Applicants needed for Orange County Board of Equalization and Review

One major way citizens can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to volunteer to serve on the various county advisory boards and commissions.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is currently recruiting for the Orange County Board of Equalization and Review. This board hears appeals from citizens who are protesting assessed property values. The Board of Equalization and Review is charged with ensuring that all taxable property is appraised according to the standards required by the General Statutes of North Carolina.
The Orange County Board of Equalization and Review will meet up to three days per week for approximately three to four hours per meeting for up to three consecutive months (April through June). Members will be paid for all meetings attended.
Interested Orange County residents with knowledge of real estate are encouraged to apply. Other interested residents will also be given consideration. If interested, apply at www.co.orange.nc.us/boards.
Select "Equalization and Review Board" under "Boards and Commissions Listing." For additional information or call Donna Baker (919) 245-2130 or Jeanette Jones (919) 245-2125.
With more than 20 different boards and commissions, volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have an opportunity to influence the way of life in Orange County.

Arts grant recipients honored by Orange County Commissioners

The Board of County Commissioners of Orange County honored the Orange County Arts Commission’s Fall 2011 arts grant recipients with the presentation of award checks at its Tuesday, Feb. 7, regular meeting.
The fall 2011 grant recipients are:
• A.L. Stanback Middle School
• ArtsCenter
• Christ Church Preschool
• Franklin Street Arts Collective dba FRANK Gallery
• Free Spirit Freedom Institute & Gallery (fiscal agent Hillsborough Arts Council)
• Friends of the Carrboro Branch Library
• Grady A. Brown Elementary School PTA
• Hillsborough Elementary School
• Historical Foundation of Hillsborough & Orange County
• Kristi Vincent Johnson
• McDougle Elementary School PTA
• Preservation Society of Chapel Hill
• Susan Simone
• WCOM-FM
• Sean Wellington
• Women’s Voices Chorus
These awards represent $23,251 in Orange County funds awarded to nonprofit organizations and artists for arts programming during calendar year 2012.
The Orange County Arts Commission is a county agency that strengthens the arts in Orange County, which includes the townships of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough. Created in 1985 by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners, the Arts Commission’s 15-member citizen advisory board meets the second Monday each month (except for July) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The Orange County Arts Commission is housed in the Chapel Hill/Orange County Visitors Bureau, 501 W. Franklin St. in Chapel Hill. For more information, contact Martha Shannon at (919) 968-2011 or visit www.artsorange.org.

Renee Price to run for county commissioner

I, Renee Price, am excited to announce my decision to run for election to the Orange County Board of County Commissioners.
I will be running for the District 2 seat to represent the people of Hillsborough, Efland and the beautiful rural areas of Orange County—from the southern part of White Cross to the northern tip of Cedar Grove.
Why do I want to spend hours and days in meetings and reading pages of agenda packets? Because I care.
The people of Orange County need a bigger voice and a bolder presence at the table when decisions are made that affect the quality of our lives. All of us have a stake in the process as we proceed to meet the challenges of the day.
Since 1990, Orange County has been my home; the people of this county have become my friends and family; and I am passionate about our community. Therefore, I am ready to push the envelope for:
n excellence in education and opportunities for a broad spectrum of students.
n small business expansion, rural economic development and living-wage jobs.
n stewardship of our natural resources and living environment.
The Republican-dominated legislature slashed our school budgets; yet we still have to maintain public school buildings and rehire our teachers and staff. The bank bailout, though it had good intentions, short-changed the 99 percent; so, this is a time to invest in ourselves, at the local level. And the Eno River is an amazing ecosystem; we have to protect these natural areas from irresponsible development and activities such as roadways and intense land uses that would threaten our water supplies.
My goal is to pursue creative ways and means to boost our local economy, reduce unemployment, combat hunger, inspire our young people, assist our senior citizens and promote energy efficiency. Tourism is one industry that has begun to make a significant impact in Orange County’s revenue stream.
The time is long overdue to use innovation in providing essential services and facilities. We need a progressive agenda while at the same time assuring that our tax revenues are spent wisely.
As we think about new agendas, I believe that we must hold fast to the concept that government is for the people and by the people. The decision-making process in our county currently needs improvement in two areas, and, when elected, I intend to promote:
n collaboration with other local governments—both within and beyond our borders.
n open government, government that is transparent and that responds to the people.
These two elements are key for effective leadership and for building community.
Orange County has much to offer and much of which to be proud—our diverse cultural heritage, a thriving arts community, working farms, value-added production, service organizations, volunteer rural fire departments, health and wellness centers, brilliant minds and talented individuals.
I look forward to working with the members of this community in guiding Orange County on a path to a sustainable future. My campaign is about fiscal accountability and about social, environmental and economic justice for the people of Orange County.

