HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 08/14/2016 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission
Summary of Minutes for August 4, 2016
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Kramer called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Present Commissioners:
Carlos Aguinaga (schlp) Laura Commons Lyndon Smiling
Richard Balli Melody Guerrero (Edu)(schlp) Dr. Roy Stock
April Bassett Mickey Kramer (EDU)(schlp) Saherish Surani (Edu)(schlp)
Dr. Bilaye Benibo Maria G. Rodriguez) Zoya Surani (Edu)(schlp)
Linda Cantu Rene Saenz (Edu)(schlp)
Present Staff:
Sylvia Wilson (Human Relations) Ginger Davis (Human Relations)
Absent Commissioners:
Nora Mireles
Absent Staff:
Lisa Aguilar(Legal)
2. REQUESTS AND APPROVALS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES
Laura Commons requested an excused absence for July's meeting due to a family
emergency. Zoya Surani missed last month's meeting due to a school conflict and
requested an excused absence.
MOTION Motion — Dr. Roy Stock Second — Lyndon Smiling Motion Passed
3. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OF 07.07.16
MOTION Motion — Dr. Roy Stock Second — Lyndon Smiling Motion Passed
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS (LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES)
No public comments.
5. Announcement —Vacancy notice due to Joel Mumphord's resignation.
6. PRESENTATIONS:
A. Update on Citizen's Alliance for Fairness and Progress —April Bassett provided
copies of the Agenda for the August 4, 2016 Meeting and the Minutes from the July
7,,2016 Meeting of the Harbor Bridge Project Community Advisory Board (CAB). Ms.
Bassett provided highlights of the meeting and answered questions from the
commissioners. She stated she would attend the August 4th meeting and have an
update for September's meeting. (Copies of the handouts are attached to the
Minutes.)
7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Housing Subcommittee — Laura Commons provided a handout showing the
current housing statistics from June 2016. (A copy is attached to the Minutes.)
B. Committee for Persons with Disabilities — Mr. Balli gave an update from the
August 3, 2016 meeting.
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C. Education Subcommittee — Saherish Surani suggested that the presentation be
reviewed and possibly taken to London ISD or Tuloso Midway ISD because
those schools have already started. Sylvia Wilson asked that the youth
commissioners communicate with Charlene Kaplan in the Human Relations
Department and provide some possible dates when the group could get together
to discuss the presentation.
D. Scholarship Program Subcommittee — Rene Saenz provided a copy of the
proposed Resolution for a 4 Year Scholarship Program and discussed with the
commissioners possible revisions to the Resolution. It was agreed that the
wording of the Resolution should stipulate that the ad hoc committee include a
representative or representatives from the Human Relations Commission. After
discussing various changes to the wording of the Resolution, the commissioners
passed a motion to table the Resolution, redraft it with suggested changes and
then bring it back to the table at next month's meeting. (A copy of the handout is
attached to the Minutes.)
MOTION Motion — Lyndon Smiling Second — Dr. Roy Stock Motion Passed
E. Bylaw Subcommittee — Mickey Kramer stated the subcommittee has a rough
draft to bring to the Commission for review at next month's meeting. .
8. HUMAN RELATIONS ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT - No report.
9. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT - Mr. Kramer reminded the commissioners of
Operation Safe Return on August 13th at the American Bank Center and Project
Homeless Connect in September. He encouraged those that could to volunteer.
10. Identify Items to be place on next Agenda
• Vote on resolution for the scholarship program
• Handout preliminary bylaws
• Update from April Bassett on CAB Meetings
%ADJOURNMENT
MOTION Motion — Lyndon Smiling Second —April Bassett Motion Passed
Meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.
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Harbor Bridge
Community Advisory Board Meeting #4
AGENDA
Date: August 4.2O1O
An ontional soecial toDic meeti will be held from 5.30-6D.m.to view and
Start Time: 6:00 p.m.
End Time: 7:30 p.m.
