HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 02/01/2001 MINUTES-QUORUM MEETING
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
FEBRUARY 1,2001
Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent
Chairperson:Mr.Oscar Hinojosa Vice Chair.Dr. Sylvester Peterson
Mr.Joey Maldonado Ms.Lena Coleman
Ms. Anna Mercado-Flores Mr. William`Bill"Bonilla
Mr. Scott Elliff Ms.Laura Rios(Maternity Leave)
Dr. Stuart Elovitz Mr.Joshua J. Vaughan
Mr. David"Phillip"Engel
Mr.Errol Summerlin
Ms. Sandra Terrell-Davis Non-Voting Advisory-Absent
Ms.JoAnn Kemick Rev. Willie Davila
Staff—Present
L.David Ramos HRC Legal Advisor -Absent
June Shultz Mr. Joseph Harney
One(1)Vacant Position
When the meeting began, initially there was not a formal quorum present—however, during the course of
continuing as a non-voting meeting,the quorum was arrived at At a later point in the meeting the minutes
were approved. (See as noted below.)
ATTENDANCE
Roll Call —Absences: Lena Coleman (unknown), Ms. Laura Rios (Maternity Leave), Joshua J. Vaughan
(unknown), Dr. Peterson (car problem), Bill Bonilla (school conflict), JoAnn Kemick (Doctor's
appointment),Joseph Harney(childcare conflict)and one(1)vacant position on Commission.
Absences Review: see noted later in minutes.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
Oscar Hinojosa provided a brief Chairman report on an earlier meeting of the "Committee on the
Celebration on the Cultural Diversity". Representatives to this committee were such as: Human Relations
Department, our Commission, the Mayor's Office, and Citizens for Better of Corpus Christi offered good
plans;information will be provided as it progresses.
COMMITTEE REPORT
ADA Committee:David Ramos provided a report to the Commission.
The Mayor's Committee for People with Disability has submitted a request on the City Council Agenda,
for consideration as a formal City Committee,established by Ordinance. It went before the regular Council
on January 30, 2001; the first reading was approved. The second reading will be on February 13, 2001.
When and/or if it comes to pass,then nine(9)individuals will be appointed to the formal Committee by the
City Council. It will serve as an Advisory Group to the Mayor, City Council, and the City Manager
regarding issues related to the Americans with Disability Act. The Chairperson will sit as an"ex-oficio"
member of the Human Relations Commission. The names will be presented to the City Secretary's
possibly after the second reading. Then the nine(9)members will be approved in the same meeting, or the
next regular meeting. Therefore, this is underway becoming a Committee by Ordinance. This committee
will have two (2) City staff "ex-oficio" members: a Building Official and the Director of Parks &
SCANNED
Recreation. They felt that those two(2)representatives would be best informed and in the position to make
recommendations regarding ADA issues, accommodations in the building area, new building compliance
and Parks&Recreation. By the next reading,it would possibly become an established Ordinance.
Housing Committee:
Lena Coleman, Sub-Committee Chair,was absent. JoAnn Kernick will be assisting her as Co-Chair. Joey
Maldonado (who replaced Tony Tamez) was asked if he was willing to serve in this Committee?
Commissioner Maldonado asked when meetings would be held? The Chair indicated members would be
notified of meetings, but at this time he was trying to identify who would serve on the Sub-Committee.
Commissioner Maldonado agreed to serve on the committee. Laura Rios is on the Committee, Scott Elliff
(who replaced Janet Stevens)—agreed to serve on the Committee, and Errol Summerlin. Sandra Terrell-
Davis has attended in the past, out of interests. (Clarification was provided that Commissioners appointed
to represent the Apartment Association and Board of Realtors were routinely members on this Committee,
due to their knowledge and expertise in the field. Additionally, Commissioner Summerlin has been a
member because of his legal background and the work of the Coastal Bend Legal Association.)
NEW BUSINESS
Oscar Hinojosa requested an update on the CCHRC Annual Training Conference. David Ramos reported a
scheduled date of July 20, 2001 for the Conference. The Human Relations Office is currently in the
process of obtaining a Keynote speaker. Other contacts have been made to potential Guest Speakers,the
following are some who have accepted: Administrators from the EEOC San Antonio District Office; Dr.
