Orange County NC Website
29 <br /> Commissioner Bedford said some information that is in the public is grossly inaccurate, <br /> and the Board should be able to address such mistakes. She said Commissioners Dorosin and <br /> Marcoplos should take this on as the resolution was their idea. <br /> Commissioner Greene agreed with the community having a forum to talk, and said the <br /> panel should not be considered to have all the answers, but should be able to correct <br /> inaccurate factual information. <br /> Commissioner McKee concurred with Chair Rich's suggestion about a listening session, <br /> and Commissioner Bedford's comment to correct any blatant misinformation. He said the <br /> Board's primary goals in past community forums have been to listen. <br /> Commissioner Price called her previous listening sessions "Village Circle", and there <br /> was not a time limit on the speakers. She said some problems were solved at these sessions, <br /> and everyone sat at the same level, on equal ground. <br /> Commissioner Price said she has heard this referred to as a forum, a public hearing, an <br /> information session. She said she has heard most of the community talking about what will be <br /> done moving forward, as opposed to what is being done currently. She asked if the main goal <br /> of the forum could be identified. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos said he sees the opportunity as a way to provide clear <br /> information, for people to express their perspective, and ask questions. He said he thinks some <br /> brief presentations in the beginning would be helpful so that the conversation can start from a <br /> more informed perspective. <br /> Commissioner Price said those who are affected by racism and inequity want to hear <br /> what is going to be done about it, not to have accurate information about what is being done <br /> currently. <br /> Chair Rich asked if the Board could move towards next steps. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he wants to hear what residents want the Board to do. <br /> Chair Rich said 30 days is way too long to wait. <br /> Bonnie Hammersley said the forum could be held after July 4th, and she can look for a <br /> facilitator. She said staff is happy to help in any way, and can set up the zoom component. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos suggested coming up with a draft list of people who will be on <br /> the panel, and he and Commissioner Dorosin can poll the BOCC as to who needs to be <br /> involved. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said he is reluctant to take any leadership on this. He said the <br /> Orange County Board of Commissioners is listening, and it is the public's opportunity to speak <br /> to the Board's listening ear. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos said the public needs to speak to someone, and asked if it <br /> should just be the BOCC, or should others be included. <br /> Commissioner Greene asked if this forum has a name. She asked if Town Hall would <br /> be appropriate. She said she does not want to call it a public hearing. <br /> Chair Rich said she recently participated in a Town Hall, and she is not sure that is the <br /> right name. She said people have a lot of feelings and thoughts right now, and want to be <br /> heard. <br /> Commissioner Greene suggested calling it a listening session. <br /> Donna Baker asked if people will have to sign up in order to participate. <br /> Chair Rich said in her recent experience there were two rooms on zoom, with the <br /> speakers in one room and the listeners in the other. She said a facilitator served as a go <br /> between. She said people need to be allowed to speak, and there should be some time limit on <br /> the speakers. <br /> Commissioner McKee said community forum indicates that the community is the driver, <br /> and there should be no time limit on the speakers. He said if people have something to say, <br />