Lmcednm: Qvea|Williams Senior Center,1414Martin Luther King DcCorpus Christi,TX
Purpose: The purpose ufthis meeting will be:
" Taprovide information mthe CAB tohelp the Hillcrest Neighborhood move
forward with decisions»omove or stay and tuhelp expedite the process for
those who have already decided mmove out ofthe neighborhood
° To provide CAB feedback tothe partnering agencies OmoOTthe Port,the City,
the Housing Authority)tuhelp them improve the process and their interactions
withtheneighburkoogaethaylmp|emnmtthmAcqu|sbiun/Rm|ocoUomprograms
Agenda: 1. CAB,Chairperson will welcome everyone and review the agenda.
2. TOOT Liaison will provide and update onaction,items.(5 min.)
3. The partnering agencies will give p,esnntahona�(35rnin.)
a. Port:D|oniaAoMarquez(DRA)will report onprogress achieved inthe
Acquisition/Relocation pmgrams,discuss what ia needed to move the
programs forward inthe Neighborhood,and address current concerns.
b� Housing Authority:Gary Allsup will give anupdate nntenant relocation at
D.N.Leathers Housing and provide atimeframe for the building
demolition once the property is vacant.
u. City:Debbie Davenport will explain what the City can gotohelp
neighborhood property owners and renters tvfind available housing.The
City Liaison,will also provide anupdate onthe community usage ofthe
Youth,Swim Camp program.
d. TxQOTyF|auimnsDragadue:LoreueWilliams will give anupdate unthe
latest Harbor Bridge project activities and upcoming events.
4. CAB members will give feedback tothe partnrhngagencies and have an
opportunity toraise questions and concerns and receive responses from the
agencies.(3OminJ
o. The public will provide comments tothe partnering agencies.(1D min.)
s. TOOT will identify next steps and action items.
7. CAB Chairperson will close the meeting.
NEXT MEETING: September 1, 2016
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HARBOR BRIDGE PROJECT COMMUNITY ADvisoRy BOARD MEETING MINUTES
July 7,2016
CAB Procedural Matters
• A need for a Vice Chairperson was identified during the June 16 CAB meeting,and
Floyd Williams,who had received the second highest votes for chairperson,accepted the
position.Mr.Williams facilitated the meeting in the absence of the Chairperson.
• The Vice Chairperson asked for any revisions to the June 16 meeting minutes.The
following revisions were requested.
* Page 2:Request to include detail that the CAB agreed that Floyd Williams should
serve as Vice Chairperson.
* Page 3:The statement"A CAB member re-emphasized that community members
should be meeting with the Port within the 60-day timeframe..."should be
revised to strike the reference to the timeframe.
* Page 4:Request that examples of factors used for appraisals be included.
• Floyd Williams reviewed the ground rules.
• Chris Amy,TxDOT Liaison to the CAB,requested that members review the meeting
minutes and provide feedback on the information and format,
Follow-up on Action Items from the June 16 CAB Meeting
• DRA stated that questions regarding relocation assistance for absentee landlords are
being discussed at the federal level and that they are hoping to have resolution by next
week,
• Chris stated that TxDOT received feedback after the June 23d Public Meeting about the
proposed design changes currently being reviewed in the re-evaluation.There were
several questions specifically regarding the changes to Staples Street and why changes
are needed.TxDOT is working with the City to determine if it makes sense to move
forward with the recommended changes to Staples Street and will provide the CAB with
follow-up information when it is available.
• Chris stated that TxDOT and HNTB are working on creating better visualizations to
illustrate the design changes proposed for the project.
• Chris stated that TxDOT will provide binders for CAB members,with contact list,
meeting minutes,agendas,and other pertinent information. TxDOT can hold on to the
binders for the CAB members,or members can take the binders with them after each
meeting.
Feedback from the CAB about the Acquisition and Relocation Program
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Questions and concerns from the CAB included the following.Some answers were provided
immediately;other answers were provided during the DRA presentation;and some answers
will be provided later.
o Is there a cap on the amount of money people can receive for their properties?
