Minutes 11-18-2025-Business Meeting

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3 million in energy burden and energy reduction program grant with Durham and Granville counties. She also highlighted the Town of Chapel Hill Tree Planning project, initially kick-started by the Community Climate Action Grant. The success of this initiative paved the way for applying for and receiving a $25,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation. With this in mind, she petitioned for Sustainability staff and the Commission for the Environment to consider expanding grant offerings to include climate change adaptation programs. Vice-Chair Hamilton said she weeps for our county, for our country, and for our residents, immigrant and non-immigrant who are being traumatized by the actions of our federal government. Recognizing November as Native American Heritage Month, she remembered the Trail of Tears and noted that many soldiers who defended this country were immigrants and Native Americans. She emphasized that America's success was based on the labor and talents of diverse people who came both voluntarily and involuntarily, and that this success is now at risk. Commissioner McKee said he attended both Veteran's Day events. He shared that his draft number in 1970 was 296, with the draft reaching 292 before being halted after Christmas. He said his grandfather served in World War I in France and came closer to dying from the Spanish flu than from combat action. Commissioner McKee reported being contacted by several people about housing issues in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough, and planned to visit these sites. Having voted for the noise ordinance, he indicated he might petition at the next meeting to reconsider it after being contacted by many farmers. Commissioner Fowler shared that she attended Veterans Day events, the Board retreat on wells and septic systems, as well as Tax Assessment Work Group meetings. At the Triangle West TPO meeting this morning, they received a presentation from Molly DeMarco about social marketing and education to enhance public transit use. The TPO granted pre-authorization to release the 2025 MTP plan, adopted FY 26-35 TIP amendment one, and approved three projects for express design. They also reviewed a draft fund balance policy for January approval. She said she feels sad that Triangle residents feel scared and vulnerable, and is grateful for the sharing of resources that residents can turn to. She welcomed attendees in multiple languages, including Tutelo, Cherokee, and Lumbee, in honor of Native American Heritage Month. Commissioner McKee added that he had spoken with Sheriff Blackwood and was confident the Sheriff would take his responsibilities seriously to ensure the safety and security of everyone in Orange County. 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations a. Native American Heritage Month Proclamation The Board approved a proclamation recognizing November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month. BACKGROUND: Native American Heritage Month, observed each November, honors the history, culture, and contributions of Native American and Indigenous peoples, acknowledging their significant influence on the formation and development of the United States. This observance recognizes the perseverance and resilience of Native peoples who have maintained their identity and traditions despite centuries of hardship, including forced removal, assimilation, and systemic injustices. This month-long recognition highlights the diversity of Native nations, languages, customs, and histories across the United States, which includes the eight state-recognized tribes of North Carolina. The Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation, whose ancestral homeland includes what is now Orange County, continue to be an integral part of the County's cultural and historical fabric.