Helen Gurley;and Kathleen Day, a local Attorney. Currently the Agenda is incomplete,due to preparation
of assigning the time slots. We are proposing to have a draft of the Agenda ready for review within the
next few meetings. We will update the information to include other participants who have accepted the
invitation to be Guest Speaker. Oscar Hinojosa will extend his invitation to his son-in-law to participate as
a Guest Speaker on Diversity(he currently works with H.E.B. in San Antonio within this area). Invitations
have been sent out to various companies, as is customarily done annually. The postcard serves as a
reminder to note the Conference date on their calendar and/or to build it into their budgets. It is followed
up with a formal brochure. The commissioners are encouraged to participate as Moderators. We will need
to know who will be available to complete the Agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
Flour Bluff I.S.D.:
David Ramos contacted the Superintendent two-three(2-3)weeks ago. The School District developed and
implemented a Diversity Task Force, due to the incident that occurred. David Ramos will participate on
this Task Force. The committee consists of the following:a group of individuals from the community, part
of the staff from the FBISD,and community leaders from the FBISD's area. The first meeting was held on
January 18,2001. A tentative Agenda was created for the next four-five(4-5)months up to the end of the
School year. We will be meeting every fourth Tuesday of the month,with the goal to finalize the particular
policy that will become a Board policy for the School District for the development and the consequences
for a student that engages in that type of behavior. The Code of Student Conduct will be reviewed and
amended, and we will submit a recommendation for their School Board vote. A curriculum will be
developed that allows the specific grade levels be taught"Awareness of Diversity", making them aware at
an early age. Diversity training will be provided for all the employees, not just for School Principals and
Teachers. The Task Force will assist in developing standards for employee conduct and the consequences.
David Ramos expressed that he was excited to be asked to participate as part of the Task Force,and that the
Committee is ready to work and take on that responsibility.
Commissioner Summerlin asked the Commission if they were aware of MTV.com that is running an
informative and continuous special over the Internet on Hate-Crime issues. They have specific case
histories that they continually monitor and update. They offer specific and general information in terms of
statistics and all kinds of good stuff. He asked Youth Commissioner Philip Engel if he had logged on
MTV.com. Philip replied he had. Commissioner Summerlin indicated he believed it was called
"FIGHTFORJUSTICE.MTV.com". His experience was that once he watched the program, he got wrapped
in it that he couldn't turn it off. MTV.com is continually running the show on their Internet with a specific
icon that directly connects you. There was discussion on the possibilities of incorporating it and using it in
the schools to aid situations such as the current one facing Flour Bluff. Commissioner Summerlin pointed
it out because a lot of kids are always on the internet—don't know if they have time or periods during class
where they access the Internet, or even if the School would want them to access MTV.com. But this
particular site is really something that could be used in the schools. The Chair asked if they offer different
actual cases? Commissioner Summerlin responded, "Yes." Discussion on types of statistical information
and examples of some cases shared.
Quorum established.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
The January 4,2001 minutes were presented for review and approval. The Chair made a motion to approve
the minutes as shown,and the motion was seconded. A vote was taken and the minutes were approved as
read.
June Shultz raised an issue of the December 2000 Minutes regarding a correction on Youth Commissioner
Bonilla's name. Motion was made and seconded to make the correction. A vote was taken and approval
given to make the necessary correction.
HUD Substantial Equivalency Agreement:
David Ramos reported that the General Council for the HUD Office in Fort Worth, Texas was contacted.
The agreement required corrections that consisted of an insertion of a comma and deletion of one word.
The corrections have been made and submitted to Fort Worth and Washington, D.C. last week. David
Ramos received word that it was accepted. The City should be receiving a letter within the next two (2)
weeks designating us as "Substantially Equivalent". The first three (3) years we should be receiving a
grant for$115,000 to set up the office and enable us to receive complaints; for investigation; to provide
outreach and training to the community; and provide Fair Housing surveys. We're in the process and
anticipating all the requirements. We will make the necessary service and responsibility changes once the
letter is received that we have been designated as "Substantially Equivalent". We have been doing
housing investigations. However, this time the process and enforcement will be equivalent to how HUD
does it in the Washington and Austin (Texas Commission of Human Rights)Offices-a full investigation.
