HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 03/01/2001 a '
M MJTES-QUORUM MEETING
HUMAN RELATIONS COMIVIISSION MEETING
March 1,2001
Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent
Chairperson: Mr.Oscar Hinojosa,Sr. Mr. Scott.Elliff
Vice Chair Dr.Sylvester Peterson Ms.Laura Rios(Maternity Leave)
Ms.Laura Aguiiiaga Mr.Joshua i. Vaughan
Mr. William`Bill"Bonilla Ms. Sandra Terrell-Davis
Ms.Lena Coleman
Dr. Stuart Etovitz Non-Voting Advisory-Absent
Mr.David"Phillip"Engel Rev. Willie Davila
Ms. JoAnn Kernick
Mr.Joey Maldonado
Mr.Errol Summerlin
One(I)Vacant Position(Anna Mercado-Flores'Resignation)
Staff—Present HRC Legal Advisor—Present
L.David Ramos Mr. Joseph Harney
June Shultz
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.)
Introduction of newly appointed Commissioner Laura Aguinaga,who comes filling the vacancy created by
Olga Tamafa resignation.
Chairperson Hinojosa made the announcement of Anna Mercado-Flores' resignation, which has created a
vacant position on the Commission. Commissioner Flores resigned because she is running for a City
Council position at this time.
A 1'11:ND ANCE
Roll Call—Absences:Bill Bonilla(unknown),Lena Coleman(unknown), Scott Elliff(Ill),Joey Maldonado
(will be late), Laura Rios (Maternity Leave), Sandra Terrell-Davis (Family Matter), Joshua J. Vaughan
(unknown),Non-Voting Advisory Member—Reverend Davila,and one(1)vacant position on Commission
was absent.
Bill Bonilla,Lena Coleman and Joey Maldonado came in late.
Absences Review: see noted later in minutes.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:No report at this time.
COMMITTEE REPORT
Housing Committee:
Lena Coleman, Sub-Committee Chair,was absent. Chairperson Hinojosa asked Commissioner Summerlin
if he had anything to report? Commissioner Summerlin indicated that the Committee hadn't met. (Ms.
Coleman came in at that time—5:15 p.m. She made a Quorum)
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SCANNED
APPROVAL f . l Alm V 1' FRE ATl li l li i La..
Minutes Reviewed for approval -Discussion: Under Housing Committee correct Scott Elliff s last name
But Elliot io Ellif. Additionally to add JoAnn .i nick's name t0 the housing Cotuiuiuu,assisting MS.
Coleman. Dr. Peterson moved to accept the minutes with changes and was seconded by Dr. Elovitz-a
vote was taken and the minutes were approved with changes as noted.
Review for excused absences:Ms. Coleman(out due to illness);Ms. Kernick(medical tests)-approved as
excused absences.
IAIDA CtinUIUllee:David.%Adios flrUI1UI4 a.report to Ule Conuniss Oil.
The Mayor's Task Force for People with Disability no longer exists-it has been established by Ordinance,
as a formal City Committee-"Committee for Persons-with Disabilities". 1`.ife cow...'tte...members-first
meeting will be March 7th to appoint Officers and to determine meeting times. The Ordinance has been
provided to the Commissioners for your review. The Chairperson will sit on the Commission as an"ex-
t1/4,10 vfl.,ivilivultner.
(Joey Maldonado arrived at 5:20 p.m.)
tNEW BUSINESS
1L Y1 LV:7u71`:Ji7
Revenue Estimates and Budget Preparations: Update provided by David Ramos.
I.Ve are. in the pr—ss of de velUping the. Revenue Ej'mates and Budget 01 FY 2001-2002. Pall of the
revenues included the EEOC Work Sharing Agreement, the HUD Interim Agreement and other types of
potential revenue. The budget will have to be supplemented.
(Bill Bonilla arrived at 5:23 p.m.)
Annual Conference:Update provided by David Ramos.
David Ra Amos reported a scheduled date of July2.0, 2001 for the Conference. The Human Relations Vance
is currently in the process of obtaining a Keynote speaker. Other contacts have been made to potential
Guest Speakers. The Conference will be a one-day Conference, and we will concentrate on employment
issues. We are planning on participating in a housing Conuereilce, in April of this year. Last year, we
combined employment and housing,this year we will be separating it. With the HUD Interim Agreement,
we want to separate the topics for more emphasis on our endeavors regarding Housing.