Bernadette Pelissier to run for re-election to BOCC

I am announcing my candidacy for a second term to an at-large seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners. In my first term, I helped build the infrastructure and framework to facilitate economic development. I helped cut the budget while preserving quality services. I strongly advocated for the increased public input and openness of government.
If re-elected, I will work tirelessly to promote economic resilience, secure the fiscal sustainability and expand the non-residential tax base by creating new jobs for Orange County residents that support our community values of social equity, environmental health and economic vitality.
I will continue to encourage a sense of common-cause community where all sectors of the county, rural and urban, cooperate towards achieving common community goals. I will support creation of the integrated, cross-county and region transit infrastructure needed for the future.
I would be honored and delighted to continue serving the residents of Orange County and work towards achieving the goals shared with many residents.

Orange County Agricultural Summit is Feb. 13

Agriculture makes a major contribution to the well-being of Orange County residents, both those living within and outside the county. In addition to direct contributions to the local economy in the form of product sale receipts and expenditures on farm services and inputs—along with employment on farms and farm support businesses—farmers also make significant contributions as stewards of the remaining amounts of undeveloped land (often called open space) in the county. Their stewardship protects the county's soil and water resources, recharges groundwater and abates storm water runoff, connects wildlife habitat, and safeguards the scenic and historic vistas that have defined Orange County's character.
"It is in the county's best interest to safeguard, promote and maintain the local agricultural industry and protect farmland," said Board of Orange County Commissioners chair, Bernadette Pelissier. "Enabling farmers who want to continue to farm is a cost-effective way of maintaining the quality of life of everyone in Orange County."
To better understand key issues affecting the local agricultural industry, Orange County sponsors an annual Agricultural Summit to address geography, economic trends and regulations governing farming.
"It is critical for all of us in Orange County to understand the values and concerns of the farmers themselves, and this annual Summit helps all of us accomplish this," Pelissier said.
The Annual Orange County Agricultural Summit will be held Monday, Feb. 13, at the Big Barn Convention Center in the Daniel Boone Village, 388 Ja-Max Drive off S. Churton Street. The day-long event is from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including afternoon tours. Residents throughout the region are encouraged to attend.
Speakers include N.C. 4th District U.S. Rep. David Price discussing the Farm Bill and other agricultural issues, local farmers and experts in farm diversification, soil, water as well as apicultural experts. Also on hand will be Orange County planning and economic development staff who will address new rules for farm enterprises in Orange County.
Additionally, Jack Tapp of Busy Bee Apiaries will speak about his fruit-flavored creamed honey business, Vintage Bee Honey, and how it got to where it is today.
Afternoon tours include the new Piedmont Food and Agricultural Processing Center in Hillsborough and Walters Unlimited at Carls-Beth Farm in Efland.
The summit fee is $10, which includes a catered lunch by Bob Compton. On-site registration at the Big Barn will take place from 8 to 8:30 a.m. Pelissier will welcome the group at 8:30 a.m., with the first session beginning at 8:40 a.m.
To register for the summit, contact the Orange County Cooperative Extension office at (919) 245-2050. For additional information, including the agenda and driving directions, visit http://orange.ces.ncsu.edu/ or http://www.orangecountyfarms.org/ .

Pelissier receives Public-Private Partnership Award

Bernadette Pelissier, chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, was recognized by the Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Pelissier received the 2011 Chair’s Award for Public-Private Partnership at the chamber’s annual meeting.
“Since her election to the Orange County Board of Commissioners, chairwoman Pelissier has prioritized economic development and reached out to the chamber and treated us as an important partner,” Marc Ponds, past chair of the chamber, said. “We appreciate how she worked to earn the chamber’s support for the quarter-cent sales tax, listening to our concerns and helping adjust the proposal in a way we thought best served the needs of our business community. Commissioner Pelissier reaches out when she has questions and invites chamber feedback and partnership.”

