DATE: September 22, 2010
TO: Board of County Commissioners
FROM: Mayor Richard T. Crotty
SUBJECT: Human Rights Ordinance
The purpose of this memo is to clear up any misunderstanding that may have occurred
during the September 21st Board discussion regarding a more comprehensive human
rights ordinance for Orange County.
In reviewing my correspondence regarding this proposal, a memo from Commissioner
Stewart’s memo asked me to schedule a Board of County Commissioners workshop to
debate the issue. As our County Attorney explained, placing such a workshop on the
BCC agenda requires an expenditure of county staff time and falls under the purview of
the County Mayor.
It was my understanding that Commissioner Segal was also requesting a workshop.
However, in reviewing his September 13, 2010 memo, I can see that Commissioner
Segal specifically asks to make a “Commissioner’s Report” that allows him to propose
his ideas regarding a County human rights ordinance and domestic partner benefits to
the Board. It is customary to place Commissioner’s Reports on the BCC agenda upon
request. Therefore, I will schedule Commissioner Segal to make his report at a future
Board meeting. Although under the Charter I am not required to schedule workshops a
the direction of the Board, if at that time a simple majority of the Board votes to hold
such a workshop, I agree to schedule one in the coming weeks.
In addition, I have instructed the County Attorney to respond to the procedural issues
raised by Commissioner Stewart during the September 21st Board meeting. I have
asked him to review the legal citations provided by the Commissioner and render an
opinion regarding how we should move forward under our County Charter and rules of
procedure.
cc: Ajit Lalchandani, Orange County Administrator
Tom Drage, County Attorney