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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982-01-18 RM Exhibits cc .. ~~~+ILJ'4<~~~ /l17.c~ NEW HANOVER COUNTY ~ /We- (JI-il! ~\ " OFFICE OF THE TAX ADMINISTRATOR 320 CHESTNUT STREET WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 28401-4090 Telephone (919) 763-0991 '~II LARRY J. POWELL Tax Administrator NEW HANOVER COUNTY'TAX COLLECTIONS Collections thru December 31, 1981 1981 Charged Per Scroll Discoveries Added $16,411,131.85 2,758,068.63 $19,169,200.48 24,071.55 $19,145,128.93 -12,139,263.68 $ 7,005,865.25 63.41% i I " Ii Less Abatements Total Taxes due New Hanover Co. Collections to Date Outstanding Balance Percentage Collected Back Taxes Real Estate Taxes Less Abatements Collections to Date Outstanding Balance Percentage Collected $ 475,767.69 2,403.81 133,384.34 339,979.54 28.18% $ Personal Property Taxes Less Abatements Collections to Date Outstanding Balance Percentage Collected $ 637,438.18 790.54 58,446.62 578,201.02 9.18% $ ."" 1980 $14,147,201.61 2,073,340.85 $16,220,542.46 32,927.98 $16,187,614.48 - 9,124,037.91 $ 7,063,576.57 56.37% $ 431,682.45 2,175.20 114,460.25 $ 315,047.00 26.65% $ 541,623.28 1,337.57 51,273.77 $ 489,011.94 9.49% Total money processed through Collection Office for New Hanover County, City of Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrights- vil1e Beach to date - $17,791,559.94. This report is for fiscal year beginning July 1, 1981. Respectfully submitted, :JiG-tYl C~ Q\. f?a~J' y\ ,r-v Patricia J. RUnor ( Collector of Revenue PJR: nfb MEMBER INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ASSESSING OFFICERS t~.u 4I-..~;:J, ~ (!C .~~ -- [! ~ MEMOHANDUM TO: Mr. Felix Cooper County Manager _ Larry J;: ~owell,.".jl Tax Adm1n1strator . ,""l FROM: DATE: January 11, 1982 SUBJECT: Abatements and Refunds It appears this month's abatements will set a record for the largest number of abatements which have ever been processed within one month. The greatest volume in the past was 368, however, this month we are processing 574. The reason for this great increase is due to the information received from the Department of Motor Vehicles, on vehicles which they stated were in New Hanover County as of January 1, 1981. Over the past few years we have found that this listing gets less and l~ss de~enda~le. For ~980 the listi~~. r~rle~te~,70lrl4 ve~ h1cles 1n th1S county and 84,969 ve]ncles Lor 19tH. 'i I,n OUl efforts to assure all vehicles were .listed we checkMl ithe list and forwarded 21,693 notices to individuals that their vehicles were not listed. From these notices we deleted 7,334 vehicles which have been sold, junked, traded, wrong name, etc. (Copy of notice attached). However, many taxpayers did not respond to the inquiry and now that they have feceived the tax bill they are making us aware of their problem. This discovery process usually adds approximately $20 million to the tax base; there- fore, we must make all attempts to assure the vehicles are listed. I am very concerned that the 1982 Motor Vehicle list will be even less reliable than we have seen this year, as we are now on the staggered registration system for vehicles. It appears strong legislation is needed to alleviate this endless checking and paper-work which is greatly reducing the revenue. It is my understanding that possible legislation is pending where pro- perty taxes would be paid at the time of license purchases. If such legislation is approved, we could save thousands of dollars in man hours, paperwork, etc. on checking our unreliable in~ format ion, , NE~ HANOVER COUr-ITY TAX ADMINISTRATORS UFfICE 320 CHESTNUT STREET WILMINGTO~, N.C. 28401' EVERY INDIVIDUAL OWNING REAL OR PERSONAL PROPERTY IS REQUIRED TO LIST, DURING THE MONTH Of JANUARY, WH,A,:f. HE/SHE OWNS A~ OF JANUARy"tS'f Of EAC.H, YEAR. IN REVIEWING OUR 1981 LISTINGS WE DENOTE THAT YOU DID NOT LIST THE VEHIClE(S> SHOWN BELew. IF YOU DO NOT TAKE EXCEPTION TO THE LISTED VALUE(S) WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM NOV. 16, 1981, WE ARE REQUIRED TO CALCULATE TAXES ON THIS VALUE AND fORwARD YOUR BILL IN DECEMBER. 1981. CALL 163-8439 FOR ASSISTANCE. "', ',* . "--,,...., DESCRIPTION VALUE 3000 081032962 SINGLETARY DONNA HAWKINS 153 HINfON AVE WILMINGTON.. N.C. 68 000 G 4 S $ 100 28403 ... .,' I \ .', \. . i , . };," I:.,'')':. .. ..~, ~,t ,:{ " i. " .".. .. '. .<.l.... , . I c-, .- ~.-I, .{~, ,';' - ..j.;:.~ Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 2 January 11, 1982 The following abatements are requested due to incorrect charges on motor vehiclep: ., .:>. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 1. 2. Aalam, Elsie Blake Alford, Jack Arnold Alford, Sherman Wayne Allen, Mary Smith Anderson, Clifton Anderson, Darlene Parnell Anderson, James Crawford Anlar Enterprises Applewhite, Florence Davis Arnold, George W. Arthur, Hobert Earl Ashcraft, John Geo., Jr. Ashline, JAmes Allan ATC Petroleum Atkinson, Minnie Lucille Baker, Judith Lynne Banner, John, Jr. Barefoot, Rhonda Delayne Barnes, George Palmer, Jr. Barnhill, Ricky Warren Barnhill, Willie Laston Bass, Slade Albert Baxley, Marshall Deward Bender, James Houston Bennett, John Wayne Bishop, Carl Edward Blackard, Dorman Gunner Blake, Alan Burke, Jr. Blume, Carl Boyce Boney, Derald Donnell Bowen, Inez Marie Boyd, Harold Boyd, Ladetta Elno Boylan, Florence Avery Bradham, James Lee Bradley, John Howard III Branstitter, John Herbert Bragg, Barbara Nixon Brihmer, Clarence David, Jr. Britt, Katherine Leinbach Brogden, Leon Lafeyette, Jr. Brown, Albert George Brown, Earl Morris Brown, Elenor Dixon Brown, James Oliver, Jr. ,"'l $ .95 40.92 17.03 2.00 29.37 39.03 34.06 444.40 10.65 2.55 28.67 1.94 10.18 .95 39.33 107.55 4.50 9.93 94.58 36.84 7.33 9.88 .95 124.17 .95 12.30 ] 6.32 . ,I) 7 2.00 25.39 2.00 2.00 2.00 29.57 44.23 10.88 1. 65 60.73 50.38 2.00 1.65 43.31 97.77 35.95 52.03 . Mr. Felix Cboper/Abatements and Refunds Page 3' January 11, 1982 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 5L 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 6L 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 7L 72. 73. 74. 75. 76. 77. 78. 79, 80. 8L 82. 83. 84. 85. 86. 87. 88. 89. 90. 9L 92. 93. 94. 95. 96. 97. 98. 99. Browning, Hugh Bryant, Charles Richard Bullard, Howard Gordon Burkhardt, Gerald Christopher Burney, John Jay, Jr. Business Properties, Inc. Byrd, Charlie Emerson Byrd, Wendy Futch Caison, John David Calder, Allene Coates Cape Fear Electric Co., Inc. Carter, Caleb Lonnie Carter, Dannie Franklin Carter, Jeffrey Lynn Carter, Mary Shackleton Carty, Arthur Nelson Carty, Larry Thomas Carty, Nelson Arthur Caruso, Lowell Orville Cason, Adrian Causey, Daphine Pender Chahoe, William Edward Chatfield, Carol Margaret Chinn, Harry Terence Church, Caroline Garis Clark, Franklin Delano Clayton, William David Cliette, George Ernest Cole, Jerry Earl Collier, James Glen, Jr. Collini, Charles John Collins, Charlie Roosevelt Collins, George Alvin, Sr. Collins, George Alvin Collins, Robert Green Combs, Cecilia Ann Conyers, Joe, Jr. Corkran, Michael W. & Susan M. Cottle., Frederick Lane, Jr. Cottle, Willie White Cox, Maria Gray Cox, William Peter Crandall, Jacob Crouch, Walter Lee, Jr. Cumbee, Richard Cushing, James E., Jr. Daley, John Gilbert Daniel, Edward Norris, Sr. Dang, Quyet Huu Daniels, Ernest Ray Dardon, Adolph, Jr. Davis, Carl Edward, Jr. Davis, Cornelia Nixon Davis, Jack Donald $ .95 36.31 38.31 39.93 71.68 2.00 20.24 8.04 52.27 35.48 2.00 36.67 .95 1.89 55.81 26.73 31 .46 2.82 31.31 13.60 58.74 1.4 . 43 .95 26.49 .95 15.38 10.41 46.79 42.10 2.00 99.06 79.15 .95 50.85 13.72 31.22 22.90 83.92 .95 .95 50.28 77.47 73.08 256.57 13.96 46.60 2.00 32.64 46.12 9.46 J.50 35. "18 27.91 22.1] ,"'l (Refund) Mr. Fe~ix Cooper/Abatements and Hefunds Page 4 ,J an uary 11, 1982 100. 101. 102. 103. 104. 105. 106. 107. 108. 109. 110. Ill. 112. 113. 114. 115. 116. 117. 118. 119. 120. 121. 122. 123. 124. 125. 126. 127. 128. 129. 130. 131. 132. 133. 134. 135. 136. 137. 138. 139. 140. 141. 142. 143. 144. 145. 146. 147. 148. 149. 150. 151. 152. 153. Davis, James Harriss $ Davis, Margaret Williams Davis, William Benjamin Day, Leonard Francis Dehart, Harry Everette Dekay, Hobert Mrs. Delong, Warr~n Fox Denson, Jo~eph Alton Derstine, Carl Landes Devaun, James Edward De~, Mary Zibelin Dickens, Donald Cleveland Dickins, John Shuford, III Dooley, Colie Luther, Jr. Doster, George Michael Dreyvn, Charles John Duboise, Owen William Duncan, Charles Wm. Edens, Jerry Wayne, Jr. Elledge, William Alexander Ellis, Bessie Pelt Ely, Judy Gideon Erkes, George Richard Evans, Jane Ina " Evans, Leroy Evenson, Norman Fales, Charles Frederick Feenstra, Sipke Figure 8 Beach Homeowners Assoc. Fincannon, Eliz. Davis Fisher, Alice Procter Fisher, Frances Beck Fisher, William Henry, Jr. Flack, Jack Thomas Flores, Mario Kintanar Floyd, Samuel O. Fonvielle, Jane Middlebrooks Fonvielle, John Morriss Fonvielle, Lloyd William Ford, Alonzo Formy-Duvall, Nancy Herring Fouraker, Mary Jane Fox, Bradley Charles Fragos, John Evangelos Frazier, Sallie Henry Freas, Luther Wayne, Jr. Frederick, Thomas Lee, Jr. Gains, William Hayes III Gallivan, Timothy J. Galloway, Michael Anthony Gardner, Dannie McDonald Garner, Eddie Vick, Jr. Gay, Joseph Edward George, Montell Toney 45.65 39.82 2.00 24.90 103.19 6.33 9.23 1.94 .95 .95 67.20 74.98 21.99 .95 2.69 151.25 8.36 351.24 128.43 62.91 34.85 1.89 1. 65 112.08 .47 2.00 1.65 .95 42. .LO 106.43 24.84 61. /16 70.19 9.96 .95 74.17 57.74 2.00 61.88 19.16 47.30 283.80 105.53 2.00 28.88 .95 40.82 50.38 .95 .95 21.05 65.42 101.06 2.00 (Eefuncl) ,"'l (Hpfund) Mr. Felix CobperjAbatements and Refunds Page 5 . Janumry 11, 1982 154. 155. 156. 157. 158. 159. J,60. 161. 162. 163. 164. 165. 166. 167. 168. 169. 170. 171. 172. 173. 174. 175. 176. 177. 178. 179. 180. 181. 182. 183. 184. 185. 186. 187. 188. 189. 190. 191. 192. 193. 194. 195. 196. 197. 198. 199. 200. 201. 202. 203. 204. 205. 206. 207. 208. Giles, Charles Eugene $ Glod, Theodore Francis, Jr. Godwin, Terry Campbell Goode, Davis Katie M. Goodman, Daniel Gore, Shirley Hankins Gore, Thurman Henry Graham, Caleatha Thompson Graham, Deena D. Gray, James Alton, Sr. Grady, Kenneth Alfred Guarino, Lisa Gurganious, Billy Ray Gurganus, Orville Earl Hack, Gary Don Hansen, A. H., Sr. I-Iansen, Archibald BanJ cy, Jr. Hayes, Teresa Kay Hazelgrove, George Warren Henderson, Ernest Clifton Henderson, Eva Mae Hewett, Kenneth Blake Hickman, Michael Kennon Hines, Wade Harold, Jr. Hobbs, Nancy Statesbury Hogerty, Thomas Wm. Hollifield, Dever Astor Holm, Dorothy Eaglin Holt, James Holt, James Hooft, Cynthia Petty Hopper, Anna McCord Horton, Catherine Elizabeth Houston, Roy Wayne Howard, Willie Ray, Jr. Hoyle, Henry Thomas Hoyle, Mary R. B. Hoyle, Mary Ruffin Huckabee, Hobert Edward, Jr. Huggins, Alice Faye Hulbert, George Keith Hutson, Joseph Micha~l Hutton, William Earl, Sr. International Longshoremens Assoc. Jackson, Gerald Wayne Ja~kson, Michael Dean James, Hichard David Jenkins, Bobby Stanley Jenks, Henry Douglas Johnson, Dan G. & Ester Byrd Johnson, Dorothie Ashley Johnson, John Alexander, Jr. Johnson, Julian Robert Johnson, Robert Eugene Johnson, Vera Midgett 12.30 16.56 50.38 .95 .95 48.02 2.84 .95 .47 2.6J. 34.30 .95 ,"'l 37.33 21.05 67.15 .47 43.29 43.76 .95 4.73 .95 40.21 2.00 1. 65 68.11 1. 79 .24 7.81 .07 1.82 .95 77.J5 99.82 8.07 88.41 2.00 9.9Ei 69.10 85.86 1.82 :31.69 6.97 27.87 173.72 .95 12.07 40.21 4 /1 . :J 0 2.00 86.21 .95 13.96 100.05 :35.24 17.50 Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 6 January 11, 1982 209. 