Agenda - 2-16-15 Reg. Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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1{ nor the draft rules addresses the impact of hydraulic fracturing and the extraction of natural gas on local economies or local infrastructure. The proposed Resolution asks the local delegation, as well as Legislative leaders, to oppose the draft rules from the Mining and Energy Commission. Commissioner Smith was concerned we would be sticking fingers in legislators' eyes if the Resolution is approved. Chair Dalrymple stated the Board had to speak for the citizens of Lee County before rules are voted on in the legislation. After discussion, Commissioner Frazier moved to approve a Resolution Opposing Natural Gas Extraction and the Rules Drafted by the North Carolina Mining and Energy Commission, a copy of which is attached to these Minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Dalrymple, Frazier, Oldham, Reives, and Sloan Nay: Knecht and Smith The Chair ruled the motion had been adopted by a 5 to 2 vote. The Board heard a presentation from Duke Energy representative Evans Taylor in reference to the Duke Energy Neighborhood Energy Saver Program that offers free energy- saving home improvements to selected communities. Duke Energy chooses communities where the program would be most beneficial by targeting low- income neighborhoods. Qualified customers receive a free walk - through assessment of their home and an energy specialist identifies opportunities for energy savings. Based upon the needs of the home, customers can then receive up to $210 in energy- saving improvements. Improvements and installation are completely free to the customer. The resident will also receive education on energy efficiency techniques and is encouraged to make behavior changes that will help them reduce and control their energy usage. Duke staff have been going into the selected areas to let citizens know of the upcoming program. A dinner will be held Thursday, February 5th at Lee Senior High School, for citizens in selected areas, to explain the program more in detail It was noted that Duke Energy will be working with Johnston - Lee - Harnett Community Action on this project. No action was taken. Mr. Rodger Sauls, Executive Director of the Sanford -Lee County Partnership for Prosperity presented a quarterly report/update on the Partnership. Mr. Sauls stated that for the past two years, local business leaders and elected officials have participated in a planning process that resulted in the newly proposed Program of Work. Thanks to those efforts, the Partnership now has a path to move forward to position the community for future success. Policies and procedures have been put in place. New Board Orientation was held in early January and the first full Board meeting was held on January 21, 2015, with 27 voting members and 8 ex- officio non - voting members. Work has begun on the relocation into the Buggy Factory that will be completed by the end of 2015. In November a company was selected to assist with marketing name, logo, letterhead, business cards, brochure, website development and photography. Plans are in process to develop contents for a retail marketing piece. The original target campaign of $900,000 - $1,000,000 was surpassed and $1,200,000 was raised over five years to support proactive marketing and recruitment efforts. To date there are fifty (50) total investors. The Partnership has received twelve (12) inquiries since October 1, 2014, with the largest project at $87 million and 180+ jobs. Nine (9) responses with sites or buildings that met project parameters were received. Businesses continue to be visited as part of the Existing Business Retention & Expansion Project. Mr. Sauls thanked Commissioners for their assistance in helping to facilitate the new organization. No action was taken. The Board considered the Tax Lien Advertisement for Delinquent 2014 Real Property Taxes. Tax Administrator Mary Yow stated that General Statute §105- 369(a) requires the tax collector to report to the governing board unpaid real property taxes for the current fiscal year. The governing board must order the tax collector to advertise the tax liens and file a copy of the report with the Clerk to the Board. 3