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Minutes 04-08-2025-Work Session
1 APPROVED 613125 MINUTES ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION April 8, 2025 7:00 p.m. The Orange County Board of Commissioners met for a Work Session on Tuesday, April 8, 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, Sally Greene, Earl McKee (arrived at 7:03 p.m.), and Phyllis Portie-Ascott COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ABSENT: None. COUNTY ATTORNEYS PRESENT: John Roberts COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager Travis Myren, 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 7:00 p.m. All commissioners were present except for Commissioner McKee. 1. Follow-up Information and Next Steps on Draft Orange County Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2050 The Board received a presentation from Planning staff to include next steps and a tentative calendar for responding to the Board's request for additional information. BACKGROUND: At its March 11, 2025 work session, the BOCC received a presentation from Clarion Associates on the preliminary Public Review Draft of the Land Use Plan 2050 for BOCC review and feedback. Board review and feedback on the draft was requested to inform any changes to the draft required prior to the opening of the next Community Engagement Window. Subsequently, the Board requested additional background information from County staff for the purpose of further informing its review. The additional information requested by the BOCC is anticipated to be collected and presented to the Board over the course of its meetings and/or retreat(s) to be determined. Community Engagement Window #3, which was scheduled for May — July of this year, has been postponed to allow additional time for the Board's review and Clarion Associate's professional services paused. Attachment A is the BOCC request for additional information, color coded for establishing a timeframe for response and scheduling of Board meetings/retreat(s). A PowerPoint presentation will be provided at the work session (Attachment B). Additional information about the project, including e-mail sign-up for project updates, are available on the project website: https://www.orangecountVIanduseplan.com. Completed project deliverables, including Fact Book; outreach summaries; and more, are also available on the project website: https://www.orangecountVIanduseplan.com/resources 2 Tom Altieri, Senior Planner, made the following presentation: Slide #1 i ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Item 1 Follow-up Information and Next Steps on Draft Orange County Comprehensive Land Use Plan 2050 Slide #2 Purpose • Review resources currently available • Grouping of BOCC request for additional information (Attachment A) • Provide a tentative calendar for next steps and receive Board feedback ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 3 Slide #3 Resources Available Project Resources and Documents Resources ' Land Use Akternatives Evaluation Repp t� • New Issues and Opportunities Rer� The Orange County I F f Book • phase l Stakeholder Interviews 5ummary Repgfs o range countyl and use pl an.com cpmmun;ty GyProfie Community Engagement Materials Community Engagement��', r :,r;r,le.inls • NtftrlCommunitv�Bgagement wlndow_#2-EpgAgemam 5ummary • �gaaement Tool kit • MeetingflyQL{EngLShl • Mectiog-Ey,% L4Ral • Download a PDF of the presentation from the September and October 2024 public meetings. • Chl here to wash a video sharing an overview of the Orange County Land Use Plan 2050,the modeled land use alternatives,and information on how to participate. • Click here to watch an overview video in Spanish. Commun;ty Engagement Window#1 Materials • CemmunkKmgpgement Vllfndew#1 SummanggRDA • Opwnlnad a POIF of tho orosontation from the October 2023 public workshop • Click here to view a narrated video in Eng {ilk here for Soanishy of the presentation from the workshop, Board of County Commissioner and Planning Board Meeting Materials Board of County Commissioners • BF'1CC Work SFsslOn Presentation-March 11,-2,Q,@ • ROCCRriNf;ng Presentation-November12.2024 Commissioner McKee arrived at 7:03 p.m. Slide #4 ORANGE COUNTY LAND2050 At—ttieNe 11—Ild OM-1—Repaa..................._..._._.._._..____.___.__._.__._._..._._3 CHANGES SINCE THE 2030 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN Key Planning Themes Frgn Erpagpn¢nt. .--_- ----,d Chan9'^9 CPradit;P^a and Tiv ds rF N--i 11-20341 1—prMeneire Plan __.. __- _...y deny.Cau.ty1202o te,.l.r.r.t�. 0—�a.&wi-i..2ma th.203o PMn mtW 1—Mom 19N1 m 2000.Orange Cnnt{s Aaa.ura^mrce drtn d1NF•t Fb.eer.tl.e ca.nry's Cnanginq CPndiM1PnsmdTre�ds. A P°P"�oi nase�.ei.r.sPd r+vA.Pp..�twf.wr.tM t+..rra.wd M•2030 Coeprpynw. PFP.P.d Os•pw.va 2050 Wd the Nan wah a tlFlr..vee d abwl23x M•w�2005 Agrhwe _._. _. .... ,.>_. _. 5 Ipapu�aepn d 121.9911 and 2012n50A771 From 2016w MM,tle proem,acroasem papuW.ds nun....n dupe C•usey.at+.the irr.mrparated area.the Portray d McWne n ci, q Cm,"ems'enud th qi—t pwvit Nrge m PP'PRiatn.ryvatl.ft^2010 w AM opn wtpr otl.er rran.npaeu.a(Fw. ntP^Aatal W the Fa 1—wtM n�..rn.,anon.b.w•n�. =1 Nt M _........... ................ .............. ............... ................ Korth Csda.a.a48"rueer..dynd..pwtknd*h.papJYesew.dwap.d 6y Si.c•m. Lnrcuu mnn ] Fe1 ptrt 0..�ag.d w dory.C—ty rea 1-Mt F,-30.4 yewt otd n, 2GW m 160 n 2022_N 202?_22i d[kage toway'.Pmdatim w ore,tk ape of fit) gang endanq.r ty.Mne..y..q wn u;.w 1:ea«e.d t.tee.,.m z6x by Nary Polity Gu�tlance ...._ __. .... _,_] Fxw Issues and OPParN M. .............._ .............. _.......... .................. New Policy Guidanp. •, o," y_..a.'.--`._ r s..r.a.auq Nn eery caarn.+ad.r Pw.R..d ar..�A...tw..de,x.P.e n.. PPary docu.enN tM rAnun p.aFrKe ud.eKr,.•.naaom m be em.peieeed nw ee gang.ca.M urd uN PI,,,2050 Sgr.Tss.P•°Rl'dP.wew.a,aF: • P+q Cr•nry Lra<agq PM.t2plal a..g.c•rmy CLmN•1atl.n PLn rzwl tk da,y.[a vr.�ae Prul Fy..rr name.w 12N21 2010.0 s CPn.Rsrs d p;ubev. d..b aqn 65 ad dds 12010 nd Oast'.c—,Tranth [2022) 2020.n 6271 rM.h a kyw tlw sumrnerq mono ad Nvth fiat'...n aele4 • E.b.w.'�W tn.�a Mreypn. rzgatl From znrn 1.—4 d.q,—Ay 1— r mere n the Ffep.Srtar.g pup d i 't the •laWt+P Pln bWW.b fYbrtY Car•�r!^M n M.Em R.ar rd awr ReR Lw. Al aM PY k iWY W Ppp Al aM tM OF tM PPPIi'dw'I4 n sw.n wr•rwa.xmn[uar•u tA191 dM rau w t.e v•ev rc.>,Fte..na,tti P�^ta9.d It.,-Aii b.ei6p kAh °.-d"F—t 1201N Amerva M sewt a devwe••doge Canty n tM P.tro d.rad.a moo Pais r+a Ray..em Meow P1.a r2P131 lYnlw•0..Kont.d d n..r.PPPd•sAn Rh-g.•d..g•CP.•ay has tw•.—a 04 m ru.. asp•Cun.ry Mwrin.o.w5e.F.x Rune-Prugrn Rmoa 12010� nay wR'F arou,rated w ynd we da••`r`ti agrortwe r,wgrr aM.wn retawces t`P.^"0. —1 dotal.arts. 4 Slide#5 Fact Book Contents About the Land Use Plan 2050 Our Diverse People and Communities 4) Our Built Environment .( } Our Transportation Systems 4) Our Public Facilities and Services 4> Our Natural Assets and Working Lands //// ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #6 2050RANG COUNrY Orange County LAN D USE PLAN Fact Book r . Water Resources T v Population Projections by County Watersheds • Change County is a headwaters area o C f the Neuse,Roanoke , and Cape Fear Rivers. _— a.,.rAw. « v.w� '..a a.w� n•sv uim Hredwaserslresmsarelik the - "•"" " '0. 4az ssa+s zysa Frye Cdpoldry syst ,(a hle ds,ppfy / '.�,a•,,/� `x`•^""h ui. r�er� irs�x iw,m qxa �s,y rietwpk-ji,uutheheakh.lthp _ l w.ai.c�a saw nrn uou erav auos run while organam tlepentls ens I �"'- — o+-ersww. rw.w n.ru ranr lunttlervrq cap"Nary system,theuva rs nrmr wra heahh al leper ssr¢arns and ri„ers - __ depend upon haadwaNr stream rieMark. ,,.,, w.r c,..., r,wass m,rs acn. ,,,ra,s rauw r.Ar r Future Land Use The following utility provider serve Orange County: llae am,diy adapM1d Furwe Wduw Waterand5ewer Map dgaa lantl sae elenifeaeknn+eftin lwn of Hillshoreugh pnrye Ceumry: Orange Watn and Sewn Authcrdy-OWASA IChapel Hlll,M Ca dw,) she auri e,AM Oran ANmanre WeIHland/weOra un AgrrMwaLReu1'1� M1anvsia+Aiwr ge' SysRmr nge- — Cr, lrse� G'A—Mob—Water SM—IM.b— p . 0� City of MMM,(sm",inrlWiny form,Ell"5erar 5y n- r vaa.tm .ry.cm.ruy(.rd era runm5a.nd `�:� Oaw•t^see E�r•er,mertal Quafly-W6lic wah.1,1 Nreemrrwniry.vus ru M1lap wil4 quiae aaavwu mWey 1 WeliaM SPM1r pxwtsan nrued by Orang.CounyS rMahM1 oepartnml rs~a�,hinru NarPox.,e.ne luwnm - Natlo�il PpNetiia pisChargv ESmirutivn System fNPOE5l hacks=ed cawnels wastewa2¢r disrha+ge into warmraya Electricity Electric--ts.swpCerperat.- - — — Natural Gas • Ew,w�c ser.Rre[ompanyal Harsh rardina 1primdr;y awy within mrmir;pelaiasl • Ndnidu.l proparrr ueFa Im.wy houwhoiar�n er�nro�crrasw n.nl 5 Slide#7 ORANGE COUNTYaPLAN 2050 COMMUNITY POLICY PROrILE INTRODUCTION The Community Policy Profile is a product of the Orange County Land Use Plan 2050 planning process.For more information about the planning effort,go to https;Z/www,gia;)gecQuntylandui,eplan.com/ This report summarizes land use policy guidance from Orange County plans and other policy documents.These documents provide the foundation of adopted policies which the Land Use Plan 2050 will build upon.This guidance is organized into seven categories: 1. Special Topic Plans 2. Environment,Conservation,and Hazard Mitigation 1 Land Use and Development(Unincorporated Orange County) 4, Interlocal Agreements and Plans 5, Transportation 6. Climate Action and Infrastructure T Parks and Recreation �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #8 aWindow Testing the Land Use A w Alternatives Engagement Summary © Measuring Representation of Engagement Documentation Other ail,, Which racial # Ywo ar Nrore Paces `1� group do you white/C.—ian OverallTakeawap most closely Strong su port for protecting priority agricultural,environmental, nPf1L an indian/A�aska native and rural Pands identify with? Desire to see more housingcltoices e.kIAIncan A—rran i ail Mixed support for higher-density residential mined-use Asian 7 M development and providing more employment opportunities Support for Rural Conservation Neighborhoods ox tax zox Saw qa - Suppon for expanding Economic Development Area near or sos,c,Po�as�r:xrt:w�.cv tn,s Mebane/I-as Support for Goals and Vision Themes,with some adjustments • Mixed support for extension of public water and sewer and development of private water and wastewater systems ,,.wsa"...... „d r — :e.— r7.. b�wco .�,• ORANGE COUNTY or.gab^^ NORTH CAROLINA 6 Slide #9 REPORTLAND USE ALTERNATIVES EVALUATION . a Methodology APPENDIX This section F.