Mr.Ramos asked the Commissioners if they had any suggestions for a Keynote Speaker or Guest Speakers,
for them to contact him or provide him with their names.
Commissioner UUllulieri111 askew QWUt UN. Housing Cionference. - he a-1--Au if we had a U-te. yet? Mr.
Ramos indicated, "No, not at this time". Mr. Ramos went on to explain that this Conference was being
held in a joint endeavor with the Council of Governments (COG)and Accessible Communities, Inc. The
meeting scheduled for tomorrow is the first meeting, where we will begin the initial discussion about the
Conference. Last year, Dr. Gurley assisted them with this same endeavor and we will be doing the same
this year. We should have more information tomorrow for the Commissioners. They will be discussing
possible. ECipe.ai e,rs, such as representatives from tut. Ft. IVTorth HUD Office, or Austin or ICH , or oi1*1.13
they feel we should invite. Dr. Elovitz mentioned Austin's City Manager, who was a prior Deputy City
Manager for Corpus Christi. Mr. Ramos mentioned the reason for holding the Conference in April, is that
it t1...National Fes'..Housing Montt. t1.--Miele. t..w;11 1.,. furthering L'.,'.•LS.-...�"....
I1 IS U11. I'IaUVllal Fair iVfoIIUI-U/4 Ir idol..coffee.}Jl 11111 ut.for-UI(I1i,IIIIb Fair ILUUJi11�.
Chairperson Hinojosa asked if anyone on the Housing Committee was involved in this meeting? Mr.
Ramos explained that he had just been notified himself of the plan to hold the Conference and he was going
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to contact the Housing Committee once there was some information to share. He didn't have any
information at this time. He was going to share it then and ask if they wanted to participate in this
endeavor. Commissioner Coleman expressed a concern that she wasn't aware that she was the Chair of the
Housing Committee—but she wanted to know who was planning the Conference. Ms. Shultz explained the
background of last year's Conference,which the Human Relations Department worked on with COG and
Accessible Communities, Inc. This year, because of obligations with HUD's Interim Agreement and
CDBG funding requirements, the Human Relations Department, under the umbrella of"City of Corpus
Christi"was hying to take a leadership role in the Conference. Last year,COG took a leadership role,and
this year,the City was trying to take a leadership role. The Human Relations Department's administrative
support in this area of responsibility reinforced accomplishment of our daily operational Goals and
Objectives. We are meeting tomorrow for the first"Planning Meeting". Commissioner Coleman indicated
she could not attend tomorrow. Ms. Coleman expressed concerns about not being involved in the planning
of this Conference. She said that the Committee could be helpful in providing information for possible
Speakers,such as Elva Costello of San Antonio,because she could bring a group of persons with her from
HUD to see what we are doing. But if we don't have any involvement or don't know what you are doing
we can't participate. Commissioner Kernick asked if she or other Housing Committee members could go
tomorrow? Mr.Ramos provided time and place location of the meeting for anyone who was interested in
attending the"Planning Meeting". (2:00 p.m.tomorrow in the Human Relations Conference Room, 4th Fir.
of City Hall) There was more discussion about not being notified of the meeting, which Ms. Shultz
clarified again,had just been set,and Mr. Ramos had just learned of the meeting himself. This was his first
opportunity to notify the Commission.
Commissioner Summerlin also expressed his concern about having the Housing Committee Chair present
at the meetings(and he clarified that she had been appointed two meetings ago). The Chair should be kept
fully informed in what is being planned.?There should have been some involvement of the Chair. At least
to asked us if w want to be involved. lvll. Summerlin indicated he knew that the staff"were asking uiciii
now,but the meeting is set for tomorrow and that is too short notice to allow interested persons to attend.
