HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 11/05/2003 Summary Minutes
Non-Quorum Meeting
Regular Monthly Meeting
Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission
November 5, 2003
CALL TO ORDER:
The meeting called to order by Dr. Valadez-Ortiz, Commission Vice-Chair.
ATTENDANCE: The roll was called by Mr. David Ramos:
(Vacancy: One Adult Commission Seat)
Present Absent
Dr. Gustavo Valadez-Ortiz Mr. Oscar Hinojosa, Sr.
Ms. Betty Black Ms. Lisa Bonilla
Ms. Marisa Dowling Dr. Stuart Elovitz
Dr. Carol Ledbetter Mrs. Crystal Lyons
Mr. Albert Santoya Dr. Sylvester Peterson
Ms. Amy Rhoads
Ms. Ruth Silva
Mr. Errol Summerlin
Ms. Nancy Vera
City Staff:
Present Absent
Mr. L. David Ramos Mr. Joseph Harney
Ms. Wanese Butler Ms. June Shultz
No quorum upon roll call; General discussion ensured with no action.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Consideration of approval of the October 1,
2003 Minutes was postponed due to a lack of quorum.
APPROVAL OF EXCUSED ABSENCES: Consideration of approval for
the October 1, 2003 Absences was postponed due to a lack of quorum.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
CHAIR'S REPORT: Mr. Hinojosa was unable to attend. The Vice-Chair,
Dr. Vatadez-Ortiz, offered compliments on Mayor Loyd Neal's
Proclamation,former Mayor Ben McDonald's attendance and remarks, and
also City Staff during the celebration of 40 years of Human Relations in
Corpus Christi. Ms. Betty Black concurred and acknowledged that the
proclamation presentation before the City Council was good. Dr. Valadez-
Ortiz suggested that the Commission have other opportunities and
discussions with Mr. McDonald due to his historical knowledge and
experience.
Dr. Valadez-Ortiz also complimented the Resource Guide that was recently
published as a supplement in the Corpus Christi Caller-Times newspaper for
persons with disabilities; and suggested that the Commission might consider
a thank you letter in appreciation and in encouragement to continue with the
resource guide annually.
Mr. Ramos mentioned that the Human Relations Department has received
copies of the Resource Guide and that copies would be provided to the
Commission.
SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
A. HOUSING: There was no sub-committee meeting this past month due to
illnesses, but Ms. Black hopes that meetings will resume in November
2003. Regarding the housing brochure draft, some Commissioners
suggested additional changes. Mr. Ramos indicated that once the
changes have been incorporated, the Housing Subcommittee should be
able to finalize.
B. DISABILITY Sub-Committee: No report on behalf of the Committee for
Persons with Disabilities at this time as Ms. Lyons was unable to attend
due to illness.
C. EDUCATION Sub-Committee: Dr. Ledbetter reported that the sub-
committee had met to discuss long-range planning to include a 2-year
calendar of events that focuses on topics of diversity, then culminate with
a diversity conference for various groups including children and
schools. The sub-committee will be seeking grant opportunities, such as
through the Kodak company,for diversity awareness projects.
Mr. Santoya remarked that there is a need of a training model to educate
others in diversity and sensitivity. Dr. Ledbetter commented on the sub-
committee's desire to have or adopt its own model and to make it
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available to the community and for use at conferences. Dr. Valadez-
Ortiz suggested that the Commission could possibly collaborate with
others in the community, such as the Chamber of Commerce and Corpus
Christi Leadership, to commit to sessions on culture diversity. Dr.
Ledbetter discussed a possible monthly calendar that highlights various
cultures within the community/coastal bend Dr. Valadez-Ortiz added
that possible monthly Mayor's proclamations could compliment this
effort.
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Fair Housing: Regarding the response letter from Richard Franco of
the C.C. Housing Authority, Dr. Valadez-Ortiz suggested that the
Commission consider a courtesy acknowledgement/thank you letter
for willingness to work with the CCHRC for equality in housing and
ADA compliance, with a copy to each Commission Member
NEW BUSINESS: None at this time.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Mr. L. David Ramos provided an
overview of the new revised monthly report, as recommended by the
Commission last month. General discussion ensured about case
processing, model of proof case closures, and EEOC credits. Mr. Ramos
also provided clarification on the statistical sheet that details the types or
basis of each case reflected in the EEOC report and how this type of
information may be used in assessing trends. Upon Commissioners'
questions, Mr. Ramos agreed to provide an example of a case by using a
closed case and blocking the personal identification information.
The discussion ended at approximately 5:45 PM
[No minutes to formally approve due to lack of quorum. These non-quorum
notes reflect the day's discussions.]
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