—des.technical arip-by-seep--ling or the Land Use Ahemat—s preparation and testing.AicGIS Pro was used for the initial preparation.of demand for creating Process for Developing Land Use Alternatives the maps of each land use alternative.Microsoft Ex 1 was used w run the cakulations and Th.process for des.bp' th.land use aH—ti—was wmpletW in fn.stops produce the modeled outputs ar new conservation land%residential capacity,and-on- Fira,Cwm "Engagement;rdow el s ,.ted leedbxa from Orange County [esd.ntW capacity These steps include: midw[h wawrvry ka about their giarilias for land—in the coming decades. Tnh rwlem,e ngadirenrt mfarm.d the flay drrerdon e.pnree m.amanematNe. step I:Modiy rand use naseirr�ation:for aterratnes • NeM,Oramg Corvrry f4H w.kdr ih Clarion A,s tee and M.r wbmrdmcton ro Step 2,Nepare Baseline Inventory of Potential Development Areas symhesiae emiring Iwsd ufe.planning initiatives,and pgns fd Loral mune VW ties idenaly potential a of cnenyr,andinleg,-geidan«from sell eapenise eo further Step 1Confirm and Model Development Constraints r.fithe approach fereach"'Z"we Step 4:Prepare Model Assumptions • Folbwing[hn,OrangeCwnty slaH and the wnwllanl team met with the Stall NbrMirq rr...i..r..m...�.vl of r...lw.h...Lr.�.�...�niw n.•.w r...��r.Nvam..a.r..�...,..,rN [and Else Altwnatives rvaluatnn Repmt Page 3! • Step 5:Compare Open Space Prot.6ci-,Development Cap".and Outcomes of aeernatiws ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #10 Ideas for Presenting Requested Information to the BOCC To begin cstobhsh;ng a rim f me jr response,scheduling ojBoard meetfngs,and esta1'18hing expecmtioru,planning n ffhaawlor roded the 8000requestsjot additfo—f injrmatyan as jiiows: Yeflm,Within Planning staff purview and can be mmpieted in the near-term and with no finonciol ".Pact; Bha Within Planning Stajfpurview and requires coordination beyond the Planning Department. Completion riming to-he-determined,•and . Beyond Pianning Staffin.,kwand may have financial impacts. YellOW: Business Meeting/Work Session Agenda Item Abstract with written report and attachments 2-4 weeks to prep Blue: Work Session Agenda Item OR Retreat Discussion Materials provided in advance but may require follow up More time needed for Item 16 to view and discuss draft Future Land Use Map 8-weeks to prep - Retreat w/guest presenters Longer lead time for scheduling and to secure presenters *Potential financial impacts* ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Tom Altieri said the information in slide#10 is a companion to Attachment A in the agenda information. Slide #11 Tentative Calendar APR-JUL #AM AUG AJK SEPT A16 OCT AUG NOV APri1•0 Add BOCC -Staff Working meetingsto Group meeting calendartg -Revise draft plan` -Online survey -Virtual Public Info 86aFd 5ummeF -Public notification launch to remain SessioneEess begins for CEW#3 open for at least 8- -In person -In person weeks Engagement Engagement ['BOCC preliminary 'tea* meetings meetinxs review,feedback, and authorization to ;eEes5 begi% move forward by mid-June $94 DEC OC-JAN #W1I'•FEB 9"MAR J"APR 2025 -Final Staff Working -Planning Board -BOCC Briefing on -Planning Board -BOCC Hearing for Group meeting Briefing Public Hearing Draft Meeting for Plan Adoption -BOCC Briefing on Endorsement CEW#3 Tom Altieri said the green box on the top left in slide #11 indicates where the process is currently. He said the green box on the bottom row is a second check point for getting feedback from the Board. 8 Slide #12 Alternative_Tentative Calendar APR SEPT- NOV MM JAN 2026 PM FEB "MAR AYG APR -April 8 Add BOCC -Staff Working meetings retreats Group meeting to calendar YKishpg Revise draft plan* -Online survey -Virtual Public Info Public notification launch to remain Session racesc begins for CEW#3 open for at least 8- -In person -In person weeks Engagement Engagement {*BOCC preliminary `"'tea° R meetings meetings review,feedback, 'R peFS,_ $eard summer and authorization to ..__---s begins move forward by mid-November} six MAY QG&JUN MW JUN-AUG* ON SEPT or OCT JAFI NOV 2026 -Final Staff Working -Planning Board -BOCC Briefing on -Planning Board -BOCC Hearing for Group meeting Briefing Public Hearing Draft Meeting for Plan Adoption -BOCC Briefing on Endorsement CEW#3 ("Assumes summer BOCC meetings retreats and authorization to move forward by mid-August) Slide #13 Recommendation for Tonight The Manager recommends the Board receive the presentation and provide Qap`'SSPLAN20,0 feedback. CIO ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 9 Commissioner Greene asked if a new revised plan would be sent to the Board. Tom Altieri said there is a preliminary draft plan that staff was intending to take to the community with the authorization of the Board. He said there was an indication that the Board may want to make some changes to this version based on the information that they will be receiving. He said if changes are made, then there would amendments prior to the next round of community engagement. Commissioner Greene asked if it is the intention for the Board to receive all the information listed in slide #10 by July. Tom Altieri said no, and that staff can prepare the items in yellow in a matter of weeks and present that in the near-term. He said the blue and red items will take additional time. He said there would need to be meetings scheduled for those and they are looking for guidance on how they may want to schedule additional meetings. Commissioner Greene asked why they would revise the plan without the red information available. Tom Altieri said that it would be the purview of the Board and that the plan is not required to be revised. He said they are looking for feedback from the public. He said it has been put together based on comments received in the second engagement window. He said they are looking to get feedback on items like the rural conservation neighborhoods. He said it is up to the Board on how they move forward. Commissioner Fowler said it seems they will need the second calendar alternative to get more information. She said some of the questions were about how they came up with the locations for some of the clusters. She asked if they avoid what could be prime farmland given the attempt to preserve. She said that would be questions for later, but she would like to know if it is possible to put those in the rural buffer. Tom Altieri said once the questions are known they can be prepared to answer them. He said the questions in yellow are relatively simple and quick. Cy Stober, Planning Director, said the question is if they want to have all the questions answered before they go back to the public or if they want to move forward in getting the feedback and then coming back to the Board. Chair Bedford said that she thinks the Board should see it first and provide feedback and then it should go to the public. Commissioner Carter said she agrees. She asked about the NC General Assembly and the bills that affect land use planning, specifically, how does the timing align with the tentative calendar. Cy Stober said that staff would pivot accordingly whatever the General Assembly does. He said that they will keep their work going until they are directed to change course. John Roberts said he cannot predict the timing, but most bills filed in the General Assembly never pass. He said it depends on support in both the House and Senate. Commissioner McKee said he agrees with the timing that Chair Bedford suggested. He said that he fears if it goes back to the community first, it will create an excess feedback loop. He said this could make it get lost in discussion. He said he did not want to eliminate community feedback, he wanted to make sure they moved forward. Chair Bedford said it sounds like the Board agrees that the alternative timeline is preferable. She said that staff and the consultants have done a great job but none of the Board have master's in planning and they have different learning styles. She said that the Board needs to have some mini sessions on the various aspects of the plan. She said that they can look at a Saturday retreat in December. Commissioner Fowler said there are action items that they need to make comments on in open session. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she was hoping to have a session in which the Board could discuss the items in yellow in depth. 10 Vice-Chair Hamilton said they need the later calendar because it is important that they fully understand the implications and can make decisions based on that information. She said it is an important document that is intended to be integrated into the Strategic Plan, and it warrants taking time. Commissioner Greene indicated she was ok with the alternative timeline. Commissioner Carter said staff did a great job of getting the information together and she thanked them for the next steps where they will get questions together and can make the right decisions. Tom Altieri said this was good feedback and they will coordinate calendars with staff. Chair Bedford said they will devote time during each meeting to learn more about this. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked how to access the interactive map without a sign-in link. Cy Stober said she should not have been prompted for a sign-in, and he will look into the issue. 2. Discussion on Strategic Plan with Revised Objectives and Draft Performance Measures The Board discussed the Countywide Strategic plan revised objectives and draft performance measures. BACKGROUND: At its Business meeting on February 20, 2024, the Board of Commissioners approved a Countywide Strategic Plan for FY 2024-25 through FY 2028-29. The Plan includes a mission, vision, guiding principles, six (6) Strategic Goals and objectives associated with each goal. A Board of County Commissioners' Performance Measure Working Group was formed and met in Spring 2024 to continue to develop the performance measures for each of the six strategic goals. In Fall 2024 staff met in cross-departmental teams around the six (6) Strategic Goals to finalize the performance measures and discuss recommended revisions to the Strategic Plan objectives. The revisions to the objectives and draft performance measures were then reviewed for a final time by the Board of County Commissioners' Performance Measure Working Group. These performance measures will allow effective tracking of progress toward the Strategic Goals and ensure the Plan is achieving its intended outcomes by providing concrete data on how the County is performing against set objectives. The measures will be tracked quarterly. Twice each year, the County Manager's Office will prepare an update to the Board for each Strategic Goal including specific milestones and challenges. Kelly Guadalupe, Strategic Plan Manager, introduced the item and made the following presentation: 11 Slide #1 �l1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Performance Measures for the Countywide Strategic Plan April 8, 2025 BOCC Work Session Slide #2 Background • February 201", 2024: Countywide Strategic Plan adopted • Spring 2024: BOCC Performance Measure Working Group • Fall 2024: County staff performance measure meetings • January 2025: Review meetings with BOCC Performance Measure Working Group ORANGECOUNTY NOW H I C:AROLINA Slide #3 Performance Measures • Allow effective tracking of progress toward Strategic Goals • Provide data on program performance • Quarterly tracking • Updates to BOCC twice each year ORANGE COUNTY NORTH(AROLINA 12 Slide#4 Environmental Protection and Climate Action Summary of Objectives • Implement the Climate Action Plan • Invest in our infrastructure to reduce environmental impact • Improve educational opportunities • Promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems • Promote and connect trails and open spaces • Protect our water and high priority open spaces • Include environmental stewardship in the Comprehensive Land Use Plan ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #5 Environmental Protection and Climate Action Performance Measures 1. Implement 50% (35) of Climate Action Plan Strategies by June 30, 2029, and document strategy status in Climate Action Tracker. 