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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-10-2022 Work Session; 4 - Affordable Housing Advisory Board – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 10, 2022 Action Agenda Item No. 4 SUBJECT: Affordable Housing Advisory Board — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130 Applications of Persons for Re- Appointment Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Affordable Housing Advisory Board prioritizes affordable housing needs and assesses project proposals. The board also publicizes the County's housing objectives, monitors the progress of local housing programs, explores new funding opportunities, and works to increase the community's awareness of, understanding of, commitment to, and involvement in producing attractive affordable housing. This board has opted not to make recommendations. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members. The folll wing positions and individuals are presented for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Ehmu Ra Ho At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2025 re-appointment Holly Meschko At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2025 re-appointment BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2025 Appointment BOCC At-Large Partial Term 09/30/2023 Appointment BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2025 Appointment BOCC At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2023 Appointment 2 BOCC At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2024 Appointment BOCC At-Large First Full Term 06/30/2025 Appointment BOCC At-Large Partial Term 06/30/2024 Appointment If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal impact associated with this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. 3 Afforable Housing Advisory Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Dion Graham Member Male African American 35-59 Chapel Hill Ehmu Ra Ho Member Female Asian American 18-34 Chapel Hill Hasan A. Abdullah Member Male Other 35-59 Chapel Hill Holly Meschko Member Female White 60+ Hillsborough Jenn Sykes Member Female Hispanic 35-59 Hillsborough Keith Cook Member Male African American Cedar Grove Mae McLendon Member Female African American Chapel Hill Paul Voss Member Male White 60+ Cheeks Tim Woody Member Male White Hillsborough VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT VACANT Andrew Semmes Applicant Male White 35-59 Hillsborough Beth Akers Applicant Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Hunter Beattie Applicant Male White 35-59 Bingham Board of Equalization and Review Jeff Scott Applicant Male White 35-59 Hillsborough Orange County Board of Adjustment Kela Kexel Applicant Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Lynn Nilssen Applicant Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Mariela Hernandez Applicant Female Hispanic 35-59 Chapel Hill Mary Towell Applicant Female White 35-59 Little River Olivia Fisher Applicant Female White 35-59 Bingham Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee 4 Orange County, NC Boards & Commissions Submit Date: Feb 02, 2022 Application Form Profile Ehmu Ra Ho First Name Middle Initial Last Name ehmural3Ca)gmail.com Email Address 100 Rock Haven Rd, Apt L102 Home Address Suite or Apt Carrboro NC 27510 City State Postal Code Mobile: (919) 357-2945 Primary Phone What Township do you live in? Q Chapel Hill Property Zone Carrboro Town Limits Community Involvement RE-IMAGINING COMMUNITY TASK FORCE with Town of Chapel Hill Which Boards would you like to apply for? Affordable Housing Advisory Board: Submitted Interests & Experiences Relevant Experience Board #1 In October 2020, 1 was appointed to the Re-imagining Community Task Force for the Town of Chapel Hill. The mission of the Task Force is to bring forth concrete, actionable recommendations to the Town Council that will achieve the following: 1) Increase public safety 2) Eliminate structural inequities in Town public safety systems; and 3) Enable all in the community to thrive. We the Task Force met over the course of nine months to accomplish the task force mission. I serve on the steering committee to support other members of the task forces. We collaborated with outside facilitators to move the task force in the right direction. I attended weekly meetings as a Steering Committee member to create an agenda. I also collaborated with 13+task force members on recommendation. My experience as a refugee, a student in Orange County, and someone who is involved with the Town of Chapel Hill on policy change makes me the ideal candidate for the position. Ehmu Ra Ho 5 Reasons Want to Serve Board #1 Growing up in Chapel Hill as a refugee is hard. I watch my parents struggle to find resources so that life won't be so difficult in Chapel Hill. It is not easy for them to find these resources. For example, there is no interpreter when they have to go to a housing meeting or need to fill out a government document. Language is a barrier for them, and I feel that there is a need for the town to provide interpreters, as well as other resources, for the members of our community who struggle to get the help they need. After watching my parents struggle, I began to work with a nonprofit organization called Refugee Community Partnership (RCP). RCP's main goal is to reach out to refugee families from many backgrounds (Burmese, Karen, Syrian and Congolese) and provide support and resources. Working directly with these families has helped me see that many people share my parents' experience at town, county, and school offices. As a member of the Housing Advisory Board, I would hope to help orange county to identify the barriers to information these families face, and then to help implement programs to improve their access. Diversity of Viewpoints Board #1 I joined the Chapel Hill-Carrboro community in 2009 when my family and I came to the U.S. as refugees from Burma. I am currently in the process of getting a Master degree in Social Work at UNC, and I feel that as a minority student and a refugee from a non-English speaking community, I will bring new insight and unique perspectives