HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 091216Orange County Human Relations Commission
Minutes
September 12, 2016
AMENDED
Orange County Animal Services Conference Room
1601 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC
M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Robin Criffield
Audrey Spencer - Horsley, Director
Scott Goldsmith
Uvonka Mercer
Monica Richard, Chair
Pamela Reynolds
Susie Enoch, Vice -chair
Rollin Russell, Secretary
Andy Cagle
Matt Hughes
Joyce Preslar
M E M B E R S A B S E N T
Marc Xavier
Unexcused
G U E S T S
Jacqueline Podger
Delvena Jones
L Call To Order
Chair Monica Richard called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
IL Introduction
Introductions were made by everyone. Uvonka Mercer, the new Civil Rights Specialist,
introduced herself and gave a brief overview of her credentials. Visitors present were
Jacqueline Podger and Delvena Jones who both gave background information about their
interest in the HRC.
III. Minutes Approval
The minutes of the June 13, 2016 and August 8, 2016 were approved as written.
IV. County Updates
A. Audrey Spencer - Horsley explained about the Fair Housing Assistance Program grant
our agency was awarded $15,000.00 and we have until December 31, 2016 to expend the
funds. She listed several criteria for spending the grant. It was decided that the executive
committee would be available for any quick decisions required to be made and the
general body would assist as needed.
Page 1 of 2
B. Membership: Monica Richard announced that Vanessa Soleil has resigned from the
HRC and that she sent a letter about enjoying her experience with the group. She would
be willing to volunteer for an occasional event.
C. Audrey Spencer - Horsley explained to the HRC that staff is to be their first line of
contact when they need press releases or items to go before the BOCC.
D. After further discussion of the ADA Accessible Icon Project, the motion was made
and unanimously carried for Rollin Russell/Monica Richard to present the information to
the BOCC.
V. Subcommittee Updates
A. Diversity Matters: As previously announced the book, "No god but God" is the
chosen book for the Community Read which is held in March.
B. Human Relations Forum — January 29, 2017 will explore "Religious Freedom,
Pluralism and Islamophobia ".
C. Community Relations
Joyce Preslar volunteered to serve as chair of this committee and she will bring
her recommendations to the October 17, 2016 meeting.
1. Pauli Murray Award Ceremony (Tabled)
2. Human Relations Essay Contest (Tabled)
3. Fair Housing Poster Contest (Tabled)
D. Community Justice
HRC discussed setting up procedures to address issues brought before them. They
agreed to check into what they can do and to take it on a case by case. Chair,
Monica Richard will develop a template for the Commission to follow.
VL Other Business /Announcements
Staff requested help from the HRC to setup and man two upcoming tabling events, Hog
Day on September 17, 2016 and Festifall on October 2, 2016. A number of members
volunteered.
VII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Pamela T. Reynolds, Intake Specialist
Page 2 of 2