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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 11-12-2024; 7 - Commission for the Environment - Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: November 12, 2024 Action Agenda Item No. 7 SUBJECT: Commission for the Environment — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130 Member and Applicant Summary Sheet Applications of Persons Recommended Application of Other Applicant Membership Roster Applicant Interest List PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Commission for the Environment. BACKGROUND: The Commission for the Environment advises the Board of Commissioners on matters affecting the environment with particular emphasis on protection. It educates the public and local officials on environmental issues and performs special studies and projects. It also recommends environmental initiatives and study changes in environmental science and local and federal regulations. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Regina At-Large Second Full 12/31/2027 Baratta Term Patrick At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2027 Fn'Pierre (reappointment) Aimee At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2027 Vandemark (reappointment) Jane Harris At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2027 (reappointment) If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: 2 POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 12/31/2024 Vacant since 09/09/2024 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: There are no Orange County Strategic Plan Goals applicable to this item. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Commission for the Environment. 3 ORANGE COUNTY A Department of Environment, Agriculture,Parks&Recreation October 17, 2024 Ms. Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners 300 West Tryon Street P.O. Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Ms. Jensen: Four members of the Commission for the Environment (CFE) have terms that will expire on December 31,2024 (Regina Baratta,Patrick Fn'Piere,Aimee Vandemark and Jane Harris). All four of those members would like to be reappointed to another term and the CFE will benefit greatly from having each of them continue to serve. Sincerely, Regina Baratta Chair, Commission for the Environment NATURAL and CULTURAL RESOURCES DIVISION Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone: (919) 245-2510 Fax: (919) 644-3351 4 Commission for the Environment Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Kristie Mather Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Matthew Ferguson Member Male White 18-34 Bingham Lily Schacht Member Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill Wendy Calvin Member Female Other 35-59 Cheeks Patrick Fn'Piere Member Male African American 60+ Hillsborough Taylor Oakley Member Male White 18-34 Chapel Hill Thomas Engelhardt Member Male White 60+ Chapel Hill Mark Randall Member Male White 60+ Cedar Grove John Bucher Member Male White 60+ Hillsborough Veronica Beattie Member Female White 18-34 Hillsborough Ian Morse Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Regina Baratta Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough Aimee Vandemark Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough Jane Harris Member Female African American 35-59 Chapel Hill VACANT James Wheeler jApplicant Male lWhite 35-59 1 Little River 5 Page 1 of 2 Regina Baratta Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Regina Baratta Name Called: Home Address: 314 West Margaret Lane Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 9199230277 Email: rtbaratta@msn.com Year of OC Residence: 1996 Township of Residence: Zone of Residence: Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: I coach Science Olympiad at my school (Smith Middle in Chapel Hill) and am a teacher sponsor for the upcoming Robotics Club. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Commission for the Environment Background, education and experience relevant to this board: I am a middle school science teacher with 25 years of experience. I have a B.S in biology and am an Energy Literacy Fellow (through UNC s School of the Environment). I m very interested in environmental and energy issues and believe I would bring an objective viewpoint and an educator s insight on how to reach and teach a wide audience. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I would like to understand the county s environmental policies and would like to help educate other s on these policies so everyone can have a voice in our county s future environmental decisions. I have written grant proposals and managed school activity accounts so I feel I could be helpful reviewing and recommending funding initiatives. Contribution to the diversity of viewpoints on this board: I feel that my teaching experience and interest in environmental issues would stay focused on the current science, practical actions and solutions, and how our actions may impact future generations. As a teacher, I m especially concerned about protecting our resources for future generations and am familiar with the despair many kids feel about our future climate. I also know they have skills and talents they can bring to the table. I would look for ways that would engage the our youth so they could take part in meaningful actions Conflict of Interest: Boards/Commissions appointments: 6 Page 2 of 2 Regina Baratta Other Comments: This application was current on: 5/30/2022 1:45:08 PM Date Printed: 6/8/2022 7 Page 1 of 2 Patrick Fn'Piere Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Patrick Fn'Piere Name Called: Home Address: 1406 Meadow Wind Ln. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 213-675-8355 Email: pfnpiere@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2021 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: African American Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Volunteer with PORCH Communities Council on Foreign Relations Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/A Boards/Commissions applied for: Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I am a public policy executive with over 25 years experience in strategic planning, policy development/implementation, performance management, facilitation of public/private partnerships, and coordination of marketing, research, communication, and external/political affairs. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have increasingly become interested in contributing to solutions to climate change, resilience, and environmental sustainability. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I started my career as a water resource technician (water well driller) in the Peace Corps in the mid-1970s. Since then I have taken advantage of periodic opportunities to engage on environmental issues through my work at USAID and with the UN and World Bank on issues ranging from cross-border environmental disputes, governance projects related to water/sanitation, and Blue/Green policy initiatives. 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? Boards/Commissions appointments: 8 Page 2 of 2 Patrick Fn'Piere Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/23/2023 5:08:05 PM Date Printed: 11/29/2023 9 Page 1 of 2 Aimee Vandemark Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Aimee Vandemark Name Called: Home Address: 309 N. Churton Street Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-370-0132 Email: aimeevandemark@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2004 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (with a small psychotherapy practice; aimeevandemarklcsw.com) Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide (www.forestbathingnc.com) Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board As a Certified Forest Therapy Guide, one of my guiding principles is reciprocity with the nature all around me. Not just what nature gives to me but what I can give to nature. My hope would be able to share this principle of mutual connectedness between us and nature with the board. I believe it is within that connectedness we can make sound environmental policy and recommendations to our community leaders and educate others about environmental issues facing our community. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board As a social worker, one of my professional guiding values is SERVICE. While I see my therapy practice as a service to the community, I would like to further be of service to my community through service to the environment. Another social value is SOCIAL JUSTICE and as the climate change impacts seem to impact the most vulnerable in our communities the hardest, I feel compelled to be a part of the solutions to lessening that suffering. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I am not exactly sure how my participation might add to the diversity of the board, but as a citizen, a parent, a business owner and an environmentalist I would hope to be another voice supporting the special nature and environment I call home. 10 Page 2 of 2 Aimee Vandemark 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? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/14/2023 1:30:18 PM Date Printed: 11/15/2023 11 Page 1 of 2 Jane Harris Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Jane Harris Name Called: Home Address: 914 Crestwood Lane Chapel Hill NC 27517 Phone: 5138272731 Email: janeoliviaharris@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2020 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: ETJ - Chapel Hill Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: African American Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Microsoft Giving Campaign iMentor Junior Achievement Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Boards/Commissions appointments: Commission for the Environment Application Date: 4/13/2021 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Recently moved from Seattle where I was involved in environmental conservation efforts. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I believe I can add a diverse perspective and want to help. Conflict of Interest: Chapel Hill Parks, Greenways and Recreation Commission Application Date: 4/13/2021 Background, education and experience relevant to this board: Recently moved from Seattle where I was involved in environmental conservation efforts. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I believe I can add a diverse perspective and want to help. Conflict of Interest: 12 Page 2 of 2 Jane Harris Other Comments: This application was current on: 4/13/2021 9:02:21 PM Date Printed: 9/25/2023 13 Page 1 of 2 James Wheeler Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. James Wheeler Name Called: Home Address: 2926 Little River Dr. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 310-801-5841 Email: jameswheeler.2009@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2024 Township of Residence: Little River Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Member of various nursing organizations Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Board of Health Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Over 20 years working in healthcare. 15 years working as a nurse. Over four years working in nursing leadership. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I want to improve health literacy and advocacy in the community. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have lived all over the country and have experienced various opportunities and viewpoints in my career. 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? Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board College educated with MBA. Have adopted pets from shelters since 2014. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board As above. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Provide a unique perspective to help with animal rights and advocacy. 14 Page 2 of 2 James Wheeler 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? Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board As above. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have a very strong interest in preserving our environment and educating regarding climate change. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have a diverse education from living in LA and around the country. 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? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 8/10/2024 5:55:51 PM Date Printed: 8/21/2024 15 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Commission for the Environment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: All members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. This commission advises the Board of Commissioners on matters affecting the environment with particular emphasis on protection. It educates public and local officials on environmental issues and performs special studies and projects. It also recommends environmental initiatives and study changes in environmental science and local and federal regulations. Dr. Kristie Mather 1 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr. Matthew Ferguson 2 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Lily Schacht 3 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Wendy Calvin 4 First Appointed: 10/15/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 10/15/2024 Ethnic Background: Other Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr. Patrick Fn'Piere 5 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr Taylor Oakley 6 First Appointed: 04/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Friday,November 1,2024 Page 1 16 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Commission for the Environment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Dr. Thomas Engelhardt 7 First Appointed: 10/15/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 10/15/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr Mark Randall 8 First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Dr. John Bucher 9 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Veronica Beattie 10 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr Ian Morse 11 First Appointed: 04/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 12 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Friday,November 1,2024 Page 2 17 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Commission for the Environment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Ms. Regina Baratta 13 Chair First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 09/20/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Aimee Vandemark 14 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Jane Harris 15 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 12/06/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 12/06/2021 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2024 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Friday,November 1,2024 Page 3 18 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Commission for the EnvironmentContact Phone: 919-245-2522 Mr. James Wheeler Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/10/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Little River Age Range: 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Friday,November 1,2024 Page 1 of 1