■ DRA stated that there is legally no cap on the amount of money a person
can receive for their property.Offers to on-site owners for their residence
will be based on appraisals,and relocation assistance will be based on the
value of comparable housing.Although comparable homes will be
identified to determine the amount of the relocation assistance payment,
People will not be required to relocate to any of the homes used as
comparables;residents will have the option to purchase any home of their
choosing that they can afford
o Recap by Louise Smart of concerns implicit in the CAB's questions:
■ Neighborhood homeowners want to be sure they are treated fairly and get
a"real"price,and that the process for pricing/appraising is the same for
everyone.
o If a home in the neighborhood is valued at$40 per square foot and the cost of the
average home in Corpus Christi is$85 per square foot,how can we afford to
purchase another home,given that value differential?
a Have neighborhoods been identified for selecting comparables?
o Will the relocation fee be able to cover something that is more expensive than
where people currently live so they don't have to take on a mortgage?
Can clarification be provided regarding relocation payment versus acquisition
fees?
o Will Lamar Park and other nearby/similar neighborhoods be excluded when
reviewing appraised value?
rj What factors will be the basis for determining appraisal values?
as What are the tax implications for participating in the acquisition and relocation
programs?Will people such as the elderly still be exempt?
■ DRA previously held a workshop regarding taxes and is willing to hold
another to provide additional information.DRA stated that they can also
hold workshops to address the issues raised by the community.
■ Workshops scheduled for July include an overview of city services
offered,credit repair seminar,and the ABC's of appraisals,
* How can we identify which parcels are part of the voluntary acquisition program
versus those that are part of the involuntary acquisition program?People are
unclear of where TxDOT right-of-way is located and whether their homes fall
within the area.
■ The involuntary program has not begun yet.TxDOT will send letters by
the end of summer to individuals with properties within the TxDOT right
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of way that have been identified for the involuntary
acquisition/condemnation process.Approximately 122 parcels are
identified in the project right-of-way,but there are design changes that are
still in the works that may affect which parcels are ultimately in the right-
of-way.Maps identifying the involuntary and voluntary programs'
boundaries are available at the Port office.
• Parcels necessary for the bridge project will be handled by the
Flatirons/Dragados LLC team.
• Why is the project design still changing?
■ The project is a design-build project which allows the developer to make
design changes to optimize the design.
• Can a workshop be held that includes representatives from the involuntary and
voluntary programs?
• Can people go to the TxDOT District office to review exhibits?
■ Yes,people are able to go to the District office,but exhibits are also
available at the DRA office at 2301 N.Port Avenue,which is closer to the
neighborhood.
Ci1y of Corpus Christi Housing Authority Update(GM Allsup)
• The U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development approved Leathers 11
for demolition/disposition.TxDOT will have surveyors on the Leathers
properties.
• An individual asked whether the Housing Authority purchased the Northside
Commons lands,and the Housing Authority stated they do not own the land nor
did they purchase it.
Leathers I finished its historical determination process.A memorandum of
understanding was signed by TxDOT and several other parties agreeing to
historical mitigation activities.The activities include preserving the existing mural
on the side of the Leathers property and the creation of a package describing the
historical importance of the Leathers properties. This will be made available to
the public through the library.
o The Housing Authority is issuing Section 8 housing vouchers to current residents
of Leathers II on August 1.Residents will have until November 30 to vacate the
Leathers properties,which provides current residents four months to move.If
residents have not identified an alternative residence by October 1,they will be
moved to another public housing property. In December the Leathers property
will be demolished,
rd The next biweekly meeting for residents will be on July 12 at 10 am.
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o The Housing Authority Board is reviewing the potential to create a housing
program that will build ten demonstration Section 8 rental homes.Eventually,the
Authority would like to build additional units and create a self-sustaining program
based on the rent received.The Authority also hopes that the homes could
eventually be sold.
o An individual asked if vouchers had a particular value.The Housing Authority
stated that there is no pre-determined value for each voucher.In the Section 8
voucher program,the renter pays 30 percent of their monthly income towards the
rent;the federal government pays the differential between what the renter pays for
rent and the fair market rent that has been pre-determined for the individual unit.
o Another individual asked how long the vouchers last.The Authority stated that
the vouchers last for as long as an individual qualifies for the program.
o A CAB member suggested that the Housing Authority consider providing
mobility counseling,such as providing a list of properties that will accept
vouchers.
