Despite low turnout, Orange County Commissioners discussed a range of issues at a Tuesday night meeting.
While only four members of the board were present, the meeting continued as scheduled.
Bob Marotto, director of Orange County Animal Services, told the board that he would like to see a Community Giving Fund created.
“Through a collaborative organized effort there is a possibility for more giving in Orange County,” Moratto said.
Commissioners discussed whether they would partner with the Triangle Community Foundation or handle the fund themselves.
“I don’t want someone else besides the commissioners deciding the rules,” said Commissioner Alice Gordon.
Michael Harvey, a planner for Orange County, also clarified new kennel regulations in the Unified Development ordinance, which was approved by the board in January.
Harvey discussed kennel classification and permit processes for Class 1 Kennels, which allows residents to keep six to 20 animals.
Michael Talbert, assistant county manager, said the current regulations are hard to abide by when owners have new litters of animals.
“I think you’re creating an issue that’s difficult to enforce,” he said.
Gordon said she was in favor of tightening up regulations and standards for Class 1 Kennels in order to ease relations between neighbors.
“We shouldn’t sacrifice the good of many for the benefit of the few,” she said.
Bernadette Pelissier, chairwoman of the Board of Commissioners, said she thinks noise in the kennels needs to be addressed. She suggested Harvey return with revisions and updates to the ordinance in the future.
Commissioners briefly reviewed specific policies for six advisory boards. The board were created to aid the productivity of the Board of Commissioners in February by the General Advisory Board Policy.
Notable:
Commissioners agreed to see Michael Harvey again in May to further discuss changes to the Unified Development ordinance amendment.
Quotable:
“We’ve got to think of the neighbors, it’s a balance, a basic social contract,” said Gordon, in regard to kennel regulations.
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