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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 07/01/1999 • SUMMARY MINUTES 2a HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING 'ccz , LOT 1g99 July 1,1999p Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent QFFic `i'' ., 4.) Rev. Rev.Willie Davila Ms.Kelly Garza(Youth Commiss'oner) it cb Ms.Lena Coleman Ms.Blaire Pittman(Youth Commis baler) �c,Co Mr.Oscar Hinojosa 1'£ Rabbi Paul Joseph Staff Present Ms.Anna Mercado Dr.Helen Gurley Dr.Sylvester Peterson June Shultz Ms.Laura Rios Ms.Jeanette Stevens Attorney Mr.Errol Summerlin Mr.Alex Lopez Ms.Olga Tamar Ms.Toni Tamez Ms.Sandra Terrell-Davis Mr.Daniel Carmona(Youth Commissioner) The Chairperson called the regular monthly meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. A quorum was present. Kelly Garza was on Sister City exchange,Blaire Pittman was not reached to ascertain attendance prior to the meeting—as reflected above. Dr. Gurley introduced staff members to new Commissioners. Reverend Davila explained how the City staff assists the Commission with providing information and enforcement and work on completion of the Annual Contract. Dr.Gurley provided information on how the staff have completed the existing contract and the Department has requested an upward modification,which was due to the efforts of the staff. The Commission thanked the staff for their efforts and hard work. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The May 6, 1999 minutes were approved. The June Meeting did not have a quorum, therefore there were no formal minutes,however,staff provided unofficial summary minutes of discussion,for the Commissioners review and file. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT—Rev.Willie Davila Reverend Davila discussed when the Commission began having Public Hearings regarding Housing,how several complaints were received regarding the Housing Authority. Mary Rhodes made changes,but it was due to our work that charges were instigated. It is appalling what has happened with the Housing Authority. It is important to remember the impact this Commission has on the community and the enforcement opportunity we have through our ordinances. A Press Conference was held regarding"Hate Crimes". There was an incident of desecration of graves at Seaside Memorial Cemetery. When one group is targeted for a"Hate Crime"the Commission needs to be prepared. Each should educate themselves about"Hate Crimes"and we should come forward with a proactive stance. The Commission is here to educate the Community and to do outreach for community needs. COMMISSIONERS/COMMITTEE REPORTS Housing Committee/Revision of City Ordinance—Commissioner Olga Tamar The Housing Committee is waiting for information,contemplating change of tactics—Dr.Gurley and Alex Lopez,Legal Advisor have been corresponding back and forth on proposed modifications. Dr.Gurley indicated the information they are working on is very thick and cumbersome. Some information deals with special terms and conditions,but we don't need so much legalese,so everyone can read and understand it. Of the original 10 page ordinance information to be revised, pages 1-6 will stand,however we want to add definitions and other pertinent information required by HUD. Information is forthcoming. The revisions will need to be approved by HUD and the City Council. HUD will review to ensure they are substantially equivalent. Once we have their approval,the Commission and Department have three years to complete. Mr. Summerlin,Mr.Lopez and Dr.Gurley are reviewing the ordinance. The Housing Committee won't meet again until they 1 M A e have drafted some information for the Committee's review. Mayor's Task Force for Persons with Disabilities—Commissioner Toni Tamez Ms.Tamez indicated she has not been able to attend the meetings due to scheduling conflicts. She has respectfully submitted her resignation from this Committee,due to inability to meet during the Task Force's Schedule of 1:30 p.m.in the afternoon. Ms.Tamez indicated that this past month was the first time she was notified of the meeting. Reverend Davila asked Dr. Gurley to explain the Task Force's objectives. Dr.Gurley explained that the City of Corpus Christi and ADA Community were aware that there were a lot of buildings in the community,which are inaccessible to persons with disabilities. A Task Force was formed to be a liaison with the City for reporting problems. When a problem arises,they can call David Ramos, Citywide ADA Coordinator or the Human Relations Commission. The Task Force has done