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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 041315Orange County Human Relations Commission Minutes Monday, April 13, 2015 Orange County Animal Services Building Conference Room M E M B E R S P R E S E N T STAFF Scott Goldsmith Vanessa Soleil James Davis Rollin Russell Gerald Ponder Pamela Reynolds Alan Jefferies Robin Criffield Andy Cagle Christine Kelly- Kleese Doris Brunson G U E S T S Excused Absence: Jamie Paulen, Matthew Hughes, Monica Richard, Natalie Turner and Marc Xavier Unexcused Absence: Joyce Preslar L Call To Order Chair Doris Brunson called the meeting to order at 6:07p.m. II. Introductions New members Scott Goldsmith, Andy Cagle and Robin Criffield introduced themselves and received a welcome by the members. III. Minutes Approval Rollin Russell made a motion to approve the February 91' Minutes. Christine Kelly- Kleese seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Rollin made a motion to approve the March 91' Minutes. Gerald Ponder seconded the motion which carried unanimously. IV. County Updates James Davis informed the members that the Consolidated Plan for Affordable Housing and the Analysis of Impediments reports were being drafted by a consultant hired by the County. James asked the members to complete a survey that will be included in the referenced plans. James informed the members that April is National Fair Housing Month and announced the events planned to promote fair housing. Buttons containing a variety of phrases that promote diversity, equality and fair housing were produced by the department. James passed around buttons for members to have. James informed the members that Chair Brunson presented a Fair Housing Proclamation to the BOCC on Tuesday, April 7'. James also informed the members that the City of Greensboro recently passed an amendment to their fair housing law which adds protections to the LGBTQA community. James and Doris provided an update on the Orange County Expo that took place on Friday, April 101'. Over 100 persons were provided with fair housing information. Page 1 of 3 James presented information about the board membership and composition. Rollin Russell will be moved from an at -large seat to the seat of a Town of Hillsborough representative. Andrea Jones has resigned from the board due to her move to Durham County. A request was submitted to the Clerk of the BOCC asking that the seat vacated by Andrea remain open while the board solicits a person of Hispanic /Latino heritage to apply. This would create greater diversity on the board. The members opted to vote for a new Secretary at the May meeting to replace this office vacated by Andrea. James informed the members that Jilan Li has missed all meetings since her appointment and requested a recommendation regarding her continued membership. Rollin made a motion that Jilan Li be removed from the board if after James's attempt to communicate with Ms. Li proves futile to compel attendance to future meetings. Gerald seconded the motion which passed unanimously. James informed the members of the My Brothers' Keeper initiative and invited the members to participate in the Youth Summit scheduled for Saturday, May 91' at East Chapel Hill H.S. James announced that County Commissioner Barry Jacobs suggested that a plaque bearing all of the Pauli Murray Award honorees be erected in the meeting space at the Whitted Human Services Building. The members expressed agreement with this notion and inquired whether the funding for this project will come from the BOCC. James will follow -up. In observance of Volunteer Appreciation Month, James distributed a gift to all members, courtesy of the Board of County Commissioners. V. Subcommittee Updates Executive Committee: Chair Brunson announced the notion of inviting the immediate past youth Pauli Murray Award honoree to join the HRC as an ex- officio member. Rollin made a motion to implement this idea immediately for the current youth honoree; membership expiring in February after the Pauli Murray Awards. The future youth honoree's membership to commence in March and ending in February. Gerald seconded the motion which passed unanimously. Doris provided an update on the UNC Diversity Awards ceremony, stating that there were several worthy candidates in each category. Recently resigned Andrea Jones submitted an update via email that was not presented during the meeting. A copy of the update will be provided at the May 2015 HRC meeting. Members recommended that James request Dr. Tim Miles and Dr. Emmanuel Kai from the Disability Awareness Council to speak at an upcoming meeting. It was also recommended that Martha Olaya- Crowley, former Executive Director of El Futuro, be requested to make a presentation. James will be attending the annual ADA Symposium on Monday, May 11, 2015. The May meeting has been rescheduled to May 18, 2015 on a motion by Rollin, seconded by Gerald. The motion carried unanimously. Building Integrated Communities (BIC): Page 2 of 3 No Report. The Members discussed whether the scope of the subcommittee should be amended or whether the duties should be undertaken by the Diversity Matters subcommittee. The Members will revisit these matters at the May meeting. Diversity Matters: The subcommittee will be meeting on Tuesday, April 21" at 6:00 at the Human Rights office in Hillsborough. Rollin provided an update on the planning for the 2016 Human Relations Forum and Community Read. Chair Brunson suggested that the Forum could be a venue for a disability fair. The following books were recommended for the Community Read: The Reason I Jump, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night -time, Far From the Tree and Journey with Julian. Community Relations: Gerald will present the ADA proclamation to the BOCC on June 2, 2015. It was recommended that the subcommittee produce a PSA regarding the need to "save the spot" in parking lots for persons with disabilities. With regard to the annual poster and essay contests, Vanessa Soleil recommended that the HRC use technology to entice youth to participate. It was suggested that there be an opportunity for graphic design poster contests. Collateral Consequences: No report. A report was submitted by former member, Andrea Jones, via email and will be shared at the May meeting. Angle Cagle stated that he attended the discussion about the need for a Citizens Police Review Board. The meeting was hosted by Organizing Against Racism and held at the Rogers- Eubanks Community Center on April 1 lth. Andy will send information to the Members. VL Other Business /Announcements No other business or announcements. VII. Adiourn There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:54 p.m. Respectfully Submitted: James E. Davis, Jr., Civil Rights Specialist Page 3 of 3