HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 06-18-19 Item 8-s - Proposed Human Relations Commission (HRC) Membership Reduction
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: June 18, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 8-s
SUBJECT: Proposed Human Relations Commission (HRC) Membership Reduction
DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations
ATTACHMENT(S):
Current HRC Member Roster Positions
Human Relations Commission Board and
Commission Members
August 13, 2018 HRC Minutes
INFORMATION CONTACT:
Annette M. Moore, (919) 245-2317
PURPOSE: To approve a reduction in the number of members of the Human Relations
Commission from eighteen (18) members to twelve (12) members.
BACKGROUND: The Board of County Commissioners (“BOCC”) by Resolution approved the
creation of the Human Relations Commission (“HRC”) on June 16, 1987 in response to events
associated with a Klu Klux Klan march in Chapel Hill. The HRC was comprised of 17 members
appointed by the BOCC and one student representative from each high school in Orange
County. On June 6, 1994, the BOCC adopted the Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance.
Shortly, thereafter the towns of Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill also adopted the
Ordinance by resolution. The HRC seeks to prevent and/or eliminate bias and discrimination by
means of education, persuasion, conciliation and enforcement and advises the Board of County
Commissioners on these matters.
Currently, the HRC is comprised of eighteen members with at least one member from each of
the towns of Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill. There are nine members and nine
vacancies. Four positions are up for reappointment. Two positions would like to be
reappointed, one position is term limited and the individual in the other position will be moving
out of the County in the fall. During this fiscal year, of those members currently serving on the
HRC, there has not been a quorum for the months of September, October and February.
During 2018, of the eleven members currently serving, only three members (those on the
executive committee) had attendance at over fifty percent of the meetings. There were eight
scheduled meetings in 2018.
The HRC is recommending that the BOCC reduce the number of HRC members from eighteen
to twelve. Staff recommends reducing the HRC with the elimination of the following positions:
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This recommendation maintains one position for each of the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and
Hillsborough, as well as nine at-large positions.
The HRC did discuss designating some of the positions for underrepresented groups or others
who represent communities not currently on the HRC, but agreed that it was not needed at this
time.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable
to this item:
• GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND
INEQUITY
The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color;
religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or
ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic
status.
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage in government through voting
and volunteering by eliminating disparities and barriers to participation.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board approve the
recommendation from the Human Relations Commission to reduce the number of HRC
members from eighteen to twelve, with the membership positions being reduced as outlined
above.
Position #
Residency
Requirement
Current Standing
2 At-Large Term Expiring
4 Town of Chapel Hill Vacant
7 At-Large Term Expiring
11 Town of
Hillsborough
Vacant
16 At-Large Vacant
18 Town of Carrboro Vacant
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Position Position Designation Term Expiration Date
#1 At-Large 06/30/2021
#2 At-Large 09/30/2018
#3 At-Large 09/30/2021
#4 Chapel Hill 06/30/2020
#5 At-Large 06/30/2020
#6 At-Large 09/30/2019
#7 At-Large 06/30/2019
#8 At-Large 06/30/2020
#9 At-Large 09/30/2019
#10 Carrboro 06/30/2019
#11 Hillsborough 06/30/2021
#12 At-Large 06/30/2019
#13 Hillsborough 06/30/2020
#14 At-Large 09/30/2021
#15 Chapel Hill 06/30/2019
#16 At-Large 06/30/2018
#17 At-Large 06/30/2020
#18 Carrboro 06/30/2020
Human Relations Commission Member Roster
Positions
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Contact Person:Annette Moore & Tara May
Contact Phone:919-245-2497
Meeting Times:6:00 pm second Monday of each month
Positions:18 Terms:2
Meeting Place:Animal Services / Link Alternating
Length:3 years
Description:The Board of Commissioners appoints all eighteen members. The Towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough each nominate at least
one member. This commission seeks to prevent and/or eliminate bias and discrimination by means of education, persuasion, conciliation and
enforcement. It also advises the Board of County Commissioners on these matters, receives discrimination complaints, and conducts the
corresponding investigation of such complaints. To learn more, visit this web address: www.co.orange.nc.us/hrr/hrc.asp
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2021
Number of Terms:
1 First Appointed:
Special Repr:
Race:white
Ms. Rebecca High
Sex:Female Township:Chapel Hill
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:02/06/2018
Expiration:09/30/2018
Number of Terms:
2 First Appointed:02/06/2018
Special Repr:
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:
Expiration:09/30/2021
Number of Terms:
3 First Appointed:
Special Repr:
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:Chapel Hill
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2020
Number of Terms:
4 First Appointed:
Special Repr:Town of Chapel Hill
Race:African American
Marc Xavier
Sex:Male Township:Hillsborough
