Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
3 <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said that has not been discussed yet, but the County wants people <br /> to stay home if they are ill, and to bring it to the County's attention if they are lacking sick days. <br /> Commissioner Greene said price-gouging laws are in effect, and citizens can file <br /> complaints with the Attorney General's office if concerns arise. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos asked if animal services are playing a role in this response. <br /> Kirby Sanders said animal services is on the task force purely to support human <br /> services, and if someone has an animal for which they can no longer care, due to sickness or <br /> quarantine, animal services will offer support. <br /> Commissioner Bedford asked if UNC is involved in this response, and how will students <br /> be handled upon returning from spring break. <br /> Quintana Stewart said her department has been in constant communication with UNC- <br /> CH, and the UNC system at large is determining how to respond to spring break coming to an <br /> end and students returning. <br /> Chair Rich asked if the County will update its website on a daily basis. <br /> Quintana Stewart said yes. <br /> Chair Rich said it is important to have a consistent message throughout the County, and <br /> to encourage people not to get their information from public opinion on Facebook or twitter, <br /> Chair Rich asked if there is a plan in place for someone who has to quarantine for 14 <br /> days, but is in need of food or supplies. <br /> Quintana Stewart said if these situations arise, the County will step in. <br /> Chair Rich asked if people are aware of this aid. <br /> Quintana Stewart said if someone is self-quarantined then the County is in constant <br /> contact with them. <br /> Chair Rich said the County needs to take care of all vulnerable persons. <br /> 2. Public Comments <br /> a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda <br /> Riley Ruske said about 9 months ago, during the June 11th budget work session, <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos asked for a % climate tax, which the Board approved, despite lack of <br /> public input. He said at the February 4th work session, the Commission for the Environment <br /> (CfE) came up with some projects on which to spend this money. He said there was no urgent <br /> or specific need for this tax increase, but it is a permanent tax, and will create an increasing <br /> slush fund each year with the increase of property taxes. He said the Board should rescind this <br /> tax increase starting in the 2020-21 tax year. <br /> b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda <br /> below.) <br /> 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members <br /> Commissioner McKee said he spoke at a regional meeting of the Soil and Water <br /> supervisors about agriculture and conservation efforts in Orange County. <br /> Commissioner McKee said at the February 4th BOCC meeting he requested that the <br /> Board discuss the issue of reciting the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of BOCC <br /> meetings. He said this petition has been added to an April 23rd work session, and his intent <br /> was to put this on a regular meeting agenda, so that the public can speak on this item. He said <br /> the reason he is petitioning as such, is because this issue is a larger issue and tonight's arts <br /> moment spoke to civil discourse, and the County needs to have a discussion that includes the <br /> public. <br />