HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-25-2025 HRC Agenda 4CHUMAN RELA110NS COMMISSION
Cultivating Community Through Social Justice
AGENDA
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
6:00 pm —7:30 pm
In-Person Mtg at Solid Waste Mgmt. Bldg.,
1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill
I. Call to Order/Quorum— Rhian Carreker-Ford, Vice Chair (6:00-6:02)
II. Minutes Approval—January 28, 2025 (6:02-6:04)
III. County Updates-OCOEI Staff(6:04-6:15) Paul Slack & Courtney McLaughlin
A. Black History Month Update
IV. Blackwood Farms Marker (6:15-6:30)—Jemm Merritt-Feder
A. Peter Sand beck— Presentation
IV. Executive Committee Report- Rhian Carreker-Ford (6:30-6:40)
A. Annual Report Update- BOCC Feedback
V. Sub-Committee Reports (6:40-7:05)
A. Policies and Procedures: Co-Chairs Josh &Anjail
i Proclamation
B. Outreach & Engagement: Chair Rhian
C. Community Events: Co-Chairs Tonya & Corey
i Pauli Murray Award
VI. Other Business/Announcement (7:05-7:20pm)
IX. Adjourn
NEXT MEETING: Tues, Mar 25, 2025, In-Person
Solid Waste Management, 1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
t 01. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Cultivating Community Through Social Justice
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday,January 28,2025
6:00pm—7:30 pm
Animal Services Conference Room
Member Role Attendance
Commissioners
Jemm Merritt—Feder(JMF) Commissioner, Chair Excused
Rhian Carreker-Ford (RCF) Commissioner, Vice Chair Present
Tonya Jones, (TJ) Commissioner, Secretary Present
Jen Sykes (JS) Commissioner Present
Josh Ravitch (JR) Commissioner Present
Anjail Taylor(AT) Commissioner Absent
Alex Fowler(AF) Commissioner Present
Cory Hogans (CH) Commissioner Present
Shane Lukas(SL) Commissioner Present
Orange County Staff
Paul Slack(PS) Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Present
Courtney McLaughlin (CM) Community Engagement& Outreach Coordinator Excused
I. Call to Order—Commissioner Carreker-Ford, Vice Chair called meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
II. Agenda Approval — Motion to approve by Commission Lukas, Second by Commissioner Fowler,
Unanimous Approval. Agenda approved pending amendments.
III. County Updates-OCOEI Staff(6:04-6:15) Paul Slack&Courtney McLaughlin
A. Racial Equity Action Plan RFP— Released today. Consultant to assist with a holistic approach to involve
the entire county. This will involve community surveys; step by step pan to increase racial equity in
Orange County. Closes March 4, 2025.
B. Youth Program Introduction — Program will begin in June. Will be run by the data Coordinator. Four
sessions for loth 12th graders; 10-15 students. Paid a small stipend. Goal is to get more youth involved
and into the government process. The student will assist with collecting and assessing data. Student
will present a project at the end of the program.
C. Fair Housing Update—Re-organization for how housing reports to HRC. Estimated to be completed by
next month.
D. Black History Month Update— Flyer of events will be emailed to the committee. Next event is 2/1/25
Community Read—"How the Word is Passed" 2p-4p Hillsborough Main Library
E. Budget Update—HRC received the budget balance.
IV. Executive Committee Report- Rhian Carreker-Ford (6:15-6:25)
A. Upcoming Events:
i Annual Retreat: February 2, 2025, 9a-4p DEAPR Conference Room
This year's retreat will consist of Brainstorming Sessions, Creating Goals for FY25 along with
planning for FY26. Identify priorities for the rest of the year.
B. Annual Report Update
Report has been submitted to BOCC—Meeting is scheduled for 2/11/25.
V. Sub-Committee Reports (6:25-7:00)
A. Policies and Procedures: Co-Chairs Josh &Anjail
i Robert's Rules of Order — Commissioner Ravitch discussed the parliamentary procedure of
Robert's Rules of Order for the committee. Use actions, process, and majority rule. To amend a
motion—person presenting can agree if they disagree then will complete the motion on the floor and
then start a new motion.
