Orange County NC Website
6 <br /> Commissioners (BOCC) meeting(s) to amend land use restrictions imposed by water supply <br /> watershed protection rules for the affected areas within Orange County. <br /> g. Appointment of Interim Clerk <br /> The Board appointed an Interim Clerk to the Board of Commissioners during the search for a <br /> permanent Clerk and authorized the Chair to sign. <br /> h. Citizen Participation Plan for Federal Housing/Community Development Funds <br /> The Board approved the Citizen Participation Plan for use in the implementation of Federal <br /> housing programs and funds and authorized the Chair to sign. <br /> 5. Public Hearings <br /> Chair Rich asked if John Roberts could help the Board of County Commissioners <br /> (BOCC) determine the best course of action for the large public hearing. <br /> John Roberts said the Board can establish reasonable rules, and holding the public <br /> hearing over multiple evenings is permissible. He said there is a new law in place pertaining to <br /> remote meetings, and there is argument on both sides as to whether a vote can be taken on the <br /> same night as a meeting. He recommended the Board conduct the public hearing, and vote at <br /> a subsequent meeting, as the new law does require a 24-hour written comment period after any <br /> remote public hearing. He said he would favor holding the entire public hearing on the same <br /> night. <br /> Commissioner Dorosin said the Board wants to hear all comments, and his goal is to <br /> making the public hearing most effective and efficient as possible. He said a 5 or 6 hour <br /> meeting is not effective or efficient. He said not everyone has that much time to wait. He said <br /> the most accommodating and most transparent method would be to break the hearing into 2 or <br /> 3 sessions. He said allowing for written comments is good, and he wants to have the most <br /> meaningful opportunity for all. He recommended breaking up the public hearing into 2 or 3 <br /> nights, and revisit the remaining agenda and vote to delay items to another meeting. <br /> Commissioner McKee agreed with Commissioner Dorosin. He said the Board will not be <br /> fresh and attentive after 5 hours. <br /> Commissioner McKee asked the County Attorney if a 2 week notice would still be <br /> required if the Board were to spread the public hearing over 2 evenings. <br /> John Roberts said the Board can continue to the public hearing to a date certain, and <br /> does not have to give further public notice. <br /> Commissioner McKee recommended continuing the public hearing to Thursday or next <br /> Tuesday evening, so that it remains fresh on everyone's minds and allows everyone the chance <br /> to speak. <br /> Chair Rich said the BOCC does not currently have a meeting scheduled for 9/17 or 9/22, <br /> and asked if continuing the public hearing would require a special meeting. <br /> John Roberts said it would be a continued public hearing, and the announcement this <br /> evening would satisfy the notice requirement. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if the second half of the meeting must be held immediately or <br /> if it could wait until the next business meeting. <br /> Chair Rich said the next business meeting was 3 weeks away. <br /> John Roberts said the Board could continue the meeting until the next business meeting <br /> on 10/6. <br /> Commissioner Price asked if staff could identify easily how to break up the public <br /> speakers into two groups now, so that people are not waiting to speak. <br /> Chair Rich said yes, the names are on a list, and she can identify the last speaker. <br /> Commissioner Marcoplos suggested continuing the public hearing to the October 6tn <br /> business meeting and voting at the October 20' meeting. <br /> Commissioner Greene agreed with splitting the meeting up, and said she is not available <br /> this Thursday, due to speaking at other forums. <br />