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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 06/01/2000 MINUTES QUORUM MEETING k� 3 6 78 t., HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING . . // A piPv June 1,20000� c) 0') EP ?_000 71. Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent ca Rev.Willie Davila Ms.Lena Coleman `-1 U Ffa^,y Ms.Anna Mercado-Flores Ms.Kelly Garza(Youth Comm ss`igner) Mr.Daniel Carmona(Youth Commissioner) Ms.Blaire Pittman(Youth Commissioner Mr.Oscar Hinojosa Ms.Jeanette Stevens �� 01, Mr. Rabbi Paul Joseph (Advisory) Ms.JoAnn Kernick Staff Present Dr.Sylvester Peterson Dr.Helen Gurley Ms.Laura Rios June Shultz Mr.Errol Summerlin Joann Callandret Ms.Olga Tamar Ruthie Caraway Ms.Toni Tamez - Adell Lucas Ms.Sandra Terrell-Davis Attorney, Mr.Joseph Harney Reverend Davila,Chairperson,called the regular monthly meeting to order at approximately 5:10 p.m. It was determined that there was a quorum present,therefore the Commission proceeded with the formally recognized meeting. ATTENDANCE The following Commissioners had excused absences:Lena Coleman,Kelly Garza,Blaire Pittman,and Jeanette Stevens. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes from the April 6,2000 and May 4,2000 Commission Meetings were approved. - CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT—Reverend Willie Davila Reverend Davila notified the Human Relations Commission about the proposed elimination of the Human Relations Administrative staf He indicated that this came as a total surprise,as there was no advance warning to himself or Dr. Gurley. He has spoken with the Mayor and City Manager. He was told that they are investigating this further before proceeding with a decision. Reverend Davila asked them if they had considered the implications of cutting this staff— specifically he discussed the CDBG funding requirements for furthering Fair Housing. Mayor Neal assured him that it would be looked into. He asked Dr.Gurley to look into how the Ft.Worth Human Relations Commission is set up and funded. I believe it is autonomous—quasi-City,with some funding from outside sources. The City should at least look at opportunities for alternative funding options. The Mayor said it is still to soon to say that there would be a total cut of funding. This. staff/Commission has an important function in the City. Commissioner Hinojosa indicated he is very opposed to the City Manager's recommendation. The Human Relations staff/Commission is needed for the community. Reverend Davila indicated that this is a key example of lack of communication and lack of respect for the Commission.Reverend Davila indicated that Dr.Gurley had heard from HUD,and she will provide a report on it later in the meeting. Advisory Commissioner Rabbi Paul Joseph asked what would happen to the people who come needing the Commission's assistance. Dr.Gurley indicated they would have to go directly to the State,HUD or EEOC. Reverend Davila said after 1 36 years,people could only go to San Antonio,Ft.Worth,Austin or Houston. Commissioner Terrell-Davis asked what is the next step? Reverend Davila said the Council would review the recommendation,obtain input and look at rationale. Reverend Davila indicated that he believed this to be a major political mistake to eliminate both of the recommended Activities(Human Relations and Internal Audit). Dr.Gurley informed the Commissioners that the City Council would be holding meetings on the budget on June 13th,June 20`s,and June 27`s. She said the meetings begin at 12:00 Noon. The meetings will be held in the Council Chambers. The budget should be approved prior to July 30`s,as the budget goes into effect on August In response to an inquiry,Dr.Gurley indicated that she was called into a meeting with Assistant City Manager Jorge Garza on Tuesday,May 30th,at approximately 9:00 a.m. She was informed of the intention to submit a recommendation to the City Council recommending elimination of the Human Relations staff She said she was not contacted before hand to discuss the recommendation. However,the City Manager assured her that all the staff members would be placed in positions elsewhere and the Department(Commission)would still function. The staff have been bombarded with calls from the community. People want to know what will happen if the staff is totally dissolved? Other factors of consideration:The City has just entered into contracts with EEOC through September 2000,with options to renew for two more fiscal years. Additionally,there is the negotiated Interim Agreement with HUD that is estimated now to be$100,000.00 a year for three years. Again,the question was raised what will happen with it? Has this been thought through? Also the City Ordinance that established the Commission and staff has been in effect for almost 37 years. Dr. Gurley said that in the recent meeting she had with the City Manager,he modified the recommendation to being"at a greatly reduced capacity". One position(the Director or Administrator)would remain. Support staff would be provided through the Human Resources Department. Other staff will go on the RIF List(61 positions are currently filled of the 130 to go on the RIF List). Each can be placed in as long as they can perform the essential functions of the position. Reverend Davila discussed the Commission trying to become semi-autonomous,and the remnant(the Director). He was not opposed to funding positions with grant monies. There is the concern that the staff has an opportunity to be on the RIF List. There was further