Minutes 05-18-2021 Virtual Business meeting

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2 Arts Moment— No Arts Moment was available for this meeting. 2. Public Comments a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda None. b. Matters on the Printed Agenda (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members Commissioner Bedford said she had no comments. Commissioner Hamilton said she will pull consent item 8-m, the report on school facility needs over the next 10 years. She said the schools have to submit this report to North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI). She said she wants to pull this item because the needs total nearly $500 million over 10 years, and she thinks Commissioners need a plan to address facility needs. She petitioned the Commissioners to set up a work group comprised of County Commissioners, staff, schools board members and staff to create a long-term plan to address these long neglected needs of school facilities. Commissioner McKee said he enthusiastically supports Commissioner Hamilton's petition as well. Commissioner Dorosin arrived at 7:03 p.m. Commissioner Fowler petitioned the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to discuss resuming in person local government meetings. She said she would like the Board and staff to consider continuing to run work session meetings virtually, if there are no public hearings. She said when meetings in person start, of which she is in favor, she would like to create a policy and protocol for Commissioners and the public to participate virtually as needed, allowing for greater flexibility and more resident access, more participation, less fuel, and saving of time. She said Covid has offered some useful adaptations, which she would like to consider using, post pandemic. Chair Price said this petition will be discussed at Chair/Vice Chair review, and reminded the BOCC that the state legislature controls how local governments can meet. Commissioner McKee referred to the second line of the public charge, which states: `those attending this meeting to conduct themselves in a respectful, courteous manner toward each other, county staff and the commissioners." He said he attended an information session yesterday about the Buckhorn Area Plan, and was disheartened by comments made toward and about professional staff. He said he considers elected officials to be open game, but does not find derogatory comments made to, or about, professional staff to be acceptable. He said he hopes people would take heed to this, and be more amenable going forward. He referred to Commissioner Fowler's comment about public meetings, and believes public business should be conducted in the public house. He petitioned for the last two public meetings of the year to be held in person at Whitted, which is large enough to accommodate social distancing. Commissioner Greene extended condolences to Chair Price for the loss of her father. Commissioner Dorosin also expressed sympathies to Chair Price. Chair Price said the Elections Advisory Group requested an extension to produce their report, from July 31st until August 15th. She said it seems reasonable since the BOCC will not be meeting during this time.