City of Corvus Christi Update(Debbie Davenport)
a The City recently sent postcards with contact information about the City's
program and the new Harbor Bridge project representative,Debbie Davenport.
The City explained that they can provide information and assistance to help
individuals make an informed decision.
o Debbie Davenport has a list of landlords.
o Debbie will be at the DRA office for three days a week starting the week of July
11.She will be at the DRA office on Mondays and Wednesdays,and may be there
on Fridays as well.
o The City stated that the Parks and Recreation department is holding a summer
pool camp at the Greenwood Pool,starting July 14 and continuing until August 14
for children and adults.Children under 7 years old will need a chaperone at least
17 years old.There is a shuttle twice daily.
o CAB members had the following questions for the City.
■ What will happen to the neighborhood pool?
■ Is there information about the summer pool camp available in places
where children and their parents frequent?
• What is the City's future land use plan for Hillcrest?If 40 percent of the
properties are vacated,what will the other 60 percent look like?
• DRA Update(Dionisio Marquez)
In order to answer many of the questions raised by the CAB,Dionisio presented an example
of the steps a homeowner will go through if he or she wants to participate in the voluntary
acquisition and relocation program:
Page 8 of 14
* There are two components for the voluntary program:acquisition and relocation.
* Once an individual decides to sell,an appraiser will set up ajoint walk-through
of the owner's property with the owner.The appraiser will look at three factors to
create the valuation:the value of comparable properties,income generated by the
property(this is only applicable to landlords),and cost approach. After the
appraisal has been completed,a second appraiser will review the valuation,which
is then submitted to TxDOT for review.After TxDOT reviews and accepts the
appraisal,DRA will prepare an offer for the owner.At the same time as appraisal
is being developed,the relocation agent will identify comparable replacement
properties.The difference between the appraisal of the property and the price of
the identified comparable is used to determine the amount of a relocation payment
that is factored into the offer to the owner.Once DRA presents the offer,the
owner has 60 days to decide to whether to accept the offer.If the owner decides to
sell,s/he has the option of moving wherever s/he chooses.
* DRA sent out 541 letters to property owners in the area and received 38 letters of
interest and requests for more information.DRA pulled 132 title reports,which
provides information about the property,such as liens,owners,casements,etc.,
and received 103 back.It will take some time for DRA to review the reports.
* CAB members had the following questions.
■ Will properties close to the water be considered waterfront if there is a
view of the bay?
0 They will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
■ Do you look at people's income for appraisal?
No.The appraisal factors in income generated by the property
(such as rent received by a landlord).
■ If people are paid for their homes when they turn in their key,how will
they be able to move right away,since they will need the purchase money
to pay for their new home?
• DRA will ensure that people have enough time to move from their
homes and find a new home.
■ Why is the appraisal/relocation process taking so long?
The process just started in May and is moving forward rapidly.
DRA has already begun hiring appraisal companies.There are
many moving parts to the process.People will have three years to
make a decision.
■ What happens if there is no comparable housing available for purchase
and someone has to build a home?
Because homes in the neighborhood are in an urban environment,
it is unlikely that comparable housing will not be available.
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■ What will happen to the churches in the area as part of the
acquisition/relocation process?
• Churches will be treated as a business in terms of the acquisition
process.The relocation process will be different due to the
business component,which will include searching expense(cap of
up to$2,500),re-establishment payment(cap of up to$25,000),
and moving cost(no ceiling on cost).
• DRA previously held a workshop for businesses and can hold
another one specifically focused on churches,to help provide more
information.DRA is reaching out to churches to provide
information about the program.
• Is the voluntary program only for owner-occupied parcels?
• The program is not only for owner-occupied homes.It can be used
by absentee property owners,but the four-party agreement does
not provide for a relocation benefit for absentee owners.
• Can CAB members provide written feedback via index cards?
• Comment forms will be available during each meeting for
members to provide feedback.
■ What is the contracting and incentive structure between DRA and the
Port?How is DRA paid?