discussion that Commissioners felt that the decision was made without thinking the process through. Commissioner Hinojosa asked how many Human Relations staff would be affected? Dr.Gurley indicated five,as there are six staff members including the Director position. There was never any discussion of cuts of this magnitude. The information from the City Manager was passed out on May 30`s,after the fact. Commissioner Summerlin stated he was very upset over the proposal. As an Executive Director of a Non-Profit entity,he stated he is aware of the need to make difficult decisions, using rationale and justification, considering the impact, ramifications,etc. He asked to make a motion regarding the matter. Reverend Davila indicated that as this was not an issue identified on the Agenda,they could not take any action on the matter at this time. Commissioner Summerlin then suggested that the Commission ask the City Manager for all internal notes,memorandums,information or correspondence with staff, Legal,EEOC,HUD,etc.,regarding their input on the impact of elimination of the Human Relations staff. He asked what correspondence was generated to City Staff and the City Attorney regarding repealing the City Ordinance(in writing).Was this a rational decision—possibly there could be an Independent Agency established,but that is unknown at this time? Commissioner Terrell-Davis stated that the Commissioners should contact the City Council member and tell then what they think regarding the proposed budget cuts,and the impact to the staff and community. Commissioner Hinojosa agreed with the need to contact the City Council members. Dr.Gurley indicated she asked the City Manager if he was going to ask the - Council to repeal the Ordinance? The City Manager indicated,not repealing the Commission,only drastically reducing the staff. There was discussion of the existing caseload and EEOC Work-Share Agreement. The Commission will need to continue with the existing contract. The Director position is to remain as a focal point,support to be provided by the Human Resources Department. Was consideration given to the need to train anyone who would be used? Commissioner Terrell- Davis indicated that it couldn't be as efficient,due to lack of training. Also,a concern was raised that the City wouldn't be able negotiate contracts to the same level or higher than we do now, if these reductions occur. Commissioner Terrell-Davis asked,"Did they consider the revenue brought in by the Commission this past year?" It was listed under"Other",$123,000.00 last year. Commissioner Summerlin said the Commission(and Council)need to see the information(or lack of it)to see if the impact was thought through. They would like to know the rationale. It doesn't appear any alternate options were discussed. Dr. Peterson said he is not clear with the logic with the proposal. He is concerned that if there was a logical reason or justification for loaning a person from another Department,and if there is justification for the work,the apparently there is a need for an FTE (Full Time Employee). Something is wrong, if staff is being borrowed to accomplish work in a different work area and/or they can afford to be loaned elsewhere from an original worksite. Clearly there is a need for support staff based on the volume of inquiries and the existing caseload. Dr. Gurley indicated that the Human Relations function was suppose to be placed under Human Resources. The City Manager is trying to combine functions down to 15 Departments. Dr.Gurley doesn't know how it will work—could possible be assigned to Human Resources,but the City Manager won't disband the Commission. It can't occur without repealing the Ordinance.Reverend Davila asked for clarification under the Ordinance. Dr. Gurley confirmed that the Ordinance states the Human Relations Administration will provide administrative staff support. Commissioner Terrell- Davis asked if the Director reports to the City Manager? Dr.Gurley indicated she reports to the City Manager regarding Commission responsibilities and to the Assistant City Manager regarding administrative responsibilities,but mostly to the Assistant City Manager. Reverend Davila indicated he would write a letter to the City Manager on behalf of the Commission,specifically on why the administrative staff should exist. There are existing contractual obligations. The Commission wants to know why the City would even consider eliminating the staff,considering our history. Commissioner Summerlin indicated he could counter compelling rationale—he has 4 or 5 reasons now. Each Commissioner should think about it. Commissioner Terrell-Davis agreed. Commissioner Kenrick indicated she has some financial questions. Couldn't the City justify this staff,in light of the forth-coming HUD grants,revenue being generated vs.the expenses? Rabbi Paul Joseph referred the Commissioners to Page 13 of the Budget Recommendations memorandum from the City Manager to the City Council, the section noted "EEOC Reimbursement". Is the City really ready to forego $122,000.00 income? Nothing can be accomplished in cutting out income. Commissioner Kemick asked where the expenses were noted? Rabbi Paul Joseph referred her to Page 15. A question was raised if a percentage comparison was made on the percent of revenue brought in. Reverend Davila then indicated that this doesn't even reflect the forth-coming HUD grant of$125,000.00. Dr.Gurley indicated they haven't considered such. Commissioner Kemick stated that this is so basic—the Commission is not costing the City