1-27 - 1-28-22 BOC Planning Retreat

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agreed to add an objective for the focus area of Partnerships stating "Asses ways to promote the development of additional affordable housing for the current and growing workforce." Communications Specialist Hailey Hall provided a quarterly report for the first quarter, a copy of which is attached and incorporated into these minutes. An action step staff has completed is to start organizing a youth summit, which may occur in the Fall of 2022 and is proposed to be assisted by the newly formed Youth Council. Ms. Hall requested that the Board identify priorities in each of the six focus areas by identifying a goal in each area to focus on. Pertaining to Arts and Culture, Chairman Smith said that Goal 1 is being addressed through Downtown Sanford Incorporated and Kelli Laudate through the many events that are planned. Smith suggested prioritizing Goal 2 under Arts and Culture. Commissioner Carver asked to add in action items - building relationships in the cultural activities focusing on the fact that we are trying to focus on creating activities that bring people together and create appreciation. The Commissioners recommended Goal 2 as the priority in Arts and Culture. Under Community Safety, Ms. Hall said that she has requested a meeting with the new Sheriff to talk about marketing and future events. The County Manager discussed working with the Sheriff's Department to coordinate messaging and communications between county departments. Ms. Hall spoke about having more coordinated messages and being consistent in that messaging by being united in sending out information about certain items like inclement weather. She mentioned there are other ways that community safety and public trust can be built such as increasing public safety by staging ambulances in fire stations. Following discussion, the Board decided to prioritize all three goals under Community Safety at the same level. The Board discussed a modification of an objective under Economic Development to help the certification process to increase availability of certified and shovel ready industrial sites. Commissioner Carver requested consideration of an objective under Goal 3 in Economic Development stating "Review the effectiveness of services provided by the county to agriculture producers and promote communication between agribusiness leaders and commissioners." The Board agreed to the additional objective and recommended focus on Goal 3 under Economic Development. Commissioner Carver requested a continued focus on workforce development. Under Education, the Commissioners discussed the various education options in Lee County including charter, Christian, public and home schools, as well as daycares. Commissioner Knecht asked to evaluate ways to make sure these other institutions stay viable because with these we don't have to pay for facilities and staff like the County does with the public schools. Average Daily Membership (ADM) is still down for Lee County Schools (below 9,200 students), while these institutions have increased their enrollment. With the growing residential development, there may be a future need for growth in schools that may be accommodated by all educational institutions in the County. Strategic Services can identify where all the new developments are going and it is important to start identifying property for future public schools. The Board agreed to maintain focus on all three goals under Education. Under Health and Well Being, the Board agreed to prioritize Goal 1. Under Partnerships, Commissioner Carver suggested the addition of an objective stating "Promote dialogue with community leaders concerning diversity, equity, and inclusion. Collect and review appropriate data to facilitate discussion. Foster better relationships and trust among all parties and groups that make up the Lee County community."Commissioner Carver provided examples of policies instituted by Dr. Lisa Chapman at Central Carolina Community College related to diversity, equity and inclusion. He said that there is a realization that commissioners need to work closer with leaders in minority communities. Commissioner Smith read from the "Unholy Trinity of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion"stating that this county is founded upon equality in the eyes of the law and that we should be judging everyone equal 3