a lot in the past year to bring attention to ADA concerns. The Barbara Jordan Awards Banquet was held here in Corpus Christi. There are current needs within the community,and there needs to be an avenue to reporting problems and receiving assistance,in this effort they welcome our assistance. Reverend Davila addressed the need for a Commissioner to become a member of the Task Force and asked if someone was interested in this responsibility to let Dr.Gurley know. She would then inform him.Dr.Gurley indicated she would provide a copy of information from the City Secretary's Office, which lists and describes the composition of every Board/Commission of the City. Ms.Coleman stated that this is a very worthy committee to participate with,they hold planning meetings for correction of problems,monitor situations,and work with City personnel on policies, and there are trips to Austin to work on statewide level. Reverend indicated if anyone was interested,they were to contact Dr.Gurley for more information. NEW BUSINESS Dr.Gurley will schedule Commission Training for new and/or interested Commissioners,following the Annual Conference. Reverend Davila indicated that the Commission asked the Mayor to reappoint the current three Youth Commissioners. As is traditional during the July Meeting,the Commission by authority of the City Ordinance,nominated members for the Vice Chair position. The floor was opened for nominations,Anna Mercado and Dr.Sylvester Peterson were nominated,and the nominations were closed. A vote was taken: Anna Mercado—6 votes,Dr.Peterson—4 votes. Anna Mercado was re- elected as Vice Chair. OLD BUSINESS - Ms.Mercado discussed the Westside Business Association and the presentation Dr. Gurley provided to the group. Dr. Gurley indicated she had discussed the up-coming conference with the group and a general overview of the Human Relations Commission and Department. As of today we were still receiving checks for registration—69 persons have registered to date. We are anticipating approximately 200-300 persons. Everything is moving along,and the City Manager has indicated his support of the conference by informing Department Heads that any Supervisor,Division Head,Department Head who has had a grievance filed against him,is required to attend. Dr.Gurley expressed her belief that the Commission would be proud of the outcome of the Conference. Reverend Davila mentioned our having Eva Plaza,Assistant Secretary of HUD and Hayden Head,Jr.,U.S.District Judge as Keynote Speakers. Dr.Gurley mentioned the Mayor has agreed to every suggestion put forward to him regarding the conference—he will introduce Hayden Head,Jr.,U.S.District Judge,provide a proclamation and give a key to the City to Eva Plaza,Assistant Secretary of HUD. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT Dr.Gurley provided monthly statistical data(see handout). Dr. Gurley indicated Housing and Public Accommodation inquiries were increasing because we are trying to reach the community more,resulting in more incoming calls asking for help. Dr.Gurley addressed a telephone call today that lasted '/2 an hour,regarding a problem with a slum landlord. It pertained to requests to landlord for repairs,but they were one day late on rent and the landlord sent someone to collect the rent. Dr.Gurley will be meeting with Zoning and Code enforcement, as well as the Health Department,because of the condition of the house. Dr. Gurley discussed concern that if the property is condemned,then there is a need to assist individual with finding a place for them to stay,as this will be a displaced person. The person calling is approximately 60 years old. Dr.Gurley discussed the Housing Authority procedure of giving the elderly,disabled and abused persons priority for placement. Ms.Coleman discussed attending a HUD meeting 4-5 weeks ago. HUD Section 8 lifted that criteria,it is not there now. There were questions raised about: 1)What were to happen if we were to contact the Housing Authority? 2)Can we forbid them from evicting a person? 