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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 01/10/2002 iJ • 1 ! SUMMARY MINUTES -QUORUM MEETING HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING January 1),2002 Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent Chairperson:Mr. Oscar Hinojosa, Sr. Vacancy(Sandra Terrell-Davis) Vice Chair:Dr. Sylvester.Peterson Ms.Betty Black Ms.Laura Aguifiaga Dr. Stuart Elovitz Mr.Richard"Dik"Johnson Mr.Daniel Gonzales Ms. Crystal Lyons Ms. Wendy Lai Mr. Joey Maldonado Mr.Errol Summerlin Ms. Amy Rhoads Ms. Stephanie Saenz Commissioner—Submitted Resignation Letter Ms.Nancy Vera Ms. JoAnn Kernick—(absent from meeting) Staff—Present HRC Legal Advisor—Absent L.David Ramos Mr. Joseph Harney June Shultz The Human Relations Commission held its Regular Monthly Meeting on January 10, 2002 at 5:00 p.m., in City Hall, 1201 Leopard St., Council Chambers, Corpus Christi, Texas. This meeting was a quorum meeting. The following are summary minutes of the meeting. ATTENDANCE: Roll Call—Absences:Betty Black,D.r. Stuart Elovitz,Daniel Gonzales, Wendy Lai,and Errol Summerlin. Additionally, JoAnn Kernick submitted a letter of resignation, prior to the meeting. There is one other current Commission vacancy(Sandra Terrell-Davis). Council appointments are pending. Excused Absence Requests: Dr. Peterson (in hospital last month), Nancy Vera (business conflict), and Laura Aguifiaga (finals) a motion was made by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner Vera to reflect the absences as excused,vote was taken and passed unanimously. Additionally, Ms. Shultz noted that Commissioner Summerlin and Commissioner Black both called in prior to the meeting, of their absence from today's meeting. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes were reviewed for approval—Nancy Vera noted the need for name spelling correction on Page 2—Dr. Goodloe. Commissioner Johnson made a motion to accept the minutes with the noted correction, seconded by Dr.Peterson. A vote was taken and passed unanimously. PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS: None. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: The Commission and Mayor received a resignation letter from Commissioner JoAnn Kernick. (A copy was provided to each Commissioner.) There are now two pending vacancies. The Council is currently reviewing applications for filling the vacancies. SCAN ED 1 COMMITTEE REPORT Housing Committee: Commissioner Maldonado recently met with Commissioner Johnson and Mr.Ramos. There was discussion on what the Committee would be focusing on. Presently there is a blank slate. They are working with the Housing Coalition. Commissioner Johnson indicated that much could be done on housing with disabilities and the elderly. He has been working with the Housing Coalition. Dr. Peterson asked about appointing a Liaison with the Housing Coalition? It was discussed that Commissioner Johnson is already working with the Housing Coalition. Commissioner Maldonado discussed the work they are doing together,that in April there will be a Fair Housing Symposium. Additionally, there is planning for outreach and implementation of the Fair Housing Program. Mr. Ramos discussed work being done in capacity building and what had come out at the meeting. He and Commissioner Johnson intend to continue to go to the Housing Coalition Meetings and report information back to the Commission. Committee for Persons with Disabilities: Conunissioner Crystal Lyons is the Chair. The CFPWD met on January 9th. There was a CDBG(Community Development Block Grant) Public Hearing held during the meeting. It lasted approximately one (1) hour. Good questions were put forward to HCD. There was discussion that there is no guarantee that projects that use CDBG are accessible. One response provided was to sue them, but what the Committee was looking for was a pro-active measure. There was a wonderful presentation on a recent Mobility Planning Training Institute that was attended by local representatives. One key point that was brought out was that we need to look at the community as a pedestrian community and consider if people can get places? If doing public policy, if it is ADA centered, then it will be community centered. Mr. Ramos provided the Committee with an update on the Transition Plan. Commissioner Lyons stated the Committee has started working on an Accessibility Guide. They have reviewed criteria on information to be provided in the guide. They hope to release the information in October, as October is Disability Awareness Month. They hope to have the survey information out in April, allowing three to four (3-4) months for responses. Things are going well. Commissioner Lyons worked