HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 01/08/2009 ' V V
Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission
Summary of Minutes for January 8, 2009 RECEIVED
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER MAR 0 4 2009
Chairperson Ramiro Gamboa, called the meeting to order at 5:25 p.m CaaYSECRETARY'S OFFICE
A. ROLL CALL
Present Commissioners:
Ramiro Gamboa Robert Adler Edna Arredondo
Dr. Chon-Kyun Kim Margie Myers Richard Pulido
Pastor Derrick Reaves Lucy Reta Rene Saenz
Staci Alaniz (Youth) Robert Bonner (Youth) Jacob Sendejar (Youth)
Staff/Legal:
Wanese Butler for Leon Bazar(HReI) Patsy Garcia (HReI)
Yvette Aguilar(Legal) Deborah Brown (Legal)
Absent Commissioners:
Abel Alonzo (CFPWD) (Excused) Marta Del Angel (Excused)
Errol Summerlin Patricia Mattocks
MOTION B. REQUESTS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES
Chairperson Mr. Gamboa stated there were two requests for excused absences.
Motion to excuse Abel Alonzo and Marta Del Angel for the January 8, 2009 meeting
made by Robert Adler and seconded by Rene Saenz. Motion passed.
Motion to ratify vote from the December 4, 2008 meeting to excuse Richard Pulido and
Pastor Derrick Reaves made by Margie Myers and second by Robert Adler. Motion
passed.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Chairperson Mr. Gamboa called for Approval of Minutes. Motion to approve the December 4,
2008 meeting minutes made by Robert Adler and seconded by Margie Myers. Motion passed.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS (LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES}
None
4. PRESENTATIONS
A. Legal Summary of CCHRC Jurisdiction Relative to Request on Death Penalty
Moratorium
Assistant City Attorneys Yvette Aguilar and Deborah Brown provided the
Commissioners with copies of the memorandum which was sent to Leon Bazar on
December 23, 2008 addressing The Duty of the CCHRC's to adopt the resolution of the
Texas Coalition To Abolish The Death Penalty. (A copy of the memorandum is attached to the back m me minutes(
Ms. Aguilar and Ms. Brown then provided a brief presentation on the issue and findings
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researched by* City of Corpus Christi's Legal DepWent regarding the following:
Question: Is it the duty of the Human Relations Commission to determine on behalf of
the City, whether or not to adopt the resolution of the Texas Coalition To Abolish The
Death Penalty?Answer: No.
Discussion continued and Ms. Aguilar and Ms. Brown answered several questions
asked by the Commissioners.
5. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
A. Martin Luther King, Jr. Banquet, 01116109, Table for 10
Wanese Butler reported the Human Relations Department is sponsoring a Table for 10
for the 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Fund Banquet to be held on
January 16, 2009. Ms. Butler asked if any of the Commissioners were interested in
attending the event to contact Leon Bazar.
B. LULAC Week Activities, 02109109—02114109
Ramiro Gamboa reported LULAC is celebrating their 80th Anniversary of empowering
communities and people. A leadership banquet will be held on February 18, 2009 at the
Omni Hotel. Seven community leaders, educators and business persons will be
honored at the event. Geraldo Rivera, Senior Correspondent and Host of Geraldo at
Large, will be the Keynote Speaker at the event. The Human Relations Department will
be sponsoring a table for the event. Mr. Gamboa asked if any of the Commissioners
were interested in attending the event to contact Leon Bazar.
6. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Housing Subcommittee— Review of HUD Fair Housing Case Summaries
Margie Myers stated there were no HUD Fair Housing Case Summaries to report.
Ms. Myers spoke briefly regarding the decline in home interest rates (4.75% - 5%).
Ms. Myers asked if anyone was aware of any homeowners who may be facing
foreclosure to notify the homeowner about the new rates and the possibility of
lenders assisting them so their home will not be faced with foreclosure.
B. Committee For Persons with Disabilities— Recap of 01107/09 Meeting Highlights
Wanese Butler reported the following:
• RTA Presentation - Proposed RTA Routes Service Changes/Plan and Goals
which will become effective in 2009
• House Bill No. 400. - Ms. Butler stated the bill will allow dismissal of expired
placards for persons with a disability.(A copy of tlw HB,No,400 daft a attached to Na back of the mFnutes.)
The bill was initiated by Leon Bazar and will be presented by State Representative
Abel Herrero.
• 2nd Annual Catch A Special Thrill (C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation) youth fishing
event — The event will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 from 9:00 a.m.
until 1:00 p.m. C.A.S.T. is a youth fishing program that encourages children with
disabilities to participate and enjoy the sport of fishing. C.A.S.T. is a fishing
event for disabled children 6-17 years old. The event will host of a total of 40
children from C.C.I.S.D., Robstown I.S.D., and Alice I.S.D. Breakfast and lunch
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will be provii0 for all participants and volunteers*e event will take place at
the north jetty of Packery Channel at the end of Zahn Road. For more
information contact: City of Corpus Christi Parks and Recreation Department or
www.castforki ds.orq.
• Two Engineering Services Department accessibility projects are underway: 1)
On Staples from Leopard to Six Points - construction of accessible routes, curb
ramps and stops on both sides of Staples 2) Phase two (design stage) of
Staples from Six Points to Louisiana and Water Street from Coopers Alley to IH
37. Council approval for projects is expected during the January 20th and
January 27th Council Meetings. Ms. Pyle asked anyone who may have any
suggestions or ideas for the Engineering Subcommittee to please contact Leon
Bazar.
[Dr. Chon-Kyun Kim left at 5:53 p.m.]
C. Education Subcommittee— Presentation Preparation Summary
Richard Pulido reported the Education Subcommittee meet on Wednesday,
January 7, 2009 at the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce. The Subcommittee
discussed the roles of the Subcommittee. The Youth Commissioners plan to
review the presentation materials, begin to prepare and rehearse the presentation
before presenting it to Commission at the February meeting. Mr. Pulido asked
Mrs. Bonner(Youth Commissioner, Robert Bonner's Mother) to speak regarding a
conference Robert Bonner has been invited to attend. Mrs. Bonner stated her son
Robert has been invited to attend a League of America Congressional Conference
and represent his area in global entrepreneurship in one of the following locations:
New York, California or Washington. The conference is a total of ten days and
there are several dates between June and August when he can attend. The cost
of the conference is approximately $2,399.00. Anyone interested in sponsoring
Robert Bonner can contact Richard Pulido.
D. Disparity Subcommittee— Internal Review Update
Mr. Gamboa reported due to the reorganizing of several City of Corpus Christi
departments, the Good Faith Effort Plan is still in the process of being reviewed.
Mr. Gamboa still expects the GFE Plan to be presented to City Council during the
month of February.
7. HUMAN RELATIONS ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
A. Department Monthly Performance Report Review
Wanese Butler provided the Commissioners with copies of the December 2008
Monthly Performance Report. Ms. Butler briefly highlighted EEOC, Fair Housing
and ADA Accessibility cases and grievances. (A copy of the report is attached to the bad of the minutes.)
Ms. Butler reported the construction in the Human Relations Department's front
reception area is in its final stages of completion. The wall partition and glass
window have been installed and painted. The final items to be installed are the
internal door, security enter/exit button and badge pad.
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8. IDENTIFY ITEM BE PLACED ON THE NEXT AGE*
• Good Faith Effort Plan
MOTION 9. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Richard Pulido and seconded by Lucy Reta. Motion
passed. The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:10 p.m.
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