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12 <br /> 1 provide a safe place for physical activity and other recreational activities for our <br /> 2 community members. <br /> 3 Our hope is that in converting the undeveloped lot into a county-maintained <br /> 4 community park, it will contribute to community identity, appeal and unite members <br /> 5 of all ages, and contribute to the health and wellness of the community. <br /> 6 <br /> 7 A motion was made by Commissioner McKee and seconded by Commissioner Greene <br /> 8 to close the public hearing. <br /> 9 <br /> 10 VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> 11 <br /> 12 Chair Price thanked everyone who made comments at the public hearing. <br /> 13 <br /> 14 The Board transitioned to a Work Session. <br /> 15 <br /> 16 4. Additional Discussion on Regulation of Large Gatherings <br /> 17 The Board discussed the regulation of large gatherings in Orange County. <br /> 18 <br /> 19 BACKGROUND: The Board of Commissioners requested information on how the County may <br /> 20 regulate protests or large gatherings in Orange County. The Board initially received information <br /> 21 on this subject at its February 1, 2022 Business Meeting. At that meeting the Board discussed <br /> 22 many aspects of this type of regulation including prohibiting large gatherings on certain public <br /> 23 school properties. The Board further discussed this topic at its May 10, 2022 Work Session. At <br /> 24 that work session the Board determined parades would not be regulated and provided further <br /> 25 direction to the County Attorney to be brought back to the Board for future consideration. The <br /> 26 agenda materials for each prior discussion may be viewed at the links above. <br /> 27 <br /> 28 Pursuant to the Board's prior discussions and input, the County Attorney revised the draft <br /> 29 ordinance which generally provides as follows: <br /> 30 <br /> 31 • Only covers Picketing conducted by groups of 10 or more people; <br /> 32 <br /> 33 • Establishes standards of conduct for participants and organizers of Pickets; <br /> 34 <br /> 35 • Defines the locations at and upon which Picketing may occur. Not all County property is <br /> 36 what is known as a public forum and so the draft ordinance would limit access to only <br /> 37 certain locations on specific County properties; <br /> 38 <br /> 39 • Prohibits Picketing on or within an unspecified distance of school property and <br /> 40 playgrounds; and <br /> 41 <br /> 42 • Declares violations to be subject to a monetary fine, equitable relief, or trespass <br /> 43 depending on the facts and circumstances. <br /> 44 <br /> 45 At the May 1011 work session, the Board instructed the attorney to invite the school <br /> 46 superintendents and the Sheriff to comment on this proposed ordinance and to invite them to <br /> 47 attend the June 2nd work session. These invitations were extended on May 18th. <br /> 48 <br /> 49 John Roberts, County Attorney, introduced the item and reviewed the background <br /> 50 material in the agenda abstract. He said the draft ordinance would not cover meetings of public <br /> 51 bodies. He said he spoke with Sheriff Blackwood and he said he would enforce whatever the <br />