on the Committee's Annual Report. She indicated that she was pleased to include a listing of the accomplishments the Committee had made this year. Additionally, she asked anyone who is interested in participating on the project for the Accessibility Guide to e-mail her. The Chair asked how RTA treats persons with disabilities. Commissioner Lyons indicated they do well. They have been recognized as a model for other cities. They were selected for the training and grants, etc. Commissioner Johnson indicated that he hasn't ridden the bus,but he was on the RTA Board for a while. RTA seemed concerned. Dr. Peterson indicated that due to his recent experience,he now has considered the impact of what could have happened and how we and others should be concerned about who to go to or what help is available. Commissioner Johnson indicated that is a concern. People fall through the cracks. That is one thing that the independent living center recommendation that was recently put forward to the Commission for recommendation, could have been used to help other in finding resources to help persons with disabilities. Commissioner Lyons mentioned that Abel Alonzo, a local disabilities advocate worked on his own to raise funds for renovation of wheelchairs. Dr. Peterson mentioned his work with grants and indicated his willingness to assist or volunteer to work on potential grant opportunities. There is probably a need out there and he has twenty (20) years of experience, if someone knows of an opportunity, let him know. Commissioner Rhoads mentioned as a reminder,that health care is a problem for the entire community,not just the disabled community. The CHIP Program has helped,but some employees can't pay for insurance. This is a huge problem for many. It is a huge issue for the entire community. Education Sub-Committee: There is no report at this time. They are waiting to set up a meeting with Dr. Chavez. Due to the holidays there has been a delay. Commissioner Lyons asked if they have an outline of what they want to say during the meeting? Conunissioner Aguifiaga indicated she has topics to address and she also would like to review prior information on past efforts of the Education Sub-Committee. Commissioner Lyons indicated she would just like to know what would be discussed. A question was raised if there was already some training materials? Ms. Shultz indicated that the Human Relations Department does already have training materials. Dr. Peterson suggested holding a meeting with Dr. Goodloe, as all instructional people meet with her. Commissioner Aguifiaga indicated she has already met with Dr. Goodloe on a different topic. Dr.Peterson indicated that all issues on the matter would go to her anyway. Chair Hinojosa indicated that he and Mr. Ramos have already met with Dr. Chavez. Mr. Ramos 2 shared the follow-up letter with the Commission, on the events of the meeting. Commissioner Aguifiaga will find out what Dr. Chavez would want from her to initiate the process. She will send Dr. Goodloe a courtesy copy of the letter. OLD BUSINESS: Transition Plan—Mr. Ramos provided an update. The deadline for responses from City Departments is coming up. Mr.Ramos has been holding meetings,assisting City Departments with completion of the self- evaluation process, working on plans for the Public Meetings that will be held. He is also scheduling meetings with the Core Group and City Manager. The Core Group will be working on the draft Transition Plan information for the City Manager and Public Meetings. This is where the Commissioners can get involved. Tentatively, we are looking at holding the Public Meetings at City Hall, Area Council for the Deaf, Flour Bluff or Calallen area, and possibly some Senior Community Centers. The purpose of the Public Meetings is to obtain community input. Additionally, the Transition Plan will be looking at City buildings,programs and curb cuts. Mr.Ramos hopes for good input from citizens. From the Action Guide, they will use the summary format for deficiencies and community input. Chair Hinojosa asked when the meetings would be held and where? Mr.Ramos indicated that they anticipate holding the Public Meetings in April. They'll begin advertising them in January. They will be held in City Hall,possibly Flour Bluff or the Calallen area, smaller meetings, Senior Centers,where information will be put out to the community. If any Commissioners have other suggestions,please let him know as soon as possible. The Human Relations Department will prepare a press release, place a notice in the paper, place information in with public utilities bills,etc. CCISD —Mr. Ramos reviewed information about the meeting with Dr. Chavez at CCISD. There was a three-fold purpose for the meeting. They