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:10/03/2017
Expiration:06/30/2020
Number of Terms:2
5 First Appointed:05/21/2013
Special Repr:
Race:Other
Nora Spencer
Sex:Female Township:Bingham
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:10/03/2017
Expiration:09/30/2019
Number of Terms:
6 First Appointed:10/03/2017
Special Repr:
Race:white
Joyce Christine Preslar
Sex:Female Township:Bingham
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:09/20/2016
Expiration:06/30/2019
Number of Terms:2
7 First Appointed:08/23/2011
Special Repr:
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 1
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Contact Person:Annette Moore & Tara May
Contact Phone:919-245-2497
Meeting Times:6:00 pm second Monday of each month
Positions:18 Terms:2
Meeting Place:Animal Services / Link Alternating
Length:3 years
Race:Hispanic
Ana M. Garcia-Turner
Sex:Female Township:Chapel Hill
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:10/03/2017
Expiration:06/30/2020
Number of Terms:1
8 First Appointed:10/03/2017
Special Repr:
Race:white
Matt Case
Sex:Male Township:Bingham
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:10/03/2017
Expiration:09/30/2019
Number of Terms:
9 First Appointed:10/03/2017
Special Repr:
Vice-Chair
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:Carrboro City Limits
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2019
Number of Terms:
10 First Appointed:
Special Repr:Town of Carrboro
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:Hillsborough
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2021
Number of Terms:
11 First Appointed:
Special Repr:Town of Hillsborough
Race:Asian American
Ms Stephanie Harrell
Sex:Female Township:Hillsborough
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:05/01/2018
Expiration:06/30/2019
Number of Terms:
12 First Appointed:05/01/2018
Special Repr:
Race:white
Allison Mahaley
Sex:Female Township:Hillsborough
Resid/Spec Req:Hillsborough
Current Appointment:02/06/2018
Expiration:06/30/2020
Number of Terms:1
13 First Appointed:02/06/2018
Special Repr:Town of Hillsborough
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:
Expiration:09/30/2021
Number of Terms:
14 First Appointed:
Special Repr:
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 2
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Board and Commission Members
And Vacant Positions
Human Relations Commission
Contact Person:Annette Moore & Tara May
Contact Phone:919-245-2497
Meeting Times:6:00 pm second Monday of each month
Positions:18 Terms:2
Meeting Place:Animal Services / Link Alternating
Length:3 years
Race:African American
Dr. Deborah Stroman
Sex:Female Township:Chapel Hill
Resid/Spec Req:Chapel Hill
Current Appointment:09/20/2016
Expiration:06/30/2019
Number of Terms:1
15 First Appointed:09/20/2016
Special Repr:Town of Chapel Hill
Chair
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2018
Number of Terms:
16 First Appointed:
Special Repr:
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:At-Large
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2020
Number of Terms:
17 First Appointed:
Special Repr:
Race:
VACANT
Sex:Township:
Resid/Spec Req:Carrboro
Current Appointment:
Expiration:06/30/2020
Number of Terms:
18 First Appointed:
Special Repr:Town of Carrboro
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 Page 3
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MINUTES
August 13, 2018
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
John Link Government Services Center
200 S. Cameron Street, Hillsborough NC
MEMBERS PRESENT STAFF
Tara May, Civil Rights Specialist
Debby Stroman Melvyn Blackwell, Intake Specialist
Jacqulyn Podger Annette Moore, Director
Scott Goldsmith
Matt Case
Nancy White
Allison Mahaley
Marc Xavier
MEMBERS ABSENT
Stephanie Harrell (unexcused)
Joy Preslar (unexcused)
Nora Spencer (excused)
Rebecca High (unexcused)
Ana Garcia-Turner (excused)
Alicia Reid (unexcused)
GUESTS
I. Call to Order
A. The meeting was called to order at 6:10pm by Dr. Debby Stroman, Chair. A quorum was
present.
II. Introductions
A. Human Relations Commission (HRC) members, staff, and guest introduced themselves
and did an ice breaker.
III. Minutes Approval – May 14, 2018
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A. HRC members reviewed the minutes from the previous HRC meeting. Mr. Scott
Goldsmith made a motion to approve May minutes. Mr. Matt Case suggested that an
edit be to section IV:B(Power Attorney Clinic be changed to Power of Attorney Clinic).
The motion to approve post edit was seconded by Ms. Jacqulyn Podger. Minutes for
May were approved.
IV. County Updates
A. Ms. Annette Moore shared an image of the Fair Housing bus ad and explained that the
ad will run for one year. Ms. Moore also announced that as a result to a recent
conciliation the Respondent will do a similar ad on a Chapel Hill Transit bus.
B. Ms. Moore and Ms. Tara May introduced HRC members to the new website. Ms. May
explained, the target date for the launch of the website may be delayed past the
projected launch date.
C. Ms. Moore reported that the BOCC approved for the HRC to receive an extra three-
thousand dollars added to the budget. The budget for FY 18-19 is eight-thousand
dollars.
D. Ms. Moore reminded HRC members they are required to attend a fair housing training.
She noted that funds have been set aside for each HRC member to attend one. She also
noted that she has already found to ideal fair housing trainings happening next year that
members should attend. HR&R will take care of HRC training related expenses. HR&R
staff will notify members of the dates of the trainings and members will decide amongst
themselves which training they would like to attend.
E. Ms. Moore also noted that there are funds set aside for for racial equity training for 80
people.
