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Home My WebLink AboutAgenda 09-09-2025; 8 - Commission for the Environment – Appointments Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: September 9, 2025 Action Agenda Item No. 8 SUBJECT: Commission for the Environment — Appointments Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendations Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Members and Applicants Summary Sheet Applications for Persons Recommended Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss appointments to the Commission for the Environment. BACKGROUND: The Commission for the Environment advises the Board of Commissioners on matters affecting the environment with particular emphasis on protection. It educates the public and local officials on environmental issues, performs special studies and projects, recommends environmental initiatives, and studies changes in environmental science and local and federal regulations. The Board of County Commissioners appoints all fifteen (15) members, with representatives from various fields. The following individuals are recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Margot Lester At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2027 Jeffrey Ran At-Large First Full Term 12/31/2027 If the individuals listed above are appointed, the following vacancy remains: POSITION EXPIRATION VACANCY INFORMATION DESIGNATION DATE At-Large 12/31/2025 Vacant since 05/12/2025. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. 2 ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT We foster an environment in which all are welcomed, represented, and empowered to participate in and feel connected to their community. • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — DEDICATION AND RESPECT We commit to our roles in public service and organizational excellence by fostering the skills, talents, and innovation of our residents, employees, volunteers, and boards needed to carry out this work. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss appointments to the Commission for the Environment. 3 ORANGE COUNTY 4 Department of Environment, Agriculture,Parks&Recreation June 18, 2025 Ms. Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners 300 West Tryon Street P.O. Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Ms. Jensen: The Commission for the Environment (CFE) currently has three vacancies on the board. After reviewing the list of applicants, the CFE recommends Margot Lester for appointment to position#15. The CFE would benefit greatly from the background of this applicant and will continue to search for qualified applicants to fill the remaining positions. Sincerely, Regina Baratta Chair, Commission for the Environment NATURAL and CULTURAL RESOURCES DIVISION Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone: (919) 245-2510 Fax: (919) 644-3351 4 ORANGE COUNTY A Department of Environment, Agriculture,Parks&Recreation August 14, 2025 Ms. Laura Jensen Clerk to the Board of County Commissioners 300 West Tryon Street P.O. Box 8181 Hillsborough, NC 27278 Dear Ms. Jensen: The Commission for the Environment(CFE) currently has three vacancies on the board. After reviewing the list of applicants, the CFE recommends Jeffrey Ryan for appointment to position#12.The CFE would benefit greatly from the background of this applicant and will continue to search for qualified applicants to fill the remaining positions. Sincerely, Regina Baratta Chair, Commission for the Environment /NATURAL and CULTURAL RESOURCES DIVISION Orange County Department of Environment, Agriculture, Parks & Recreation PO Box 8181, Hillsborough, NC 27278 Phone: (919) 245-2510 Fax: (919) 644-3351 5 Commission for the Environment Board Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on Kristie Mather Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Matthew Ferguson Member Male White 18-34 Bingham Lily Schacht Member Female White 18-34 Chapel Hill Mayur Lodaya Member Male Asian American 60+ Chapel Hill Patrick Fn'Piere Member Male African American 60+ Hillsborough William Branch Applicant Male White 60+ Bingham Mark Randall Member Male White 60+ Cedar Grove John Bucher Member Male White 60+ Hillsborough Veronica Beattie Member Female White 18-34 Hillsborough Ian Morse Member Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Regina Baratta Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough Aimee Vandemark Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough VACANT VACANT VACANT Leto Copeley Applicant Female White 60+ Eno Margot Lester Applicant Female White 60+ Chapel Hill Rhonda Patterson Applicant Female Other 60+ Chapel Hill Jeffrey Ryan Applicant Male White 60+ Chapel Hill Blake Tedderq jApplicant Male White 35-59 Cedar Grove James Wheeler jApplicant IMale lWhite 35-59 1 Little River jAnimal Services Hearing Panel Pool 6 Page 1 of 2 Margot Lester Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Margot Lester Name Called: Home Address: 314 Bolin Forest Dr. Carrboro NC 27510 Phone: 323-314-3735 Email: margot@thewordfactory.com Year of OC Residence: 1962 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Volunteer naturalist and burial crew member, Bluestem Conservation Cemetery, Cedar Grove Volunteer communications and advocacy strategist, South Orange Rescue Squad, Carrboro Nature, climate and safety columnist, WCHL/Chapelboro.com, Chapel Hill Member, NASA Earth to Sky Community of Practice Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Stormwater Advisory Commission member, 2020-2021 Carrboro Film Festival Steering Committee member, 2010-2012 Local Living Economy Task Force member, 2010 Orange County Human Relations Commission, Carrboro representative, 2007-2009 Boards/Commissions applied for: Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I'm intensely