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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 03-10-2026; 7 - Historic Preservation Commission - Appointment Discussion 1 ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT Meeting Date: March 10, 2026 Action Agenda Item No. 7 SUBJECT: Historic Preservation Commission —Appointment Discussion DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: Recommendation Clerk's Office, 919-245-2125 Members and Applicants Summary Sheet Application of Person Recommended Applications of Other Applicants Membership Roster Applicant Interest List Annual Work Plan PURPOSE: To discuss an appointment to the Historic Preservation Commission. BACKGROUND: The Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) is charged with undertaking an inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance. It recommends areas to be designated or removed as "historic districts" and reviews and acts upon proposals for alterations, demolition, new construction, etc. In considering new applicants, the HPC is required to follow the guidelines from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in order for the County to remain eligible to participate in the state's Certified Local Government (CLG) program. Those guidelines include the following language governing the qualifications of prospective HPC applicants: "All members shall have demonstrated experience or knowledge in history, architecture or related disciplines that is supported by resume information sufficient to allow the SHPO to confirm the qualifications of members, pursuant to 36 CFR Part 61." The Board of County Commissioners appoints all seven (7) At-Large members. The following individual is recommended for Board consideration: NAME POSITION TYPE OF EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION APPOINTMENT DATE TERM Carol Ann At-Large First Full Term 03/31/2029 Lewald (reappointment) If the individual listed above is appointed, no vacancies remain. 2 FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. 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 Historic Preservation Commission. 3 37 52 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION February 17, 2026 Jean Hamilton, Chair Orange County Board of County Commissioners 300 West Tryon Street Hillsborough,NC 27278 Dear Chair Hamilton: The Orange County Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) wishes to recommend the reappointment of Carol Ann Lewald for Position 4. Her initial appointment,which was for a partial first term, expires on March 31, 2026. Ms. Lewald possesses a strong background in cultural anthropology and has a deep interest in the challenges of preserving rural historic resources and landscapes,with a focus on how these topics intersect with the public planning process. Ms. Lewald has a solid attendance record and contributes actively the work and goals of the HPC. Thank you on behalf of the Historic Preservation Commission. Sincerely, David Stancil, Director,DEAPR cc: Art Menius, Chair, HPC Peter Sandbeck, Cultural Resources Coordinator/HPC staff 4 Historic Preservation Commission Members and Applicants Name Member or Applicant? Gender Identity Race/Ethnic Background Age Range Township Also Serves on tEDeetz ia Moore Member Female White 60+ Bingham Member Male White 60+ Chapel Hill olan Member Male White 60+ Cheeks Carol Ann Lewald Member Female White 35-59 Hillsborough Dr.Anne Whisnant Member Female White 35-59 Chapel Hill Art Menius Member Male White 60+ Little River Orange Unified Transportation Board Todd Dickinson Member Male White 60+ Little River Carrie Bernier Applicant Female White 35-59 Cedar Grove John Brown Applicant Male White 35-59 Chapel Hill Kristofer Cason jApplicant Male White 35-59 lChapel Hill Garrett Sparks jApplicant lMale White 35-59 1 Hillsborough 5 Page 1 of 2 Carol Ann Lewald Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Carol Ann Lewald Name Called: Home Address: 338 Lakeshore Dr. Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-448-5216 Email: Calewald@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2001 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: NC Botanical Garden member NC Museum of Art member Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: N/a Boards/Commissions applied for: Historic Preservation Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board As an undergrad, I dove into archaeological fieldwork and was immediately drawn to studying the social and cultural significance of material culture. I earned my PhD in cultural anthropology at UNC Chapel Hill with theoretical interests space, place, the built environment, and history and memory. In particular, my early research focussed on traditional architecture in West Africa and the way large courtyards were defined through lived experiences. Later research centered on landscape aesthetics and battles to preserve the rural character of a traditionally agrarian region in the Netherlands and in Chatham County, NC. Aesthetic values and beliefs, many that were re- imagined, played a central role in public planning debates in both cases Although la€TMve always wanted to return to research, my work life the past 15 years has led me to focus solely on teaching and administrative leadership roles. My personal interests, however, remain deeply rooted the socio-historic value of space, place and the built environment. These experiences align directly with the work of the historic preservation commission. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I moved to Chapel Hill in 2001, a temporary resident, a graduate student at UNC and mother of two young children. 23.5 years later, I find myself an accidental North Carolinian with a passion for the state and its history, and for Orange County in particular. My work and private life now afford me the time and space to invest in new and meaningful areas and I want to take a more active role in the community. With my academic interests and training, the preservation of relevant socio-historic features in the county appeals to me most. Reviewing and identifying socio-cultural sites, historic landmarks, and architectural heritage is key to safeguarding and 6 Page 2 of 2 Carol Ann Lewald preserving Orange County's past for the future. When it comes to historic preservation, I am left thinking about my experience excavating my first time and the realization I had that I was simultaneously destroying and preserving a record. I was acutely aware of needing to follow protocol and get it right because there are no do overs. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. With increasing population growth and the boom in construction in North Carolina, the Triad, the Triangle, and Orange County, I find it important to put my knowledge and experience to work toward conserving the local flavor and history of the county. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I think I can contribute to a fostering an inclusive, empathetic, and well-rounded approach to historic preservation, by ensuring that the commission's work benefits a diverse range of communities and respects their unique histories and values. My experience as a single mother my work as an anthropologist made sensitive to the needs of others and underscore my social and cultural sensitivity and my problem solving skills. 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 am a state employee and a faculty member at NC State. I am the assistant dean for undergraduate programs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. I see no personal or business conflicts of interest Boards/Commissions appointments: Other Comments: This application was current on: 9/14/2024 2:16:00 PM Date Printed: 9/17/2024 7 Page 1 of 1 Carrie Bernier Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mrs. Carrie Bernier Name Called: Home Address: 1322 Ausling Way Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 630-805-0753 Email: dcbernie@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2019 Township of Residence: Cedar Grove Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Female Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: None at this time, I would like to get involved in the community. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None at this time, I am looking at my options. Boards/Commissions applied for: Historic Preservation Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have a passion for historic houses, my husband and I have renovated older houses. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I would like to learn more about the history around me and help to preserve the history in order to give others the opportunity to learn. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I'm relatively new to the area, I enjoy discovering new things about history, I am not afraid to get my hands dirty. 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: 1/29/2024 11:20:40 AM Date Printed: 1/29/2024 8 Page 1 of 2 John Brown Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. John Brown Name Called: Home Address: 5900 Mount Sinai Rd. Durham NC 27705 Phone: 860-993-9354 Email: JJBrown0058@att.net Year of OC Residence: 2023 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Connecticut/Lodge #19. Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Orange County Planning Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have been working in IT organizations for several large businesses for over 30 years. This work has allowed me to develop interpersonal communication and project management skills, as well as fundamental understanding of what it means to be part of a team to be successful. My BBA degree is Finance, and my MBA is in Marketing. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I have been interested in being more involved in my community for a while. This led me to join the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks when I lived in Connecticut. When my wife and I moved back to her hometown (Durham)we built our home on her great grandparents' property, I have been looking for a way to be more involved with our community. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? While my extended family has deep roots to the area, I bring a newcomer's perspective to work for the future of our community. I recognize and appreciate the importance of traditions, as they are the ribbons that tie one generation to the next. 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? Historic Preservation Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board 9 Page 2 of 2 John Brown While living in Connecticut, I volunteered for the state chapter of the National History Day committee. I participated as a judge for high school students submission for the state wide competition and submission to the national competition. I am very passionate about history and I feel this passion would be beneficial to the committee. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I enjoy history and believe that by preserving it for future generations is a window to our past (right or wrong) and a lighthouse to our future. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? By being someone new to this part of our country, I would absorb the history of orange county. Then from that perspective would contribute to what a visitor or new resident would like to learn about their new community. Fun fact, until I moved here, I didn t know about the Orange County Speedway and how Mr. France wanted to build his next superspeedway here. Also I didn t know that General Sherman accepted the remaining Confederate Army surrender at Bennett Place. 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 County Parks and Recreation Council Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board As child growing up, our town s park and recreation department provided a lot fun experiences to me. While I am today a more passive participant(Pickleball and Golf), I believe that the county s investment plays a big role in developing people and our community. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board Really just looking to more involved and since I do participate in Pickleball program, I would like give back some of my time. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? As a new resident, I would bring that perspective to the committee. 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: 7/9/2024 5:53:20 PM Date Printed: 7/12/2024 10 Page 1 of 2 Kristofer Cason Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Kristofer Cason Name Called: Home Address: 5016 Whyteleafe Ct. Chapel Hill NC 27514 Phone: 704-609-6192 Email: logancason1@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2021 Township of Residence: Chapel Hill Zone of Residence: County Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Adjunct Faculty at Durham Technical Community College (not my primary occupation, just something I do to stay connected with the community) Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board In my life, I have worked in both government and retail sectors. I also started a fully licensed brewery in 2017. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I am very eager to serve this community of Orange County. I really like it here, and I want to do my part to keep it great! I have applied to several boards whenever they become available. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I am an ABC customer maybe once per month, so I think I can bring a perspective of many people like me. 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? Historic Preservation Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I studied history in college (UNC Charlotte, 2008 &2012), and I have been a passionate history learner my entire life. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board 11 Page 2 of 2 Kristofer Cason I think learning history is incredibly important for society. Not knowing about what happened before you is to always remain a child. (Cicero, I think). I think it s important to understand the context of history and many perspectives in the world to appreciate your own place in society. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? Lately, I ve been focused on learning local history, specifically about the first peoples, from Paleo- Indians to the modern day descendants of local tribes. It s a challenge because so much of their history is unwritten and so many of the people were lost to disease and oppression. 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 County Parks and Recreation Council Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board We recently purchased a 2-acre property in Orange County, and I ve been learning a lot about stewardship of the land, both from an environmental perspective as well as an aesthetic one. I was really excited about the new Blackwood Farm Park, and I love the new architecture there. I also participated in the OC bee group that took care of the bees there. Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I want to help create more experiences and spaces for people to learn about and appreciate our environment. How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? I like to think in really practical terms about how what the government does benefits the people it serves. I want to ask how does it serve the people of Orange County? 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: 3/21/2024 9:15:14 AM Date Printed: 3/22/2024 12 Page 1 of 1 Garrett Sparks Volunteer Application Orange County Advisory Boards and Commissions Name: Mr. Garrett Sparks Name Called: Home Address: 444 Flat River Run Hillsborough NC 27278 Phone: 919-599-7325 Email: gsparks74@gmail.com Year of OC Residence: 2022 Township of Residence: Hillsborough Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Gender Identity: Male Ethnic Background: White Age Range: 35-59 Community Activities/Organizational Memberships: Member of Orange Community Players Board member Real-Life Works (Wake County) Past Service on Orange County Advisory Boards: None Boards/Commissions applied for: Historic Preservation Commission Please explain how your background, education and experience is relevant to this board I have served on various boards and have worked with the Historic Society with the annual ghost tour Please explain your reasons for wanting to serve on this board I love history How would your particpation on this board contribute to the diversity of viewpoints? My interest in history and the area 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: 3/19/2025 4:58:57 PM Date Printed: 3/20/2025 13 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Fourth Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Peter Sandbeck&Abby Mattingly Meeting Place: 1020 HWY 70 W,Hillsborough,NC 27278 Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Description: <div>This commission is charged with undertaking an inventory of properties of historical,pre-historical,architectural, and/or cultural significance.It recommends areas to be designated or removed as historic districts and reviews and acts upon proposals for alterations,demolition,new construction,etc.Applicants must demonstrate special interest,experience or education in history,architecture,landscape architecture,archaeology,or related fields.</div> Cecelia Moore 1 First Appointed: 10/05/2021 Gender Identity: Female Township: Bingham Current Appointment: 03/19/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Mr. Eric Deetz 2 First Appointed: 09/17/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 09/17/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-Large Expiration: 06/30/2026 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Mr. Rob Golan 3 First Appointed: 06/18/2024 Gender Identity: Male Township: Cheeks Current Appointment: 06/18/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2027 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: Carol Ann Lewald 4 First Appointed: 10/15/2024 Gender Identity: Female Township: Hillsborough Current Appointment: 10/15/2024 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2026 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: Dr. Anne Whisnant 5 First Appointed: 03/21/2023 Gender Identity: Female Township: Chapel Hill Current Appointment: 03/18/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2028 Age Range: 35-59 Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Art Menius 6 Chair First Appointed: 03/21/2023 Gender Identity: Male Township: Little River Current Appointment: 03/18/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2028 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Thursday,February 26,2026 Page 1 14 Board and Commission Members And Vacant Positions Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Times: 6:30 pm Fourth Wednesday of every month Contact Person:Peter Sandbeck&Abby Mattingly Meeting Place: 1020 HWY 70 W,Hillsborough,NC 27278 Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Positions: 7 Length:3 years Terms: 2 Todd Dickinson 7 Vice-Chair First Appointed: 03/21/2023 Gender Identity: Male Township: Little River Current Appointment: 03/18/2025 Ethnic Background: White Residency Req: At-large Expiration: 03/31/2028 Age Range: 60+ Special Repr: Number of Terms: 2 Thursday,February 26,2026 Page 2 15 Applicant Interest Listing by Board Name and by Applicant Name Contact Person: Peter Sandbeck&Abby Matting Historic Preservation Commission Contact Phone: 919-245-2510 Mrs. Carrie Bernier Gender Identity: Female Date Applied: 01/29/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Cedar Grove Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mr. John Brown Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 07/09/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Mr. Kristofer Cason Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 03/21/2024 Ethnic Background: White Township: Chapel Hill Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: County Also Serves On: Parks and Recreation Council Mr. Garrett Sparks Gender Identity: Male Date Applied: 03/19/2025 Ethnic Background: White Township: Hillsborough Age Range 35-59 Zone of Residence: Hillsborough Town Limits Also Serves On: Thursday,February 26,2026 Page 1 of 1 16 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. 17 • Historic Landmark Projects: 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, Objective 7; the designation of these properties has furthered efforts to preserve historic farmland and rural cemeteries and their surrounding open spaces. 18 The HPC is currently working on two projects that support Goal 5: Public Education/Learning Community: Objective 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 19 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.