Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 02-10-2026; 1 - Boards and Commissions – Annual Work Plan Summaries 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: February 10, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 1 SUBJECT: Boards and Commissions — Annual Work Plan Summaries DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Annual Work Plan Summaries Clerk's Office, 919-245-2130 PURPOSE: To receive brief presentations from representatives from the first group of County boards and commissions on their annual work plan summaries and provide feedback and/or direction. Presentations from the second group of boards and commissions on their annual work plan summaries are scheduled for the Board's March 10, 2026 work session. BACKGROUND: Each year, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) requests that County boards and commissions complete reports on the activities each board conducted over the past year and a plan for future activities consistent with the BOCC's strategic goals. The Chairs or other board representatives make presentations to the BOCC to share information in their written reports. A second group of work plan presentations is scheduled for the March 10, 2026 work session. Boards and commissions presenting at this meeting are: Board Name Representative(s) Presenting Orange County Parks and Recreation Council Natalie Ziemba Historic Preservation Commission Art Menius Agricultural Preservation Board Michael Hughes Commission for the Environment Ian Morse Animal Services Advisory Board Allan Polak Human Relations Commission Rhian Carreker-Ford Affordable Housing Advisory Board Lynn Nilssen Orange County Housing Authority Board Jana Murdock-Doherty Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Judson Williamson FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: • GUIDING PRINCIPLE — INCLUSIVITY AND ENGAGEMENT 2 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 review the annual work plan summaries from boards and commissions, receive the presentations, and provide feedback and/or direction. 3 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Parks and Recreation Council Report Period: January 2025 - December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Natalie Ziemba, Chair (natalieziemba@yahoo.com) Primary staff contact: David Stancil, DEAPR Director (dstancil@orangecountync.gov) 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? Regular meetings are the first Wednesday of each month (except for January and July), plus a biennial joint town/county advisory board meeting. Members also participate in semi-annual Intergovernmental Parks Work Group meetings 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available here. The Council serves as the advisory board for provision of parks facilities and recreation programs. It suggests policies, within its powers and responsibilities as stated in Article 26 of the Code of Ordinances. The Council shall consult with and advise the Board of Commissioners and staff in matters affecting recreation policies and programs, advise on the acquisition of parkland and lands for recreation programs, and advise on individual park master plans and long-range planning for recreation and parks, including the development of plans, studies and reports. 4 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? The Council is the steering committee and lead advisory board for the Orange County Trails Plan that is underway and worked with consultant and staff to develop workshop materials and develop goals and objectives. In addition, the PRC has received regular reports and providing feedback on the Mountains to Sea Trail progress, parks design and construction projects, and receives regular thorough updates on parks status and recreation programs and activities from staff. The PRC has also advised the Board and Staff on a variety of topics, including: • Advise on planning, design, and construction of new park facilities, including the new Perry Hills Mini-Park. • Provide feedback on the Lands Legacy Action Plan as relates to new parks and public open space. • Hearing from local residents about community recreation or park facility needs, developing recommendations as needed. • Capital funding recommendations for parks/open space (Capital Investment Plan) • Sponsor the annual Nature of Orange Photography Contest. • Periodic site visits to County Parks. • Review and feedback on recreation and athletic programs. 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Assists in Great Trail State Coalition events and hikes • Receive updates on the Mountains to Sea Trail (MST) • Co-sponsor the Nature of Orange Photography Contest • Representation on the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group • Support department functions and special events • Review of annual CIP proposals for parks • Receive annual report and provide feedback on recreation programs • Receive annual report and provide feedback on parks and facilities • Prepare Annual Report and Work Plan for BOCC 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. • Serve as steering committee for Orange County Trails Plan (Goal 1 Objective 5) • Advise on recreational, and parks programs and facilities, as well as serving as co-sponsor for the Nature of Orange Photography Contest (Goal 2 Objective 8) • The PRC also was the lead advisory board in the creation of the Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2030. (Goal 5) • The PRC was the lead advisory board for the Parks and Recreation Element of 5 the Comprehensive Plan, and regularly reviews progress toward the Land Use Plan 2050 progress (Goal 1, Objective 5). • The PRC reviews, as needed, site plans for major subdivision applications in the county's jurisdiction and as needed makes recommendations on potential land dedication for parks and open space. (Goal 5) • The Council reviews plans and advises on new park construction and openings (such as Blackwood Farm Park, Hollow Rock Nature Park), and participates in park master planning efforts such as the recent Perry Hills MiniPark. (Goal 6) 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Some members of the PRC also sit on other advisory boards, such as the Commission for the Environment and the New Hope Creek Corridor Advisory Board. The Council also has a member on the Intergovernmental Parks Work Group and has in the past met with and shared information with the Board of Health on opportunities for linking healthy lifestyles and parks. The PRC biennially meets with its sister advisory boards in the three towns, with the next session projected to occur in 2026. The Council has also advised and reviewed information from the Historic Preservation Commission, Orange County Sportsplex, the Town of Hillsborough, Fairview Community Watch, the Occoneechee Tribal Council and the Alliance for Historic Hillsborough (River Park), among others. 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. • The Council will be informed on and begin the process of review and preliminary discussion for the scheduled 2029 replacement of the Central Recreation Center. (Strategic Plan Goal 2.8) • The PRC reviewed proposed master plan revisions for the next phase of Blackwood Farm Park and plans to provide continued advice and feedback as construction plans proceed. The Council would also like to see native planting and pollinator friendly habitat efforts accompany this initiative. (Strategic Plan Goal 1.7 and 2.8) • The PRC plans to continue promoting activities toward trail planning and development and advise on the efforts with the "Great Trails State Coalition," of which the County is a member. The Council would like to sponsor quarterly or semiannual public hikes at our parks. Continued review and advice on the Mountains to Sea Trail progress, along with the 2026 Nature of Orange photography contest, is projected. (Strategic Plan Goal 2.8) • Promote shared usage of facilities between the County and the Orange County Schools (Strategic Plan Goal 5.1) 6 • Continue to serve as the County Trails Plan steering committee, provided advice and feedback as needed. This effort will look at current and planned future trails, and explore gaps, interconnections and needs for the future. The Council also plans to coordinate in the parallel Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan effort with the OUT Board and Transportation Department (Strategic Plan Goal 4.2) • The Council reviewed the need for a County recreational public water feature. The Council wishes to promote implementation of a SplashPad in the future, at a site to be determined, based on community interest and funding availability. (Goal 2.8). • Review potential missing amenities at parks, drawing upon information from the inventory of parks facilities, provided in the 2030 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. As the 2030 Master Plan comes to an end, such conversations will inform the planning for the next master plan, the initial planning of which should begin in 2027. (Goal 2.8) 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • The demand on the County's existing soccer fields and tennis/pickleball courts continues to be a concern raised to the Council and staff on a regular basis. While the new tennis/pickleball courts at Fairview will help address this, other courts exist and could be made available to meet demand. In particular, the Council notes the 14 tennis courts that exist at Orange High and Cedar Ridge High. As previously noted, it is our understanding these courts have been largely unavailable for public use since the pandemic. Allowing these courts to come back into public use during specified timeframes that do not conflict with school uses would be desirable. As there is no longer an expansion of the Soccer.com Center and Millhouse Road Park (soccer center), new opportunities for public soccer fields in central and northern Orange County need to be found. The Council understands the many financial constraints the County is faced with but would encourage finding a way to increase the soccer field inventory in the next three to five years. • The need for indoor recreation and gymnasium space also continues to be a major concern, and the Council is appreciative of the acknowledgment of this in the CIP with the planned new Recreation Center. The County's Ione recreation center, the Central Rec Center on West Tryon Street in Hillsborough, is now 68 years old, and the Council hopes that the new project can stay on track to meet the significant demand that exists for indoor gym space. The current Central Rec Center continues to be "maxed out" in terms of space, with the County unable to fully serve the existing demand from our residents. We encourage the planning for the new center to continue to take into consideration not just the replacement of the 1957 facility but needed additional space to accommodate existing and future demand. 7 • As noted in last year's plan, and mentioned above, there are many opportunities for facility sharing with the Orange County Schools. This topic has been discussed at length in years past, with efforts undertaken to attempt to address the potential. In many counties in North Carolina there is a robust system of facility sharing between school facilities and public recreation needs. With the passage of the Schools Bond, the Council would like to suggest that future school planning/construction (and existing facilities) look for ways to make these facilities available for public usage. • The Countywide Trails Plan will be an important blueprint to pull together existing plans and identify new needs. It is important that the Town's trail and greenway plans be linked and coordinated in this document, and we look forward to conversations with our colleagues in the towns about interconnectivity. • The County is receiving increased interest in nature, historic, and other cross-cultural programs at our parks, both from partner organizations and individuals. Partnerships can be forged with fellow County Advisory Boards, other County departments, non-profit organizations and the school systems. The County should look to ramp up its nature programming to meet this demand, and such programs would have the double benefit of being cost- neutral and improving the community's health and quality of life. • Opportunities to increase art and natural beauty within our parks and preserves continues to exist. This could include proactively incorporating art in parks at the design phase and creating more areas of natural beauty and pollinator-friendly habitat in our important open spaces. 