HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 12/02/1999 SUMMARY MINUTES
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
December 2,1999
Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent
Rev.Willie Davila Ms.Lena Coleman
Mr.Daniel Carmona(Youth Commissioner) Rabbi Paul Joseph (Advisory)
Ms.Kelly Garza(Youth Commissioner) Ms.Anna Mercado-Flores
Mr.Oscar Hinojosa Ms.Olga Tamar
Ms.JoAnn Kernick
Dr. Sylvester Peterson Staff Present
Ms.Blaire Pittman(Youth Commissioner) Dr.Helen Gurley
Ms.Laura Rios June Shultz
Ms.Jeanette Stevens
Mr.Errol Summerlin Attorney
Ms.Toni Tamez Mr.Joseph Harney
Ms. Sandra Terrell-Davis
Reverend Davila,Chairperson,called the regular monthly meeting to order at approximately 5:10 p.m. A quorum was
present. Lena Coleman,Rabbi Paul Joseph and Olga Tamar had indicated they were unable to attend this month's meeting.
We did not receive a confirmation call back from Anna Mercado-Flores when we called to verify attendance.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
After discussion,the November 4, 1999 minutes were approved as presented.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT—Rev.Willie Davila
None. However the Chair asked Dr. Gurley for a report on the Substantial Equivalency request to HUD. Dr. Gurley
informed the Commission that the new federal budget had been signed. Dr.Gurley called Washington and left a message
for Loretta Dixon. The Housing Authority is conducting evaluations nationwide. She wasn't aware of the outcome,however
there is a group in Corpus Christi from Washington.
COMMISSIONERS/COMNIITTEE REPORTS
Housing Committee/Revision of City Ordinance—Commissioner Olga Tamar
No report at this time.
Mayor's Task Force for Persons with Disabilities—Commissioner Hinojosa
Commissioner Hinojosa indicated he had not been notified of a meeting yet. Dr.Gurley explained that the Task Force is
looking for a new meeting location,because the RTA building,where the meeting are normally held,had been sold.
NEW BUSINESS
No new business discussed.
OLD BUSINESS
There was discussion regarding the Housing Assessment Summary Report from 1993. Reverend Davila indicated Goal A
was met with the development and implementation of the City's Housing Ordinance. Goal B addressed the concerns raised
at last month's meeting. (The Commission reviewed Goal B.) There was discussion about the summary of the San Antonio
study,and how fifty(50)people worked jointly on the study and the various recommendations provided.
Dr.Peterson voiced a concern on how we as a group can assist in improving housing. Possibly implement a sub-committee
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to work to bring in people to assist Reverend Davila indicated the City has two departments working on housing issues—
1)Human Relations;and 2)Housing and Community Development. It took a long time to achieve Goal A,the ordinance.
In addition,we are working towards Fair Housing—HUD Substantial Equivalency. Next we will work on Goal B.
Currently meeting with Housing and Community Development to discuss how we can work on Goal B. Number 3 of Goal
B is already in place.
Reverend Davila suggested asking Tom Utter, Assistant City Manager, Development Services, to come before the
Commission with information on the Loan Process Program utilized in Housing and Community Development
There was a lengthy discussion about the implementation of recommendations shown in the Housing Assessment of 1993.
Recommendation C was discussed,along with mentoring concerns. An option to find an attorney to help with the loan
process—implement a support committee to do this. Commissioner Summerlin indicated his office is interested in helping
with this aspect. There was discussion about the Planning Commission,Zoning issues and low-income families.
Dr.Gurley discussed the need for a new Housing Survey. Utilize the Commission to team up with focus groups and/or door
to door responses along with the assistance of student workers. There was discussion on if there was a need for a new
housing study. Clarification was given on the type of study Dr.Gurley was talking about and the federal requirements. The
discussion also touched upon the monies that are currently available for housing issues. There are three sources,each with
different criteria—federal(HUD funds),state(Designated Housing funds)and local(Monies set aside by banks under the
Banks Reinvestment Act). The Commission would like to follow up on the allocation of funds for each category. The
Commission wanted to ensure that funding is not lost through lack of use. They would like clarification on each.
There was discussion about use of Commissioners to assist with completion of loan applications. There was further
discussion about the need to speak with Assistant City Manager Tom Utter and Housing and Community Development staff.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Monthly reports were provided to the Commissioners. There were 665 inquiries,28 employment charges—16 of which
were referred to San Antonio,12 remained in the department Compliance Officers closed 11 cases. The department is on
target for this year's goals. The department is supposed to close 143 cases from October 1, 1999—September 30,2000.
The department has closed 28 cases so far. The department has taken a total of 63 charges(all employment),however there
may be a housing complaint filed tomorrow,in response to a call received today in the department The department is at
16.8%of the contract Employment inquiries last year at this time were 234,in comparison to 402 of this year. There has
been an increase in contacts and in numbers of charges and inquiries.
Dr.Gurley is continuing to work on an ADA Guidebook. San Antonio's EEOC State and Local Coordinator will be coming
to the office on December 6th and 7th to review some cases and provide Compliance Officer training. The Commission's
Annual Report is due on December 17th. The accomplishments achieved this year will reflect very well on the Commission.
PUBLIC COMMENTS-Limited to two(2)Minutes
There were no public comments at this meeting.
There was a request by Dr.Peterson to obtain e-mail addresses for those who have e-mail. Commissioners were requested
to call or provide their e-mail addresses to June Shultz,Administrative Assistant, She will provide an updated listing.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.
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Rev.Willie Davila,Chairman Date Minutes Approved
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