Agenda - 05-05-2005-1b - Laserfiche WebLink

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rxcerpt from October 1, 1996 APPENDIX N Commissioners' Meeting Minutes 112 A motion was made by Commissioner Halkiotis, seconded by Chair Carey to reconsider the action that was taken on this item on September 3, 1996, VOTE: AYES, 3; NOS, 2 (Commissioners Gordon and Willhoit) Steve Yuhasz made comments on behalf of the owner and developer. He said that this proposal is in accordance with the Zoning Ordinance. The arrangement of this property does maximize the area for septic systems which have been approved by the Orange County Health Department. The main reason he wants the plan approved is that this is how the family members want it developed. The family acknowledged that they do understand and will abide by the restrictions placed on this development. A motion was made by Commissioner Crowther, seconded by Commissioner Halkiotis to approve the Planning Board recommendation as stated in the agenda and in the resolution of approval Commissioner Gordon noted that she favored the Planning Staff recommendation which included the condition adopted by the Commissioners on September 3, VOTE: AYES, 4; NOS, 1 (Commissioner Gordon) C. Community School for People Under Six Funding Request Anna Mercer- McLean made reference to the expansion of their facility and explained that because of zoning compliance requirements, the extra cost will range from $15,000 to $20,000. The County Commissioners asked for additional information and said that this item will be placed on the next agenda for further discussion. 10. REPORTS 40M a, Report: Potential Residential Districts for Commissioner Elections The Board considered a draft of potential Residential Districts for future election of County Commissioners.. Under this proposal, the current staggered terms and partisan primary process would continue to apply. The County would be divided into five Residential Districts of roughly -equal population with approximately 18,770 citizens and each district would be represented by one seat on the Board. All registered voters in the County would be eligible to vote on all candidates in the years they represent their party in a general election. Only registered voters of a particular party would vote on candidates in their party in the primary election. In creating Residential Districts, census data is the accepted standard for reliable information to ensure equally - proportioned districts. To create a draft of potential Residential Districts, Planning staff has utilized a demographic software program to configure five districts of roughly -equal population using 1990 Census data. Geoffrey Gledhill distributed copies of the General Statutes that are pertinent to this issue. He explained the process that must be followed in order to initiate such a change. It starts with developing districts which is what the Board has before it tonight. The County Commissioners would adopt a resolution outlining the specific districts and it would then be presented for voter approval. If it receives voter approval, then there are other procedural steps that would need to be followed. He said that the districts should be equal in population when first defined, however, when the Commissioners redefine the districts, they do not have to be equal in population. Commissioner Gordon said she feels that in this proposal the districts have no political coherence; who would a commissioner from any given district represent? She does not believe this is a step forward Chair Carey feels that this would increase the probability that citizens who live in rural areas will have a reasonable chance of being elected. Commissioner Halkiotis feels this is a good start.