Minutes 09-22-2020 Continued Virtual Business Meeting from 9/15/2020

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62 Commissioner Greene said since the murder of George Floyd, there has been a lot of discussion about police training, and the need for improved training that includes the history/sociology/psychology of the local communities in which the police serve. She said other states around the country are instituting these changes at the state level. She said she has spoken with legislatures and the NCACC, and is fully prepared to advocate for this item as it goes through the process, if the Board agrees. Commissioner Dorosin said an additional item has arisen that is not included in this list: water utility shutoffs are coming back soon. He said the BOCC should ask for local governments to be given flexibility regarding this topic, which local governments do not currently have the authority to do. He said the Covid crisis is real and there should be legislation to support local governments in being flexible. Chair Rich said she spoke with Jenn Weaver, Hillsborough Mayor, who said this would be impossible to do as the Town would lose its bond rating. She said the word flexible is important. Commissioner Price said counties do not own local water authorities, and she wonders if this item is appropriate for the NCACC, as it is not a county issue. Commissioner Dorosin said several items listed in the resolution are not under County authority. Commissioner Price said it might better to talk to the leagues. Commissioner Greene agreed this is an important policy point, but she agrees with Commissioner Price that the items must have direct impact on counties. Commissioner Marcoplos said most of these suggestions never make it beyond a discussion, but it cannot hurt to include the item. He said it gets it on people's radar, and he thinks it is a good idea. Commissioner Bedford agreed with Commissioner Marcoplos, and said the County helps people make their water payment, so it does impact the County. Chair Rich asked John Roberts if the BOCC would need to apply this request to all utilities. John Roberts said he does not know, but the Duke Energy is different than the Orange Water and Sewer Authority (OWASA), which is local government entity controlled by the legislature. A motion was made by Commissioner Dorosin, seconded by Commissioner by Commissioner Marcoplos to revise the resolution to include that local governments and utility providers be given the authority to determine whether to forgive arrears, or to develop progressive pricing policies, for water and sewer services. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANIMOUS Commissioner Price said, in the future, the Board should spend time prioritizing the list based on the steering committees. Chair Rich said it was her understanding that the list did not need prioritization, as all items were looked at. Commissioner Price said it depends who is on the various committees. She said she has sat through the process before, and some items have been sitting around for years. Commissioner Dorosin agreed, and said the BOCC should submit the ones that are unique to Orange County.