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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 06/16/2000 fN,` � ��`5S?��i MINUTES QUORUM MEETING •`` . HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING rt�1Fp �GQ June 16,2000 `� ""� k- 41 p 9 �., co Std�l �S S) VP�i. V' Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent Ms.Anna Mercado-Flores Ms.Lena Coleman �'� �z iZ Mr.Oscar Hinojosa Ms.JoAnn Kernick Dr.Sylvester Peterson Ms.Olga Tamar Ms.Laura Rios Mr.Errol Summerlin Staff Present Ms.Sandra Terrell-Davis Dr.Helen Gurley June Shultz 3 Adult Commissioner Vacancies 3 Youth Commissioner Vacancies Attorney. I Non-Voting Advisory Vacancy Mr.Joseph Harney Anna Mercado-Flores,Vice-Chairperson,called an emergency monthly meeting on June 16,2000 at 2:00 p.m. It was called to order at approximately 2:20 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,Joann Kernick and Olga Tamar. The Commission currently has. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes from the June 6,2000 Commission Meeting were held for approval at the July 6th Meeting. EMERGENCY MEETING AGENDA 1. Recommendations for Adult,Youth and Non-Voting Advisory Commissioners. Dr.Gurley informed the Commission of the 3 Adult Commissioner vacancies and 3 Youth Commissioner vacancies. She said that Reverend Davila was notified that due to his appointment to the Del Mar Board of Regents,in accordance with the City Charter,that he could no longer serve as Chair for the Human Relations Commission. This left his position and those of Jeanette Stevens and Toni Tamez vacant. Dr.Gurley received a recommendation from Commissioner Summerlin and has also spoken to Foster Edwards, who has declined at this time because of his new job. The Human Relations Commission has contacted Ray,King and Calallen High Schools for potential applicants for the 3 Youth Commissioner vacancies. We have received numerous applications to date. The Youth Commissioners cannot be over 20 years of age. Traditionally,the Commission has tried to obtain a student applicant pool ranging from Sophomore to Senior. It was suggested to submit Reverend Davila's name,for consideration to the appointment of an Advisory member of the Commission,to the Mayor. Rabbi Paul Joseph's one year appointment ended in June,2000. There was further discussion on making inquiry to see if Rabbi Paul Joseph could be re-appointed as a second Advisory member. The purpose for these recommendations were the number of years of experience,support and community connections already established,as well as on-going work with the implementation of the new HUD Project that both of these individuals have been key members involved in developmental stages. Motions were made,seconded and passed unanimously. 1 ice. Fug`ANEI I 2. Appointment of Interim Chair,until a new Chair is appointed by the Mayor/Council. General discussion regarding options available to the Commission regarding appointing an Interim Chair,until a new Chair is appointed. In light of the fact that the Mayor intends to make new appointments within the next few weeks, it was suggested that the Vice Chair assume that role during the interim. The Mayor makes appointments to the Commission and specifies the Chair. He may elect to appoint a new individual or reach back into the existing Commission and make an appointment for the duration of that individual's term. Commissioner Hinojosa indicated that he thought the Vice Chair ought to automatically assume those responsibilities. Additionally,Dr.Gurley indicated that next month the Commission will vote on the Vice Chair position,as is done in July each year. A motion was made and seconded to appoint Vice Chair Anna Mercado-Flores as Interim Chair,pending the Mayor's appointment of the new Chair. 3. Discussion on Proposed Budget. Handouts were distributed to the Commissioners(e-mail information from Budget and response from the Administrator, memorandum to City Manager regarding Annual Conference information). General discussion by the Commissioners regarding concern over lack of research by the City Budget Department and upper management into facts surrounding the proposed Budget recommendation. Concern that there was no response to the Commission in response to the Commission's Letter sent by Reverend Davila raising concerns,asking questions and requesting specific information. Additionally,there is concern over the existing caseload and those who will need to come in the future. Commissioner Hinojosa indicated that it was his understanding that Human Resources would be helping? Dr.Gurley indicated that at this time,their staff is not trained well enough to keep up the pace we're currently resolving cases. The Commission might need to look to outside sources for the purpose of investigations. Dr.Gurley spoke with Michael Dougherty of EEOC,who oversees the District monies for compliance of contracts. He is going to speak to the General Counsel,but regardless of how it is to be handled, the City Ordinance will need to be modified to reflect any changes. Changes can occur,as long as the same level and quality of investigation occur. Commissioner Rios indicated that the Apartment Association is real concerned over the proposed budget recommendation. The Department is already established within the community and there is local one on one communication. Commissioner Hinojosa concurred that the City needs to keep the Commission open—it is a vital need to the community. The City Manager indicated that he was looking at the least hurt to the organization,but the Commission recognized that this would be a grievous hurt to the community. The Commissioners reviewed the latest information from Budget - $182,300 (only sufficient monies as covered by contractual reimbursements—nothing from the General Fund). The Commission's original budget was$328,956. Dr. Gurley met with the City Manager and informed him that the Commission couldn't function with only 2 person. There must be some clerical staff the Commission already has approximately 300 existing cases. If the Commission were cut to that degree they could no longer take additional cases,which would result in the loss of$11,500 Intake Services reimbursements. Case resolutions are reimbursed at$500 per case. Commissioner Hinojosa asked about the existing staff? Dr.Gurley indicated that there are 6 staff members,who handle approximately'7,000 to 9,000 inquiries annually. Unless the Commission receives some type of volunteer assistance from outside sources,there is no way the Commission could handle the volume of work with two persons. There was discussion about using local community agencies, but concern over impact to the City. Commissioner Hinojosa asked if the Commissioners could hear cases? Dr. Gurley explained that the Commissioners hear cases that have completed the investigative process. However they cannot perform the investigative process,because they need to be available for the public hearings and determinations as a Commission. The Administrator is ready