Orange County NC Website
12 <br /> lot as community park, it will create a space for community members to <br /> congregate and kids to play safely. Since our streets do not have sidewalks, the <br /> park will provide a safe place for physical activity and other recreational activities <br /> for our community members. <br /> Our hope is that in converting the undeveloped lot into a county-maintained <br /> community park, it will contribute to community identity, appeal and unite members <br /> of all ages, and contribute to the health and wellness of the community. <br /> A motion was made by Commissioner McKee and seconded by Commissioner Greene <br /> to close the public hearing. <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Chair Price thanked everyone who made comments at the public hearing. <br /> The Board transitioned to a Work Session. <br /> 4. Additional Discussion on Regulation of Large Gatherings <br /> The Board discussed the regulation of large gatherings in Orange County. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Board of Commissioners requested information on how the County may <br /> regulate protests or large gatherings in Orange County. The Board initially received information <br /> on this subject at its February 1, 2022 Business Meeting. At that meeting the Board discussed <br /> many aspects of this type of regulation including prohibiting large gatherings on certain public <br /> school properties. The Board further discussed this topic at its May 10, 2022 Work Session. At <br /> that work session the Board determined parades would not be regulated and provided further <br /> direction to the County Attorney to be brought back to the Board for future consideration. The <br /> agenda materials for each prior discussion may be viewed at the links above. <br /> Pursuant to the Board's prior discussions and input, the County Attorney revised the draft <br /> ordinance which generally provides as follows: <br /> • Only covers Picketing conducted by groups of 10 or more people; <br /> • Establishes standards of conduct for participants and organizers of Pickets; <br /> • Defines the locations at and upon which Picketing may occur. Not all County property is <br /> what is known as a public forum and so the draft ordinance would limit access to only <br /> certain locations on specific County properties; <br /> • Prohibits Picketing on or within an unspecified distance of school property and <br /> playgrounds; and <br /> • Declares violations to be subject to a monetary fine, equitable relief, or trespass <br /> depending on the facts and circumstances. <br /> At the May 10tn work session, the Board instructed the attorney to invite the school <br /> superintendents and the Sheriff to comment on this proposed ordinance and to invite them to <br /> nd tn <br /> attend the June 2 work session. These invitations were extended on May 18 <br />