He indicated he couldn't make it—Ms.Coleman couldn't make it. For the future,Mr. Summerlin stated he
thinks the Housing Committee want., to 15.5 IIIvUi.V.w. Chairperson HimOJUSS indicated tl wV1v-.ueIt
indicated attending the meetings. Commissioner Kernick asked Commissioner Maldonado if he would be
available to attend the meeting tomorrow(he's on the Committee)? Commissioner Maldonado indicated he
wouldn't b\.able to attend. Chairperson Hinojosa iIIUlcatt.i that if the illeml—rS couldn't attend they would
be provided a report. Ms. Coleman said that's fine, but she wanted to indicate that she is not retired, she
has a company to run,you can't tell about a meeting tomorrow and expect her to come. She is gone all day
in meetings. Chairperson Hinojosa clarified that he had said that those who can't attend would get a report
about the meeting. Ms. Coleman indicated that they had put her to Chair the Committee and she needs to
know what is going on. Again, the staff attempted to clarify that it was not a matter of not sharing the
information,but that they just learned of the meeting.
Dr."(� Elovitz mentioned that he requested that David have an"Ad Hoc" person added to the Commission.
The individual,idua,Ll. DQ YY//Dorsey-, -who is the Principal •Vf the lte Nati V t. School. I IL. UVLJ/l't know if this
will happen or not,but he has mentioned it to the Mayor's Secretary as well. Dr. Dorsey has worked with
kids from CCISD,Diversity Programs,DHate Crimes—she has a Doctor's Degree and two Masters and he
felt she wo,ld t o—"asset r :the Flour Blu'lfi concerns.
1V.11.Jll�. V'YVWU VV ie.
OLD BUSINESS
Flour Bluff I.U.D..Dr.Elovitz provided the update.
Dr.Elovitz,Dr.Peterson and David Ramos were at the recent meeting for a few hours. The School District
is in the process of rewriting its rules and regulations. They arc doing a very nice job. There were
approximately 25 people there — including principals from High School, Jr. High/Middle Schools, etc.
They are trying to get ahead of the curve regarding racial violence. Dr.Elovitz didn't believe there was still
i, he wouldn't still Dr.
problem there. Dr. Peterson indicated wculuii t say that—he said there are u some concerns. ur.
Elovitz asked Dr.Peterson if he was satisfied with what was being done? Dr.Peterson indicated that so far
what had been done was fine, but he was interested in the results and/or the "Plan" for the Teachers and
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how it will be implemented. The infrastructure we were talking with the administrative staff and that
doesn't always mean that it gets filtered down to those involved with the students.
Mr.Ramos indicated that would be something the Task Force would be involved with. We completed the
development of the Student Code of Conduct,and now the next step would be to develop the curriculum so
they can go back and teach all the employees in the District what the standards are. It was his
understanding that this will be what the next meeting will deal with. The employees will be looking at
reporting this type of behavior, and present the process in late May to the School Board, inclusive of the
Student Code of Conduct, How To Report, the various violations, and "Plan" on how to present to
employees.
Dr. Peterson said informative is one thing, but he wants to see evidence of the Teachers and employees
following through and showing sensitivity on diversity issues as they carry out their functions within the
School District. The Problem he sees in his perspective is that people fail to recognize that there is a
problem, and that there is a failure to truly acknowledge there being a problem. Many issues surfacing
have been there for over 10 years—in the past efforts have been made and/or comments have been made to
the Board. He felt that there was just an effort on their part to pacify persons bringing forward the concern.
There is no plan in place to address situations as they arise every time. That really concerns him. For
example,he voiced some concerns at the meeting—where racial or ethnic comments are made. He didn't
have a problem with that—as he has taught his kids that it is the other person who is making the comments
who has the problem. So he said doesn't have a problem with a person saying they don't like him because
he's such and such—in fact he appreciates that more because it is up-front. At least he knows who doesn't
like him. But that is that person's problem. But he thinks they'll get there. Mr.Ramos indicated that with
the 3 individuals from the Department and Commission who are participating,we'll be kept informed and
be available for assistance. Further general discussion ensued.