8 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Historic Preservation Commission Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Chair: Art Menius (443) 605-4355 email: art(a-)artmenius.com Primary staff contact: Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR: 245-2517 psandbeck@orangecountync.gov 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? Once a month (4th Wednesday) 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with the identification, inventory and protection of architectural and archaeological sites in the County, with publishing and/or offering online records of this inventory and advising the Board of County Commissioners on matters pertaining to historic preservation. The HPC is also charged with providing guidance and a forum for public comments on National Register nominations and administering the Local Landmark Program. 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • National Register Projects: Strayhorn House: final draft National Register Nomination completed for this important Carrboro landmark, built 1879 for former slaves Toney and Nellie Strayhorn. Now on agenda for final state review in Feb. 2026. Andrews House: contracted with qualified consultant to begin project; work now underway on state Study List application, to be submitted to state in early 2026. This unique Modernist house in Chapel Hill Township, built in 1968, was designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright and built by prominent local Black stone artisans Alf and Willis Barbee. 9 • Historic Landmark Proiects: Currie-Neville Log House: initiated project to have early 1800s log house on Old NC 86 designated as a landmark. Important for its long ownership by a Black farm family and as a rare surviving example of log craftsmanship. • Black Burial Ground Project: Work started in 2025 on a long-term effort to document and map the county's many unprotected Black burial grounds, often associated with formerly enslaved communities. • Historic Interpretive Sign Projects: Harvey's Chapel AME Cemetery now in process of developing text for a sign to tell the story of the early days of the church and to inform visitors about the important early cemetery, to be located adjacent to the cemetery in the county's Seven Mile Creek Nature Area, along a new trail that will get hikers to the site. Black Veterans of the Cedar Grove Community: Collaborating with the Human Relations Commission to develop a new interpretive panel to tell the story of the many Black veterans from that community who served in the armed forces since WW I. Panel will be located at the Cedar Grove Community Center. • Historic Resources Book Project: completed editorial review of entire text; obtained final photographs (over 600), which are now undergoing digital editing and caption editing to confirm all details and credit lines. Final copy editing and design work is scheduled to begin in early 2026. (No fiscal impact—budgeted in past years) 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Submits annual report of all activities to the State Historic Preservation Office to meet federal requirements for Certified Local Government status; entitles County to apply for federal historic preservation grants. Staff and members attend mandatory state training. • Administers the Orange County Historic Landmark Program, including reviews of proposed restoration work or additions through Certificates of Appropriateness. • Promotes the use of National Register designation projects as a way to highlight significant historic and archaeological resources, working in partnership with the Lands Legacy Program. • Educational field trips are provided for members, usually at least two per year, to allow members to view current or upcoming project sites or learn more about the county's historic resources. • Conducts reviews of proposed public infrastructure projects that might have an impact on historic resources, including cell towers, pipelines and highway projects. 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. The HPC's work to promote the listing of properties on the National Register and designating Historic Landmarks supports objectives aligned with Goal 1: Environmental Protection and Climate Action, Obiective 7, the designation of these properties has furthered efforts to preserve historic farmland and rural cemeteries and their surrounding open spaces. 10 The HPC is currently working on two projects that support Goal 5: Public Education/Learning Community: Obiective 1: the historic resources book project and multiple projects to develop and enhance historical and cultural interpretive markers help build collaborative formal and informal educational opportunities and support lifelong learning through sharing the county's rich and diverse cultural history. The dedication of new markers provides public programming related to cultural events, thereby supporting Goal 6, Objective 1: The preservation of rural historic properties also supports Goal 6: Diverse and Vibrant Economy, Obiective 4, by providing resources and assistance to owners of historic farmsteads often utilized as settings for agritourism. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. The HPC continues to partner with the Orange County Human Relations Commission (HRC) on a joint project to develop a commemorative marker for the burial ground for enslaved workers at the Blackwood Farm Park. The long-term goal of this effort is to develop a program to install permanent markers for many other unmarked burial grounds across the county. 