to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board Conflict of Interest Board #1 There are no conflict of Interest Relevant Experience Board #2 Reasons Want to Serve Board #2 Diversity of Viewpoints Board #2 Conflict of Interest Board #2 Reasons Want to Serve Board #3 Relevant Experience Board #3 Diversity of Viewpoints Board #3 Ehmu Ra Ho 6 Conflict of Interest Board #3 Past Service Demographics We ask your help in assuring diversity of membership by answering the following questions: Age Range fJ 18-34 OC Ethnicity rJ Asian American OC Gender Identity rJ Female Ethics Guidelines Ethics Guidelines for Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions I agree by my signature below that, if appointed, I pledge to comply with the following ethics guidelines for advisory boards and commissions as adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. • Conflict of Interest 1. During advisory board meetings, a member shall immediately disclose any potential conflict of interest and request to be excused from voting when he or she has a conflict of interest. 2. During appeal proceedings, the applicant has the right to question the interest of any voting member. The advisory board chair should consult with the County Attorney or staff attorney on any potential conflict of interest in appeal matters. 3. In determining from existing facts and circumstances whether a conflict of interest exists the determining party shall consider the facts and circumstances as would an ordinary and reasonable person exercising prudence, discretion, intelligence, and due care. • Gifts 1. An advisory board member shall not directly or indirectly ask, accept, demand, exact, solicit, seek, assign, receive, or agree to receive any gift or honorarium for the advisory board member, or for another person, in return for being influenced in the discharge of the advisory board member's official responsibilities. 2. This section shall not apply to gifts or awards authorized by Orange County Policies, Resolutions, or Ordinances. • Code of Ethics 1. Advisory board members should act with integrity and with independence from improper Ehmu Ra Ho 7 influence as they exercise the functions of their offices. Characteristics and behaviors that are consistent with this standard are: 1. Adhering firmly to a code of sound values. 2. Behaving consistently and with respect towards everyone with whom they interact. 3. Exhibiting trustworthiness. 4. Living as if they are on duty as appointed officials regardless of where they are or what they are doing. 5. Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, presenting their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent manner. 6. Remaining incorruptible, self-governing, and not subject to improper influence, while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others. 7. Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public meetings, and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi-judicial matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves. 8. Treating other advisory boards and advisory board members and the public with respect, and honoring the opinions of others even when they disagree. 9. Being careful not to reach conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard. 10. Showing respect for their appointed office and not behaving in ways that reflect badly on the office, the advisory board, Orange County, or the Orange County Board of Commissioners. 11. Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly. 12. Recognizing that individual board members are not generally allowed to act on behalf of the board, but may only do so if the board specifically so authorizes, and that the board must take official action as a body. 13. Being faithful in the performance of the duties of their offices. 14. Acting as especially responsible residents whom others can trust and respect. 15. Faithfully attending and preparing for meetings. 16. Carefully analyzing all credible information that is properly submitted to them, and when applicable, being mindful of the need not to engage in communications outside the meeting in quasi-judicial matters. 17. Being willing to bear their fair share of the board's workload. 18. To the extent appropriate, they should be willing to put the board's interests ahead of their own and shall avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest and shall, under no circumstances, use their position on any board for personal gain or profit. 2. Members of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, and Board of Equalization and Review shall upon initial appointment, and prior to December 31 annually thereafter, disclose: 1. Any interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in real property situated in whole or in part in Orange County and the general description of that property. 2. Any legal, equitable, beneficial or contractual interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in any business, firm or corporation, which is currently doing business with Orange County pursuant to contracts awarded by Orange County, or which is attempting, or has attempted in the past calendar year, to secure the award of a bid from Orange County or the approval of any Board or Agency of Orange County. 3. Failure to file a disclosure statement setting out the above required information shall result in immediate removal of the member from the applicable board. Ehmu Ra Ho 8 1 agree with the Above Statement By checking this box I certify that this serves as an electronic version of my signature,for the sole purposes of this form. W I Agree Ehmu Ra Ho 9 Page 1 of 2 Holly Meschko Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Holly Meschko Name Called: Home Address: 815 US Highway 70A East Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-579-6101 Email: hollymeschko@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2018 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: white Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Submitted photos for the Orange County DEAPR The Nature of Orange 2019 photography contest. Volunteered for the Garden Club at the Passmore Senior Center in Hillsborough. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I currently live in affordable housing as a first time apartment dweller. I waited 3 years, 7 1/2 months for an opening. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I currently live in affordable housing as a first time apartment dweller. I waited 3 years, 7 1/2 months for an opening, so I am interested in the process of affordable housing, and would like the opportunity to advocate for more affordable housing; there s a great need for it. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: The diversity I would bring to any advisory board I may have the privilege to serve on is this: I am new to the area, and after living in my own home for 28 years, and the same town for 60 years, I now live in an affordable apartment complex for people 55 and over, for which I was on the wait list for 3 years, 7 and 1/2 months! In addition to aging, I have an invisible but disabling rare disease that mainly affects women, and my grandson is a multi-racial special needs child on the autism spectrum. Conflict of Interest: 10 Page 2 of 2 Holly Meschko Advisory Board on Aging Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am aging, and it is quite a transition! Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I live in affordable housing with other aging residents. On a daily basis, I see the challenges that the aging population faces, but the general population is unaware of; transportation, food shopping (affordability)and preparation, laundry, the inability to afford entertainment, cable, telephone, internet, etc. and basics such as quarters for laundry. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: The diversity of opinion I believe I would bring to the Aging Board or any other board, is my life experiences, which is this:: I am 63. In addition to experiencing the aging process, I have a rare disease that mainly affects women. I moved into an affordable apartment complex for residents age 55 and over after living in my own home in Ohio for 28 years. I see the daily struggles that many residents experience; loneliness, boredom, financial difficulty, difficulty preparing a meal, inability to get out(drive), being last in the lives of their children whom they raised, sadness, and, unfortunately, an unwillingness by many to accept diversity and differences in others, etc. I am also a grandmother to a bi-racial special needs teenage boy who's on the autism spectrum who's experienced bullying in school. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/4/2020 Date Printed: 1/6/2020 11 Page 1 of 2 Beth Akers Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mrs. Beth Akers Name Called: Home Address: 623 Bayberry Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27517 Phone: 2397389716 Email: akers.bethann@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2009 Township of Residence: Zone of Residence: Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: None at this time. In the past, I have volunteered with the elderly at the Care Club of Collier County and Carolina Meadows. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: NA Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I worked for many years as a Licensed Practical Nurse. I returned to school in 2015 and received a BA in political science from North Carolina Central University. Currently, I work at a local property management company as a bookkeeper and real estate broker. The company that I work for rents accepts section 8 for some of our properties and rents a couple of houses to programs for people in addiction recovery. Through my education in political science and my experience in real estate, I have a firm understanding of government operations and our community. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: Orange county lacks affordable housing, and I think more need to be done. Rents are currently rising, and many people can t afford to buy a house. I want to see more affordable places to rent and buy in our county. I believe that everyone deserves a roof over their head in a safe community. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I respect other people s perspectives and opinions. I think this is very important because I can work well with others to achieve common goals. I have a lot of ideas about bringing affordable housing to Orange county. For example, I want to see built, smaller homes and townhomes in our community, not just huge homes that are a million-plus. If this is done, we can offer homeownership to more people. Also, we need to build affordable rentals, so people don t have to choose between paying rent or putting food on the tables for themselves or their families. Conflict of Interest: 12 Page 2 of 2 Beth Akers I am a real estate broker. I am not sure if this may be a conflict of interest. Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 5/12/2022 7:08:28 PM Date Printed: 5/18/2022 13 Orange County, NC Boards & Commissions Submit Date: Jan 19, 2022 Application Form Profile Hunter Beattie First Name Middle Initial Last Name hunterbeattie@gmail.com Email Address 404 Morgan Creek Rd. Home Address Suite or Apt Chapel Hill NC 27517 City State Postal Code Home: (646) 642-3277 Primary Phone What Township do you live in? Q Chapel Hill Property Zone County Community Involvement I am involved with Habitat for Humanity in Orange County and surrounding Counties. I volunteer with Table in Carrboro, NC. I also consult with local nonprofits to assist with grant writing as well as the implementation and management of Federal grants. Which Boards would you like to apply for? Affordable Housing Advisory Board: Submitted Interests & Experiences Relevant Experience Board #1 In 2005, 1 moved from New York City to North Carolina to work with a nonprofit involved in prison reform. I was quickly drawn to the communities of Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and Carrboro and I moved to Carrboro in 2006. Since then, I've remained in Orange County. In 2012, while working as the Program Director and Finance Manager of Communities in Schools of Orange County, I wrote and received a 1.3 million dollar