Minutes 10-19-2021 Virtual Business meeting

Browse Search

12 Commissioner Hamilton said would love to see the numbers about how greenhouse gas is decreasing over the years in future reports. She said it is helpful to track the impact of the efforts. She said it would also be helpful to have a brief summary of currently funded projects and how they are going and how much greenhouse gas was produced locally. She said this will provide important perspective and assurance that the efforts are well directed. She said she also agrees with increasing scale to 26 points to add an additional point to social justice category. A motion was made by Commissioner Greene, seconded by Commissioner Bedford, to approve funding for the recommended Community Climate Action Grant projects for FY 2021- 22; and increase the possible score total to 26 to add one point to "Social Justice/ Racial Equity" in future rounds of grant funding. Roll call ensued VOTE: UNANMIOUS Commissioner Fowler said these are all good projects, and she would still like to have greater impact with future projects. Chair Price asked for a report of projects funded in the past. b. Establishment of a Schools Capital Needs Work Group The Board considered establishing a Schools Capital Needs Work Group to review, consider and prioritize the capital needs for the Orange County Schools (OCS) district and the Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) district. BACKGROUND: At the May 18, 2021 Board of Orange County Commissioners (BOCC) Business meeting, a petition was submitted by Commissioner Jean Hamilton, supported by Commissioner Earl McKee, that a Work Group be established to review, consider and prioritize the school districts' capital needs as well as budget requests. The proposed Work Group will consist of Board of Education members from both districts, members of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, school staff from both districts and County staff to develop a plan to address both districts on-going capital needs, repairs and renovation projects. The attached indicates the specific proposed membership slots for the Schools Capital Needs Work Group. Bonnie Hammersley reviewed the background information for this item. Commissioner Hamilton said there are school needs that have not been addressed that affect the health and wellbeing of students. She said, since it was her petition, she will volunteer to serve and work collaboratively with the schools to create a plan. She said that it is unlikely that they will have enough money to get everything done, but she anticipates getting a better idea of what is needed and what should be prioritized. Commissioner McKee nominated Commissioner Hamilton to serve on the work group. Commissioner Bedford nominated Chair Price to serve to have representation from both District 1 and 2. Commissioner Greene agreed with the nominations and seconded the motion.