But first, recently re-elected Commissioners Steve Halkiotis, Gordon, and Barry Jacobs were sworn into their new terms of office. No new commissioners were elected this year.
"This is the only time that I will do what my child tells me," said Steve Halkiotis with a laugh before he was sworn into his fifth term of office by his daughter, Kristen Halkiotis, a second-year N.C. Central University law student.
The commissioners unanimously elected Brown as chairwoman and voted in Gordon as vice chairwoman of the board by a vote of 3-2, with two voting in favor of Jacobs. The votes were taken using a secret ballot.
After being elected chairwoman, Brown thanked the last year's chairman, Jacobs, and vice chairman, Steve Halkiotis, for their hard work.
"We accomplished a tremendous amount last year, and I think we owe it to them for their leadership."
Brown also reiterated the board's mission statement, which includes the goals of having the best schools in North Carolina, protecting the environment and increasing affordable housing.
Before getting down to scheduled business, the commissioners also elected to keep John Link as their manager, Geoffrey Gladhill as their attorney and Donna Baker as their clerk.
Following the appointments, Orange County Planning Director Craig Benedict presented the board with a discussion of the Telecommunications Tower Ordinance amendments.
Most of the amendments he discussed were put in place to keep tower heights down and to encourage providers to share space on towers. The amendments also would require periodic inspection of towers.
