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10 <br /> <br />with administrators, who are asked how they view quality of life. She said the administrators <br />report that the high staff turnover greatly impacts quality of life. <br />Vibeke Tally said two of the nursing homes have turned over their overall administration, <br />which is difficult. She said the Committee is not just focusing on facilities, but is also working <br />with community projects, such as Project Engage. She said there are two Committee members <br />who are part of a long term care task group. She said this group is focusing on reestablishing <br />the friendly visitor program in the nursing homes; where trained volunteers visit with residents, <br />help with activities, etc. <br />Vibeke Tally said a new nursing home will open on Legion Road in Chapel Hill in the <br />coming year, which is owned by Liberty Healthcare, and will bring the total number of nursing <br />homes in Orange County to 5. <br />Commissioner Jacobs referred to administrators expressing frustration over staff <br />turnover, and asked if a living wage is paid. <br />Vibeke Tally said no. <br />Commissioner Jacobs asked if the BOCC can help the Committee to encourage the <br />payment of a living wage, otherwise the cycle of staff turnover will continue. <br />Vibeke Tally said the BOCC could write to the corporations who own the nursing homes. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said he wrote letters as the Chair, and imagines that the current <br />Chair would also be willing to do so. <br />Vibeke Tally said it was very helpful. <br />Chair Dorosin asked if the letters were related to wages. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said no, rather about quality and standards of care. <br />Commissioner Burroughs said she was going to bring up the same issue, and said she <br />has met many nursing assistants in recent years, and the living wage is critical to prevent <br />turnover. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked if the pay level is known. <br />Vibeke Tally said minimum wage to begin with, and some go up from there with time. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos asked if Liberty Health is an insurance company. <br />Vibeke Tally said it is a healthcare company. <br />Commissioner Jacobs said the County’s contracts for in home health aides require that <br />a living wage be paid, and this could be used as an example to show the healthcare companies <br />of how to keep staff and provide consistent care for the elderly. <br />Chair Dorosin asked if the Committee has reached out to the Animal Shelter to bring in <br />animals to visit with residents. <br />Vibeke Tally said yes. <br />Chair Dorosin asked if Travis Myren would draft a letter to be sent to the healthcare <br />companies. <br /> <br />• Parks and Recreation Council Tori Williams Reid, Chair <br /> <br />Tori Williams Reid says this Council serves as an advisory board for the provision of the <br />parks, facilities and recreation programs. She said she has a lot to cover, as there is much that <br />falls under the umbrella of Parks and Recreation, most of which is children’s programming, but <br />some adult programming also. <br />Tori Williams Reid reviewed their accomplishments: <br />• Plans for Blackwood Farm Park <br />• The process for capital funding for parks (FY 2017-22 Capital Investment Plan projects) <br />• Reviewed and made recommendations on five FY 2017-18 Outside Agency Funding <br />Requests (recreation agencies) <br />• Sponsored The Nature of Orange Photography Contest