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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 07/18/1991 MINUTES ‘10V OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING JULY 18, 1991 Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent Errol Summerlin, Vice Chairperson Gene Ward Jimmie McCurn Kate Haltom Grandis Lenken Rosalie Beaty Elida Gonzalez Fernando Ortiz Staff Present Elisa Holland Lynda Herndon Jacquelyn Harrell, Director Terry Mills Ora Stone Beatrice Lopez Adell Lucas The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by Errol Summerlin, Vice Chairperson. The roll was taken and a quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. 1111 APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES It was moved and seconded that minutes of June 6, 1991 be approved. VICE CHAIRPERSON'S COMMENTS Commissioner Summerlin, Vice Chairperson, welcomed new Commissioners. Each new Commissioner was introduced and gave an overview of their background. PUBLIC INTRODUCTION AND REMARKS Ora Stone was introduced as an interim investigator. Itwas reported Ms. Stone has been recommended as a permanent addition to the Human Relations staff, since her credentials surpassed all others in the applicant pool for the Investigative Supervisor position. OLD BUSINESS EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION The Commission received a letter from Juan Garza stating he appreciated the Commission's concern in bringing the City's employment application to their attention. Commissioner Summerlin suggested we send a note thanking Juan Garza for a quick response. It was moved, seconded and unanimously voted to send a letter of thanks. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION JULY 18, 1991 PAGE 2 FAIR HOUSING ASSESSMENT: Jacquelyn Harrell reported on the recent meeting with Chris Gorham. It was reported the Housing & Community Development is trying to get a special waiver from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on the Fair Housing Assessment. Chris Gorham reported they were working on a project that seems to be more critical than the Fair Housing Assessment at this time. Vice Chairperson Summerlin read a letter he received July 3, 1991 from Juan Garza, City Manager, thanking the Commission for the letter on the Fair Housing Assessment. The letter stated at this time they are concentrating on a Comprehensive Affordability Strategy Study that is due in October and after this is done they will see what funds are available to do the Fair Housing Assessment. Commissioners questioned the funding source for the Fair Housing Assessment. The Commissioners stated they were under the impression the City had already budgeted $60,000 for the Assessment. Questions were raised regarding the requirements of the Comprehensive Affordability Strategy Act. It was requested that Chris Gorham be invited to the next Commission meeting to enlighten Commissioners on the Comprehensive • Affordability Strategy Act. Commissioner Summerlin suggested a letter be sent to Juan Garza inquiring about certain issues, for example: 1. What happened to budget of $60,000? 2. Are resources available for the Fair Housing Assessment? The Commission was under the impression that resources were already available. 3. Looking at the economic feasibility, why would the City conduct two separate assessments. They could both be compiled as one Assessment. Why didn't the City seek a waiver for the Comprehensive Affordability Strategy Act? Commissioner Summerlin reported that Housing and Community Development may postpone the Assessment this year, but the Assessment needs to be done in the City for the citizens benefit. He stated further, if you don't have that kind of Assessment done you don't know where the need is and the money will wind up being spent for something else. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION 4110 JULY 18, 1991 PAGE 3 Commissioner Summerlin explained the Fair Housing Assessment to new Commissioners. It was reiterated the Commission is very concerned about the dateline for the Fair Housing Assessment. Commissioner McCurn asked if Mayor Rhodes had contacted the Commission members. She suggested the Commission meet with Mayor Rhodes and if Juan Garza needed to be there, he also should be invited. Commissioner McCurn is very concerned that the Commission is not getting the support that should be given. More support is given in other cities. Commissioner Herndon suggested Commissioners appear on talk shows to let the Community know what this Conmiission is all about. She stated we need more publicity; talk show; radio should be done regulary; do it over and over and not only on special occasions. Chairperson Summerlin will draft a letter to Juan Garza, with a copy to Mayor Rhodes. Also, a letter will be drafted to Mayor Rhodes. NEW BUSINESS NONE TRAINING SESSION OR TOPIC International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies: Commissioner McCurn spoke briefly on the IAOHRA Conference. She said, "it was an eye opener to things we as a Commission should be doing". Issues were discussed such as open hearings that could be called by the Commission. She said Commissioners need to let the Community know about our role. The Commission should be more involved. An interfaith council was also discussed. Commissioner Gonzalez also reported on the IAOHRA Conference. She stated, "the Human Relations Commission needs high visibility", she suggested business cards be given to each Commissioner. Jacquelyn Harrell was nominated Secretary of IAHORA. The Commission congratulated her. FAIR HOUSING CONFERENCE Jacquelyn Harrell reported U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development invited the Human Relations Commission to co—sponsor a Fair Housing Conference to be held August 21, 22, and 23, 1991 at the Corpus Christi Sheraton Hotel. This will be the first time Housing and Urban Development (Fair Housing Division) has ever had a conference in Corpus Christi. There will be participants Washington,ants from Washin ton, D.C. , San Antonio, Ft. Worth and from five different states. The Commission will be reimbursed up to $2,000 for costs incurred. 16110 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION JULY 18, 1991 PAGE 4 It was reported the City Manager approved co-sponsorship and funding. The Mayor and City Manager have agreed to participate. Commissioner Summerlin inquired about the American Disabilities Act Conference and whether or not that conference is going to be held. It was reported the Conference will be held sometime in the Fall in conjunction with the Mayor's Committee on the Handicap. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS A Memorandum was read from the City Manager, Juan Garza, which states the Human Relations Commission will no longer report to Deputy City Manager, Jesus Garza, but to Jorge Garza, Director of General Services. Commissioner Summerlin recommended that the Commission report our displeasure and amazement that the Commission has been relegated to such obscurity within the City government. We ask that the Commission reassignment be structured to provide that the Human Relations Commission report directly to the City Manager. ® After some discussion a motion that all the foregoing discussion be condensed into a letter by the Vice Chairperson to Juan Garza. A copy of the letter should be given to all Commissioners. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6.40 p.m. Vice Chairperson Date