Buncombe County Submitted: April 12, 2017 | Updated: June 2, 2017

Equality Task Force [2]

I recently asked for information regarding the Equality Task Force.
1. When did the Commissioners approve and form this Task Force?
Answer: No Equality Task Force has been formed by the Commissioners.

2. Who is on the Task Force and how were they selected?
Answer: There is no Equality Task Force.

3. What is the Equality Task Force's meeting schedule and where do they meet?
Answer: There is no Equality Task Force.

4. Where can the minutes of the Equality Task Force be found?
Answer: There is no Equality Task Force.

5. What are the financials associated with this Task Force?
Answer: There is no Equality Task Force.

In the approved minutes of Buncombe County Board of Commissioners' regular meeting of February 21, 2017 at 5 P.M. Under New Business, Economic Community Investment Model.
I quote: "Commission Frost introduced Dr. Dwight Mullen who was part of the Equality Task Force that included some of the commissioners, community members and staff who had prepared the economic community model." Who were the Commissioners, community members, and staff who served on the Equality Task Force that you responded, doesn't exist.

According to your first response, a request was made to the Commissioners to spend $325,000 of tax payer money, by a Task Force that was not approved by the Commissioners and according to your response, does not exist.

I would like a response that is honest and truthful not fraudulent and intentionally false.

Status: Completed

Activity:

  • June 2, 2017 8:18 am

    6 years ago

    From: Lisa Eby
    Sent: Tuesday, April 18, 2017 3:02 PM
    To: Kathy Hughes <[email protected]>
    Subject: 2nd response to Sunshine Request

    Per the follow up request regarding the board appointed “Equality Task Force,” the following information is provided.

    There have been two Board of Commissioner meetings in which Health and Human  Services (HHS) presented work specific to HHS’s  core mission including the legislatively mandated Community Health Assessment and Community Health Improvement Plans. As part of those plans, annual economic and demographic data is collected.  Due to continued health disparities identified in our community, the social determinants of health were examined through an equity lens.  Social determinants of health are those upstream factors such as housing, income, education that determine health outcomes. At the BOC meetings, a model was discussed that formed the basis for the HHS community work funded through a Mobilizing Action for Resilient Communities Grant that addressed social determinants of health.  The THRIVE model (Tool for Health and Resilience in Vulnerable Environments; https://www.preventioninstitute.org/tools/thrive-tool-health-resilience-vulnerable-environments) focuses on the community determinants, that, when addressed can lead to greater resiliency and ultimately improved health.  These are: people, place, and equitable opportunity.  Community members presented regarding the work that they have done in partnership with HHS that specifically improve conditions within neighborhoods.

    On the video dated June 21, 2016, you will see Commissioner Frost suggests a Task Force and there is no second or action taken(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAFY0te5GyE; view 3:20:24 – 3:21:10). The Commissioners never appointed a task force to our knowledge. The Clerk to the Board would be the official who tracks Commissioner appointed Boards and Commissions. The work presented to the Commissioners is the result of two years of research, data analysis and community input work by HHS. Community input included educational and outreach sessions across the community, HHS Board subject expert presentations, dialog with many public officials, staff, and citizens representing education, nonprofits, faith-based, judicial, social, health and government organizations.

    The funding request made to Commissioners on February 21, 2017 was made as a Departmental request from HHS. The approved funding focuses on pipelines of equitable opportunity for improved educational and economic outcomes.  Since the recommendation was approved by Commissioners, including allocation of funds, a public facing webpage has been established to provide comprehensive  information of the process and progress including any funding that is allocated as well as a performance dashboard. You can access the website at: http://www.buncombecounty.org/Governing/Depts/HHS/isaac-coleman-economic-community-investment.aspx.  Subsequent to the issuance of the RFPs, a community group will review submitted proposals and determine which groups are funded.

    Status: Completed
  • June 2, 2017 8:18 am

    6 years ago

    Here ya go…

    -Kathy Hughes

    Status: Response Received from Government
  • June 1, 2017 4:11 pm

    6 years ago

    Hi Kathy,
    It has been quite a while since we’ve received any updated on this request.
    Please let us know if you need us to resubmit the request.
    We thank you for your help, and look forward to your reply.
    Have a sunny day!
    – Sunshine Request
    Status: Follow up
  • April 13, 2017 2:36 pm

    7 years ago

    Hi Kathy,

    We’ve received a new public records request via SunshineRequest.com!
    Subject: Equality Task Force
    Message:
    I recently asked for information regarding the Equality Task Force.
    1.  When did the Commissioners approve and form this Task Force?
    Answer:  No Equality Task Force has been formed by the Commissioners.
    2.  Who is on the Task Force and how were they selected?
    Answer:  There is no Equality Task Force.
    3.  What is the Equality Task Force’s meeting schedule and where do they meet?
    Answer:  There is no Equality Task Force.
    4.  Where can the minutes of the Equality Task Force be found?
    Answer:  There is no Equality Task Force.
    5.  What are the financials associated with this Task Force?
    Answer:  There is no Equality Task Force.
    In the approved minutes of Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ regular meeting of February 21,  2017 at 5 P.M. Under New Business, Economic Community Investment Model.
    I quote:  “Commission Frost introduced Dr. Dwight Mullen who was part of the Equality Task Force that included some of the commissioners, community members and staff who had prepared the economic community model.”  Who were the Commissioners, community members, and staff who served on the Equality Task Force that you responded, doesn’t exist.
    According to your first response, a request was made to the Commissioners to spend $325,000 of tax payer money, by a Task Force that was not approved by the Commissioners and according to your response, does not exist.
    I would like a response that is honest and truthful not fraudulent and intentionally false.
    Thank you for your help with this request – I hope you have a great day!
    Sunshine Request
    Status: Sent to Government
  • April 12, 2017 5:00 pm

    7 years ago

    Reviewed by Sunshine Request

    Status: In Review
  • April 12, 2017 5:30 pm

    7 years ago

    Submitted to Sunshine Request
    Status: Pending