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. The HPC plans to designate two additional Historic Landmarks and promote the listing of two additional properties on the National Register; both initiatives will support the continued preservation of historic open space in rural areas, which supports Goal 1: Environmental Protection and Climate Action, Objective 7. (No fiscal impact). Also, new initiatives to develop and promote historical and cultural interpretive markers will provide enhanced collaborative formal and informal educational opportunities and support lifelong learning through sharing the county's rich and diverse cultural history, thus supporting Goal 5: Public Education/Learning Community: Obiective 1. (no current fiscal impact—funding will be required in future years to create and install roadside markers as well as develop digital infrastructure for a digital maker system). 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • Abandoned Black burial grounds: The HPC continues to learn about additional unmarked Black burial grounds across the county, many of which are associated with enslaved communities. These are often unmarked or poorly marked. The HPC will needs a modest dedicated source of funding to help start a project to identify, research, and protect these burial grounds. This project could be supported by volunteers, working with professional archaeologists. Outcomes should include 11 mapping in GIS, surveying/marking boundaries, fencing, and permanent interpretive and/or commemorative markers. • Need for a small grant program to help preserve endangered rural historic resources: The HPC seeks funding to establish a small-scale grant program to assist owners with essential preservation work. Numerous endangered rural historic cemeteries and important structures, such as historic schoolhouses, log houses and farm buildings, merit preservation or they will soon be lost. Often the owners have few resources and cannot justify spending money on buildings that are no longer used. The HPC will also pursue grant funding to help start this program. However, some level of County funding will be required to secure grant funds. • County historic marker program: The HPC will initiate a long-range project to explore the feasibility and costs of a county-wide historic and cultural marker program, modeled on similar programs in other areas that utilize both physical markers and/or map-driven web sites and/or phone apps. A marker program is a way to provide accurate historical content in an accessible/interactive format about cultural resources, places and people of significance to our local communities, especially the underrepresented. This should be developed in collaboration with our local government partners. Attachment 3 12 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Agricultural Preservation Board Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Michael Hughes, Chair: (919) 270-6462 or.mmhC@-mmhpe.com Primary staff contact: Peter Sandbeck, DEAPR staff support 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? Once every other month, on the third Wednesdays of January, March, May, July, September and November. 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. The charge of the Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) is "to encourage the voluntary preservation of farmland from non-farm development, recognizing the importance of agriculture to the economic and cultural life of the county." The Agricultural Preservation Board (APB) serves as the County's advisory board for agricultural issues and administers the Voluntary Farmland Protection Program. The APB advises the BOCC on agricultural development and farmland preservation, sustainable agriculture, emerging trends in agriculture, and other initiatives to help ensure that farming continues to be a viable activity here. The APB makes recommendations on proposed Voluntary Agricultural Districts (VAD) and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural Districts (EVAD). The APB is responsible for preparing and updating the countywide Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan, and the implementation of the agricultural sections of the Orange County Comprehensive Plan, Natural and Cultural Systems Element (in coordination with other agricultural agencies). 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • The completion of a multi-year project to prepare a new Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan for Orange County. The APB's Farmland Preservation Subcommittee worked for over two years to prepare a new plan to update and replace our outdated 2009 plan. A draft of the new plan was presented to the BOCC at the April 8, 2025, work session. In response to BOCC comments and input, the draft has been updated and revised with input from Planning staff and review by Legal. A final version will be presented to the BOCC in early 2026. DRAFT 13 • In 2025, the APB reviewed and recommended approval for 3 additional farms as Voluntary Agricultural District (VAD) and Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District (EVAD) farms, adding 110 acres to these programs after being approved by the BOCC. This increased the total enrollment in both programs to 17,689 acres on 158 farms throughout the County (14,892 in VAD and 2,797 in EVAD). • Co-hosted a well-attended public workshop on Conservation Easements and Farm Succession Planning, in partnership with the Soil and Water Conservation District. This followed an initial and highly successful Farm Succession Planning workshop in late 2024 that provided information to help farm owners make plans to prepare for the future of their farm businesses and farmland. • Hosted another successful annual VAD breakfast and educational program, attended by approximately 60 farm owners in addition to staff and speakers. 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Host an annual breakfast for VAD landowners to recognize their efforts to preserve agriculture and to provide them with current educational information through presentations and programs. • Install new road signs to identify farms that are newly enrolled in the Voluntary Agricultural District programs, to recognize participating farmers and increase program visibility; replace existing signs that have been damaged. 