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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 021317Orange County Human Relations Commission Minutes February 13, 2017 Orange County Animal Services Conference Room 1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill NC MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF Jacqulyn Podger Annette Moore, Interim Director Joyce Christine Preslar Alicia Jones, Housing Program Manager Delvena Jones Millicent Bowie, Administrative Assistant Scott Goldsmith Monica Richard Nora Spencer Deborah Stroman MEMBERS ABSENT Timothy McNair Jessica Aguilar Elizabeth O'Quinn Andy Cagle Rollin Russell Robin Criffield Marc Xavier Susan Enoch GUESTS Bonnie Hammersley, County Manager I. Call to Order Chair Monica Richard called the meeting to order at 6:12 p.m. II. Introduction Chair Monica Richard introduced special guest County Manager, Bonnie Hammersley. Ms. Hammersley thanked the members of the Commission and expressed her gratitude to the Human Relations Commission (HRC) for their service to the County. Bonnie announced that Audrey Spencer - Horsley resigned effective February 13, 2017. Annette Moore will serve as Interim Director until a replacement is found. Bonnie explained the County has an aggressive plan for hiring a replacement and her hope is that a director will be hired within three months. Commission member, Delvena Jones, asked about processes in place to handle employment discrimination cases and what protection is available for employees who are afraid of retaliation. The County Manager indicated that an investigation of the allegations would be conducted. Ms. Moore explained that there are different processes for County employees and State employees. She offered to speak with Ms. Jones after the meeting regarding her specific situation. Chair Richard stated the item would be put on the agenda because we did not have a quorum. Members of the HRC and audience introduced themselves and gave some background of their affiliation with the commission. III. Minutes Approval A quorum was not present so the minutes were tabled. IV. County Updates The HRC requested information on their connection with HUD. Ms. Moore told the HRC that staff investigates fair housing complaints. The Director makes a determination as to whether or not there is reasonable cause to believe that discrimination has occurred. If the complainant disagrees with the decision, he /she can ask the HRC to reconsider that determination. Ms. Moore stated members of the HRC should be trained on the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance and the Fair Housing Act, so they could hear reconsiderations. Chair Richard stated HRC members were not trained. Ms. Moore indicated that would need to happen before appeals came before the HRC. There was discussion of training starting next month. Commission member, Dr. Deborah Stroman, asked about the website and indicated there should be more information on filing a complaint. Ms. Moore said that April is Fair Housing month and training during that month would raise visibility of fair housing in the County. There was some discussion that the website verbiage is misleading as to what services are provided by the HRC and needs to be revised. Ms. Moore requested the HRC forward any recommendations to her. Ms. Jones asked about creating policy for everything she sees that is incorrect. Ms. Moore said if there are concerns or problems bring them to her attention and she will address them. V. Subcommittee Updates Ms. Moore said the HRC budget for FY 2016 -17 is $ 3,000. She recommended for next fiscal year, the HRC should identify the events planned for the year and present a budget accordingly. The HRC currently has $ 316 in its budget. Pauli Murray Award Program Chair Richard asked for financial assistance for the Pauli Murray Award Program and the prizes for the essay contest ($ 375). Ms. Moore said the department would provide the financial assistance and asked the Chair to submit a budget for the event. Changes were approved for the website on February 10, 2017. Pam Reynolds will make the updates to the website. There was discussion about possible speakers for the event. The HRC considered Vimala of Curryblossom Cafe. The Pauli Murray Award Program will be held on March 12, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Pauli Murray Award subcommittee will review the nominations. There are several award categories that do not have nominations. Chair Richard asked for nominations from the group. Commission member, Joyce Preslar, said she would like to revisit a past list of nominees to consider as potential awardees for this year's award. Dr. Stroman said she did not see any information about the Award on the website. The deadline for submission of nominees has passed. There was discussion as to whether or not to extend the deadline to February 28th and to place it on the website. Chair Richard explained that a quorum was not present; the Commission members in attendance agreed to extend the deadline until February 28tH Ms. Moore asked if the call for nominees had been advertised. Members of the HRC did not know and asked that Ms. Moore check with staff. Staff member, Alicia Jones, will check with the Community Relations Director regarding advertising. Executive Committee Plan of Action — Tabled to next meeting Community Justice Hotline — No updates Community Read - Cancelled Fair Housing Poster Contest — April is Fair Housing Month. There are currently no events planned. There was a discussion of having the poster contest during Fair Housing Month and to place students' posters in County buildings. An outside person would be identified to judge the posters. Dr. Stroman asked if HRC was ready for another event so soon after the Pauli Murray event and perhaps consider postponing it. After discussion, the decision was made to postpone the Fair Housing Poster Contest until next year. VI. Other Business /Announcements Dr. Stroman addressed the incidents of the "Confederate Flag" within the Orange County School District. She asked the Commission to study the issue and eventually adopt language that would prevent these incidents. She said that Durham County and Chatham County Schools have adopted such language addressing this matter. The HRC discussed the issue. Dr. Stroman also suggested that the HRC clearly define its role and update the website to reflect it. There was discussion about the website and items that should be included. Joyce Preslar shared a transportation incident that involved a disabled person. She wanted it addressed as a disability issue. VII. Adjourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:38 pm.