Federal grant to fund drop-out prevention programs at 7 Orange County middle schools, 2 elementary schools, and 1 high school. Additionally, since 2009, 1 have been involved in property management, development, and investment. I also have a strong knowledge of local real estate markets, market trends, property valuations, the County's GIS site, the UDO, and other resources, based on my experience buying, selling, and developing property. Lastly, I have served on the Board of Equalization and Review for three years, hearing all tax appeals in Orange County. Mr. Hunter Beattie 14 Reasons Want to Serve Board #1 Like many members of our community, I've witnessed the damaging effects of the rapid increase and acceleration in housing costs. Friends and family have been displaced from their communities. Housing continues to be treated as an investment, a store of value, and a marketable asset rather than a place where people live, commute to work, raise their family, and participate in their community. Additionally, rising property taxes have contributed to the displacement of many members of our community, which is one of the reasons I joined the Board of Equalization and Review three years ago. I believe that there are strategies that can address many types of displacement, as well as ones that disincentivize predatory investors by strengthening community relationships. I also believe that the community must work together and pressure local government to invest in affordable housing. Diversity of Viewpoints Board #1 While I have been involved in real estate investment, my endeavors have not been predatory like many of the transactions I see in the market. I have purchased homes for fair market value, restored them to a habitable condition, added them to the local rental stock, and then sold them, typically to first time home- buyers a few years later. However, I have seen the many ways that other investors, both local and institutional, profit from people who cannot afford to realize the value in their own home. I believe that my knowledge of the UDO and my experience investing in local real estate, help me consider the viewpoints of members of the community who benefit from a rise in housing costs, and who also wield disproportionate political influence. And, I believe that my personal political orientation informs my desire to create affordable housing solutions in our community. Conflict of Interest Board #1 I am not seeking local funding to develop affordable housing in this area; nor have I encountered any other conflicts of interest in my position on the Board of Equalization and Review. Relevant Experience Board #2 Reasons Want to Serve Board #2 Diversity of Viewpoints Board #2 Conflict of Interest Board #2 Reasons Want to Serve Board#3 Relevant Experience Board #3 Mr. Hunter Beattie 15 Diversity of Viewpoints Board #3 Conflict of Interest Board #3 Past Service Board of E&R (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022) Demographics We ask your help in assuring diversity of membership by answering the following questions: Age Range PF 35-59 OC Ethnicity PF White OC Gender Identity V Male Ethics Guidelines Ethics Guidelines for Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions I agree by my signature below that, if appointed, I pledge to comply with the following ethics guidelines for advisory boards and commissions as adopted by the Orange County Board of Commissioners. • Conflict of Interest 1. During advisory board meetings, a member shall immediately disclose any potential conflict of interest and request to be excused from voting when he or she has a conflict of interest. 2. During appeal proceedings, the applicant has the right to question the interest of any voting member. The advisory board chair should consult with the County Attorney or staff attorney on any potential conflict of interest in appeal matters. 3. In determining from existing facts and circumstances whether a conflict of interest exists the determining party shall consider the facts and circumstances as would an ordinary and reasonable person exercising prudence, discretion, intelligence, and due care. • Gifts 1. An advisory board member shall not directly or indirectly ask, accept, demand, exact, solicit, seek, assign, receive, or agree to receive any gift or honorarium for the advisory board member, or for another person, in return for being influenced in the discharge of the advisory board member's official responsibilities. 2. This section shall not apply to gifts or awards authorized by Orange County Policies, Resolutions, or Ordinances. Mr. Hunter Beattie 16 • Code of Ethics 1. Advisory board members should act with integrity and with independence from improper influence as they exercise the functions of their offices. Characteristics and behaviors that are consistent with this standard are: 1. Adhering firmly to a code of sound values. 2. Behaving consistently and with respect towards everyone with whom they interact. 3. Exhibiting trustworthiness. 4. Living as if they are on duty as appointed officials regardless of where they are or what they are doing. 5. Using their best independent judgment to pursue the common good as they see it, presenting their opinions to all in a reasonable, forthright, consistent manner. 6. Remaining incorruptible, self-governing, and not subject to improper influence, while at the same time being able to consider the opinions and ideas of others. 7. Disclosing contacts and information about issues that they receive outside of public meetings, and refraining from seeking or receiving information about quasi-judicial matters outside of the quasi-judicial proceedings themselves. 8. Treating other advisory boards and advisory board members and the public with respect, and honoring the opinions of others even when they disagree. 9. Being careful not to reach conclusions on issues until all sides have been heard. 10. Showing respect for their appointed office and not behaving in ways that reflect badly on the office, the advisory board, Orange County, or the Orange County Board of Commissioners. 11. Recognizing that they are part of a larger group and acting accordingly. 