DRA does not receive any incentive for the program.Its payment
is not linked in any way to the amount property owners are paid for
their property.DRA is paid on an hourly basis for milestones
reached and is paid a monthly stipend for expenses such as
workshops.If DRA closes a parcel,it gets paid.The only incentive
is for DRA to help people.The Port is funding$20 million for the
voluntary program.If this money runs out,TxDOT will fund any
additional costs.If 78 percent of the community moves,the$20
million will likely be exceeded.
• Is there a written description of the acquisition/relocation process?
• Yes.Handouts and booklets are available at the DRA office.
■ Who is looking into property owners'mineral rights?
• The acquisition process will not impact mineral rights.DRA can
provide additional information about mineral rights.
■ How will taxes,including capital gains,be handled?
• Capital gains that occur as a result of acquisition of a property,are
taxable. However,relocation benefits are not taxable.
■ Can a workshop be provided based on the questions raised during the
CAB meetings?
Page 10 of 14
• DRA is holding an owner-occupant workshop in August that may
be useful and is always willing to hold more workshops based on
individuals'needs.
• TxDOT Update
c) The groundbreaking for the bridge project will be on August 8 at I pm under the
bridge near the Ortiz Center.Members of the public are invited to attend.
o The next meeting will provide more information about the re-evaluation of the
Staples interchange.
• Action Items
* Revise the June meeting minutes.
* Provide binders with pertinent information for CAB members.
c, Provide large-scale map of voluntary and involuntary program limits with parcel
outlined.
o The next CAB meeting will be held on August 4,
Page 11 of 14
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Page 12 of 14
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RESOLUTION OFTHE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION FOR THE CITY DFCORPUS[HRISD
RE:4YEAR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Whereas,according to the U.S.Census Bureau,the city of Corpus Christi had a
population nf%3z'9gsinzgao,zs7'4sa|nz9sc,z77,454inZU00,and aos,zzsinzOzU'and
Whereas,according to the U.S.Census Bureau,in 2010 20.7%of Corpus Christi's
residents age 25 years and over had no High School diploma or equivalent,and 79.5%of this
same age group had noBachelor's Degree,and
Whereas,according tothe ZO1OU.3.Census Bureau,8.296ofxnm/os.3O.3%ofHispanics,
lD.9%ofAfrican Americans,19.8%ofNative Americans,and 21.]%ofall women residing io
Corpus Christi donot have aHigh School Diploma orequivalent,and
Whereas,according tmthe 2uzoV.S.Census Bureau,67.996ofAng|os^88.3%of
Hispanics,85.3%ofAfrican Americans,75.9%ofNative Americans,and 8O.O%nfall women
residing inCorpus Christi donot have aBachelor's Degree,and
Whereas,articles written by Rene Cantu and Dorothy Gattis and published by the Texas
Labor Market Review projects that Texas'fastest growing industries from ZVoo'zoxowill
require a skilled workforce and a demand for individuals to move towards higher education to
meet industry demands,and
Whereas,increased economic development is dependent upon an educated workforce
and potential employers and business enterprises have expressed concern with the lack of a
well-balanced educated workforce necessary to do business in the Corpus Christi area,and
Whereas,there is a nexus between the lack of education and individual opportunity for
all races and genders,and prejudice and intolerance in all groups and their relations with one
another,and
Whereas,the Human Relations Commission ofthe City ofCorpus Christi is charged with
making recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council for the betterment of the
community,
BE IT RESOLVED that the Human Relations Commission of the City of Corpus Christi
recommends that the City of Corpus Christi invest inits own future bvestablishing and^dhoc
committee that would include a broad spectrum of stakeholders,including government
officials,community and industry leaders,women,minority and small businesses,
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representatives of secondary and higher education,and student bodies mexplore the
development of a 4 Year Scholarship Program sponsored by the City of Corpus Christi. The
program would be designed to enhance higher education opportunities for all local citizens at
local colleges and universities and retain that educated workforce within our community. Key
program components would include quid pro quo,funding,internships,management,and
monitoring.
Approved this 4mday ofAugust,2016.
Mickey Kramer,Chairperson
Human Relations Commission
City mfCorpus Christi
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