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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 11/02/2000 04757G7?, 61 Ps, MINUTES-QUORUM MEETING0 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING 95' N; PEI? MO NOVEMBER 2,2000 3-,. � i c—;.0 PIEP a'aG a �i+� Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent C��6�I C111 Chairperson:Mr.Oscar Hinojosa Mr.William`Bill"BonillaVice Chair:Dr. �a ti Ms.Lena Coleman Peterson Mr.Scott Mr.David Elliff Phillip"Engel !\��Os;6Z$��2��y Dr.Stuart Elovitz Ms.Anna Mercado-Flores Ms.JoAnn Kenrick Mr.Joshua J.Vaughan* Mr.Joey Maldonado (*Last name changed from Jimenez) Ms.Laura Rios Mr.Errol Summerlin Non-Voting Advisory-Absent Ms.Olga Tamar Rev.Willie Davila Ms.Sandra Terrell-Davis Staff—Present Dr.Helen Gurley June Shultz HRC Legal Advisor -Present Mr.Joseph Harney Oscar Hinojosa,Chairperson,called the monthly meeting to order on November 2, 2000 at 5:00 p.m. Initially, it was determined that a quorum was present,therefore the Commission proceeded with a formal meeting. ATTENDANCE Roll Call—Members Absent: William`Bill"Bonilla;Scott Ellift Dr.Stuart Elovitz**;David"Phillip"Engel;Anna Mercado-Flores;and Joshua J.Vaughan. (**Dr.Elovitz came in late.) APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes from the October 5,2000 Commission Meetings were reviewed. Correction noted on Joshua Vaughan's absence.The minutes were approved,with changes as noted. Chairperson Hinojosa suspended the Agenda. He went directly to"Old Business". There was discussion about the Attendance Policy. The Commissioners were asked to review the guidelines for excused absences. Mr.Hinojosa reviewed what was recommended by the Attendance Subcommittee(comprised of Mr.Hinojosa, Dr.Elovitz,Mr.Elliff,Ms.Terrell-Davis,Dr.Gurley and Ms.Shultz. Motion was made by Commissioner Summerlin and seconded by Dr.Peterson to adopt the draft policy as it reads. Discussion: Commissioner Coleman had not problem with the proposed policy,absences of more than 25%of scheduled meetings is covered in the City's Code of Ordinances. Commissioner Summerlin asked about Professional Activities,and it was explained by Dr.Gurley and Mr.Hinojosa. Commissioner Elovitz discussed the need to be flexible. Commissioner Summerlin made a motion to accept as is with no corrections. Commissioner Tamar asked for spelling correction on a word -accumulation. A vote was taken and it passed to revise the policy as noted,then Chairperson Hinojosa and Dr.Gurley would sign it. Ms.Shultz will mail the policy to each Commissioner,along with the Acknowledgment Form. Each Commissioner has been asked to review the policy and then sign the Acknowledgment Form and return the signed form to the Human Relations Office or submit it during the next Commission Meeting. Commissioner Coleman asked for her absences to be noted as excused,due to illness. She stated that her Secretary called in. Commissioner Kernick also requested her absence to be noted as excused,she had called in. Commissioner Mercado- Flores was not present,but Dr.Gurley was aware of her absence. Commissioner Rios had called in to the Human Relations Office and spoke with Ruthie Caraway. Ms.Rios'absence was due to a Work Conflict—there were people in town for a Budget Review. Commissioner Summerlin's absence was due to a Work Conflict,he was in Laredo on business. Youth Commissioner Vaughan was absent due to a School Conflict-he was participating in the School Play. The Commission took a vote and these absences were noted as"excused". In a separatediscussion,this was Youth Commissioner Bonilla's fourth absence. The normal process of a Commissioner providing a reason for the absence at the next meeting was not used,as Commissioner Bonilla hasn't attend a meeting since his appointment Dr.Gurley sent him a letter on behalf of the Commission.Chairman Hinojosa read the letter. He also read the response letter from Commissioner Bonilla. This was put before the Commission for discussion. Commissioner Terrell- Davis asked if he called the Human Relations Office? Dr.Gurley indicated,no,he took the time to compose a letter. Commissioner Coleman discussed the importance of School Extra-Curricular Activities. She believes students should be encouraged about participation. Dr.Gurley explained that Commissioner Bonilla hasn't called,his father called the City Secretary to inform him that his son would not be at a meeting after November,as he was participating with the Football Team. Neither contacted the Human Relations Office directly.Vice Chair Peterson stated that it is important to support the effort of the students to participate. However,there was a concern that it is made clear in the swearing in process,that there is an expectation for each member to attend the meetings.There was further discussion that there was no mention in the letter to get an excuse. Also there was discussion about calling in,that it doesn't excuse not calling in regarding the anticipated absence. There was discussion that there are times when a student can't call in. There was discussion that some Commissioners felt that it isn't appropriate to excuse the absences,as the appointment is for only one year and there