210. 21l. 212. 213. 214. 215. 216. 217. 218. 219. 220. 221. 222. 223. 224. 225. 226. 227. 228. 229. 230. 23l. 232. 233. 234. 235. 236. 237. 238. 239. 240. 24l. 242. 243. 244. 245. 246. 247. 248. 249. 250. 25l. 252. 253. 254. 255. 256. 257. 258. 259. 260. Johnson, Walter Johnson, Wilma Dean Jones, George Hyman Jones, Sheridan Skipper Jordan, Henry Davidson Jordan, Julia Carr Kay, William Byrd Kegeris, Joyce Jones Kellogg, Charles Leon Kelly, Frank Wilton Kenan Transport Kennedy, Janie P. Kennedy, Timothy David King. Lee Leon Kreutzer, Halph King, Louise Yandle King, Hoy Lee King, William Milton Kinlaw, Acie Kinlaw, Chatherine Coleman Kinsly,Norman Lee Klutz, Edward Carl Koontz, Edward Lee Korb, Betty Stroup Kovach, Terri Sue Laahs, Hobert Allan Lambeth, Carter Lambeth, Jane Hanes Lancaster, Alfred Timothy Lane, Randy Lee Lanier, Mary Brown Lassiter, Deborah Carpenter Lee, Gregory Wayne Lenno~, Alton Yates Levine, Stephen Paul Lewis, Jessie Ray Lewis, Sharon Parks Lewis, Shirley Thompson Liz Marie, Inc. Lorek, Barbara Jean Allen Mathews, Hansen Stone Maultsby, Doris Thompson McAtee, Hubert McCallock, David Alex McCalls, R. D., Inc. McCartney, Marion Walters McCoy, Patricia WaJker McCuiston, Walter Rush McDaniel, Gina Ann McDowell, Cynthia M. McKeithan, Joseph Warren McKinion, Thomas Harold $ .95 38.31 61.34 .95 .95 12.54 109.51 .95 52.27 11.59 4.73 34.02 11.61 .95 181.19 57.24 "I .73 16.43 2.00 2.00 19.16 44.48 200.75 < r),...., . ,) { 37.61 29.87 1.49 36.19 14.98 .95 21.76 32.16 .95 149.83 ~3. 80 21.76 108.02 102.56 142.3(; 78.38 50.61 37.83 17.42 2.00 1. 00 .Ll7 40.82 118.'J4 13. L] 9 74.17 .95 8.89 ,"'l (l1efund) Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 7 January 11, 1982 261. 262. 263. 264. 265. 266. 267. 268. 269. 270. 271. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 280. 281. 282. 283. 284. 285. 286. 287. 288. 289. 290. 291. 292. 293. 294. 295. 296. 297. 298. 299. 300. 301. 302. 303. 304. 305. 306. 307. 308. 309. McKay, Helen Edwards McLamb Drywall Co. McLeod, Ben Ray McNeil, Jessie Mae MCO Transport Inc. Medlin, Catherine Guy Merritt, Ernest Daniel Meyer, Hobart Jr. Mickelson, Roger Wiley Miller, Emily Webb Miller, James Sr. Miller, John Wesley Miller, John Wesley Miller, Renee Webb Mincey, Doslie Lee Fisher Mitchell, John Elton Mixon, James Joyce Mizelle, George Mock, Bernard William & Myra c/o Molly Benton Moeslein, Francis Raymond Moore, Bar~y McCall Moore, Thomas Edward, Jr. Moslow, Lance Leroy Mott, Raymond Gordon Morizone, Christine Mr. Davids Coiffures Inc. Nesbitt, Susie Damon Newberry, William Alexander Newkirk, Daisy Lee Nicholson, Karen Ann Norman, John Fred II Nunalee Kenneth Nolan Oliver, Catherine Zopfi Oliver, George Alfred O'Shields Construction Co. Outerbanks Hammock Co. Padrick, Bryan Allan Page, Margaret Helms Parker, John Bascome Jr, Parker, Robert Franklin Pearson, Gertrude Peoples Savings & Loan Perilla, George Augustus Peterson, D. L. Trust c/o Frank A. McBride, Phelps, Gloria Jean Phillips, James Lynwood Pittman, Ira Kenneth Pigford, Louis E. etux Poe, Robert L., Jr. 69.69 27.20 7.81 109.01 17.93 .95 .95 54.16 11.12 .95 166.25 1.82 .91 32.88 32.88 2.00 41.67 43.76 29.57 35.24 2.37 30.04 2.00 2.61 2.00 100.05 .95 4.00 70.68 43.29 63.62 ]6.79 18.69 .50 40.21 :35.48 .95 .91 42.10 34.30 76.32 :31.69 2.00 1]3.90 15.61 39.03 47.30 66.07 63.61 ,riOj (Hetund) Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 8 January 11, 1982 310. 31l. '312. 313. 314. 315. 316. 317. 318. 319. 320. 321. 322. '323. 324. 325. 326. 327. 328. 329. 330. 33l. 332. 333. 334. 335. 336. 337. 338. 339. 340. 341. 342. 343. 344. 345. 346. 347. 348. 349. 350. 351. 352. 353. 354. 355. 356. 357. 358. Polletta, Joseph Thomas Pound, JameslWilliam Powell, Sterling E. Price, Marvin J. Pruitt, Daniel Vaughn Raphael, Scott Alan Ray, Cussell Ernest Heedy, Nancy Rebecca Crews Reynolds, Graham Stuart Reynolds, Isaac The6dore, Jr. Reinhardt, Lawrence Norman Rich, Gloria Jean Hichardson, Bobbie Padrick Richardson, Wilton Byrd Ricks, David McArthur Riggs, David Riley Hivenbark, Robert A. Rivenbark, Sharon Smith Rivenbark, Theodore Christopher, Hivenbark, William Ronald Robinson, Eugene Clay,Jr. Robinson, Isaac Robinson, Lillie Leslie Rogers, Luther T., Inc. Rose, Claudy Linfent Rose, I. Woodall, Jr. Rountree, George III Rountree, Sylvia Henson Rouse, James Richard Royal State Const. Hoyals, William Edward Ruitto, Michael Sebastian Rush, Kevin Lamount Sasser, Robert Glen Saund~r~,George Elliott Saunders, George Elliott Jr. Savage, Susan Paula Sawdey,Donald Jackie Sawdey, Jackie Sellers Schiltz, Charles Schiavone, Shelvy Blake Schlechte, Deborah Whitley Schneider, Allyn Warren Schneider, Meredith Bishop Schneider, William Howard Schul~, Richard Anthony Moore, Bernard Sugg Seamster, James Earl Seymour,., Cynthia Louise .95 28.62 2.00 24.39 ] .89 87.60 .95 93.93 48.96 9.93 79.81 52.27 25.78 "1.09 2.00 2.00 29.10 .95 Sr. 25.5LI 2.00 32.88 5.98 2.00 10.91 1.19 1.52 166.25 15:J.82 2.00 109.26 .95 6.12 .95 .95 .95 48.72 ,ol'l 33.35 32.26 8.28 .95 13.72 67.18 25.17 49.50 81.14 31.87 .95 68.70 .95 Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 9 January ]1, 1982 359. 360. 361. 362. 363. 364. 365. 366. 367. 368. 369. 370. 371. 372. 373. 374. 375. 376. 377. 378. 379. 380. 381. 382. 383. 384. 385. 386. 387. 388. 389. 390. 391. 392. 393. 39LJ. 395. 396. 397. 398. 399. 400. 401. 402. 403. 404. 405. 406. 407. 408. Seymore, Janie Mays Shepard, Mic~ael Denison Shepherd, G~raldine Stokes Shepard, James Thurman Simmons, John Allen, Jr. Skipper, Nathan Richard Smith, Marion Justice Smith, Suzanne Sneeden, Blanche Stanly Sneeden, Janice Faye Spencer, Ravon Norman Sperling, Emil Earl Squires, Sandra Harper Stables, Arthur Lee Stanley, Farren Thomas Stephens, Ricky Allen Stokes, James Matthew Sr. Stolpa, Emily Marie Stokes, Lyde Barbrey Strongoski, Joseph Charles Strongoski, Pennie Watson Summerlin, Richard Halbert Pierce, Robert Lynwood Swartz, James Weaver Sweet, Fred Worley III Taylor, Charles Winfield Taylor, Donovan Jr. Thomas, Robert Franklin Thompson, James Aaron Three D Coping Co. Tudor, Ralph Vaughn, Irene Harris Walker, Beatie Owens Walker, Richard Henry Wallace, Helen Burns Waters, Garrick Randall Watkins, Honald Woodard Weatherington, David Letner Webb, Elloyd Weiser, Petra Olsen Wheeler, Charles Kenworthy Wheeler, Luther White, Bertha Herring Wierse, Henry Paul Williams, Dale Lewis Williams, Emily Baker, Williams, Isabel Martin Williams, Robert Franklin Williams, Susan Godfrey Vii 11 iams, Ted 30.75 3.08 .95 6.97 17.74 13.49 24.39 103.45 5.98 .95 49.47 .95 69.77 ,""l .95 .95 53.69 .95 2.00 8.68 1.10 57.95 . . 81 102.45 7.88 77.02 31. 46 23.18 2.94 26.02 2.00 1. 94 27.39 11.35 2 39.43 37.13 12.77 3.77 4.73 2.00 59.73 24.75 55.11 37.33 114.50 67.97 .19 .95 32.64 1.19 1.53 Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 10 January 11, 1982 409. 410. 411. 412. 413. 414. 415. 416. 417. 418. 419. 420. 421. 422. Williams, Terry Gene Williams, Thurman Allen Williams, William Henry Wilmington Hospital Supply Co. Wilson, Harry Russell Jr. Wilson, John Cornelious Wilson, Judith Pluta Wilson, Mary Keveney Wilson, Mary Sale Wood, Kathleen Daniel Wooten, Kenneth Gregory Yarbrough, Gregory Vestal Ywaskevic, Walter Bruno Zorich, Pete Jr. 44.70 1. 00 .47 56.75 26.26 97.56 .95 59.24 32.88 15.1i1 .72 26.26 72.14 24.12 (Hefund) ,..., Request the following taxes be released as the taxpayers reported incorrect or incomplete information at the time of listing: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. Allen, David Samuel Sr. Barbour, William David Bass, Wanda Jo Bellamy, Annie Grice Berry, Paula Jean Beuke, Victoria Blake, Peggy Brewer, C. N. Heirs Brunjes, Terry W. Bunting, Robert L. Butler, Frederick E. Caison, Nickolean Sweet Cannon, Richard Carley, Thomas Archibald Carolina Inlet Marine Inc. Chadwick, Gary A. Congleton, Marvin Howard Corbett, John Monroe Darcy, John J. Debnam, Anthony Dale Domina, Fred H. Eaton, Arthur Eugene Evans, Ida L. F & W Enterprises Fales, Robert Dr. Flowers, J. Dwain Green, Solomon etal Gurganious, Jerry Wayne 8.58 14.39 TL.90 15.95 23.20 18.49 27.11 12.89 42.45 28.71 50.10 3.41 12.90 35.74 6.67 12.74 25.86 27.91 44.15 7.74 40.0.4 41.76 5.11 127.25 29.40 33.80 24.63 78.08 , I II I! I' (1980) (Hefund) (Eefund) (Refund) (1980) (HeJ\.lnd) (Refund) Mr. 2elix Coopei/Abatements and Refunds Page 11 January 11, 1982 29. 30. 3l. 32. 33. .34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55. 56. 57. 58. 59. 60. 61. 62. 63. 64. 65. 66. 67. 68. 69. 70. 71. 72. 73. 74. Harvey, Jack M. & Constance Horrell, Charles Barry Hunt, Charl~s B. etux Jackson, John Jenkins, Henry C. Jr. Johnson, Michael Lee Johnson, William S. Klutz, Elizabeth Love Lardis, Christopher Lewis, Shirley Garrett Lockfaw, Merrill G. Melton, Sara Turner Mizell Teletypewriter Service Mobley, John Wm. Mo~ck, Harry Christen Morgan, Franklin E. Moskowitz, Elliot B. Nadeau, George W. Neil, Richard W. c/o Harrie L. Rhedrick Newkirk, D. W. etux Ozaka, Fred Francis Parker, James M. Prestia, Thomas Joseph I Rabon, Terry Leon ' .Rae, John Gary Robinson, Nelta T. Hobi.nson, Samuel Rosen, Barry S. Ross, Deborah Kaye Seabrook, Mary Shepard Shi.pman, William B. Shoffner, Robert M. Etux Simon, Toni.e Bell Simmons ,'Andrew J. Simpson, En;id Sun Oil Co.: Inc. of Penn. Underwood, Gilbert L. Warren, Wil~iam Blake Watson, WileyB. Watson Paint & Body Shop Weis" Edward W, Weni.g', Jerome Willia~~, R. H. etux Wilson, Alton R. Wilson, Ronald i Worthington~ R. D. etux j. , I 24.08 79 . ~ 74.54 1. 90 40.25 2.00 21.16 13.11 133.25 50.97 14.50 55.69 172.71 7.82 7.57 19.02 62.44 64.89 : (Refund) ,~ i. : (Refund) Ii ii ;) ( j I I ! i (Refund for 1980 & 1981) (Refund) (He:Eund) (Refund) ,\ ; 'i; . I I (RefUnd) , II ! 4.46 6.98 30.22 54.32 18.92 10.95 14.23 22.49 2.00 3.89 (Refund) 32.88 9.88 .9.74 326.10 (Refund - 81.02) 16.83 41.38 21.57 144,525.31 58.62 (1980) 104.44 135.75 846.04 (1980) 29.10 140.96 I .33.48 27.98 31.92 (Refund) I 55.04 Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Hefunds Page 12 January 11. 1982 Hequest the following taxes be released as the personal property is not located within the city or town limits: ~ 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19, 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25, Balser, Sharon Wilson Bilisoly, James A. Billingsley, William James Daniels, Leo Phillip ,Jr. Gilroy, Debra Helen Godsey, James Michael Highsmi th, Clara iN. ' Jones, James E. Lowrey, Robert G. Maness, Barbara C. McEachern, Hugh Alexander Plowden, David Billinger Reedy, Ronald Wade Romblad, Scott L. Sewell, Raeford, Wm. Shepard, Kenneth Alan Silva, Deborah Ann Silva, Michael Thomas Sisson, W. E. Sock Shop Soderstrom, Kam Lea Strickland Elec. Co Sweet Sixteen c/o C. A. Newell & L. T. Thomson Vick, Darrell Lee Williams, Helen Tolley 22.95 35.63 48.85 3.37 47.50 5.97 31.74 43.94 3.73 48.66 68.88 .95 36.94 2.62 82.06 8.38 67.93 15.68 178.42 16.48 23.58 3.58 81.92 55.12' 38.48 I I (197.4 & 1975) '! i I. I' (1980) (Hefund) Request the following taxes be released as they are double- charged: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9, Boone, James,Sheldon Campbell, Jennie Kathleen Goforth, J. P. Johnson, Debbie Lanette Lowery, Robert G. Morrison, Suzanne Chernega Smith, Jessi~ Alden Smith, Judith McFadyen Stokes, Billie Joe 27.44 1. 82 384.20 18.92 102.59 42.54 39.81 28.86 11.65 (1980) (1980) (1978 ) (1978) (1980) . Request the follciwing taxes be released as these cHarges are due to clerical errors of vehicles mispriced, incorrect house- hold pricing, incorrect e~coding, mispriced equipment and in- ventory, incorrect lot size or acreage, failure to allow for Senior Citizen's Exclusion and building mischarged: Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Hefunds Page 13 January 11, 1982 1. American Oil Company 2. Arrington, Bobbie L. 3. Auld Stokley 'Antiques c/o James B. Stokley 4. Bowen, Wade H. etux 5. Bradshaw, Earl Ed. 6. Bridges, Allen R. 7. Bridgers, Odell 8. Brown, Alexander Charles 9. Brown, Ethel 10. Brown, Pamela 11. Burton, Elizabeth Orrell 12. Cameron, C. Fred 13. Harris, Donald Ray 14. Hobbie, Todd M. 15. Hufham, Robert Emanuel 16. Malcott, C. Roy etux 17. Meshaw, Martha B. 18. O'Connor, John H. 19. Parker, James M. 20. Piver, Roger M. & Ruby 21. Rawls, William Philip 22. Reyneke, Mary Talle 23. Ringer, Norma 24. Rivenbark, Norma 25. Hogers, Margaret Miller 26. Shew, Lottie P. 27. Sidbury, Anthony Darryl 28. Sik~s, Lee Montague Jr. 29. Thomas, Lorimar PSR 30. Underwood, Gilbert Lee 31. United States Leasing Co. 32. Waters, L. H. Jr. etux 33. White, Richard Mehan 34. Williams, F. D. 35. Wood, William E. etux 157.55 (Refund) 41.50 (Rqfund) .13 21.59 15.52 78.17 36.38 2.48 106.64 15.45 12.30 128.25 9.63 40.00 5.58 14.02 29.15 12.68 4.25 2J .36 9.46 181.37 26.11 113.23 5 . 8~3 64.50 9.05 16.27 5.48 15.68 16.44 3.20 38. .46 31.38 6.02 ,"~ ~ I . t I 1 (Refubd) (Refund) (ReJund) (Hefund) 11 1 i 11 (Hefund) (Refund) (Hefund) (Refund) (1979) (Hefund) Followjng taxpayers request release of listing penalties as they certify li~tings were made during January 1981: 1. Bethune, Mary Scott 2. Smith, Frank L. 3. Southeastern Investment Co. 4. Stack, Jones M. 5. Strickland, Eddie Bei~er 6. Symmes, Katie Reilly , 7. Symmes, L. B. 8. Willens, Barney A. 54.30 41.53 85.68 34.53 5.89 45.80 18.63 87.49 (Refund 82\46) Mr. Felix Cooper/Abatements and Refunds Page 14 January 11, 1982 Greek Orthodox Church of Wilmington requests 1981 taxes in the amount of $8,083.46 be released as this property qualifies for exemption as' outlined in G. S. 105-282.1 (c) . ' ,"'" Request these items be placed on the consent agenda for the County Commissioners' meeting on January 18, 1982. ,II: recommend approval of these abatements as the Commi~sioners have approved these types of releases in the past. LJP: nfb copy: v1V1rs. Alyce B. Rusmise 1:1 Mr. Robert Pope .. f!l / J '/ . ..,j. -f(; Ai.. ,22'''''' ,1.) ?f" ~:pt.<--~I"l'" I' "'~ . ~,.... I ,i ~vf ~, NEW HANOVER HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION FAIR EMPLOYMENT AND FAIR HOUSING RULES OF PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE INDEX PAGE 1.000 Purpose 1 1.010 Definitions 1 2.000 The Charge 3 2.010 Investigation 7 2.020 Dismissal, Closure or Prelinlinary Determination 10 2.030 Conciliation 13 2.040 Hearing 13 3.000 Judicial Review and Appeal 26 3.010 Confidentiality of Endeavors 28 3.020 Civil Action 28 4.000 Construction of Rules 30 4.010 Issuance, Amendment or Repeal of Rules 30 .~ ,~ 1. 000 PURPOSE The regulations set forth contain the procedures established by the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners for carrying out the administration and enforcement of its Fair Employment and Fair Housing Ordinances as provided for in Chapter 960 Session Laws of 1981 (hereinafter referred to as the "Act"). Based upon its experience in the administration of the Ordinances and upon its evaluation of suggestions and petitions for amendments submitted by interested persons in accordance with Section 4.010, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners may from time to time amend and revise these procedures. Said regulations, together with any amendments or modifications thereto, shall be maintained by the Executive Director and be made available to the public. 1.010 DEFINITIONS When used in these Rules of Practice and Procedure the following terms shall mean: 1. "Agency" shall mean the Executive Director, staff members, attorneys, clerks and other agents delegated power and authority to perform certain functions and duties as specifically provided herein on behalf of the Commission. 2. "Aggrieved Party" shall mean any party to a proceeding who alleges an adverse effect by an administrative decision, ruling, or order under these Rules of Practice and Procedure and who is otherwise legally entitled to appeal from such a decision, ruling or order. 3. "Aggrieved Person" shall mean any person who alleges he has been unlawfully injured or whose r~ghts have been denied on account of a violation of either Ordinance. 4. "Chairperson" shall refer to the duly elected chairperson of the New Hanover Human Relations Commission, or in the event of his absence or inability to act in such capacity, then the Acting Ch~irperson. 5. "Charge" shall refer to a complaint orOany amendments thereto filed pursuant to the Ordinances. 6. "Charging Party" shall refer to the person filing a charge either on behalf of himself or for some other aggrieved person under the provisions of the Ordinances and these Rules of Practice and Procedure. 7. "Commission" shall refer to the New Hanover Human Relations Connnisson as established by the Ordinance of the Board of Commissioners of New Hanover County dated June 16, 1980. In the absence of a specific delegation of power to the contrary, all duties, functions and powers shall""15e>exerc:llsed- . .') 2 by a quorum of the fuII Coininisson by a majority vote at a lawfully convened meeting. 8. "Commissioner" shall mean a person duly appointed to serve on the New Hanover Human Relations Con~ission. 9. "Executive Director" shall refer to the Executive Director of the New Hanover Human Relations Commission and/or his designee. 10. "Filing" for purposes of these regulations shall mean delivering a signed, original copy of the document in person or by mail to the offices of the Agency, 320 Chestnut Street, Room 409, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401. Filing shall be complete upon receipt of the document by the Agency which shall then indicate the date of the filing upon the original and any copies. 11. "Hearing Officer" shall refer to a member of the Hearing Panel. 12. "Hearing Panel" shall refer to an administrative body to hear certain matters on appeal as provided in these Rules of Practice and Procedure. The Commission shall determine whether hearings are to be before the COlrnlission, a panel of three (3) or more members of the Commission, or a three (3) member panel coulposed of at least two (2) Commission members. The Commission shall also make the appointments. Staff members of the Human Relations Commiss:Lon shall not serve on a Hearing Panel. 13. "Ordinances" shall refer to the Fair Housing and Fair Employment Ordinances of New Hanover County, dated November 16, 1981, together with any subsequent modifications or amendments thereto. 14. "Party" shall refer to Charging Party, Respondent, and/or their attorney or representatives. 15. "Presiding Officer" shall refer to a member of the Hearing Panel designated by the Commission to preside over all meetings or hearings conducted by the Hearing Panel and who shall generally maintain order and perform all other duties prescribed by these regulations as .attributable to him. 16. "Quorum" shall mean a majority of thE? membership present except in the case of a three (3) member Hearing Panel, in which case all members must be present. 17. "Reasonable Cause" shall mean that, upon consideration of all evidence, and based on a preponderance thereof, reasonable persons would conclude that the Charging Party or aggrieved person (if not the Charging Party) has been discriminated against under the terms of the Ordinances. 18. "Respondent" shall refer to the person against whom a charge is filed. 19. "Service" shall be in accordance with the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedures, G.S. lA-I. '.- 3 20. "Transcript" shall be a verbatim stenographic reproduction, tape recording, or other acceptable method of preserving testimony and other evidence. 21. "Verified" shall mean sworn to or affirmed before a notary public, or other person duly authorized by law to administer oaths and take acknowledgements. Whenever _terms are used, the singular shall be deemed to include the plural, masculine to include the feminine or neuter and vice versa. Other definitions of terms used herein may be found in the "Fair Employment" and "Fair Housing" Ordinances of New Hanover County. 2.000 THE CHARGE 1. Submission of Information 4. The Agency shall receive information concerning alleged violations of the Ordinances from any person. Where the information discloses that a person is entitled to file a charge with the Agency, the Agency shall render assistance to the Charging Party in the filing of a charge. Any person or organization may request the issuance of a Commissioner charge for an inquiry into individual or systematic discrimination. Such request, with any pertinent information, should be submitted to the Agency office, and shall be handled as any other charge except as proviaed below. B. The Charging Party and aggrieved person (if not the Charging Party) have the responsibility to provide the Agency with notice of change in address and with notice of any prolonged absence from that current address so that he can be located when necessary while the charge remains pending. 2. Charges By or On Behalf of Persons Claiming to Be Aggrieved A. A charge that any person has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful housing or employment practice within.the meaning of the Ordinances may be made by or on behalf of any person claiming to be aggrieved. A charge on behalf of a person claiming to be aggrieved may be made by any person, agency or organization. The person making the charge must provide the Commission with the name, address and telephone number of the person on whose behalf the charge is made. The Agency shall determine whether the person on whose behalf the charge is made has authorized the filing of the charge and desires to have the charge processed. B. Any member of the Commission may file a charge-with the Agency. A charge shall be in writing and verified by the Cownissioner bringing the charge. 4 3. Where to Make a Charge A charge shall be filed in the Agency's office, 320 Chestnut Street, Room 409, County Administration Building, Wilmington, North Carolina 28401. 4. Form, Content and Amendment of Charge A. A charge shall be in writing and verified by the Charging Party. B. Each charge should contain the following: (1) The full name, address and telephone number of the Charging Party and of the person on whose behalf it is being filed (if different than the Charging Party); (2) If known, the full name and address of the Respondent; (3) A clear and concise statement of the facts, including pertinent dates, constituting the alleged unlawful housing or employment practices; (4) If known, the approximate number of employees of the Respondent-- employer or the approximate number of members of the Respondent-- labor organization, as the case may be; (5) A statement disclosing whether the alleged unlawful housing or employment practice charge has been filed with a state or federal agency and, if so, the name of the agency, the date filed, and any other information necessary to identify and locate its status; (6) A statement of each specific harm that the aggrieved person has suffered and the date on which each harm occurred; (7) For each harm, a statement specifying the act, policy or practice which is alleged to be unlawful; and (8) For each act, policy or practice alleged to have harmed the aggrieved person, a statement of the facts which led the Charging Party to believe that the act, policy or practice is discriminatory. C. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (B) of this section, a charge is sufficient when the Agency receives from the Charging Party a written statement sufficiently precise to identify the parties, and to describe generally the action or practices complained of. A charge may be amended to cure technical defects or omissions, including failure to verify the charge, or to clarify and amplify allegations made 5 therein. Such amendments and amendments alleging additional acts which constitute unlawful employment practices related to or growing out of the subject matter of the original charge will relate back to the date the.charge was first received. 5. Time of Filing A charge alleging discrimination must be filed within 180 .days after the alleged unlawful act or practice. If the alleged practice is of a continuing nature, the date of the occurrence of said practice shall be deemed to be any date subsequent to the commencement of the practice up to and including the date on which the practice shall have ceased, or the date on which the charge shall have been filed if the unlawful practice continues. 6. Withdrawal of a Charge A. A charge filed by or on behalf of a person claiming to be aggrieved may be withdrawn only by the Charging Party and only with the consent of the Commission. The Commission hereby delegates authority to the Executive Director to grant consent to a request to withdraw a charge, other than a Commissioner charge, where the withdrawal of the charge will not defeat the purposes of these Ordinances. In case of withdrawal, the withdrawal shall be without prejudice to the rights of the Charging Party or person on whose behalf the charge is filed. B. A Commissioner who files a charge under Section 2.000(2)(B) may withdraw the charge with the consent of the Commission. The Commission may withdraw any charge filed under Section 2.000(2)(B) by a Commissioner who is no longer holding office when it determines that the purposes of these Ordinances are no longer served by processing the charge. Commissioner charges may not be withdrawn pursuant to this section after a preliminary determination as to reasonable cause in favor of theCharging,Party has been made under Section 2.020(3). This paragraph does not apply to a charge filed by a Commissioner which is on behalf of a person claiming to be aggrieved within the meaning of Section 2.000(2)(A) unless such person submits a written request for withdrawal to the Commission. 7. Deferrals From and Waivers To Federal and State Agencies A. Charges arising within the jurisdiction of these Ordinances and which fall under the jurisdiction of federal or state agencies may be deferred from such agencies according to the procedures established 6 by said agencies for this purpose. B. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is specifically required under Section 706 of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, to defer any job discrimination under its jurisdiction to the Commission for a period of sixty (60) days. Following such deferral period, EEOC may proceed with its investigation, attempt to conciliate, and determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe the charge is true irrespective of the decision or action, if any, of the Commission. C. The Commission may waive initial processing of a charge to the appropriate federal or state agency as outlined in the worksharing agreements and/or otherwise agreed upon by the agencies involved. Reasons for waiving initial processing may include but not be limited to: potential for conflict of interest, workload or nature of the case. The Executive Director is hereby authorized to make these decisions on behalf of the Commission. D. Jurisdiction over a charge may be claimed by a federal or state agency if the Commission does not meet certain statutory or administrative requirements as may be outlined in the rules or regulations of said federal or state agencies. 8. Service or Notice of Charge Within ten (10) days after the filing of a charge in the Agency office, the Agency shall cause the Respondent to be served a copy of the charge. 9. Answer to Charge; Amendments A. The Respondent may answer the charge or any amendments thereto. The answer must be filed within ten (10) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays) after service of the charge or amendment. B. The answer shall respond to the Agency interrogatory and.shall state in concise, plain terms the defenses to each claim asserted in the charge, and shall admit or deny each and every allegation in the charge. If the Respondent is without sufficient knowledge or information to form a belief as to the truth or falsity of the allegations, the answer shall so state and such statement shall have the force of a denial. The answer shall be verified by the Respondent and shall contain the mailing address of the Respondent. 7 C. Failure to file a timely answer or other response may be deemed an admission of such allegation and may result in the initiation of investigation or hearing proceedings. D. Upon application, the Executive Director may, for good cause shown, extend the time within which the answer or other response may be filed. E. The answer or any portion thereof, may be amended as a matter of right at any time before the hearing, and thereafter in the discretion of the Hearing Panel on application for such amendment; provided, however, that the Respondent shall have the right to amend his answer to an amended charge within such period as may be fixed by the Executive Director or Hearing Panel. 2.010 INVESTIGATION 1. Investigative Authority A. The investigation of a charge shall be made by the Agency. During the course of such investigation, the Agency may utilize the services of state agencies which are charged with the administration of fair employment practice laws or fair housing laws or appropriate federal agencies, and may utilize the information gathered by such authorities or agencies. As part of each investigation and in addition to any other documentation, the Agency will accept any statement of position or evidence with respect to the allegations of the charge which any person wishes to submit. B. The Executive Director shall designate an investigator from the Agency and shall establish a case management record assuring a prompt and thorough investigation of the allegations of the charge. (See Section 3.010(1)). C. The investigator may conduct informal or formal interviews and submit written or oral requests for "information; request and obtain production o of relevant documents and ph~sical evidence; and use all methods of investigation customarily allowed by comparable administrative/ investigative agencies as may be authorized by the Act, general law, \ the Ordinances or these Rules of Practice and Procedure. D. Production of Evidence During Inves~igation (1) An investigator may, at any reasonable time, request access to 'premises, records, and documents relevant to investigation of the charge. 8 2. (2) If such request is denied, the Agency may issue a subpoena pursuant to Section 2.010(2). E. The Agency may require a Factfinding Conference with the parties prior to a preliminary determination on a charge of discrimination. The conference is primarily an investigative forum intended to define the issues, to determine which elements are undisputed, to resolve those issues that can be resolved, and to ascertain whether there is a basis for negotiated settlement or continued investigation of the charge. F. The information gathered by the Agency at any stage of these proceedings may be presented at any subsequent hearings or be used against either party. A member of the Agency, who initially serves as investigator/ conciliator, may present the case on behalf of the Charging Party at subsequent hearings conducted pursuant to Section 2.040. Access to and Production of Evidence; Testimony of Witnesses; Procedure and Authority for Issuance of Subpoenas A. To effectuate the purposes of these Ordinances, the Hearing Panel and/or the Executive Director shall have the authority to issue a subpoena requiring: (1) The attendance and testimony of witnesses; (2) After having first sought voluntary response, the production of evidence including, but not limited to books, records, correspondence or documents, in the possession or under the control of the person subpoenaed; and (3) Access to relevant and material evidence for the purposes of examination and copying. The subpoena shall state the name, title, capacity and 'address of its issuer; the authority under which it is issued; the identity of the person or evidence subpoenaed; the name of the person to whom and the place, date and the time at which it is returnable; the nature of the evidence to be examined or copies; and the date and time when access is requested. Each application for a subpoena shall be accompanied by , a supporting affidavit which should include complete reasons why the person, document, or item sought ar~ needed, including a statement of the relevance and significance of the person or thing to the case and the effect the failure to issue a subpoena would have on the case. A subpoena shall be returnable to the Agency. Any party may request that a. subpoena be issued. () 9 B. Any person served with a subpoena who fails to comply therewith may, within five (5) days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays) after the date of service of the subpoena upon him, directly petition the Superior Court of New Hanover County to revoke or modify the subpoena. In the alternative, at the election of the petitioner, such appeal may first be heard administratively by a Hearing Panel from the issuance of a subpoena by the Executive Director; and by the Commission from the issuance of a subpoena by a Hearing Panel. All appeals from the issuance of a subpoena by the Commission shall be to the Superior Court of New Hanover County. If a Hearing Panel is selected to review a subpoena issued by the Executive Director, said Panel may also serve as the Hearing Panel in the event the case goes to hearing as set forth in Section 2.040(4). All petitions shall be filed with the Hearing Panel, Commission, or the Superior Court of New Hanover County as applicable, and a copy thereof shall be served on the persons who issued the subpoena and requested its issuance. The :petition shall separately identify each portion of the subpoena to which the petitioner objects and shall state, with respect to each such portion, the grounds for objection. A copy of the subpoena shall be attached to the petition as an exhibit. Within eight (8) days after receipt thereof or as soon thereafter as practicable, the appropriate body shall make a determination upon the petition, stating reasons therefor. Any person who has issued or requested the issuance of a subpoena shall abstain from reviewing on appeal any petition to modify or revoke the subpoena. The Agency shall cause to be served a copy of the final determination of the petition upon all interested parties, stating reasons therefor. For purposes of this section, service shall be made and proof thereof established pursuant to N. C. General Statutes lA-1, Rule 45(e). C. The issuer may follow the same procedure set forth in paragraph (B) above to enforce the subpoena in the event of disobedience or non- compliance. D. Following initial review and upon petition of the aggrieved party, any final determination by a Hearing Pa?e1 regarding the revocation, modification or enforcement of a subpoena shall be subject to further review by the Commission pursuant to Section 2.040(21) prior to any judicial review. 