interested in nature and the environment--and human impacts on it. I hold national certifications in climate communications (NASA) and nature interpretation (National Association of Interpreters), and a North Carolina state certification in environmental education. I'm also a member of NASA s Earth to Sky Community of Practice, which develops materials and programs for place-based environmental and climate education and interpretation. I've been a professional journalist, marketing executive and advocacy strategist for 40+ years. Additionally, I've served on several muncipal boards and chaired the Chapel Hill Chambers Economic Development& Public Policy Committee, so I have a clear understanding of how local government works. This combination of credentials and experience enables me to effectively evaluate policies and projects, understand and explain complex topics and research, and educate others on the issues related to the environment and work effectively with policymakers, elected officials and the general public. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board 7 Page 2 of 2 Margot Lester The potential to serve on this Commission is an opportunity to use my skills and experience to promote environmental stewardship and serve my community. I recently completed my board service with South Orange Rescue Squad and am eager to return to community volunteering. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? My certifications give me an evidence-based view on environmental and climate issues. I m a native of Orange County and have lived here 53 of my 63 years, which gives me a historical perspective newer arrivals may not have. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? I'm an independent interpretive naturalist and climate communicator, so some people could perceive my appointment as a conflict. I was a local small business owner when I was on the Carrboro Local Living Economy Task Force and that wasn t seen as a conflict, so I hope the same holds true here. Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 3/14/2025 12:39:01 PM Date Printed: 3/14/2025 8 Page 1 of 2 Jeffrey Ryan Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Jeffrey Ryan Name Called: Home Address: 5424 Hideaway Dr. Chapel Hill NC 27516 Phone: 919-302-6962 Email: jeffryan13@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 1983 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Hmmmmmm. I recently retired from the US EPA.1 m a member of the Eno River Association, the Triangle Land Conservancy and have been active in a number of environmental issues including PFAS in OC and the UNC steam plant permit request to burn plastic. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: none Boards/Commissions applied for: Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I was an air pollution research scientist for EPA's Office of Research and Development for 41 years which involved a comprehensive understanding of pollution sources, primarily combustion and industrial. I have BS degrees in Chemistry and Biology but basically functioned as an engineer throughout my career. I learned a lot about all kinds of environmental issues during this time. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board To be honest, I want to support my community but also use what I've learned to do so. I do enjoy volunteering both mentally and physically and this seems like a good match. That and I can possibly do some good. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I am a geek that leans towards making informed decisions. As a result, I do my best to collect objective and comprehensive information to do so, often exploring multiple perspectives. I think I m good at being able to drill down in great detail, but remain aware of the big picture. How do things impact from multiple directions/positions. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? 9 Page 2 of 2 Jeffrey Ryan Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 4/2/2025 8:21:21 AM Date Printed: 4/7/2025 10 Page 1 of 2 Leto Copeley Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Leto Copeley Name Called: Home Address: 100 Vireo Ln. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-606-8707 Email: Icopeley@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2003 Township of Residence: Eno Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Orange/Chatham District Bar, NC Bar Association, NC Advocates for Justice, NC Association of Women Attorneys, National Crime Victim Bar Association (advisory board member), Governor's Crime Commission (Commissioner appointed by the Governor). Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Board of Adjustment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I have also worked as an ombudsperson for a 20,000 member professional organization. Through this work I've developed the ability to interpret statutes and regulations, apply the law to facts, and consider multiple viewpoints in order to arrive at a just result. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am fortunately in a position to be partially retired and seek to serve my local community as opposed to the more state and national level organizations with which I have been involved. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a taxpayer who owns property in Eno Township, I talk with my neighbors (where in this semi- rural neighborhood property values vary greatly) about land use, regulations, and the functioning of county government. Those same topics came up during my five years of service in the Hillsborough Rotary Club. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Orange Unified Transportation Board 11 Page 2 of 2 Leto Copeley Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I have also worked as an ombudsperson for a 20,000 member professional organization. Through this work I've developed the ability to interpret statutes and regulations, apply the law to facts, and consider multiple viewpoints in order to arrive at a just result. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Through my work early on as a legal services attorney, my service on the board of Legal Aid of North Carolina, and as a member of the Governor s Crime Commission (now in my second term), I know firsthand that access to appropriate transportation is essential to safe and full participation in society and I have a strong interest in the subject. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'm good at reaching out to people, facilitating relationships, and listening to others. I work to understand why people feel underserved or wrongly served by their local government. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been a practicing litigation attorney for forty years, mostly representing individuals in cases of negligence, interpersonal crime, and violation of civil rights. I've also worked as an ombudsperson and have experience in practical problem solving. Through my service on the Governor s Crime Commission I have developed an ability to evaluate grant proposals. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am a lifelong birder and also enjoy spending time hiking and walking on local trails and on other managed properties. I have also come to understand that access to outdoor and green spaces helps reduce crime and keep a community healthy. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Having grown up in a blue-collar community and having worked as a lawyer for people from very diverse backgrounds. I'm aware that access to green spaces is often, for various reasons, limited for lower-income people and members of racial and ethnic minority groups, and for women. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/13/2025 1:00:02 PM Date Printed: 1/13/2025 12 Page 1 of 2 Rhonda Patterson Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Ms. Rhonda Patterson Name Called: Home Address: 1000 Novus Ln. #335 Chapel Hill NC 27514 Phone: 410-505-0496 Email: Rhondear@yahoo.com Year of OC Residence: 2016 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: C.H. City Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: Other Age Range: 60+ Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Presently, being recommended for At Large position with Orange County Animal Services. Volunteer with Eyes Ears Nose & Paws; will start training this August 25 with GAL (Guardian ad Litem). Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Recommended to become a member of the Advisory Board with Orange County Animal Services for position At-Large. BOCC to vote in September Boards/Commissions applied for: Animal Services Advisory Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Passionate about animal safety and care. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Would be honored to become more involved in servicing Orange County and making a valuable meaningful contribution. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I am confident my background in healthcare finances, administration, operations and my deep passion to make a difference in my community along in the lives of animals could add value in making a positive difference. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Board of Health Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 13 Page 2 of 2 Rhonda Patterson My background and expertise is in the Health Care Industry where I provided leadership on operational, finance, customer service and human resources. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I'm certain I can make a meaningful contribution. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Advisory Board on Aging Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I've participated and volunteered in various programs for the aging. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board To be of service and to make a contribution. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Passionate human who cares deeply for our planet! Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Passionate human who cares deeply for our planet! How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: Applied for Animal Services Advisory Board 1/4/2025 8:49:30 AM Applied for Board of Health, Advisory Board on Aging, and Commission for the Environment 6/23/2025 1:21:47 PM This application was current on: 6/23/2025 1:21:47 PM Date Printed: 6/24/2025 14 Page 1 of 2 Blake Tedderq Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Blake Tedderq Name Called: Home Address: 4726 Old Lake Trail Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-717-0333 Email: oceanswow@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2003 Township of Residence: Cedar Grove Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Board Member, Alliance for Historic Hillsborough, 2024-present DJ and Internal Communications committee member, WHUP Community Radio, 2022- present Advisory chair, Blake Tedder Burn Endowment, 2002-present Peer supporter & workshop facilitator, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors / UNC Jaycee Burn Center, 2008-present National conference workshop facilitator and speaker, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors, 2011-2022 Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: Orange Co. Master Aging Plan Committee, 2017 Boards/Commissions applied for: Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a background in community practice social work and have worked in many nonprofits and higher education. I have skills in communications, PR, fundraising/development, organizational efficiency, board development, and operations. I currently work supporting climate research at climate and sustainability community engagement at Duke and have previously worked in the Office of the Duke Forest, familiarizing myself generally with some of the natural assets of the county. To be clear, I am volunteering to serve as an individual NOT as a representative of Duke. I played a small part in the Eno New Hope Habitat Connectivity plan. I live near Cedar Grove and have been a resident of Orange County since 2003 when I moved here for college at UNC. I am an avid hiker of all of our county's natural areas and a current student in NCBG s native plant certificate program. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board 15 Page 2 of 2 Blake Tedderq Orange County is my home, and it is a priceless gem in our state. We have a legacy here of expertise from NCGB, UNC, Duke, and countless citizen organizing movements to protect the incredible environment we have to this day. I am concerned however about the stability of the rural buffer, the encroachment of development from our west, climate resiliency of our rural communities, and the cascading effects of farm loss. I am most concerned about wildlife habitat connectivity in the region and would want to consider projects, proposals, and interventions that support greater connectivity. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I don't know the viewpoints of the current membership. And I am a white male with particular privilege. It is important that we have Indigenous and african american representation on the commission to have a deeper diversity of viewpoints, so please allow me to cede my application to ones from neighbors of those groups. If selected however, while I have developed some amount of familiarity/connection with environmental groups in our region and have a general layout of county environmental issues, I do not have subject matter expertise in sciences. I am a generalist. I bring most notably a communications, PR, and a community practice social work background (among other things)that could be useful in advising on reports, campaigns (like Land Use 2050 or community grants). Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? I work for Duke University which is a large landholder in the county. I would be offering my service to this board as an individual, unrelated to my previous work with Duke Forest or current work with Duke s Office of Climate & Sustainability or the university as a whole. Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 11/19/2024 1:41:26 PM Date Printed: 11/21/2024 16 Page 1 of 2 James Wheeler Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. James Wheeler Name Called: Home Address: 2926 Little River Dr. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 310-801-5841 Email: jameswheeler.2009@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2024 Township of Residence: Little River Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Member of various nursing organizations Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Board of Health Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board Over 20 years working in healthcare. 15 years working as a nurse. Over four years working in nursing leadership. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I want to improve health literacy and advocacy in the community. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have lived all over the country and have experienced various opportunities and viewpoints in my career. Do you have any personal or business interest(s)that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board College educated with MBA. Have adopted pets from shelters since 2014. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board As above. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Provide a unique perspective to help with animal rights and advocacy. 17 Page 2 of 2 James Wheeler Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Commission for the Environment Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board As above. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have a very strong interest in preserving our environment and educating regarding climate change. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I have a diverse education from living in LA and around the country. Do you have any personal or business interest(s) that could create a conflict of interest (either real or perceived) if you are appointed to this board? Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 8/10/2024 5:55:51 PM Date Printed: 8/21/2024 18 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Commission for the Environment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: <div>This commission 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 studies changes in environmental science and local and federal regulations.</div> Dr. Kristie Mather 1 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr. Matthew Ferguson 2 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Lily Schacht 3 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Dr. Mayur Lodaya 4 First Appointed: 04/15/2025 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 04/15/2025 Ethnic Background: Asian American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr. Patrick Fn'Piere 5 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: African American Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 6 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Thursday,August 28,2025 Page 1 19 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Commission for the Environment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 William L. Branch 7 First Appointed: 04/15/2025 Gender Identity: Male Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 04/15/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr Mark Randall 8 