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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 02-11-2025-Work Session Meeting 1 APPROVED 3118/25 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION February 11, 2025 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Work Session on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Human Services Center in Chapel Hill, NC. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chair Jamezetta Bedford, Vice-Chair Jean Hamilton and Commissioners Marilyn Carter, Amy Fowler, Earl McKee, and Phyllis Portie-Ascott COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: Sally Greene COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, Interim Deputy County Manager Caitlin Fenhagen, and Clerk to the Board Laura Jensen. (All other staff members will be identified appropriately below) Chair Bedford called the meeting to order at 7:11 p.m. All commissioners were present except Commissioner Greene. 1. Boards and Commissions —Annual Work Plan Summaries The Board received brief presentations from representatives from the first group of County boards and commissions on their annual work plans and provide feedback and/or direction. Presentations from the second group of boards and commissions on their annual work plan summaries is scheduled for the Board's March 11, 2025 work session. BACKGROUND: Each year the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) requests that internal boards and commissions complete reports on the activities each board has conducted over the past year and a plan for future activities consistent with the goals and objectives of the BOCC. The Chairs or other board representatives make presentations to the BOCC to share the information in their written report. A second group of work plan presentations is scheduled for the March 11, 2025 work session. Boards and commissions presenting at this meeting: Board Name Presenting Representative(s) Orange County Parks and Recreation Council Natalie Ziemba Historic Preservation Commission Art Menius Agricultural Preservation Board Michael Hughes Commission for the Environment Regina Baratta Orange Unified Transportation Board Michael Hughes Animal Services Advisory Board Allan Polak Human Relations Commission Jemm Merritt & Rhian Carreker-Ford Affordable Housing Advisory Board Lynn Nilssen Orange County Housing Authority Board Blake Rosser Board of Social Services Jane Garrett Natalie Ziemba from the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council said they have been working on co-sponsoring the Nature of Orange photo contest, providing outside agency 2 recommendations, getting updates of the Perry Hills mini-park and the Blackwood Park. She said they will not be participating in outside agency funding review in 2025 and members are thankful for that. She said they have a youth representative on their council, and they find it to be a valuable perspective. She said their plans for 2025 include the council serving as the steering committee for the county trails plan. She said the Parks and Recreation Council hopes to provide input on the bicycle and pedestrian plan as well. She said that that the facilities for soccer fields are maxed out and there is very limited availability. She said that resources could be expanded at the Soccer.com center and the possibility of fields at the Millhouse Center. She said they are considering establishing a partnership with the schools for recreation facilities at the schools. She said they would like to work with the schools in using bond funds to build recreational facilities. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the council had considered partnering with Chapel Hill Carrboro City Schools in addition to Orange County. David Stancil, DEAPR Director, said that both would be nice but most of their participants are in the Orange County district. Commissioner McKee asked if there had been any discussion with the schools because his impression is that it would be a difficult conversation. Natalie Ziemba said they have not gotten far in establishing a relationship with the schools, but they have reached out. Chair Bedford said the Board adopted a new school facilities policy that asks the school board to talk to other jurisdictions about shared facilities. Art Menius from the Historic Preservation Commission said they are in the final editing process of the historic resources book. He said they have had three different properties start the National Register of Historic Places process. He said that Ridge Road School was placed on the register in 2024. He said they submitted an application for the Strayhorn house in Carrboro. He said the Andrews-Earnhardt house outside of Carrboro was built by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and much of the work on the house was performed by local African American masons, the Barbees. He said they have started their first historic preservation easement project in collaboration with the Lands Legacy Program at the Henry Calvin Andrews house. He said that they have revamped the local landmark application process to remove biases and prejudices. He said they have started working more closely with Hillsborough. He said that going forward, there is a lot of work that needs to be done around historic Black cemeteries. He said they are working on the Blackwood Farm Park project with the Human Relations Commission. He said Blackwood Farm Park has a cemetery where there is a burial ground of workers. He said that there is another very large Black cemetery of enslaved people off Terry Road and the developer set aside a couple of acres of that property for preservation. He said that the Ridge Road School is on the National Register, but it still needs to be preserved and maintained. He said it belongs to a church, but they do not have the funds to continuously do this, so they are seeking funding for a small-scale grant program for properties that merit preservation, but resources are few. He said they want to increase awareness of archeological sites and are working on a digital marker program. He said that a physical marker would be much more expensive. He said that if the Commissioners would like to have a physical marker program, they can make that happen. He said that they are working with the Old Courthouse too. He said it is America's 250t" ongoing and they are following the lead of the tourism commissioner. Chair Bedford said she appreciates the marker that is being installed at the Blackwood Farm for the Black cemetery. Art Menius said that he hoped to see some of the commissioners at the old courthouse where three Orange County residents who were lynched will be remembered. Michael Hughes of the Agricultural Preservation Board said that the Board had heard about the state of agriculture in Orange County at their retreat the previous month. He said that there are no surprises: loss of farmland to development and decreasing economic viability of farming. He said in 2022, the Agricultural Preservation Board formed a farmland protection 3 subcommittee, focusing on assessment of the loss of farmland to development and to identify strategies and policies to support the viability of farming. He said the second major task was to prepare an update on the Agriculture Development Farmland Protection Plan, which was last updated in 2009. He said subcommittee members spent hundreds of hours on the update, which will be presented on April 8 to the Board of Commissioners. He said the subcommittee thoroughly assessed the state of agriculture in the county and they surveyed active farmers and farm owners. He said the draft plan is going through review with the committee members. He said the plan will bring forward three overarching goals along with specific recommendations. He said an overarching goal is to plan for agriculture and elevate land stewardship to be a central consideration in land use planning. He said a second goal is to conserve farmland through direct measures. He said the third goal is to enhance economic viability of agriculture. He said the voluntary agricultural district breakfast on November 12 was attended by 55 people with presentations by a couple of Orange County farmers. He said 4 additional farms and 145 acres were added to the Voluntary Agricultural District program. He said they cohosted a farmland succession workshop attended by 40 farmers. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked more about the Century Farm Program. Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator, said that farmers really have pride in receiving the designation and the county works with the State on this program. He said some farms have asked for a "bicentennial farm" designation because they have been in the same family for over 200 years. He described some of the difficulties around chain of title issues for farms to be considered as "Century Farms" by the Department of Agriculture. Commissioner Fowler asked about the need for more processing facilities. Peter Sandbeck said that they are trying to figure out the demand on the buyer side, and the big buyers would be Duke University or UNC, but the farms are not large enough to meet that demand. He said they are looking into a cooperative arrangement to sell large quantities by combining farms and products. He said this would have a central packing, central refrigeration, and then marketing the product. Regina Baratta of the Commission for the Environment said they have been working on reviewing applications for grants and making recommendations to the Board. She said they base it on the reduction of greenhouse gases. She said they participated in the Earth Evening and the outside agency funding program. She said they continue to co-sponsor the Nature of Orange photo contest, started participating in the Orange County Climate Council, continue to identify properties for the Lands Legacy Plan and align it with the climate action plan. She said that two members are working on their master naturalist certifications. She said they will continue to review and comment on environmental issues. She said the goal for the next year is to work on the state of the environment report. She said they are just starting the process. She said they will continue to work on the Orange County Climate Action Plan. She said they have five new members, and they still have three openings. She said there are 15 members in total and it is hard to maintain that. She said that she would love to also have a youth delegate. Chair Bedford said that there was a Duke grant for planting trees. Regina Barrata said that there will be a tree giveaway and a repair cafe on March 15. Chair Bedford said they will have the PIO do advertising for that and she thanked the commission for their work. Michael Hughes of the OUTBoard said they currently have a youth delegate on their board, and she has been very active at their meetings. He said it has been enlightening to have her on the board. He said they recommended to the Board to expand the transportation services 10 miles outside of the county boundaries. He said they initiated the 2024 Safe Routes to School update. He said that for some schools, the infrastructure would not support the cars for drop-off and that is a safety issue for children on bikes. He said they mentioned the need for a sidewalk on Orange Grove Road over the bridge. He said that the Transportation Director got a design study done for the area. He said they obtained an engineering agreement for the US-70 4 multimodal corridor study. He said the board debated hard about that because it is going to be expensive, invasive, and problematic if it ever happens. He said they have a new website that has links to maps with county and DOT projects. He said in 2025 they will continue pursuing the regional multi-model hub in Hillsborough. Commissioner Fowler thanked Michael Hughes and the OUTBoard for their work. Chair Bedford said they will receive an update on the train station and hub during a joint meeting with the Town of Hillsborough. She said that it has not been done in six years. She said that it is ongoing legislative lobbying work to change the rules with state funds on how they can be used for bike and pedestrian projects. She said that currently, a project must also have a road tied to it for any bike-ped funds. She said it was the youth member that got them excited about the safe routes to school initiatives. Allan Polak of the Animal Services Advisory Board said that a resident communicated her concerns about a dog attack by speaking at two of their meetings. He said that a key initiative of the board in 2024 is enhancing the efficiency and fairness of the dangerous dog appeal process. He said they standardized the format. He said they supported the closure of the Buckhorn Flea Market because they sold animals that created significant health and safety issues. He said they have formed a taskforce to introduce youth delegates. He said they reviewed applications for the Pat Sanford Award. He said they will continue to focus on managing pet overpopulation. Chair Bedford said that she appreciated the concept of "one health" and the impact of animal health on human health. She said she appreciates the work of the board. Commissioner Carter said that she appreciated the reference to getting the public more involved and she is interested to hear how the work progresses. Jemm Merritt and Rhian Carreker-Ford of the Human Relations Commission presented on behalf of their commission. Jemm Merritt said their most important accomplishments were the Mildred Council dinner and the Pauli Murray Awards. She said they are working to develop a community survey to address local issues and they are working with the preservation committee to support the purchase of headstones to honor the enslaved people that were in Orange County. Rhian Carreker-Ford said that in 2025 they want to facilitate community conversations over political divisions and disagreements in the county. He said they hear from the community that affordable housing is a concern, and they want to partner with organizations to address this issue. Commissioner McKee said he appreciated their focus on helping Orange County residents over political divisions and disagreements. He said he also appreciates that they are keeping up with state and federal politics to monitor anything that might affect the county. He said that affordable housing structural or regulatory changes are needed, and that conversation would be important to continue. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how they will keep up with what is going on in the community and how they plan to educate the community on affordable housing concerns. Rhian Carreker-Ford said they would like to host a seminar with sectors that are involved in the housing market. He said that he would like to have candid conversations on finances and the home-lending process. He gave an example of a non-profit that helps fund minority mortgages. He said that it is bringing different stakeholders to the conversation and discussing community issues from a variety of sources. He said that filling all their board members positions would help. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how many vacancies are currently on the board. Rhian Carreker-Ford said there are three vacancies. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked where they were from. Rhian Carreker-Ford said he is from Chapel Hill and Jemm Merritt said she lives in Hillsborough. Vice-Chair Hamilton said she was curious about what other issues have come up in the community besides affordable housing. She said the charge of the HRC is broad and they can 5 go in a lot of different directions. She asked how they can focus on what they can bring best and not duplicate efforts within the county. Jemm Merritt said other issues that have come up are diversity of LGBTQ folks not feeling that their identify was respected or valid. She said they do not want to repeat efforts. She said that dividing into subcommittees has proven helpful because they can focus on individual things. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked where people might not feel welcome. Jemm Merritt said the example she referenced was in a private business. She said that someone was trying to pick up their prescription for HRT and they had a bit of an issue with someone at the pharmacy. Chair Bedford said if the HRC has a need for an increased budget, they should share that information with the director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion. She said she appreciated that they were thinking of concerns in the community. Lynn Nilssen of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board said they are undertaking a historical analysis of how much affordable housing the county has approved since 2001. She said they would like to get an understanding of how much affordable housing is currently in the county. She said they helped review outside agency applications. She said they received presentations on the homelessness coalition and the consolidated plan. She said they are meeting with other organizations that are working on affordable housing issues. She said they would like to work with Justice United in the future as well as other advisory boards and commissions. She said they evaluated CIP applications and made suggestions on how to improve the evaluation matrix going forward. She said the previous year was a transitional year for staff and the board. She said they would like to collaborate with the Human Relations Commission, the Planning Board, and the Economic Development Advisory Board. She said that there are many factors that go into affordable housing. She said they would like to hold a listening session to understand the needs in the community, and they would like to do so in conjunction with the Human Relations Commission. She said they would like to meet with the Board of Commissioners after to relate what they learned during the listening session. She said they would like to make policy suggestions for improving affordability of housing. She said they will provide a report for the historical analysis of affordable housing in the county, where it exists and how much of it there is. Chair Bedford said that when the Affordable Housing Advisory Board saw the mismatch between the rubric, and she thought they did a great job and their analysis, and it matched the Board of Commissioners' thoughts. She said having members of the public provide their time and energy to county needs is valuable and appreciated. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what number of affordable housing units is needed in the county, excluding the municipalities. Lynn Nilssen said they would first provide the number of affordable housing units in the county, then they can begin analyzing the gaps. Commissioner Fowler thanked the board for bringing both successes and challenges. Commissioner Carter said thanked them for partnering with the planning board and economic development because this is a critical juncture in time. Blake Rosser, Housing Director, represented the Orange County Housing Authority Board. He said the board oversees the housing choice voucher program. He said they had a meet and greet with participants in the Fall of 2024. He said they convened a resident advisory board in 2024, per HUD requirements, to provide input and comments on the annual and five-year plans. He said they participate in landlord roundtables quarterly. He said they filled all their board vacancies and currently have one recent vacancy. He said they have two program participants on the board for the first time and the perspective they offer is fantastic. He said the voucher program collaborates with the Partnership to End Homelessness through the Housing Authority. He said the use of the voucher program is the highest it has been in over a decade. He said they are working with one resident in an effort to create home ownership. He said they have 10+ clients 6 graduating out of the program by making more income than allowed for subsidy. He said they are working on a program to assist wear and tear repairs by offering a subsidy for the landlord. He said the department has almost completely removed local money for the voucher program and for administrative fees. He said the only local money requested is for the landlord incentives. He said they are eager to get into the family self-sufficiency program sponsored by HUD. He said this comes with a savings benefit because the rent subsidy decreases as they earn more money, but the difference goes into a savings account that the participant can receive when they graduate from the program. He said they would like to open the waitlist. He said that the subprogram of the voucher program is getting off the ground and he is optimistic. He said that the inventory is an ongoing concern and the uncertain availability of federal funding. Jane Garrett of the Board of Social Services gave statistics on the number of clients served. She said they continue to partner and support with many agencies to assist clients. She said that for 2025, they have a number of initiatives to focus on. She said those will continue to have difficult placement of children in DSS custody, particularly for children with complex behavioral challenges. She said they will continue to prioritize kinship placement and support and programming that helps keep families intact. She said they are exploring partnerships with other agencies for crisis beds for Orange County children. She said they are moving to one managed care plan for statewide Medicaid coverage for adults and this will be expanded in 2025. She said they will work with UNC, Alliance Healthcare, Orange County affordable housing and emergency services as well as the police departments in local towns. She said DSS implemented a waiting list for working families to receive childcare subsidies and because of the Board of Commissioners approval of funding for this need, there is no current waiting list. She said the will continue to look for ways to engage the community to make sure that everyone that is eligible for funding has access. She said the federal changes will have an impact, but they will do everything possible to mitigate those impacts. Commissioner Fowler thanked the Board of Social Services for their work. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how the Board of Social Services partners with Alliance. Lindsey Shewmaker, Director of Social Services, said for adult protective services, they have been working to get them more integrated. She said they are having Alliance meet with their adult crisis team. She said it is a new process with adult services. Vice-Chair Hamilton said it sounds like things are going well. Lindsey Shewmaker said it is placement assistance most of the time and the relationships will really help in a crisis situation for placement. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked what services DSS offers to small businesses. Lindsey Shewmaker said they partner with NC Works to help clients gain employment skills. Chair Bedford said they will get to see the new career center at the Drakeford Library. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked who is eligible to use the career center. Lindsey Shewmaker said anyone who lives in Orange County. Chair Bedford gave an example of some of the assistance provided by the career center. Lindsey Shewmaker said they have a lot of great partnerships in that space. Commissioner McKee left the meeting at 8:58 p.m. 2. Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Discussion The Board discussed the Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) budget, data, and major planning documents such as the Governance Charter and municipal MOU. BACKGROUND: Data OCPEH has important guiding documents, namely the original Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness and the Homeless Systems Gaps Analysis. The former document is meant to be regularly updated with progress toward addressing the original plan. The latter document is meant to be annually updated to show progress toward addressing system gaps. The Ten Year Plan has not been updated since 2020, and the Gaps Analysis had a draft last updated in 2023 which does not appear to have been finalized. The last finalized Gaps Analysis was completed in 2021. The OCPEH program has been under strain given loss of key staff and changes in leadership over the last year, leading to missing updates on these important documents. Current OCPEH Staff plan to update both documents by January 2026. On a smaller scale, OCPEH staff is in agreement with stakeholder requests for monthly data reports, to include items such as: • how many people contacted the Housing Helpline; • how many completed Coordinated Entry intakes; • how many exited homelessness; • how many engaged with Street Outreach, Harm Reduction and Deflection Program (SOHRAD); and • how many were sheltered at the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) or Cold Weather Cots. Staff will begin presenting this data at OCPEH's April Leadership Team meeting and report it monthly thereafter. Governance Staff is reviewing the Governance Charter and the municipal MOU to ensure compliance with the composition and roles of the Leadership Team and Executive Committee. The latter has not met in over a year. Staff is especially interested in broadening participation among the community on the Leadership Team, specifically for people with lived experience, people residing in northern Orange County, and members of the business community. Staff is also working to align group names with industry conventions, as well as identify opportunities to make governance/operations more efficient. For example, staff has consolidated two (2) working groups into one (1): the Data & Grants Workgroup with the Performance Review Committee. United States Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Technical Assistance, which was to assist with this restructuring process, has been paused by HUD in part due to recent changes at the federal level. Budget OCPEH staff recently presented the proposed FY 2025-26 budget to the Leadership Team, where the Expansion Budget was approved unanimously with some recommendations for adjusting the spending categories. To that end, staff have developed a revised Expansion Budget which places the cost of the Housing Access Coordinator into the external County funding portion of the budget, and replaces its expense with operational costs for Cold Weather Cots and Permanent Supportive Housing. The Expansion budget proposal can be seen in detail in the attached presentation slides. Blake Rosser, Housing Director, introduced the item and made the following presentation: 8 Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY HOUSING DEPARTMENT OCPEH Discussion 2025 Slide#2 Agenda Terms & Organization Data & Initiatives — 10 year Plan, Gaps Analysis, etc. Governance and MOU Budget n ORANGECOUNTY O HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #3 OrganizationTerms & ORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 9 Slide #4 AM I—Area Median Income In 2024 in the Durham/Chapel Hill metro area,this is$105,900 for a family of four Low-income 80%of AMI—$94,700 for a family of four;$59,300 for a single person Very low income 50%of AMI—$52,950 for a family of four;$37,100 for a single person Extremely low income 30%of AMI—$31,750 for a family of four;$22,250 for a single person CoC—Continuum of Care HUD Definition:"A community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximum self-sufficiency.It includes action steps to and homelessness and prevent a return to homelessness! OCPEH The CoC for Orange County:Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness HOME Committee Collaborative partnership operated by OCPEH in which area service providers meet twice monthly to discuss clients and refer for services Transitional Housing Temporary housing with supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness,with the goal of interim stability and support to successfully move to and maintain permanent housing.A client in transitional housing is still considered homeless and not in a form of permanent housing.An example is IFC's shelter,which can be from 90 days to 1 year. PSH-Permanent Supportive Combines rental assistance with voluntary supportive services to address the needs of chronically homeless Housing people.The services are designed to build independent living and tenancy skills,and connect people with community-based health care,treatment and employment services. Rapid Rehousing A program offering housing search,move-in and rental assistance along with case management,on a temporary basis(no longer than 2 years).The goal is to quickly re-house someone who recently became unsheltered and transition them to more permanent housing. Housing First A policy that advocates unconditional,permanent housing as quickly as possible to homeless people,and other supportive services afterward(House first,add supportive services later).Rapid Rehousing is an example of a Housing First program. HCV—Housing Choice The modern name for Section 8 rental assistance program serving"very low income"residents Voucher nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #5 OCPEH Program and Staff Breakdown OCPEH/CoC / lriielrllr Nt�ktntcwirr Housing Yermi Helpline (3.5) Iuit�It41uF h1itlMYteitlfateMU. � Mwdrfwi.ilr Yxarf SOHRA� Y�rant HSOHRAD Street Outreach, (3.5) Harm Reduction and (trrhtttiS.IrlSpotiq W'df Deflection Inii Housing RRH Rapid Rehousing (ffifiN E"Wo . Access(1) SOAR SSYSSDI Outreach, A*&Ow PrS1PPd diptWSOfiiI Access and Recovery f NdNWb" &W !>,8a� SieiilYia ItRStr�lgipltrSOrY 11r Stwtrt Iit:per SirY SOAR(1) $Mllw.trlr 01131111111111,111110 Cold vueatnef nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 10 Slide #6 Interdepartmental Collaboration r-- -1 Emergency Services CWC SOHRAD \ HCVIFYI Housing Helpline HOME Committee Utility Assistance FYI Foster Youth to CWC Independence CWC Cold Weather Cots SOHRAD Street Outreach, Harm Reduction SOHRAD and Deflection SOAR SOAR SSIISSDI CWC Outreach, Bridge Housing Access and Recovery nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #7 1 . nORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 11 Slide #8 Major documents need updating •Ten Year Plan (Last updated 2020) Updates totaling from 3-12 pages have been added at the end of document in 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2020 Gaps Analysis (Last updated 2021) Work last done to update this document in 2023, but does not appear to have been finalized OCPEH Staff will update both documents by January 2026. nORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for clarification on the ten-year plan because she thought the ten-year plan was for the chronic homelessness. Blake Rosser said neither document has been updated. He said the ten-year plan was last updated in 2020. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said the document she is looking at outlined the goals. Blake Rosser said that he did not have a copy of plan in front of him. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said has increased access to certain sectors and it was from 2007. Blake Rosser said his understanding of the update is additions to the plan and not commenting on things that have come before but he said that he does want to look into it. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said ending the root causes of homelessness includes employment, so she wanted to know why increasing access to it would be taken out. She said when the presentation gets to that information, she will ask that be included in the monthly data that is reported so they can talk about the progress. Blake Rosser said that his intention of including all the documents was to allow the Board to review them and their plan is to have firm updates by this time next year. He said that staff who would have been present during the last update were no longer with the county, so he does not have a way of asking. Chair Bedford said she was the liaison in 2022 and the gaps analysis needs to be updated for inflation. She said the group had prioritized permanent supportive housing. Blake Rosser said there was an interesting in a draft update that had a table that prioritized every gap on a scale of 1-4. 12 Slide #9 Most recent Gaps draft indicated partial progress •Gaps Filled: •Housing Access Coordinator •Homelessness Diversion Funding •Street Outreach •Accessible, housing-focused shelter •Partially Filled: •Rapid Rehousing •Housing Helpline •DV Shelter •Youth Housing Program •Landlord Incentives •Housing Locator nORANGECOUNTY •Bridge Housing 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide#10 Remaining Gaps require larger, sustained investments •Remaining Gaps: •Permanent Supportive Housing •Income-based housing •Furniture and Household Goods •Bridge Housing •Crisis Diversion Facility •Integrated Service Center •Medical Respite Beds n ORANGF COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Chair Bedford requested that plain language be used in the update. She specifically mentioned "integrated service center." Blake Rosser said that they can do that. Slide #11 Monthly data reports to commence for Leadership Team •OCPEH Manager will begin data reports at April LT meeting, to include: •Contacts by Housing Helpline •Coordinated Entries conducted •Exits from homelessness •In shelter at IFC, IFC Cold Weather, and County Cold Weather •Unique engagements by SOHRAD •Landlordsadded/lost ORANGE COUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 13 Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked that they discuss how they increased employment, access to services, increased public participation, and reduced "NIMBY," or"not in my backyard." She said that participation from the faith community is important. She said that Mecklenburg County is using this, and the faith community is using some of their land. Chair Bedford said some churches are working together on this and offer shelter during the cold weather. She said this really is the foundation of IFC. Blake Rosser said that Justice United has been a huge impetus for the collaboration with the faith community. He said that Chief Lehew has connections with the faith community and was the connection between them and the faith community for the cold weather shelters. He said that since then, they have even more contacts and they are looking forward to setting up a cold weather shelter in Hillsborough. Chair Bedford said that the geographic access is very important. Vice-Chair Hamilton said she had not read the 2007 report and she is hearing Commissioner Portie-Ascott's request to add information from the report now. She said where she is hesitating is there is that there is a lot that people must do. She said that cold weather cots do not prevent homelessness. She said that she is worried that if they add more, they will likely add more to a system that is already maxed out. She said that she suggests focusing on gaps and figuring out who should be doing what would be what she prefers. She said one of the things that would help her understand the state of homelessness is knowing what their needs are. She said for example, are they suffering for mental health issues and if so, for how long, or are they possibly someone that has recently lost their employment and that has left them without a home. She said that not knowing these types of details makes it hard to know what they should do and how they do it. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she would like to know what needs to be worked on now compared to 2007 rather than piece meal it. She said that they can see the gaps and they know who is sleeping outside. She asked how they do better by all the people they are trying to help. She asked what the best team is to discuss that. Chair Bedford said she wanted to have a work session so they can have a conversation and be on the same page so they can get to the questions Commissioner Portie-Ascott is asking. Blake Rosser said that is a good discussion to have. He said that there are overlapping services being performed and currently the county services work group is working to identify opportunities to collaborate and reduce redundancy. He said they are connecting and broadening the scope of their work, but not creating more work. He said they are already increasing access to services and maybe even employment, just because they have the collaboration with DSS. He said they reached out to DSS because they had capacity issues and needed help. He said that the people who spoke to DSS now have increased access to services. He said that is an example of how it can occur without creating a lot more work for everyone. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said her concern is for people who are chronically homeless in Orange County and if anyone is reaching out to them to help them become employed. She said that she has heard that people sleeping in the cold weather cots are just passing through and are not in Orange County long-term. Chair Bedford said that it is important to note that 80% of people had a previous Orange County address. She said they are throughout the county, and she can affirm that it is in fact the county's need. 14 Slide#12 Current Initiatives focused on emergency shelter and low-barrier housing •2n6 Site, or larger volume primary site for county Cold Weather Cots -Satellite cold weather shelter in Hillsborough •Low-Barrier Housing Work Group to identify opportunities for development/acquisition -Integrated Services "Day" Center n ORANGECOUNTY O HOUSING DEPARTMENT Chair Bedford asked if the IFC shelter asks residents to leave during the day. Blake Rosser said yes that is still the policy. Chair Bedford said she does not recall the purpose for this policy. Blake Rosser said that he believes it is due to staffing issues. Chair Bedford said that she has lived here for 32 years, and it has always been a night only shelter with a meal. She said they opened the new place in Carrboro for the food pantry and meals. Vice-Chair Hamilton said a person in a day center is homeless. She said this provides a distinction between the department to end homelessness and the department that provides temporary shelter. She said both are needed but they need to think about the role to provide the permanent housing versus the role of the group to provide temporary shelter. She said that Orange County provides shelter services through a non-profit and she hears that it does not currently meet the need. She asked is it the role of the Partnership or DSS to provide shelter services. Danielle Butler, Partnership to End Homelessness Manager, said that her vision of a day center is a place that has all the basic needs and is also a place where people can meet with employment services. She said she would like for that to occur where they can provide other wrap around services. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked for information about IFC asking people to leave during the day and Vice-Chair Hamilton's thoughts. She said that she does not understand why they are made to leave. Vice-Chair Hamilton said she wanted to clarify the Partnership to End Homelessness' specific mission. She said that temporary shelters play a role in that. She said there are questions that should be asked to make sure that that one department is not doing it all. 15 Slide#13 • Performance HouseholdsNumber of • Returning to homelessness in 1 year: 7%(1 pt. decrease) Number of people unhoused: 148(17%increase) Nationally:18% Chronically Homeless: 26(8%decrease) Entering Shelter/Homelessness: • i decrease)First time homeless: 274 (Both Highest Ever) Median days homeless:288(13% Median time in shelter: 56(20%decrease) *All numbersfrom 20Z3 Point-In-Time(PIT)Count Danielle Butler n OCPEH Manager Q ORANGE COUNTY dabutler@orangecountync.gov HOUSING DEPARTMENT Commissioner Fowler said it is important to know who the people are who are homeless and what is contributing to their living situation. She said some people might have needs that require permanent supportive housing. Chair Bedford said she is interested in the demographics and groupings. She asked for population information. Blake Rosser said that it is sometimes difficult because they rely on self-reporting. Danielle Butler said they can track it if is put into their homeless information system. She said they can track employment, increased income, and demographics. She said the limitations are that the IFC, VOA and Partnership services are the only ones that report into that system. She said that they are looking at their programs to make sure they are "housing focused." She said the data is coming and the review is in progress right now. Slide #14 Governance nORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT 16 Slide#15 Staff reviewing Governance Charter and MOU -Documents prescribe composition and role of Executive Committee, Leadership Team •Staff ensuring that LT and OCPEH remain in compliance (ex: Exec. Committee has not met recently) •Staff also seek to broaden participation, e.g. residents with lived experience, those in north of county, members of bu6Z Afp f'u��jty OUSING DEPARTMENT Blake Rosser said there is the option of providing a stipend to those who participate on the leadership team that the partnership has not been using. Chair Bedford said that it appears there is a shift from 2021 and 2022 when Orange County was not in charge of the Continuum of Care. She said the only thing the county did was basically be the employer of record. She said that it is interesting question whether the county should take this on and be in charge. Blake Rosser said according to the ILA the county is not supposed to do that. He said that the previous partnership manager did such a great job, but Danielle really understands the Continuum of Care. He said he will likely bring the Board an option to combine two groups into one. He said that the partnership manager should not be residing over the performance review committee because there is a conflict of interest there. He said the grants position is relatively new and they will be the main staff liaison with that committee, and they will be more independent than they have been. Chair Bedford asked if HUD mandates a Continuum of Care. Blake Rosser said yes, and it is the industry standard. Chair Bedford asked if it must be the executive team the way it is now. Blake Rosser said the executive committee is a local choice. He said the way they have arranged it is with the leadership team, the executive committee, and the Partnership as a whole. He said they have stepped back from that, and they are focusing on being in alignment with the country standard. He said it is better to be going along with what everyone is doing because it simplifies things. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there are residents with lived experience who are also not part of a non-profit. Blake Rosser said they had one person, but that person is not a currently active attendee. He said he is unaware of any others. 17 Slide #16 Governance Restructuring Staff focusing on matching group names to industry conventions Staff consolidated Data/Grants workgroup and Performance Review Committee HUD Technical Assistance, which was to assist with this process, has been paused by HUD. ORANGECOUNTY 0 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Slide #17 nORANGE COUNTY © HOUSING DEPARTMENT 18 Slide #18 Housing Helpline 2.5 - 3,700 - • - Rapid Rehousing 1.5 $250,000 is Administration 0.2 - Cold Weather Cots - $30,000 1,600 Bridge Housing $95,000 48 Landlord Incentives $20,000 12 Permanent Supportive Housing $150,000 8 SSI/SSDI Outreach,Access,and Recovery 1 - 15 Rapid Rehousing 1 10 Street Outreach,Harm Reduction and 4 - 100 Deflection Housing Helpline 0.5 800 Joint • Housing Access Coordinator 1 50 Bridge Housing - $148,000 48 Administration 1.625 *OCPFH consists of contributionsfrorn fourOC municipalities broken down in the following proportions: • 39.7%-Chopel Hill • 39.5%-Orange County • 14.3%-Carrboro • 6.5%-Hillsborough Blake Rosser said they had 25 max per night at Southern Human Services because it was not as easy for folks to get there. He said the need may be higher, but he thinks the accessibility of the new center and consecutively cold nights contributed to the increase. He said that by the end of January 2025, there were only 4 days when they had not had cold weather cots. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if there is a plan for providing hot weather shelters. Blake Rosser said there is not a plan but there is acknowledgment that it is a need. He said that Emergency Services set up cooling stations, but he does not think there has been much talk to setup evening shelters during hot weather. 19 Slide #19 2024-25 OCPEH BUDGET CH OC CARR. HILLS. 39 701A 39,50% 14.30% 6,50% Staff/Description Total PORTION PORTION PORTION PORTION OCPEH Expansion Budget 2.625 FTE:1 Homeless Programs Manager, CoCPersonnei.625 Homeless Programs Coordinator&1 Housing Access Coordinator $241,173 $ 95,746 $ 95,263 $ 34,488 $ 15,676 CoC Operations $ 82,460 $ 32,737 $ 32,572 $ 11,792 $ 5,360 SOHRAD Personnei4.0 FTE:1 Clinical Coordinatcr(GRD),3 Peer Street Navigator(OCPEH) $295,516 $ 133,350 $ 112,779 $ 40,829 $ 18,559 SOHRAD Operations $ 37,050 $ 14,709 $ 14,635 $ 5,298 $ Z408 RRH Personnei 0.5 FTE $ 33,500 $ 13,300 $ 13,233 $ 4,791 $ 2,178 RRH Operations $ 3,415 $ 1,356 $ 1,349 $ 488 $ 222 2/3 of annual operational costs(OCPEH is Bridge Housing Operations requesting funding for four of the six beds available.The two remaining beds will be funded with support from I Health) $ 147,887 $ 58,711 $ 58,415 $ 21,148 $ 9,613 Coordinated En4ryPersannei0.5 FTE $ 34,195 $ 13,575 $ 13,507$ 4,890 $ 2,223 Coordinated En try Operations $ 3,415 $ 1,356 $ 1,349 $ 488 $ 222 FY23-24 Fund Balance$70,000 was approved to carry overfrom FY22-23 to apply in FY24-25 $ 70,000 $ (27,790) $ (27,650) $ (10,010) $ (4,550) TOTAL EXPANSION BUDGET $798,611 $ 317,048 $ 315,451 $ 114,201 $ 51,910 2024-25 OCPEH BUDGET $1,893,545.00 Joint Funding("Expansion Budget") $798,611.00 County Funding("Local Investments") $309,294.00 � U RAN G E CUU NTY Federal Grants("aCPEHGrants") $785,640.00 � HOUSING DEPARTMENT Chair Bedford noted that there was a typo on slide#19, and the first personnel line should say 1.625 FTE" because they removed the Housing Access Coordinator. She asked what happened to the Rapid Rehousing Position. Blake Rosser said there was a fair amount of confusion about the programming and the position. He said he had mentioned this back in September, but they had issues with the funding for rapid rehousing. He said the rental