10 E. Upon the failure of any person to comply with a subpoena issued under this section, the Commission may apply to the Superior Court of New Hanover County for an order to compel enforcement of the subpoena. 3. Right to Inspect or Copy Data Any party and any other person who submits data or evidence to the Agency may, on payment of reasonable cost, procure a copy'of the transcript, except that a non-party witness may for good cause be limited to inspection of the official transcript of his testimony. 2.020 DISMISSAL, CLOSURE OR PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION 1. Dismissal: Procedure and Authority A. Where a charge on its face, or as amplified by the statements of the person claiming to be aggrieved discloses, or where after investigation the Agency detennines, that the charge and every portion thereof is not timely filed, or otherwise fails to state a claim under the Ordinances, the charge shall be dismissed by the Commission. B. Where the Commission determines after investigation that there is not reasonable cause to believe that the Ordinances have been violated, the charge may be dismissed by the Commission. C. Where the Charging Party fails to provide requested necessary information, fails or refuses to appear or to be available for interviews or conferences as necessary, fails or refuses to provide information requested by the Agency pursuant to Section 2.010, or otherwise refuses to cooperate and after due notice to which the Charging Party has thirty (30) days to respond, the charge may be dismissed by the Commission. D. Where the Charging Party cannot be located, the charge may be dismissed by the Commission; provided, that reasonable efforts have been made to locate the Charging Party and the Charging Party has not responded within thirty (30) days to a notice sent by the Agency to the person's (') last kno\~ address. E. Where a Respondent has made a settlement offer described in Section 2.020(2) which is in writing and specific in its terms, and which would , afford full relief for the harm alleged by the Charging Party, and the Charging Party fails to accept such an offer within thirty (30) days after actual notice of the offer, the charge may be dismissed by the Corrunission. 11 F. Written notice of disposition, pursuant to paragraphs (A), (B), (C) (D) and (E) of this Section, shall be issued to the Respondent, Charging Party and to the aggrieved person (if different than the Charging Party). G. The Commission hereby delegates authority to the Executive Director to dismiss charges. The authority of the Commission to reconsider decisions and determinations as set forth in Section 2.020(4) shall be applicable to this section. 2. Negotiated Settlement A. At any time prior to the issuance of a preliminary determination, the Agency may encourage the parties to settle the charge on terms that are mutually agreeable. The Executive Director shall have the authority to sign any settlement agreement which is agreeable to both parties. If such settlement is reached, Charging Party and Commission agree not to institute a law suit under these Ordinances or 'related laws. Such settlements shall note that the Connnission has made no judgement on the merits of the charge. Such an agreement shall not affect the processing of any other charge, including, but not limited to a Commissioner charge or a charge, the allegations of which are like or related to the individual allegations settled, or a charge filed with another federal or state agency or court of competent jurisdiction. B. In the alternative, the Agency may facilitate a settlement between the person claiming to be aggrieved and the Respondent by permitting withdrawal of the charge pursuant to Section 2.000(6). C. The negotiated settlement agreement constitutes the complete understanding between the Respondent, Charging Party, and the Commission. No other promises or agreements shall be binding unless signed by these parties. D. This agreement does not constitute an admission by the Respondent of any violation of the Ordinances or any other statute, rule, regulation, ordinance, order of any other authority. E. The Respondent will agree to provide written notice to the Executive Director within ten (10) days of satisfying each obligation required in the agreement. F. The parties agree that the negotiated settlement agreement may be used as evidence in a.subsequent proceeding in which any of the parties 12 allege a breach of the agreement. 3. Preliminary Reasonable Cause Determination: Procedure and Authority A. Where a charge has not been settled or dismissed, the Agency shall, after making investigative efforts, determine whether reasonable cause exists to believe that the Ordinances have been violated. A preliminary determination as to reasonable cause is based on, and limited to, evidence obtained by the Agency and does not reflect any judgement on the merits of allegations not addressed in the determination. B. The Agency shall provide prompt notification of its preliminary determination under paragraph (A) of this section to the Charging Party, aggrieyed..person (if qifferent than_the Charging Party). and the Respondent. C. The Commission hereby delegates to the Executive Director the authority, upon completion of an investigation, to: dismiss a charge or make a preliminary determination as to the existence of reasonable cause to believe Respondent committed a discriminatory practice; issue a letter of preliminary determination; and cause a copy thereof to be served upon the parties. 4. Reconsideration A. The Agency may reconsider its preliminary determination. B. Either party, within two (2) weeks after the date of a preliminary determination, may file with the Agency an application for reconsideration. Such application must be in writing, stating specifically the ground upon which it is based and shall contain additional evidence or information which has not been considered by the Agency during its investigation together with a statement of the reasons that such information was not submitted or available during the investigation. C. In cases where the Agency decides to reconsider a dismissal or preliminary determination. a notice of intent to reconsider shall be issued forthwith. The notice of intent to reconsider will vacate the dismissal or preliminary determination. After reconsideration the Agency will issue a preliminary determination or dismissal anew. 13 2.030 CONCILIATION 1. Conciliation: Procedure and Authority A. Where the Agency preliminarily determines that there is reasonable cause to believe that an unlawful housing or employment practice has occurred or is occurring, it shall endeavor to eliminate such practice by informal methods of conference, conciliation and persuasion. In conciliating a case in which a preliminary determination of reasonable cause has been made, the Agency shall attempt to achieve a just resolution of all violations found, to obtain agreement that the Respondent will eliminate the unlawful housing or employment practice, and to provide appropriate affirmative relief. ~1ere such conciliation attempts are successful, the terms of the conciliation agreement shall be reduced to writing and shall be signed by the Executive Director and the parties. A copy of the signed agreement shall be served on each of the parties. B. Proof of the compliance with the Ordinances in accordance with the terms of the agreement shall be obtained by the Agency before the case is closed. In those instances in which a person claiming to be aggrieved or a member of the class'claimed to be aggrieved by the practices alleged in the charge is not a party to such an agreement, the agreement shall not extinguish or in any way prejudice the rights of such person to proceed in court under Section 3.9 of the Ordinances. 2.040 HEARING Where the Agency is unable to obtain voluptary compliance as provided by the Ordinances and it determines that further efforts to do so would be futile or nonproductive, the Commission shall, through the Executive Director, so notify the Respondent and Charging Party in writing that a hearing will be conducted pursuant to Sections 3.4 of the Ordinances, which hearing shall follow to the extent possible the general provisions of the North Carolina Administrative Procedures Act (N.C. General Statutes 150-A). 1. Notice of Hearing, Answer A. If within sixty (60) days after a preliminary cause determination has been issued, a conciliation agreement has not been reached, or earlier, if either party has refused to conciliate, the parties shall be served with a Notice of Hearing. 14 B. The date of the hearing shall be no more than sixty (60) and no less than thirty (30) days from the dateof Notice. Insetting the time for such a hearing, the Commission shall take into consideration the possibility that additional efforts at voluntary resolution may be successful in obtaining a conciliation agreement satisfactory to the parties and the Commission. C. The Notice shall contain: (1) A statement describing the. preliminary determination, the proposed hearing, the purposes and nature of the hearing, the composition of the Hearing Panel to decide the matter, and the respective rights of the parties. (2) The names of the persons to serve on the Hearing Panel. (3) The name, official title, address and telephone number of a Commission or Agency member or employee to contact for further information. (4) A statement that the parties are encouraged to appear at the hearing and may only waive their right to appear pursuant to Section 2.040(17). Such notice shall also state that failure to appear or otherwise voluntarily comply with requests for information may result in the issuance of a subpoena pursuant to Section 2.010(2). (5) The names and addresses of all persons to whom the notice is being given. (6) Time, date and place of any pre-hearing conference and the scheduled hearing. (7) Any other information that may advise the parties of the applicable procedure to be followed for the hearing, including conditions which may generally lead to the continuance or default of the opportunity for a hearing. (8) A statement that voluntary compliance with the Ordinances is the preferred course of action and that the hearing can be cancelled at any time, if the parties and Commission enter into a satisfactory resolution of the matter. (9) A right to representation at the hearing. 15 (10) The names of proposed witnesses deemed to be necessary or proper together with a request to submit the names and address of all other suggested witnesses within ten (10) days. The parties shall be reminded that harassment or intimidation of witnesses shall constitute retaliation in violation of these Ordinances. D. The notice shall be accompanied by a copy of the charge together with any amendments. The notice shall require that the Respondent provide a written answer to the charge or any amendments thereto within twenty (20) days of receipt of the notice if none has hereto for been filed. If the Respondent has previously filed an answer to the initial charge, he shall notify the Agency of his intention to rely upon said answer or to file any amendments thereto within twenty (20) days of receipt of the Notice. Failure to so notify the Agency shall constitute a waiver of this right to file further answer. E. The answer or any other response shall be filed at the offices of the Agency. F. The Agency shall furnish a copy of the answer to the Charging Party and any other party to the proceeding upon its receipt. 2. Failure to Answer If the Respondent fails to answer the charge or any amendments thereto within the time allowed under these regulations, the Hearing Panel may enter its default and the hearing shall proceed on the evidence in support of the charge. The default may be set aside for good cause shown upon equitable terms and conditions. 3. Request for Hearing If either party has not received a Notice of Hearing within ninety (90) days after the preliminary cause determination has been issued, he may request the Commission to schedule a hearing and the Commission shall immediately proceed to issue the Notice as provided for in Section 2.040(1). 4. Who Conducts and Presides at a Hearing; Advance Notice A. The Hearing Panel as defined shall conduct the hearing. B. The Presiding Officer shall be named and the parties notified in sufficient time prior to the hearing, to allow the parties to prepare for the hearing. 16 5. Disqualification A. If for any reason a Hearing Officer determines that personal bias or other factors render him unable to conduct or participate in a hearing in an impartial manner, he shall disqualify himself in writing to the COlmnission stating the reasons for disqualification. B. Any party may petition the Commission .to disqualify a Hearing Officer for prejudice, personal bias, conflict of interest, or inability to conduct the hearing and perform all duties impartially. (1) The petition must be in writing, verified and must state all facts the party deems relevant to the disqualification of the Hearing Officer. (2) The petition for disqualification must be submitted in a timely manner. It is timely if: (a) The petitioner files the petition with the Commission before the hearing begins; or (b) The petitioner files the petition at the first opportunity after becoming a\vare of facts which give rise to a reasonable belief that the Hearing Officer may be disqualified under this section. C. Upon receipt of a petition for disqualification, the Commission shall determine the matter as a part of the record in the case and the record shall include the order disqualifying or retaining the Hearing Officer and the reasons therefor. A vote to disqualify a Hearing Officer must receive a majority of the votes of the Commissioners eligible to vote on the matter. A Commissioner shall not participate in the vote on his personal disqualification. The determination shall be subject to judicial review at the close of the proceeding. D. When the Hearing Officer is disqualified or it is impracticable for him ~) to continue the hearing, another Hearing Officer shall be assigned to continue with the case unless it is shown that substantial prejudice to any party will result, in which event a new hearing must be held or the case dismissed without prejudice. 6. Powers of the Hearing Panel The Hearing Panel may: A. Provide for the taking of testimony by deposition as provided in Section 2.040(13), or utilization of other discovery procedures 17 pursuant to Section 2.040(10); B. Regulate the course of the hearings, set the time and place for continued hearings, and fix the time for filing briefs or other documents; C. Call a pre-hearing conference as provided in Section 2.040(9); D. Issue subpoenas in the name of the Commission as provided in Section 2.020(2); and E. Render final determinations on behalf of the Commission as to whether Respondent committed discriminatory practices as charged, in violation of the Ordinances. 7. Separation of Functions A. No person who has served as an investigator or advocate at any stage of the proceeding, and no person subject to the authority of such a person (including the Executive Director or other members of the Agency) may advise any Commission member or Hearing Officer on the merits or serve as a Hearing Officer. Such a person may, however, serve as a witness at a hearing. B. A Presiding Officer may preside at successive stages of the same proceeding unless a party demonstrates grounds for disqualification. 8. Ex Parte Contacts A. Any Hearing Officer who discusses a charge with anyone at any time before the hearing or initiation of pre-hearing procedures shall disqualify himself from participating in or voting on any hearing or pre-hearing procedures affecting that charge which comes before the Hearing Panel and from voting on the question of final disposition of the charge. B. Before selecting a Hearing Panel, the Commission shall ascertain that the proposed Hearing Officers have not had any discussions with o anyone in violation of subsection (A). C. No Hearing Officer assigned to make a decision or to make findings of fact and conclusions of law in a hearing shall communicate directly or indirectly with any person in regard to any circumstances affecting the controversy at issue outside the confines of the official hearings. 9. Pre-hearing Conference A. The Hearing Panel may direct the parties to conduct informal pre-hearing conferences at a time and place selected by the Hearing Panel. The 18 parties may agree on a substitute time and place, provided they so notify the Presiding Officer. The Presiding Officer shall give written notice of the time and place at least five (5) days prior to the pre-hearing conference, to all parties in the proceedings. B. In the Hearing Panel's discretion, all or part of the pre-hearing conference may be conducted by telephone, or other electronic means, if each participant in the pre-hearing conference has an opportunity to participate in and to hear the entire proceeding while it is taking place. C. The parties shall conduct the pre-hearing conference to deal, where applicable, with: (1) Exploring settlement possibilities; (2) Formulating, clarifying, and simplifying the issues to be contested at the hearing; (3) Preparing stipulations of facts or conclusions of law; (4) Determining the identity and number of witnesses; (5) Determining the extent to which evidence will be presented in written form and disposing of any questions by the parties about its authenticity; (6) Determining what subpoenas will be needed; (7) Determining the need for consolidation of cases or joint hearings; and (8) Considering any other matters which may promote the prompt, orderly, and efficient disposition of the case. D. Statements made at pre-hearing conference may not be introduced at the hearing unless all parties consent. No transcript of the conference shall be made. E. The Hearing Panel shall direct the preparation of pre-hearing conference order to include all of the agreements and orders-derived from the o conference; in cases where the employee is represented by an attorney, his attorney shall prepare the order. All parties shall sign the order and submit it to the Hearing Panel for approval and signature by the Presiding Officer. The Hearing Panel may modify the order as necessary to promote fairness and the prompt, orderly and efficient conduct of the proceedings. The order shall be included in the official record of the proceedings. 19 o 10. Discovery The Hearing Panel shall offer to the parties the option of utilizing all discovery procedures set forth in the N. C. Rules of Civil Procedures, G.S. lA-I. In particular, Rule 37 of the Rules of Procedure shall apply, except that all motions shall be initially addressed to the Hearing Panel rather than the court. For the sake of expediency, all further review shall be on appeal to the Commission prior to seeking judicial review. 11. Composition of the Official Record at the Beginning of the Hearing The record at the beginning of the proceeding shall consist of: A. Charge as it may have been amended; B. Answer as it may have been amended; C. Notice of Hearing; D. Preliminary motions; E. Responses and rulings made by Hearing Panel; and F. Stipulations entered into prior to the beginning of the hearing. 12. Order of Presentation Unless otherwise directed by the Hearing Panel in their discretion, the following sequence shall be followed: A. Both parties shall be allowed to make opening statements to serve as outlines for what they hope to establish at the hearing; B. The Charging Party shall next present his evidence; C. The Respondent shall then present his evidence; D. Both parties may then offer rebuttal of evidence; and E. After all witnesses and evidence have been presented, each party may, if he chooses, make a closing statement. This statement summarizes the evidence the party has presented at the hearing and the conclusions he feels that the evidence shows. The Charging Party shall make the last closing statements. 13. Witnesses A. The testimony of all witnesses shall be taken under oath or a solemn affirmation. B. After the witness has been sworn, the Presiding Officer should inform him of the nature of the hearing unless it appears that the witness has been previously so informed. 20 C. The Presiding Officer should protect every witness from improper questions and harsh or insulting treatment. D. The Presiding Officer may request or direct a witness to refrain from discussing his testimony with another witness or any other person not having an official interest in the inquiry. E. It is the duty of each party to arrange for the attendance of all the respective witnesses subject to Section 2.010(2). F. If witnesses are allowed to remain in the hearing room during the testimony of other witnesses, the Presiding Officer should so indicate for the record. G. Each party shall have an opportunity to cross examine the opposing party and the witnesess of the opposing party. H. Hearing Officers may ask questions of the parties and witnesses to clarify factual situations and to obtain background facts necessary to a determination of the issue. I. A deposition of a party or a witness may be received into evidence in accordance with the N. C. Rules of Civil Procedure, G.S. lA-I. 14. Evidence A. Unless both parties agree to use the strict rules of evidence as used in the General Court of Justice, the rules in this section shall apply. B. Evidence shall be admitted in accordance with Chapter l50A of the General Statutes (the Administrative Procedure Act) which provides: (1) Irrelevant, immaterial and unduly repetitious evidence shall be excluded at the hearing. (2) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection, the rules of evidence as applied in the trial division of the General Court of Justice will be followed, but when evidence is not reasonably available under those rules to show relevant facts, they may be shown by the most reliable and substantial evidence available. (3) It shall not be necessary for a party to object at the hearing to evidence presented before the Hearing Panel in order to preserv~ the right to object to its consideration by the Commission upon administrative review or by the. court on judicial review. C. Other Rules of Evidence (1) Each party shall be responsible for the compilation of evidence 21 and going forward with the presentation of his respective case; provided, the Agency may, in the Executive Director's discretion, present the case on behalf of the Charging Party, if requested by such party to do so. (2) Both oral testimony and documentary evidence may be presented. Official notice may be taken on matters specified in subsection (D) below. (3) Evidence in a hearing, including records and documents, shall be made a part of the record. Other factual information or evidence shall not be considered in determination of the case, except officially noticed facts as permitted by Sections 2.040(14)(D) and 2.040 (18) (D) (3). (4) Documentary evidence may be received in the form of a copy or excerpt or may be incorporated by reference, if the materials so incorporated are available for examination by the parties. Upon timely request, a party shall be given an opportunity to compare the copy with the original, if available. D. Official Notice May be Taken of: (1) All facts of which judicial notice may be taken. (2) Other facts within the specialized' knowledge of the reviewing body. The noticed fact and its source shall be stated and made known to affected parties at the earliest practicable time, and any party shall on timely request be given an opportunity to dispute the noticed fact through submission of evidence and argument. E. All questions of procedure and admissibility of evidence shall be addressed to and decided by the Presiding Officer. This ruling shall be binding unless a member of the Commission or Hearing Panel objects. In that case, a majority of the Commission or Hearing Panel shall decide the question. 15. Burden of Proof Except as otherwise provided by law, the burden of proof shall be as follows: A. First, the Charging Party has the burden of proving by the preponderance of the evidence a prima facie' case of discrimination. B. Second, if the Charging Party succeeds in proving the prima facie case, the burden shifts to the Respondent "to articulate some legitimate, non- 22 discriminatory reason" for the alleged charge. C. Third, should the Respondent carry this burden, the Charging Party must then have an opportunity to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the legitimate reasons offered by the Respondent were not his true reasons, but were a pretext for discrimination. The Respondent need not persuade the Hearing Panel that he was actually motivated by the proffered reasons, but it is sufficient if the Respondent's evidence raises a genuine issue of fact as to whether he discriminated against Charging Party. To accomplish this, the Respondent must clearly set forth through the introduction of admissible evidence, the reasons for the Charging Party's rejection. D. The ultimate burden of persuasion of fact that the Respondent intentionally discriminated against the Charging Party remains at all time with the Charging Party. 16. Representation A. The case in support of t'he charge, at the option of the Charging Party, may be presented at the hearing by the Charging Party, with or without an attorney or other representative, or by the Agency. B. The case in support of the Respondent may be presented at the hearing by the Respondent, his attorney, or other representative. -- -.-.- 17. Failure of Party to Appear at Hearing A. A party to a hearing may waive the right to be present during any portion of the proceedings. The waiver must be knowingly and intelligently made by the party and the Hearing Panel shall carefully consider the waiver before proceeding in the party's absence. If a party waives an appearance, the Hearing Panel shall indicate such absence and include the express waiver by the party in the record of proceedings. B. If a party served with notice fails to appear at a scheduled hearing without having waived his right to be present, the Hearing Panel may: (1) Proceed with the hearing in the party's absence, if those parties present do not object; or (2) Order a continuance, and/or cause a subpoena to be issued to compel attendance of a party; or (3) Serve upon all parties written notice of a proposed default order, including a statement of the grounds therefor. 1;' . 23 C. The Hearing Panel may grant continuances only in compelling circumstances and with due regard for the orderly, prompt, and fair conduct of the proceedings. The Hearing Panel may continue the proceedings upon its own motion or in response to a petition from any party. D. Within seven (7) days after service of a proposed default order, the party against whom it was issued may file a written motion requesting that the proposed order be dismissed and stating the grounds relied upon. During the seven (7) day period within which a party may file a written notice under this subsection, the Hearing Panel shall adjourn the proceedings. E. The Hearing Panel shall either issue or dismiss the default order promptly after expiration of the time within which the party may file a written motion under subsection (D) above. (1) The Hearing Panel shall fully consider the grounds relied upon by the party requesting that the order be dismissed. (2) The Hearing Panel shall include in the issuance or dismissal of the default order a concise statement of the reasons for such action. (3) The Hearing Panel's determi.nation of default may be reviewed by the Corrnnission. (4) After issuing a default order, the Hearing Panel shall conduct further proceedings necessary to complete the proceedings without the participation of the defaulting party and shall determine all issues in the proceedings, including those affecting the defaulting party. F. If a hearing is conducted or a decision is reached following a hearing in the absence of a party before the issuance of a default order against him, that party may file a written petition with the Hearing Panel to reopen the hearing. Such a petition must be served on the Agency within five (5) days of the date the hearing concludes. (1) The party shall include a complete statement of the grounds relied upon for the petition. (2) Petitions to reopen the hearing will not be granted except when the petitioner can show that the reasons for his failure to appear were justifiable and unavoidable and that fairness requires -reopening the hearing. , , 24 (3) The decision of the Hearing Panel on the petition to reopen the hearing shall be in writing and shall include the reasons there- for. A copy of the decision shall be made a part of the record, and served on all parties. 18. Final Determinations A. After all the evidence is in, and all statements and arguments have been received, the Presiding Officer shall declare the hearing ended. B. The Hearing Panel may then proceed to a final determination as provided in subsection (C) below, or may adjourn and proceed to a final determination at its next or any subsequent meeting. C. The Hearing Panel shall consider all the evidence, statements, arguments, and proposals for findings of fact and conclusions of law, if any, submitted by both parties. The Hearing Panel shall then make its final decision in writing. The decision shall include findings of fact and conclusions of law. Findings of fact shall be based exclusively on the evidence and matters officially noticed. Findings of fact must be accompanied by a concise, explicit statement of the underlying facts supporting them. D. The Executive Director, in cooperation with the Presiding Officer, shall prepare an official record of the hearing which shall include: (1) Notices, motions, and any other procedural rulings; (2) Questions and offers of proof, objections and rulings thereon; (3) Matters officially noticed, except matters so obvious that a statement of them would serve no useful purpose; (4) A copy of the transcript; and (5) Final determination and order of the Hearing Panel. E. If the review of the record and any submissions by the parties indicates a need for further action before a final decisionois reached, the Hearing Panel may conduct additional proceedings to COErect any inadequacy or incompleteness noted. F. If the review of the record and any pubmissions by the parties indicates that the hearing was fairly and properly conducted, the Hearing Panel shall issue a final determination on the existence or nonexistence of discrimination by Respondent. Any further review of the Hearing Panel's final determination shall be directly to the New Hanover County Superior . .-. 25 Court under Section 3.000 unless the Hearing Panel is composed of less than the full Commission in which case an appeal may first be taken pursuant to Section 21 below. prior to any judicial review. G. Only Hearing Officers present for the entire hearing may participate in the final decision. 19. Dismissal After Hearing If the final determination is that the Respondent has not engaged in an unlawful discriminatory practice, the written decision shall be accompanied by an order dismissing the charge. 20. · Determination of Discriminatory Practice; Relief If the final determination is that the Respondent has engaged in an unlawful discriminatory practice, the written decision shall be accompanied by an order requiring the Respondent to cease and desist from the discriminatory practice and to engage in such additional remedial action as may be appropriate including, but not limited to, such remedial action as is contained in the provisions of Section 3.3F of the Ordinances. 21. Commission Review of Final Determination by Hearing Panel A. The following procedures shall apply only in cases where less than the full Commissionssrves as the Hearing Panel and where an aggrieved party seeks further review of the Hearing Panel's final determination prior to any judicial review. Such request for review must be made within two (2) weeks of the final determination. B. The conduct of these proceedings by the Commission shall, wherever appropriate, be in accordance with Section 2.040, except that where the term "Hearing Panel" is used, the "Commission" shall be substituted, the word "Commissioner" is substituted for "Hearing Officer" and the terms "Superior Court" or "Judge" shall be substituted for "Commission". C. In addition to the provisions of Section 3.000(3)(D)(E), the Commission o may substitute independent findings, conclusion~, opinions, and recommendations based on the evidence. D. When the Commission's final determination is issued, the Executive Director shall include it in the official record, and any further review shall be in accordance with Section 3.000. 22. Notice of Final Disposition The Agency shall furnish a copy of all final determinations and accompanying orders to the parties. , , 26 23. Reconsideration The Hearing Panel may reconsider its final determination provided an applicant complies with the applicable procedures set forth in Section 2.020(4). 24. Open Hearings A. All hearings shall be open to the public, except as provided in Article 33C of Chapter 143 of the N. C. General Statutes (the Open Meetings Law). B. All hearings shall be conducted in an impartial manner. C. The Commission may delay a Notice of Hearing, not to exceed sixty (60) additional days, if it makes a written determination that the effective implementation of the Ordinances would be served by pursuing voluntary conciliation. 3.000 JUDICIAL REVIEW AND APPEAL 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 2.020(2)(A), the Commission may apply to the General Court of Justice, Superior Court Division, at any stage of the proceeding under the Ordinances for an order to show cause why any person should not be held in contempt of the Commission and its processes. The Court shall have the power to impose punishment as for contempt for acts \vhich would constitute direct or indirect contempt if the acts occurred in an action pending in Superior Court. 2. Review of Commi.ssion Orders - Judicial Review of Hearing Panel or Commission Orders shall be in accordance with Article 4 of Chapter 150A of the N.C. General Statues; provided, however, petitions for judicial review shall be filed in the Superior Court of New Hanover County notwithstanding the provisions of N. C. General Statutes 150A-45. 3. Enforcement of Hearing Panel or Commission Orders A. If sixty (60) days after entry of an order of the Hearing Panel or q Commission, a Respondent has neither complied with nor sought review of such order, any aggrieved person or the Commission may apply to the Superior Court of New Hanover County for an order of the court enforcing the order. B. Within thirty (30) days after the court's receipt of the petition for enforcement of the Hearing Panel's or Commission's order or within such ,additional time as the court may allow, the Agency shall transmit to . . 27 the court the original or a certified copy of the entire record of the proceedings leading to the order. With the permission of the court, the record may be shortened by stipulation of all parties. Any party unreasonably refusing to stipulate to limit the record may be taxed by the court for such additional costs as may be occasioned by the refusal. The court may require or permit subsequent corrections or additions to the record when deemed desirable. C. The hearing on the petition for enforcement of the Hearing Panel's or Commission's order shall be conducted by the court without a jury. The court shall hear oral arguments and receive written briefs, but shall take no evidence not offered at the hearing below; except that in cases of alleged irregularities in procedure before..the reviewing body below not shown in the record, testimony thereon may be taken by the court; and except that were no record was made of the proceeding or the record is inadequate, the judge in his discretion may hear all or part of the matter de novo. D. The court shall issue the order requiring~compliance with the Hearing Panel's or Commission's order unless it finds that enforcement of the order would prejudice substantial rights of the party against whom the order is sought to be enforced because the findings, inferences, conclusions or decisions of the Hearing Panel or Commission are: (1) In violation of constitutional provisions (2) In excess of the statutory authority or jurisdiction of the Commission (3) Made upon unlawful procedure (4) Affected by other error of law (5) Unsupported by substantial evidence in view of the entire record as submitted (6) Arbitrary or capricious E. If/the court declines to enforce the Hearing Panel's or Commission's orders for one of the reasons specified in subsection 3.000(3)(D), it shall either: (1) Dismiss the petition (2) Modify the Hearing Panel's or Commission's order and enforce it as modified. . ~ I " 28 (3) Remand the case to the Hearing Panel or Commission for further proceedings. F. Any party to the hearing on the petition for enforcement of the Hearing Panel's or Commission's orders may appeal the court's decision to the appellate division under the rules of procedure applicable to other civil cases. 3.010 CONFIDENTIALITY OF ENDEAVORS 1. Neither a charge, nor information obtained pursuant to the investigation of the charge, nor information obtained from records required to be kept or reports required to be filed pursuant to the Ordinances, shall be made matters of public information by the Agency or Cornmission prior to the institution of a hearing under the Ordinances involving such charge or information. 2. Factual information obtained by the Agency on behalf of the COlmnission during inforlnal endeavors will be made a part of the file and will be considered by the Agency or the Commission and used as evidence in this or subsequent proceedings related to the case, except that settlement proposals will not be made public or used as evidence without written consent of parties concerned. 3. Factual information may be disclosed to representatives of authorized federal, state or local agencies as may be appropriate or necessary to the carrying out of the Commission's functions under. the Ordinances; provided, however, that the Commission may refuse to make disclosures to any such agency which does not maintain the confidentiality of such endeavors in accord with this section or in any circumstances where the disclosures will not serve the purposes of the effective enforcement of the Ordinances. 4. Nothing contained in this Section shall prevent the publication, by the Agency or Commission, of data derived"from such factual information in a o form which does not reveal the identity of Charging Party, Respondent, or person supplying the information. 5. Parties will be discouraged from discussing the charge with the public. I 3.020 CIVIL ACTION 1. Any Charging Party dissatisfied with th~ Commission's final disposition of a matter may bring a civil action in the Superior Court Division of the General Court of Justice of New Hanover County against the person allegedly engaging in the unlawful discriminatory practice. Such civil action for .. l, 29 an unlawful housing or employment practice may not be brought more than one (1) year after a charge thereof was filed with the Commission or more than sixty (60) days after the Charging Party's receipt of notification of the Hearing Panel's or Commission's final disposition of the matter, whichever is later. 2. Notice of Civil Action All letters of determination or dismissal issued by the Hearing Panel or Commission shall include notice of the recourse to civil action as set forth in paragraph (1) of this section in addition to a summary of the other rights available to the parties under the Ordinances. 3. Injunctions; Equitable Relief A. Equitable Relief as to Housing: If the court finds that the Respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful housing practice as charged, the court may grant as relief, as it deems appropriate, any permanent or temporary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other order, and may award to the Charging Party actual damages, including compensation for humiliation and embarrassment, and not more than One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) in punitive damages. B. Equitable Relief as to Employment: If the court in any action under Section 3 of the Fair Employment Ordinance finds that the Respondent has engaged in or is engaging in an unlawful employment practice as charged, the court may enjoin the Respondent from engaging in such unlawful employment practice; and may order such remedial action including, but not limited to, the action contained in Section 3.3F of the Fair Employment Ordinance; and may order any other equitable relief as the court deems appropriate. Back pay liability shall not accrue from a date more than two (2) years prior to the filing of a charge with the Commission. Interim earnings or amounts earnable with o reasonable diligence by the person or persons discriminated against shall operate to reduce the back pay otherwise allowable. No order of the court shall require the admission or reinstatement, or promotion of an individual as a member of a union or the hiring, reinstatement, or promotion of an individual as an employee, or the payment to him of any back pay, if such individual was refused admission, suspended, or expelled, or was refused employment or advancement or was suspended or discharged for any reason other than discrimination on account of '" , .' 30 race, color, religion, sex, national origin, handicap or age (40-70) in violation of the Fair Employment Ordinance. 4. Attorney's Fees In any action or proceeding under the Ordinances, the court, in its discretion, may allow the prevailing party, other than the Commission, a reasonable attorney's fee as part of the costs. 4.000 CONSTRUCTION OF RULE~ Rules to be Liberally Construed 1. Amendments to charges, answers, or other documents required under these Rules of Practice and Procedure shall be liberally granted. 2. For good cause where the moving party shows the purpose is not solely for delay and the adverse party will not be materially prejudiced, the times specified herein may be altered to allow reductions, extensions or continuances; provided, however, that no provision in the nature of a statute of limitation, condition precedent, or otherwise conferring jurisdic- tion over the matter (specifically Sections 2.000(5), 3.000(3)..and 3.020(1)) shall be altered. The general purpose of these regulations is to facilitate the prompt disposition of all charges filed hereunder while at each stage of the proceedings affording procedural due process rights to all parties. 3. Disclaimer The adoption of the Ordinances, the Rules of Practice and Procedure promulgated thereunder, and the enforcement of the various provisions contained therein is in the exercise of the County's governmental power and nothing contained herein shall be deemed to waive the County's sovereign immunity. A party who may exercise any of the rights and privileges herein shall do so at his own risk, and the County assumes no liability for their acts, offilllissions, or disobedience of any of their provisions. ~9l0 tSSUANCE, AMENDMENT OR REPEAL OF RULES 1. Petitions Any interested person may petition the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners, in writing, for the issuance, amendment or repeal of a rule or regulation. Such petition shall be filed with the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and shall state the rule or regulation proposed to be issued, amended or repealed, together with a statement of grounds in support of such petition. Aot '.,.) 31 2. Action on Petition Upon the filing of such petition, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners shall consider the same and may thereupon either grant or deny the petition in whole or in part, conduct an appropriate proceeding thereon or make other disposition of the petition. Should the petition be denied in whole or in part, prompt notice shall be given of the denial, accompanied by a simple statement of the grounds unless the denial be self-explanatory. The New Hanover Human Relations Commission will follow these Rules of Practice and Procedure which shall be supplemented by the appropriate provisions of the Bylaws of the New Hanover Human Relations Commission and, where applicable, the provisions of various federal or state procedures including the EEOC Compliance Manual (particularly the sections on Factfinding and Negotiated Settlements), EEOC procedural regulations (46 CFR 16.01), and the North Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure (N.C. General Statutes lA-I). \) .....~ . ~ ['. I' I (" \, ! - ,.. \ >f~S'L'---/ Chairperson New Hanover County Board of Commissioners These Rules of Practice and Procedure adopted at a regular meeting on 9(1'I'-"j'~';1 /7 , 1982. ATTE : ~ ,/ ) 'J i." t.. e.-L '- I a. c. '). /1 County Clerk , i'l dt vl'"..t.., ,e.;.1./ t..J d. e. __ a~;:oity: County Attorney