BOCC volunteer appointments

On Jan. 24, the Orange County Board of Commissioners appointed the following citizen volunteers to County advisory boards and commissions:
• Mrs. Andrea Riley—Orange County Arts commission
• Ms. Jane Cousins—Orange County Emergency Services Work Group
• Ms. Mary Parrish—Orange County Emergency Services Work Group
• Ms. Ashley Tittemore—Human Relations Commission
• Dr. Mary Ann Peter—Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee
Congratulations. The Board of Commissioners appreciates your willingness to serve your community.
With more 30 different boards and commissions, volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have an opportunity to influence the way of life in Orange County.
For additional volunteer opportunities, check online at http://www.co.orange.nc.us/boards or call Donna Baker at (919) 245-2130 or Jeanette Jones at (919) 245-2125.

Orange County seeking applicants for committee

One major way residents can have a positive impact on the future of Orange County is to volunteer to serve on the various county advisory boards and commissions.
Orange County is currently seeking applicants to serve on the Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee.
This 12-member committee works to maintain the intent of the Adult Care Home Residents’ Bill of Rights for those residing in licensed adult care homes. The members of this committee also promote community involvement and cooperation with these homes to ensure quality care for the elderly and disabled adults. Members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners to at-large positions. There is an initial one-year training term with subsequent eligibility for three additional two-year terms.
If interested, please apply online at www.co.orange.nc.us/boards/apply.asp. For additional information select “Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee” under "Boards and Commissions Listing" or call Donna Baker at (919) 245-2130 or Jeanette Jones at (919) 245-2125.
With more than 30 different boards and commissions, volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have an opportunity to influence the way of life in Orange County.

Orange County extends tax listing deadline

The Board of County Commissioners for Orange County voted to extend the property tax listing deadline for 2012. The listing deadline is usually the last day of January. Due to a delay in mailing notifications, the deadline has been extended 30 days.
The deadline for Orange County property owners for listing property for taxation in 2012 has been extended until Feb. 29, 2012.

Orange County commissioners oppose North Carolina Constitutional amendment defining marriage

The Orange County Board of Commissioners adopted a resolution on Tuesday, Jan. 24, opposing a North Carolina constitutional amendment to appear on the May 8 ballot.
The ballot will offer voters the option to vote for or against a “Constitutional amendment to provide that marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State."

The full text of the BOCC resolution is printed below:
WHEREAS, Amendment #1 will appear on the May 8, 2012 primary ballot asking voters to decide for or against a North Carolina constitutional amendment that provides that “marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this State”; and
WHEREAS, Orange County adopted social justice goals of which one goal is to foster a community culture that rejects oppression and inequity, thus the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color, religion or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or ethnic background; age, military services; disability; and familial, residential, or economic status; and
WHEREAS, Orange County along with its local municipalities has adopted the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance with the purpose and policy to promote the equal treatment of all individuals; prohibits discrimination in Orange County based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, familial status, and veteran status; to protect residents’ lawful interests and their personal dignity so as to make available to the County their full productive and creative capacities, and to prevent public and domestic strife, crime, and unrest within Orange County; and
WHEREAS, Amendment #1, if approved by the voters, would prohibit marriage between people of the same gender, and further prohibit the recognition of any other form of domestic legal union; and
WHEREAS, Amendment #1, if approved by the voters, would be inconsistent with Orange County’s commitment to equal rights and opportunities for its residents and employees and would impact the County’s and its local municipalities’ domestic partner registry and benefits;
NOW, THEREFORE IT RESOLVED, that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners re-affirms its commitment to social justice, equal rights and equal opportunity for all residents of Orange County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners opposes the proposed Amendment #1 that will appear on the May 8, 2012 North Carolina primary ballot.

Mayors, Orange County officials help survey homeless

Chapel Hill Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt, Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens, Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton, Orange County Commissioner Bernadette Pelissier and Chapel Hill Town Council will survey Orange County’s homeless population to find the most vulnerable and target them for a quick housing solution as part of the national 100,000 Homes Campaign (www.100khomes.org) locally sponsored by United Way of the Greater Triangle.
The officials will help out Tuesday, Jan. 24, at various county locations. Kleinschmidt, Chilton, Pelissier and Rich will will be at S. Human Services Center in Chapel Hill at 3:45 a.m. while Stevens will be at S. Country Inn & Fairview Baptist Church in Hillsborough at 5:30 a.m.
The mayors and others will join trained volunteer teams, which will leave their locations at 4 a.m. and head to the areas where homeless are currently bedding down on the streets of Orange County. The Triangle is one of 110 cities/areas across the United States working with the 100,000 Homes Campaign to house 100,000 homeless by 2013. The surveys will assess chronic issues among the homeless and help those in dire need of attention find shelter and medical care as well as other services.

County commissioners to meet

Pursuant to North Carolina General Statute, the Board of County Commissioners provides notice of the following event. A majority of the Orange County commissioners may attend this event, making the event subject to open meetings laws.
Members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, along with other elected officials, have been invited by Judge Joe Buckner to attend a tour of the Hillsborough courthouse. The tour will be held Monday, Jan. 23, at 9 a.m. starting at the district court judge’s office at the Orange County Courthouse, 106 E. Margaret Lane.
It is possible a quorum of the members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners may be present at this event.

Non-profits can apply for fund appopriations

Each year Orange County invites outside agencies or non-profits to submit applications for general fund appropriations to support the delivery of vital community services that benefit county residents. Orange County government recognizes and respects the strong network of services provided by non-profit partners. Many of these organizations help secure the social safety net for individuals and families stressed by the current economic environment.
Orange County will provide information on the guiding philosophy for funding outside agencies recently adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
Applications and instructions are available on the Orange County website.
Completed applications and supporting materials are to be submitted electronically to Orange County Financial Services no later than Monday, Jan. 30, 2012.
For more information, contact Gwen Harvey, assistant county manager, at (919) 245-2307.

Bernadette Pelissier elected chair of the Orange County Board of Commissioners

On Monday, Dec. 5, during the annual board organizational meeting, the Orange County Board of Commissioners elected Bernadette Pelissier as chair for 2012. Immediately afterwards, Pam Hemminger was elected vice chair.
This is Pelissier’s second term as chair of the Board of Commissioners. Hemminger is replacing commissioner Steve Yuhasz as vice chair.
Both the chair and new vice chair have served on the board since 2008.

Deadling extended for emergency services work group applicants

The deadline for applications for resident volunteers for the Orange County emergency services work group is now Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2012.
The Orange County Board of Commissioners is recruiting two resident volunteers for the Orange County Emergency Services Work Group. The work group will provide recommendations on improving emergency medical services including ambulance response time, fire department issues such as items impacting home owner insurance ratings, and radio communications improvements for medical, fire and law enforcement personnel. Community applicants represent someone who may need to call 911 at any time during an emergency. Applicants do not need a background in emergency services.
This work group will address issues related to improving public safety for the residents of Orange County, such as:
• E911 Communications Center Improvement Plan;
• Discussion with the Board of Commissioners regarding plans to improve the EMS delivery system;
• Review of Fire Department issues relating to fire protection districts, fire insurance districts, and fire tax districts as related to property insurance ratings;
• Review of the VIPER ( Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders) original design and implementation and strategies to improve coverage and capacity.
If interested, apply online.
For additional information, select "Orange County Emergency Services Work Group" under "Boards and Commissions Listing" or call Donna Baker at (919) 245-2130 or Jeanette Jones at (919) 245-2125.
The Board of County Commissioners plans to make appointments for both positions at the Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 meeting.
With more than 30 different boards and commissions, volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have an opportunity to influence the way of life in Orange County.

Quarter-cent sales tax increase on November ballot

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8, registered voters in Orange County will have the opportunity to vote for or against the quarter-cent sales and use tax. If approved, every $100 spent by shoppers in Orange County will generate 25 cents for education and economic development. Around $2.5 million would be generated in one year based on current projections. The proposed sales tax would not apply to groceries, gasoline and prescription medicines.

If approved, one half of the revenues will be distributed to county and city schools on a per pupil basis for facility improvement of older schools and the purchase of technology. The other half of the revenues will help grow business through a sustainable and well-managed economic development plan that fits the unique and diverse Orange County community. The blueprint for attracting and expanding strong business in Orange County would include funds for entrepreneurs, small business loans, innovation centers for new businesses and support for agriculture businesses. Funds will also be used to improve vital county infrastructure that underpin a robust business environment such as utilities, water and sewer. The focus on directing funds for schools and jobs is a 10-year commitment by the Orange County Commissioners.