wanted to introduce the Commission and Human Relations Department to Dr. Chavez, share information with him about the purpose of the Commission (they reviewed how the Commission was established and had authorization and jurisdiction by City Ordinance; to share information about the Education Sub-Committee, the work they were doing for education and outreach and their proposal to work with local School Districts; and concern about a citizen complaint about some recent incidents at CCISD schools pertaining to special needs children. The meeting was held on November 19t. Mr. Ramos sent a follow-up letter regarding the events of the meeting. He also provided a copy of the City's Ordinances pertaining to the Commission and other relevant information. In the letter Mr.Ramos also asked Dr. Chavez to contact the concerned parent. Although this was during the period of the holidays, so there could have been delays. He has called and left messages. He hasn't received a return call,but he will follow-up on the grievance process for the parent and the Commissioners. Dr.Peterson made a suggestion regarding the Education Sub-Committee,the Commission can be involved, have the information ready, and it can come up on the curriculum outline, to bring it together. Commissioner Aguifiaga asked Ms. Shultz to provide the training information to her. Mr.Ramos agreed to provide the information. Commissioner Vera asked if Dr. Chavez has contacted the parent yet? Mr. Ramos indicated that he hasn't. Commissioner Vera asked for a copy of the letter to Dr. Chavez. Mr. Ramos will provide one. Commissioner Lyons indicated that they are not in compliance with ADA—they are in violation. Chair Hinojosa indicated that he hopes that it was delayed because of the holidays. Commissioner Lyons indicated that it is not acceptable to ignore a complaint because of holidays. Commissioner Vera asked if Mr. Ramos had indicated a deadline for response in the letter. Mr. Ramos indicated that he hadn't,as this was an informal complaint. Commissioner Lyons indicated that ADA has guidelines on timelines. Commissioner Vera expressed concern on the matter,even if the complaint was an informal one. Dr. Peterson concurred that she is right — there are deadlines. Normally the Legal Department handles this type of matter,although Dr. Chavez can receive something,but it would then go to Legal. There are guidelines,but he can't answer on why there has been no answer. Mr. Ramos indicated that might be an issue for future complaints. There may be a need to make all complaints formal. This would entail taking a notarized affidavit and giving a response deadline. Commissioner Lyons expressed a concern, that it doesn't matter if formal or informal, this is a public place. They must have an ADA grievance process in place. Mr.Ramos indicated that the complaint could be made official. Commissioner Lyons indicated that if they have already heard about it (the harassment), they couldn't ignore it. Mr. Ramos indicated that we could make it a formal complaint. Commissioner Lyons expressed a concern that it has no teeth if it is informal. Chair Hinojosa indicated that we need the citizen to come in and put it in 3 writing. Mr. Ramos indicated that they would take formal complaints in person from now on. Commissioner Lyons expressed a concern for accommodation—some people might not be able to come to the Human Relations Department. Chair Hinojosa stated that we would need someone to come forward. Dr.Peterson suggested following up on the idea of formalizing the complaint and putting it in writing. Ms. Shultz explained that the information was provided in a summary complaint with bullets on specific concerns. She expressed a concern that the reason for it being done in an informal manner, so that it would be non-confrontational due to a concern for repercussions to the children involved. Mr. Ramos discussed the process for filing a formal complaint and that if the need arose; it could be forwarded to TEA or the Department of Justice. We were hoping to deal with it locally. Commissioner Vera questioned that there had been no correspondence or telephone calls to the parent. Further general discussion ensued. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Ramos discussed the Commission's draft Annual Report. (Each member received a copy of the draft Annual Report.) He explained that parts of the Report were based on the City's Fiscal Year (August 1st through July 31St) and other parts were based on the Contract Year (October 1st through September 30th) (i.e.:the EEOC Contract requirements). If the Commissioners had comments or suggested changes,please let him know as soon as possible,the report is due on January 15th. Dr.Peterson asked about number 5 on page 23, expanding it to include resolutions. Ms. Shultz clarified that the resolution information was in a different area further on. Mr. Ramos discussed how the Human Relations Department does mediations. They offer it as an option as an initial step of the investigative process. Commissioner Lyons asked if Commissioners could become certified mediators, if it might be helpful? Mr. Ramos explained that the mediation workload was manageable at this time, but he doesn't know at this point - if it might be beneficial to have the Commissioners become mediators. Del Mar College offers a two-week period training,or you can go through training with Nueces County,but that you then need serve occasionally in a pro bono capacity on some cases filed. Chairperson Hinojosa asked about Commissioners observing the investigative process. Ms. Shultz discussed the past practice of allowing the Commissioners to observe the intake process and portions of the investigative process. However, the Commissioners are to remain a neutral and objective third party, due to the potential responsibility of public hearings, making determinations,or the appeal process were the need to arise. CDBG Process: Mr. Ramos discussed the topic of CDBG proposals that Commissioner Lyons touched upon earlier in the meeting. He described the proposal submittal and selection process, how the money is used to fund different entities,non-profits,housing opportunities,rehabilitation loans,grants,etc. It's used to assist low and very low income. Allows the community to submit their proposals—deadline for this year is February 15,2002. The proposals go to City Staff for review,then to the Planning Commission and City Council for review, approval and award. Mr.Ramos wanted to update the Commission on the process and ask if they wanted to submit a proposal on any projects being worked on or suggested projects that would be eligible for funding. A question was raised about how citizens want the money to be used. Commissioner Lyons discussed how the funding cycle begins in August, at the beginning of each Fiscal Year. Dr. Peterson suggested that we begin planning now for next year, to allow time to develop a better proposal based on response and community input. Question regarding grants — does it fall within the Commission's perimeter to request information on the outcome of the funding? Were all the funds spent, what were the results, and other related information? Mr. Ramos indicated that Commissioner Lyons had asked those or similar questions at the meeting the day before, during the Public Hearing. Dr. Peterson asked what is turned back in? How are those funds used? What is out there to address issues of improving the quality of life of people in the community? How are they using the extra funds? The Commissioners were interested in seeing the results. Commissioner Lyons indicated that the more an entity knows that people are asking, they will listen. There was further general discussion, and then Commissioner Lyons indicated that the Council depends on us to receive recommendations. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr.Ramos provided the Administrator's Report and reviewed the information. 4 • Reviewed two cases from HUD. There is a new direction, the office will do the investigative plan and questions (Request for Information),but HUD or TCHR will conduct the investigation. We will continue the training over the three-year period. It has been almost a year, since the signing of the Interim Agreement. April will be our anniversary. We are in training mode—interviewing people, conducting on- sites, all staff are involved in development of the investigative plan and RFI, etc. Training is being conducted over the telephone. ADA—we have worked 100 cases,primarily requests for accommodations pertaining to the new trashcans with the Solid Waste Services Department. EEOC—Contract requires 128 case resolutions -presently at 23 closures. Contract requires 172 Intakes Referrals to SADO—presently at 41. The office currently has 94 cases pending. The production period, which is the time frame where record of resolutions and intakes are maintained to determine the projection for next year's EEOC Contract figures,is from June through May. PUBLIC COMMENTS:None at this time. COMMITTEE CONCERNS/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: Follow-up with CCISD. Annual Report due January 15t. CDBG Presentation. Sub-Committee Reports ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Johnson made a Motion to Adjourn, which was seconded by Commissioner Lyons. A vote was taken to Adjourn and passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:39 p.m. ' '//(2 7 /0.= Oscar Hinojosa, Sr hairperson Date 5