <br /> OWASA met with residents on July 28, 2015 to discuss the design process and on December <br /> 8, 2015 to discuss the County's acquisition of easements for the sewer lines. <br /> Once there is a decision to proceed with construction, they estimate it will take about 19 <br /> months for bidding, award of the contact and completion of construction. The estimated total <br /> cost of design and construction is about $5.7 million, excluding costs for easement acquisition, <br /> sewer connection fees, the private sewer connection pipes and related plumbing work. <br /> Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) <br /> AMI is a meter reading system including fixed antennae for remotely reading water meters with <br /> batteries for data transmission. Vehicles would not be necessary for readings, with resulting <br /> savings in energy and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. AMI would enable faster <br /> detection of leaks, customers could monitor their daily water use on line and AMI would not <br /> require a rate increase. They completed a detailed feasibility study on AMI in January 2016. <br /> On January 21, 2016, they approved a plan for community engagement including receiving <br /> citizens' comments in our February 25, March 10 and March 24, 2016 Board meetings. They <br />