Minutes 12-07-2020 Virtual Business Meeting

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5 Commissioner McKee noted that today is the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, which led the United States to enter the Second World War. He encouraged all to honor Veterans of this war, and all wars. Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager, recognized Chair Price for an award she received over the summer. She introduced Kevin Leonard, Executive Director of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) to speak about it further. Kevin Leonard said Chair Price was the recipient of the Outstanding County Commissioner of the Year Award. He read some comments of commendation. Chair Price noted some items at the Commissioners' places for items 4-a and 4-b. Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda Rob Golan said he is a 23-year resident of Efland, and has lived in Orange County for over 40 years. He said he is very concerned about the possible Buc-ee's development in Efland, and despite paying close attention the news, he has heard nothing about this proposal. He said the lack of information is upsetting. He said he would like to know why this proposal has not been more publically discussed. He asked if the lack of information was purposeful on the part of Buc-ee's. He said if Buc-ee's is such a great idea, it should be announced from the rooftops. Catherine Matthews said she is concerned about the environment and climate change, and is glad that Orange County is not like the rest of North Carolina in its standards and practices regarding the environment. She said she is opposed to Buc-ee's coming to Efland. Tim Spruill said he has lived in Efland for 21 years, and in Chapel Hill for 7 years before that. He said the small town character in Efland originally attracted him and his wife to the area. He said he is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development. He said growth and development are good things, but must be done in a suitable manner, protecting the rural character. He said the BOCC should oppose the rezoning request for projects such as Buc- ee's. He said voice4ef land.com is a good source of information for the BOCC to review. He said there are many other more appropriate economic development projects that County staff can review. Lib Hutchby thanked the BOCC for the opportunity to speak, and said she is opposed to the monstrous Buc-ee's proposal. She said the residents of Efland do not want it, and it would ravage rural farmland. She said the BOCC and County staff must do proper research prior to voting to approve anything. She said she is concerned about the environmental impact of a fossil fuel company. She said she will submit further written comments to the Board. Anthony Weston said he is a resident of Durham, and teaches at Elon University. He said he was one of the co-founders of Common Ground EcoVillage (formerly Hearts Mill) in Efland. He said he has been very impressed by the BOCC's historical commitment to the land and the environment. He said he is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development. He said he would like to consider other ways the land could be developed such as an electric charging station, a solar farm, a concert venue, etc. He said this is an opportunity to cherish the land into the future. Diana Montgomery said she moved to Orange County 41 years ago, and has been in Efland since 1997. She said Orange County has always been forward thinking and environmentally focused. She said the BOCC has made commitments towards the environment and clean energy. She said she is opposed to the proposed Buc-ee's development, as it is