We are looking at tapping into the Community Development Block Grant Program in the City, so that we
can obtain some funding for a "Dedicated Housing Training/Compliance Officer" to help us with the
education, outreach, and investigation responsibilities. The Chair asked if the computers were to be
replaced? David Ramos replied,"Yes". Part of the process requires that we be tied in to the computer in
Washington, D.C., because we will do everything electronically. The same way we do link up with the
EEOC San Antonio District Office. We send them all the information, they receive and review it, and
make the final determination when we close the case whether it is an acceptable closure. They have a
computer system called the "Teapot System". Everything is done on-line, and followed up with copies
once we've enter the data
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
David Ramos reported some technical problems; therefore, the reports will be mailed out to the
commissioners. For the month of January 2001 the report consisted of twenty-three(23)intakes, nine(9)
will be processed by us,and fourteen(14)will be processed by the San Antonio Office. We closed thirty-
two(32)cases, and we should be at about forty-one(41) closures. We are nine(9)closures under on our
projection. However,we have five(5)pending cases that we've completed,but because of the required 15
day holding period, we will cavy them over for this month. We have one (1) other case where we are
waiting on a Negotiated Settlement Agreement that is suppose to be coming in tomorrow's mail. We will
contact the Charging Party to come in for the signature of release of monetary benefits (the check)which
requires a release form be processed. That totals to six(6)additional cases, so in actual we are looking at
three(3)under,rather than nine(9). We should be able to complete the other three(3)cases this month.
The transitions we have encountered, from an employee leaving to training of a new hire, has required a
period of adjustment More cases are being closed,and hopefully now we'll be able to close even more. I
requested hire of a temporary person, whose responsibility will be to"Only conduct Intakes". As you are
aware,we have two(2) Compliance Officers. Presently, they do investigations on a full-time basis, along
with the taking Intakes on a weekly rotation basis. The Intakes are time consuming, take one (1) hour or
more. In addition, another hour when the individual comes back to sign and notarize their statement A
person has been hired temporarily. She will be coining in 20 hours per week. She has already been trained
and is now conducting Intakes on a solo basis. This allows the Compliance Officers to be free to
concentrate on closing the cases. In addition, working on the existing backlog of pending cases that lack
minor information needed to complete them. We should meet our goal for the year, which is 100, and
possibly surpass the goal. In doing this, it will allow for a request of an upward modification, to raise the
quota for this office.
David Ramos stated that there were two (2) more issue that required attention. He referenced the survey
enclosed in the packet Part of the requirement for the agreement with HUD, is to conduct a survey within
the community. He requested the Commissioners review the drafi, provide suggestions and/or comments
regarding the Housing Assessment survey. There is still several months before the survey will be made
available to the community. Focus meetings will be held in different parts of the community to make the
public aware of the survey. The newspaper is also being considered. Another possible method of
conducting the survey would be utilization of an on-line response system. Compiling of this information
will support our efforts for development of a Fair Housing Plan,that we must have in place within the next
three(3)year span.
Commissioner Elliff asked who would get this survey? Who are you planning on being the respondent to
this survey? Or is it just a general community wide survey? Or are you looking at a particular targeted
population? David Ramos responded that one area is the general public, and we are looking at other
groups,i.e.:Board of Realtors,Apartment Association,Banking and Lending Institutions,School Districts,
Assisted Care Facilities, etc. We are looking this survey that can be utilized for more than just a Housing
Survey—it can be used for identification of affordable and available housing, segregation issues, adequate
schools, adequate family housing, adequate ADA housing; planning, zoning, and transportation issues;
could be used by other City Departments — such as Housing and Community Development, Planning,
Zoning,and for City's Five and Ten Year Plans, so attention can be focused where the needs truly are.
Commissioner Summerlin asked if this survey asked questions of Banking and Lending Institutions. Ms.
Shultz explained that the draft survey provided is just a portion of what has been developed to date. This is
not the final. We are working on one for the Board of Realtors and one for the Apartment Association.
