HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda 10-03-19 Item 3 - Discussion on Reserving County Advisory Board and Commission Seats to Ensure Racial and Ethnic Representation and the Addition of “Age” to Volunteer Application Forms 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: October 3, 2019
Action Agenda
Item No. 3
SUBJECT: Discussion on Reserving County Advisory Board and Commission Seats to
Ensure Racial and Ethnic Representation and the Addition of "Age" to
Volunteer Application Forms
DEPARTMENT: Board of Commissioners
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
A. Excerpt from Approved June 4, Donna Baker, Clerk to the Board, 919-
2019 BOCC Minutes 245-2130
B. Excerpt from Draft September 17, Thom Freeman, 919-245-2125
2019 BOCC Minutes
PURPOSE: To discuss:
1) reserving County Advisory Board and Commission seats to ensure racial and ethnic
representation; and
2) the addition of an "Age" item on Advisory Boards and Commissions Volunteer Application
Forms.
BACKGROUND: At the June 4, 2019 BOCC Regular Meeting, it was requested that the Board
of Commissioners discuss the possibility of reserving seats on County Advisory Boards and
Commissions to ensure racial and ethnic representation.
Attachment A is an excerpt from the approved June 4, 2019 BOCC Minutes when the topic was
noted.
At the September 17, 2019 BOCC Regular Meeting, it was requested that the Board of
Commissioners discuss the possibility of adding an "Age" item on Advisory Boards and
Commissions Volunteer Application Forms.
Attachment B is an excerpt from the draft September 17, 2019 BOCC Minutes BOCC minutes
when the topic was noted.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with discussion of this issue.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION
Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage government through voting and
volunteering by eliminating disparities in participation and barriers to participation.
2
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There is no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impact associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board discuss and provide
direction to staff.
3
Attachment A
EXCERPT FROM THE BOCC APPROVED MINUTES — JUNE 4, 2019
3. Announcements, Petitions and Comments by Board Members
Commissioner Price asked the County to reserve seats for particular ethnic/ racial groups
on various boards and commissions. She said having these voices heard on certain boards
is important.
4
Attachment B
Excerpt from Draft BOCC Regular Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2019
11.1h Orange County Planning Board —Appointment
Commissioner Marcoplos said he was very impressed with the list of possible
appointees for all of these boards. He asked if the Board has any interest in including age on
the application form.
Donna Baker said age has never been included on the application during her tenure with
the Board. She said she is not sure if it would be age discrimination.
Commissioner Marcoplos said he always wonders about an applicant's age.
Commissioner Greene said applicants list their email and phone number, and a
Commissioner can always reach out for further discussion.
Commissioner Marcoplos said having it on the form would save a lot of time.
Commissioner Dorosin said he would also be interested in this information, and if one
chooses not to answer that would be their prerogative.
Donna Baker said staff can research this topic further.
Chair Rich said perhaps the application could ask for an age range, as opposed to a
specific age.
Commissioner Marcoplos said there is a lack of young participants.
Chair Rich said she thinks people want to get here, but do not know how to.
Commissioner Marcoplos said, or we don't know they are young.
Commissioner Dorosin said perhaps a youth advisory committee would be warranted.
He petitioned the Board to consider this idea.