Board of Commissioners passes resolution to renovate environmental center

The Orange County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday to address vacancies on the Orange County Arts Commission. 

The board passed a resolution to renovate the current Environmental and Agricultural Center and a motion to change the affordable housing timeline to 60 days and to reaffirm flexibility when reviewing those project proposals. Staff writer Ashton Eleazer live-tweeted the meeting.

Hi, it's Ashton Eleazer. I'll be tweeting the Orange County Board of Commissioners meeting tonight!

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 21, 2017

The Art Commission @OCNCarts is looking to fill two vacancies. Joy Salyers will not serve a second time.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 21, 2017

Finance Officer Gary Donaldson and his staff accepted the 2016 @GFOA award for financial reporting.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 21, 2017

Kristen Hess, from HH Architecture, said that while the Environmental&Agricultural Center is structurally sound, it needs major renovations.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Jeff Thompson, director of asset management services, said a major renovation would cost almost $3.7 million.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Another option for the EAC would be to construct a new building to add functionality and efficiency. This will cost more than $4 million.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Hess said the current site of the EAC is challenging because of the "funky flow" of traffic.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Commissioner Barry Jacobs said it would not be smart growth to move the EAC to the 57-86 intersection because of large amounts of traffic.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Commissioner Earl McKee said it's nice to think about a new building, but it makes more economic sense to renovate the old EAC.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Commissioner Mark Dorosin said in addition to EAC renovations they could add a second story of affordable housing to increase mixed-use.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

The BOCC passed a motion to endorse renovating the EAC at the current location.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Superintendent Todd Wirt said that the buildings at Orange Charter School could be used for parent programs and blended learning.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

Jacobs said with the $2.5 million affordable housing bond they should be careful to not run out of money when choosing projects, as in 2001.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

BOCC motion passes to change the affordable housing timeline to 60 days and to reaffirm flexibility when reviewing those project proposals.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

BOCC motion passes to reappoint Pamela Davis on the Board of Equalization as chair. Robert Sprouse was also appointed.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

The BOCC will now continue in closed session.

— DTH City (@DTHCity) March 22, 2017

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