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic pian. • The recommendations contained in the new final draft of the Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan address the county's goals of preserving farmland and enhancing the economic viability of local, sustainable agriculture, supporting the goals of Goal 1: Environmental Protection and Climate Action, Objectives 4 and 7. • The APB's approval of three new farms for enrollment in the Voluntary Agricultural District Program (VAD) provided conservation protection for an additional 110 acres of farmland, including 83 acres now protected by a 10-year conservation agreement through the provisions of the Enhanced Voluntary Agricultural District program, directly supporting the goals of Goal 1, Environmental Protection and Climate Action, Objective 7. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. • The APB continues to take the lead in the long-term project to assist families in enrolling their farms in the state's Century Farm program, a collaborative project with the Historic Preservation Commission, to support the county's comprehensive project to document and make a permanent record of historic farmsteads. DRAFT 14 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available her^. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. • Present to the BOCC the final version of the APB's new Agricultural Viability and Farmland Stewardship Plan for Orange County, which will replace the APB's now- outdated Agricultural Development and Farmland Protection Plan adopted by the BOCC in 2009. • Provide final input for the current Land Use Plan 2050 update process in collaboration with the Planning Department staff to ensure that farm viability and farmland protection/preservation remain among the highest priorities in the final vision plan. • Review applications for farms wishing to enroll in the Voluntary Agricultural District programs and recommend new farms for BOCC approval. • Enroll additional farm owners in the Century Farm Program through assistance with applications and deed research. 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • The high rate of loss of prime farmland: this alarming trend is well documented and presents a significant threat to the future viability of local agriculture in the County. Our prime farmland is characterized by its relatively level topography and high-quality soil types—attributes that make it easiest to develop as those soils are the most suitable for conventional septic systems. Rising land prices make it difficult for existing farmers to justify staying in business, while the cost of establishing a new farm is prohibitive for younger farmers. Farmland throughout the county is being taken out of production and converted to residential use. And this conversion creates higher costs to our County government. Each acre of farmland converted into residential use creates new, additional costs to county government. An economic impact analysis by NCSU for Orange documented that for each dollar of county revenue, the county spends in the range of $1.30 for residential land use, versus only $.072 per acre for agricultural use. • A significant percentage of our farmland is controlled by our "senior" farmers: as they retire, there will be a major reduction in active farm acreage over the next decade. This will result in more land being converted to development. There is a great need for targeted, proactive outreach and assistance to help these farmers develop transition plans. The APB will work to increase efforts to educate farmers/landowners about transition planning and working farmland conservation easements including those available through the Lands Legacy Program, as a way to preserve farmland once it passes out of traditional family ownership. • New Farmland Protection Tools: Some states and counties have implemented new programs called Land Access Policies and Incentives (LAPIs) that take a proactive approach to providing an affordable path for new/young farmers to obtain land while also implementing farmland conservation easements to protect these new farms. The APB will explore how these are working and look at ways to implement similar programs in the county. 15 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Commission for the Environment Report Period:January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners(BOCC)appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan.This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities.These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC,title, and contact information: Regina Baratta, Chair(rtbaratta@msn.com-) Primary staff contact: Christian Hirni(chirni(cDorangecountync.gov)and Wesley Poole(wpoole@orangecountync.gov) 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? 1x/month 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board- specific Policies and Procedures documents,which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available here. The primary purpose of the Commission for the Environment(CFE)is to advise the Board of County Commissioners(BOCC)on matters affecting the natural environment. This responsibility generally includes:advising on environmental policy,promoting education of the public and local officials on environmental issues, making recommendations on environmental initiatives, and understanding special environmental studies and projects. 