Motion to approve the parliamentary procedure for the committee by Commission Carreker-Ford,
Second by Commissioner Lukas, Unanimous approval.
ii Recommendations for new membership — Three open seats. Commissioner Ravitch
recommended three candidates. County office to contact candidate to gauge interest and to prepare
the nomination package. Motion to offer the following candidates membership JM, KC, and WC by
Commissioner Fowler, Second by Commissioner Cory Hogans, Unanimous approval.
B. Outreach & Engagement: Chair Rhian
Commissioner Carreker-Ford expressed reaching out to local organizations — libraries, etc. he is also
working to understand other Community Advisory Boards to not overlap efforts. This will increase
understanding of the communities need. Suggested talking with previous HRC members — hosting a
convo of the day.
C. Community Events: Co-Chairs Tonya &Corey
i Pauli Murray Award - May 18, 2025, 3:00p
Date and time have been set. Commissioner Jones and Hogans will begin to work on the logistics and
agenda.
VI. Other Business/Announcements
VII. Adjourn: Commissioner Lucas moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Fowler second,
unanimous approval to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.
Next Meeting:Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. at
Orange County Solid Waste Administration Building (1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)
t 01. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Cultivating Community Through Social Justice
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 17,2024
6:00pm—7:30 pm
Virtual
Member Role Attendance
Commissioners
Jemm Merritt—Feder(JMF) Commissioner, Chair Present
Rhian Carreker-Ford (RCF) Commissioner, Vice Chair Present
Tonya Jones, (TJ) Commissioner, Secretary Present
Jen Sykes (JS) Commissioner Present
Josh Ravitch (JR) Commissioner Present
Anjail Taylor(AT) Commissioner Absent
Alex Fowler(AF) Commissioner Present
Cory Hogans (CH) Commissioner Present
Shane Lukas(SL) Commissioner Present
Orange County Staff
Paul Slack(PS) Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Present
Courtney McLaughlin (CM) Community Engagement& Outreach Coordinator Present
I. Call to Order—Commissioner Merritt-Feder, Chair called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
II. Agenda Approval— Motion to approve by Commission Sykes, Second by Commissioner Ravitch,
Unanimous Approval. Agenda approved.
III. Minutes Approval (November 16, 2024):Table to next meeting
IV. New Member Welcome & Introductions: Welcome incoming members Alex Fowler, Cory
Hogans, and Shane Lukas. HRC Commissioners introduced themselves.
V. County Updates: Paul Slack had no updates at this time.
VI. Executive Committee Report
a. Annual Retreat Discussion: February 2, 2025, 9a-4p; location TBD.
FY26 Annual Retreat dates to be emailed out from Commissioner Carreker-Ford please
respond by Friday December 20, 2024.
b. Executive Committee Nominations (Secretary): Nomination given by Commissioner Carreker-
Ford, Second by Commissioner Sykes, unanimous approval. Approved Secretary:
Commissioner Jones
VII. Sub-Committee Reports
a. Nominations & Governance
i. Robert's Rules of Order Discussion: Usage for general voting rules and conducting
business. Commissioner Ravitch to review and discuss at next meeting.
ii. Membership Applications: Commissioner Ravitch and Commissioner Taylor to review
applications for remaining three (3) vacancies. BOCC vote in February will need to
have nominations to Paul Slack in January for preparation of nominating packet.
iii. Commissioner Fowler to join this sub-committee.
b. Outreach & Engagement: Discussed usage of One Orange for data. Commissioner Carreker-
Ford expressed that outreach is not only for community but institutional. Commissioner Lukas
to join this sub-committee.
c. Community Events: Commissioner Hogans to join this sub-committee.
VIII. Other Business
IX. Announcements
X. Adjourn: Commissioner Lukas moved to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Jones second,
unanimous approval to adjourn at 7:30 p.m.
Next Meeting:Tuesday,January 28, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at
Orange County Solid Waste Administration Building (1207 Eubanks Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516)
APPROVED 11/8/2012
AMENDED 12/5/2022
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
SECTION I: SCOPE
A. Purpose
1. To establish a policy and procedures whereby the Orange County Board of
Commissioners will establish the specific policies and procedures governing
the Human Relations Commission.
2. The Orange County Board of Commissioners may appoint an advisory board
whose duty is to serve in an advisory capacity to make recommendations
concerning human relations and social justice issues.
B. Authority
1. North Carolina General Statute §153A-76 grants boards of county
commissioners the authority to establish advisory boards.
2. The Orange County Code of Ordinance Chapter 12 Civil Rights § 12-180)
grants the Human Relations Commission the authority to review the
administrative law judge's recommendation of a Complaint made under this
Chapter and make a Final Agency Decision.
3. The Orange County Advisory Board Policy serves as the underlying policy
document to which the Human Relations Commission, in addition to this policy
and procedure document, is subject. The Orange County Advisory Board
Policy is attached hereto as "Exhibit A".
4. In the event that there is a conflict between the Orange County Advisory Board
Policy and this Policies and Procedures document this Policies and
Procedures document shall control.
C. Charge
1. The charge of the Human Relations Commission is as follows:
a. study and make recommendations concerning problems in the field of
human relationships;
b. anticipate and discover practices and customs most likely to create
animosity and unrest and to seek solutions to problems as they arise;
C. make recommendations designed to promote goodwill and harmony
among groups in the County irrespective of their race, color, creed,
religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, affectional preference, disability,
age, marital status or status with regard to public assistance;
d. monitor complaints involving discrimination;
e. address and attempt to remedy the violence, tensions, polarization, and
other harm created through the practices of discrimination, bias, hatred,
and civil inequality; and
f. promote harmonious relations within the county through hearings and
due process of law.
SECTION II: GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
A. Goals
1. The Human Relations Commission shall seek to prevent and eliminate bias
and discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national
origin, sex, affectional preference, disability, age, marital status, or status with
regard to public assistance.
2. Advise the Orange County Board of Commissioners with respect to matters
relating to human relations and/or social justice issues.
3. Cooperate with and seek to advise and coordinate the activities of persons or
groups interested in human relations and/or social justice issues.
APPROVED 11/8/2012
AMENDED 12/5/2022
4. Conduct inquiries and hear appeals as may reasonably appear necessary to
find the facts with respect to allegations of discrimination.
5. Gather and disseminate information to governmental agencies and to the
public regarding human relations and/or social justice issues.
B. Objectives
1. The Human Relations Commission shall by means of education, persuasion,
conciliation and enforcement and utilize all of the powers at its disposal to
achieve its goals.
2. Keep abreast of national, state, and local human rights and social justice
issues and advise, make recommendations and/or provide information to the
Board of County Commissioners regarding human relations and/or social
justice issues.
3. Develop and maintain collaborative relationships/partnerships within the
various communities (faith, business, residents, government, for-profit and
non-profit sectors, etc.).
4. Received allegations of discriminatory housing and public accommodation
practices
5. Host public meetings/events regarding human rights and/or social justice
issues.
SECTION III: MEMBERSHIP
A. Authority
1. North Carolina General Statute 153A-76 grants boards of county
commissioners the authority to establish advisory boards and to appoint
members to and remove members from those advisory boards. In acting on
this authority the Orange County Board of Commissioners hereby establishes
certain general conditions to which applicants and members of advisory boards
should conform.
B. Composition
1. The Human Relations Commission is composed of twelve (12) members.
2. Members shall represent the following geographic area: at least one member
from each of the towns of Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Hillsborough.
SECTION IV. MEETINGS
A. Staffing
1. Orange County staff may serve a support function to advisory boards upon the
approval of the Orange County Manager.
B. Agendas
1. Items for agendas shall be approved by the Human Relations Commission
Executive Committee members including the Chair Vice-Chair, Immediate
Past Chair and staff.
C. Subcommittee Meeting
1. Subcommittees may meet on a date and time outside of regular meeting dates.
D. Regular meetings
1. Regular meetings shall be held on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:00
p.m. alternating between Northern and Southern locations of Orange County.
E. Executive Committee Meetings
1. The Executive Committee may meet by teleconference.
F. Closed Session
1. The Commission whether meeting in full or as a subcommittee may meet in
closed session for the purpose of preventing the premature disclosure of any
APPROVED 11/8/2012
AMENDED 12/5/2022
scholarship, prize or similar award as provided in N.C. Gen. Stat. §143-
318.11(2).
SECTION V. ORIENTATION
A. Attendance
1. Each member shall attend an orientation and training on the Orange County
Civil Rights Ordinance presented by the Human Rights and Relations
Department to familiarize the Commission members with the operation of
County government, the Human Rights and Relations organizational chart, the
Orange County Civil Rights Ordinance and the operating procedures of the
advisory board.