This is mainly for the general public. We are developing the survey in phased sections. We are working to
address the responsibility for an"Analysis of Impediments", which is required for the City to continue to
receive CDBG (Community Development Block Grants)Funding. There is a percentage of that funding,
such as 20%,which may be used to support administrative costs for this type of analysis. We have not had
an"Analysis" since 1993, but were granted an extension because of the Census being conducted, and the
understanding we needed to use current data.
In response to questions raised by Commissioner Summerlin and Commissioner Elliff, clarification was
provided on efforts made to compile background information,development a list of potential focus groups,
requests for quotes from the Caller Times for an on-line survey, lists of Banking and Lending Institutions,
etc. We have been working on CDBG Grant Proposals,which are due February 16th,one of which includes
a request for funding for a Housing Assessment. This is just an information update of preliminary
development work,because we would need adequate funding to conduct it The Housing Sub-Committee
will be asked to assist in development of the survey. At the earliest,we wouldn't have funding for it until
after August 1,2001. With each Commissioner's individual expertise and experience,their input will help
to develop the various aspects of the survey.
•
Mr. Ramos proposed a response time of at the latest, not this coming month, but the following month.
These would allow time within the next two (2) meetings (March and April) for each Commissioner to
review and provide comments/suggestions. Or they may be submitted as you have them ready.
Commissioner Maldonado also indicated that the Association of Realtors is working on an Affordable
Housing Fair that is coming up in April. We are underway with getting everything together to include a
huge insert in the Caller Times. Being in the business for four (4) years now, we found that lack of
education on financing,any knowledge of purchasing a home,or people that were unaware that they could
purchase a home due to not knowing what questions to ask. Doesn't know if this could be tied into this?
April 21, 2001 is the date for the Affordable Housing Fair, open to the public, free admission, for anyone
desiring to learn about the process of home purchasing and the programs that are available through
mortgage companies and the city. Hector Vallegos will be there. It will be held at Del Mar College in the
Harvin Center. The Caller Times has allotted us $1500 for advertisement, and we are trying to get the
Mayor involved.
Absences Review:
Oscar Hinojosa moved on the excuse absences: Joey Maldonado and Anna Mercado-Flores from the
January 4,2001. Commissioner Summerlin seconded the motion. A vote was taken and the motion passed.
David Ramos had made a copy of the memo that he sent to the Engineer Department Joseph Harney, our
Legal Advisor, was unable to be here today, received an anonymous call that reported someone had
defaced part of the City Hall sidewalk. It was by the new ramp site on the Lipan Street side of City Hall.
Language written indicated "Die Jews". It had been etched into the cement, and appeared to have been
there for a while before someone saw it and reported it to Joseph. Pictures were taken and Human
Relations asked the Maintenance Department to clean it up, sandblast, or add cement to it. The Chair
reported it was sanded down and erased a little,but it still requires covering up further. Just in case any of
the Commissioners receive a call,we were informing you of the background information and action being
taken. It was not reported until last Friday. A memorandum was produced immediately - pictures were
taken and we forward the information to the Engineer Department that day. The Chair stated that
apparently the job was inadequate and asked David Ramos to communicate that although an attempt was
made to correct the problem, the problem still exists because you can still make out the original written
statement Mr.Ramos indicated that he would speak with Building Maintenance again and send a follow-
up memorandum at the request of the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Citizen: Crystal Lyons stated she is a member of the Mayor's Committee for People With Disabilities,
which is working towards creation of a formal ADA Advisory Committee established by Ordinance. The
name will change somewhat, and whoever happens to become the Chairman of the new committee will
become part of this Commission. She just came to observe -to see what the Commission does, and how
long this Commission meets. Just to have an idea The Chair stated that this Commission meets on the
first Thursday of each month. The Chair asked who the Chair of that committee was? Ms.Lyons indicated
presently she is. She added that there would be other appointments to the new Committee, and whoever is
appointed as the Chair will be part of this Commission. The purpose of her presence here today was to
serve only as an observer.
Motion made by the Chair for the meeting to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Mercado-Flores.
Meeting adjourned at 6:15 p.m.
"41- 3 /0/ / Of
Oscar Hinojosa, Sr.,d1chairperson Date Minutes Approved