HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 09-12-2023 Work Session; 3 - Affordable Housing Advisory Board – Appointment Discussion 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: September 12, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 3
SUBJECT: Affordable Housing Advisory Board — Appointment Discussion
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130
Application of Person for Reappointment
Applications of Applicants
Membership Roster
Applicant Interest List
PURPOSE: To discuss an appointment 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. As a general practice, this board has decided not to make
recommendations for vacancies going forward.
The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members.
The following individual is presented for Board consideration:
NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION
REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE
TERM
Olivia Fisher At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2026
(reappointment)
If the individual listed above is 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.
2
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss an appointment to
the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
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Afforable Housing Advisory Board Members and Applicants
Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on
Andrew Robinson Member Male African American 35-59 Chapel Hill
David Parrish Member Male African American 60+ Chapel Hill
Dion Graham Member Male African American 35-59 Chapel Hill
Hasan A.Abdullah Member Male Other 35-59 Chapel Hill Economic Development Advisory Board
Holly Meschko Member Female White 60+ Hillsborough
Hunter Beattie Member Male White 35-59 Bingham Board of Equalization and Review
Kela Kexel Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Lynn Nilssen Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Mariela Hernandez Member Female Hispanic 35-59 Chapel Hill
Mary Towell Member Female White 35-59 Little River
Matthew Arlyn Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Matthew Ferguson Member Male White 18-34 Bingham
Olivia Fisher Female White 35-59 Bingham Adult Care Home Community Advisory
Member Committee
Paula M.Kotarakos Member Female White 35-59 Cheeks
Sarah Adams Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough
Andrew(Kyle)Myers Applicant Male White 35-59 Cedar Grove
Andrew Semmes Applicant Male White 35-59 Hillsborough
Beth Akers Applicant Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Hugh Page Applicant Choose not to disclose White 35-59 Chapel Hill
Jeanette Benjey Applicant Female lWhite 60+ lHillsborough
Whitney Sneed Applicant Female lWhite 35-59 1 Little River
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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:
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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
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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:
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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
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Page 1 of 2 Andrew (Kyle) Myers
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Andrew (Kyle) Myers
Name Called:
Home Address: 724 Joseph Rd.
Hillsborough NC 27278
Phone: 919-801-4217
Email: Myers.ak@gmail.com
Year of OC Residence: 2018
Township of Residence: Cedar Grove
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Male
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
Girl Scout Troop 1226 Dad
Hillsborough Elementary School volunteer/supporter
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
N/A
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Orange County Board of Adjustment
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have a background in Project Management and Construction. I've worked in the private sector
entitlement of large scale development projects. I've been in leadership roles for over 25 years at
this point.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Contribute positively to my community.
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I believe in principal centered leader and my perspective would bring diversity in that I
understand both sides of the issues facing the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
I currently work for a regional general contractor that could perform work in Orange County.
Orange County Planning Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have a background in Project Management and Construction. I've worked in the private sector
entitlement of large scale development projects. I've been in leadership roles for over 25 years at
this point.
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Page 2 of 2 Andrew (Kyle) Myers
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Contribute positively to my community
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I believe in principal centered leader and my perspective would bring diversity in that I
understand both sides of the issues facing the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
I currently work for a regional general contractor that may perform work in Orange County.
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board
I have a background in Project Management and Construction. I've worked in the private sector
entitlement of large scale development projects. I've been in leadership roles for over 25 years at
this point.
Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board
Contribute positively to my community
How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints?
I believe in principal centered leader and my perspective would bring diversity in that I
understand both sides of the issues facing the board.
Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest
(either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board?
I currently work for a regional general contractor that could perform work in Orange County.
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 5/22/2023 7:03:21 PM Date Printed: 5/23/2023
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Page 1 of 1 Hugh Page
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Mr. Hugh Page
Name Called:
Home Address: 2525 Booker Creek Rd.
Chapel hill NC 27514
Phone: 704-993-8178
Email: Hbrockpage@yahoo.com
Year of OC Residence: 1971
Township of Residence: Chapel Hill
Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits
Gender Identity: Choose not to disclose
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
UPC church, lambda chi alpha, daily Tar Heel, TBO for DHS, Legal Aid of NC
Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards:
None
Boards/Commissions applied for:
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
New Jersey Affordable Housing Act offers a model.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
North Carolina should amend its FHA statute. I could offer a draft.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
I have been a resident of Orange County for over 50 years but I look like I am in my 20s I think
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 1/23/2023 1:37:15 PM Date Printed: 1/26/2023
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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
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Page 1 of 2 Whitney Sneed
Volunteer Application
Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions
Name: Whitney Sneed
Name Called:
Home Address: 6023 Sneed Rd.
