1991-08-19 Work Session
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MINUTES OF WORK SESSION, AUGUST 19, 1991
Page 594
ASSEMBLY
The New Hanover County Board of Commissioners held a Work
Session on Monday, August 19, 1991, at 1:35 o'clock P.M. in
Conference Room 501 of the New Hanover county Administration
Building, 320 Chestnut Street, Wilmington, North Carolina.
Members present were:
Robert G. Greer; William H.
Jr.; Chairman Fred Retchin;
Attorney, Robert W. Pope;
Harrell.
commissioners Jonathan Barfield, Sr.;
Sutton; Vice-Chairman E. L. Mathews,
County Manager, Allen O'Neal; County
and Clerk to the Board, Lucie F.
.
Chairman Retchin called the meeting to order and stated the
purpose of the Work Session is to hear a presentation on the
functions of the Human Relations Commission.
OVERVIEW OF HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
William R. Jessup, Director of the Human Relations
Commission, expressed appreciation for an opportunity to share
the activities and functions of the Human Relations Commission.
Facts were presented on the following major topics:
I. Historical Highlights, 1963 - 1991
- The Wilmington-New Hanover Bi-Racial Committee
was formed in 1963 composed of 5 black men and
5 white men to deal with racial issues that
were being experienced throughout the country.
- After experiencing many ups and downs, the Bi-
Racial Committee began working together to
identify the needs of the community and
changed their name to the "Good Neighbor
Council" when the State formed a Good Neigh-
bor Council.
.
- During the period of the Good Neighbor Council,
the Federal Court issued the court order for
school desegregation without adequate prepar-
ation for this dramatic change. Times were tur-
bulent and it was felt that the Good Neighbor
Council had not functioned satisfactorily in
promoting human relations within the community.
- In 1971 the Wilmington City Council requested
a group from Winston-Salem to perform a study
concerning human relations. The study recom-
mended establishment of a Human Relations Com-
mission and an ordinance was adopted by the
City Council with appointment of 36 members to
the first Human Relations Commission.
- In order to become a more effective group, a
director was appointed in 1975. In 1979, the
County and City sought and received enabling
legislation for a local Fair Employment Law to
deal with local needs. In 1980 the Commission
became a County agency, and the Fair Employment
and Fair Housing Ordinances were enacted in
1981.
.
II. Federal - State Relationships
- 1977 Designated as an EEOC "709" Agency
- 1980 Designated as an EEOC "706" Agency
- 1981 Designated as HUD "Fair Housing Practice Agency"
- 1987 Designated as EEOC "certified" Agency
- 1989 Requested by the National organization on Dis-
ability to Serve as a Representative Member.
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL WORK SESSION
PAGE 595
- 1989 Contacted by the Department of Justice
to enter into an "Immigration" agreement.
- 1990 Entered into a "Hate Crime" agreement with
the N. C. Human Relations Commission
- 1991 HUD "Recertification" (proposed)
III.
Committees & Major Activities
.
-Community Awareness
-Disabled Persons
-Hearing
-Homeless
-Human Relations Month
-Youth
IV.
statistical Analysis from 1981 to 1990
Discussion was held on training that has been provided by
EEOC and HUD for interpreting and understanding the investigative
process of the Fair Employment and Fair Housing laws. This
training has enabled the Human Relations Commission to provide
workshops and technical assistance to local businesses in
understanding the employment and housing laws.
Discussion was held on the current contract with EEOC and
the amount of federal funds received for investigating and
processing a case. Rates fluctuate depending upon the number of
cases closed annually. The current rate of funding is $400 per
case. In the past the rate has varied from a low of $350 per
case to a high of $500 per case.
.
Discussion was held on the contract wi th HUD for
administration of the Fair Housing Assistance Program. The
current rate of funding is $650 per case plus training funds to
enable the Human Relations staff to participate in mandatory
training requirements.
Director Jessup presented a typical example of a case from
the in-take officer through the investigative process, closing
and/or settlement of the case. Further discussion was held on
New Hanover County being the only county in the state that
provides this type of service. Chairman Retchin inquired as to
how other counties handle Fair Employment and Fair Housing
complaints?
Director Jessup stated complaints are processed through EEOC
or the state depending upon the nature of the case.
commissioner Sutton stated cases forwarded to EEOC or the
State are usually not negotiated and settled; therefore, there
are many dissatisfied employees and employers; whereas, in New
Hanover County most of the cases are negotiated to a satisfactory
settlement. He stated the personnel managers of local companies
are quite pleased with the services rendered by the Human
Relations Commission.
.
Further discussion was held on the percentage of federal
funds received from EEOC and HUD for rendering the programs.
Commissioner Sutton inquired as to the amount of funds received
during the past fiscal year?
Director Jessup stated the Human Relations Budget for FY
1990-91 was $276,000 with the following breakdown:
County Funds
Funds Received from EEOC
Funds Received from HUD Contract
$231,000
$ 41,000
$ 4,000
After further discussion of the services rendered and cost
to operate the office without the administration of the Fair
Employment and Fair Housing ordinances, Chairman Retchin, on
behalf of the Board, expressed appreciation to Director Jessup
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MINUTES OF SPECIAL WORK SESSION
PAGE 596 -... .
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for an excellent overview of the Commission's duties and
responsibilities.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion: Commissioner sutton MOVED, SECONDED by Commissioner
Greer to adjourn. Upon vote, the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Chairman Retchin adjourned the meeting at 2:50 o'clock P.M.
~.eCdW~d.
~b F. Harrell
Clerk to the Board
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