Agenda - 04-06-2021; 8-a - Minutes

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22 Questions/Concerns 1 2 3 Commissioner Bedford asked if Strike Order Court could be explained. 4 Caitlin Fenhagen said this is unique to Orange County. She said it is for when a person 5 fails to appear at court, and an order of arrest is issued. She said the person can come into 6 court, prior to being arrested, and ask the judge to strike the order and explain why they failed to 7 appear. She said every Thursday morning individuals can attend Strike Order Court, and do not 8 have to appear before a judge to request it, if it is their first time failing to appear. She said 9 those with multiple failures to appear give information to pretrial services, which is provided to 10 the judge, and hopefully that warrants a strike order. 11 Commissioner Hamilton commended everyone for the effort, and noted the collaboration 12 between Commissioners, Judges and Magistrates, the University, the criminal justice resource 13 center, etc. She said this is a model for other actions in the County. 14 Commissioner Dorosin echoed Commissioner Hamilton's comments and praise. He 15 asked if other states were researched in the design of this project, and if there are plans to 16 expand the project in the future. He also asked if this work is coordinated with other projects in 17 the County, such as the driver's license restoration project. 18 Judge Cabe said the driver's license restoration project was brought back into 19 discussions. She said, previously, individuals who failed to appear would be put in the 20-day 20 pile, and the license revoked by DMV. She said this practice was determined to be harmful, 21 despite the lack of arrest, and information is now provided with the reschedule information to 22 those who are not facing DWI charges. She said if people miss court twice, they are still 23 provided with restoration information when they do appear at court. 24 Caitlin Fenhagen said this work is completely integrated, and involved in the strike court 25 process. She said there is an intake, which identifies outstanding issues to help people. 26 Caitlin Fenhagen said Mecklenburg County has no money bond guidelines at all, and is 27 the only place in North Carolina to do so. She said five or six states have eliminated cash bail 28 altogether, but that presents its own problems as it allows people to be held under a 29 preventative detention statute, which can also lead to disparities. She said there are lots of 30 ideas nationally, but she would want to proceed cautiously when making changes. 31 Judge Baddour said Orange County is a model, and the work being done is forward 32 thinking and systemic. He said there is more work to do, and they will keep doing it. He asked 33 if people would forward ideas, as all are open to any suggestions. He said Orange County is at 34 the forefront of these issues, and he hopes all are proud of what is being done. 35 36 d. Women's History Month Proclamation (moved from Consent Agenda item 8-h to 37 Special Presentations) 38 39 The Board considered voting to approve a proclamation recognizing March 2021 as 40 Women's History Month in Orange County authorizing the Chair to sign. 41 Chair Price asked if Commissioner Greene would read the resolution: