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3 <br /> Renee Price commented Mebane and Orange County have a strong relationship that's been <br /> built around economic development. She suggested that it makes sense to think regionally to <br /> find out what's happening in Orange and Alamance—at least on the Mebane side. The more <br /> communication is improved and the more we can continue to build bridges, the better. <br /> Hopes for the Work Group <br /> Patty Philipps reflected on how she has seen collaborations between governmental entities <br /> work extremely well. She noted that by working together bigger projects can be achieved. In <br /> the past few years it has seemed like the only connection between Mebane and Orange County <br /> was at the staff level. She observed that staff work very well together and she is very proud of <br /> the staff and how they work with Orange County, but there are bigger picture things and <br /> priorities that need to be set beyond the staff level. <br /> Mr. Greene observed it's important to develop a rapport back and forth again. When you know <br /> each other, you can clear out the underlying undertones that can hinder moving forward with <br /> positive things. He noticed that the County has an Economic Advisory Board and wasn't sure if <br /> anyone from Mebane was on it. If not, he proposed looking into that. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley offered some background on the Schools Collaboration project and how it <br /> is an inspiration for the pilot project with intergovernmental Work Groups. Staff does attend <br /> the Schools Collaboration meetings and she expressed a hope that in future Work Group <br /> meetings Mebane's Town Manager and Planning Director and other staff they designate will <br /> attend because it's good for management to hear from the elected officials. Another hope she <br /> expressed was for items to be identified for which staff can provide elected officials with <br /> information. <br /> Travis Myren indicated he hoped that the Work Group identifies specific items to work on <br /> together that will result in tangible actions. <br /> Ms. Rich said she hoped what is learned from individual Work Groups is built on so we can <br /> connect all Orange County. <br /> Renee Price expressed a hope for continuity with dialogue over long-term projects, which can <br /> keep projects on track even as the people involved change. <br /> How we want to work together <br /> Ms. Rich noted that the elected officials were present because their Boards have chosen them. <br /> As such, sharing information including meeting minutes with both whole Boards and getting <br /> feedback will be key. In addition to sharing information with Boards, staff need to have <br /> direction that is clear. Ms. Price added that getting buy-in from both Boards is critical to move <br /> forward. Mr. Greene added tangible and decisive next steps will build effective partnerships. <br /> Ms. Philipps agreed with what was said about buy-in from our full Boards and communicating <br /> fully. Ms. Rich emphasized if there's not buy-in, it's helpful to know that too. <br /> Mebane Work Group Minutes, September 2019, Page 2 <br />