First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cedar Grove Current Appointment: 12/05/2022 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2025 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Dr. John Bucher 9 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 Ms. Veronica Beattie 10 First Appointed: 03/16/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 18-34 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr Ian Morse 11 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 04/05/2022 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/07/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 12 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Thursday,August 28,2025 Page 2 20 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Commission for the Environment Meeting Times: 7:00 pm Second Monday of every month Contact Person:Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Meeting Place: Bonnie B.Davis Environment&Agricultural Center Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Positions: 15 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Ms. Regina Baratta 13 Chair First Appointed: 09/20/2022 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Aimee Vandemark 14 First Appointed: 03/07/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 1 VACANT 15 First Appointed: Gender Identity: Township: Current Appointment: Ethnic Background: Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 12/31/2027 Age Range: Special Repr: Number of Terms: Thursday,August 28,2025 Page 3 21 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Wesley Poole&Kalani Allen Commission for the Environment Contact Phone: 919-245-2522 Ms. Leto Copeley Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/13/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Eno Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Ms. Margot Lester Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 03/14/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: Carrboro City Limits Also Serves On: Ms. Rhonda Patterson Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 06/23/2025 Ethnic Background: Other Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: C.H.City Limits Also Serves On: Mr. Jeffrey Ryan Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 04/02/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 60+ Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Blake Tedderq Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 11/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mr. James Wheeler Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 08/10/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Little River Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool Thursday,August 28,2025 Page 1 of 1 22 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT/ WORK PLAN Board/Commission Name: Commission for the Environment Report Period: January 2024-December 2024 The Board of Commissioners appreciates the dedication of all the volunteers on their boards and commissions and welcomes input from various boards and commissions throughout the year. Please complete the following information, limited to the front and back of this form. Other background materials may be provided as a supplement to, but not as a substitute for, this form. Person to address the BOCC and contact information: Regina Baratta Primary County Staff Contact Person: Christian Hirni, Wesley Poole, David Stancil- Director, DEAPR How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and sub-committee meetings? The board meets once per month (2nd Monday). No meeting is held during the month of July. Committees meet as needed during regular meetings. Brief Statement of Board/Commission's Assigned Charge and Responsibilities. Purpose: to advise the BOCC on matters affecting the environment, with particular emphasis on environmental protection and enhancement. Other duties include: • Perform special studies/projects on environmental issues as requested by BOCC • Recommend environmental initiatives to the BOCC, especially of local importance • Study changes in environmental science and environmental regulations in the pursuit of the CFE's duties • Educate the public and local officials on environmental issues What are your Board/Commission's most important accomplishments? • Provided ranking and comments to the BOCC for five cycles of the Climate Action Fund program (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024) • CFE member joined the Orange County Climate Council 23 • Reviewed and submitted recommendations for the two cycles of Climate Action Tax Grant application for Chapel Hill-Carrboro Schools (2022 and 2023) • Provided input on updates to the Lands Legacy Action Plan (2017 and 2023) • Reviewed and provided recommendations for the Orange County Climate Action Plan (2023) • Created a draft No Net Loss Canopy Policy for Orange County Government, currently under staff review (2023) • By request of the BOCC through a citizen concern, conducted research of local electric utilities allocation/distribution of "solar credits, and provided a letter to the BOCC describing differences between utilities, and the need to continue support of expanding solar in the County (2022) • Participated and provided several booths/educational activities for both the Carrboro Earth Day and Hillsborough Earth Evening celebrations (2022, 2023, and 2024) • Reviewed and submitted recommendation for Piedmont Wildlife Center Outside Agency Funding Request Application (2022, 2023, and 2024) • Re-assigned subcommittee for County Right of Way Task force, with two CFE volunteers to serve and promote the new committee (2022) • As directed by the BOCC, provided comments and recommendations regarding a large development proposal in Efland (Efland Station 2021) • Signed Resolution of Support