12. Recognizing that individual board members are not generally allowed to act on behalf of the board, but may only do so if the board specifically so authorizes, and that the board must take official action as a body. 13. Being faithful in the performance of the duties of their offices. 14. Acting as especially responsible residents whom others can trust and respect. 15. Faithfully attending and preparing for meetings. 16. Carefully analyzing all credible information that is properly submitted to them, and when applicable, being mindful of the need not to engage in communications outside the meeting in quasi-judicial matters. 17. Being willing to bear their fair share of the board's workload. 18. To the extent appropriate, they should be willing to put the board's interests ahead of their own and shall avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest and shall, under no circumstances, use their position on any board for personal gain or profit. 2. Members of the Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, Economic Development Commission, and Board of Equalization and Review shall upon initial appointment, and prior to December 31 annually thereafter, disclose: 1. Any interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in real property situated in whole or in part in Orange County and the general description of that property. 2. Any legal, equitable, beneficial or contractual interest he or she or his or her spouse or domestic partner has in any business, firm or corporation, which is currently doing business with Orange County pursuant to contracts awarded by Orange County, or which is attempting, or has attempted in the past calendar year, to secure the award of a bid from Orange County or the approval of any Board or Agency of Orange County. 3. Failure to file a disclosure statement setting out the above required information shall result in immediate removal of the member from the applicable board. Mr. Hunter Beattie 17 1 agree with the Above Statement By checking this box I certify that this serves as an electronic version of my signature,for the sole purposes of this form. W I Agree Mr. Hunter Beattie 18 Page 1 of 2 Olivia Fisher Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Olivia Fisher Name Called: Home Address: 4105 Westwood Dr Efland NC 27243 Phone: 984-484-9231 Email: orfisher@icloud.com Year of OC Residence: 2015 Township of Residence: Bingham Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: American Constitution Society, National Disabled Law Student Association Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Affordable Housing, Adult Care Community Advisory Committee Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have served on the Affordable Housing Board in recent years, I resigned due to schedule conflicts in my last academic term. I have my MSW and am a 3L law student at NCCU. I previously supervised an independent living program for adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities. I have also worked with underhoused adults in a program based HUD program an din a community-based HUD program. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: Affordable housing is a necessity. I want to be able to help those in my community access affordable housing and to know how to advocated for community accessibility. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I have helped people navigate services for most of my career and have an understanding of both how the system can work and hwo the system can create barriers. Conflict of Interest: None Boards/Commissions appointments: 19 Page 2 of 2 Olivia Fisher Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Application Date: 2/18/2019 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have supervised group homes in my previous role at work. I am familiar with resident rights, as well as the responsibilities and limitations of guardianship. I have a background in social work, including working as an Options care manager in Pennsylvani Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I want to work to ensure that seniors and other vulnerable adults are served in appropriate settings where their dignity, autonomy, and humanity is honored . Conflict of Interest: I work with Residential Services Inc as the supervisor for their independent living program providing supports for adults in their own home. We do have group homes and a retirement community in Durham, but I am not directly involved in operations. Due to Affordable Housing Advisory Board Application Date: 3/26/2018 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: While a resident of Pittsburgh, PA, I worked with several homeless programs, as well as site and community based HUD programs. I currently work with individuals with disabilities in their own apartments and am very aware of the intersecting issues that i Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: Orange County is a thriving area, but I know that accessing housing is a hurdle. I would like to have the exposure to local context to help be more involved and steer the direction of housing access in our community. Conflict of Interest: I work for a non-profit that indirectly supports people in finding housing to live more independently. Affordable Housing Advisory Board Application Date: 12/31/2019 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: While a resident of Pittsburgh, PA, I worked with several homeless programs, as well as site and community based HUD programs. I currently work with individuals with disabilities in their own apartments and am very aware of the intersecting issues. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: Orange County is a thriving area, but I know that accessing housing is a hurdle. I would like to have the exposure to local context to help be more involved and steer the direction of housing access in our community. Conflict of Interest: I work for a non-profit that indirectly supports people in finding housing to live more independently. Other Comments: This application was current on: 7/18/2022 Date Printed: 7/18/2022 20 Page 1 of 1 Mariela Hernandez Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mariela Hernandez Name Called: Home Address: 1303 Hillsborough Rd. