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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 11/01/2007 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for November 1, 2007 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER was made by Robert Adler who presided. 2. ROLL CALL: Present Commissioners: Robert Adler, Margie Myers, Jared Cummings, Lauren McAdams, Richard Pulido, Sam Watson, Lucy Reta, Kelly Knight, Marta Del Angel and Johnny Meisner. Absent Commissioners: Crystal Lyons, Errol Summerlin, Derrick Reeves, and Linda Fallwell-Stover. Staff in Attendance: Human Relations: Leon Bazar, June Martinez Legal: Yvette Aguilar MOTION Excused Absences-Motioned was made by Mr. Sam Watson and Seconded by Richard Pulido and Seconded by Ms. Margie Myers and Richard Pulido to excuse the following absences for today: Errol Summerlin, Derrick Reaves, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Crystal Lyons, Laura McAdams and Jared Cummings. MOTION] Excused Absences-Motioned was made by Margie Myers and Seconded by Youth Commissioners to excuse the following absences for October 2007: Crystal Lyons, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Richard Pulido, Sam Watson, and Robert Adler. Motioned passed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES-The minutes were reviewed by the Commission. MOTION to approve the Minutes as written was passed. 5. Announcements/Introductions/Presentations- A. Announcements-None B. Introductions-None C. Presentation- Mr. Joe Garcia, Chief Operation Officer for Corpus Christi Housing Authority, who provided an overview and highlighted on the local Housing Authority. • Provided literature on the housing authority, having five Commissioners, including a resident-Commissioner. • There are approximately 110 employees, 1836 units, with 95 being off-line. They are all in the La Armadas — LA2. • There are 14 developments with over 4,000 residents. • Income is based on need when people apply. • He clarified that the Housing Authority is not considered a Federal Agency, but does have HUD guidelines. • The waiting period to apply is about 12 to 18 months. • The critical challenge is that Elderly Housing is limited. • The housing authority plans to build 200 units in Leathers via tax credits, and has already met with Mr. Williams and Northside Page 1 of 3 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for November 1, 2007 tenants. Other plans include rebuilding La Armada and Clairelane properties. He mentioned that it would take 12-15 years for address these aged properties. Section 8 Administration by CCHA - With Section 8, they have over 1,200 vouchers but that it is difficult for people to find affordable homes to use voucher. There is not enough housing in Corpus Christi, and the homes have to pass their inspection. Key expectations include health and safety, foundation, plumbing, locks, fixtures, etc. via a checklist. • CCHA currently has approximately 500 applicants, taking about 6-8 months to process with reference and background checks. Only a 98% lease-up, not much available. If applicant rejects taking a unit and prefers a unit at another property, they go to the bottom of the list. Although CCHA has 79 vacant units, several are under or need in repairs. • Voucher amount is based on income formula of home owners. • Real Estate Assessment Center is the vendor that conducts inspections of CCHA properties. HUD compliance also required. • In public housing the current annual income for people is about $7,600.00 annually and the poverty rate is about $20-21,000 in Texas, up slightly from $19,000. South Texas is the lowest in the nation. • Steps in place to verify income goes through Enterprise Income Verification to prevent fraud and must run a background check. • Have made attempts with "Not in my backyard" (NIMB) but find neighborhoods do not welcome public housing. It is not true that public housing lowers property value of neighborhood. • Southside land that CCHA owns is on hold as far as development. • One-strike policy is in place on those engaging in criminal related activities. Local media has been pretty good as far as not promoting stigmas. • The critical challenge is housing for the elderly, with estimated 1 out of 6 Americans will be over age 65 by the year 2020. • Housing Authority housed over 100 families after Hurricane Katrina. Mr. Adler mentioned that there was an article in the local newspaper about Substandard Housing, but Mr. Garcia clarified these were not a Section 8. Mr. Bazar informed that substandard living conditions are issues for City Code Enforcement. 6. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT- NONE 7. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT A. Housing Subcommittee- Nothing further; Discussion and questions addressed during the above Page 2 of 3 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for November 1, 2007 presentation. B. Committee for Persons with Disabilities- None; Mr. Bazar mentioned that the Committee for Persons with Disabilities does not need the meet until next week. C. Education Subcommittee by Mr. Richard Pulido Youth Commissioners working in preparation of presentation. They will also join the EEOC officials from San Antonio on November 27-30, 2007 who will be at local high schools on youth rights. City Staff Mr. Bazar and Ms. Butler have joined these presentations over the past two years. D. Disparity Subcommittee- None; Mr. Bazar shared that they are meeting almost weekly and meeting with City management regarding a good faith effort plan for women and minority businesses that will be brought before the Commission. 8. OLD BUSINESS-None 9. NEW BUSINESS- None 10. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT- Mr. Bazar will email statistics and contracts numbers as City closing the year, but did surpass the contract goals. Does not have new contract numbers from EEOC that is because contract numbers were exceeded. Upcoming events and outreach includes presentation before the Hialco Neighborhood Association. Department recognized by City management for its performance measures Overview of monthly activities and mediations was provided. Mr. Bazar mentioned there are two vacancies on the Commission, with resignations by Jack English and Leah Patterson. Target to refill vacancies before Council is December 11, 2007, and interested persons forward applications to the City Secretary's Office. 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None 12. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 5:40 PM. Page 3 of 3