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The Chair provided a brief overview of the Human Relations Commission's purpose and <br /> advisory role. <br /> 4. Approval of Agenda <br /> Vote Result:Approved <br /> Vote Count: 5 For <br /> 5. Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes <br /> Minutes Reviewed:January 27, 2026 <br /> Vote Result:Approved <br /> Vote Count: 5 For <br /> 6. Public Comment <br /> Public Comment Guidance & Disclosure <br /> The Chair reminded attendees that public comment should not include confidential <br /> information, personal identifying information, or details of active complaints or <br /> investigations. The Chair noted that sensitive matters may be redirected to the <br /> appropriate staff or complaint process in order to protect due process and <br /> confidentiality. <br /> Speakers <br /> ■ Margaret McConnell, County Attorney: Ms. McConnell spoke to the <br /> Commissioners about the rules for open meetings and gave a mini-refresher <br /> on open meeting laws. <br /> Legal Authority ■ N.C. Gen. Stat. §153A-76 (authority to establish advisory <br /> boards): BOCC (Board of County Commissioners) may create, change, <br /> abolish . . . boards [and] commissions of the county government to promote <br /> orderly and efficient administration of county affairs <br /> ■ N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 143, Article 33C (Open Meetings Law): <br /> o 143-318.9:Whereas the public bodies that administer the legislative, policy- <br /> making, quasijudicial, administrative, and advisory functions of North Carolina <br /> and its political subdivisions exist solely to conduct the people's business, it is <br /> the public policy of North Carolina that the hearings, deliberations, and actions <br /> of these bodies be conducted openly. <br /> Page 2 of 6 <br />