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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 01/04/2007 • i:;) City of Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Corpus Summary Minutes for January 4, 2007 = Chnsti 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER: The Vice Chair, Mr. Summerlin, called the meeting to order at 5:01 PM, with quorum. 2. ROLL CALL: Present Commissioners: Errol Summerlin, Robert Adler, Marta Del Angel, Gilbert Fuentes, Kelley Knight, Pastor Derrick Reaves, Lucy Reta, 0. K. Smith, Sam Watson, Eric Briones, Mariann Bryant, Amanda Villarreal Post Roll Call Arrivals: None Absent Commissioners: Crystal Lyons, Linda Fallwell-Stover, Dr. Stuart Elovitz, Jack English Staff in Attendance: Leon Bazar, Wanese Butler, Gary Smith Public: Corretta Graham, Dr. Gloria Scott 3. EXCUSED ABSENCES: kv1OTION To excuse the 12/7/06 absence for Pastor Reaves was made by Robert Adler, with a Second by Gilbert Fuentes. The Motion passed. !v1OTION To excuse the 12/7/06 absence for Sam Watson was made by Robert Adler, with a Second by Lucy Reta. The Motion passed. 1v1OTION To excuse the 12/7/06 absence for Gilbert Fuentes was made by Robert Adler, with a Second in unison. The Motion passed. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —December 7, 2006: MOTION To approve the minutes as written was made by Robert Adler, with a Second in unison. The Motion passed. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS/ INTRODUCTIONS/ PRESENTATIONS: Introductions: A. New Youth Commission, Mr. Eric Briones, was introduced and welcomed to this, his first Commission meeting. B. New NAACP President, Ms. Corretta Graham, was introduced and invited to give any remarks. Ms.Graham briefly addressed the Commission in her first appearance as the newly elected President of the NAACP's local chapter. She invited the Commission to attend their upcoming 37th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Fund Banquet and Silent Auction on Page 1 of 6 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for January 4, 2007 1/13/07 at 7:00 PM. She also mentioned that one of the Commissioners, Pastor Reaves,will be honored as a 2006 Torch recipient at this year's event. The NAACP President, Ms. Graham, then shared with the Commission some goals under her tenure: • Reactivation of the Chapter's Youth Branch • Civil Rights Symposium • Financial Awareness/Education • Membership, Communication and Accountability to Public Ms. Graham indicated that she would be willing to return to provide a more detailed presentation before the Commission, and will also send a formal letter inviting the Commission to be a partner in the Civil Rights Symposium. Upon thanking Ms. Graham for attending today, Mr. Summerlin recalled the Commission's past 40th anniversary and reminded all of the 1960's movement in Corpus Christi with the participation of the local NAACP Chapter to get the City to create this Commission. 6. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT: The Chairperson was unable to attend today's meeting. The Vice Chair took a few minutes to advise the Commissioners that he would be actively involved over the next several months in a matter of raising public awareness of Northside Corpus Christi issues and the new wastewater treatment plant. He commented that these issues may or may not involve the Commission, depending on the Chair and/or Commissioners. He added that over his 20 years plus on the Commission, there have been times that Legal Aid and the City/City Council had differing opinions on issues. Also, that his participation may require guidance, at some point in the future, from the Legal Department. 7. COMMISSION SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS: (Discussion with Possible Action) A. Housing Subcommittee 0. K. Smith reported on discussions from this Subcommittee's last two meetings on affordable, accessible, and fair housing efforts. Mr. Smith provided an overview of a handout of ideas for a target project of collaboration and connecting with the community. The target project selected is to conduct a study and propose recommendations on the distribution of public housing funds and compliance with accessibility requirements. The Subcommittee would create a working group of partners from different disciplines within the city,and include stakeholders in working with Human Relations, Legal and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development(HUD). Any additional stakeholders or issues may be forwarded to this Subcommittee. B. Committee for Persons with Disabilities (CFPWD) Since Ms. Fallwell-Stover was absent today, the Chair asked if there was a report. Mr. Bazar Page 2 of 6 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for January 4, 2007 informed the Commission that the CFPWD held its regular meeting and received a presentation on accessible parking citations, explanation of case dismissals, and the monitoring program. From this CFPWD's discussion,there was interest in doing more educational efforts and possibly public service announcements on accessible parking. Mr. Bazar provided accessible parking criteria of signage and access aisle in response to Commissioners'questions.He also mentioned that Engineering Services Department is engaged in the CFPWD meetings and provided updates on access to McGee Beach, other ADA initiatives, and Bond projects. Commissioners also commented on increased sensitivity awareness gained in serving on this Commission. C. Education Subcommittee—This subcommittee was not able to meet last month and had no report at this time. 8. OLD BUSINESS: (Discussion with Possible Action): Emergency Preparedness —Tabled in Ms. Lyons' absence. 9, NEW BUSINESS: (Discussion with Possible Action): Mr. Adler mentioned that Mr. Bazar, an EEOC Official(Rodney Kline)and Ms. Butler were at the Westside Business Association Monthly Meeting that he attended earlier today with some County Commissions, Judges and other dignitaries. Mr. Adler complimented staff on an excellent presentation and program covering the Human Relations Department's areas of discrimination and the protected classes. 10.ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: Leon Bazar, Director of Human Relations • Mr. Bazar provided Commissioners with the department's activity summary packet. • He reminded the Commission of the NAACP banquet on January 13th in which some Commissioners already confirmed attendance at the table purchased for the event. He also informed the Commission of some upcoming events this month: the Gulf Coast Indian Confederation's annual blessing and march on January 14th at 2:00 PM; the Department's Quarterly City Council Update on January 23rd but the specific time depends on the order and flow of the City Council's agenda that day; the annual City Manager's Directors Retreat on January 26th and 27h; the City's Legal training for supervisors is ongoing, with 10 sessions already completed; and that he will be attending the City Directors' 5 weekly leadership and management training sessions. Pending projects include$155,000 United Way Campaign; continued preparations in brining TDLR accessibility training to Corpus Christi; EEOC Mediations; and the City Hall in the Mall event on February 3-4, 2007. • Mr. Bazar provided an overview of the activity summary, general case information, case processing, and ADA technical assistance(including voluntary requests). He also informed the Commission that the Department will commence with interviews to fill the vacant Intake position. Page 3 of 6 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for January 4, 2007 • There was discussion on the format of the Department's reports,the old 2004 report format, reporting period information (contract year, production cycle period) and how to best modifying the monthly report for the Commission. To clearly identify what the Commission wants given the number of reports and various types of data available through the Department, a few Commissioners will working with Mr. Bazar. [Mr. Adler had to leave at approximately 5:52 PM; Quorum remained.] Mr. Summerlin commented that the feels the narrative report is good, but not necessarily to be read during the meetings, yet statistical data is important to reflect what cases are processed within the timeframe along with those that are not. The Vice Chair asked if any Commissioners would like meet to provide input and discussion on the Commission's preferences for Staffs monthly report. Regarding Mr. Smith's question on any decision- making purposes and the consequences of these reports, Mr. Summerlin responded that at the Federal and State levels complaints go beyond the target number of days so the Commission is concerned about how what is happening locally. Regarding the amount or level of detail and number of categories the Commission desires from Staff, Mr. Summerlin suggested without objection from Commissioners that he and Ms. Lyons meet with Staff. He further suggested that when this meeting is scheduled, an email should be sent to all Commissioners for their review of report data and input. Mr. Summerlin clarified that this working group would not be on-going each month, but rather meet to give Mr. Bazar direction on the Commission's preferences for Staff to prepare the monthly report data. It was agreed that Mr. Summerlin and the Chair, Ms. Lyons, would meet with Mr. Bazar to define the data needed on a monthly report. 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS/CONCERNS/ ITEMS FOR NEXT AGENDA: Public Comments: Dr. Gloria Scott commented on five items: 1. Race Relations — Dr. Scott asked if there is an annual assessment or status of race relations that the Commission is in charge of or involved with, intersecting race and income and mentioning the three poorest zip codes in Corpus Christi- Northside. Dr. Scott asked do we assess how well people, beyond the educated, know to file a complaint or to raise questions. 2. Range of Interfacing with Community — There is a range of local organizations that are interested in Human Relations. The perception is that ADA is the Human Relations Commission's main focal point and some other groups question or wonder about the Commission's range. 3. Reports—Dr. Scott suggested that the Commission interact, invite or go to local groups to give and receive information/reports. 4. Fair Housing Subcommittee — Dr. Scott commented that ordinary citizens are critical stakeholders but are not listed as stakeholders for the project. She later suggested that Page 4 of 6 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for January 4, 2007 ordinary citizens should be involved not just in a particular phase or meeting but all phases along the way. 5. Airport—Dr. Scott recognized the Airport's security alerts and restraints but commented on her observations that there were no provisions for ADA at the curb without threat of having the vehicle towed when assisting persons with disabilities from the curb into the airport. She further commented that other cities are making time allowances. RE: Race relations assessment—Mr. Summerlin indicated that he was unaware of any annual assessment or state of race relations, and if one were done than possibly the city's Northside would not be in the condition it is. He added that testing is a method of determining or assessing race relations, such as for fair housing, but there was opposition in the 1990's. He did indicate that he would further the concept with the Commission for a means of studying race relations. RE: CCHRC Relations - Mr. Summerlin indicated that the Staff does interact within the community and are involved with other organizations, but maybe not tapping all groups. RE: ADA - Mr. Summerlin indicated that it is true that the Commission is focusing more on ADA. There have been different focuses over the many years of the Commission. There are other types of complaints taken. He further commented that the Commission was not formed for ADA reasons, but founded due to rampart discrimination, especially in Public Accommodations. Perhaps refocus. RE: Fair Housing Subcommittee-Mr. Summerlin indicated that we need to see how to include the ordinary citizen as stakeholders. Mr. Bazar explained the upcoming phases for the project and that this would begin with collection of data. Dr. Scott suggested having many mini forums instead of one large forum for input, and to also involve ordinary citizens all along the way versus just certain steps. RE:Airport Passengers at Curb-Mr.Summerlin asked Staff to look into the matter and report back to the Commission next month. Understanding that vehicles at curbside are told to move along, we need to allow enough time for assisting a person with disability. Concerns: • Ms. Del Angel and Ms. Knight—The Lipan Entrance accessible ramp to City Hall is too dark around curves, noticed especially with rain-like weather. • Regarding the Commission Minutes, Mr. Bazar noted that Ms. Butler would now be attending the Commission meetings and taking the Minutes. Items for Next Agenda: • Director's Report Format and Report Committee • Update on Airport Curb Drop-off regarding persons with disabilities 12. ADJOURNMENT: Page 5 of 6 Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission Summary Minutes for January 4, 2007 With nothing further and without objection, the Vice Chair adjourned the meeting at approximately 6:20 P.M. Page 6 of 6