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31 <br /> Commissioner Greene agreed with Commissioner McKee. She said she would like to sell <br /> it to a non-profit, with conditions that it would revert to the county if the use changed. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton said she would want to divide the property and retain access to <br /> natural space and trails. She said she is open to lease or sale. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if Vice-Chair Hamilton was open to selling only half of it or if <br /> the other party would agree to leaving that part of the property. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton said she was interested in only selling half of it. <br /> Chair Bedford said they shouldn't limit themselves to half; she said the limit should be the <br /> feasible active recreation or to preserve the natural heritage areas. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the property would be subdivided. <br /> John Roberts said that it could be subdivided, or they could put an easement on the back <br /> portion for passive recreation. <br /> David Stancil said the natural resource area is about 30 acres, which leaves about 45-49 <br /> acres. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said it complicates the value of the property with the easement. <br /> She said she is overall good with the proposal. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she is in favor of selling it outright. She said she is also <br /> in favor of subdividing it. She said there is some value in getting a professional opinion on what <br /> the property could sell for. She said she would like an updated appraisal. <br /> Chair Bedford asked the County Manager to bring back the cost of having an appraisal <br /> after a subdivision. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said that an easement affects the appraisal. <br /> Chair Bedford said she wanted to sell a portion of the property. She said they would figure <br /> out what they'd do with the heritage area and the stream. <br /> Commissioner Carter said she is in favor of a sale. She said is also open to selling the <br /> natural area to a non-profit that manages natural areas. <br /> Chair Bedford said that would be a conservation easement. <br /> David Stancil said there are a myriad of ways that could be accomplished. <br /> Commissioner Fowler asked if they would do that so if in the future it could not be turned <br /> into housing, even if they own it. <br /> David Stancil said the occasions in which you would need to do that are if you are seeking <br /> grant funding. He said some grant agencies now require it. <br /> Commissioner Carter asked if it is possible to sell to a partner like the Triangle Land <br /> Conservancy and the land would be protected in perpetuity. <br /> Chair Bedford gave an example of Duke Forest. She said that is possible, but it would be <br /> separate from this process. She said that whoever is interested in the property might need <br /> flexibility in the property line. <br /> 3. Discussion Regarding the Work of the Strategic Communications Work Group <br /> The Board discussed the efforts of the Strategic Communications Work Group and provide <br /> direction to staff on the future role of the Work Group. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Strategic Communications Work Group (the Work Group) was first <br /> established on June 17, 2014, as part of a three-phased approach to developing a Strategic <br /> Communications Plan. <br /> The original Work Group included the Deputy County Manager, County department <br /> representatives designated by the County Manager, and two (2) members of the Board of <br /> Commissioners. Since that time, the Work Group has met periodically, but also experienced <br /> periods of inactivity. <br />