Minutes 08-26-2025-Business Meeting

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11 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked about the residents' statement that all poor people live in flood-prone areas and whether the county could prevent property owners from repeatedly housing vulnerable people there. Cy Stober clarified that Camelot Village is in Chapel Hill's Planning Jurisdiction. He said Orange County doesn't permit residential dwellings in 100-year floodplains, only 500-year floodplains, with exceptional 65 - 80-foot buffers around all floodplains restricting development. Chair Bedford requested information on HUD rules about placing voucher holders in floodplains after multiple disasters and clarification on perceived rules requiring people to accept dangerous floodplain apartments or lose their housing eligibility. Commissioner Fowler asked if there were other thoughts about how to use what's left in the Social Justice Fund. Chair Bedford shared some ideas, including allocating more money to the Long-time Homeowner's Assistance Program. Travis Myren said this money will keep hotels booked through the next Board meeting on September 4th, where they can add more funding if needed. Commissioner McKee brought up the discussion of senior meals, which was scheduled later on the agenda. He said he initially planned to ask the Board to consider approving $29,000 to continue this program, but more of the Social Justice Fund could be used for this immediate housing need, and the Board could revisit the fund to address the meal program. Commissioner Greene thanked everyone who came to speak tonight and appreciated their testimony. She said Camelot Village could never be built where it is now. Chapel Hill has tried to find solutions including working with FEMA for buyouts and considered condemnation. She said the latter would cost tens of millions for the town. Vice-Chair Hamilton said the county needs to figure out how to be more nimble in emergencies, including in how it sets up communications to the community and to the Board. She said given federal budget cuts, more money will be needed for social services, so the county needs to be ready. She said she supports this item, but wants to get a report that looks out at upcoming needs. She said the uncertainty is traumatic for people who just went through an emergency. She asked if there is a policy that can be put in place that allows the county to refuse housing people in a floodplain. Travis Myren explained the county would need to amend the HUD admin plan and has asked the Housing Director to identify how many units would be lost if the amendment went forward. Commissioner Hamilton emphasized the community must understand that such a policy means less available housing but would prevent repeated losses. Commissioner Greene said it was concerning to her that one resident was told she would be out on the street if she didn't accept the apartment at Camelot Village. Travis Myren said neither HUD nor the county have a policy that would remove someone from a housing waitlist if they decline a unit. He said it may be a shelter-specific policy and he will get more information from the Housing Director, Blake Rosser. A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner McKee, to approve Budget Amendment #1 to transfer $20,000 from the Social Justice Reserve to the Department of Social Services to support residents displaced by Tropical Storm Chantal to extend temporary housing or to establish new housing. VOTE: UNANIMOUS 5. Public Hearings None.