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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 04/03/2003 SUMMARY MINUTES:QUORUM MEETING HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING April 3,2003 Commissioners-Present Commissioners-Absent Chairperson:Mr.Oscar Hinojosa, Sr. Ms. Amy Rhoads Vice Chair:Dr. Sylvester Peterson Ms.Ruth Silva Ms.Laura Aguifiaga Dr. Gustavo R. Valadez Ortiz Ms.Erica Alatorre Ms.Nancy Vera Ms.Betty Black Ms.Karleen Engel Dr. Stuart Elovitz Mr.Richard"Dik"Johnson Commission Vacancy Ms. Crystal Lyons 1 position Ms. Stephanie Saenz Mr.Errol Summerlin Staff—Present HRC Legal Advisor-Present L.David Ramos Mr. Joseph Harney Wanese Taylor Butler June Shultz The Human Relations Commission held their Regular Monthly Meeting, on April 3, 2003 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. CALLED MEETING TO ORDER: Chairperson Hinojosa called the meeting to order. INTRODUCTION: None. ATTENDANCE: Roll Call: Mr. Hinojosa—P; Dr. Peterson—P; Ms. Lyons—P; Ms. Aguifiaga—P; Ms. Alatorre -P; Ms. Black—P;Dr.Elovitz—P;Mr. Johnson—P;Dr.Valadez Ortiz—A;Ms.Rhoads—A;Ms. Silva—A(Called in Advance);Mr. Summerlin—P;Ms.Vera—A(Called in Advance);Ms.Engel—A;and Ms. Saenz—P. • Excused Absence:None requested. Receipt of Commissioner Maldonado's resignation letter. Minutes: Approval of March 6, 2003 minutes — Commissioner Summerlin made a motion to accept the minutes as presented,seconded by Vice Chair Dr.Peterson. A vote was taken and the motion passed. PRESENTATION:None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT:The Chair mentioned some correspondence to and from the CCHRC. We received Joey Maldonado's letter of resignation. Dr.Elovitz had requested a letter thanking Assistant Chief Villagomez, which was generated. Dr. Elovitz mentioned that Assistant Chief Villagomez had been recalled to active duty for the Airforce. There was discussion of a certificate or plaque — Dr. Peterson express a concern of setting a precedent or inferred preference. Dr. Elovitz made a motion to provide a certificate with a plaque, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, a vote was taken (8 to 1 in favor) and the motion passed. COMMITTEE REPORTS: SCANNED S •. G ' Housing Subcommittee: Commissioner Johnson called a meeting on March 26th at 5:00 p.m. at the Human Relations Office. Only Amy Rhoads and he showed up. They talked about information regarding getting tenants rights information out to the community. They discussed sending a brochure out with Utility bills. There was also discussion about possibly getting it out with CP&L bills, as there might be more outreach. There was a brochure that is no longer produced, they would need to put together a new brochure. They intend to try to hold another meeting within the next few days. Commissioner Summerlin apologized that he had been traveling out of town extensively lately(normally Tuesday—Thursday). He believed he could help with the brochure. The Texas Rural Legal Aid has some brochures. There was further discussion that there might be better response from CP&L notices. Commissioner Summerlin also indicated that they might be able to help in producing material in the Housing — Tenants Rights practice area, he'll see if they've produced anything recently. There was discussion about possibly holding meetings on Monday nights might help. Commissioner Lyons asked a question about the vacancy Commissioner Maldonado's position left. It was clarified that his position was an appointment representative of the Board of Realtors(later clarified by City Secretary that this position is to establish liaison connections for entities addressing"selling dwellings" to share and receive concerns in this arena). Committee for Persons with Disabilities: Commissioner Lyons briefed the CCHRC on yesterday's meeting, where there was an exciting presentation by four City staff members who attended a conference on inclusive recreation. She could tell they learned a lot and it was exciting for the CFPWD to see Park and Recreation will be addressing the needs of the community. Regarding the non-discrimination ordinance, Mr. Ramos has helped to provide information on the Impact Statement so the Acting City Manager can present information to the City Council. Commissioner Lyons indicated she is still meeting with Council Members. They also will be holding a subcommittee meeting next week regarding development of an "Accessible Parking Brochure". The plan is to approach the Police Chief about better enforcement efforts, suggestion of a program similar to "Click It or Ticket". Next month, the CFPWD has invited Cynthia Garcia, Director of Human Resources, to come and address concerns over the lack of hiring of qualified disabled individuals, not affirmative action,but getting the word out in accessible meeting. Dr. Peterson indicated he had spoken to a Police Officer about how stores vary on how they enforce accessible parking. CCHRC should consider sending a reminder to stores and include information on enforcement. Ms.Lyons indicated they haven't gotten there yet. They are starting with education first and hope that the local Police Department will do enforcement. There is a legal opinion that you can write tickets in private/public parking areas. We need to educate the public first. Commissioner Saenz asked how much the fines were? Commissioner Lyons indicated that they range from $250.00 - $1,000.00 — minimum of $250.00. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the cost graduates with the number of times you violate the law. Commissioner Lyons indicated that the Judge can also add in community service requirements. There was further general discussion. Commissioner Johnson mentioned that the law clearly states that the accessible parking must be accessible 24 hours a day. Education Sub-Committee: Commissioner Vera was not present,there was no report. OLD BUSINESS: A. Business Cards—Mr. Ramos indicated that Ms. Butler will have the business cards ready at the next monthly meeting. Each Commissioner will be provided a certain number of cards. They will then have to contact the Human Relations Department when additional cards are needed. Ms. Butler mentioned that there were several samples, the final choice was a white background with blue lettering. B. Transition Plan: The Transition Plan was broken into two areas — facilities in CDBG, which was approved by HCD staff,advanced to the Planning Committee who approved it,and now it is scheduled to go before the City County. They recommended the whole amount be addressed. The City Council will make the final determination. Mr. Ramos will let the Commission know (by e-mail) when the Budget Meetings are to be held. The second part-Activities, Programs and Services are included in the Human Relations Department Budget(under Supplemental Budget Items). It will be forwarded to 0 the City Manager and City Council. An initial meeting has been set for April 14t. It included all areas except for close captioning,which would be renewed each year. There is some initial start up money, but the rest of it will be lower reoccurring costs. Commissioner Lyons asked a question about the first year and follow-up year nominal expense. Estimated to be $49,000.00 for the first year and $39,000.00 for continuing years. There were questions about who would ask for it. Mr. Ramos indicated that it would come out of Human Relations, so it won't get lost and they can monitor it. C. There was a question about follow-up with CCPD. There has been no follow-up yet. General discussion followed. Commissioner Summerlin indicated that he did some research and there has been approximately two or three Hate Crime cases prosecuted in the last four years. The Chair indicated he hasn't gotten in touch with Assistant Chief Villagomez yet. NEW BUSINESS: A. Fair Housing Seminar — The annual Fair Housing Seminar will be held on April 22-23, 2003. Information will be sent to the Commission. There was a brief review of the Brochure Information and tentative Agenda. B. CCHRC Annual Training Conference — The annual CCHRC Conference will be held on May 23, 2003. Mr.Ramos asked for Commissioners interested in participating as Moderators to please provide their names to the Human Relations Department. If they have times they would prefer,to indicate that as well. The Keynote Speaker will be from Washington, D.C. We will also be celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the Human Relations Commission. We are currently doing research on the historical background of the Commission. Notify the Human Relations Department if you have any recommendations/suggestions for the event. C. Youth Commissioner Saenz informed the Commission that she was accepted by Stanford University and appreciated the Letter of Recommendation provided by the Commission. She was congratulated by the Commission. Legal Advisor Joseph Harney and Commissioner Lyons left at 5:54 p.m. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Ramos provided an overview of the March Administrator's Report distributed at the meeting to the Commissioners. Mr. Ramos discussed case status,resolutions and age of cases. Mr. Ramos touched upon Employment, Housing, ADA and Public'Accommodation. Mr. Ramos mentioned assistance provided in presentation of a Low Vision Conference and mentioned the dedication of the Accessible Resource Center for assistive technology at the Main Library and satellite facilities. AGENDA ITEMS/CONCERNS/PUBLIC COMMENTS: Commissioner Summerlin wanted to acknowledge the Youth Commissioner's presence at the Unity Rally and indicated that they provided a wonderful presentation. It was extraordinary and they should be proud and please on how well it came off. He indicated he was proud to be seated here with them. Their comments were presented at the highest level and they represented the CCHRC in an excellent manner. Motion to adjourn made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Chair Dr. Peterson; vote—motion passed. Adjourned at 6:03 p.m. Minutes Approved By: Oscar Hinojosa, ,CCHRC Chairperson Date