Orange County NC Website
Orange County Commission for the Environment <br /> Meeting Summary <br /> September 8', 2025; 7:00 pm <br /> Hybrid Meeting <br /> Present: Kristie Mather, Ian Morse, John Bucher(Teams), Regina Baratta, Aimee <br /> Vandemark, Patrick Fn'Piere, Mark Randall, William Branch, Matthew Ferguson, <br /> Mayur Lodaya, Veronica Penn Beattie (Teams), Lily Schacht <br /> Absent: None <br /> Staff: Chris Hirni, Kalani Allen, Karina Nabors, Amy Eckberg <br /> Guests: Jeff Ryan, Margot Lester <br /> I. Call to Order <br /> Chair Regina Baratta called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm. <br /> II. Additions or Changes to Agenda <br /> None. <br /> III. Approval of DRAFT Meeting Summary—August 11th 2025 <br /> Motion to approve by Chair Regina Baratta; seconded by Vice-Chair Ian Morse; all in <br /> favor; none opposed; motion passed. <br /> IV. CFE Membership and Introductions of New Members <br /> Chair Regina Baratta discussed putting recommendations forward for new appointments <br /> to the CFE. She asked members if they wanted to vote or hold off on nominations to <br /> discuss at a later meeting, and the members decided to wait. <br /> V. CFE Environmental Awards Discussion and Vote <br /> Amy Eckberg led the discussion on the awards and stated that it will be titled The Ripple <br /> Award. Ripple standing for"Recognizing Inspiring People Protecting Local <br /> Environments or Rewarding Innovation in Protecting People, Land, and Ecosystems." <br /> She shared that her office is working with a local glass blower to design the physical <br /> award that will be given to winners. Amy Eckberg shared that the award would not need <br /> BOCC approval. The goal is to have a roll out of the award by the end of the year. The <br /> application deadline was set for February 1, 2026, and they hope to have winners <br /> announced during Earth Week. William Branch inquired about the 5 categories of the <br /> award and Chair Regina Baratta provided a summary. Chair Regina Baratta put forward a <br /> motion to move forward with the creation of the awards; seconded by Mayur Lodaya; all <br /> in favor; none opposed; motion passed. Amy Eckberg added that she will do an <br /> Page 1 of 5 <br />