Orange County NC Website
2 <br /> <br />B. It was noted to clarify “marketing the HRC on the website” in the minutes [addenda item <br />IX, line A]. A motion was made to approve the minutes from December 11, 2017 with <br />clarification to referenced agenda item. [Podger, Kinzer]. <br /> <br /> <br />IV. County Updates <br />A. Ms. Annette Moore announced that the Orange County Department of Human Rights <br />and Relations (HR&R) has become its own department with its own budget. This also <br />includes the HRC’s budget. She informed the HRC their budget is $5,000 dollars. Ms. <br />Moore encouraged the HRC to not feel constrained by their budget. She explained that <br />depending on the matter she could work to have funds allocated to support any HRC <br />initiatives. <br /> <br />B. Ms. Moore explained how the HRC stands as a public body. She continued to explain <br />how the HRC must provide public notice in the event a meeting is changed. She noted <br />that the HRC must make decisions and/or vote in a public domain by sub-committee or <br />quorum. She emphasized the importance of the HRC being transparent when conducting <br />business. <br /> <br />C. Ms. Moore discussed HRC meeting minutes and agendas. She stated that HR&R staff <br />will have the goal of getting the agenda for upcoming meetings 2 weeks in advance as <br />well as the meeting minutes from the previous HRC meeting (two weeks prior to next <br />meeting). <br /> <br />D. Ms. Moore discussed the Fair Housing Improvement Plan. She noted that everything is <br />going well so far, and our monitor is pleased with our progress. She noted how HR&R <br />being its own department and having the HR&R staff in one building has put a better <br />focus on Fair Housing and the way cases are processed. The improvement plan ends at <br />the end of January 2018. Ms. Moore highlighted that Tara May recently conciliated her <br />first case, and is currently working to conciliate others. <br /> <br />V. Subcommittee Updates <br />A. Dr. Stroman revisited the previous HRC discussion of having a Hate Crime Hotline for <br />residents to call and report Orange County (OC) hate crimes and human relations issues. <br />Members discussed options and alternatives of this topic. The HRC will continue to <br />think on this idea. One of the concerns raised was if there was a hate crime hotline, the <br />HRC should first have a goal and a plan of action in place on how to deal with <br />complaints. Ms. Moore will reach out to OC law enforcement and Emergency Services <br />to find out how they address hate crimes or complaints, or to whom they are referred. <br /> <br />B. Matt Case inquired about the nature of the relationship of the HRC and HR&R. Ms. <br />Moore explained how the HRC is an advisory board to the Board of County <br />Commissioners (BOCC). She noted how HR&R is support staff and ultimately a <br />resource for the HRC. <br />