Orange County NC Website
7 <br /> David Stancil, Director of Environment, Agriculture, Parks, and Recreation, said that public <br /> access to the Greene Tract trails is being discussed. He said that there are areas that need to be <br /> fixed and realigned on the county owned portion of the Headwaters Preserve. He said that as the <br /> rest of the conversation for the Greene Tract plays out, there may be additional conversations to <br /> be had. <br /> Commissioner Richards asked if they are referring only to the county-owned portion of the <br /> Greene Tract. <br /> David Stancil said yes and that if there is a jointly held area of open space, then it would <br /> make sense to look at those two things together but that would be a future conversation. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee asked for clarification on the reassessment of access to Headwaters <br /> Preserve. <br /> David Stancil said they currently have access that takes place on a regular basis. He said <br /> that years ago, the county was looking at creating an interim access area to create a way to get <br /> to the Headwaters Preserve. He said that the biggest part of that is realigning the trails that have <br /> been built over the years and moving them off eco-sensitive areas. <br /> Vice-Chair McKee clarified that he is not hearing the limiting of public access. <br /> David Stancil said that is correct and that they would actually be formalizing public access. <br /> Commissioner Greene said that it sounds like volunteer trails have been created on county <br /> owned land but not to any plan. <br /> David Stancil said that is correct and they hope to fix that. <br /> Commissioner Greene said that sounds like a problem. She asked if they were already on <br /> the task of fixing those trails. <br /> David Stancil said the Headwaters Preserve is already on track to be addressed and <br /> reconfigured. He said that the attorney helped them develop interim access. <br /> Chair Bedford said she is very interested in the tree canopy policy recommendations. She <br /> suggested that the mountain bike trails be reviewed to make sure they are not degrading habitat. <br /> Veronica Penn-Beattie said they received two additional applications but have not had a <br /> chance to review those yet. <br /> Dr. Nathalie Volkheimer presented on behalf of the Human Relations Commission. She <br /> said their role is diversity and inclusion. She said they try to reduce discrimination and increase <br /> equity. She said they have to be aware and outspoken when they see inequity. She said they <br /> have a full board, but most members are very new. She said they look for recognition in individuals <br /> and groups that support the mission of the Human Relations Commissions. She said they also <br /> have community conversations and support other community events. She said that their board is <br /> very diverse however, those on the board can't be useful to the community without having <br /> knowledge. She said they have undergone training to assist the members to understand diversity <br /> and inclusion widely. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said that October is Disability Awareness Month if they want to <br /> include that. She asked if they are addressing sexual orientation or identity on the Facebook page. <br /> Nathalie Volkheimer said she did this on her own last year and knows many historic days <br /> and months. She said if there is not a day that goes by that they have not done. She said that she <br /> loves what she does. <br /> Commissioner Hamilton asked if there could be a presence on the county's website for <br /> the Human Relations Commission. <br /> Nathalie Volkheimer said she found out about the commission by Orange County's Twitter <br /> page. She said that everything they promote is available for the county to promote. She said they <br /> have been in touch with the county's media staff and they know they would love the resharing. <br />