16 3.What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? Scoring the 2025 Community Climate Action Grant Applications Outline and research for State of Environment Report Participation in OC Earth Evening, Repair Cafes, Tree Giveaways Partnership with Hillsborough Climate Challenge Events 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. Community Climate Action Grant Application scoring Nature of Orange Photography Contest Sponsor Conduct environmental education outreach events(e.g., Earth Evening), Liaison to Intergovernmental Parks Work Group Laison to Orange County's Climate Council 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 Conduct special studies pertaining to Orange County environment(e.g., energy efficiency/sustainability, forestry effects on water quality, herbicides, and native flora) RIPPLE Environmental Award 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. Expanded educational opportunities for countystaff and community members on climate action and available resources that support projects in this area. (Environmental Protection and Climate Action Goal#3) 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Provides liaison to Intergovernmental Parks Work Group Joint scoring of Community Climate Action Grants Application with HRC Participate in Orange County's Climate Council Participate in Hillsborough's Climate Challenge 17 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact(i.e.,funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. Complete the State of the Environment Report(Limitations:time, access to data) Continue to Support the Orange County Climate Action Plan and work being done by OC Sustainability Office Review and rank the 2026 Community Climate Action Grants Participate in 2026 Hillsborough Climate Challenge 8.What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? Advocate for the reestablishment of the full Community Climate Action Grant Funds Support Sustainability Office HeatAction Efforts Work with local municipalities, organizations, and universities to understand the status,practices, and impacts of PFAS on air, land, and water and communicate those findings to BOCC and the public 18 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission:Animal Services Advisory Board Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information:Allan Polak,ASAB Chair; and Debbie Hill, Vice-Chair Primary staff contact: Elizabeth Overcash, Animal Services Director How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? The Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) meets monthly on the third Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., except during the months of July and December. Meetings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to share their concerns or challenges related to animals in the community. Six ASAB members also serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool,which reviews appeals of dangerous dog declarations and other ordinance violations enforced by Orange County Animal Services (OCAS). One ASAB member chairs each appeal hearing, which consists of three members from the Panel Pool, convened under the Unified Animal Ordinance. In addition, three ASAB members serve on the review committee for the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Award. Each fall, the committee evaluates applications and selects a recipient based on established award criteria. 19 Finally, as needed, the ASAB forms task forces to study specific issues that require more detailed research, discussion, or analysis. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents,which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available here. The Animal Services Advisory Board (ASAB) serves as a sounding board for policy issues raised by residents or identified by the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC). Residents are referred to the ASAB as an important first step in addressing stakeholder concerns before an item is proposed to the BOCC. As part of this role, the ASAB also receives feedback from members who serve on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. The hearing panel oversees citizen interactions with Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) in matters such as declaring a dog dangerous in response to aggressive behavior or reviewing appeals related to denied kennel permits. The ASAB also focuses on the human side of animal welfare. A core value of the Board is the concept of One Health—the connection between animals, public health, safety, the environment, and community well-being. One ASAB member also serves as the veterinarian representative on the Orange County Health Board, bridging human and animal health issues in a region where zoonotic diseases remain a significant concern. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • Employee Appreciation Day for OCAS • Pat Sanford Grant awarded and renewed • Dog training program initiative launched in conjunction with OCAS • Public education/Talking points campaign initiated • Held three Dangerous Dog hearings • ASAB positions are 100%filled – No Vacancies • Ongoing assistance w/fundraising efforts, including donations directly from ASAB members to OCAS 20 Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Support the annual Clear-the-Shelters adoption event • Pat Sanford Grant • ASAB members attend and participate in OCAS Holiday Potluck • Support and volunteer at scheduled rabies vaccination and microchip clinics • Employee Appreciation Day-Summer-ASAB sponsored a local ice cream truck to provide free ice cream to all OCAS staff • Host members of the public at monthly Board meeting and act as a sounding board for their concerns and feedback. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the )range County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Advisory Board Roles and Responsibilities: • Provide a setting for stakeholder communication about various animal-related concerns. • Sustain the ASAB by meeting and answering questions from candidates for Board vacancies, making recommendations to the BOCC, and conducting orientations for new members. • Worked toward an effective succession of ASAB members on the Animal Services Hearing Panel Pool. • Support the Pat Sanford Animal Welfare Grant and participated in the application review panel. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Dr. Lee Pickett serves on the Orange County Board of Health as the Veterinarian Representative from the Animal Services Advisory Board. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to thecae County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. 