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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 07/11/2002 SUMMARY MINUTES:NON-QUORUM MEETING HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING July 11,2002 Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent Vice Chair:Dr. Sylvester Peterson Chairperson:Mr.Oscar Hinojosa, Sr. Ms.Laura Aguinaga Dr. Stuart Elovitz Ms.Betty Black Mr.Richard"Dik"Johnson Ms. Crystal Lyons Mr. Joey Maldonado Ms.Ruth Silva Ms. Amy Rhoads Mr.Errol Summerlin Ms. Stephanie Saenz Mr. Gustavo R Valadez Ortiz Ms.Nancy Vera Staff—Present HRC Legal Advisor-Present L.David Ramos Mr. Joseph Harney(Absent) Wanese Taylor Butler June Shultz (Two Youth Commissioner Vacancies) The Human Relations Commission held an informal meeting, on July 11, 2002 at 5:00 p.m., in City Hall, 1201 Leopard St, 6th Floor Conference Room, Corpus Christi, Texas. This meeting was a non-quorum meeting. The following are summary minutes of the meeting. ATTENDANCE: Roll Call — Absences: Mr. Hinojosa (family emergency), Dr. Elovitz, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Maldonado (business conflict), Ms. Rhoads (advance notice of absence), Ms. Saenz, Mr. Summerlin, Dr. Valadez Ortiz,.Ms. Vera and Mr.Harney. Excused Absence Requests:Not Applicable—no action could be taken. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Unable to take action on May 2,2002 and June 6,2002 minutes. PUBLIC COMMENTS/PRESENTATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS: 1. Introductions: None at this time. 2. Presentation:None at this time. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: No report at this time. COMMITTEE REPORT Housing Committee: No report at this time. Committee for Persons with Disabilities:No report at this time. Education Sub-Committee:No report at this time. 1 SCANNED OLD BUSINESS: No Action Items. NEW BUSINESS: No Action Items. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: No report at this time. PUBLIC COMMENTS/ITEMS FOR NEXT MONTH'S AGENDA: Dr. Peterson wanted to inquire about the level of success of various projects/programs to address needs of citizens throughout the City. He would like follow-up on disposition of projects/programs, information on funding sources, utilization and level of support. How are the resources being used to address citizen's needs? Mr.Ramos asked for clarification of inquiry. Did he want the types of programs provided? Funds given to the City or those programs administered by the City? Dr.Peterson indicated those from an official government body(i.e.: State or Federal funds available to the City—endorsed by the City,and how they are being spent). Mr.Ramos discussed the City's Grant Section(Federal, State or Subsidized)funding sources monitored through the Finance Department. Dr.Peterson asked for a step further—an Executive Summary of Performance. There should be a report for the City Council to show the City's efforts. (i.e.: Issues that impact various types of charges we receive— elderly, disabled, housing, transportation, etc. Factors that impact or could cause charges to come in or be referred to the Commission.) Commissioner Lyons mentioned the five-year EEOC Statistical Report Mr. Ramos distributed, as an example and is there funding there to address concerns from Title II issues? Mr. Ramos indicated that the only concern is because of the type of work we do,there is no mechanism in place to tell employers to not do something— there are no monies to give out. We haven't looked at ADA funding sources. There is concern about employer relationship and connection to enforcement,but it is not a money source. The Commission does outreach on a regular basis. The Commission can sanction, show employers how to prepare policies/procedures or provide training. We concentrate on awareness and enforcement. Dr. Peterson indicated he was looking for indicators of success, i.e.: ADA funding, major various programs/projects for ADA. He gave examples that CCISD over a million dollars in funding to address special education issues. He wanted to know if the City is not addressing available opportunities that should be considered. He cited the problem of statistical data on people needing GEDs for an area as justification for a funding opportunity. There currently are a lot of opportunities available now for ADA funding. Mr. Ramos and Commissioner Lyons indicated they wanted to visit with Dr. Peterson on this issue. Mr. Ramos indicated the City is unique -there are limitations on what the City can receive. The main bulk of funding is for housing. We can look at outside funding sources. Dr. Peterson reiterated his request for a Performance Report on City Programs. Mr. Ramos indicated he would speak with the Finance Department regarding grants and revenue codes. Ms. Shultz mentioned the possibility of an annual report summary. Mr.Ramos will speak with the City's Grant Application Section also. He could possibly request that Patty Garcia provide a presentation on what is in the pipeline and what has already been done. Dr.Peterson expressed his thanks for those who came. Commissioner Lyons indicated that she had a discussion with the Keynote Speaker of the CCHRC Annual Conference, who gave wonderful complements regarding the conference. He attended the FMLA and ADA presentations and indicated they were excellent speakers and covered the topics well. He gave a comparison that metropolitan presentations he had attended in the past were not as good as what was provided here. Mr. Ramos mentioned that next year's Conference will be our 40th anniversary—he would welcome any ideas for helping provide for a real celebration. There was follow-up discussion on request for the Commission's history from the City Secretary at the next meeting. 2 Commissioner Lyons extended an invitation to the Commission to attend an ADA recognition luncheon (she distributed invitations)and discussed the purpose of the luncheon. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:45 p.m. The next meeting will be held on August 1,2002 in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Dr. Sylvester Peterson,Vice Chairperson Date 3