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1 <br /> APPROVED 3117/26 <br /> MINUTES <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> BUSINESS MEETING <br /> February 17, 2026 <br /> 7:00 p.m. <br /> The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Business Meeting on Tuesday, February <br /> 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. <br /> COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jean Hamilton, Vice-Chair Amy Fowler, and <br /> Commissioners Jamezetta Bedford, Marilyn Carter, 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, Deputy County Manager Caitlin <br /> Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen (All other staff members will be identified <br /> appropriately below.) <br /> Chair Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present. <br /> 1. Additions or Changes to the Agenda <br /> There were no changes to the agenda. <br /> Chair Hamilton read the public charge and 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 /> Vibeke Talley and Rafael Velez, delegates to the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel <br /> Legislature addressed the Board and shared appreciation from senior center participants <br /> regarding Orange County's senior centers. Vibeke Talley explained their monthly information <br /> tables at the two senior centers and shared that participants have overwhelmingly expressed <br /> gratitude for the senior center programs. <br /> Rafael Velez detailed their effort to collect handwritten testimonials from senior center <br /> participants about how the programs have positively impacted their quality of life. These <br /> testimonials, totaling 14 new letters, will be mailed to North Carolina House and Senate <br /> representatives to advocate for continued and expanded funding of senior center programs. He <br /> said he will also email copies to the Board. <br /> b. Matters on the Printed Aqenda <br /> (These matters will be considered when the Board addresses that item on the agenda below.) <br /> 3. Announcements, Petitions, and Comments by Board Members <br /> Chair Hamilton offered Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras greetings before inviting other <br /> Commissioners to speak. <br /> Commissioner Carter echoed the holiday greetings and added Ramadan Mubarak wishes. <br /> She reported on attending a Lunar New Year celebration with Commissioner Portie-Ascott and <br /> noted their upcoming trip to the National Association of Counties Annual Legislative Conference <br /> in Washington DC, where they would meet with senators and Congresswoman Foushee. She <br /> took a moment to acknowledge the passing of civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson, praising his <br />