The proposed sales tax would apply to people who shop in Orange County including visitors, tourists and temporary residents. Annually, visitors to Orange County generate nearly 20 percent of the sales tax revenue. The proposed sales tax will help diversify the tax base and share some of the tax burden currently shouldered by home-owners paying property taxes. If approved, the quarter-cent sales tax is targeted to begin April 1, 2012.

The wording for the proposed quarter-cent sales tax on the Tuesday, Nov. 8, ballot will be: For or Against.
Local sales and use tax at the rate of one-quarter percent (0.25%) in addition to all other state and local sales and use taxes.

Voters are encouraged to learn more by going to the county website or calling the county office at 245-2307.

Joint county and town meeting tonight

Orange County Commissioners and the Hillsborough Town Board will hold a joint meeting tonight (Thursday, Feb. 24) from 7 to 10 p.m. at John M. Link Jr. Government Services Center, 200 S. Cameron St.
Agenda includes:

• discussion on the county's economic development activities;
  
• Hillsborough policy and plans for vacant buildings and county facilities;
• update on the rail station;
• discussion of a memorandum of agreement for a circulator transit route;
• Hillsborough Metropolitan Planning Organization issues related to I-85 and I-40,
• and an update on Riverwalk and the future of Fairview Park.

releases from Joe Phelps and Keith Cook

Final two presses releases for the filing season. I'm sure we'll get more statements, though, as the election cycle heats up!

Here's one from former Hillsborough Mayor Joe Phelps, who is running for the Board of County Commissioners:

Today I filed to run for The Orange County Board of County Commissioners, at large seat. After the constant urging from many voters over many years, I believe now is the time to offer my service to the residents of Orange County as a candidate for County Commissioner.  It would be my honor and a true privilege to serve the citizens of Orange County as their commissioner.

I was born in 1950 to Margaret Walker Phelps and the late Marvin Phelps , both native to Orange County. My Father was a farmer and mother taught in the Orange County school system for over 25 years. I have 2 sisters Elaine Marinucci and Rachel Hawkins. Rachel still lives in the Hillsborough area.  I feel very fortunate to have grown up on the family farm,  located on Hwy 57, north of Hillsborough.  In 1968, I graduated from Orange  High School.  After attending Campbell College and the Technical Institute of Alamance earning a degree in business, I came back to my love of the family farm which I managed for over 15 years. I also owned and operated a concrete delivery company serving Orange County.  After obtaining my real estate license, I worked for several local companies before starting Phelps Realty which I own and operate at the present time.

I have been active in public service on volunteer boards both at the county level and for the Town of Hillsborough. I was elected and served as the Mayor of Hillsborough for two terms from 2001 to 2005.

As a successful business owner, I understand what it takes to succeed even during the current economic downturn. Like a private business, strong county government requires strong business practices. I would bring a fresh face with more than 30 years of business experience to the Orange County Board of Commissioners.

I am concerned about the ever increasing property tax burden on Orange County citizens. Almost every year for the past 20 years the county commissioners have increased our property taxes.  Rather than continuing to increase taxes on Orange County homeowners, our commissioners need to focus on creating a strong commercial tax base.  We need to focus on creating a detailed plan for economic development.  The Orange County Economic Development Department is the vehicle through which this could be accomplished. In order to make this important goal a reality, I pledge to work closely with and direct the Economic Development Department to aggressively pursue environmentally friendly, sound economic development opportunities. 


The Orange County School System and its excellent teachers deserve a great deal of credit for my success in life.  I appreciate the high level of funding that our county passes along to our school systems.  Despite this high level of county funding, our school systems face ever shrinking budgets.  With more resources from sound economic development, maintaining and improving our school systems would be a much easier task.

I believe my daily interaction with county residents will help me bring to the Board the concerns and problems facing our citizens.  I look forward to the chance of helping Orange County become an even better place to live and raise a family.

Here's former Board of Education member and NOETF supporter Keith Cook's statement:

After receiving many calls from friends and supporters to run again for the Orange County Board of Education and spending time deliberating and praying about the future and how this would impact my life, I decided to move forward with my candidacy and file for one of the four school board positions.

For 10 years, beginning in 1994, I was a dedicated school board member who worked hard to improve the future of our children in the Orange County school district.

As most people know, I lost my re-election bid in 2004 as an incumbent member of the Orange County Board of Education because of the graduation speech I used at Cedar Ridge High School. That fateful night is one that will never be forgotten by me or my supporters.

