Orange County NC Website
Gordon: It is important for CFE to have a liaison to the Work group . The Work Group is developing criteria for <br /> open space and natural area acquisition . CFE presence in this process would be beneficial, particularly given that <br /> once this criteria is developed, it may be binding . <br /> Rafalow: Could you clarify the term binding ? <br /> Gordon : At present there is no clear definition of the term binding as it relates to the activities of the Work Group . <br /> Stancil: The Work Group is in the process of developing a new parks and recreation plan . The plan will provide <br /> clarification on language, for instance it will identify what open space is . At present I am trying to build a link <br /> between parkland acquisition criteria and bond criteria. The draft plan is presently in bullet form, and will be <br /> available in a week or so . I will cc a draft copy of the plan to the Commission . <br /> Rafalow: My presumption is that regardless of whether CFE liaisons with the Work Group , we will have the <br /> opportunity to review the plan, prior to BOCC approval . <br /> Kohorn. Unless someone else wishes to do so, will serve as liaison. <br /> IV. Approval of Wastewater Treatment Management Program Letter <br /> During the February 9 , 1999 CFE meeting, Rosemary Summers and Ron Holdway of the Orange County Health <br /> and Environmental Health Department made presentations on the expansion of the County ' s Wastewater Treatment <br /> Management Program . In response to their presentation, William Glaze drafted a resolution, on behalf of CFE, <br /> expressing support for the program . The purpose of discussion, was to consider revisions and approval of a CFE <br /> resolution . Chair Kohorn opened discussion by highlighting that she had made revisions to the resolution . These <br /> changes were suggested, given the Chair' s belief that CFE support of the WTMP should focus upon on <br /> environmental matters . To this Rafalow indicated his concern that the scientific expertise of the group was causing <br /> them to hesitate addressing political issues . Kohorn replied that she agreed with Rafalow that the CFE should <br /> consider political issues , but not without recognizing that they are doing so . CFE members : Kohorn, Rafalow , <br /> Jurgelski, Price , Gordon and staff member Stancil, then revised and unanimously approved CFE resolution on the <br /> WIMP . The resolution was submitted to the BOCC, c/o Dr. Alice Gordon on March 9 , 1999 , a copy can be found <br /> in Appendix B . <br /> V. County Resource Acquisition Program <br /> David Stancil informed the Commission of the current status of the County ' s resource acquisition program . This <br /> update followed outline (see Appendix C) provided by Stancil to the CFE . At the conclusion of his comments , <br /> Stancil indicated that he would welcome any suggestions by the CFE by email . Following his presentation several <br /> CFE members discussed the need for developing an accelerated resource acquisition program . The comments of the <br /> Commission are outlined below . <br /> Pratt: We need some kind of accelerated acquisition program, so that we can remain competitive with developers as <br /> property comes on line . <br /> MacRae : Does the Triangle land Conservancy have plans to hold onto land? <br /> Jurgelski. Yes , that ' s what the Conservancy does . <br /> Stancil: Having a quick response mechanism as part of the Resource Acquisition program is critical to the success <br /> of a program . <br /> Pratt: Is there a minimum parcel size, lower than which acquisition will not take place? <br /> Stancil: There is no minimum size established, conservation will take place depending upon the attributes of the <br /> property . Smaller parcels can have historic value . <br /> Kohorn : There are small areas with biological value? What is the mechanism to act on priority sites ? Do things have <br /> to go through the BOCC ? <br /> Gordon : If areas were prioritized then the BOCC would want to approve everything as it was being considered for <br /> conservation, but a quick response mechanism could be considered. <br /> Pratt: Could eminent domain be used in the conservation? <br /> Gordon . No , Resource Acquisition is a voluntary program . In fact one of the keys of the ERCD department is that <br /> its programs are voluntary . <br /> Stancil: I want to reiterate that I welcome CFE input on this process . <br /> 2 <br />