were already four absences. They have a responsibility as a Youth Commissioner to take part in Commission business. Commissioner Coleman discussed the purpose for having Youth Commissioners on the Commission. She indicated that the Commission should not put someone off the Commission because of their participation in sports. There-could be an issue of a possible scholarship. Additionally, if he were voted off the Commission, it would not look good and may discourage community participation. Our.youth should be learning to serve. We should not penalize him for not calling in. The Chair discussed the Mayor and City Council's appointments to Commissions and the City Ordinance,which states the 25%rule on attendance. Commissioner Summerlin expressed an additional concern—he's uncertain if W.B.Ray will make playoffs,but if so,then he wouldn't be able to attend in December,then there is the remainder of the School Year for other sports, such as varsity basketball and soccer,etc. He agrees with Commissioner Coleman that youth need to be encouraged to participate in both community service and school activities. Commissioner Summerlin discussed the need to emphasize adherence to protocol of absenteeism. Commissioner Summerlin made a motion to allow Commissioner Bonilla's absences to be categorized as"excused",with a proviso—that Mr.Bonilla be informed that any absence as of December will be in accordance with the Attendance Policy that was implemented. Commissioner Coleman seconded the motion. There was discussion. Commissioner Tamar stated that Commissioner Bonilla should take on the personal responsibility of calling in to inform the Human Relations Office of absences. Commissioner Elovitz also wanted to amend the motion that a letter should be sent to Commissioner Bonilla. A vote was taken on the motion—which passed,with one vote opposing. Commissioner Elovitz made a motion to include language to the effect to offer an opportunity for Commissioner Bonilla to tender his resignation,if he felt he was unable to meet the demands of the position. Commissioner Maldonado seconded the motion. There was further discussion. Commissioner Summerlin indicated he wasn't sure that he agreed with the amendment. Commissioner Coleman stated she didn't agree with the motion. She didn't want it to give an appearance that this was what the Commission wanted. Dr. Gurley indicated she would write the letter in a manner to inform him about the policy and provide him all the options for his discretion;but to write it in a manner that gave choices,not to infer an opinion. Commissioner Kemick discussed the ordinance and policy and wanted to ensure that both would be sent with the letter. Vice Chair Peterson indicated that the information is noted in the initial Rules and Regulations that all Commissioners receive when they are sworn in. Dr.Gurley 2 t }j had copies of the Orientation materials and indicated where the attendance issue was addressed. Vice Chair Peterson indicated that if Commissioners follow the established rule,it seems unnecessary to add reasons so far out of policy. Dr. Gurley indicated that the book doesn't go into detail regarding the definition of an "excused"absence. The Attendance Subcommittee met to address the need to more clearly define an"excused"absence and submitted their recommendations to the Commission. Other Commissions and Boards are reviewing our policy(provided in draft format)to help implement an"Internal Policy"like the Commission adopted at the beginning of this meeting. Dr.Gurley also mentioned that we are dealing with 17 and 18 year olds and that he had said that he wanted to participate. Commissioner Summerlin made a motion to amend the adopted motion,to reflect that Commissioner Bonilla's absences be noted as"excused",provided that he adhere to the new policy,with a proviso,that those absences are not excused,if he does not attend the December Meeting. Commissioner Elovitz seconded the motion. There was further discussion about the letter to be sent to Commissioner Bonilla. Chairman Hinojosa indicated that they would act upon the attendance classification at the next meeting,and the result would depend upon Mr.Bonilla's attendance. A vote was taken and the amendment passed. A point was made that there was a pending motion on the floor. Commissioner Maldonado had seconded Commissioner Elovitz's motion about a letter offering an option for Commissioner Bonilla to resign and added that this would provide an opportunity to go out in a positive way. There was further discussion,then a vote was taken. 2 were in favor,2 abstained and 6 were opposed to a separate letter about resignation—motion failed. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT The Chairperson indicated that his report pertained to the Attendance Policy,which was addressed earlier. COMMITTEE REPORTS Housing Committee—No report at this time. ADA Committee—Dr.Gurley informed the Commission that she was working with Joseph Harney and the City Secretary on a Policy/Ordinance to appoint an ADA Commission. They have just completed a draft ordinance,which is under review. By next month,they hope to get final input and hopefully set up as a Commission by the City Council. The Chair or a Commissioner would serve on it,also persons from Human Resources and Engineering backgrounds,creating new positions, lice with Coastal Bend Legal Services and the two Housing related positions on our Commission. Dr.Gurley discussed their efforts to try to close any cracks there may be in the system,but they are now working on the policy. NEW BUSINESS Dr.Gurley informed the Commission of her up-coming retirement There was brief discussion. The City Manager told Dr. Gurley that they would continue to keep the Commission. They intend to hold a national search. Dr.Gurley said that there is still a lot that could be done,she looks forward to continuing to work with the Commission. She has enjoyed working with the Commission the second time around. The Commission is in there now and can move forward and to a higher level. Dr. Gurley provided some suggestions for an Interim Director and she will be meeting with Management again next week to discuss it further. Commissioner Coleman extended her congratulations to Dr.Gurley and she praised her that she had done a great deal for the Commission and she had helped them to accomplish a lot. Commissioner Coleman also expressed a concern about going to outside the community/State to fill City positions. There are many qualified individuals right here within our community. Ms.Coleman made a motion to send a letter to the City Manager stating that rather than going outside our community/State,that the Commission would like to recommend to him to look within our surrounding areas for qualified applicants.Commissioner Elovitz seconded the motion. Commissioner Kenrick stated that the Commission would miss her and hate to lose her. Commissioner Summerlin indicated he wanted to know,to some extent,about the hiring process. Could the Commission be involved? He also asked,was the motion's intent to totally exclude search outside of Texas? Commissioner Coleman indicated that she hoped they could indicate South Texas preferred,but if it just couldn't be filled from applicants within Nueces County or surrounding cities,then to extend the search further. This is just a recommendation,but she hopes that they would want to"make a solid recommendation. The intent is to urge the City Manager to seek qualified applicants in Corpus Christi and the surrounding community first before extending to a larger search. Vice Chair Peterson stated the City wouldn't want to exclude(in example)a graduate an opportunity to come back home. Dr.Gurley discussed past hiring practices,often with Director positions,there is a national search. However,it will depend upon what the Human Resources Department elects to do. Dr.Gurley indicated that we do have qualified people in the City who can perform the job. There may not even be a need to advertise. Chairman Hinojosa indicated that Dr. 3 Peterson made a good point of persons returning to our community. Commissioner Coleman said it would be okay to consider persons who want to return to the community. Dr.Gurley indicated that the City Manager might use some of the Commissioners on a preliminary hiring panel. They did so in the past. Motion was made and seconded to send a letter to the City Manager. A vote was taken and the motion passed unanimously. OLD BUSINESS Dr.Gurley indicated that the Hate Crime/Violence Brochure is in final draft and quotes are being obtained for the printing. She discussed it with the Mayor,and it is being put out under the name of the Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission. Copies were distributed to the Commissioners. There was discussion about purpose of the brochure and future plans for Hate CrimeNiolence educational programs and/or presentations. Commissioner Kernick asked for time to review the brochure. Dr. Gurley stated she would put a hold on the brochure until she had a chance to review it. However, she indicated that she would like to complete this project,prior to her departure. Commissioner Kernick asked for a few days and that she would call her. Dr.Gurley asked the other Commissioners to review the brochure and to notify her if they had any suggestions for changes. Update on Commissioner Training: Dr.Elovitz,Joshua Jimenez, Phillip Engel, Olga Tamar, Joey Maldonado, Ruthie Caraway(Compliance Officer),June Shultz(Management Assistant)and Dr.Gurley were present at the Training Session. It was a very good training session there were a lot of questions and answers,which helped clarify Commission duties and responsibilities. Additionally,there was a comprehensive overview of the Commission's history and background. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT The Commissioners were provided with a copy of the October 2000 statistics that were presented for the-normal Performance Measures report. HUD's Legal Counsel is again looking at our ordinance. We hope to hear something within the next few weeks. PUBLIC COMMENTS-Limited to two(2)Minutes None at this time. Motion made by Commissioner Coleman for the meeting to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Kernick. Meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Oscar Hinojosa,Sr.,Cha' erson Date Minutes Approved 4