2021-05-25 Minutes
Minutes
New Hanover County/City of Wilmington
Community Relations Advisory Committee
Zoom Virtual Meeting
May 25, 2021 @ 5:30pm
Committee members present: Lori Wainright, Scott Whisnant, Kathy King, Jen Johnson, Liz Carbone, Megan
Mullins, Florence Warren, Reddgo Long Jr.
Staff present: Suzanne Rogers, COW; Erica Jacobs-Graham, COW; Linda Thompson, NHC; Melissa Huffman
(City Attorney), COW; John Joye (City Attorney), COW
Public present: Anne Eitelman
Absent: Courtney Horton, Evelyn Bryant, Kimberly Gieger
I. Call to order
Committee Member Lori Wainright called the meeting to order at 5:34 pm. Roll Call was taken. A quorum was
established.
II. Approve Agenda
Motion: Kathy King; second Scott Whisnant to approve the agenda.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
III. Approve Minutes
Motion: Kathy King; second Jen Johnson to approve the minutes.
Upon vote, the motion carried unanimously.
IV. Business & Logistics:
The committee decided to provide zoom access to those who would like to attend virtually. The possible meeting
locations are The Public Library on the second floor or 305 Chestnut Street. Technology will need to applicable.
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Linda suggested she could request the 320 Chestnut meeting space.
Scott clarified that the by-laws do allow for members to attend in person or virtually if, six committee members
are present.
Staff tasks are to find a suitable location that can provide a combination of zoom and in person members.
In August or September, the committee will report to the City and county on CRAC progress with all updates.
The program committee will continue to meet virtually. Preferably, one week before the CRAC committee
meetings. A set time and date will be established.
John Joye verifies a public notice needs to be provided, and if two or more people meet on a committee that is a
board meeting.
Liz recommended the fourth week of the month.
Vote taken for resuming a regularly scheduled programming and education committee meeting. Everyone was
for meeting regularly. The city will send out a survey of dates and times to establish a time/date.
V. Update on Ongoing Projects:
Jen spoke with members of the NHC School Board’s Title IX committee that deals with matters related to
gender discrimination, including Stephanie Kraybill, Jarelle Lewis, and Stephanie Walker. They discussed
current efforts by the NHC School Board and ways that the C-RAC Committee may work in collaboration with
them regarding matters of nondiscrimination. The school board plans to administer a survey every other year
beginning this fall related to sexual harassment/gender-based harassment/gender identity harassment. In
accordance with NC state law, NHCS has in place a policy to respond to restroom concerns based on gender
identity. NHCS currently offers training for staff and age-appropriate training for students regarding prevention
of harassment, violence and bullying. The NC Department of Public Instruction has updated their system to
include a preferred pronouns field. The NHCS Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee supports newly
developed policy to allow middle school transgender students to participate on sports teams that match their
gender identity, and this policy is up for review at the next full school board meeting in June. NHCS plans
include staff education regarding LGBTQ inclusion. New Hanover County replied to the CRAC letter with the
attached letter.
Linda spoke on the county’s updates involving LGBTQ+ efforts. The county had updated equal opportunity
policy pronouns, mental health support and counseling for LGBTQ+ employees. In June, EEOC inclusion equal
work opportunity presentation will be open to all employees.
Scott met with Tim Bucklin, Dr Foust, and Tony McEwen. Scott offered Dr. Foust the opportunity to appear in
front of the committee. The time estimate of July was given. The initiative to write a letter in return to the letter
the committee provided was discussed. If a presentation were to be provided, Dr Foust could present with Scott.
If Dr. Foust were to attend a meeting his involvement will include a Q & A from the committee.
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Scott will be responsible for sending the letter to Dr. Foust inviting him to the July CRAC meeting.
Liz forwarded an email from Patrick with funding request for the calendar. Questions need to be addressed with
what amount of money is being requested. There will be a $100 per year technology fee and $300 initial fee per
year. If the Cape Fear Collective will maintain the calendar, there would be $200 yearly fee. Jen’s idea suggests
finding an organization that has the capacity to organize the calendar. For expanding a resource list, it would be
best to reach out to UNCW connections to present them with grant funding to provide a proposal.
Lori reports there is a meeting with NHC planning and finance staff to refine affordable housing recommendations
and address funding. The staff is currently deciding whether to initiate a bond or an alternative funding model to
fund $50 million dollars. NHC and COW are 10 years behind in addressing the affordable housing issue.
Linda has had her third meeting with the Poverty Task Force Committee. The past two meetings invited people
from the community who live or have lived in poverty. Last meeting, a veteran was interviewed. Since his
homelessness, he has purchased his grandmother’s home. Next meeting, there will be two more previously
homeless individuals sharing their testimonials.
VI. Discussion on the Role of CRAC re: Recommendations/Accountability
Lori and Scott motioned to hold off on the conversation due to time constraints.
VII. Announcements:
Linda informed the committee of two historic buildings that have served justice to our diverse community and
are struggling to survive. First, the Temple of Israel which is 150 years old and Gregory Congregational Church.
Lori informed the committee of a presentation becoming available by Jim Johnson and Jeanine Bonds on June 18
at 1pm via zoom entitled, “Does your Community have Reputational Equity?”
VIII. No public comment
IX. Adjourn 6:42
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