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money would also apply to the support of a study which is currently <br />being financed by the LOG group. Mr. Collins indicated that Section <br />X.B.3 prohibits the County from spending money even for the purposes of <br />conducting a study. Mr. Gledhill stated that provisions in the Water <br />and Sewer Policy indirectly limit the county from spending funds to <br />extend water and sewer outside of its jurisdiction except in certain <br />cases. <br />THE PIIBLIC SEARING WAS OPEN FOR QUESTIONS /COMMENTS FROM THE PIIBLIC <br />Mr. Peter Kramer indicated that he believes that Orange County is <br />in the forefront of this issue. He gave some historical background on <br />how this issue developed over the years. He mentioned that many people <br />have devoted a great deal of time to making this program work and he <br />strongly supports the idea of districts. In response to his question to <br />how the 155 acre size was determined, Mr. Collins indicated that that <br />was the average size of the farms in Orange County, although there are <br />many farms smaller than 155 acres. Mr. Kramer asked the Advisory Board <br />to look into the issue of farm size and consider using other criteria to <br />promote a diversity of agriculture. His hope is that the diversity in <br />small farms as well as large farms can be recognized. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Willhoit, seconded by <br />Commissioner Halkiotis to refer this item to the Agricultural Districts <br />Advisory Board for a recommendation to be returned to the Board of <br />Commissioners no sooner than March 24, 1992. <br />VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br />2. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS - MINIMUM HOUSING CODE <br />Planning Director Marvin Collins presented for citizen <br />comment the proposed ordinance modifications to the "Minimum Housing <br />Code ". These modifications, upon adoption, would clarify its <br />administration, enforcement and interpretation by staff and the public. <br />In 1984, the Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted a "Minimum <br />Housing Code ". It was recognized by the community that there were <br />dwellings unfit for human habitation due to unsafe structural <br />conditions; fire hazards, inadequate light and ventilation, inadequate <br />sanitary facilities and other inimical conditions detrimental to the <br />welfare of the occupants and the public. In 1987 the Orange County Low <br />and Moderate Income Housing Task Force Report substantiated the <br />continued existence of substandard housing. They also indicated that <br />there is an increasing rate of depreciation in the overall stock of <br />housing. Since its adoption, the Minimum Housing Ordinance has been <br />administered and enforced by the Housing /Community Development <br />Department of Orange County. It is proposed that this responsibility be <br />transferred to the Orange County Planning and Inspections department <br />because G.S. 153A -351.1 now requires that inspections be conducted by <br />certified code enforcement officers. The Inspections Division, under <br />the direction of the Code Enforcement Supervisor, has four code <br />enforcement officers, who are cross trained and certified by the N.C. <br />Code Qualifications Board. The original ordinance text has also been <br />reformatted for further clarification of code provisions. Specific <br />amendments were made to simplify interpretation and also to comply with <br />N.C. State Building Codes and Regulations. The provisions of the <br />