2. Reduce the energy intensity(energy used in KBTU, or one thousand British thermal units, per building square foot)of county facilities by 10% to 78.5 KBTUs per square foot by June 30, 2029. 3. Increase the annual solar energy generated at County facilities by 167% by June 30, 2029. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #6 Environmental Protection and Climate Action Performance Measures 4. Replace 75% of County non-first responder vehicles (7-8 vehicles)each year with electric or other alternative fuel vehicles (biodiesel, ethanol, hydrogen, etc.). 5. Increase rating in the bi-annual community survey on the following two questions by one percentage point every 2 years: How would you rate the County: A.As a community committed to green &sustainable practices B.As a place that prioritizes environmental protection ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 13 Chair Bedford asked if the survey data was the starting point, and if the survey would be readministered every two years. Kelly Guadalupe said yes that they would use the same survey. Slide #7 Environmental Protection and Climate Action Performance Measures 6. Establish baseline and increase the number of sustainable farming practices farmers implement after participating in sustainable farming programs, outreach, or education each year. 7. Permanently protect 300 additional acres of farmland, priority natural areas, riparian buffer lands, floodplains, and wildlife habitat over the next 5 years. ,LII:I II k I I Commissioner McKee asked what incentives will be provided because the farming community is reluctant to change practices that have proven to be successful. He said he wants to make sure that they do not chase good ideas that do not pan out for people that are depending on this as a source of income. Commissioner Hamilton said that the details are going to have to come from the staff level with Cooperative Extension. She said then it will have to come back to the Board, and they will review what is working. She said that it will have to be tracked. Commissioner McKee said that he is worried because there must be something that entices the farmers, and he is not seeing that. He said he does not know how to track something that has not happened. He said that he is trying to get a definition on what "sustainable" means. He said if he could not see a return on investment, he would not do it. He said there needs to be a measurable incentive. He said he has no objections to the strategies he just wants to make sure there is a return on investment to the people involved and the county as a whole. Commissioner Greene said there are many ways to do farming in Orange County, and she hopes that this plan can go along with the Climate Action Plan and there are multiple meanings around return on investment, and not all are about dollars. She said that she would like to see an established baseline. Commissioner McKee said that it would be $8 million to set aside farmland, and it will be significant. Chair Bedford said they already have $4 million set aside, so that is a start. 14 Slide #8 Healthy Community Summary of Objectives • Improve services for residents experiencing behavioral health issues, substance use disorder, and intellectual or developmental disability • Provide programming for justice-involved residents • Expand access to healthcare services • Invest in services and programs that improve the health and quality of life of the community • Provide sustainable and equitable community safety, emergency, and protective services • Provide economic supports to build financial well-being • Support our first responder and direct care workforce ` e ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROHNA Slide #9 Healthy Community Performance Measures 1. Implement Post Overdose Response Team (PORT): A. PORT contacts 90% of patients referred within 24 hours. B. PORT establishes and maintains an 80% induction to transfer of care and completion of medication assisted treatment for opioid use disorders. 2. Increase enrollment of Medicaid eligible residents by 1% (200 individuals) annually through Fiscal Year 2028-29. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH C',AROI.INA Chair Bedford said that performance measure 2 on slide #9 is one of the most ambitious goals they have set in the entire plan. Commissioner Carter asked if increasing the CJRD referrals includes juveniles and adults. Kelly Guadalupe said yes. 15 Slide #10 Healthy Community Performance Measures 3. Increase by 2%annually the number of individuals deflected or diverted from criminal legal system involvement, by referring individuals to the Criminal Justice Resource Department deflection and diversion programs. 4. Maintain an annual retention rate of 86% or more among: • Deputy Sheriffs, • EMTs and Paramedics, •911 Call Takers and Telecommunicators, and • Protective Services Social Workers through Fiscal Year 2028-29. ORANGE COUNTY NOR LH CAROLINA Slide #11 Healthy Community Performance Measures 5.Achieve by April 1,2025, and maintain a 65%adherence rate to a 15 minute or less emergent total response time for events requiring critical intervention by Emergency Medical Services. 6.Train 80 individuals annually on mental health topics including Mental Health First Aid and Applied Suicide Intervention Skills. 7.Work with families to collect at least 70%of all current child support owed and collect arrears for at least 70% of the families served by the Child Support Services Program annually. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #12 Healthy Community Performance Measures 8. Serve 96%of the estimated eligible food insecure Orange County households with food and nutrition services annually. 9. Provide 128 families annually with case- management through the Family Success Alliance program to connect them to medical/mental health care, housing, or food with support, information, and referral services. 10. Increase the percentage of children achieving permanency through reunification when exiting foster care by 1 percentage point per year. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 16 Slide #13 Healthy Community Performance Measures 11. Increase by 10 quarterly the number of 911 responses made by the Mobile Crisis Team (CARE). 12. All first responder county employees complete annual training to ensure cultural competence. 13. Increase positive responses to the statement "County provides adequate amenities, access to leisure activities, & cultural activities" by 1 percentage point in the 2027 and 2029 community surveys. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner Carter asked when baseline numbers will be available in Healthy Community. Kelly Guadalupe said for the measures that do not have a baseline yet, they would have them by the end of this fiscal year, and it would provide July to June of the current fiscal year. She said those are being tracked at this time. Chair Bedford said in reference to performance measure 10, that it was important for reunification to happen in a safe way and to support the guardians. Slide #14 Housing for All Summary of Objectives • Increase affordable housing supply, including prioritizing County-owned land • Increase access to emergency shelter beds and low-barrier housing • Invest in permanent supportive housing • Increase housing opportunities for public employees to live where they work • Expand housing resources for unhoused, aging, and disabled residents ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 17 Slide#15 Housing forAll Summary of Objectives • Increase opportunities and reduce barriers to construct housing • Increase representation of people with lived experience • Preserve naturally occurring affordable housing • Address civil rights and fair housing complaints ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #16 Housing for All Performance Measures 1. Increase the number of affordable (80% AMI or below) housing units funded by Orange County by an average of 10 annually over 5 years, prioritizing 60%AM or below. 2. Increase the amount of immediately accessible cold weather emergency beds available in the community by 25% by 2026. 3. Establish baseline and increase by 5 per year the number of individuals moved from Bridge Housing programs to stable permanent houl i�- ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the actual gap in housing was considered when creating performance measure 1. Travis Myren said the measure was bound by funding limitations in the CIP. Commissioner Greene said that when thinking of housing, towns should be considered since most of the housing needs are there. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if they know what numbers each municipality is addressing. Chair Bedford said that is one of the red boxes they submitted for the Land Use Plan. She said that she thinks that Chapel Hill has a study and they think that Chapel Hill has plans to build the 9,000 in the town. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said not everyone is going to want to live in town, some will want to live in the county. Commissioner Carter asked if the distinction could be made by those that are funded by the county vs. those that are not funded by the county. 