Rougemont NC 27572
Phone: 91-977-05293
Email: whitneysneed@hpw.com
Year of OC Residence: 1987
Township of Residence: Little River
Zone of Residence: County
Gender Identity: Female
Ethnic Background: White
Age Range: 35-59
Community Activities/Organizational Memberships:
I currently am a Realtor with Coldwell Banker- Howard Perry & Walston and my office is
located in downtown Hillsborough. I also work at The Service Department, Inc. which is
an automotive shop in Hillsborough. I do not currently volunteer with any community
groups but I am interested in getting involved with my community. I have worked and lived
in Orange County my whole life and would like to help my community grow and prosper.
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 have lived and worked in Orange County all my life. I have a degree in Business Administration,
Marketing, and Business Management. I am also a Realtor based in Orange County.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
As someone who has lived and worked in Orange County all my life I would like to volunteer my
time and expertise to help my community grow and prosper. As someone with experience
dealing with business management I believe I could be an asset.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
As a realtor and a service advisor for an automotive shop, located in Hillsborough, I encounter
people from all walks of life. I consider myself a people-person and I love interacting with a
diverse group of people. As I said before I have grown up in Orange County and would like
assist in the growth of my community.
Conflict of Interest:
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Page 2 of 2 Whitney Sneed
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Background, education and experience relevant to this board:
I have lived and worked in Orange County all my life. I have a degree in Business Administration,
Marketing, and Business Management. I am also a Realtor based in Orange County.
Reasons for wanting to serve on this board:
As someone with experience dealing with housing in the community I feel like I could be a great
asset to this board.
Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board:
With a background in real estate I am getting a firsthand look at seeing the struggles of buyers
and new homeowners trying to get into the area of Orange County.
Conflict of Interest:
Boards/Commissions appointments:
Other Comments:
This application was current on: 1/25/2023 10:40:06 AM Date Printed: 1/26/2023
14
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Shaina Crump&Corey Root
Meeting Place: Contact Phone: 919-245-2492
Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Description: <div>All members are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.The Board advises the Board of County
Commissioners regarding prioritizing housing needs,assessing project proposals,publicizing the County's housing objectives,
monitoring the progress of local housing programs,exploring new funding opportunities,and increasing the community's
awareness of,understanding of,commitment to and involvement in producing attractive affordable housing.</div>
Mariela Hernandez
1 First Appointed: 12/05/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/05/2022
Ethnic Background: Hispanic Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Olivia Fisher
2 First Appointed: 12/05/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 12/05/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2023
Age Range: 35-59 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
Sarah Adams
4 First Appointed: 03/07/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Matthew Ferguson
5 First Appointed: 05/16/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Matthew Arlyn
6 First Appointed: 03/07/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Thursday,August 31,2023 Page 1
15
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Shaina Crump&Corey Root
Meeting Place: Contact Phone: 919-245-2492
Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2
Ms. Kela Kexel
7 First Appointed: 12/05/2022
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/05/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 09/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mrs. Mary Towell
8 First Appointed: 03/07/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Little River Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
David Parrish
9 First Appointed: 03/07/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2023
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Ms. Lynn Nilssen
10 First Appointed: 03/07/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Andrew Robinson
11 First Appointed: 05/16/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Paula M. Kotarakos
12 First Appointed: 05/16/2023
Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2024
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms:
Thursday,August 31,2023 Page 2
16
Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Affordable Housing Advisory Board
Meeting Times: 6:00 pm Second Tuesday of every month Contact Person:Shaina Crump&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: 12/05/2022
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2025
Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
Mr. Hunter Beattie
14 First Appointed: 05/16/2023
Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 05/16/2023
Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026
Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1
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
Thursday,August 31,2023 Page 3
17
Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name
Contact Person: Shaina Crump&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:
Mrs. Jeanette Benjey
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 04/18/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough
Age Range: 60+ Zone of Residence: Hillsborough ETJ
Also Serves On:
Mr. Andrew(Kyle)Myers
Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 05/22/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Mr. Hugh Page
Gender Identity: Choose not to disclose Date Applied: 01/23/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits
Also Serves On:
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:
Whitney Sneed
Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/25/2023
Ethnic Background: White Township: Little River
Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County
Also Serves On:
Thursday,August 31,2023 Page 1 of 1