Minutes 04-02-2019 Regular Meeting

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6 Commissioner Dorosin said he attended Linda Sarsour's presentation on Sunday, which was inspiring, and he commended Annette Moore for this event. He said Linda Sarsour challenged everyone to be and do better. Commissioner McKee said he petitioned several weeks ago for staff to engage with the Town of Chapel Hill about transit shortfalls, and he would like to also petition for the engagement of Carrboro/Hillsborough/Mebane to address Orange County transit needs, and to start developing changes in the interlocal agreement. Commissioner Price thanked the HRC for having the courage to present the program on Sunday. Commissioner Price said last week she attended the North Carolina Council on Women and Youth Involvement's Women's History Month program in Raleigh, which highlighted several local women. Commissioner Price said today is "equal pay" day for women, and years ago she and former Commissioner Alice Gordon tried re-convening a women's commission. She said she would like to look into this again. Commissioner Price said this is National Public Health Week, and the theme is "Creating the Healthiest Nation for Science, for Action, for Health." She commended Orange County Health Department staff for its work. Commissioner Marcoplos thanked the HRC for a great program on Sunday, and said a lot of thoughtful dialogue happened afterwards. He said Linda Sarsour has been misinterpreted. Commissioner Marcoplos said the Solid Waste Advisory Group (SWAG) met last week and Michael Everhart made a presentation about saving wood from old trees and turning it into projects and artwork. He said the interlocal agreement was celebrated. He said SWAG is looking for a northern Orange County plot of land for storm debris management. He said composting is going to be looked at very closely as a major component of the waste stream. Commissioner Marcoplos referred to Commissioner McKee's request, noting it could be a work session topic. He said the Board needs an overview of how decisions are made on transportation in Orange County. He said the Board needs to know who makes the decisions, such as the MPOs, the towns, the County, etc. He would like a general report. Commissioner Marcoplos said he concurred with Commissioner Dorosin about Fred Battle who was a great leader for civil rights, and a very principled man. Commissioner Greene said she too wanted to extend her sympathies to Fred Battle's family and friends. She thanked Annette Moore for the presentation on Sunday, and asked if the entire speech was available to be posted online. Annette Moore said the County contracted with Linda Sarsour for pieces of the video to be presented publicly. She said she would ask if the entire video could be posted. Commissioner Greene said she sees this as important, especially given the controversy and that not all residents were in attendance. She said a selective portion of the speech may seem like the HRC is trying to hide something. Commissioner Greene said April is Poetry Month, and thanked the Board of County Commissioners for setting up the Arts moment. Commissioner Greene said she has seen new rural buffer signs in Orange County, and asked Bonnie Hammersley if all have gone up. Bonnie Hammersley said the signs are in the process of going up. Commissioner Bedford said April is also Autism awareness month, and today is National Autism Awareness today. She said she is the mother of a 31-year old daughter with autism. Commissioner Bedford commended the Information Technology staff for its efforts in regards to the service breakdown. Commissioner Bedford referred to petition at the Commissioners' places about LMEs. She petitioned the Board to support this: