CFE agenda 021317 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

o Comprehensive Accessibility Self- assessment: Completed a comprehensive accessibility assessment of County facilities and sidewalks in partnership with Housing, Human Rights and Community Development and disability support groups. All 5 miles of sidewalks on County facilities were assessed for accessibility and connectivity in partnership with the Planning and Inspections department. Currently implementing plan to address all obstacles identified. o EV Charging Station Grant: The County has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Duke Energy to install 2 additional electric vehicle charging plugs at County facilities in 2017. Staff envisions this investment will supplement the well -used EV chargers at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill. This charging capacity will be added to the current network of 16 EV chargers that county maintains to further support the adoption of clean- driving electric vehicles in Orange County. o Shared Vehicle System: Developed a low -cost method to reserve, track, and maintain a new shared County vehicle pool, leveraging existing technology. o Sustainability Internships: Successfully recruited and managed the work of three UNC interns, adding 320 free staff hours and 520 low -cost contract hours to amplify the work of the Orange County Sustainability Program and provide green job training for young professionals. o Community Geothermal: As of June 2016, 6 buildings are connected to geothermal systems leading to 30 -50% reduction in heating and cooling energy use and costs: Jail (2016), Old Courthouse (2016), Court Street Annex (2016), District Attorney's Office (2014), Link Center (2012), and Justice Center (2009). The County has saved more than $180,000 putting us on track for a 3 -5 year payback. o Energy Bank: The Energy Bank is a revolving loan fund created by the Board of Orange County Commissioners in 2012. It has allowed the County to make investments in energy- saving technologies that have a good return on investment. The propane vehicle pilot project was carried out thanks to a 20% match from this fund. Even with historically low gasoline prices, the payback after the first 9 months of running the systems is over $1,600 and each vehicle has an increased range of 100 miles before refueling. o Orange County Sustainability Program —Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Grant: Applying to the Triangle J Council of Governments for a TDM Grant in partnership with Orange Public Transit to reduce traffic congestion and improve local air quality. If successful the grant would support 50% of the salary, travel, and materials costs for a new position to administer and market the newly created Commuter Benefits Program which includes the County telework program, carpool ride - matching service, a GoPerks incentive program, and the upcoming subsidized bus pass program. o Established the County's Sustainability website: Visit to learn more: http: / /www.oranecountync.ov /departments /asset management services (amsj /sustainabilit y. h Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks, and Recreation: • Commission for the Environment (CFE) Support: Supported the enthusiastic civic participation of County residents in providing guidance and information to the BOCC on Orange County environmental