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4 Council member Capowski asked if the school systems would be covered. Gledhill indicated that he was reasonably certain that they were not considered subdivisions of the State and therefore would be covered. He indicated that he would research this issue to determine if this is a correct interpretation. Lewis indicated that if someone had a complaint the first step would be to contact the Commission. At that time they could fill out a form which would empower the Human Relations Commission's staff to perform an initial investigation. Normally, informal mediation would resolve the situation; however, if that is not successful, both parties would be encouraged to sit down in an attempt to mediate the problem. Many cases are resolved at this level. If that process was not successful then it would go forward to the panel. Conciliation would again be attempted. New Hanover has had only 10 cases that have gone past this stage in the last 13 years. If the County adopts this Ordinance it would be with the hope that the municipalities would hold similar Public Hearings and adopt the same Ordinance. Carrboro Board member Jacquelyn Gist complimented the Commission on the work they have done. She asked that the section pertaining to words be dropped because she feels that this is not enforceable. She expressed disappointment that the sexual orientation section was deleted. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPEN FOR CITIZEN QUESTIONS: George Chockley, a Cedar Grove resident, asked if the proposed Ordinance would protect only people over 40. Gledhill indicated that federal laws target those 40 years old and over as a protected class. In response to a question from an unidentified citizen, Mark Sheridan indicated that the Commission will have subpoena power, however, they will not be empowered to add anything to the Ordinance. The State Legislature must pass enabling Legislation in order to add protected classes. Richard Hammer asked how many of the 150 employers with over 15 employees were located within the municipalities. Lewis indicated that most of them were within the city limits. Victor Tripp questioned why the County is exempt from this Ordinance and not from any other County Ordinances. Commissioner Carey indicated that it is a practical problem of policing. County employees have other avenues of protection available to them. Billy Smith indicated that he opposed the use of County tax money for an Ordinance that will not apply within the municipalities. Josephine Barber, an Orange Count resident, asked for a complete accounting of the cost of staffing this Commission as it currently operates. She also asked for a proposed budget assuming that the Ordinance passed, including how many people would be employed. She also requested an accounting of where the money would come from.