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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 7, 2019 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-i <br /> SUBJECT: Amendment to the Civil Rights Ordinance <br /> DEPARTMENT: Human Rights and Relations <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Draft Ordinance Annette M. Moore, (919) 245-2317 <br /> Resolution <br /> PURPOSE: To consider a resolution approving an amendment to the Orange County Civil <br /> Rights Ordinance, Orange County Code of Ordinances § § 12-17(e) and 12-18(I). <br /> BACKGROUND: On June 6, 1994, the BOCC adopted the Orange County Civil Rights <br /> Ordinance. Shortly, thereafter the towns of Hillsborough, Carrboro and Chapel Hill also adopted <br /> the Ordinance by resolution. The Civil Rights Ordinance requires that members of the Human <br /> Relations Commission review administrative hearings when either a person appeals a director's <br /> "no cause" decision or the recommended decision of an administrative law judge after a hearing. <br /> At the time of the adoption of the Civil Rights Ordinance, the County did not have professional <br /> staff or access to the training for a Human Relations Commissioner that exists today. With the <br /> available training that exists from the United States Department of Housing and Urban <br /> Development ("HUD"), department staff and the extensive network of professional trainers, <br /> limiting training to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission does not benefit the <br /> County's Civil Rights program. The Department is recommending the BOCC remove the <br /> limiting language in the Ordinance so that staff can pursue professional trainers paid for by HUD <br /> to train Human Relations Commissioners. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with this item. <br /> SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goals are applicable <br /> to this item: <br /> • GOAL: FOSTER A COMMUNITY CULTURE THAT REJECTS OPPRESSION AND <br /> INEQUITY <br /> The fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people regardless of race or color; <br /> religious or philosophical beliefs; sex, gender or sexual orientation; national origin or <br /> ethnic background; age; military service; disability; and familial, residential or economic <br /> status. <br /> • GOAL: ENABLE FULL CIVIC PARTICIPATION <br /> Ensure that Orange County residents are able to engage in government through voting <br /> and volunteering by eliminating disparities and barriers to participation. <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board adopt and authorize the <br /> Chair to sign the resolution approving an amendment to the Orange County Civil Rights <br /> Ordinance, Orange County Code of Ordinances § § 12-17(e) and 12-18(I). <br />