DRAFT

MINUTES

COMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS

SEPTEMBER 17, 1996

12 NOON

PRESENT: Chairman: Clinton I. Young, Jr. Members: Lois Bronz,

STAFF: Lynne Creighton, George Gretzas

OTHERS: Karen Hill, Albert Williams, Benjamin Dyett, African American

Advisory Board

The meeting was called to order at 12 Noon by Mr. Young who welcomed the members of the African American Advisory Board.

Ms. Hill commented on how helpful it was to dialogue with Mr. Young, Mrs. Bronz and Mrs. Stewart-Cousins in providing a focal point for the direction the AAAB wants to take. She further stated that as a result of her conversation with them, the AAAB would undertake two immediate initiatives:

1. A mailing to leaders of community-based organizations,

churches, etc. asking about programs in the communities

that make a difference and whether or not they are getting

support from the County.

2. Asking the same mailing group to give a comment on the

May 1 EEO policy of the County that governs what was

previously the Affirmative Action Office.

Ms. Hill said the goal of the AAAB was to become more of a catalyst for having people of color much more involved in commenting on the direction and focus of County government in terms of programs and policy.

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PAGE TWO

COMMITTEE ON MINORITY AFFAIRS

SEPTEMBER 17, 1996

Ms. Hill extended an invitation to the committee to attend future AAAB meetings, particularly as the budget process gets to its final stages and asked for advice and counsel as to ways the AAAB can be helpful.

Some other issues of concern discussed

-- Results of the audit of the Executive Order relating to Economic

Development.

-- Changes in the Dept. of Social Services and making sure that people

have accurate information regarding these changes.

-- Recent contract with Delphi Consulting that relates to part of the

Executive Order.

Mr. Young extended an open invitation to the AAAB to attend all future meetings and there was a discussion on the committee’s efforts to get opportunities for minorities. Mr. Young commented that the Executive Order was a benchmark but not necessarily the gospel for the committee.

Mrs. Bronz said that it was important for the AAAB to attend the Minority Affairs Committee meetings because their involvement in issues and items also related to involvement to the community at large. Mrs. Bronz also said the Minority Affairs committee can deal with some issues, but the final role has to be putting minority issues on the majority agenda so that some action can be taken.

Ms. Hill also expressed concern about the Office of Affirmative Action being consumed by the Personnel office, instead of reporting to the County Executive.

After further discussion of various issues and concerns, the meeting was adjourned at 1:25pm on motion of Mr. Young and seconded by Mrs. Bronz.