18 Travis Myren cautioned that the measures should be controllable by the county. Commissioner McKee asked if the first step would be to isolate down to county only rather than county and towns. Travis Myren said they can control what the county invests in affordable housing. Commissioner McKee asked how much of the housing gap is in the county and how much is in the towns. He said that 9,000 does not seem realistic either and he would like to know what number they need to contribute for affordable housing and what that might cost. Travis Myren said they would get an estimate to the Board. Vice-Chair Hamilton said the amount of housing in the county is determined by the market and developers. She said the Board is not the major driver of housing in the county. She said it makes sense to think about what the county has control over when creating performance measures. She said the "how" is not in the measures. She said that will come in the budget, and they will have hard decisions to make. She said that the measures lay out what the Board would like, but some of them may not happen. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said that when revising the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, the Board is creating the conditions that lead to housing. She said that with the funding the county has, could the county do more than 10 units a year. Commissioner Fowler said she also worked alongside with the development of the performance measures and item one was looking at what they can achieve as the county. She said they were looking into if there were ways for developers to go more efficiently through the development planning phases. Commissioner Carter clarified that the housing gap described by Commissioner Portie- Ascott is for owners and renters making less than 50% of AMI. Vice-Chair Hamilton said even with the land use plan, there is always tension between open land and housing. She said what is nice is all of the stuff is coming together but the reality is that it will not be easy to address that number, and they have to be realistic about that. Commissioner Greene said one way to fund affordable housing is through the CIP and through money through a competitive process that goes to non-profits. She said they are spreading their funding across multiple units. She said this sounds like it is housing 100% funded by Orange County and she is not sure if they have ever done that because it would involve building their own housing. She said that the housing gap described by Commissioner Carter and Commissioner Portie-Ascott would need to be in the municipalities because of the support services they would need access to. Commissioner McKee said what he struggles with is the projected borrowing over the next ten years. He said the scale of payback went up to $74 million a year and that number is 1/3 of the current budget. He said he has a hard time incorporating that reality into what they know they need. He said that regardless of what it is, that payment comes off the top. Chair Bedford said she thinks the current projections in the CIP are doable, but they also need to focus on the rehabbing and keeping the existing units. She said this needs to be flagged. Commissioner McKee said that there are people from other states who can purchase larger properties and pay less in taxes when coming to Orange County. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said for performance measure 2, there are people in the community who do not feel welcome when accessing cold weather cots. Travis Myren said he would look into that. Caitlin Fenhagen asked if the cold weather cot issues were at IFC or with the county site. Commissioner Portie-Ascott said she thought it was at the IFC. Caitlin Fenhagen said that they have heard comments about the IFC cold weather cots and that they have discussed the issue with IFC. She said they have spoken with IFC about those concerns, and they are hopeful they will see change. Slide #17 19 Housing for All Performance Measures 4. Increase the number of households housed by permanent supportive housing by 10% annually. 5. 70%of residents served by eviction diversion programs avoid eviction in the next 12 months. 6. Establish baseline and decrease by 5% the median amount of time it takes from first development permit application to certificate of occupancy issuance for housing developments by June 30, 2029. �� ORANGECOUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide#18 Housing for All Performance Measures 7. Establish baseline and increase by 5%the awareness of available housing and rental assistance programs among county employees by June 30, 2029. 8. Increase by an average of 10%annually over 5 years the number of housing units repaired or rehabilitated. 9. At least 25% of Orange County Partnership to End Homelessness, Housing Choice Voucher, and Affordable Housing Advisory Hoard Members are individuals who have experienced homelessness or housing insecurity themselves by June 2029. CR ;Gi �.(XJ TY .ncElLuaunti Slide #19 Housing for All Performance Measures 10. Reduce the number of individuals who are unhoused by 10% per year, prioritizing protection from displacement. 11. Process 8 housing discrimination cases per year. 12. Continue providing rent cost support through vouchers for 650 households annually. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 20 Commissioner Carter asked when the baseline was established for performance measure 10. She asked if it was from a prior year's point in time survey. Travis Myren said it always lags a year so it will be last year's. Vice-Chair Hamilton said for measure 12, it would be good to specify which vouchers. Slide #20 Multi-modal Transportation Summary of Objectives • Implement the Orange County Transit Plan • Increase options for and awareness of all modes of transportation • Support road projects that address congestion and reduce commute time • Provide more equitable access to services and amenities through transportation • Implement the Safe Routes to Schools plan Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the fare was the same. Travis Myren said he would get the Board the fare schedule. Slide #21 Multi-modal Transportation Performance Measures 1. Increase ridership by 5% each year on fixed route, demand response, and mobility on demand transportation services. 2. County transportation information is included in 90 outreach events each year. 3. Increase by 1 percentage point every two years the percentage of residents who are satisfied with biking, walking, and bus travel, as reported in the community survey. ter_ ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner Carter asked about the difference between demand response ridership and the mobility on demand. Travis Myren said the demand response is taking folks to medical appointments and mobility on demand is for shopping or something that is not a demand response ride. Commissioner Greene said that increasing satisfaction by 1 percentage point seems small. Kelly Guadalupe said sentiment can be difficult to change and any increase is a step in the right direction. 21 At 8:15 p.m., maintenance staff arrived to repair a broken fire alarm. A motion to recess for 10 minutes was made by Chair Bedford and seconded by Commissioner Fowler. VOTE: UNANIMOUS A motion to reconvene at 8:24 p.m. was made by Chair Bedford and seconded by Vice- Chair Hamilton. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Slide #22 Multi-modal Transportation Performance Measures 4. Add at least one transportation network connection each year through implementation of the Transportation Multi- Modal Plan. 5. Increase by 1 percentage point each year the percentage of on time pick ups and drop offs on fixed route, demand response, and mobility on demand transportation services. Chair Bedford asked for"transportation network connection" to be defined in the plan. Slide #23 Public Education/Learning Community Summary of Objectives • Provide opportunities for community members to connect and learn together • Provide access to resources to improve educational outcomes • Support Durham Tech continuing education, college, and career readiness programming • Invest in school facility needs • Implement the Schools Safety Task Force recommendations ORANGE COUNTY NORCH CAROLINA 22 Slide#24 Public Education/Learning Community Performance Measures 1. Increase by 1% each year the number of children from low-income households enrolled annually in the childcare subsidy program. 2. Reach residents in all 15 zip codes of the county with digital literacy workshops offered annually. 3. Implement the Long-Range School Optimization Plan, funding planning for first construction in FY25-26, followed by construction on the first project in FY26-27. Utilize the remaining funds by the end of the 10-year plan period. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide#25 Public Education/Learning Community Performance Measures 4. Track and report quarterly on school capital spending on high priority needs and other capital uses. 5. Annual meeting of the School Safety Task Force or other group convened by the Board of County Commissioners to review policies that address safety in the school districts and provide education on laws addressing school disruptions. Implement recommendation #3 in the School Safety Task Force Final Report by FY2025-26 and recommendation #S by FY2026-27. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner Carter asked about the school capital balance (measure 4) in June 2024. Kelly Guadalupe said that information would be in the report. Chair Bedford said that the schools did not want to have a separate meeting, but they did want to spend 20 minutes at the joint meeting (measure 5). 23 Slide #26 Public Education/Learning Community Performance Measures 6. Establish baseline and increase visitors to the Southern Branch Library by 5% annually. 7. Increase by 1 percentage point annually the percentage of Durham Tech Promise scholarship recipients who complete a program or transfer to a four-year college or university. ORANGE COUNTY .0R111 CAROLINA Chair Bedford said that measure 7 aligns with the Durham Tech strategic plan. Slide #27 Diverse and Vibrant Economy Summary of Objectives • Provide family-oriented and cultural programming and events for residents and visitors • Support business investment in Orange County • Increase access to and awareness of resources available to businesses • Provide workforce development resources to residents • Expand the non-residential tax base ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #28 Diverse and Vibrant Economy Performance Measures 1. Establish a baseline of tourism resources invested in community partners producing cultural events by June 30, 2025, and evaluate the economic impact annually. 