Agenda - 02-03-1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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VIII. ITEMS FOR DECISION - REGULAR AGENDA A. NEW HOPE CORRIDOR OPEN SPACE MASTER PLAN Emily Cameron presented for consideration of Board approval the proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and Map and the Orange County Comprehensive Plan (Land Use Element) and Map which incorporates recommendations from the New Hope Creek Corridor Open Space Master Plan. These amendments are on pages of these minutes. Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Chairman Carey to approve the proposed amendments to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan (Land Use Element) and Map. These amendments are on pages of these minutes. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Motion was made by Commissioner Gordon, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the proposed amendments to the Joint Planning Area Land Use Plan and Map with the effective date the date that Chapel Hill Town Council approves these same amendments. VOTE: UNANIMOUS B. SCHOOL BOND REFERENDUM Chair Carey stated that the Board needs to decide when to place a bond referendum on the ballot and the amount of the bond. The Board talked at length about the results of the school bond survey and questioned the consultant Mr. Johnson or Johnson and Zabor concerning the statistics that would be relevant to the passage of a bond referendum. The consultants noted that the passage of a bond depends largely on what happens between now and May or November and the success of the promotional campaign. Commissioner Willhoit asked for information about the number of families who have children in school. Commissioner Halkiotis asked that this survey be compared with the 1988 survey. Earl Davis, Orange County Taxpayers Union, stated he is aware that there is a need to take care of the schools. He asked that the Board realize that there will be growth in the Orange County schools. He emphasized the importance of the Board to represent all the children and pull the county together. He asked that the real needs be determined and stated that the people in Chapel Hill want the best and questioned if the best was necessary. He asked the Board to consider waiting until November for the vote on the bond issue. John Latimore, Chairman of the TaxWatch Organization, stated he is for education but that bricks and mortar do not educate -- the teachers and staff educate. He feels there are still a lot of unknowns about the needs. He asked that enough time be allowed to educate the public about the needs and that the bond be considered in November. Madeline Mitchell stressed that the two school systems need this bond and need it in May. She feels that people are informed and pledged to work hard for the passage of the bond. Doug Breeden, Chapel Hill - Carrboro School Board member, stated that he feels the school board will support a May ballot. He feels it important that the two school boards work together on this issue. He agrees with leaving the amount at 52 million dollars. He expressed the concern that November will push occupancy of the buildings back one year. He feels that a bond referendum in May would take advantage of the low interest rates and the increased activity in the economy. Ted Parrish, Chapel Hill- Carrboro School Board member, stated