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5 <br /> 3. Will financial aid be available to those who are not able to afford hockey like it currently is under <br /> the Hogs organization? <br /> 4. Will sibling discounts be available under the RFP program like it currently is under the Hogs. <br /> As of right now no Thunder or Shamrocks program offers this discount. <br /> 5. Will the gear shed that the Hogs currently manages and allows parents to buy used gear for$5 <br /> a piece or free with trade still exist under the same conditions. <br /> 6. Did the county or RFP solicit community feedback, and what were the results of that feedback. <br /> Not only is the Hogs family centered, it is one of the only non-profit hockey organizations around <br /> this area for the kids. If the answer is no to any of the questions above, I request for you to allow <br /> the Hogs to maintain as the house league just as they have been doing for the past 42 years, with <br /> the Thunders continuing their operation as the premium travel league. I am asking in the interest <br /> of the kids and families in our community. I am seeking equality for all, without the current <br /> successful financial operations of a non-profit organization, many in this community will no longer <br /> be able to afford hockey. The county should not allow our highly functional and economical Hogs <br /> program to be displaced by the management company. I do not see how taking a non-profit away <br /> will ever be better. Again, if any of these answers are no, then it is not the same. It does not help <br /> the families in this community, nor does it provide equality to all kids who want to play. <br /> I find the language by Tom McGee to be in direct conflict of what has taken place. <br /> `That language provides that youth sports shall cater primarily to Orange County residents, shall <br /> include practices, games, and tournaments at substantially similar numbers, frequency, times, <br /> and costs to what has historically been provided, and that travel youth sports shall not supplant <br /> or reduce access by house or recreational youth sports and leagues.' <br /> Travel hockey has already supplanted and reduced access to house and recreational youth sports <br /> and leagues. The addition of the traveling Stars team, the Shamrocks and the Carolina Thunders <br /> has created scheduling issues and ice conflicts. Considering the person responsible for making <br /> the schedule, is also the head coach for the Thunders, shows a direct conflict of interest. While <br /> the Thunders get multi hour practices, and prime game times, Hogs, synchro and UNC have been <br /> pushed into reducing ice time and accepting non-preferred hours. <br /> The same rink manager is also dedicating portions of ice for private lessons, during public stick <br /> and puck time. This is against the rules for stick and puck, no private lessons allowed. Parents <br /> that are there helping their own children have even been approached and told they were not <br /> `allowed' to coach their own child. <br /> The county needs to investigate all the events that led to this situation. Community feedback <br /> should be solicited to see if this is something their constituents want." <br /> Tamara Segovia said she and her sister are Orange County residents. She said that she <br /> wanted to speak after Leo. She was born and raised in South America and they have no ice <br /> because it is so hot. She said now her son is playing ice hockey. She said Leo was the first one <br /> to come over and help her learn how to dress her son in gear. She said everyone has been so <br /> helpful and it is no coincidence that Leo is a Hog, and he embodies everything they represent. <br /> Andrew Koruglak said his twins play hockey with the Hogs. He said RFP has characterized <br /> the existence of a travel team as expanding hockey, but not everyone wants to play travel hockey. <br /> He said his kids played travel hockey but now that they are starting high school, they will come <br /> back to play with the Hogs. <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 Hamilton said since the last meeting, she finished out Black History Month <br /> celebrations by attending the Black History Bowl on February 24t" and the Pauli Murray Awards <br /> on February 25t". On February 28t"she said she attended the Central Pines Executive Committee <br />