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6 <br /> Dewey Williams said he is the pastor of Mt. Bright Baptist Church, and he is representing <br /> Orange County Justice United this evening. He said there are issues that are a blatant affront <br /> to justice, and he is certain the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) desires to see <br /> injustices irradiated. He said the specific injustice that he would like to address is staffing in <br /> Orange County Schools (OCS), with the number of black teachers at a 10 year time low of 7%, <br /> and the problem is getting worse. He said 23% of students are Hispanic, but there are very few <br /> Spanish speaking front office staff. He requested that the Board of County Commissioners <br /> grant all equity initiative funding for OCS. He said he assumed the Board read the Indy article, <br /> which represents a deeper problem at the OCS. He said if this issue is left to fester this will <br /> cause uproar of more voices of discontent. <br /> Ashley Nissler said she is also here representing Justice United, as well as her own <br /> child. She said the improvement of racial equity training in OCS schools is critical, and she also <br /> supports the Manager's recommended per pupil increase, with the understanding that the OCB <br /> board of education will fully fund the initiatives it has identified to address issues of racial equity. <br /> Mary Winne Sherwood said she represents the Boys and Girls Club of Orange County <br /> and Durham, which is a premier standard afterschool program serving kids who are lost. She <br /> said there are three clubs in Chapel Hill, and soon there will be a stand-alone club. She said <br /> the Boys and Girls Club is requesting increased funding for their clubs in Chapel Hill. <br /> Robert Dowling said he is with Community Home Trust (CHT), and thanked the Board of <br /> County Commissioners for its continued support of affordable housing. He said he is most <br /> grateful. He said the CHT has sold 17 homes this past year, with 3 being new to the CHT <br /> inventory. He said CHT home ownership inventory stands at 260 homes, with an additional 59 <br /> rentals. He said in 2019-2020, CHT hopes to add 9 more homes, with 7 being in the Chandler <br /> Woods development off Homestead Road, and 2 more in Northside neighborhood. He said <br /> CHT acquired the landings at Winmore in 2018, and is working hard to turn this property around <br /> to provide 58 affordable rental units. He said the average annual income at the Landings is <br /> $15,000. He hopes this property will be fully stable by the start of the next fiscal year. He said <br /> CHT is serving 5 families that are at risk for homelessness. He said the CHT is busy, and <br /> serving much wider spectrum of residents. He said CHT is requesting a funding increase of <br /> $5,400, which the Manager has included in her proposed budget. <br /> Elvira Mebane said she is the President of United Voices of Efland-Cheeks, and she <br /> thanked the County staff and Board of County Commissioners for its continued support. She <br /> said United Voices is holding the line this year on its budget. She thanked the Manager for her <br /> recommended budget for the OCS, and asked for continued support for the OCS administration. <br /> Sherry Appel said she is opposed to any tax increase, due to political and economic <br /> uncertainties. She expressed support for the living wage increase. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos <br /> to close the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 4. Adjournment <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner Marcoplos <br /> to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Penny Rich, Chair <br />