Minutes 03-09-2021 Virtual Work Session

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14 proposals meet the policies is a different question. He asked if the County can more effectively communicate the role and responsibilities of the Planning Board. Dave Blankfard said those two particular projects had no give on either side. He said staff has started conveying information online to clear up misconceptions, with FAQs, etc. Chair Price said in the past there were neighborhood meetings that helped alleviate concerns, and people tend to respond better when they have had time for input. She said RTLP did agree to negotiate on the terms. Dave Blankfard said sometimes negotiations are possible, but it requires give from the Planning Board and the public. Chair Price said negotiation is more likely when all stakeholders are involved in the discussion as early as possible. Commissioner Hamilton encouraged good communication and transparency, and putting information online does not truly reach everyone. She said people need to be included early and want to be heard. She said it can be difficult for residents to understand planning processes. She asked if there is anything the Planning Board needs to improve its processes. Dave Blankfard said there is training for Planning Board members. He said he would like more direction on growth for Hillsborough that reflects the needs of the community and is most beneficial for the residents. He said Orange County does not only need high-end development. Chair Price said the Planning Board can provide a lot of that direction. Commissioner Fowler said she would like the Planning Board to have an open mind when residents are providing feedback. She encouraged the Planning Board to use the existing plans for making decisions. Dave Blankfard said the Planning Board is having a lot more discussion in recent years, and there is more dissent than in past years. Erik Broo reviewed the work plan summary for the OUTBoard. He said meetings slowed down due to changes in transportation due to the pandemic. He said the OUTBoard assists Orange County Transportation Planning Board. He said in 2020 the OUTBoard made recommendations on transportation plans, reviewed Orange County Environmental Justice data and is incorporating that in its process. He said the OUTBoard receives regular updates on transit plans and studies. He said bikeway limitation studies are important to the OUTBoard, as it wants to include bicyclists' needs in more transit planning. He said multi modal transport is a priority. He said in 2021, the OUTBoard is pursuing smaller projects that do not need to go through the Department of Transportation (DOT) scoring process, such as small road improvements and safety measures. He said the OUTBoard created a radio ad to promote bike safety around motorists. He said the OUTBoard is working with STIP projects for DOT review and scoring. Chair Price said the OUTBoard might have more acronyms than the Planning Department. Erik Broo said the level of information that the Planning Department has to manage impresses him, and he values the staff. Commissioner Bedford said she is BOCC rep to the Durham Chapel Hill Carrboro Metropolitan Planning Organization (DCHCMPO), and the 70 corridor study will be a focus of for the next year. She said it will be critically important for Orange County and Durham. Erik Broo said the OUTBoard would be reviewing it as well. 3. Advisory Boards Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to four Orange County Advisory Boards. BACKGROUND: The following appointment information is for Board consideration: