Minutes 11-20-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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2 Commissioner Jacobs said the Soil and Water Conservation Department hosted the BOCC for breakfast, and a tour of a local farm. He said many departments do so much in the community that receive both federal and state funding. Commissioner Jacobs said there was a meeting today between the County, the Town of Chapel Hill, and GoTriangle on the Orange County transit plan, which focuses mostly on bus service. He said he hopes to get back some suggestions about the implementation plan, including updates. Commissioner Jacobs represented Orange County at a meeting last week on Lake Jordan watershed, and Pam Hemminger invited him and other elected officials. He said there may be a possibility for this group to do something without the state. Commissioner Jacobs found one good thing proposed by the President, which is raising the federal gasoline tax by $0.07 for better infrastructure. Commissioner Burroughs had no comments. Commissioner Rich said there is a resolution in front of the Board from the State of Maine, regarding Medicaid expansion. Commissioner Rich said there was a follow up meeting at the VB (Visitors Bureau) to try and find some more demand generators for Orange County. She said the discussion focused on club sports. Commissioner Marcoplos said there is a copy of the North Carolina Clean Path 2025 at their places, which lays out a plan to generate half of their power from renewables with battery backup by 2025. Commissioner Price thanked staff at Soil and Water Conservation Department for the breakfast. Commissioner Price attended the two-day Human Trafficking Symposium, and she advocated support of law enforcement and social services in this area. Commissioner Price said she sent out the GAP funding information to a few farmers, and received one response that this process may not be totally farmer friendly. She asked if staff would look at this issue, and speak to some farmers to see how the process could be improved. Commissioner McKee had no comments. Chair Dorosin said he forwarded an email to the Board that he received from a group of attorneys who are getting involved in litigation in suing pharmaceutical companies over opioid distribution. He said this group has asked to be able to make a presentation to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners. John Roberts said he attended a meeting last week where these groups made their presentations, and there are two different groups: one suing marketers and distributors, and one is suing manufacturers. He said there are two different causes of actions, with different claims, and different legal grounds. He said he is gathering information from the Department of Social Services (DSS), Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Sheriff's office and the impacts to Orange County. He said the attorney that has been contacting Orange County has an affective process, and it is worth hearing the presentation. The Board agreed to hear this presentation. Commissioner Price said one of the issues of note, is whether this becomes a class action suit; and if this case is similar to the tobacco pay out, it could lead to some damage to certain areas, which should be avoided if possible. Chair Dorosin said he will work with John Roberts. Commissioner Jacobs said to place a time limit on the length of the presentation.