Commissioner Kernick suggested speaking with the Superintendent about the NCCJ Anytown Program—
where 15 students are sent to camp. The students in turn can go back to the campus and share information
and influence peers in significant changes. This is an intense week where students talk with one another
and they can pass it along. Flour Bluff use to send students, but haven't in the last few years. Youth
Commissioner Engel indicated that he participated in this, and it was really great. Its"Anytown USA" —
held throughout the Country, sponsored by NCCJ and is held the first week in June. They will take a
diverse group of students. It has to be balanced (diverse) to share with each other. Mr. Ramos indicated
that this is a timely suggestion—because the next meeting has to do with curriculum. He wanted to share
the information Commissioner Summerlin provided at last month's meeting regarding MTV and Hate
Crimes. He will share both of them. Also Commissioner Kernick mentioned an E-mail from Jaime
Capelo. He's doing a weekly information letter to people in Corpus Christi. He provided a report on the
Hate Crimes Committee. They left the meeting with no decision.
The camp is held in Wimberly. The cost is approximately $200.00 and there are a limited number of
scholarships. They can be recommended by their teachers. You can contact Christine Kutnick at 814-
1329. Further discussion ensued. Commissioner Coleman discussed how this problem with Hate Crimes
has been going on for a long time—how there use to be meetings where it was discussed but nothing was
done, and then it was decided to go to where the problems were. That's how we started to involve the
youth/students and get to the point. Asked how they could fix the problem, what could they do? The
students would then discuss the situations in detail and it worked. We need to go to the source—involve
different nationalities. Then we can give it our support. Commissioner Aguinaga discussed YOU. Have
the youth or students submitted recommendations on how to fix problems? In example,the recent concern
raised at Ray High School over the selection of Cheerleaders. Chairperson Hinojosa asked our Youth
Commissioners their thoughts on the matter. Youth Commissioner Engel said he thinks it would be a good
idea to include the students. He's been involved with NCCJ Youth Council and kids from the local schools
have had a discussion on this. The consensus was that the way the system is now, is correct and proper,
because cheerleading should be based on skill and ability,not popularity.
Mr. Ramos suggested the implementation of an "Education Sub-Committee", which would include the
involvement of the Youth Commissioners. Mr.Ramos felt that it is important for the Commission to take a
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lead role in this concern and endeavor. Chairperson Hinojosa indicated he planned to discuss that issue at
the next Monthly Meeting.
Chairperson Hinojosa also mentioned that one of the election issues/concerns raised was racial profiling by
Police Officers. He indicated he doesn't feel that there is a problem here in Corpus Christi, at least he
hasn't heard about it occurring here. However, it is happening elsewhere—and if it occurs we will address
it with the Chief of Police.
HUD Interim Agreement—Mr.Ramos provided Update.
It is still in the Legal Counsel's Office,but Loretta Dixon assured us that we will be getting it and that the
letter has been prepared. For the first three years, we would receive $115,000 to initiate "Capacity
Building" to get situated for an equivalent Fair Housing Program and to begin outreach and education
programs within the local community. He will notify the Housing Committee as soon as it arrives.
Additionally,we will be getting computer equipment to link with HUD and will need to obtain training for
the City staff in latest federal guidelines,standards and processes.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
David Ramos provided verbal recap of the statistical information for the month of February 2001. (The
written February 2001 Performance Measures Report will be provided at the next meeting.)
Commissioners were provided a copy of the January 2001 Performance Measures Report.
The Human Relations Department had a visit by the EEOC San Antonio District Office State and Local
Coordinator—Rodney Klein. He reviewed our contractual requirements with the staff. He reviewed our
performance from June 1999 —May 2000, which is the information that is used for determination of our
annual contract figures. Currently we have 85 case closures; we have to hit the 100 mark, which is the
minimum allowed to continue with a contract. If we have over 100, then we can request an upward
modification. We look at this program year,but this is for planning purposes for the next contract year.
Dr. Elovitz asked about reviewing intakes and closures — white out confidential information, but just to
provide an example of language used in the investigative process. Joseph Harney,Legal Advisor,indicated
that we could provide samples that were edited.