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-428-7125 Email: mhernandez@orangecountync.gov Year of OC Residence: Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: Hispanic Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: i am in some of my community boards like IFC and orange food council and i also a participate in my children PTA and SIT Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: IFC board and health boards Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I have a high interest in affordable housing. also i work with lots of people in my community that have a direct effect with housing affordability needs Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: to make a equitable decision in a board we need a diverse group of people participating in our boards Conflict of Interest: n/a Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 8/1/2022 Date Printed: 8/1/2022 21 Page 1 of 2 Kela Kexel Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Kela Kexel Name Called: Home Address: 909b Dawes Street Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 984-322-0796 Email: kelakexel@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2019 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I do volunteer community interpreting, often for Worker s Compensation-related medical appointments, among other things. I am interested in affordable housing as this is an issue that hits close to home as a single mother. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I have a Masters in Translation and Interpretation, and yet I struggle to afford housing in Orange County as a single mother of 2 boys, especially through the pandemic. The rising cost of rental housing is of critical importance to me, and I understand issues faced by more and more families, for whom rental rates easily exceed 50% of their income. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I would like to get involved in affordable housing at the county level. I believe there are good organizations that address housing already in existence in Orange County, and yet more can and must be done to address housing affordability, access to housing, and removing obstacles for everyday people in need of housing, especially in a locale so heavily saturated with college students, and thus with so much of the rental housing being available at rates only manageable by 4 separate adult roommates, all paying for their own room, thus making the hypothetical $4000 rent for a 4 bedroom house affordable to them but entirely off-limits to a single-income family. There is a need for more programs that help broaden access to affordable housing for average single-income families, for example. The Community Empowerment Fund is one great example in Chapel Hill of an organization that attempts to tackle a fundamentally important issue such as housing. I would like to raise awareness of the matter of housing availability and affordability and the fact that it impacts everyone. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: 22 Page 2 of 2 Kela Kexel My participation would matter because I am uniquely positioned as an educated/skilled individual who is also low-income, a single parent of biracial boys. Had things lined up differently for me, I would be a homeowner, but instead, I am currently renting a roach-infested apartment for myself and my 2 children, and this is a lucky find given the current rental market. Also given the current rental market, it is next to impossible for me to make a move to a different place, despite my family s changing needs. This type of situation is not uncommon for many renters. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 7/15/2022 1:17:15 PM Date Printed: 7/15/2022 23 Page 1 of 2 Lynn Nilssen Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Lynn Nilssen Name Called: Home Address: 1518 Rutoni Drive Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 9412842158 Email: lynn@nilssen.us Year of OC Residence: 2021 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Meals on Wheels of Orange County, volunteer driver. New Hope Audubon Society - Advocacy Committee. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: none Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Retired Financial Analyst. Realtor. Community organizer for civic causes at the local and state level. Examples include Clean energy policies, net metering policies, voting rights advocacy. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: One of the best ways to ensure a thriving community is to provide economic stability for its residents. One way to do that is to build equity trough homeownership. Unfortunately the reality is that this has become les and less of an option for many. By serving on this Advisory Board I would hope to find solutions to level the playing field to make possibility of homeownership a viable option to more people within the community. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: After having moved away from Cambridge MA and living in a more homogeneous community for 18 years I felt the need to live in a more diverse community again. That is a major reason I moved to the triangle area specifically for the diversity of people, ethnicity and range of viewpoints. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: 24 Page 2 of 2 Lynn Nilssen This application was current on: 7/14/2022 11:26:58 AM Date Printed: 7/14/2022 25 Page 1 of 2 Jeff Scott Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Jeff Scott Name Called: Home Address: 1520 Park Lane Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-815-8254 Email: jgscott0@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2014 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Hillsborough Planning Board AIA Triangle Design Awards Committee AIA National Advisory Panel AIA National Conference on Architecture Peer Reviewer AIA Triangle Education Outreach Committee Registered Architect in State of NC Member, Construction Specifications Institute Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Planning Board (REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am currently an active member of the Hillsborough Planning Board. I have served on this board for 2-years and have enjoyed being a part of the process. I also have several years of architectural background in civic/justice projects at the state and local level. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: As a resident of Hillsborough and Orange County for over 5-years, it is important to me to understand how I can help the community understand the process. The planning process can be confusing (even to me), so hearing everyone s thoughts and opinions are very helpful. I understand people s trepidation and concern about changes in this community. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: Conflict of Interest: 26 Page 2 of 2 Jeff Scott Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: As an architect, affordable housing is always a critical topic of concern. I practiced in residential architecture at the beginning of my career. I have also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Charlotte, Asheville, and Raleigh/Durham. My previous experience working with general contractors and construction managers also allows me to understand the ramifications of costing, constructability, and project management. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: Affordable housing is a very important and apt topic locally and nationally. As an active professional in this region, I continue to see how this area is being shaped for both the positive and negative. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I believe that the diversity I could bring to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board could certainly be an asset for Orange County. Having lived in other communities in this state (Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham), as well as having spent time studying abroad in Italy and Germany, I have seen a variety of strategies that address housing. In many instances this housing has been shaped by how the urban or rural fabric is shaped. Orange County has the opportunity to really be a leader in driving affordable housing strategies forward as the county grapples with issues of growth and long-term planning strategies. I have seen this while working on single- family and multi-family residential projects and how the divide between building types is critical. Having seen how other communities grapple with affordable housing is also very important to me. Affordable housing is always a very difficult and contentious topic. I have previously been a part of a design/build architectural studio that focused solely on designing and building a home for a low-income family. I have seen how carefully and thoughtfully the process can be executed. Much of the process comes down to creating an architecture of decency for the people that inhabit these homes. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Application Date: 8/10/2020 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Having served in the Hillsborough Planning Board, I see the issues of concern when planning is at odds with the property owners. Typically this has always been something remedied without resorting to BOA but it seems like an interesting process. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: My architectural/planning background would help me in serving on this board. I also believe I have the fair and impartial temperament to serve. Having served as a project architect and manager for numerous projects, I see where conflicts come in and how t Conflict of Interest: Other Comments: This application was current on: 4/19/2021 Date Printed: 4/22/2021 27 Page 1 of 1 Andrew Semmes Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Andrew Semmes Name Called: Home Address: 205 N. Nash St. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 931-529-0651 Email: andrewsemmes@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2022 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Town of Hillsborough Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Member of the National Association of Business Economists Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I work as a Senior Research Analyst for Yardi Matrix, which is a data and analytics provider for the commercial real estate industry. I have focused primarily on the multifamily asset class and have forged professional relationships across the multifamily spectrum, from developers and asset management groups to housing Economists and academic advocates. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I view housing as a fundamental right where we as a society are failing. I would like to advocate and bring what experience I can to hopefully help my community on that front. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I'm a millennial who has both experienced homelessness, and who lived with his parents for many years as an adult due to the housing affordability crisis. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 7/19/2022 2:30:21 PM Date Printed: 7/19/2022 28 Page 1 of 2 Mary Towell Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mrs. Mary Towell Name Called: Home Address: 2932 Doe Trail Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 9193082508 Email: thetowells2932@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1998 Township of Residence: Little River Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: While I am not part of any community activities or organizations in Hillsborough, I serve as a Guardian Ad Litem in Person County. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: n/a Boards/Commissions applied for: Affordable Housing Advisory Board Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am an Early Childhood Educator with over 20 years of experience serving mainly low income Families. I remain continually aware of the economic challenges faced by each Family, and how it impacts their Children. