Minutes 04-06-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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7 Commissioner Greene petitioned the Board to start planning legislative agenda items earlier in the year, so that the Board may provide input to the legislative delegation earlier in the process. Commissioner Greene petitioned the Board to add a component to its development review: a concept review. She said she would like this to be added before a development proposal goes to the Planning board. She said this addition would avoid the situation where proposals go to the Planning board and others before it comes to the Orange County Board of Commissioners. She said this would apply when rezoning is requested. She said the purpose would be to engage the Commissioners at the beginning of the process, instead of the end, so that the public has an idea of what the proposal is about. Commissioner Dorosin suggested that the BOCC members on the legislative agenda committee should be removed from the December discussion of boards, and rather decided earlier in the year, such as September. Commissioner Dorosin asked if there is an update about his request for the next steps on Buckhorn Area Plan. He said he would like to see the response accelerated. He said he appreciates the civic engagement residents have shown regarding the Buckhorn Area Plan. He said he would like the plan to very clearly state when opportunities for citizen and resident engagement will be available. He also mentioned Orange County's strong history of environmental protections, and said he would like for more context to be provided to the public. Commissioner Bedford said she had no comments. Chair Price said she met with a group of people from Medline, as well as Commissioner Bedford, the County Manager, Durham Tech staff, and Economic Development staff to discuss economic impacts in the community and employment opportunities. She said Medline is eager to be an active and good neighbor. Chair Price said she attended the Quarterly meeting with NCDOT, which included Hillsborough Mayor Jen Weaver and Planning Director. She said regional transportation was discussed, specifically support of the Hillsborough train station. She said negotiations will be needed to allow trains to actually stop at the train station. Chair Price said American Rescue Plan funds will come around May 10, with the other half about a year later. She said Orange County may be eligible for $20-29 million, and she is in discussion with other local government entities about possible economic development projects that could be pursued. Chair Price referred to the Buckhorn Area Plan, and said there is a proposal that the Mebane City Council will voting on tomorrow to allow 409 residential units on the Orange County side, which will impact the schools. She suggested the Board continue to set up ongoing meetings with Mebane. She said this is one example of continued development, as well as the need to work out the Buckhorn Area Plan. She said she and other Commissioners reviewed new State statutes on how the Planning Board will conduct business and how to approach community participation in regards to Buckhorn Area Plan. She suggested the BOCC look at areas A and B, as well as the whole picture to determine the low hanging fruit. She said it is important to engage the community as much as possible. Commissioner Dorosin said he requested last week that the schools provide information on what they have done with normal operating funds that were not expended, due to Covid. He said since he made that request, it has become clear that there will be a great deal of federal funding coming to schools, and he would also like to know how the schools plan to spend those funds. He said he would like any update on these funds at the joint meeting with the schools later this month. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations