Minutes-02-16-2023-Business Meeting

Browse Search

5 Lindsey Shewmaker said that compensation plays a role, but it is also important to find the right people to fill the roles. She said that Orange County also competes with Durham and Wake counties to hire people. Commissioner Richards asked how many children are in DSS custody. Lindsey Shewmaker said 86 right now but she does not have the exact number. She said that is a 20 child increase over the last two years. Commissioner Richards asked how many are not in a long term or consistent placement. Lindsey Shewmaker said she can bring that data back but she does not have that with her. Commissioner Fowler said that Alliance Health Plan is committed to addressing the gap in placements for children in DSS custody. Lindsey Shewmaker said they are doing a lot of work to try to keep families intact. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if a situation has occurred where a child needs to be taken out of a home but has not been because there is no place for them to go. Lindsey Shewmaker said that safety is the number one priority, and a child would not be left in an unsafe situation. She said they would utilize hotel rooms or a rental property if necessary, staffed by social workers. Gina Reyman presented on behalf of the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. She said that parks and recreation is part of the quality of life in the county, and she expressed appreciation for the Board's support. She said that the council has been reviewing the Parks and Recreation master plan. She said they will get a progress report to the Board in June. She said that 2023 is the Year of the Trail and the council is supporting activities and events in relation to that. She expressed appreciation to DEAPR staff for their support of the council. She said that pickleball is an emerging need due to community interest and they would benefit from more places to play. She said connections with the school systems and Sportsplex would help increase opportunities. Vice-Chair McKee asked if the Sportsplex pool is open to the public. Gina Reyman said it is with a membership and Orange County Schools can have a lower membership fee. Commissioner Greene asked if the Town of Hillsborough is on the radar as a partner for any of the recreation needs. Gina Reyman said yes and all of the towns are eligible partners. Paul Noe presented on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission. He read the charge of the commission. He described the current projects the commission is undertaking. He said they are working on the Ridge Road School and the Strayhorn house and these homes have increased the diversity of the historic properties. He said that the Cedar Grove School and the Schley Grange Hall have successfully been added to the historic list. He said they are on track to publish a book on Orange County historical properties in 2023. He said that UNC Press has agreed to market and distribute the book. He said going forward, a countywide historic marker program will be focused on. He said that it will be interactive content. He said they have recently found out about two abandoned cemeteries of formerly enslaved people. He said they plan to develop a small grant program to help protect properties like this. Commissioner Richards said she likes the idea of the electronic marker program. Paul Noe said there is a software program that may be a good fit for the electronic maker program. Commissioner Greene said she was glad to see the electronic marker would also include some physical markers as well. She said she is glad to see it will be a hybrid marker system. She said that she agrees with the emphasis on marking sites of importance to the Black communities and applauds them for being at the forefront of this kind of work. Dr. Jane Saiers presented on behalf of the Agricultural Preservation Board. She said farmland is essential for local food security. She said there is a need for a strong local food system