2. Establish baseline and increase by 1 percentage point each year the percentage of Small Business Investment Grant recipients that are still in business one year after receiving a grant. 3. Establish baseline and increase by 1 percentage point each year the percentage of Agricultural Economic Development Grant Program recipients'farms that are still in operation one year after receiving the grant. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 24 Slide #29 Diverse and Vibrant Economy Performance Measures 4. Establish baseline and increase by 3 percentage points annually the percentage of residents enrolled in Employment Services who complete an employment or training related program and/or gain employment. 5. Establish baseline and increase by 1 percentage point annually the percentage of residents enrolled in Durham Tech apprenticeship and workforce development programs who complete an employment or training related program and/or gain employment. ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Commissioner Carter asked if there was a discussion about building the recommendations on assessing the impact of employer incentives. Kelly Guadalupe said that in a 5-year plan they would not see specific movement in such a small timeframe and the work that is being done now would show after the strategic plan. She said they are tracking non-residential tax base. Travis Myren said Economic Development tracks job creation as part of compliance with the incentive agreements because if they do not meet those, they do not get the incentive. Chair Bedford said she has a petition to look at the entire incentive package and update if needed. Slide #30 Strategic Plan Performance Measures • Questions? ORANGE COUNTY \W 171 f\i 3. Orange County Draft Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan The Board received a presentation summarizing the draft Orange County Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan. BACKGROUND: The goal of Promoting Sustainable Agriculture is included in the Orange County Strategic Plan 2025-2029 as a primary means of achieving one of the County's top Strategic Priorities of Environmental Protection and Climate Action. The Strategic Plan states that the 25 County will "incentivize and promote sustainable agriculture and local food systems development through supportive policy, funding, farmland protection, and educational outreach." To support the County in these efforts, the Orange County Agricultural Preservation Board's Farmland Protection Subcommittee has prepared a draft Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan. The Plan has been reviewed and endorsed by the Agricultural Preservation Board and forwarded to the BOCC for consideration. The draft Plan describes recent trends in agriculture and farmland loss, challenges to and opportunities for continued farming, vision and goals for agriculture, and recommendations for maintaining farmland and supporting a viable farming community in Orange County. The Plan meets content guidelines outlined in the North Carolina General Statutes (§ 106-744) for preferential eligibility for NC Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund monies supporting agricultural viability and conservation projects. Counties must have adopted a countywide farmland protection plan to be eligible for preference for Trust Fund monies. This draft Plan updates the County's Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan adopted in 2009. It is intended to be a dynamic Plan that is updated and reissued biennially to address the needs and challenges associated with a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape. Actions recommended in the Plan are proposed to be implemented over the next five (5) years from 2025 to 2029 in keeping with the timeframe of the County's Strategic Plan. Jane Saiers of the Agricultural Preservation Board introduced the item and made the following presentation: Slide #1 Agricultural Viability and - Farmland Stewardship Plan for Orange County,2025-2Q. q f �� ane Saiers on behalf of#h% : iltural Preservaei and 4. 0 i� A 26 Slide #2 Sustainable ORANGE COUNTY Agriculture NORTH CAROLINA STRATEGIC PLAN FY2025-2029 Preserves and restores habitats Maintains wildlife Orange Countyaimsto `lncentivizeand corridors promote sustainable agriculture and local Protects watersheds, improves water quality food systems development through r Enhances soil health supportive policy, funding, farmland r Sequesters carbon Supports resilient local protection, and educational outreach.„ and regional food systems Slide #3 Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan Meets guidelines outlined in the NC General Statutes for preferential eligibility Trust Fund monies Updates and builds upon the Plan adopted in 2009 Proposes actions to be implemented in next 5 years Is intended as a"living plan"to be updated and reissued biennially Slide #4 Challenges Loss of Farmland to Development Acres in Farms' Acres in Crops2 71,010 in 2002 21,610 in 2017 53,068 in 2022 8,821 in 2022 u9OA X]4 uG bepQlmenl et Apiniliue,rveKrenl�9Xwnnd 4eXxRa ssvke_1ox]numfaescn eglcu ei_ 11'tOf Jlnrv+'�s56u1Cnpo.I3lolrWcSr3lolalNo+tlLGuc4mIP��Ica4onslAwoLSolllAcd9N'elnlgp5lal�CAp51a'BoaA,otll b adage Cwnty land Co•w SNdy,]0]3 27 Slide #5 Economics of Agriculture Challenges Average net income of Orange County farmer in 2022: -$2,213' —40% of farms had <$2,500 in sales' Farming main source of income for only 30% of farmers" 'U50.12N3 Us Oep--I of ng.O—.Na nW 1.glcvM SbN N23.aIC—a,.agrlcutMd 00,1ln.�¢bble• nuwarww»:: b,gaIS.'.'•.. W,County 1 Cove, 3023 'Ua�ga GounN FpRgrlLanri p23 Commissioner McKee said that the information shared in slide #5 is what leads to loss of farms and farmland. Chair Bedford said she did not understand how they can be called a farm and have less than $2,500 in sales. Jane Saiers said it varies. She said that there are farms of all sizes and shapes. She said that it is not always about commodity farms. She said that most farmers have second incomes. Chair Bedford asked if these farms are also considered wedding venues. Jane Saiers said these are USDA census data and wedding venues could be included as agritourism. Mike Ortosky, an Extension Agent with Cooperative Extension, said that present use valuation and then responses by the farmers to any USDA question gets included in this. Commissioner McKee said "farm" and "farmer" is a nebulous term. He said that a person raising an acre of strawberries is a farmer and so is someone farming 200 acres of soybeans. He said it all depends on how the definition is used. He said it cannot be defined by size or income. He said that some small farms do extremely well. Chair Bedford said a timber farm might not have sales except every 10 years. Mike Ortosky said they have a full-time farmer, and they will grow $4,000 on two acres. He said this is a fulltime job but there are not that many examples. He said it is a way of life, not just a job. 28 Slide . • Opportunities 1.Sails,climate,and 2.Growing � water resources to communities of small, support agriculture diversified farms and into the future new/beginning farmers A` - 3.Farmers who are passionate about their work and wantto ti keep their land in farming j r _� 4.Local food hulas with 5.Citizens who value capacities and expertise agriculture and seek to supportfarmers in food grown sustainably expanding their markets and locally Slide 75%said Opportunities Land Use Plan 2050 Citizen Survey foundation . regional agricultural/w• - lands and healthy soils was an important environmenta[ ,W 47%said farnilyfarrns are need,second only to ensure the type of .. Slidedesired in the County. • : GoaLs Plan FOR Agriculture: GOAL� Elevate farmland stewardship to being a central consideration in land use planning and decisions. Conserve Farmland GOAL2 Through Direct Measures: Promote the benefits of and strengthen opportunities far farmers to use direct measures to conserve their farmland. Enhancethe GOAL3 Economic 29 Slide#9 <GOAL1 Plan FOR Agricultur RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS 1.Assess, ➢ Assess farmland conversion trends on a biennial basis. document, and ➢ Conduct a biennial County-wide agricultural census. communicate the ➢ Complete an Economic Impact Assessment of agriculture. status of agriculture ➢ Complete a Cost of Community Services study of agriculture. in Orange County. ➢ Communicate farmland conversion trends,census results,and economic data in the Farmland Stewardship Plan and on agriculture web page. Slide#10 RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS 2. Elevate agriculture ➢ On the Planning Board,include an APB member.On the APB, to a primary use in include a Planning Board member. land use planning, ➢ Adopt the Farmland Stewardship Plan as a reference in the regulations, and 2050 Comprehensive Plan. policy. ➢ Adopt a Prioritization Method to identify and target farmland for conservation. (Appendix 2) ➢ Adopt modifications and additions to the UDO and to County policies to elevate agriculture to a primary land use. (Appendix 3) 30 Slide#11 M- PRIORITIZING LAND STRENGTHENING LIDO FOR PROTECTION ➢ USDA Prime Farmland AVOICI ➢ <8% slope Impacts log ➢ Land is not developed and is outside the municipalities Minimize and the ETJs. Impacts t Wa State ofthe Art on Agricultural Preservation.CALAFCO White Paper.February 2018.Available at:mendolafco.orgNiles/ 485edbca3/CALAFOOAFT+WhitetPapar.amAg.Prasewation Feb•2010%28nEV%29.pdf Planning far en Agricultural Future:A Guide for North Carolina Farmers and Local Governments,2007,American Farmland Trust. Avallabl¢e[:330426.pctln.ep/wp-cOnt¢nt/UploatlSlSk¢3f2/2U19I09/FINAL_NCPAA�AFT_1.ptl1 Slide#12 Farmland DirectGOAL 2 Conserve Through<S> RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS 1.Increase the rate at v Increase funds for Lands Legacy conservation easements. which Lands Legacy ➢ Identify and implement additional frameworks for collaboration easements are with other conservation organizations. granted. y Intensify VAD/EVAD recruiting efforts. 2. Use the VAD program y Encourage VAD/EVAD farmers to participate in a conservation as a steppingstone to easement workshop and incentivize enrollment. Lands Legacy r Fund easement-related legal and financial consulting for easements. VAD/EVAD landowners. 31 Slide#13 Conserve Farmland GOAL2 Through Direct RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS 3. Provide farmers Fund transition planning consulting for VAD/EVAD landowners and with education and farmers holding conservation easements. resources on Convene an annual Transition Planning/Estate Planning summit. transition planning % Educate forest owners about the environmental and financial and farmland benefits of conserving forestland. conservation. Y Conduct outreach to understand farmer perspectives on transition plans to support customized transition planning and conservation. 