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1 <br /> APPROVED 4115/25 <br /> MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> SPECIAL MEETING <br /> February 25, 2025 <br /> 7:00 p.m. <br /> The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Special Meeting on Tuesday, February <br /> 25, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. <br /> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton <br /> and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie- <br /> Ascott <br /> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. <br /> COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts <br /> COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Deputy County Manager Caitlin <br /> Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified <br /> appropriately below) <br /> Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.All commissioners were present. <br /> Chair Bedford read the public charge. She explained the process for making public <br /> comments for items not on the agenda vs. items that are on the agenda. <br /> 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda <br /> Not applicable for special meetings. <br /> 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) <br /> a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda <br /> Tisha Abdul, Miss Orange County 2025 for the Miss America Organization, said this was <br /> the inaugural competition for Miss Orange County/Chapel Hill. She said that she is a third-year <br /> neuroscience student at UNC. She said the Miss America opportunity provides opportunities to <br /> work on community enhancing initiatives and said she is working on the Smile 360 Initiative. <br /> She said she has spoken to hundreds of children across North Carolina about oral health. She <br /> said at the age of 14, she founded the first Cabarrus County 360 Smile Chapter and worked <br /> with the Board of Commissioners in Cabarrus County to help bridge the gap between teenagers <br /> and decision makers. She said that oral health is the foundation for overall health. She said that <br /> she is grateful for the opportunity to share her accomplishments and speak to the Board <br /> regarding the missions and said that she looks forward to working with each of them moving <br /> forward. She said she will compete for Miss North Carolina in June. <br /> Ila Monical, Miss Teen Orange County 2025 for the Miss America Organization, said she <br /> is here to share her initiative to help others struggling with bullying and mental health issues. <br /> She said it is called NAMI, Not My Story. She said that she created a podcast that has reached <br /> 5 states so far and focuses on mental health. She said that 20% of students report they have <br /> been through bullying. She said that she is a junior in high school and is spreading the idea of <br /> kindness and self-love. She said that she plans to attend visit McDougle Elementary School and <br /> plans with NAMI at several other future events. She said she is thankful for the opportunities <br /> given to her in Orange County and through the Miss America Opportunity. <br /> b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br />