Minutes 11-18-2025-Business Meeting

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2 3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members Chair Bedford read the following joint message signed by the Chair and the Towns' mayors: "We reaffirm that in Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and across Orange County, our communities are made better by the diversity of people within them. We understand that federal immigration authorities are active in the Triangle, causing fear and creating uncertainty in our communities. Their operations in other cities have used racial profiling to detain legal and law- abiding community members, without cause or due process. We strongly denounce actions that sow fear among community members, undermine our local community safety efforts, and infringe on the human rights of our most vulnerable friends and neighbors. Regardless of where you live, work or play, here is some important information to know: • It's important to know your rights and have a plan. • Our local law enforcement agencies do not participate in Immigration and Customs (ICE) or U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) operations. • If you need the police, EMS, fire, crisis response or other emergency service, call 911. • We know that many of you want to speak out, and we ask that you do so peacefully. • We ask that community members rely on trusted organizations that provide accurate information and assistance We are monitoring the situation and remain in close contact with our partners. We will continue to share additional resources." Chair Bedford also announced the Voluntary Agricultural District breakfast tomorrow morning to honor farmers preserving their farmland. Commissioner Carter said she is grateful that the elected officials in Orange County have come together in solidarity with the immigrant community. She reported on the Tax Assessment Work Group's second meeting, where they received an overview of North Carolina law regarding reappraisals from a UNC School of Government instructor. She noted that on December 2nd, the Work Group would hear from Wake County about their efforts to improve their revaluation process. Carter also mentioned attending the Veterans Day celebration at the Veterans Memorial outside of the Southern Human Services Center, where Colonel Fred Black expressed appreciation for the board's support of the memorial. Commissioner Portie-Ascott supported the statement read by Chair Bedford, emphasizing that Orange County is made stronger by diversity. She said the presence of ICE in the Triangle is instilling fear in communities across the state. She said she stands with every frightened community member and wants them to know the Board is here to support them. She also reported attending the Veterans Day event at the Passmore Center where Walter Velo, a longtime community advocate and retired Navy veteran, spoke. Additionally, she attended an event at the Chapel Hill Historic Society where she read a proclamation honoring Cleo Allison of Efland, while Commissioner Sally Greene read one for Jean Andrews Earnhardt. Commissioner Greene echoed concerns for community members worried about their safety from federal agents operating outside the due process of the law. She enjoyed the Veterans Day breakfast at the Passmore Center and the Community Treasures event Commissioner Portie- Ascott mentioned. She highlighted the Climate Council meeting on November 13th, where a draft Heat Action Plan was reviewed. She noted that Mel Gillis reported Orange County is being looked to as the gold standard for Climate Action Plans across the state. She said they received an update on the Community Climate Action plan grant process, and various people remarked on how those seemingly very small grants had been working over the years to catalyze larger initiatives. She described the Neighborhood Energy Reduction program that led to securing $1.5