to provide a Housing Complaint with a recommendation to the Commission at the next meeting. Normally the cases are resolved at a lower level,without the need to advance to Hearings with the Commission. Must have staff to take and process cases. Additionally,we will now have a new obligation of capacity building for the HUD Project Development,and will need staff to support that. Commissioner Summerlin asked,"wasn't there suppose to be two additional staff positions with the new HUD contract?" Dr. Gurley indicated that yes, that was what had been submitted in last year's budget and had been 2 previously discussed with the City Manager,Human Resources and Budget. Commissioner Terrell-Davis asked if there has been a final decision? Not at this time. There was further discussion on the vital need of this service to the community. Also the concern that the City Manager cannot do this without repealing the existing ordinance and consideration of the violation of contractual requirements. Dr.Gurley provided the Commissioners copies of the information from the contract,which indicates that the Budget and Staff cannot be reduced without prior discussion and approval by EEOC. This could result in a Breech of Contract lawsuit,plus potential lawsuits from Charging Parties for not completing investigations on existing cases within the contractual guidelines. The potential liability to the City would be a serious issue. The Commissioners discussed if they want to try to continue as it has performed in the last 36 years. CBLS could put forward a suggestion to provide services and/or enforce the City's ordinance. CBLS could apply for a FHIP Grants,rather than the FHAP,which requires enforcement only under a City.or County Government. Another option would be to approach the County to establish an ordinance and move the operation under the County umbrella. Commissioners expressed anger over this situation,particularly they were disturbed that there has been no response from the June 6th letter. Questions have been totally ignored by the City Manager,Mayor and others involved in the Budget. The Commission would like the. Department to continue to provide the same services and enhanced to include the new HUD Project,as intended with the new Housing Ordinance. There was further discussion about concern over moving under the County,because of different politics. It might be difficult for the County to identify initial budget monies vs.the City's existing history and practice of having the finding in the budget. CBLS has interaction with the County through the Legal Aid Budget($98,000 per year). Possibly that could be increased to include a Civil Rights Division. CBLS could provide free space,etc. It is important for the City to not abandon its commitment of 36 years to the community,citizens and Department. It is time for the Commission to take a joint stand and fight for the Commission Budget and services to the community:The Commissioners will be contacting local organizations and filling the Council Chambers on the dates for the proposed Budget readings. A motion was made that the Commission express its utmost concern for the proposal to eliminate or diminish the effectiveness of the Commission staff. To urge the City Council to reinstate full budget of$328,000 and to allow the Commission to move forward with the HUD Project. There was discussion as to whether send a letter or a resolution to the Mayor and City Council. The motion was amended to reflect sending a resolution from the Commission (with all the Commissioners signatures). Motion was made and seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The resolution is to be drafted by Joseph Harney, Legal Advisor, for signature as soon as possible. There was discussion of gathering a coalition of local organizations(LULAC,NAACP,GI Forum,Housing Councils,etc.). Commissioner Terrell-Davis and Commissioner Rios will begin the initial contact with the organizations. No discussion can be held with the City Council until the Public Hearings on the Budget during the first and second reading of the Budget. The Commission will put together a one page(front and back)Fact Sheet on how the Commission has impacted the community and the adverse impact that elimination of the Commission would have on the community. Media will only be contacted after the resolution has been drafted and delivered. Then the Commissioners will begin to appear on talk shows and hold a press conference. The community needs an opportunity to respond to the proposal. Dr.Gurley informed the Commissioners that Rabbi Paul Joseph also sent a letter to the Mayor,City Council,City Manager and Reverend Davila. The Budget meetings will be held on July 11th,July 18th,and July 25th. Discussion may be given during Public Comments. Discussion on Sec.24.6,Commission can get advice and information from outside. . Discussion was raised regarding the Human Relations Annual Conference,which will be partially funded out of this Fiscal Year and next Fiscal Year,as it will fall on August 24th and 25th. Dr.Gurley had sent a memorandum to the City Manager asking him if we were to proceed with plans for the Conference. The City Manager suggested contracting the conference details out. Dr.Gurley has lined up the majority of speakers already. She has received a call from John Trasvina,Director 3 J of Special Services on Immigration(Department of Justice),but couldn't confirm without knowing if the conference would continue. Senator Rodney Ellis has confirmed,as well as the Mayor. The Chamber of Commerce and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have been requesting additional information as well. Dr.Gurley mentioned to the City Manager that maybe the Communications and Quality Management Department could possibly assist with the Conference,as it appears to fall within their purview. Many of the details have already been taken care of,however,Dr.Gurley was also aware of International Planning Meetings as a potential source for contracting out the responsibilities. Commissioner Mercado-Flores indicated that possibly it could be arranged that the Clerk in her office be paid directly at$7.00 per hour. Regarding the alternatives,the Commission Administrator will look further into the matter and a decision can be made at a later date if outside assistance is needed. The general consensus of the Commissioners is that the community needs this type of specialized training. Commissioner Peterson asked about the revenue raised from the registration fees of the Conference. Dr.Gurley explained that the Conference was self-supporting, that any profit made from it went into the General Fund.There was general discussion then a motion was made to continue with the Conference as usual. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS-Limited to two(2)Minutes None at this time. Motion made and seconded for meeting to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. d� �L a �- 2 0 0 1 Anna Mercado-Flor ,Interim Chair Date Minutes Approved __ 4