Minutes 10-19-2021 Virtual Business meeting

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3 Commissioner Richards said she is continuing her education on Orange County, and was briefed by 26 of the 28 departments in the County. She thanked the Clerk for arranging those meetings and staff for meeting with her. She said she attended the Jordan Lake One- Water event, which was very informative. She said she toured the Buckhorn Economic Development area, and is getting out and doing some of the orientation she committed to do. She said she attended a Hispanic Heritage Month event sponsored by Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) in Carrboro on Friday night, and then went to the other events Commissioner Greene mentioned. She said she welcomed guests at the Chamber of Commerce issues forum on real estate, and encouraged the Commissioners to watch the video from that event. Commissioner Hamilton said she attended the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet, and the keynote speech was inspiring and highlighted the importance of working together. She said there is a lot of work to do, which will take a long time and will require tag teaming to get the work done. She expressed appreciation to Hilary McKenzie of the Orange County School (OCS) Board and OCS Superintendent Dr. Felder for sending the resolution to Commissioners to let them know about what is going on in Orange County Schools. She said she is concerned about the learning environment for the students and wants to support them in improving things. Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:11 pm. Commissioner Fowler seconded Commissioner Hamilton's comments and stands in solidarity with the schools against hate, and is in support of students and staff. She said she attended the Inter-Governmental Parks meeting last month and heard updates from each municipality about parks and land conservancies. She said the main focus remains on following COVID practices, but there has been a lot of use of outdoor facilities thanks to COVID. She said there is increasing focus on sustainability projects as well. She said she attended the NAACP event online. She said it is "Ink-tober", as celebrated by the Orange County Library, and encouraged Commissioners to participate and get engaged. Commissioner Bedford wished Commissioner Greene a happy birthday. She said she voted today and encouraged others to vote early. She said early voting is open in the current week Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. She said next week's schedule is online, and no voter IDs required this year. She thanked the elections staff running the sites and the temporary poll workers. Commissioner McKee recognized and congratulated 29 Orange County farms inducted into the North Carolina Century farm program at the North Carolina State Fair. He said the farm that he and his mother, brother, and sister own was one of the 29 farms. Chair Price referred to the letter from OCS, and said Commissioner Hamilton and Commissioner Richards have volunteered to write a statement in support. She said she will bring forward a proclamation at the next meeting to proclaim November as Native American Heritage Month. She said she attended the dedication of the mural of African American Trailblazers in Chapel Hill-Carrboro, and encouraged Commissioners to view it because there are recognizable faces there. She said she also went to an event at Pluck, regarding the Mountains-to-Sea Trail, which Commissioner Greene also attended. She said she attended the virtual meeting with the public regarding the Buckhorn Area Study, which included a brief presentation by staff and comments from the public with good discussion. She encouraged anyone with questions to contact Tom Altieri in the Planning Department. She said Saturday 10/23 is National Operation Take Back Day, and all three towns are participating. She said this effort allows people to dispose of medications properly. She said drop off locations include the Fairview Community Center, Wegman's in Chapel Hill, and possibly the Town Hall in Carrboro. She said Senator Foushee's weekly newsletter announced that House Bill 951 passed, which