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the power to create an independent airport authority, as well as regarding the powers and <br /> board composition embodied in this entity charged with establishing a new facility to replace <br /> Horace Williams Airport. We retain concerns related to the process by which members of this <br /> authority would be appointed, and the expectations placed upon representatives serving on <br /> behalf of the residents of Orange County. <br /> We appreciated your letter of October 5, 2008, which indicated Kevin FitzGerald will work with <br /> our staff to "provide for informational briefings related to the needs, processes and anticipated <br /> impact of a new airport." As of this date the only information provided our staff is the promise <br /> to receive in December from the UNC Board of Governors an official Letter of Intent to <br /> establish the authority. We also understand the Board of Governors will appoint its <br /> representatives to the authority in early January and expects us to make our appointments by <br /> the end of January. The General Assembly appointments cannot be made until the General <br /> Assembly is in session. Presently, both the House and Senate are scheduled to convene for <br /> the 2009 Session on January 28, 2009. According to Mr. FitzGerald's conversations with a <br /> member of our staff, there are no predetermined criteria for selecting representatives to serve <br /> as members of this authority. <br /> Before we proceed to solicit applicants, and to choose the Orange County representatives for <br /> the board of the airport authority, we seek clarification on a number of key points: <br /> 1. Scope of Work: Who will determine the scope of work of the airport authority? Is this <br /> authority envisioned to primarily support the mission of the University of North Carolina <br /> or the mission of the UNC Health Care System? These appear to be overlapping, but <br /> far from identical. What are those missions in relation to an airport? Does adherence to <br /> that mission, or those missions, dictate a certain proximity to the University proper, as <br /> has previously and repeatedly been indicated, or do you anticipate considering all <br /> areas of Orange County? <br /> 2. Member Qualifications: Without a clear understanding of the mission it is difficult to <br /> determine the individual qualifications necessary to effectively serve on this authority. <br /> Although the terms of office have been established by the enabling legislation, some <br /> idea of the time commitment necessary to fulfill the obligations of this body will also be <br /> important in recruiting volunteers to serve as our representatives. <br /> 3. Fiscal Issues: How is the authority to be initially funded? The Board of Commissioners <br /> has a fiduciary obligation to the taxpayers of Orange County, and must be cautious in <br /> undertaking any additional expenditures or responsibilities, particularly in these difficult <br /> economic times. Until the airport is constructed and generating revenues, we would like <br /> to know how you anticipate funds will be derived in order for the authority to perform its <br /> work -- hiring consultants, paying for legal representation, performing necessary <br /> environmental and impact analyses, property procurement, developmental costs, etc. <br /> Also, assuming the airport accommodates uses and/or functions that fall in part or <br /> whole under the auspices of the University, are property tax payment-in-lieu <br /> arrangements contemplated for the facility as are envisioned for Carolina North to <br /> address local public safety and tax-revenue interests? <br /> 4. Public Concerns: The Orange County Board of Commissioners is committed to <br /> transparent decision making and robust public participation, particularly in this matter <br /> that could have a profound effect on our communities, the environment, and nearly 30 <br />