HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 05/06/1993 MINUTES
OF THE
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
May 6, 1993
Commissioners Present Commissioner Absent
Kate Haltom, Chair Sarah Guidry
Jimmie McCurn Clyde E. Bourke
Grandis Lenken
Rosalie Beaty Staff Present
Terry Mills Jacquelyn Harrell
Willie Davila Adell Lucas
Mousumi Shaw
Jonathan Blurs
Myra Stepter
The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by the Chair,
Kate Haltom. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present to conduct a
legally constituted meeting.
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
It was moved, seconded and voted the Minutes of February 4, 1993 be approved
as read.
46 CHAIRPERSON"S COMMENTS
Commissioner Haltom read a letter from Richard Leshin on his resignation from
the Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Leshin stated in his letter the
reason was due to his firm has dealings with the Human Relations Commission.
Jacquelyn Harrell stated as a General rule if a Commissioner has a case it
would be sent to Equal Employment Opportunity Connnission in San Antonio for
investigation. Therefore it would not be a conflict of interest.
Commissioner Haltom reported this would be her last meeting as Chair.
Commissioner Millie Davila has been appointed Chair by the Mayor.
Commissioner Haltom also reported she will continue to serve as a member of
the Commission.
The Chair also reported a new member, Rabbi Paul Joseph, from Temple Beth El
was appointed to the Commission thru 1996.
HSN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
PAGE 2
OLD BUSINESS
a. Ordinance Committee - Sarah Guidry
Commissioner Haltom questioned what we are doing about the Ordinance changes.
Jacquelyn Harrell stated Sarah Guidry has done most of the updates and will
send to each Commissioner for input and further changes if any.
Commissioner Beaty suggested staff call Commissioners to inform them when the
Ordinance is available so Commissioners may pick it up and present changes at
the next Commission meeting.
b. Coalition on Aids Report - Lynda Sutherland - No Report
It was reported Ms. Sutherland resigned from the Human Relations Commission to
seek elective office, but has since requested reappointment.
c. Youth Commissioners Report
Commissioner Shaw stated there is no report due to exams, and graduation
preparation for the end of the school year.
16 NEW BUSINESS
a. Equal Deployment Opportunity Commission visit- Clyde Bourke
Jacquelyn Harrell reported on the trip to Equal Deployment Opportunity
Ctiuission in San Antonio. Commissioner Clyde Bourke is absent due to
illness.
us. Harrell stated terms and conditions of the contract, and problems, if any
were to be discussed. Commissioner Bourke also attended as an observer. We
met with Pedro Esquivel, Director; Jim Stone, Deputy Director; and Anna
Guzman, Local and State Coordinator.
Ms. Harrell also stated the Human Relations Commission reports directly to the
District Office in San Antonio and that office oversees our contract, takes
care of any problems our Fair Employment Practices Agency might have, and •
attends the Policy Conference which is held annually by the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission National Office.
Jacquelyn Harrell reported a letter received from Pedro Esquivel, Director of
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, San Antonio verified we are not
required to post names of charging parties nor respondents on our public
agenda.
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
PAGE 3
Jacquelyn Harrell continued and stated there was a conflict as to whether the
Open Meetings Act applies to the Human Relations Commission's review of cases,
or whether we operate under an exception to the Open Meetings Act based on
confidentiality. Our Commission has the same exception as the Texas
Commission on Human Rights or any other Human Rights Agencies.
Commissioner Beaty asked if new computer equipment from Equal Deployment
Opportunity Commission has been upgraded. Jacquelyn Harrell reported the new
equipment has been installed and soon we will be using automatic intake. She
also reported to Commissioners we requested $2,000 from the City Manager to
expand the memory. A request for $1,000 has been set aside for word perfect
installation in the 1993-94 budget.
b. Report on Complaint Committee - Sarah Guidry
Jacquelyn Harrell stated the Compliant Committee is to handle allegations of
discrimination made directly to the Commission which do not allege employment,
housing or public accommodations violations.
She stated further, Mr. Ron Hudson has a complaint the Committee cannot
460 proceed with until the City Attorney finishes his legal review. There is a
question of jurisdiction pending on what may be a constitutional issue.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - 2 Minutes
Elida Gonzalez reported she is an Advisory member and is requesting to be put
on the mailing list. Ms. Gonzalez also stated she has the rights and
privileges as a Commissioner except for voting.
Ron Hudson requested the Commission not let his complaint get lost and that he
be notified of the decision.
Ron Hudson also oacc nted on Human Relations being an exception under the Open
Meetings Act. Mr. Hudson stated we need to let the public know the reason
why, but not to divulge any information in letting the public know you are
conducting business in a proper manner.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the Meting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Chair Date