Minutes 12-04-2017 - Laserfiche WebLink

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10 Chief Williams said a local academy would allow the opportunity for local and safe training. She said this could be done during 40 hours a week over 3-4 months. She said there are also non-traditional training options, such as nights and weekends, which would take about a year. She said the lack of a training facility is the largest barrier. She said any firefighter must have live fire training as part of their education, and the lack of a local burn room is a barrier. She said sometimes houses are donated to be used for this training, but Carrboro and Chapel Hill are both too densely populated for such an option. She said an additional barrier is the lack of proper equipment. Commissioner Marcoplos asked how would a training center be funded. Chief Williams said certification classes are paid for by the Community College system in North Carolina, thus the cost to the community would be the actual building, and its upkeep and maintenance. She said instruction and equipment would be provided by the local community college. Chair Dorosin asked Chief Williams what she would say if someone said they wanted to become a firefighter, Chief William said one can go Monday to Friday, 8-5 through the community college, such as Durham Tech or Alamance Community College. She said attendees need to be associated with a local fire department before the community colleges will take them, and she encourages interested persons to pursue volunteer fire companies. Commissioner Price gave kudos to all Emergency Services and Fire Departments’ personnel. Commissioner Price asked if the property value could be clarified. Chief Williams said the total property value is $16 billion, but the $15 billion referenced in the PowerPoint, was the subtraction of a $1 million loss in 2017, from structure fires, from the $16 million. Commissioner Price said she is the BOCC representative on the Durham Tech Board of Trustees, and if there is anything she or the Board can do to improve the relationship, to let her know. Chair Dorosin clarified that Durham Tech needs to take action, but a training facility is also necessary. Commissioner Price said yes, and Durham Tech is currently looking at capital campaigns. Each of the attendees from the volunteer fire departments, Emergency Services, and Town fire departments were recognized. c. Proclamation Recognizing December 6, 2017 as Abolition Day The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing December 6, 2017 as Abolition Day in Orange County and authorizing the Chair to sign. BACKGROUND: On the sixth day of December, 1865, the 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified, officially abolishing slavery in the entire United States. This historic piece of legislation occurred almost three years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation which freed only those people held in slavery in the rebelling states. The 13th Amendment marked the beginning of attempts to provide protections and liberties to formerly enslaved persons, primarily the sons and daughters of Africa as well as Indigenous Peoples. Commissioner Price introduced the item.