ORANGE COUNTY, NC (August 9, 2018) – 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.
Currently there are openings on the following advisory boards and commissions.
Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee - This 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. There is an initial one-year training term with subsequent eligibility for three additional two-year terms. There are currently seven (7) positions vacant.
Affordable Housing Advisory Board - This board prioritizes affordable housing needs, assesses and monitors project proposals and local housing programs. The Board will also explore new funding opportunities, assist in the investigation of County residential segregation patterns, and assist with other housing-related items as identified by the Board of County Commissioners. There are currently three (3) positions vacant.
Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool - The Animal Services Hearing Panel
Pool hears appeals concerning violations of the Orange County Code of Ordinances,
Chapter 4 (“Animal Control Ordinance and also potentially dangerous dog appeals. It is the responsibility of pool members to conduct fair and impartial hearings for these appeals. Members of the pool will receive training in both law and proper procedure from the Office of the County Attorney prior to participating in a hearing. Pool members are sought from the Towns of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro as well as the part of Orange County that is unincorporated. Appeals panels will be convened on an as needed basis for hearings. The current open positions on the board are for a Town of Carrboro representative, a Town of Hillsborough representative, and an Orange County Public Safety Field representative.
Agricultural Preservation Board – The primary purpose of the Agricultural Preservation Board is to promote the economic and cultural importance of agriculture in the county, and to encourage voluntary preservation and protection of farmland for future production. There is currently one (1) At-Large open position.
Carrboro Board of Adjustment – The Board of County Commissioners appoints citizens to two positions on this board. This board hears and decides citizen appeals from any order, decision, requirement, or interpretation made by the Zoning Administrator. It also hears and decides on applications. The current open position is for a resident living in the EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION (ETJ) of Carrboro.
Chapel Hill Board of Adjustment – The Board of County Commissioners appoints citizens to fill three positions on this board. The Board hears and decides appeals from any decision or determination by the Town Manager, Council, or the Planning Board in granting or denying site plan approval, or of the Appearance Commission in granting or denying sign plan approval or of the Historic District Commission or Appearance Commission in granting or denying a Certificate of Appropriateness. There are currently three positions open representing the EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION (ETJ) AND JOINT PLANNING AREA (JPA) of Chapel Hill .
Mebane Board of Adjustment - The Orange County Board of Commissioners appoints one position on this board. The Mebane Board of Adjustment hears and decides appeals of decisions by the Mebane Zoning Enforcement Officer. It grants special use permits and variances. When no citizen volunteer(s) will serve, the Board of Adjustment consists of the Town Board. There is currently one position open for a resident living in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of Mebane.
Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee – This committee helps to maintain the intent of the Residents’ Bill of Rights, promotes community involvement, and provides public education on long-term care issues. Orange County is currently seeking applicants with nursing home administration background. There are currently three positions open – two (2) At-Large and one (1) for an individual working within nursing home administration.
Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) –This board provides information and comments on major transportation issues. The Board also provides recommendations regarding the overall planning and programming of transportation improvements in Orange County, including identifying and prioritizing the county’s roadway and transit needs along with associated costs and specific sources of funding. The Board assists in development and review of the transportation component of the Comprehensive Plan. A new initiative that is being addressed is bicycle safety. As of September 30, 2018 there will be five (5) openings on the OUTBoard. One (1) is for a resident in the Little River Township, One (1) in the Bingham Township, and three (3) At-Large Orange County positions.
The following link provides a map of Orange County townships. http://bit.ly/1UOIAB5
Central Community Board – This board supports both the community and Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, a behavioral healthcare organization focused on helping access services for people with mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.
The Central Community Board is responsible for advising the Regional Executive on the evaluation and hiring of the Community Operations Center Executive Director and recommending priorities for expenditure of state/county funds in the development of the annual budget. Duties also includes determining local priorities for inclusion in the area-wide strategic plan, identifying community needs and concerns, monitoring resolution of issues, monitoring performance at the local level to include: access to care, financial status and expenditures, service delivery, provider network size and composition, outcomes, quality, and consumer satisfaction. The Board covers Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Orange, and Person Counties.
There is currently one (1) position open for a “Consumer or Family Member”.
If interested, apply at www.orangecountync.gov/boards .
Orange County strives for diversity on volunteer advisory boards. Minorities are encouraged to apply. Applicants must reside in Orange County. Volunteers appointed by the Board of County Commissioners have an opportunity to influence the way of life in Orange County.
For additional information call Thom Freeman 919-245-2125.
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