for the Eno New Hope Landscape Conservation Plan (2021) • Ranked and submitted preferences of first recipients for the first distribution of Climate Action Tax Funds FY2019-20. Ranking Funds for FY 2020-21 will proceed through December 2020/January 2021. • Planned and presented the 2019 State of the Environment report at the2019 Environmental Summit (reports were previously completed in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2009, and 2014) • Prepared resolutions for BOCC consideration concerning: Anti-Idling Campaign, Support for Carbon Fee and Dividend legislation, Request for NC to Divest from Fossil Fuel Corporations, Roadside Wildflower Conservation (2018) • Developed recommendations for the County's Climate Change Program scoring system (2019) • Requested the BOCC consider joining the Global Covenant of Mayors and Chairs organization concerned with global climate change (2018) • Wrote a series of climate change articles (2017) • Developed and posted a Facebook page (2017) • Edited and recommended a renewable energy resolution to the BOCC (2017) • Recruited UNC capstone students to assist with the 2019 State of the Environment report (2017) • Made recommendations to BOCC on UDO amendment to flexible subdivisions (2016) • Initiated a series of newspaper articles on environmental issues featured 24 previously in the Orange County State of the Environment report (2015-16) • Made recommendations to BOCC on 2016 bond package, the use of pesticides at County facilities, and incentives for energy efficient construction (2015) • Commented to Planning Bd. on proposed changes to impervious surface rules (2015) • Provided ideas for Public Services Announcements for County radio spots (2015) • Collaborated with others on energy conservation and mgmt. projects (2015-16) • Convened previous Orange County Environmental Summits (2005, 2009, 2014, 2019) • Made recommendations to BOCC on food waste and solid waste tax district (2014) • Worked with Orange County Schools to introduce local environmental indicators into middle and high school science curricula (2004, 2009, 2014) • Hosted a Solid Waste Forum with the Chapel Hill Sustainability Committee (2013) • Co-sponsored The Nature of Orange photography contest (2012 - 2024) • Advocated for 1/2 cent sales tax referendum for Triangle Region public transit (2012) • Compiled annotated bibliography of the effects of forestry on water quality (2012) • Developed sustainable landscaping and forest management policies for the administration of County-owned facilities (2010) List of Specific Tasks, Events, or Functions Performed or Sponsored Annually. • Co-sponsor "Nature of Orange" Photography Contest • Liaison to Intergovernmental Parks Work Group • Review and comment on environmental issues (e.g., anti-idling efforts, fracking, biosolids application, water pollution, air quality, forest mgmt.) and other issues assigned by the BOCC • Identify priorities for the Lands Legacy Action Plan (natural areas and wildlife habitat) • Conduct special studies pertaining to Orange County environment (e.g., energy efficiency/sustainability, forestry effects on water quality, herbicides and native flora) • Conduct environmental education outreach events (e.g., Earth Evening) Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out BOCC goal(s)/priorities, if applicable. BOCC Goal Five: Create, preserve, and protect a natural environment that includes clean water, clean air, wildlife, important natural lands and sustainable energy for present and future generations. • Presented findings and recommendations to BOCC on selected environmental 25 issues: 1) roadside wildflower preservation; 2) effects of forest mgmt. on water quality; 3) effects of herbicides on roadside native plant habitat; 4) potential effects of hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") in Orange County; 5) need for 100% renewable energy in Orange County (BOCC Priorities #1 and #12) Stayed abreast of ongoing and developing env. issues of importance to the County, such as Falls & Jordan Lake nutrient mgmt. rules, reducing commercial food waste in solid waste stream, and permitting of biosolids on farmland (Priorities #12 and #16) Describe the collaboration relationship(s) this particular board has with other advisory boards and commissions? As needed. Members of this commission are also on the Planning Board and the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2025 as they relate to established BOCC goals and priorities. If applicable, is there a fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities (please list). • State of the Environment Report 2025 • Provide support to Climate Action Plan implementation • The CFE will review and rank grant applications for the sixth cycle of the County Climate Action Grant • Involvement with the development of the update Land Use Element of the Comprehensive Plan • Progression of policies and programs that promote tree canopy retention and reforestation in alignment with the Climate Action Plan • Introduction of an Invasive Species Management Policy • Advocate for the incorporation of the Eno-New Hope Landscape Connectivity (Triangle Connectivity Cooperative) Report in future County documents and plans • Continue to support the Upper Neuse River Basin Association (UNRBA) and their approach to solving water quality issues in the Falls Lake Watershed 26 What are the concerns or emerging issues your board has identified for the upcoming year that it plans to address, or wishes to bring to the Commissioners' attention? - Advocate for the reestablishment of the full Community Climate Action Grant Funds - Support the Sustainability Office heat mitigation efforts - The CFE would like to review and comment on County rezoning requests, as soon as the information is available to DEAPR staff