2. Each voting member will be encouraged to complete the orientation within
three months of his or her appointment and to attend training on the Civil Rights
Ordinance yearly as provided.
SECTION VI. BY-LAWS
A. By-Laws
1. Any Bylaws adopted by the Human Relations Commission are void and no
further bylaws shall be adopted. Procedure shall be governed solely by this
policy document and the General Advisory Board Policy Document.
2. Should the Human Relations Commission determine modifications to policies
and procedures are necessary the Human Relations Commission may petition
the Board of County Commissioners for such modifications.
Approved 12/10/24
DRAFT
ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
MEETING CALENDAR FOR YEAR 2025
NOTE: All meetings will begin at 7:00 pm unless otherwise indicated
January 17 BOCC Retreat 9 am —4 pm Whitted Building — Hillsborough
January 21 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
February 4 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
February 11 BOCC Work Session Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
February 17 Joint Meeting with Town of Hillsborough Whitted Building — Hillsborough
February 20 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
February 27 Legislative Breakfast Meeting (8:30am) Whitted Building — Hillsborough
March 1 —4 NACo Legislative Conference Washington, D.C.
March 6 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
March 11 BOCC Work Session Whitted Building — Hillsborough
March 18 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
March 27 Joint Meeting with Town of Carrboro Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
April 1 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
April 8 BOCC Work Session Southern Human Services Center
Cha el Hill
April 15 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
April 22 Budget Work Session — CIP Whitted Building — Hillsborough
April 29 BOCC Joint Meeting with School Boards Whitted Building — Hillsborough
May 6 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
May 13 BOCC Budget Public Hearing /Work Session Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
May 15 BOCC Budget Work Session Whitted Building — Hillsborough
May 20 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
May 22 BOCC Budget Work Session Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
May 27 BOCC Budget Work Session Whitted Building — Hillsborough
May 29 BOCC Budget Public Hearing /Work Session Whitted Building — Hillsborough
Approved 12/10/24
June 3 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
June 5 BOCC Budget Work Session Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
June 10 Manager, Clerk, &Attorney Evaluations Closed Whitted Building — Hillsborough
Session
June 17 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
July 11-14 NACo Conference Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
September 4 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
September 9 BOCC Work Session Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
September 16 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
September 25 Joint Meeting with School Boards Whitted Building — Hillsborough
October 7 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
October 14 Joint Meeting with Fire Departments /Work Whitted Building — Hillsborough
Session
October 21 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
November 6 BOCC Business Meeting Whitted Building — Hillsborough
November 11 BOCC Work Session Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
November 18 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
December 1 BOCC Business Meeting (Organizational Whitted Building — Hillsborough
Meeting)
December 9 BOCC Business Meeting Southern Human Services Center
— Chapel Hill
Southern Human Services Center, 2501 Homestead Rd., Chapel Hill
Whitted Building, 300 West Tryon Street, Hillsborough
4 101, HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Cultivating Community Through Social Justice
2025 Meeting Schedule
Meeting Frequency: regular meetings convene in-person at 6:00 pm on the fourth Tuesday of each
month with the option to join virtually.
Date Time Location
January 28,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Solid Waste Management
1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill, NC
27516
February 25,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Bonnie B.Davis Center
1020 US70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278
March 25,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Solid Waste Management
1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill, NC
27516
April 22,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Bonnie B.Davis Center
1020 US70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278
May 27,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Solid Waste Management
1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill, NC
27516
June 24,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Bonnie B.Davis Center
1020 US70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278
NO MEETINGS IN JULY
August 26,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Solid Waste Management
1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill,NC
27516
September 23,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Bonnie B.Davis Center
1020 US70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278
October 28,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Solid Waste Management
1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill, NC
27516
November 25,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Bonnie B.Davis Center
1020 US70 West, Hillsborough, NC 27278
December 23,2025 6:00—7:30 pm Solid Waste Management
1207 Eubanks Road,Chapel Hill, NC
27516
Location:
Monthly meetings will be held in person. In-person monthly meetings will offer remote
attendance (via Microsoft teams). Meeting dates during the holiday season are likely to change.
All HRC trainings, orientations, and retreats will be held in person.
Teams meeting information:
The public will have access to meetings on the schedule via the following link, which will be on
the department's/HRC website.
Join on your computer, mobile app, or room device:
Join the meeting now
Meeting ID: 249 186 025 451 Passcode: KX2eF2eb