HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 9, 2024 Minutes Approved ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
July 9, 2024
Solid Waste Services (Admin Center)
1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill
Minutes
Members Present: Tom Proctor, Kristen Young, Jane Saiers, Elise Tyler, Joy Mercer, John Kim, Emilee
Collins
Guests: David Putman, Robert Williams, Cheryl Young, Bruce Woody, Jason Dunn
Members Not Present: Estella Johnson, Hasan Abdullah, Lisa Kaylie
Orange County Staff: Steve Brantley, Amanda Garner, Lindsey Hirni
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Kristen Young at 11:34 a.m.
Approval of Minutes
A motion was made by Elise Tyler and seconded by Tom Proctor to approve the Minutes from the May 9,
2024 meeting. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business
Kristen Young asked all members and staff to introduce themselves since we have 3 new members who
joined the board.
David Putnam was introduced as the new Town of Chapel Hill Economic Development Director. He
mentioned that their focus will be on supporting small local businesses and addressing the office, lab, and
other spaces as well as housing across Chapel Hill.
Robert Williams was introduced as the Director of Solid Waste & Fleet Services. He gave a presentation
covering the 4 divisions of solid waste as well as Fleet Services. He briefly spoke about each division (1.
environmental support, 2. recycling, 3. landfill and 4. sanitation and sites.) Robert proudly told our board
that Orange County is#2 in the state for recycling. He sold about the revenue and recycling programs.
Then he spoke about Fleet Services (which service over 400+ county vehicles)and mentioned that
Electronic Vehicles are becoming more available as well as additional charging stations being added.
Tom Proctor asked about cardboard and commercial collection/recycling. Elise Tyler asked about
education programs available to small businesses. Cheryl Young (Research & Data Manager for Solid
Waste) provided information about commercial collection (Glass on the Side" program)and she spoke
about the advertising and educational programs they have in place to help the public and businesses
reduce their waste. Joy asked about Agricultural waste. Robert spoke about the private sector of trash
collection and recycling. The technology has changed things and they have a remote-control Grinder that
makes mulch. The county doesn't have a transfer station although Orange County has the expertise to
operate one. The Orange County Solid Waste App was also mentioned, and members were excited
about this.
Kristen asked about the future dates and times of the meetings for September and November. The
members didn't have any suggestions or requests to make any changes to the meeting dates or times.
Staff will likely change the November meeting to a Chapel Hill or Carrboro location since the board is
meeting in Hillsborough in September. Kristen mentioned that she would like to investigate a meeting
location at UNC for November.
Steve reminded the new members about their scheduled orientation and EDD Tour for early August and
asked anyone else that might want a refresher. David Putnam said he would be interested in joining to
learn about our department and the EDD.
Old Business
Amanda Garner introduced the Small Business Grant program and spoke about the 2 vacancies that are
open so that we can gain new members for our Grant sub-committee. Emilee Collins and John Kim both
volunteered to serve on the grant sub-committee. Kristen mentioned that she would like to learn more
about the financial statements that would help review the applicants more efficiently. Elise Tyler
suggested that we have a grant award ceremony in the future to recognize the small businesses.
Amanda also provided feedback from the County's legal department, who informed us that our advisory
board could not require their members to participate in a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion workshop per the
current policy. However, our staff will continue to research and acquire information from the new Director
(Paul Slack) of the Equity and Inclusion department to find out what they can offer us moving forward.
David Putnam mentioned a DEI training he recently participated in that was through The University of
South Florida.
Director's Report:
Steve provided an update on the commercial and industrial projects and international leads Orange
County is receiving. Steve also told the members about the upcoming invitation for a special
announcement on Tuesday July 161' at the Whitted Building in Hillsborough starting at 10:00 a.m.
Adjournment
Kristen Young adjourned the meeting at 1:05 PM