V. Board structure
A. Dr. Stroman stated she spoke with Commissioner Dorosin and others while presenting
the HRC work plan about the HRC decreasing its numbers. She stated they all agreed
that a small number may be more efficient for the HRC. Commissioner Dorosin
requested Dr. Stroman write a letter proposing what number would be appropriate for
the Commission for the BOCC to consider. She stated that as HRC members know, she’s
been thinking about a decrease from 18 to 12 members on the HRC. Ms. Moore stated
that some spots need to continue to be town representatives, so that would mean up to
6 spots would be appointed by the towns and the other 6 positions would be at-large.
HRC members and Ms. Moore discussed the need to look into transferring some current
at-large positions to Town appointments in order to fill the 6 town seats with the
current 12 members on the HRC. Ms. Moore stated that staff would take care of having
the changes go before the BOCC. HRC members were in agreement.
B. Ms. May will send out members an updated roster.
VI. Updates
A. HRC members discussed civility and the climate going on the USA. She explained how
the word civility may have been high jacked. She suggested; not moving forward with a
previous HRC topic to possibly begin a civility campaign, and members agreed. Dr.
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Stroman added that she and Ms. Mia Boroughs will be on the radio next week to talk
about civility. A discussion was opened to advise Dr. Stroman on talking points to focus
on the aspect of civil engagement as it pertains to civility, versus suppressed.
B. Ms. May noted the HRC t-shirts shipment should be received soon. Members should
have their shirts at the next meeting.
C. Dr. Stroman discussed her conversation with Board of County Commissioners (BOCC)
chair, Mark Dorosin. She highlighted that she shared with him; HRC members are
putting together a database of organizations within the county that are doing work
conducive to racial equity. Dr. Stroman and Ms. Moore will get together to discuss the
possibility of organizing or partnering with said organizations.
D. Dr. Stroman will get the training schedules for REI (Racial Equity Institute) trainings to
the four HRC members that have yet to take REI training. HR&R will register and pay for
the HRC members.
E. HRC members discussed media outreach and creating HRC awareness. Dr. Stroman
called for volunteers who would be interested in writing blogs or being interviewed (i.e.
local radio or newspaper) to express what’s going on in Orange County communities
and/or the mission/purpose of the HRC. Ms. Podger and Ms. Allison Mahaley are
interested in volunteering.
VII. HRC Events & Committee Reports
A. Ms. Moore discussed the significance of planning ahead and how coming up with ideal
dates now will enable HR&R staff to assist and support the HRC better. Dr. Stroman
noted and discussed the following events as obligations of the HRC. With the exception
of the Pauli Murray Awards, the dates, subject matter, or premise of events will vary.
1. Forum
a. Ms. Mahaley suggested that the next forum topic should be: citizenship,
refugee status, or seeking asylum. Dr. Stroman invited members to email
her with any other ideas for forum topics.
b. The forum will be held February or March 2019, and the topics will either
be “confederate” or “citizenship”.
B. Pauli Murray Awards
a. Ms. Ana Garcia Turner, Mr. Matt Case, and Ms. Jackie Podger, Ms. Nancy
White, and along with Dr. Stroman will be on the subcommittee. Dr.
Stroman noted they will try to work with Durham in the planning of
celebrating Pauli Murray.
b. The Pauli Murray Awards will be held in late February 2019.
C. Community Read
a. The community read on the book, “Evicted”, will be held in the spring
2019.
D. Community Conversation
a. Dr. Stroman highlighted, in discussions with Commissioner Morison, they
discussed the HRC’s plan to have a community conversation around the
Silent Sam monument. She noted how the Mr. Dorosin suggested the
Jefferson Davis Highway (JDH) topic be added as a talking point.
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Members discussed the possibility of adding the JDH. Members
discussed the possibility of this being an opportunity to shed light on
issues that oppress people as well as the contrary the negative possibility
of opening “pandora’s box”.
b. Dr. Stroman sent around a sign-up sheet for those that would like to be a
part of the Community conversation of the Community Read.
c. The Community Conversation will be held sooner/before the Community
Read. Ms. Moore suggested that the community read should be done
later in the fiscal year to have time for promotion and advertising
VIII. HRC Retreat
A. HRC reflected on the HRC retreat and how they felt it was conducive to reevaluating the
mission and goals of the HRC.
B. Members revisited the discussion of changing the HRC mission statement. Ms. Moore
instructed members the process of going about changing the mission statement if they
decide to do so. A draft of a new mission statement must be created by members, and
the HRC can present it to the BOCC as proposal to change the HRC mission statement.
IX. Other Business/Announcements/Upcoming Events
A. Ms. Mahaley shared the information of the Hillsborough Sanctuary Coalition (HSC).
They have started dialogue in the town about sanctuary and what that means for
immigrants and what it means to be safe in one’s own community. She noted there is
currently a women in sanctuary in Chapel Hill and several others in the area. She
explained that she and the HSC will be tabling at the Fairview Live event on August 18,
2018
B. HSC will be hosting the showing of a documentary called; America Inside-out: “White
Anxiety” on August 22, 2018. She encouraged members to check out the documentary.
X. Adjourn
A. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm.
B. NEXT MEETING: September 10, 2018 6:00pm at Animal Services in Chapel Hill.
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