HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 02/04/1993 MEN=
OF THE
HUMAN RELATIONS CalITSSION ?METING
FEBRUARY 4, 1993
commissioners Present Commissioners Absent
Kate Haltom, Chair Lynda Sutherland
Sarah Guidry, Vice Chair Jimmie McCurn
Richard Leshin
Grandis Lenken Staff Present
Rosalie Beaty Jacquelyn Harrell
Terry Mills Rosie Alaniz
Clyde E. Bourke Adell Lucas
Willie Davila
Nausumi Shaw
Jonathan Blum
Myra Stepter
The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by the Chair,
Kate Haltom. The roll call was taken and a quorum was present to conduct a
legally constituted meeting.
Approval of the minutes
It was roved and seconded the Minutes of January 21 , 1993 he approved as read.
CHAIRPERSON'S cot-mars
Commissioner Haltom spoke briefly on a Fair [busing Advocate Newsletter she
received and stated she read in Pennsylvania, the Real Estate CUnmissicn has
adopted a fair housing education program which mandates three (3) hours of
instruction on Fair Housing for Realtors.
Jacquelyn Harrell stated, Cbmnissioner Beaty is a licensed Realtor and could
answer questions about the Real Estate Commission in Texas. Commissioner
Beaty had been contacted earlier regarding this subject.
Commissioner Beaty stated in getting a real estate license one of the things
you reed to know is the Fair Housing Ledo. Cb mussioner Beaty stated there are
a few exceptions, if you are a licensed broker between the years of 1987-88
you could apply for a grandfather exemption that you do not have to take a
requirement of hours for continuing education. In the City of Corpus Christi
many real estate agents are members of the Bnard of Realtors which has a
strict code of conduct and ethics. The Board of Realtors encourage members
to keep up on any changes in real estate law or property law, commission
Beaty reported.
MI4AN RE[ATIMIS CWMMSSI(N MINUPES
PALE 2
Ccnuissioner IHaltom questioned if writing and recommending continuing
education on fair housing to the Texas Realtor Board, a nine (9) member
board, appointed by the Governor and approved by the Texas Senate could be
helpful. She stated they are the policy making board of the State and could
include the requirement of a Fair [busing Education program.
Ccuudssioner Halton stated she and Jacquelyn Harrell will write a letter to
the Corpus Christi Realtors Rnard requesting continuing education on fair
housing.
Ron Hudson's complaints
Cannissioner Haltom stated Ron Hudson had distributed a complaint and this
will be referred to the Canmuiity Involvement Committee, Sarah Guidry is the
Chairperson. However, the Chair of the Crnmission will request a legal
opinion frau the City Attorney before the complaint is referred to the
Committee.
Jacquelyn Harrell commented Commissioner Beaty was involved in Mr. Hudson's
earlier complaint and asked her to comment on haw that complaint was handled.
Commissioner Beaty stated when the Task Force Ocurnittee for updating the City
Charter net they wanted input frau citizens. She said she was present and Mr.
Hudson. At that time he did make his recommendation they remove any kind of
requirement hazed on a religious test. So the Task Force toric all
recommendations into consideration and ended up with only eleven (11)
propositions. Mr. Hudson's recommendation was not selected.
Cammissioner Guidry stated this complaint should be studied by the Community
Involvement Camittee of the Commission and our findings recommended to the
City Council or Mayor. After a legal opinion has been obtained frau the City
Attorney.
Cbnmissioner Halton, Guidry and Beaty will serve on the ad hoc committee on
Ron Hudson's complaint reported the Chairperson.
Cocmmissioner Beaty stated the ad hoc committee should present its findings to
the Commission and to the City Council.
Commissioner Guidry stated the ad hoc committee will only make a
recommendation, and will get a legal opinion first before prwaeding.
HUNAN RIIMIQZS Q nCSSICN MUTES
PAGE 3
OLD BUSINESS
a. Ordinance Committee - Sarah Guidry
Commissioner Guidry stated she is ready to print the Ordinance and if
there any changes let her know.
b. Mayors Committee on Disabilities - Grandis darken
Commissioner Lenken stated there will be a Cknnmurity Service Meeting
Wednesday, March 17, 1993 at 1:00 p.m., in the City Council Chamiiers.
Discussion at the meeting will be the effect of the Americans with
Disabilities Pct 1990.
c. Coalition on Aids Report - Lynda Sutherland - No Report
d. Freedom of Information Conference hard outs - Sarah Guidry
e. Youth Commissioners
Commissioner Shaw reported Commissioner Blum and Commissioner Stepnr will
speak at National Honor Society Meeting at Carroll High School Cafeteria,
March 11, 1993 at 7:30 p.m. A Notice will be sent to remind each
Commissioner.
f. Meeting with Regional Transportation Authority - Clyde Bourke
Commissioners Haltom and Bourke met with Fernando Benavidez frau RTA to
discuss displaying and advertising our pamphlet on fair housing.
Commissioner Bourke reported (1) What our mission is and letting the
public know, what we stand for, why we are here, how can we help. Mr.
Benavidez stated there would be no problem in helping the Commission.
Commissioner Bourke stated there will be cost involved. He suggests we
could contact Washington, D. C. to see if they have any kind of posters
that can he put inside a bus. You would be looking at a cost of $3.00 per
pamphlet plus printing.
B11W RELATIQMS CEMMISSIa M:DRY1'ES
PAGE 4
Commissioner Guidry asked what happens to the money frau the Norksharing
Agreement, and why can't that be used for outreach, Jacquelyn Harrell
reported the money received frau the worksharing agreement goes into the
general fund of the City. She reported further the worksharing agreement
stated the funds should be used to further enhance work of the Ca-mission.
Jacquelyn Harrell reported an revenue we make for the City. This is roughly
1 /3 of the Human Relations budget. Commissioner Guidry inquired if the
Commission should send a reminder of the Worksharing Agreement to acquire what
the Commission needs to operate its projects and training. Commissioners
discussed had the Commission may obtain money for training.
Jacquelyn Harrell reported Paul York had requested $5,000.00 that was approved
in 1991 the next year $3,000.00 was allocated and now there is no training
money provided.
Commissioner Halton said she was visiting the Library and was told we could
put our pamphlets there an the information desk.
Commissioners would like to see a copy of our budget from last year. the
budget will be provided.
Wmnissiarer Davila wanted to know when the budget is cone, and if he could
help work on the budget. The Director will send pertinent information to
Commissioner Davila and others who are interested in the budget.
NEW BUSINESS
a. rel Committees Discussion
Cannissioner Halton reminded Commissioners to serve an Goal Committees and
to serve on more than one.
PUBLIC CCtM'!FN'PS
Ron Hudson asked "what provision of the opening meetings act allows the Human
Relations Commission to go into closed session? What section states the
information. it. Hudson still complains about the notice of meeting at each
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
Chair Date