If I could turn back the hands of time to reverse my actions that night I would----It was never my intent to hurt the first-ever graduates of Cedar Ridge High School, their families, the school district or our community.

What I did cause this great school community a lot of embarrassment and for that I am truly sorry. I'm not perfect, but who is? I have indeed grown from that experience.

I am passionate about the Orange County Schools and I love this community and what it stands for with all my heart. For those reasons, I continue everyday to demonstrate my commitment through my words, my deeds and my service.

Over the years, I've been a strong advocate for children and I am extremely passionate about ALL children getting a sound, quality education and the skills they need to be successful adults.

As a potential school board member I want to see continued focus on the district's efforts  to reduce the dropout and suspension rates. Furthermore, I believe we need to have more meaningful  deliberate ways to raise academic performance for ALL children, and close the  achievement gap among our minority students. Hiring highly qualified teachers and support staff from diverse backgrounds and giving our current professionals  the administrative backing they need to do their jobs well is also a priority.

Helping the district achieve fiscal accountability in these tough economic times is a challenge. I will work diligently to help our schools find the needed funds to continue moving forward.

As a candidate for the Orange County Board of Education, I promise to be dedicated and committed to educational excellence through my experience, my leadership and my service to all and not a few, and through collaboration with anyone who wants to improve the future of our students.

scenes from the ocpl

Here are some photos that didn't get published in the paper of last week's Orange County Public Library opening:

Board of County Commissioners Chair Valerie Foushee speaks to a standing-room-only crowd at the opening of the new Orange County Main Public Library on W. Margaret Lane on Friday, Jan. 8. Foushee acknowledged the many public officials who came out to the event, including fellow commissioners Alice Gordon, Mike Nelson, Barry Jacobs, Steve Yuhasz, Bernadette Pelissier and Pam Hemminger, former commissioner and current Orange County school board member Steve Halkiotis and Hillsborough Mayor Tom Stevens.

  

Henri Nadworny listens to speeches during the Orange County Public Library's opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Jan. 8, while Virginia Nadworny takes advantage of the library's services to read a book.

The Chamber of Commerce's large scissors stand at the ready, waiting to be used to cut the ribbon at the new library's opening ceremony.

The Friends of the Orange County Public Library present Lucinda Munger, left, library director, with a $20,000 cheque.

  

A wreath made of pages from books adorns the wall by the children's librarian's desk.

 

A fish sits atop the juvenile non-fiction stacks at the Orange County Main Public Library.

bocc: waste transfer station

Alright, everyone. I'm at the Board of County Commissioners meeting at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill. I figured I'd post some nuggets as the meeting progresses, for those who couldn't make it but also can't wait until the news reports of the event come out.

So, stay tuned!

UPDATE (6:38 p.m.): Community activist group Orange County Voice and their supporters have arrived in force. They are handing out and wearing stickers that say "CHOOSE DURHAM" and "STAND UP FOR SMART TRASH" in support of their proposed solution to the waste disposal problem: use Durham in the short-term and find a better idea than a waste transfer station in Bingham Township or the Paydarfar site.


UPDATE (6:46 p.m.): Mini update: Commissioner Barry Jacobs is wearing one of the "CHOOSE DURHAM" stickers. Huh.

UPDATE (7:55 p.m.): County Manager Frank Clifton going over the options. He recommends using Durham's transfer station for 3-5 years while towns, county and UNC come together to find a better option, IF a WTS is deemed necessary.

UPDATE (8:09 p.m.): Public comment time. BOCC gave 1 hour for that.
Bonnie Hauser of OCV says: The situation is changing. We're all better informed, and with Mr. Clifton as manager, the staff now has the leadership to correct the missed opportunities of the past.

Clifton: Thank you, I think.

UPDATE (8:39 p.m.): Public comment still going on. The Rev. Campbell talked about meeting with White House and Cabinet staff, including Dept. HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and EPA administrators. He said he received a letter from the EPA saying the complaint with the Dept. of Justice is moving forward and if the BOCC sites a waste transfer station in Millhouse, the EPA may launch an investigation into the county.

UPDATE (8:52 p.m.): Public comment over.

UPDATE (9:09 p.m.): Barry Jacobs makes a motion to ship trash to Durham. Mike Nelson adds a friendly amendment to remove the Eubanks Rogers Road community from consideration.

The motion passes, 6-1.