as much as other activities which doesn't bring in funds at all,it is basically self-supporting. Commissioner Hinojosa said he doesn't think the City Manager thought this through. Dr.Gurley informed Commissioners that the Assistant Budget Director was acting as Director at the moment. Commissioner Tamar stated she was in agreement about the concerns raised by the Commissioners. She stated it would do well to emphasize to purpose of the Commission. How can the City accomplish the objectives of the Ordinance with this type of recommendation? How could it work? Commissioner asked how soon could Reverend Davila send the letter? He would start working on it tomorrow-a draft would be ready no later than Monday. The meeting agenda moved forward to Old Business. Conference Update—the conference is scheduled for August 24th and 25`s. Dr.Gurley indicated she had spoken to John Longoria of the Small Business Development Center;several attorneys have called and confirmed they would be Guest Speakers;the office made contact with Bill Gates of Microsoft,but due to Court dealings at this time,he would be unable to come,but he has offered to send Santiago Rodriguez,the#2 person for Community Relations. He expressed interest in future opportunities in our endeavors. Frank Adams has agreed to provide a session on Customer Service. A letter has been sent to Ida Castro,EEOC,she is checking her calendar. Chris Pittard,Attorney from San Antonio EEOC has agreed to do the ADA session again this year. He did an outstanding job last year.A letter has been sent to the Office of Special Services (Department of Justice)to a gentleman who gave a presentation at the EEOC/FEPA Conference in Miami. The topic dealt with discrimination of illegal aliens, and the fact that they can't be discriminated against because of their alien status. Senator Ellis has confirmed. It looks to be a good program. Mayor's Reception—May 8th:The City's various Boards and Commissions met. Those who did not receive their notebooks, 3 I r. there some available downstairs in the Mayor's Office now. Rabbi Paul Joseph asked Reverend Davila to go over the training provided by the Commission in his letter. Also to address the impact to major.taxpayers(external companies)who have benefited from our annual conferences. Invaluable information is provided to the community. Dr.Gurley indicated that Attorneys have been calling the Department as well,asking questions and expressing concerns. Dr.Gurley attended the annual EEOC/FEPA Conference in Miami. She was asked to participate in a program of Senior EEO people,to respond and train young(new)EEO people. She worked with Thelma Houston,Dallas Director and the New Mexico Director. Disabled Parking—In response to a citizen's inquiry at the April Commission Meeting,the City can possibly enact or enhance existing ordinances to allow groups in the community to ticket people abusing disabled parking locations. Dr. Gurley provided the monthly report and reviewed the statistics with the Commission. Drastic changes to the investigative process have occurred. There is a new program in place,where once a charge is taken,there is an immediate attempt to enter into mediation,if unsuccessful,then the Compliance Officer prepares an RFI(Request For Information), both parties provide a statement and supporting documentation. An overview of the information is shared with the.Charging Party and Respondent,both parties have an opportunity to refute the information to date and provide additional information. The PDI(Pre-Determination Interview)and Letter of Determination are prepared at the same time. Ruthie closed 3 cases this month,Henry 2 and Joann 4. Last year the staff superceded,its goals. Commissioner Terrell-Davis asked how many charges are filed annually? Dr. Gurley indicated that it depends — approximately 300-400 people. Commissioner Tamar indicated that our track record shows the need for the support staff. Dr.Gurley agreed that it is amazing the volume of work that has been accomplished with such a small staff. She asked the Commissioners not to forget to attend the Budget Workshops. Commissioner Kernick asked about recommendations for the new Youth Commissioners? Dr.Gurley indicated she had sent letters to Ray,Calallen and King High Schools requested applications/resumes from interested students for the three vacancies. Additionally,there were two Commissioners and an Advisory member who were leaving at the end of June. She has placed a call to the Association of Realtors,to obtain a recommendation from their group. She is still waiting for a return call. Commissioner Rios is staying. Rabbi Paul Joseph was a special appointment,especially with his work on the Housing Ordinance, Dr.Gurley received a call from HUD,that only cosmetic changes were needed on the final ordinance. She will fax the information back to HUD tomorrow. They will then begin work on the Interim Agreement. They want to fund it right away, to provide the staff training that is scheduled for July. They will pay for it in addition to the grant. Hopefully by next week we will have the Interim Agreement. Daniel Carmona and Kelly Garza provided comments on their work with the Commission and how they enjoyed their time with them. Dr.Gurley informed them that once they turn 21,they could come back and apply as an Adult Commissioner. PUBLIC COMMENTS-Limited to two(2)Minutes None at this time. Motion made and seconded for meeting to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m. Reverend Willie L.Da 'a,Chair Date Minutes Approved 4 1