Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 10/03/2002 SUMMARY MINUTES:QUORUM MEETING HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING October 3,2002 Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent Chairperson:Mr.Oscar Hinojosa, Sr. Ms.Karleen Engel Vice Chair:Dr. Sylvester Peterson Mr. Joey Maldonado Ms.Laura Aguifiaga Mr.Errol Summerlin Ms.Betty Black Dr. Stuart Elovitz Mr.Richard"Dik"Johnson Ms. Crystal Lyons Ms.Amy Rhoads Ms.Ruth Silva Ms. Stephanie Saenz Dr. Gustavo R. Valadez Ortiz Ms.Nancy Vera Staff—Present HRC Legal Advisor-Present L.David Ramos Mr.Joseph Harney Wanese Taylor Butler June Shultz (One Youth Commissioner Vacancy) The Human Relations Commission held their Regular Monthly Meeting, on October 3, 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: Called Meeting To Order Roll Call: Mr.Hinojosa—P;Dr.Peterson—P(arrived late);Ms.Lyons—P;Ms. Aguifiaga—P;Ms. Black —P;Dr. Elovitz—P;Ms.Engel—A(reason unknown at this time);Mr. Johnson—P; Mr. Maldonado—A (Business Conflict);Dr. Valadez Ortiz—P;Ms.Rhoads—P;Ms. Silva—P(arrived late);Mr. Summerlin— A(Business Conflict);Ms.Vera—P;Ms. Saenz—P(arrived late). Discussion of last month's absences, reasons were provided by: Betty Black (her birthday and husband made unexpected plans);Dik Johnson(surgery/ill for 3 months); and Dr. Valadez Ortiz(meeting conflict). Motion made by Dr. Elovitz to accept request for excused absences from last month's absences, seconded by Ms.Aguinaga;vote—passed. (Ms. Silva came in at 5:12 p.m.) September 5th were provided for review and approval. Ms. Rhoads was absent last month - requested the absence be noted,but has requested an excused absence-she has changed places of employment. Ms Vera made a motion to note this as an excused absence, seconded by Dr. Elovitz. Vote taken - absence was excused. Mr. Johnson made a motion to accept the minutes as corrected, seconded by Ms. Lyons; vote taken (Mr. Valadez-Ortiz abstained from the vote) — motion passed and minutes were approved as corrected. (Ms. Saenz came in at 5:15 p.m.) Announcements/Introductions:None at this time. Revised:11/8/02 S SCAN dED Chairperson's Report: None at this time. Committee Reports: Housing Sub-Committee: No report at this time. Commissioner Johnson will send an e-mail this week to set up a meeting in the Human Relations Conference Room. Committee for Persons with Disabilities: Commissioner Lyons indicated that the Transition Plan is moving along. The CFPWD is trying to put together an ADA Non-Discrimination Ordinance. Ms.Lyons felt there was a need for input from the Commission. The CFPWD would like endorsement from the Commission. She asked if the Chair would like to form an Ad Hoc Committee to look at the Ordinance,which would be an additional section to the existing Ordinance that formed the Commission. It might be good to have the support of the Commission,rather than one person bringing it forward. The Chair asked for what type of support-a letter or resolution? Ms. Lyons indicated that a resolution would be good. She indicated that she would like the Commission's input on the Ordinance. Commissioner Black asked what does this cover? Ms.Lyons gave a brief overview. (Dr.Peterson arrived at 5:20 p.m.) Dr. Valadez Ortiz asked how this impacts the community? Ms. Lyons explained the current ordinance doesn't contain sufficient coverage/enforcement regarding ADA and there are problems with ADA compliance. Commissioner Silva asked questions about how we know and if there were statistics? Ms. Lyons indicated that it is well known and the City knows it. Ms. Lyons went on to say that the CFPWD have drafted the ADA Non-Discrimination Ordinance with the intent that issues can be addressed at the local government level. Ms. Silva asked if they could review the draft and when they want to adopt it? Ms. Lyons indicated that whoever is on the Ad Hoc Committee or interested, she would provide copies to. She was asking for a consensus if they will endorse it. If there is an endorsement, it would help in the presentation to the City Council. The Chair confirmed that there is already a draft. Ms. Lyons explained that the CFPWD utilized the City of Austin's ordinance as a draft standard. It has been modified for adaptation to a local ordinance for Corpus Christi,to go forward before the City Council. The Chair asked if it addressed employment of disabled individuals. Ms. Lyons clarified that it is not an Affirmative Action Plan. The Chair asked if it had Mr. Ramos' input? Mr. Ramos clarified that it was undergoing an administrative review by himself and Mr.Harney, of the Legal Department. It would be utilized more as a document for the whole City to follow. Ms. Lyons stated that it is a very positive thing-it tells what can and can't be done-not just federal. It would be beneficial if the Commission can endorse it publicly. The Chair asked if they would