21 • Update ASAB Orientation video and FAQs • ASAB Youth Delegate Program • Veterinary support for animals of unhoused residents • Employee Appreciation Day-Summer and Winter events • Pat Sanford Grant • OCAS Volunteer of the Year award (E. Cramer) • Support the OCAS Silent auction fundraiser • Continue to build dog training program • Support the OCAS Dog Adventures Program What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? • The ASAB does not anticipate any concerns or emerging issues that it wishes to bring to the attention of the BOCC. 22 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Human relations Commission Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Rhian Carreker-Ford, HRC Chair, rhian.carreker.ford(c�gmail.com, 510-910-8064 Primary staff contact: Paul Slack 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? The Human Relations Commission (HRC) meets once per month. Any special or sub- committee meetings are scheduled on as as-needed basis. 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available The Human Relations Commission is responsible for promoting mutual understanding, respect and fair treatment among all people in Orange County. The HRC advises the Board of County Commissioners on matters on human rights, conducts events to raise awareness and collaborates with various community stakeholders to address human rights concerns. 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? 23 In 2025, we made significant progress in strengthening community ties through events and initiatives such as being a sponsor of the annual Mildred Council Community Dinner as well as hosting the 35th annual Pauli Murray Awards. These events continue to honor local activists and bridge gaps within our diverse community. 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. Pauli Murray Awards —Adult Award, Youth Award, Business Award Mildred Council Community Dinner Sponsorship 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. The Commission aligns its goals with the Board of County Commissioners guiding principle of fostering community engagement and inclusivity. By organizing community events like the Pauli Murray Awards and sponsoring the Mildred Council Community Dinner, we create safe spaces for residents to connect and share their experiences. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. No formal relationships established at this time. Planned for 2026. 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. Community Conversations on Resilience (Feb. 2026) Pauli Murray Awards 2026 (May 2026) Housing Series (Jul. — Dec. 2026) Blackwood Farms Memorial Community Event (Jul. 2026) Youth Engagement Initiative (Winter - Spring 2026) 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? Sentiment in the county regarding raids by government entities Potential civil unrest Affordability in Orange County — address with the housing series; natural disasters — access to resources and build resilience within the community 24 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Orange County Affordable Housing Advisory Board Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Lynn Nilssen, Vice Chair, <lynn.a.nilssen@gmail.com> Primary staff contact: Aaron Cohen, Community Development Manager (acohen(a)orangecountync.gov) 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? 1x/month 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available Goals: 1. Publicize the County's housing objectives; 2. Increase the community's awareness, understanding, commitment to and involvement in a comprehensive program of initiatives to increase the amount of attractive affordable housing; 3. Advocate for changes in public policy that will improve opportunities for those who cannot afford housing costs in Orange County; 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • Community Engagement with Residents in Underserved Communities 25 • Developer and Housing Partner Engagement • Analysis of Past Orange County Housing Investments • Recommendations to HOME Program, Resulting in Online RFP System • Recommendations to HOME Consolidated Plan • Recommendations to Longtime Homeowners Tax Assistance Program 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Annual Community Meeting • First Annual Developer and Housing Partner Engagement Session 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. All of the above listed activities work toward the Housing For All goal's first objective: Allocate predictable funding sources to contribute or support adding to affordable housing stock. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Affordable Housing Advisory Board Orange Co. Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Leadership Team • Board connected with leadership to understand challenges of Orange County's most vulnerable populations. • Community Development Program coordinates with OCPEH on HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance programs. 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the ")range County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available ' ,ere. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. The following 2026 activities all support the aforementioned Housing For All Objective 1: 26 • Feedback on Bond RFP • Feedback on Repair and Rehabilitation Programming • Feedback on HOME project selection 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? The lack of affordable housing inventory continues to be a major obstacle to achieving our mission of providing stable, dignified housing. This challenge intersects with planning and zoning decisions that could otherwise increase the supply of affordable housing. Additional sources of funding should be investigated to complement existing local, state, and federal funds, including private and philanthropic funds. Further analysis of the existing affordable housing stock and past housing investments is needed to support evidence-based decision making. 27 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Orange County Housing Authority Board Report Period: January 2025-December 2025 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Jana Murdock-Doherty, Chair (jmurdock596@gmail.com) Primary staff contact: Alycia Brown, (albrown@orangecountync.gov) 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? 