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2 <br /> protests in support of civil liberties, is now attempting to abridge free speech. Commissioner <br /> Hamilton is advancing a legal theory in which citizens holding signs, or simply talking, become <br /> criminals for the act of `hurting kids' feelings.' For the simple act of speaking or holding a sign, <br /> she wants criminal prosecution. You are trying to limit the `where and when' of protests, but <br /> protests often happen spontaneously, and in locations where the right audience is present. In <br /> this case, places where parents are frequently present, namely, near their neighborhood <br /> schools. Keeping parents from gathering together is EXACTLY the motivation of the OCS <br /> Board. The OCS Board's pursuit of this ordinance is not their claimed `safety of students,' it is to <br /> silence parents. Who among you can say that speech from picketers is harmful? History shows <br /> that social change in America can be HELPED by protests. Kids exposed to tough language <br /> can be strengthened by this exposure, not necessarily harmed. Kids can become emotionally <br /> stronger and better adjusted to life's varied experiences. And finally, consider this: Kids willingly <br /> expose themselves to the harsh world of TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram, so they can surely <br /> deal with words and signs from protesters. I urge you to reject the argument that tough <br /> language should be made criminal —don't penalize every citizen of Orange County for <br /> unprovable and non-violent `emotional harm.' Please stop pursuing this misguided proposal." <br /> b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br /> 3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members <br /> Commissioner Richards said she was able to attend the Advisory Board on Aging <br /> meeting this week. She said she is looking forward to hearing about the Master Aging Plan <br /> tonight. She shared that she attended the Attorney General's presentation at Whitted on <br /> Monday about the Opioid Settlement and how it is going to impact Orange County. She thanked <br /> Commissioner Greene for her work on the settlement. She said that, unfortunately, the Suicide <br /> Prevention Walk is the same night as their joint meeting with the school boards on September <br /> 29, 2022. <br /> Commissioner Bedford said the DSS board met yesterday. She said they are hopeful <br /> that federal emergency provisions allowing additional benefits will continue to be in place until <br /> January. She said the Partnership to End Homelessness met last week and approved projects <br /> for approximately $900,000, pending HUD's awards, as well as Emergency Solutions Grant <br /> funds for around $100,000. She said staff did a good job with the process and she thanked <br /> volunteers who served on the Project Review Committee. She also said the Durham-Chapel Hill <br /> MPO met in person at the Durham City Hall, and the new executive director was there. She said <br /> there are lots of plans for projects. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton said the Capital Needs Workgroup will be meeting tomorrow <br /> morning to continue work after providing their report. She said she is looking forward to the <br /> presentation on September 29th for the joint meeting with the school boards to continue <br /> discussions on how to address aging school facilities and meet the capital needs given the <br /> constraints of the county's budget. <br /> Commissioner Greene said she has been out of town for several days and regretfully <br /> missed the MPO meeting and the Attorney General's talk. She said she chaired the Triangle J <br /> Aging Coalition meeting today and was proud to learn that Janice Tyler, Department on Aging <br /> Director, is part of the planning committee for the statewide aging plan. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said since their last meeting, the Library Task Force met and <br /> looked at how other counties funds municipal libraries and will continue to meeting into the fall <br /> to look at how to continue funding Chapel Hill Library and also inter-operability. She said they <br /> plan to make a presentation to the Board of Commissioners in February, and the Town <br /> Councils after that. She said the ABC Board met today and reviewed their annual audit, which <br />