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41 <br /> Youth Member 09/30/2028 Vacant since the creation of the position <br /> on 05/20/2025 <br /> Tara May introduced the item. <br /> The Board agreed by consensus to reappoint the individuals listed above. <br /> Discussion of Closed Session Timing/Location on Board Meeting Agendas <br /> The Board discussed the timing/location of Closed Sessions on Board meeting agendas. <br /> BACKGROUND: Members of the Board of Commissioners have expressed interest in where <br /> Closed Sessions are scheduled on Board meeting agendas. This item provides the opportunity <br /> for discussion by the Board. <br /> Based on Board discussion, a potential revision to the Board's Rules of Procedure could be <br /> scheduled for consideration at a future Business meeting. <br /> Chair Bedford invited Commissioner Portie-Ascott to introduce this item. <br /> Commissioner Portie-Ascott said right now, closed sessions are scheduled for the end of <br /> Board meetings, making it difficult for the Board to focus on the seriousness of the information <br /> before them after a long meeting. She said she thinks it would be more conducive to have the <br /> closed session first on the agenda rather than last. She said she heard from other jurisdictions <br /> that schedule their closed sessions first while attending an NCACC conference, and it seems to <br /> work for them. She proposed starting closed sessions at 6:00 pm before the regular meeting at <br /> 7:00 p.m. <br /> Laura Jensen said the Rules of Procedure indicate that item 13 on the agenda is for closed <br /> sessions and can be amended. She mentioned Orange County Schools has a permanent <br /> placeholder for 6:00 p.m. closed sessions. <br /> John Roberts said there could be a permanent placeholder for a closed session at 6:00 <br /> pm, though he would need to look into what to do if there is no need to hold a closed session if it <br /> were a standing start time. <br /> Chair Bedford said there are a couple of boards, like the Burlington-Graham MPO and <br /> Central Pines Regional Council, that commissioners serve on that could pose a time conflict, so <br /> those schedules would need to be considered before scheduling a closed session. <br /> Commissioner McKee said he doesn't have a preference on the timing of closed sessions <br /> on agendas. <br /> Commissioner Greene indicated she had no preference either. <br /> Vice-Chair Hamilton said she remembers starting closed sessions at 6:00 p.m. and then <br /> reconvening after the regular meeting if needed from her school board days. She said she doesn't <br /> think boards can make good decisions late at night, so she supported this change. <br /> Chair Bedford said she is flexible and recalled the same from when she was on the school <br /> board. <br /> Commissioner Fowler said she appreciated starting at 6:00 p.m. when she was on the <br /> school board as well. She said the only issue she has is the ability to remember when a closed <br /> session is scheduled, and having good reminders in place would be helpful. <br /> Commissioner Carter said she supports the change. <br /> Chair Bedford reiterated that John Roberts will look into options for having a standing <br /> closed session, and then this change would come back to the Board as an Amendment to the <br /> Rules of Procedure at a business meeting soon. <br />