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: The current housing crisis is causing so much stress in our community and beyond. Through social media, I can see the economic impact reaching far and wide, as people struggle with employment, which then rolls into their housing issues. Currently, I am enrolled in a Masters degree program (Advocacy and Leadership in Early Childhood through UNC-W), which had heightened my awareness and increased my interest in the area of social advocacy. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I believe my viewpoint as an Educator of young Children, and as a long time member of the Hillsborough community would be beneficial to the Affordable Housing Advisory Board. Throughout my career, I have built strong communication skills by collaborating with Administration, Families, and Co-Teachers. Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: 29 Page 2 of 2 Mary Towell This application was current on: 7/15/2022 9:31:10 PM Date Printed: 7/18/2022 30 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Affordable Housing Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Corey Root Meeting Place: Contact Phone: 919-245-2492 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: All members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.The Board will prioritize affordable housing needs, assess and monitor project proposals and local housing programs.It will publicize County housing objectives and assist the implementation of recommended strategies in the FY 2001 CAHTF(Commissioners'Affordable Housing Task Force) Report.The Board will also explore new funding opportunities,assist in the investigation of County residential segregation patterns,and assist with other housing-related items as identified by the Board of County Commissioners. Keith Cook 1 First Appointed: 06/06/2017 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 09/17/2019 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2022 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 VACANT 2 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2023 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Hasan A. Abdullah 3 First Appointed: 04/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 04/05/2022 Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Ehmu Ra Ho 4 First Appointed: 04/05/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 04/05/2022 Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2022 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mae McLendon 5 First Appointed: 06/06/2017 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 10/06/2020 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr. Tim Woody 6 First Appointed: 05/18/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 05/18/2021 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Monday,October 31,2022 Page 1 31 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Affordable Housing Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Corey Root Meeting Place: Contact Phone: 919-245-2492 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 VACANT 7 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: VACANT 8 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: VACANT 9 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: VACANT 10 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Paul Voss 11 First Appointed: 06/15/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 06/15/2021 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: VACANT 12 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Monday,October 31,2022 Page 2 32 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Affordable Housing Advisory Board Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Corey Root Meeting Place: Contact Phone: 919-245-2492 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Holly Meschko 13 First Appointed: 10/06/2020 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 10/06/2020 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2022 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Jenn Sykes 14 Chair First Appointed: 06/06/2017 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 10/06/2020 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2023 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr. Dion Graham 15 First Appointed: 06/15/2021 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 10/05/2021 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Monday,October 31,2022 Page 3 33 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Corey Root Affordable Housing Advisory Board Contact Phone: 919-245-2492 Mrs. Beth Akers Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 05/12/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Chapel Hill ETJ Also Serves On: Mr. Hunter Beattie Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 01/19/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Bingham Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Board of Equalization and Review(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Olivia Fisher Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 07/18/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Bingham Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee Mariela Hernandez Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 08/01/2022 Ethnic Background: Hispanic Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Also Serves On: Ms. Kela Kexel Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 07/15/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Ms. Lynn Nilssen Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 07/14/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Monday,October 31,2022 Page 1 of 2 34 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Corey Root Affordable Housing Advisory Board Contact Phone: 919-245-2492 Mr. Jeff Scott Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 04/19/2021 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Orange County Board of Adjustment(REQUIRES DISCLOSURE STATEMENT) Andrew Semmes Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 07/19/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: Town of Hillsborough Also Serves On: Mrs. Mary Towell Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 07/15/2022 Ethnic Background: White Township: Little River Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Monday,October 31,2022 Page 2 of 2