be looking at a final draft. Ms. Lyons indicted yes, only administrative changes are pending at this time. The Chair indicated they would form an Ad Hoc Committee. Ms.Lyons said she can send copies of the draft to anyone who wants it. The Chair indicated the following persons would be on the Ad Hoc Committee - Commissioner Johnson, Vice Chair Peterson, Commissioner Black and himself. There was further discussion and Ms.Lyons indicated she could send everyone a copy of the draft ordinance and then any comments should be sent by e-mail to Ms. Shultz. General discussion ensued. Mr. Ramos indicated if there are any suggestions,he has the draft in e-mail form which he,Ms.Lyons and Mr. Harney are currently making minor changes to. He will send the final draft to the Ad Hoc Committee and the other Commissioners. The Chair asked when this was going before the City Council? Ms. Lyons indicated that it would be after the November monthly meeting. Ms. Silva confirmed that they were to e- mail comments back to Ms. Shultz. Mr. Ramos indicated yes. He would send the final draft to Ms. Shultz to send out. Education Sub-Committee: No meeting was held,however Chairperson Vera had been doing research for the Sub-Committee. Commissioner Aguifiaga provided information about the plan to start with local schools, but it was too close to the end of the school year last year to implement initial plans. Ms. Vera indicated the plans to meet and reorganize on October 8th, location to be determined. Current members include: Ms. Silva; Dr. Valadez Ortiz; Ms. Saenz; Dr. Peterson; Ms. Aguinaga; Dr. Elovitz and Karleen Engel. (There was discussion about number of persons to be on Sub-Committee,and Mr.Harney indicated it should be 2 less than Commission quorum requirement-8 is quorum requirement) Ms. Silva and Mr. Peterson indicated they would to step down. There was discussion of ideas for goals of Sub-Committee Revised:11/8/02 and what would be attainable. She asked members to e-mail her. Dr. Valadez Ortiz asked for a copy of the written charge. Then discussion ensued about how many members can be involved on developing policy matters. He discussed his experience with Del Mar College's Board of Regents. Mr. Ramos indicted that we would look at the Charge and historical records. May need to hold a retreat in light of the number of new commissioners, to clarify what each sub-committee is charged with. The Chair stated that no one Commissioner can comment or commit for the entire Commission. Ms. Vera indicated that she didn't want to waste time in addressing the charge of the sub-committee. Ms.Lyons suggested that the reorganization meeting of the Education Sub-Committee could be to work on the mission statement, then bring back the information next month. The first meeting would be to set the mission statement. Dr. Valadez Ortiz continued discussion on how all sub-committees have charges. Mr. Ramos indicated that employment is main component. Dr. Peterson asked for a review of the charge of the Commission, relationship of sub- committee to body based on overall Conunission charge. Some may not have an understanding of all charges or duties,or those that have not been identified. Mr.Ramos will bring the information back to the Commission. The Chair indicated that it was his job to direct each committee. Ms. Vera made a correction that the meeting would be on October 9th . Old Business: A. Continued discussion on subject of the Letter pertaining to the Intergovernmental Department—Grant Writing Section and need for additional staff. Draft Letter-the Chair and City Staff met with the Assistant City Manager to inform her of the intent to draft the letter and the reasoning behind it. She reviewed it and then discussed it. Dr. Valadez Ortiz asked if the City has an office for grant writing. If someone sees something, they request it be written. Mr. Ramos indicated that he can't speak for the Council. Ms. Lyons indicated that some departments don't go through the Intergovernmental Department. They were looking for disparity and the problem of no central tracking system. The Chair indicated that they wanted to discuss the lack of help. Dr. Valadez Ortiz asked if we see something to pursue, do we send it to them? Mr. Ramos indicated that he preferred they e-mail the information to him, then he would pursue the matter on behalf of the Commission with the Intergovernmental Department,with a copy of the Assistant City Manager. The Chair asked if we can only apply for items for the City Departments? Dr. Valadez Ortiz indicated he was talking about pursuing funding for the CCHRC-in example to possible hold more workshops or outreach. The Chair asked if we could get grants for the Commission? Mr. Ramos indicated that this would be a good idea; however, so things don't get lost, to go through him. Dr. Valadez Ortiz discussed how most grants look for collaborative