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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 02/03/2005 Th �,y� City of Corpus6Christi Human Relations Commission ■ Corpus Summary Minutes for February 3, 2005 = Christi I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER The meeting was called order by the Chair,Oscar Hinojosa,Sr. 2. ROLL CALL—No quorum at roll call . Present Commissioners: Oscar Hinojosa,Sr.,Dr. Sylvester Peterson,Ms.Fallwell-Stover,Dr. Stuart Elovitz,Dr. Carol Ledbetter, Ms.Leah Patterson,Ms. Lucy Reta Post Roll Call Arrivals: Mr. Summerlin,Ms.Betty Black,Ms.Marissa Dowling and Mr.Santoya. Absent Commissioners: Mr.Adler and Dr.Clifton Baldwin. . Staff in attendance: Mr.Leon Bazar and Ms.Wanese Buller. (Joseph Harney-absent) The Chair asked Mr. Bazar to introduce the other Staff also in attendance,as noted under Item#4. 3. EXCUSED ABSENCES: Linda Fallwell-Stover—Excused by Dr. Ledbetter's motion and Dr.Peterson's second.The Motion passed. Dr. Stuart Elovitz-Excused by Dr. Ledbetter's motion and Ms.Fallwell-Stover's second.The Motion passed. Ms. Betty Black-Excused by Dr.Elovitz's motion and Dr. Peterson's second.The Motion passed. There was discussion about what is the authority used in excusing absences,what requires Commissioners having to provide a reason for an absence and what criteria to use in determining a valid excuse. Mr.Hinojosa asked that clarification on excusing absences be provided by the Legal Department for the next meeting. Mr. Bazar stated that the City Secretary's Office wants to see an attendance record of the people who are seeking reappointment. Mr.Hinojosa explained that the Commissioners can only excuse the absence for one month. Mr. Hinojosa has asked that everyone still call so that we will know if the Commission will have a quorum. Mr. Bazar informed the Commission that the boards and commission manual gives the guidelines for City Commissions and Committees. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: 12/2/04 MOTION: Following the Commission's review of the minutes,Mr.Summerlin motioned to approve the minutes as written, with a Second by Ms. Patterson. The motion passed. 5.ANNOUNCEMENTS!INTRODUCTIONS/PRESENTATIONS: Mr. Bazar introduced the Human Relations Staff to the Commission: Intake/Investigative Specialist,Janice Smoot Compliance Officers June Martinez and Leo Lorenzo. Mr. Bazar also mentioned that the Staff Assistant,April Motfet,was out today. [Mr. Santoya arrived] 6. CHAIR'S REPORT` none CCHRC 2/3/05 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for February 3, 2005 7. COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS:(Discussion with Possible Action) Housing Sub-Committee: -Report by Betty Black Fair Housing Brochure: Ms.Black indicated that the subcommittee was unable to meet this month and there was nothing to report at this time. Committee for Persons with Disabilities: -Report by Linda Fallwell-Stover Ms.Fallwell-Stover informed the Commission of the latest projects of the Committee. Ms.Fallwell- Stover introduced Committee members Ms.Toni Padilla/Vice-Chairperson, and Ms. Lyons. Ms. Fallwell-Stover asked for the Commission support of the Position Statement on Inclusive Recreation. (Handout)and take a vote on the statement at the next meeting. Ms.Fallwell-Stover also mentioned about the February 14'h Operation Care for You Program that is sponsored by the Fire Department. Mr. Bazar added that the Human Relations Department is assisting with this project. Ms. Linda Fallwell-Stover requested that the CFPWD's Recreation Inclusion position statement be added to the Commission's next agenda. [Ms. Reta had to leave] C. Education Sub-Committee: Per Dr. Carol Ledbetter,the subcommittee had nothing to report at this time. 8. OLD BUSINESS: (Discussion with Possible Action): none 9.NEW BUSINESS: (Discussion with Possible Action): Dr. Ledbetter—Non-smoking Ordinance: There was discussion about the City's new Non-Smoking Ordinance and whether or not the Commission had the role or ability to comment or take a position. There was discussion among Commissioners,including the mission of the Commission. The Commission Purpose statement was read aloud,and the Chair strongly advised that no Commissioner speak on this political matter on behalf of the Commission. No action was taken regarding the City's recent non-smoking ordinance. 10. ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. Bazar mentioned the Fair Housing Seminar,April 7th• Ms. Butler is Co-Chairperson for this seminar. The Human Relations Staff involved in train and cross training. There is still one vacant position that will be filled soon. The staff will be moving forward in create awareness and sensitivity regarding cultural diversity in our community. The staff will also be submitting subpoena to the commission for approval to request information so that the Iluman Relations' officers may be able to complete their investigations. Two subpoenas will be on the next agenda. Mr. Summerlin requested from Mr.Bazar a percentage breakdown of revenue to be presented at the next meeting.Mr. Bazar agreed. 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS/ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: a. The mission statement of the Human Relations Commission was reviewed. Copies of the Commission's • mission statement were requested. b. Ms. Fallwell-Stover previously requested an item for the next meeting regarding the CFPWD's Recreation Inclusion Position Statement. c. Mr.Summerlin requested information on the Human Relations budget regarding revenues to expenditures. d. Dr. Elovitz commented that since the City Council voted in favor of the smoking ban,so could the Commission give a statement of support to the Council's action. The Chair reiterated his advisement not to do so as a Commission. 12.ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned in unison. CCHRC 2/3/05 2