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Home My WebLink AboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 01/06/2000 SUMMARY MINUTES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING January 6,2000 Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent Rev.Willie Davila Mr.Errol Summerlin Ms.Anna Mercado-Flores Ms.Olga Tamar Mr.Daniel Carmona(Youth Commissioner) Rabbi Paul Joseph (Advisory) roti Ms.Lena Coleman I t\;, Ms.Kelly Garza(Youth Commissioner) Staff Present JBa1 a Mr.Oscar Hinojosa Dr.Helen Gurley (Y) ;,;�„�� =�-. �` Ms.JoAnn Kernick June Shultz (',10, � s;�: '` r� Dr.Sylvester PetersonTv ' s' Ms.Blaire Pittman(Youth Commissioner) Attorney Ms.Laura Rios Mr.Joseph Harney(Absent) ` � 91.91;') Ms.Jeanette Stevens Ms.Toni Tamez Ms.Sandra Terrell-Davis Reverend Davila,Chairperson, called the regular monthly meeting to order at approximately 5:05 p.m. A quorum was present. Errol Summerlin, Olga Tamar, and Rabbi Paul Joseph had indicated they were unable to attend this month's meeting. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES Commissioner Hinojosa made a motion and Commissioner Peterson seconded the motion that the December 2, 1999 minutes be approved as presented.The motion passed and the minutes were approved as submitted. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT—Rev.Willie Davila Rev. Davila discussed the issue of affordable housing and the Housing Assessment that was prepared in 1989. The Commission had requested at the December Commission Meeting that City Staff come to this month's meeting to speak with the Commission about Housing Issues. Rev. Davila indicated that Assistant City Manager Tom Utter and JoAnn Dominguez,Community Development Administrator were present to provide information and answer any questions the Commission might have. Rev.Davila indicated that there had been concern that unused monies had been returned to the State or Federal Government. He asked about the status of Housing opportunities with the City,as well as any roadblocks or issues that were of concern. Rev.Davila moved the Housing presentation forward on the Agenda. Assistant City Manager,Tom Utter,began his presentation by indicating that there have been no monies returned by the City of Corpus Christi. However,the State of Texas has returned monies to the Federal Government. Mr.Utter distributed a handout to the Commission detailing accomplishments of the City from July 1996 through January 2000. There has been a total amount of$81,073,710.00 committed towards Housing endeavors. Mr.Utter gave a review of background history regarding Housing and Community Development from 1975 forward. Mr. Utter then began to review the information indicated on the handout. Mr.Utter discussed the City's efforts to establish 4,000 additional units by the end of 2000,and how they are on target to accomplish it. Ms.Dominguez and Mr.Utter discussed the various programs offered to citizens of the Community, such as rehabilitation, rebate programs, demolition and replacement, Mortgage Credit Certification Program,etc. There was discussion of how now there is assisted units in all areas of town—it is a cross blend of opportunity throughout the community. There was discussion on the Community Reinvestment Act. Commissioner Peterson expressed a concern that there wasn't advertisement of the opportunities to the Community. He asked about a review on the equity of distribution of information to those who were in need. Mr.Utter indicated that there was good tracking under MMC and census tracks,income level,first time homeowners,etc. Ms.Dominguez indicated that HCD also participated in Housing Fairs. Commissioner Peterson asked how the information was communicated to those 1 '+ a n who don't read? Are other means used that was sufficient to reach people? Ms.Dominguez indicated that recently they held four neighborhood meetings and include this type of outreach in their annual plans. Mr.Utter indicated that there is currently an eight-month waiting list with HCD. Mr.Utter emphasized that the City is spending money for what it is suppose to be used for and to build up base. There was further discussion on the various programs and opportunities for citizens within the City and surrounding community. Commissioner Coleman discussed outreach opportunities at churches,neighborhoods, housing authority and focus groups of people. There was further discussion about need for additional funding and Dr. Gurley discussed the plans to complete a Housing Assessment in the near future. COMMISSIONERS/COMMITTEE REPORTS Housing Committee/Revision of City Ordinance—Commissioner Olga Tamar No report at this time. Mayor's Task Force for Persons with Disabilities—Commissioner Hinojosa Commissioner Hinojosa attended a meeting and distributed information and materials regarding the Human Relations Commission and departmental endeavors, including Ordinance information. Dr. Gurley also spoke with the Chair and discussed accessibility issues, i.e. school district. They want to work with the Commission to eliminate accessibility problems. OLD BUSINESS No report at this time. NEW BUSINESS On Tuesday,Dr.Gurley spoke with HUD regarding 1 final change. Once it is completed and approved by HUD and the City Council,the City will be in the position to enter into an Interim Agreement. Dr.Gurley informed the Commission the proposed ordinance revision was now ready to be brought before the City Council for review,comments and approval. Dr. Gurley referred the Commissioners to the Ordinance Revision provided in their packet. The handout showed cross-through items(items taken out or revised) and the underlined text(the text that was added or amended). The Ordinance revision is scheduled for the January 18th and 25`h City Council Agendas. The National Budget has been approved for the funding cycle and we are hoping to receive the$1 15,000.00 grant within 90 days if the City Council approves the revisions to the ordinance. The Commission requested Dr. Gurley to proceed with the recommendation to the Council. Dr. Gurley discussed the recent Intelligence Report article noting Hate Crimes in Corpus Christi. Dr.Gurley thanked the Commission for speaking out about this issue in the Press Conference when the desecration of the Jewish Cemetery occurred. There was further discussion about addressing Hate Crime issues and how to educate the community. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Monthly report was provided to the Commissioners in their packet. Statistical information was reviewed. The department is on target for this year's goals. There were 4 housing complaints,and 2 more individuals had called and planned to come in. San Antonio's EEOC State and Local Coordinator came to the office on December 6th and 7th to review some cases and provide Compliance Officer training. The Commission's Annual Report was provided in their packet. The accomplishments achieved this year reflect very well on the Commission. The City Manager was very pleased with the work accomplished by the Department and the Commission this year. Vice-Chair Anna Mercado-Flores distributed copies of our Annual Report at a recent presentation. An updated listing of the Commission with E-Mail addresses was included in their packet. Dr.Peterson asked about finding ways to help distribute information or assist with current projects underway regarding housing. There was a request by the Commission for Dr.Gurley to request an Information Sheet from Mr.Utter on programs or opportunities now available to the community. They want to know what is still available or will be continuing.It would be helpful to them to have a reference source to refer to,when questioned. PUBLIC COMMENTS-Limited to two(2)Minutes T e were no public comments at this meeting. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m. 1 .' • 3/212-0900 Rev.Willie Davila,Chairman Date Minutes Approved 2