HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC minutes 041414Orange County Human Relations Commission
Minutes
Monday, April 14, 2014
Orange County Animal Services Building Conference Room
M E M B E R S P R E S E N T
STAFF
Jamie Paulen
Gerald Ponder
Cynthia Stubbs
James Davis
Monica Richard
Christine Kelly- Kleese
Dominika Baran
Joyce Preslar
Doris Brunson
Rollin Russell
G U E S T
S
Mark Marcoplos
Absent: Li -Chen Chin, Natalie Turner, Matthew Hughes, Joe Polich, and Marc Xavier
L Call To Order
Chair Christine Kelly- Kleese called the meeting to order at 6:36 p.m.
II. Introductions
The members, staff and guest, Mark Marcoplos, introduced themselves.
III. Minutes Approval
Gerald made a motion to approve the February 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by
Monica which carried unanimously. Rollin made a motion to approve the March 2014 minutes.
Gerald seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
IV. County Updates
Orange County Expo:
James commented on the success of the Orange County Expo, stating that the Department
displayed information about Fair Housing.
Fair Housing Month Proclamation and Event:
Rollin announced that he was presented with the Fair Housing Month proclamation by the Board
of County Commissioners. Rollin read the proclamation aloud and invited the Commissioners to
attend the Fair Housing Month event held on Thursday, April 10, 2014. Doris stated that she
attended the Fair Housing Month event and found the information about the status of fair
housing in Orange County to be interesting. Doris further stated that she was surprised to learn
that all of the housing discrimination complaints closed within the past two (2) years were
generated from the Chapel Hill area. James shared information about the number of housing
discrimination complaints closed, the basis of these complaints and the final disposition of each
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case closed since January 2012. James further stated that he will provide a report of such
information on a quarterly basis.
BOCC Goals and Priorities:
James shared the BOCC Goals and Priorities with the members, which was drafted during
FY2009 -2010. It was explained that the HRC strives to meet Goal 2, Priority 6 with regard to
ensuring that the County develop plans and tools to improve its communication with citizens and
foster a two -way exchange. Members discussed whether the BOCC goals and priorities will be
amended after this year's election. It was suggested that if the goals and priorities change, the
change will not take affect prior to January, 2015.
Gender /Women Equality Issues:
The members reviewed the draft letter to the Assistant County Manager regarding the HRC's
role in addressing matters of women equality. Christine recommended that the letter should limit
the use of the word "equality" and use "equity" instead. Dominika further suggested the phrase
"equitable treatment." Members were invited to provide additional comments and suggestions to
James by Friday, April 25, 2014.
V. Subcommittee Updates
Executive Committee:
Christine announced that Robert Ireland and Preston Scott Phillips resigned from the board. This
opens up one (1) at -large seat and one (1) seat to be appointed by the Town of Chapel Hill. The
members reviewed the current new member applications. Doris made a motion to recommend
the BOCC to appoint Erin O'Daniel to the board. Joy seconded the motion. The members
agreed that if Erin was no longer interested in joining the HRC, the Commissioners should
appoint Vanessa Soleil. The remaining three (3) vacancies must be filled by appointment — two
from the Town of Chapel Hill and one from the Town of Carrboro. James will contact the Town
of Chapel Hill and inquire whether the applicants with a Chapel Hill address will be appointed.
Building Integrated Communities (BIC):
James provided information about the Chapel Hill Police Department's willingness to conduct
outreach to the Karen community on public safety. Dominika expressed her interest in joining
the BIC subcommittee. James will send information to Dominika about the subcommittee's
current objectives. Christine stated that with Scott's resignation there is a need to appoint a
member to chair the subcommittee.
Diversity Matters:
Rollin invited the members to suggest a book for the next Community Read which is planned for
the fall. It was stated that the book should be on the subject of the equitable treatment of women.
The members discussed a possible topic for the 2015 Human Relations Month Forum. It was
recommended that the Forum topic to meld the 501' anniversary of the Voter Rights Act and the
951' anniversary of the 191' Amendment which granted women the right to vote. The
subcommittee will have an e- meeting to further discuss planning the referenced events.
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Pauli Murray Awards:
James presented the cost of the 2013 PMA plaques. The members discussed other award options
for future PMA winners. Gerald announced his appreciation to Doris for joining the
subcommittee.
Essay Contest /Poster Contest
These issues were tabled for discussion at the May meeting.
Collateral Consequences:
The subcommittee will determine whether to endeavor to create a list of resources for persons
transitioning from the penal system into Orange County.
VL Social Justice Goal
These issues were tabled for discussion at the May meeting.
VII. Other Business /Announcements
It was recommended that Ann Gerhardt, Executive Director of the Compass Center for Women
and Children, be invited to make a presentation at the May meeting.
VIII. Adiourn
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
James E. Davis, Jr.,
Civil Rights Specialist
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