1x/month 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available The OCHA Board is a federally mandated advisory board that governs the compliance, fiscal viability and strategic planning of the county's Housing Authority. They possess ultimate decision-making power over all Housing Authority programs (chiefly the Housing Choice Voucher program). 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? • Emergency response to Hurricane Chantal • Project Based Voucher (PBV) addition to admin plan • RFP release for PBV 28 • Waitlist selection for new participation assistance, the first selection from our general waitlist in 5 years • Update to preference points of the waitlist • Additional information sheets developed for participants • Developed plan to transition Emergency Housing Voucher clients to HCV program after funding was discontinued early • Updates to termination policies 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. • Annual Meet-And-Greet (cancelled this year due to recovery assistance) • Twice-yearly Newsletter • Landlord Roundtables (quarterly) 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. All of the above listed activities work toward the Housing For All goal's first objective:Allocate predictable funding sources to contribute or support adding to affordable housing stock. 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. Affordable Housing Advisory Board Orange Co. Partnership to End Homelessness (OCPEH) Leadership Team • Staff connects between boards to share updates and inform of feedback. • HCV program collaborates with OCPEH with its waitlist referral and Move On initiative, which issues vouchers to clients utilizing various transitional housing options. This helps them transition from homelessness to subsidized housing without case management supports. 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the -)range County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. The following 2026 activities all support the aforementioned Housing For All Objective 1: 29 • Project Based Vouchers • Larger selection from waitlist • Transferring EHV clients to HCV program • Increasing FYI voucher utilization and transitioning graduating youth onto HCV program • Renewing issuing vouchers to residents experiencing homelessness 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? The lack of affordable housing inventory for voucher holders continues to be the major obstacle to achieving our mission of providing stable, dignified housing. Maintaining relationship with HUD consultants to navigate the current challenges at the federal government level. Funding outlook for 2026 remains unclear, as the federal government is months delayed in passing their HUD appropriations bill. Rumors are that funding will remain steady, although potentially not increase in line with rents as it has in the past. 30 ORANGE COUNTY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS ANNUAL REPORT AND WORK PLAN Name of Board/Commission: Orange County ABC Board Report Period: January 2026 -December 2026 The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) appreciates the dedication of all volunteers on Orange County boards and commissions and asks each body to complete an Annual Report and Work Plan. This document will inform the BOCC of the activities each board/commission has conducted over the past year and detail a plan for future activities. These activities should be consistent with the board/commission's assigned charge and the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan (Strategic Plan). General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. Person to address the BOCC, title, and contact information: Click or tap here to enter text. Judson Williamson Board Chair udd(a)_milestoneslaw.com Tony DuBois General Manager ocabc(a-)-orangeabc.com Primary staff contact: Julie Mebane admin@orangeabc.com 1. How many times per month does this board/commission meet, including any special meetings and subcommittee meetings? Once per month except in July and December. 2. Please briefly describe this board/commission's assigned charge and responsibilities. Board-specific Policies and Procedures documents, which detail the charge and responsibilities for each board/commission, are available The Mission of the Orange County ABC Board and our employees is to serve our locality responsibly by controlling the sale of spirituous liquor, returning profits to Law enforcement, Alcohol Education, and the County Fund while providing excellent service in customer friendly, modern, and efficient stores. 3. What are your board/commission's most important accomplishments during the report period? In this fiscal year a distribution of$881,600 is being made to the Orange County General fund. The board funded local Alcohol Law Enforcement agencies $200,000. The board also granted community Alcohol Education and Rehabilitation funds to schools and local community organizations $261,000. The distributions from the board for fiscal year 2025-26 total $1,342,600. 31 4. Please list any specific tasks, events, or functions performed or sponsored annually. We are involved in many area coalitions for underage drinking. 5. Describe this board/commission's activities/accomplishments in carrying out the goals identified in the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. NA 6. Describe any collaboration between this board/commission and other boards and commissions. NA 7. Identify any activities this board/commission expects to carry out in 2026 that are related to the Orange County Strategic Plan. General information about the Strategic Plan is available here. If applicable, please list any fiscal impact (i.e., funding, staff time, other resources) associated with these proposed activities. We currently have a piece of property in Cedar Grove up for rezoning approval. This will be used for a future ABC store in the northernmost part of the county. 8. What concerns or emerging issues does this board/commission anticipate for the upcoming year that it plans to address or wishes to bring to the BOCC's attention? Sales have been decreasing from the prior Covid peaks so distributions will not rise in the following fiscal year.