4.Establish Farmland Define the duties of the role. Stewardship r Assign the position a place in the County organizational structure Coordinator role. and allocate funding for it. Slide #14 44100Enhance the Economic Viability 100- of Agriculture RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS 1. Expand educational v Offer education to include business development,agritourism, opportunities in ag and crop production,livestock management,marketing. business development. 2.Support farmers in ; Form a County Agritourism Networking Group. diversifying through y Incorporate an agritourism module into the education program. agritourism. 32 Slide#15 PI,WAV. , Enhance the Economic Viability of Agriculture RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS Educate farmers about the benefits of,and fund,GAP certification. 3.Support farmers' v Fund and implement a farm-to-school pilot program. expansion into y Provide opportunities for aggregation,sale,and distribution of farm wholesale markets. products through a local food hub. Conduct a feasibility study for o regional market and hub. 4. Provide citizens and ➢Update the Farmland Stewardship Plan biennially. decision-makers ag Communicate about agriculture through website,social media. education and ➢Convene a periodic agricultural festival for the public. opportunities to Expand the County Farm-to-Table event. engage with farmers. Slide#16 litEnhance the Economic Viability of Agriculture RECOMMENDATIONS ACTIONS 5.Offer financial Y Broaden eligibility criteria for Agricultural Economic incentives for Development grants to include agricultural support entities and agriculture and increase flexibility in awarding funds. agricultural ➢Fund new-farmer-startup grants and develop tax credits to assist development. new farmers. Identify and establish property tax incentives to support farm sustainability. yConduct a multi-County pilot program to reduce the acreage requirement of the Present Use Value Program. Commissioner McKee said these are all very good items but from his perspective, marketing is not just the best way to increase the profitability of the farm, but it is also the most difficult. He said that one of the most profitable aspects of his farm was deer corn and all they did was put it in a fancy bag and wholesale it everywhere they could. He said this enabled his farm to sell corn between $7-$9 a bushel when the market rate was $4.50. He said it required him to find stores that would sell his product, and they had to go out and hunt down the buyers. Jane Saiers said one of the recommendations they have suggested is working with local food hubs. She said they are aggregating it and distributing it. She said that it takes a tremendous amount of work from the farmers shoulders. Commissioner McKee said that is the only way smaller farmers will get through the door. Jane Saiers said having relationships with the local food hub and the ability to aggregate diversity also helps demonstrate resilience. 33 Slide #17 Potential Funding 1 ^s rDeferred taxes from farmland coming out of the Present Use Value program ➢Grants ➢Ag Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund „,,,,,,,. ,,.., ,v„,,,, ➢Golden Leaf ➢NC Tobacco Trust Fund ➢Orange County Farm Bureau Commissioner Greene asked how healthy the Ag Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund is currently. Mike Ortosky said he did not know the number, but they primarily look to support easements. He said the county received funds because it needs to be someone who can hold an easement. He said it would go through a farmland protection program. He said they can find out the information for the number. Slide #18 Orange County Vision for Agriculture: 2025-2029 • Farm viability is enhanced, and farmland is maintained and stewarded for agricultural uses through judicious land use planning and educational, logistical, and financial support. • Citizens and decision-makers have the information and resources they need to support local agriculture and the farming community. • Farmers are supported in their livelihoods with educational, financial, and infrastructural resources. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if a farmer wants to sell, does the new buyer have to keep the property as a farm in the case of present use value. Jane Saiers said it is not a requirement. She said that present use value is a tax benefit that is associated with land that is in agriculture but if it is sold, it goes out of present use value and the tax increases. 34 Mike Ortosky said there are 60 days where the new owner can apply to keep that present use. Chair Bedford said she has seen that in practice where the state and county collect it at closing. Commissioner McKee said he used to have a farm that was sold. He said the new owners farmed some of it and sold some of it off. He said that by reducing acreage, the farm was no longer allowed to go back to being a farm. He said the three year back taxes were over $6,000 and they pay taxes at full rate on the farm. Commissioner Greene reminded everyone that the county put a transfer tax on the ballot in 2008 and it was defeated. She asked about the preservation trust fund because she wondered if it would be a viable source of funding. She said items that require funding would not be possible in the economic climate. She said that it is great that the plan has momentum. She said it would be good to try a pilot program to reduce the present use value to 1 acre. She said for creating transition plans for farmers, it would be great for local law firms to volunteer some hours to help. She noted that many farmers said in the plan that changing climate was a concern. She said that the most common plan for farms is to transition the land to family members for continued farming. She said there is a clear interest from farmers in conservation easements. She said there was a lot of interest in solar farming. Mike Ortosky said that Breeze Farm is seeking funding for solar farming. Commissioner Greene said it was also interesting to read the comments about on-farm housing. She said that the comments made her feel hopeful about the future of farming. Commissioner Carter thanked the Agricultural Preservation Board for the plan. She asked if CIP funding for Lands Legacy and conservation easements was included in the plan. She asked if those funds are in the debt service model. Chair Bedford said she would also like to see Lands Legacy versus the conservation easements. David Stancil, DEAPR Director, said the Lands Legacy Fund and conservation easement fund are set up differently. He said that on the advice of bond counsel; it was set up as two separate funds. He said the conservation easement funding is alternative financing funds that they have been able to stretch by getting grants. He said that actually began because it was not fully fee simple purchase, it had to be two different projects. Commissioner Carter clarified that the not fee simple purchase applies to the Land Legacy component. David Stancil said that it is the other way around. He said that conservation easements are less than fee simple and you are basically acquiring development rights, and the owner retains ownership of the lands. He said that you can use Lands Legacy Funds for conservation easement purchases but not the other way around. Chair Bedford said that the county funds $500,000 a year in the CIP for Lands Legacy. said that funds from the 2001 bond should have already been spent so they will need to see a report. David Stancil said those funds have already been converted into alternative financing. Travis Myren said those funds would have been converted well before his time so he will need to do some research, but they have seven years if it was a general obligation bond. He said all of this has been authorized and would be part of the debt analysis. He said the CIP recommends taking a break from authorizing additional money until those balances can be spent down. Chair Bedford said at the CIP work session she would like more information on how they are able to use those funds. She said she would like to know if those funds can be used for farm preservation. David Stancil said the Lands Legacy criteria will be helpful and they will get that to them. 35 Commissioner Carter said the food share programs sound intriguing. She said the land conversion figures are concerning. She asked if the Board is being asked to approve the plan. Jane Saiers said that they hope they can come back at a future meeting to get the plan approved. Commissioner Fowler said the report is very helpful. She said it will be helpful as they consider the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. She asked if there can be specificity in conservation easements to prevent non-agricultural uses. Jane Saiers said they are working with the county on an easement, and they are tailoring it to very specific requirements that they want for the future of their farm. David Stancil said there are basic components to a conservation easement and generally, anything that is agreeable to both parties if it does not violate law. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if conservation easements allow for public access. David Stancil said no unless it is allowed in the easement. He said there could be some, but most do not. Jane Saiers said that the plan is talking more about working land easements and keeping land in agriculture. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked what agricultural products are profitable. Jane Saiers said they do not know that information. Mike Ortosky said it varies. He said the incubator farm he referenced they are using high value crops and direct sales. He said there is a limited market for that. He said farmers who are farming at scale in a known market likely have reduced debt. He said that farming in the middle was often tobacco, but it has changed and that has been diversified. He said there are two scales that seem to be the two models. Commissioner McKee described his experiences with growing different products. He said farmers have to find their niche and protect it. Vice-Chair Hamilton asked how many farmers are selling outside of Orange County. Mike Ortosky said it depends on what they are selling. He said farmers markets usually have a radius, so some Orange County farmers could be at markets in other counties. He said it is more of a regional look. Vice-Chair Hamilton said this plan would be asking the county to invest in farmers. She said she wanted to get an understanding of how the farming economy works. She said they want to have the capacity locally to provide food. She wondered how much land is needed to provide food security in the county. Commissioner McKee said the majority of land in Orange County is owned by farmers. He said without being able to sustain their lifestyle, the land will be sold. Mike Ortosky said there is a huge demand for local products. He said the key is connecting the high demand market with enough farmers through an infrastructure, to meet the demand. He said that they are working with Duke University to help build infrastructure to connect the market to the producers. Jane Saiers said having a food shed is not a nice-to-have, but is important to have. Commissioner Greene said the experience during the pandemic seeing food disappearing from the grocery stores showed the importance of local and sustainable farming. She asked about the TRICOG project with the three councils of governments that have been working together on regional issues. Mike Ortosky said he is on the advisory committee. He said it was a planning grant from the department of Economic Development. He said there is a lot of data around the 17 counties, and the next level is implementation dollars. He said that the environment is different now, but the report is available, and the next level is implementation funding. Chair Bedford said the experience of the transfer tax referendum showed that it would not pass again. She said investing in agriculture is important, but she would not want to tie commissioners' hands by dedicating certain revenues to agriculture. She said she had concerns 36 that some of the proposals were not legal, but she would like the County Attorney's Office to review the plan. She asked for a better idea of who does what and how that gets done. Mike Ortosky said the idea of a stewardship employee is a good idea, but it could come from changing some job descriptions. He said it is a legitimate question and could be done. Chair Bedford said she wants to know more about the safety certification and how much it costs. She said it seems like such a great opportunity. She said one of the needs is more freezer space. She asked if they can build freezers to assist with keeping products. She said that farmers in the food share were looking for more space and infrastructure. Commissioner Greene said that she had asked for more information on getting food into the schools from Jonathon Smith at Cooperative Extension. She said there were procedural steps from schools in addition to GAP certification. Chair Bedford said that she would like to put that on a future school collaboration meeting agenda. Mike Ortosky said the GAP certification is required to sell to any institution because it is legally a good thing to do. He said there is a huge market, but certification is very important. Chair Bedford asked if it costs a lot to be certified. Mike Ortosky said it's about$1,500 total. He said prime farmland has a definition. He said there is a difference between preserving a farm and preserving prime farmland as a resource. Commissioner Fowler said that was part of her question on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Commissioner McKee said often prime farmland is also the best for development. Cy Stober, Planning Director, said that northern Orange County is not acceptable for potential to accommodate septic systems. He said that if they did not include prime farmland, it would be only 30%. He said the bittersweet concept of flexible development is permanent preservation of prime farmland areas in exchange for smaller lots, more development potential. Chair Bedford asked about agricultural use in the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Jane Saiers said the request was to look at the UDO and see where some of the ordinance can be strengthened to avoid the impacts on prime farmland, and then practices or policies that can mitigate. Chair Bedford asked if there was a new law about downzoning. Cy Stober said it only applies to non-residential uses or zoning districts. Chair Bedford asked if something is not zoned agricultural now, can they zone it. Cy Stober said potentially if its not used for an industry or business. Chair Bedford said she would like to make sure other departments are looking over the plan. Commissioner Greene said they can't keep the farmer from selling their land to developers but maybe the county can incentives the developer keeping the majority of the prime farmland undeveloped and the houses could be build around it instead of on it. She said that in Loudon County, Virginia, they had cluster subdivisions, but the development was put on the most prime farmland. Chair Bedford said they need some help with the definition of sprawl. Mike Ortosky said there is a difference between rural sprawl and normal subdivision sprawl. He said that lowering density is not the same as protecting farmland. He said farmers' planning horizons get shorter when things are fragmented around them. He said it is called impermanent syndrome and at some point, fragmentation occurs, and you are the only one left, and then you will sell at that point. He said that rural sprawl is a definition to look into. Chair Bedford said she would not want to tie the hands of farmers in what they want to use their land for. Cy Stober said the minimum set aside would be 60% in flexible development. He said that it is an idea that they are exploring and diving into, but he does not have an answer this evening. 37 Commissioner McKee asked the Board rhetorically how far the Board was willing to impinge and impede on people's lives in order to live on their property. Chair Bedford said that is an important question to consider as they think about preserving open space and helping the climate. She said the Board would get their thoughts to the Agricultural Preservation Board. 4. Soccer.com Center Report The Board received a status report on the Soccer.com Center, a 34-acre soccer complex operated by the County in western Orange County." BACKGROUND: The Soccer.com Center opened in 2009, constucted with the "Soccer Superfund" monies from the 2001 County Parks and Open Space Bond. As outlined in the attached report, the complex includes five (5)full-size fields and one (1) practice field, and is co-located with Gravelly Hill Middle School on West Ten Road.The School and Center were designed and constructed at the same time in order to optimize infrastructure and parking opportunities. In 2011, locally-based sports equipment firm, Sports Endeavors, secured naming rights for the facility, under the company's Soccer.com (previously Eurosport) brand. The facility has proven to be a desirable location for primarily soccer, but also lacrosse and ultimate frisbee play. When the facility was built, it was intended to meet both 1)a need for soccer fields for local recreational soccer programs, and 2) a site for soccer tournaments from across the region, State and beyond. The Center has been in high demand for both of these functions over the years, and in 2016 an adjacent 37-acre tract was acquired for expansion of the Center. While there are future soccer fields planned in the County, Orange County at present has only one (1) soccer field at Efland Cheeks Park and another at the Central Recreation Center in addition to those at Soccer.com. The fields at Soccer.com are heavily used for both weeknight recreational soccer play and weekend tournament soccer during both the spring and fall seasons. The facility, which features a highly-manicured natural grass Bermuda playing surface, operates from mid-March into early June, and again from mid-August until early December. Staff at the Center spend a significant amount of time marking and lining any of 20 different field configurations for the upcoming week's play. In FY 2023-24, 474 reservations were made for field use at the Center, with almost 155,000 total visitors (head count). Field usage fees are examined periodically by comparison with other like facilities and were most-recently adjusted in 2023. After a significant drop in FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 revenues due to COVID closure and a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity, the Soccer.com Center generated $205,362 in revenue in FY 2023-24, with expenditures of$238,743 in direct costs ($408,406 if all personnel and other expenses are added). Staff is proposing new revenue generating concepts for FY 2025-26, including charging for tournament parking. The Center also participates in many large tournaments, the biggest of which is the annual Boys and Girls Soccer Showcase events. These two tounaments, now held in early December, attract teams from all over North America and beyond. The Showcase events, which happen at several locations across the Triangle, are an opportunity for top high school players to be seen by collegiate recruiters from all across the country. As such, these two (2) weekend events bring in thousands of players, coaches, parents and others to the facility and the area, generating economic impact well beyond the facility's revenues generated. A recent assessment by the Chapel Hill-Orange County Visitors Bureau of the 2024 College Series Soccer Showcases 38 reflected $2.25 million in direct business sales generated, and $3.3 million in total busines sales (see attached report). The Soccer.com Center is widely considered to have outstanding playing surfaces, but there are limitations both in the number of playing fields and existing infrastructure, and the need for improvements to the facility. After 15 years of intense use, field and irrigation improvements will be needed in the next several years to keep the existing fields in prime condition. Additionally, the planned expansion of the facility would increase playing fields but perhaps more importantly address longstanding issues of additional parking and restrooms, etc. David Stancil, Director of Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks and Recreation, introduced the item and made the following presentation: Slide #1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Soccer.com Center Status Report April 8, 2025 Slide #2 Background • Opened in 2009 • Five full-size fields and a practice field • Co-located with Gravelly Hill Middle School on West Ten Road • Soccer.com (Sports Endeavors) naming rights in 2011 • High demand for the facility, which hosts — Local recreational soccer — Many regional and two national soccer tournaments — Other sports events such as lacrosse and ultimate frisbee �1 ORANGE COUNTY NORTH(AROLINA 39 Slide #3 Operations • Two operating seasons — Spring:March through first week of June — Fall:mid-August to early November(+two weekends in December) • Play Tuesday-Sunday, tournaments weekends. Tuesday/Thursday generally for recreational soccer • Field preparation/maintenance Monday and Friday (am) • Turf maintenance (aerifying, topdressing,verticutting, and sodding) during summer and winter • Two full-time staff and part-time seasonals ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #4 Sponsorship and Naming Rights • Sports Endeavors (Hillsborough) is the main sponsor • .Soccercom brand is part of one of the largest sports equipment firms in the US • County renewed 5-year contract for naming rights 2024 • Pursuing other sponsorships (concession stand was previously licensed) ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA 40 Slide #5 Facility Usage • Generally, tournaments on weekends and County recreation soccer leagues on midweek nights. FY2023-24 Reservations by User Group 23-24 . . • • 250 Carolina Velocity 169 9300 $ 9,292.50 2 220 4 200 Eno RiverAcadern 73 3600 $ 3,737.50 z 69 Expedition School 10 1000 $ 600.00 150 125 NCFC 78 7800 $ 19,450.00 North Carolina AdultSoocerAssociation 9 450 $ 725,00 100 78 73 Orange County 220 5-2,"1$ 54,240.01) 50 TFDA 1 101 105001$ 12,187.30 z 10 10 9 Triangle United Soccer 125 27800 $ 17,640.00 0 Users ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA David Stancil said the chart in slide#5 does not show the number of fields being reserved, which contributes to the revenue. 41 Slide #6 Fee Structure • Fees re-evaluated every few years, compared to other jurisdictions with similar facilities. Tournament Per Location Per hour Field Cost Hour Field Cost Light Fee Type Orange County Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 50.00 $ 35.00 Soccer Fields Grass Durham Pa,rks and Recreation $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass Raleigh Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 25.00 Soccer Fields Grass Chapel Hill Parks and Recreation $ 30.00 $ 30.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass-Youth $ 45.00 $ 45.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Fields Grass-Adult Apex Parks and Recreation $ 40.00 $ 40.00 $ 20.00 Soccer Field Grass Chatham Parks and Recreation $ 20.00 $ 20.00 $ 35.00 ISoccerField Grass I4;=_;I_I ORANGE COUNTY NORTki CA.ROLINA 42 Slide #7 Revenues and Expenditures Revenues and Expenditures 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 • Revenues Revenue $ 82,940 $ 35,000 $ 87,917 $146,982 $ 205,362 — Field usage Expenditures $ 265,461 $ 183,113 $ 225,551 $314,415 $ 4IX406 Expenditures' $ 205,335 $ 121,397 $ 264,371 S 213,482 $ 255,603 — Concession sales Winus FTE Personnel — Sponsorships Soccer.com Revenues/Upenditures — Recreational soccer fees 5450,000 $400,000 • Expenditures $350.000 — Staff salarieslbenefits* $300,000 — Maintenance supplies S250,000 - - Contract services Sl°°°°° — Concession supplies $150,000 — Utility costs S100,000 - - Equipment repairs — Recurring capital 291320 2020.21 2021-22 2022-23 2023r24 — Other operating costs ■Revenue ■Expenditures ■Expenditures• ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA David Stancil said that FY20 and FY21 revenues were much lower due to pandemic restrictions. 43 Slide#8 Economic Impact and Indirect Revenues • Large tournaments such as the College Series Soccer Showcase bring significant economic impact to area • Showcase is a premier event that attracts players and recruiters from all over North America and beyond - The Girls Soccer Showcase event in December 2024 generated an estimated$1.33 million in direct business sales • Other large annual events take place at the Soccer.Com Center ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA Slide #9 Closing Thoughts • Revenue Generation — The Center brings significant economic benefits on and beyond site boundaries. — Expanding usage could increase revenues—but comes with a cost • Cost Coverage - Like many mid-size municipal facilities, the Center does not cover all its costs • Facility Improvement — Soccer.com is over 15 years old with no major renovations to date — Existing fields and irrigation systems need upgrades (reflected in the CIP) — Phase 2 would add 3 new fields and additional park ing/restrooms/entry • Playing Surface — Bermuda grass fields considered a high-quality playing surface — Continued debates on synthetic vs grass turf fields ORANGE COUNTY NORTH CAROLINA David Stancil said synthetic turf offers more revenue opportunities. Vice-Chair Hamilton said it is important to try to capture the economic impact of soccer tournaments and use. She said that attendees may be generating occupancy tax, and those revenues could be supporting some of the cost of operating the facility. Chair Bedford said it is important to count the cost of staff in an analysis of the operating costs. She said travel sports families are going to stay at lower-cost facilities that may not be in Orange County. 44 David Stancil said tournament organizers are encouraging families to stay in specific hotels, and some are in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Hillsborough. Chair Bedford said it is important to target Orange County families. She asked if there is a waitlist for soccer. David Stancil said if there was a waitlist, it was not that many. He said there are two seasons, and they have expanded the number of teams. Chair Bedford said she was happy to hear that, as there have been waitlists for other facilities. David Stancil said there was a soccer symposium report 25 years ago that identified the need for tournament facilities and recreational fields. He said that 25 years later, those things are still both true. He said the county is the place where kids who cannot afford travel soccer play. He said they have seen what tournaments can bring. Commissioner Portie-Ascott asked if the community can use the fields when they are not in use. David Stancil said no because the fields are highly manicured due to the turf. He said the only rest day is Monday, and the fields are being used the other days of the week. He said there are a few fields at other facilities that are available, and the Fairview community is interested in a soccer field. Chair Bedford said that she preferred the healthier and safer use of grass on the fields instead of synthetic. She said when considering turf, you must consider all costs including replacement. She said that debt was not considered in the report. David Stancil said turf managers and most players would agree. Commissioner Fowler said that grass turf is associated with fewer injuries and mitigates heat and is better for the climate. Chair Bedford said there is interest in purchasing fields from other entities, which will be a future discussion. 5. Board of Health —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Board of Health. BACKGROUND: The Board of Health makes policy and is charged with protecting and promoting public health in Orange County. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all eleven (11) members with representation from specific health-related professions and the general public. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME SPECIAL TYPE OF EXPIRATION REPRESENTATIVE APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Dr. Brian Pharmacist Second Full Term 06/30/2028 Crandell Dr. Davia Dentist First Full Term 06/30/2028 Nickelson reappointment Dr. Aparna Physician Third Full Term 06/30/2028 Jonnal If the individuals listed above are appointed, no vacancies remain. Laura Jensen introduced the item. 45 The Board agreed by consensus to reappoint the recommended individuals. 6. Chapel Hill Orange County Visitors Bureau Advisory Board —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment 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. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seventeen (17) members, with representation from specific entities and fields. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Ben Marklin Alliance for Historic Partial Term 12/31/2025 Hillsborough If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Laura Jensen introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicant. 7. Commission for the Environment—Appointments Discussion The Board discussed 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 Dr. Mayur At-Large Partial Term 12/31/2025 Loda a William Branch At-Large Partial Term 12/31/2025 If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: 46 POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 12/31/2027 Vacant since 09/09/2024 At-Large 12/31/2027 Vacant since 03/12/2025 Laura Jensen introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicants. Laura Jensen said that the county will continue to advertise for the remaining vacancies. 8. Human Relations Commission —Appointments Discussion The Board discussed appointments to the Human Relations Commission. BACKGROUND: The Human Relations Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners on solutions to problems in the field of human relationships. It also makes recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony among groups in the County irrespective of their race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all twelve (12) members. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Tiffney Marley At-Large Partial Term 09/30/2025 Krista Caraway Carrboro Town Limits First Full Term 06/30/2028 Wendy Calvin At-Large First Full Term 09/30/2027 Jeff McNeill Chapel Hill Town First Full Term 06/30/2028 Limits Jameelah At-Large Second Full Term 06/30/2028 Merritt If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 06/30/2027 Vacant since 03/26/2025 Laura Jensen introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicants. 9. Parks and Recreation Council —Appointment Discussion The Board discussed an appointment to the Parks and Recreation Council. BACKGROUND: The 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. 47 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 Margaret Chapel Hill Township Partial Term 03/31/2026 Moriarty If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. Laura Jensen introduced the item. The Board agreed by consensus to appoint the recommended applicant. Adjournment A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Greene, to adjourn the meeting at 10:27 p.m. VOTE: UNANIMOUS Jamezetta Bedford, Chair Recorded by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board Submitted for approval by Laura Jensen, Clerk to the Board.