Orange County NC Website
8 <br /> <br />Commissioner McKee said he cannot imagine public comment taking more than a few <br />minutes. <br />Commissioner Marcoplos said what if the Board has a two-hour discussion, and reaches <br />no conclusion. He said he wants governance to be understood, and he also wants people to <br />have the opportunity to speak. He does not think the work session is the appropriate time for <br />people to speak. <br />Commissioner McKee said people should be allowed to observe the meeting, and to <br />speak with the Board. He said the public often has good suggestions. He said Orange County <br />is no longer a rural county, and this issue is going to continue to come up. He said it is a <br />delicate line to walk in imposing urban-style regulations without impinging on second <br />amendment rights. He said this issue will only get more divisive as this County continues to <br />grow. He said the Board is obligated to sit and listen as long as it takes for the public to be <br />heard. <br />Commissioner Greene said before the Board takes a vote, she would like to understand <br />if there would be one or two public hearings prior to voting on a possible ordinance change. <br />John Roberts said this type of ordinance does not require a public hearing, and he said it <br />would be at the discretion of the Board. <br />Commissioner Greene asked if there could be two public hearings. <br />John Roberts said yes. <br />Commissioner Greene said she would be open to two public hearings. <br />John Roberts said it is the Board’s prerogative, and it can have as many public hearings <br />as it wants. <br />Commissioner Greene said she would like to have two public hearings, and feels an <br />hour is too long for comment after a work session. <br />Chair Rich said she would be open to public hearings, but does not support changing <br />policies without a full discussion. <br />Commissioner Price said she would be open to having questions of clarification and <br />dialogue at the end of the public hearing. <br />Commissioner Greene said this type of discussion could happen at a public hearing. <br />Commissioner Price said public hearings do not allow for back and forth dialogue. <br /> <br />VOTE: Ayes, 1 (Commissioner McKee); Nays, 5 <br /> <br />Chair Rich said Commissioner McKee raised some important points, and thanked him <br />for doing so. <br /> <br />4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations <br /> <br />a. “The Nature of Orange” Photography Contest 2019 <br />The Board recognized the winners and thanked all participants and judges of “The <br />Nature of Orange” 2019 Photography Contest. <br /> <br />Lynn Hecht, Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation (DEAPR), <br />presented this item: <br /> <br />BACKGROUND: The Orange County Commission for the Environment and Parks and <br />Recreation Council are proud sponsors of this year’s “The Nature of Orange” Photography <br />Contest completed in May 2019. This year, the theme was Farms, Parks and Trails in Orange <br />County. The goal of the contest was to inspire exploration, celebration and appreciation of <br />Orange County’s diverse landscapes and outdoor experiences. Photographers help document <br />the beauty and diversity of natural resources, and people connecting to the environment.