Minutes 12-14-2021 Virtual Business Meeting

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3 discussion about the potential for a half-cent sales tax increase for transit, and she said that it would require approval by the General Assembly. She said when she read the minutes prior to the Board meeting, she noted that it said a half-cent equivalent and does not have to be on sales tax. She said the half-cent equivalent was already assumed and had been increased to one cent. She said she consulted with the Deputy County Manager Travis Myren and was able to vote yes, but included for the recorded minutes that Orange County was not promising or obligated to put any sales tax increase on a referendum or to fund the equivalent. She said every four years the plan is updated and the expectation for the increase is not until 2031. She said the positive for the increase was a more aspirational vision to do more for bicyclists and pedestrians and multi-modal versus just widening or adding traffic lanes. She said she wanted the rest of the Board to know that she did not obligate the Board to a one-cent sales tax referendum. She said Wake County is working on this and there will be legislative advocacy by other counties to get permission. She said she hopes to attend the NCACC session on the environment on December 15tn Commissioner Richards said she was looking forward to working with the newly elected officials in Chapel Hill and Carrboro who were sworn in the previous week and learning more about how the County can work together with those communities. She said she was impressed with the health department's webinar on alcoholism in Orange County, and it was an informative session, giving a good overview of where we are as a county. She wished everyone happy holidays. Commissioner Greene said she attended the NCACC Justice and Public Policy subcommittee meeting. She said she was happy to see that Cait Fenhagen of Orange County gave a presentation about pretrial diversion. She wished everyone happy holidays. Chair Price said Governor Cooper held a press conference to mark the one-year anniversary of administering the first COVID-19 vaccine. She said a very low percentage of younger children are vaccinated. She said Dr. Kizzy Corbett was honored in Time Magazine, and continues to make Orange County proud. She said Dr. Corbett is a product of Orange County Schools. She said she attended the Chamber of Commerce legislative event. She said the local economy is mainly based on "EdMedBed," which stands for education, medicine, and the hospitality industry. She said the agenda for the Assembly of Governments meeting is being developed and the meeting will be virtual on January 25, 2022, due to it occurring after the holidays and the number of people involved. She said she attended the WCHL "Forum on the Hill". She said she did a segment on economic development. She said she was in conversation with Aaron Keck and Ryan Stewart of Trinsic Residential, who is responsible for the Aura development in Chapel Hill. She thanked Steve Brantley, Economic Development Director, for his briefings. She said Commissioner Richards led a segment on social justice. She said the Orange County Department of Social Services is holding its annual toy chest event from December 13tn through 17tn from 9 am to 7 pm on Mayo Street. She said it is an event to bring holiday joy to children in low-wealth households. She said the One Orange Committee will be conducting a survey on the racial equity plan and will be at the toy chest event. She said this information can also be accessed online. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Recognition of Cedar Ridge High School Volleyball Team for Winning the 2021 State Championship The Board approved a proclamation recognizing the Cedar Ridge High School Volleyball Team on winning the 2021 State Championship.