assistance program they were counting on HOME funding, but the director had not seen the application for the HOME funding. He said they were paying out, but they did not have income. He said they lost one manager, and they repurposed her salary. He said that since then, they have developed a leaner rapid rehousing program, with only two case managers. He said one is paid for by the county and included in the personnel and one is paid for by HUD grants. Chair Bedford asked where it is on the chart. Blake Rosser said the HUD is not on the chart because it remained largely unchanged. He said that you can see the two rapid rehousing case managers become one and the rent of the funding is used for rental assistance. Chair Bedford asked if Chapel Hill provided their full share. Blake Rosser said they signaled an intention to, and the county is about to invoice them. Chair Bedford said up until 2019, the only jointly funded positions were the coordinator and the assistant. She said in 2019, the Continuum of Care funded positions to do the work. She said it got confusing with the funding sources because there were ARPA and COVID CARE dollars. She said SORAD was going into the budget at the same time and the joint funding became 20 a bit political. She said there were meetings to just explain the way it all works because it is so complicated. She said another big gap is the elected officials understanding how it works within the budget. Blake Rosser said they have included the HUD grants that they keep themselves. He said that all the programs are now at the Partnership. He said the ones that go to IFC are not included because they do not consider that as pertinent to making decisions. Chair Bedford said she thought the dollars came into the Continuum and then to the Partnership for disbursement. Danielle Butler said the COC funding goes directly to the Continuum of Care and doesn't go to the county. Chair Bedford said it seems to blend and is confusing. Blake Rosser said it helps hm to think about the Partnership being the Continuum of Care. He said that is not counted as the county getting the funding. He said he is open to different terms if it makes it easier to understand. Slide #20 Local Investments Outside OCPEH Landlord Incentive Program FY 23-24 General Fund Dollars $ 50,000 PSK Funding FY23-24 Genera I Fund Doll a rs-Perm a nentSupportive Housing to I FC $ 150,000 Cold Weather emergency FY 23-24 General Fund Dollars-Part-time as needed for staffing in overnight shelter acccrdance with the Ccmmunity'slnclement Weather Response Plan. $ 14,500 Bridge Housing FY23-24Social Just iceGen era I Fund DoIIars $ 94,794 TOTAL LOCAL INVESTMENTS $ 31)9,244 OCPEH Grants DV Rapid Re-housing grant transfer(January 0.9 FTE Rapid Re-housing Case Manager CoC Grant .December2D24) (DV);Rental and utility assistance $ 157,208 CoC Grant Supportive Service Only:Coordinated Entry 2.5 FTE:2.5 Coordinated Entry(Housing (October 2023-September 2024) Helpline)Specialists $ 191,764 CoC Grant Rapid Re-housing(November 2023-October FTE:2 Rapid Re-housing Case Managers 2024) $ 161,920 HOME Grant Rapid Re-housing JFY23.24 Year to Date Rental and utility assistance spending) $ 121,989 ESG Annual Rapid Re-housing{January 2024-December 0.5 FTE:0.5 Rapid Re-housing Case 2024) Manager $ 43,660 State Fiscal Rapid Re-housing{CPS}(January 2024-June 0.1 FTE Rapid Re-housing Case Manager; Recovery Funds 2025i- Rental and utility assistance $ 85,200 CoC Planning (July 2023-June 2024) 2 FTE:Homeless ProgramsCcordinator; Grant (July 2024-June 2025-anticipated) Stipends for people with lived experience $ 23,899 TOTAL GRANTS 1$ 785,640 2024-25 011 BUDGET $1,893,545.00 Joint Funding("Expansion Budget") $798,611.00 County Funding("Local Investments") $309,294.00 ORANGE COUNTY Federal Grants("OCPEH Grants") 785640.00 HOUSING DEPARTMENT Blake Rosser said there are Continuum of Care's that only do the grant applications and facilitate that with partner agencies and do not provide any functions. Chair Bedford said that is what Orange County did until 2019. Blake Rosser said it is important to find the balance of sustainable funding versus the COVID funding. He said he feels confident they are getting a very good grasp on where they need to be going forward. 21 Chair Bedford said it is important to know if non-profits receive funding from the Partnership to End Homelessness when they are applying for outside agency funding. Vice-Chair Hamilton said it is important to focus on the services and knowing where the money is going and if it is making a difference. Slide #21 2025-26 Expansion Request CHAPELHILL ORANGE CARRBORO HILLSBOROUG,H Percentage Split 39.70% 3950% 14.30% 6.50% Description Total PORTION PORTION PORTION PORTION OOPEH Expansion Budget(sold Mdimtes request on top of Continuot+on Budget) CoC Personnel 2.625 FTE:1,0 Homeless Programs Manager,.625 Homeless $197,56C 71 S311,888.10 $111,324.43 S40,302.26 $18,319.21 Programs Coordinator CoC Operations $54,332.00 $21,569.80 $21,461A4 $7,769.48 $3,S31.58 Cold Weather Cot Personnel,Operations,and Supplies $ram 000 00 $19,850.00 $19,750.00 $7,1511 $3,250.00 (rollover fund) Permanent Supportive Housing(transferred from county $55,273,29 $23,531." $23,412,95 $8,476.09 $3,852.76 funding to offset deduction of HAC 1.0 FTE 50HRAD Personne 4.0 FTE:1 Clinical Coordinator{CIRD),3 Peer Street Navigator $356,957.34 $141,712.06 $140,99g-15 $51,044,90 523,202,23 IUCPEH) SOHRAD Operations $35,407.00 $14,056.58 $13,985.77 $5,063.20 $2,301,46 Increase to be able to assist with more move-in costs and cover other gaps to facilitate housing clients,such as $10,000.00 $3.970.00 $3,950.00 $1,430.00 $650.00 application fees Bridge Housing 0 FTE-2/3 of annual operational costs IOCPEH is currently Operation funding four of the six beds available.Thetwo remaining beds $147,887.00 $58,711.24 $58,415.37 $21,147.84 $9,612,66 (Wonderful House arefunded by Alliance), Coordinated Entry The existing CoCgrant provides funding for personnel for 2.5 CE Personnel staff Funding is needed to provide salary support for a 0.5 FTE $41,121 $16,324.64 $16,242,40 $5,890.16 $2,67290 CE staff to address the increasing community need, OTALEXPAN5[ON VOGET $952,537.34 $411,613.82 $409,540.21 $148,263.92 $67,392.70 Additional local{county]investment Landlord Incentives 20,000.00 1.0 Housing Access Coordinator,1.0 Personnel OAR Caseworker,1.0 RRH $ 278,931.29 caseworker,1.0 HH&Outreach Coordinator,0.30 Grants Coordinator ORANGE COUNTY PSH Funding TOTAICOUN Permanent Supportive Housing $ 389,658.000 HOUSING DEPARTMENT INVESTMENTS Slide#22 Orange County • Department 00 W.Tryon Street Hillsborough and 2501 Homestead Road Chapel Hill 49I Blake Rosser n ORANGE COUNTY Director,OC Housing Q HOUSING DEPARTMENT brosser@orangecountync.gov 22 Chair Bedford said the commissioners should consider what they have heard and then come back later to continue the discussion. Travis Myren suggested that staff bring back a plan in a few months for next steps for the Board to review. Chair Bedford said it may take longer as it is a major issue to consider. Commissioner Fowler asked if the jobs descriptions, specifically the homelessness programs coordinator, were old descriptions. She said the homelessness programs coordinator was described as "a time-limited, benefitted position through 6/30/22." Blake Rosser said those job descriptions were included in the MOU for the Town of Chapel Hill to understand what they were agreeing to by signing. He said the Housing Access Coordinator was there along with one other position. Commissioner Fowler asked if the coordinator position was actually time limited or if it is still filled. Blake Rosser said time-limited positions are often renewed, especially if they are grant based. 3. Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee — Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee. BACKGROUND: The Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee works to maintain the intent of the Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Residents' Bills of Rights and promote community involvement and cooperation with these homes to ensure quality care for older and disabled adults. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fourteen (14) members. REMINDER: As of July 1, 2017, House Bill 248 was adopted by the North Carolina General Assembly regarding the training period for pending members of the"Adult Care Home Community Advisory Committee and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committee". Applicants will be selected from the County "Applicant Interest List" for a condensed training and, if the applicant successfully completes the training, that individual would be recommended for appointment. Therefore, when an applicant is recommended for appointment, it would initially be for a one-year preliminary term and their training will have already been completed. The following individuals are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Sandra Okeke At-Large One-year initial term 02/20/2026 Bates Alicia Reid At-Large One-year initial term 02/20/2026 SPECIAL NOTATION: None of the other applicants have completed the mandatory pre- appointment training and are therefore not eligible for appointment at this time. If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancies remain: 23 POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESCRIPTION DATE Adult Care Home 09/30/2025 Vacant since 11/02/2023 Administrator Nominee Adult Care Home 09/30/2026 Vacant since 11/02/2023 Administrator Nominee Nursing Home 09/30/2027 Vacant since 11/02/2023 Administrator Nominee Nursing Home 09/30/2025 Vacant since 11/02/2023 Administrator Nominee Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicants. 4. Arts Commission —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Arts Commission. BACKGROUND: The Arts Commission recommends strategies to promote the artistic and cultural growth of Orange County, advises the Board of Commissioners on matters involving the arts, and acts as the granting panel for funding programs available to individual artists and non- profit groups sponsoring arts projects in Orange County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) At-Large members. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Francesca At-Large Partial Term 03/31/2026 Talenti If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicant. 5. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board. BACKGROUND: The Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board is charged with developing and coordinating visitor services in Orange County. It also implements marketing programs that will enhance economic activity and quality of life in the community. 24 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seventeen (17) members, with representation from specific entities and fields. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Lisa Kaylie Economic Partial Term 12/31/2026 Development Advisory Board Creston Woods Orange County First Full Term 12/31/2027 Lodging If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus on the recommended applicants. 6. Opioid Advisory Committee —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Opioid Advisory Committee. BACKGROUND: The Opioid Advisory Committee is charged to discuss opioid-related health concerns and issues impacting the residents of Orange County and advise the Board of Commissioners on options to expend funds to remedy opioid impacts. The Committee also plans and hosts one annual meeting open to the public to receive input from municipalities on proposed uses of the settlement funds and to encourage collaboration between local governments. The Board of County Commissioners appoints seven (7) members and there are thirteen (13) designee positions. The following individuals and positions are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Jesse (Jay) Resident with Lived First Full Term 10/31/2027 Miller Experience Dr. Chris Community Group First Full Term 10/31/2026 Ringwalt Working on Opioid- Related Concerns Elisabeth At-Large First Full Term 10/31/2026 Johnson Dr. Tiffany At-Large First Full Term 10/31/2026 Barber BOCC Resident with Lived Partial Term 10/31/2025 Appointee Experience BOCC At-Large or First Full Term 10/31/2027 Appointee Employment Provider 25 If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicants. The Board agreed by consensus to hold the vacant Resident with Lived Experience and the vacant At-Large or Employment Provider positions open for further recruitment. They discussed adding a youth representative. 7. Orange Unified Transportation Board —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Orange Unified Transportation Board. BACKGROUND: The Orange Unified Transportation Board (OUTBoard) advises the Orange County Board of County Commissioners on the overall planning and programming of transportation improvements in the County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members, with representation from each of the County's townships to the extent possible. There is also one (1) non-voting youth member. The OUTBoard does not make recommendations. The following positions are presented for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM BOCC Hillsborough Partial Term 09/30/2026 Appointee Township BOCC At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027 Appointee If the positions listed above are filled, no vacancies remain. Tara May introduced the item. Chair Bedford suggested Susan Gladin for the Hillsborough Township position. Commissioner Fowler suggested Kaji Rashad or Todd Orr for the At-Large position. Chair Bedford also suggested Kaji Rashad. Vice-Chair Hamilton had questions about Kaji Rashad's application. Commissioner Carter and Chair Bedford discussed the strengths of Kaji Rashad's application. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Susan Gladin and Kaji Rashad to the OUTBoard. 8. Orange County Parks and Recreation Council —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Orange County Parks and Recreation Council. BACKGROUND: The Orange County Parks and Recreation Council consults with and advises the Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, and the Board of County Commissioners on matters affecting parks planning, development and operation; recreation facilities, policies, and programs; and public trails and open space. 26 The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members with representatives from each of the County's townships plus its municipalities, as well as two (2) non-voting youth delegates. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION DESCRIPTION TYPE OF EXPIRATION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Alissa Martucci Hillsborough Town Limits Partial Term 09/30/2025 If the individual listed above is appointed, the following vacancies remain: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE Little River 03/31/2026 Vacant since 08/18/2023 Township Hillsborough 03/31/2028 Vacant since 05/03/2024 Township Youth Member 12/31/2025 Vacant since 06/20/2024 Youth Member 03/31/2026 Vacant since 03/06/2024 Tara May introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicant, Alissa Martucci, to the Hillsborough Town Limits position. Tara May said the Parks and Recreation Council recommended Chloe Reid and Navya Sharma for the youth member positions. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint Chloe Reid and Navya Sharma for the vacant youth member positions. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chair Hamilton, to adjourn the meeting at 10:21 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.