Commissioner Summerlin had some questions regarding the HUD Interim Agreement, Revenue Estimates
and Annual Expenditure Budget, and CDBG Requests. He personally thinks the Interim Agreement has
been held up, because the City created a different application — the Department consisted of six staff,
cutting of the revenue and general funding. This has a lot to do with the delays. His question— he had
always had a concern about where the CDBG funds are being spent. Commissioner Summerlin reviewed
his understanding of the four proposed requests. (He asked to include this for further discussion at the next
meeting.) His concern is that we have the funds coming from the CDBG funds,which would be addressing
a lot of these issues. Are the CDBG funds going to supplement the $115,000 or supplant/replace the
allocation of general revenue for the Department? It seems like we are asking for a lot more funds out of
CDBG funds that were formerly from or suppose to be from the General Ledger. Its just that when it
comes down to prioritizing CDBG funds,the City should be putting General Funds there,not CDBG funds,
which should be used to eliminate blight and poverty in the poor sections of town, instead of building up
the Human Relations Department.
Mr. Ramos clarified that when the proposal time came up for the CDBG applications, we were still not
assured that the HUD monies would be forthcoming. The $115,000 will be dedicated to "Capacity
Building"for the first three years. There are certain things we will be required to do—such as purchase of
the computers that link up with Washington and will be utilized for doing intakes, etc. It will take more
than the$115,000 to accomplish all that will be required. We were looking at supplementing CDBG funds
for additional requirements,such as hiring of a dedicated person for training,education and outreach.
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Mr. Summerlin asked for a copy of the Budget Allocation Schedule. He discussed concerns that were
raised from last year. How Dr. Gurley was required last year to make substantial cuts in the Departmental
Budget,bare bones budget (that included the$115,000)that was to do the very things discussed in CDBG
funding requests. We know that it wasn't enough money and that we were cut two people, created a
smaller Department,to fund certain activities. Supplement to fund another person.
There was further clarification from staff about how the Revenue projection was developed to show it must
be spent for"Capacity Building", and falling within the accepted expenditure items for the Fair Housing
Program during the development stage. Aside from that we broke out dollar figures of what were
acceptable expenditures by HUD,but it did not include any staffing.
The Housing Assessment was a two-fold purpose. One to meet HUD Interim Agreement endeavors and
two — to meet the requirements for receipt of CDBG Funding, the City must conduct an Analysis of
Impediments. The Human Relations Department was going to conduct a smaller version survey, however,
we were asked by Housing and Community Development to assist them with the Analysis of Impediments.
To do so, it would be a wider based survey and more extensive, and would require more funding. This
Technical Services I Administrative costs funding of approximately 20% is built into the entire CDBG
Funding package given to the City.
Commissioner Summerlin —expressed that this is his concern. The City wants to use all the available
CDBG funds to address City concerns that should be coming from the City's General funds, to fund the
Department and address the needs of the community. He would like to see additional information on these
items. Do we have an allocation system of how funding for the Department salaries and other expenditures
are arrived at. Mr. Ramos discussed his meeting with the City Manager and his plans to prepare a
Supplemental Budget,because we couldn't spend the$115,000 on some of the items in our normal budget.
He indicated that he was assured that any additional funding would be out of the General Fund.
Additionally, he indicated that he wasn't expecting any funding from CDBG, but if any were allotted to a
request, then it would be applied directly to that task and responsibility. Their mission is to focus on the
goals and objections as Commissioner Summerlin indicated. Mr. Ramos indicated that this year's Targeted
Budget is for$230,000 and$115,000 which is earmarked for"Capacity Building". We then will also have
the Supplemental Budget request for one more position being considered.
Chairperson Hinojosa expressed his opinion that Mr.Ramos was doing a fine job at this time as the Interim
Director.
Chairperson Hinojosa asked new Commissioner Aguitiaga to share some information about herself This
was her first meeting; she currently is a Graduate Student at TAMU-CC. She is on the Board of Directors
of Community Action Agencies, involved with Leadership Corpus Christi. She has worked with the
County and worked on Elections—such as the Bond Issue of June 1999. She has lived in South Carolina,
Florida, Washington State, California, Hawaii and Texas. Commissioner Kenrick asked if she had an e-
mail address. It is PAUHANA2U@aol.com.
Motion made by the Commissioner Summerlin for the meeting to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner
Aguirlaga. Meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
&-2 4i file) - 101
Oscar Hinojosa, WChairperson Date Minutes Approved
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