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21 <br /> to access schoolwork. He said he understands the importance getting Durham Tech up to <br /> speed, but students are losing a full year of education because they do not have Internet. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos said Commissioner McKee made a very ambitious proposal, <br /> and raised many questions. He said he would like to let the election happen, and see if there is <br /> a Democrat majority in the legislature that will allow municipalities to control the internet. He <br /> said that is the end goal, and by next spring there should be more information. <br /> Chair Rich said Durham Tech still has the Boards' support of keeping it in years 1-3. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he just wants to start the discussion. He said his short-term <br /> solution is to fund hotspots for students. He said he would like to find $150,0004200,000 to <br /> purchase additional hotspots. <br /> Chair Rich said Commissioner McKee's numbers are not matching up with what the <br /> schools have reported. She said 400 hot spots have been received, and staff can follow up. <br /> 3. Discussion Regarding the Membership Composition of the Planned Committee to <br /> Examine the Election Method for Members of the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners <br /> PURPOSE: To discuss the membership composition of the planned committee to be appointed <br /> to make recommendations on the election method for members of the Orange County Board of <br /> Commissioners. <br /> BACKGROUND: At the Board of Commissioners' April 7, 2020 Virtual Business meeting, a <br /> petition was voiced that the Board discuss and potentially change a portion of the process under <br /> which some or all Board members are elected. <br /> The Board subsequently discussed the issue at its May 5, 2020 Virtual Business meeting and <br /> voted to: <br /> 1) Establish a committee to study alternative methods of election; <br /> 2) Select members for the committee no later than January 31, 2021; <br /> 3) Have the committee review options and report back by July 31, 2021; and <br /> 4) For the Board to review the recommendations, and if necessary conduct public hearings <br /> and make a decision in time for the March 2022 primary election. <br /> CURRENT CONSIDERATION <br /> This item is presented for the Board to discuss the membership composition of the proposed <br /> committee. During the May 5th meeting, there was discussion that the group should consist of <br /> experts, residents, nonprofits, etc., but there was not consensus. There was, however, <br /> consensus that the Board of Commissioners, as constituted after December 7, 2020 should <br /> decide on the ultimate individual appointees to the committee. <br /> Staff seeks direction from the Board on: <br /> • the total number of members the committee should include; <br /> • whether the committee should consist entirely of residents; <br /> • whether election or other experts will be considered/appointed; <br /> • whether there should be representation from nonprofit entities; <br /> • whether there will be a formal application process; and <br /> • any other details regarding the establishment of the committee. <br />