efforts. Dr. Peterson indicated the letter is fine. He took the initiative to learn how many grants have been received, programs funded, and monies utilised, what the City is eligible for. He is waiting for a report. There was discussion about how the lack of staff could be a barrier. The Chair raised the issue of the possibility of a grant for the Education Sub-Committee. Ms. Vera indicated that Dr. Peterson forwarded a grant possibility for consideration. Dr. Valadez Ortiz asked that the spelling of the Mayor's name be corrected. Dr. Valadez Ortiz made a motion to accept the letter,with the correction. The motion was seconded by Dr. Elovitz. A vote was taken and the motion passed. Dr. Peterson also asked Commissioners if they had areas of special interest,to let him know and he would look it up. He expressed a concern of where to look for resources and relief for the community. We have many areas of the community that have needs that we could address. Dr. Valadez Ortiz indicated that this could be a charge of the Education Sub-Committee. Dr.Peterson offered his assistance in learning about grant writing. He is available on evenings or weekends. Ms. Vera also mentioned that many grants pertaining to social justice and development go untapped. Dr.Elovitz mentioned concern about teenagers and the juvenile detention center. Dr. Peterson mentioned some grants available through DOJ, DOE, At Risk-Teenage Achievement opportunities. New Business: Brochure: Mr.Ramos discussed the EEOC ADA Small Business Workshop. This is a freedom initiative opportunity that is offered nationwide. We were selected for one. We will mail you a copy of the brochure. EEOC will have a guest speaker who will touch upon Title I, reasonable accommodations, tax incentives, and other issues pertaining to persons with disabilities. They will touch upon job descriptions Revised:11/8/02 • and essential functions. The Commissioners are welcome to attend. They may team up with a representative from the Department of Justice on Title III, if there is enough interest. The brochure asked for response on interest,to check the appropriate space and return it to the office for the count, so we can invite another attorney to come. Let us know if you are interested. Ms. Lyons asked about the time of the workshop? Mr. Ramos indicated that it would be from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The Chair asked the location? Mr.Ramos indicated it would be held at the Bayfront Convention Center,Room 225. The Chair asked about next year's annual conference. Mr.Ramos stated that it has been scheduled for May 2003 and it will be our 40th anniversary. We might want to look for funding for a special event. Administrator's Report: Mr.Ramos distributed the monthly report(September 2002). This was the last month of the contract year. We will have an additional report next month. EEOC process,we track what's closed here and sent to San Antonio. San Antonio hold some of the cases, so our numbers may not match exactly on the statistical reports. Once a closure is done, release or review may take 1-2 months, or the Charging Party or Respondent may request a Substantial Weight Review, so they may not count it. So we only show what we have reported on our side. We have to wait for the EEOC-SADO report. There was further discussion on the remittance process to EEOC for credit. Mr. Ramos reviewed the report information on number of intakes,number of intakes sent to EEOC-SADO,number of cases resolved, number of pending cases, and the average case age. It was noted that the average case age has dropped to 111, which meets and exceeds the contract expectations. We are headed in the right direction. Public Comments: Dr.Peterson asked Mr.Ramos to include information on housing. He would like a report about difference African-Americans experience in obtaining housing._ There was discussion about statistics on Hispanics also. He felt this would be beneficial to have information on that issue. He indicated possibly the U.S. Department of Civil Rights would have information/reports of major issues. He was eager to get information about it. Mr. Ramos mentioned that we are in the second year of capacity building. We are working on training for investigations and outreach. We are progressing slowly. Next year,we fall into a category like EEOC. Dr. Peterson indicated he was looking beyond the charge - reports and study information that are important to us. The Chair asked Mr.Ramos if he could get the information for them? Mr. Ramos indicated yes. The Austin Tenants Council and federal government have information, i.e.: predatory lending. They provide information to local entities. Motion to adjourn made by Dr.Peterson,seconded by Dr. Valadez Ortiz;vote—passed. Adjourned at 6:25 p.m. Minutes Approved By: (1 . -� , /1 / 07 /0s=. . Oscar Hinojosa, S�HRC Chairperson Date Revised:11/8/02 4