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1 <br /> APPROVED 1/20/26 <br /> MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> BUSINESS MEETING <br /> November 18, 2025 <br /> 7:00 p.m. <br /> The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, November <br /> 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. <br /> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT. Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton, <br /> and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Sally Greene, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie- <br /> Ascott <br /> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. <br /> COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT. John Roberts <br /> COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen <br /> (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below). <br /> Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present. <br /> 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda <br /> A motion was made by Chair Bedford, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to remove item <br /> 6-a and add a closed session under item 13 to "consult with an attorney employed or retained by <br /> the public body in order to preserve the attorney-client privilege between the attorney and the <br /> public body," pursuant to NCGS 143-318(a)(3). <br /> VOTE: UNANIMOUS <br /> Chair Bedford read the public charge. She reviewed the instructions for making public <br /> comment. <br /> 2. Public Comments (Limited to One Hour) <br /> a. Matters not on the Printed Agenda <br /> Ashley Parker, President of the Orange County Farm Bureau, expressed concerns about <br /> the noise ordinance amendments passed by the Board on September 16, 2025. She explained <br /> that her family operates a century farm with various agricultural activities, including row crops, <br /> beef, produce, and flowers. She stated that the new amendments to the county's noise ordinance <br /> violate the state's Right to Farm Act. She argued that agritourism activities on farms should remain <br /> protected, citing examples of activities now prohibited in rural Orange County per the ordinance, <br /> including amplified noise of any kind, carrying a microphone during field tours, and hosting <br /> weddings with music. She shared that she had spent five years saving to build a barn to share <br /> her farm with the public. She emphasized that the new generation of farmers doesn't want to be <br /> micromanaged and needs freedom to help their farms thrive. <br /> b. Matters on the Printed Agenda <br /> (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br />