3)Can the landlord refuse to accept money? Dr.Gurley provided some 2 answers,but indicated that the City does not have enough affordable housing. Next week there is to be a meeting with the Housing and Community Development Department regarding Housing Assessment and Affordable Housing. Dr.Gurley will ask the Director how Banks and lending arrangements are working, question what is not being done. Dr. Gurley indicated that Mr.Castillo has asked the City to do an assessment—it will become a requirement for CDBG funding in the future. In the next few years,performance standards will be implemented. Dr.Peterson mentioned that a few months ago he had expressed concerns over housing. Is there any means of knowing housing statistics,an easy process for community to express complaints/concerns? If there is only 17 complaints,then we need to ensure there is ample opportunity to the public to voice complaints. We need to refine the process and have the Housing Authority accept it - look at ample opportunity on getting complaints addressed,time frames,and what is in place. Dr.Gurley indicated that it is the Human Relation Commission's task: 1)that if a person has alleged discrimination;2)or if we have reason to believe or recognize there is a problem in the community-we are to address the concerns,hold public forums,post notices,or we can form a committee to discuss and immediately address a specific concern. Dr.Gurley gave an example of incident where the Mayor gave an order to clean up the Housing Authority,after we brought concern to her attention. If allegations of discrimination arise,we can address it. Reverend Davila indicated that as the Housing Authority was an entity of the City,we can't go into situation to address,rather the matter had to be referred to HUD,we could only meet with them. Dr.Gurley indicated that prior to August,we could investigate those cases. Both Houston and Ft. Worth investigated together, and went to them together. The Housing Authority was warned 3 years ago,however it just escalated. Dr.Gurley indicated that once we have the HUD contract,we will have to refer those cases to HUD,like we do City cases with EEOC. Mr.Hinojosa asked for clarification of boundaries of jurisdiction—such as favoritism. Dr.Gurley clarified jurisdictional boundaries,i.e.:age,race, national origin or disability. Mr.Hinojosa asked about reverse discrimination. Dr.Gurley indicated that there is no such thing as reverse discrimination—discrimination is just discrimination. Ms.Tamar asked questions about a person being displaced,suggested looking at other cities,i.e.:tax incentives to businesses,maybe apartment complexes could set aside a unit. Dr.Peterson indicted that was his motive,ample opportunity to voice concerns if people have been penalized for reporting discrimination—it will discourage them from filing a charge. We need to encourage them. Ms.Terrell-Davis asked if any monies are set aside regarding displaced persons. Dr.Gurley indicated there weren't. Ms.Mercado discussed safety net possibility. Dr.Gurley is looking at possible options and has been very conscientious about making the individuals aware of the possible consequences. She is talking to people in the community and working with the individual,explaining things up front,if a house is condemned,the house will be destroyed and we would have to walk them through it. Dr.Gurley will be working with Norbert Hart,Director of Housing and Community Development,about displacement. Normally,it wouldn't be a part of what we do,but we believe it is something we can provide assistance with. Ms.Mercado asked if the Housing Authority could handle it. Dr.Gurley indicated that we try to address needs. Dr.Gurley reviewed more statistical data from report and indicated that there was one housing case that is being worked on,where the Respondent was claiming to be exempt. Dr.Gurley would be reviewing Title 3. The issue pertains to handicapped parking,number of spaces based on number of units. Dr.Gurley believes she will be able to resolve the matter in a timely manner. Dr.Gurley also discussed the letter submitted to EEOC for an upward modification of our present contract. We have met and exceeded our contract number for case resolutions,and are waiting for a response. Dr.Gurley reviewed the tentative Agenda for the Annual Conference for designation of Moderators for each session. Mr.Hinojosa indicated that he may be out of town,and would not be attending the conference. Additional names provided:Laura Rios,Olga Tamar,Dr.Peterson. Ms.Tamez asked about duties of moderators. Dr.Gurley indicated that they kept the flow of the presentation going,asked questions,didn't let presentation run over,etc.The Human Relations Department is paying for the Commissioners' registration fees. Dr. Gurley also mentioned that the information for re-appointments to the Commission has been sent to the Mayor for his review and mayoral appointment. PUBLIC COMMENTS-Limited to two(2)Minutes There were no public comments at this meeting. T re meeting adjourned at approximately 6:10 p.m. rj 9 9 Rev.Willie Davila,Chairman Date inut s Approved 3