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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 11/03/1994 , MINUTES • OF THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING November 3, 1994 Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent Rev. Willie Davila Ms. Brandy Shaw Terry Mills Ms. Julia Coleman Ms. Kate Haltom Ms.Valerie Santos Rabbi Paul Joseph Rosalie Beaty Clyde Bourke Dr. Tito Guerrero Staff Present Chris Jonas Henry Gorham Corine Garcia Adell Lucas Jimmie McCum The regular monthly meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m. by the Chair, Rev. Willie Davila. Roll call was taken and a quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting. `, APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES The minutes for July 7, 1994 will be approved at the next regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission. CHAIR'S COMMENTS The Chair welcomed Corine Garcia, newly appointed Commissioner. Ms. Garcia introduced herself and gave an overview of her background. Commissioner Davila stated that much had occurred since the last meeting. Primarily, the Director of the Human Relations had been terminated. Commissioner Davila stated that he and Commissioner Beaty met with the City Manager to discuss the reasons for the termination. City Manager basically stated he had lost confidence in her as a Director citing two lawsuits that were settled out of court resulting from alleged actions taken against two former employees. He felt there might be more lawsuits ahead if she continued as Director. Commissioner Davila stated the City Manager had ask the Director to resign,but she refused and was terminated. There were other things said but he felt he could not repeat them. Commissioner Jonas wanted to know if Reverend Davila had gone as a member of the Human Relations Commission. If so,why would he not divulge all the information discussed at the meeting. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE2 Commissioner Davila stated the information discussed was not documented and because of possible litigation on the part of the past Director, there might be a question on the issue of liability. Commissioner Jonas stated that if the Chair and Vice Chair went as representatives of the Human Relations Commission, there was no reason why the Chair could not discuss what was said at the meeting. He also stated that the Chair should inform the Commission on matters pertaining to or affecting the Commission. Commissioner Bourke inquired as to who needed to know what was said. Commissioner Guerrero stated perhaps the appropriate thing was to go into closed session. Commissioner Davila stated there was a stipulation on the agenda that the Commission could go into closed session when appropriate. Commissioner Joseph commented as to whether there was someone who was so curious that they 41/ would want to know. Perhaps the Commission should just accept the summary and go on with the meeting. Commissioner Davila stated their visit with the City Manager was to voice their concern on being autonomous. Discussion was as follows: 1. Not having an attorney on staff to handle Human Relations Commission cases delays work on some cases. We can not afford to waste time and be put on back table. When we refer a case to that department, it should be handle in an appropriate way. 2. Concerns about the Director being fired and the Commission not being made aware of, or informed of such action beforehand. City Manager allowed one of the Commissioners to serve on the interview panel for selection of the Director. Commissioner Davila stated City manager would like for the Commissioners to visit with the finalists. There were five finalists out of 94 applications and two were picks. Those individuals will be interview by members of the Commission and City Manager on November 14, 1994. The City Manager was clear that he is one that d es the hiring. The final selection will be made by City Manager, Juandar ) J Commissioner Jonas wanted to know who was the person selected from Corpus Christi. He was told William Morales who works in Human Resources. L. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE3 Commissioner Guerrero asked if it was a requirement that the person be an attorney. The answer was no, the previous Director happened to be an attorney. Commissioner Mills stated his concerns that someone who had run the department from July until now was not even considered. The Interim Director has been doing the job and to get somebody that is not familiar with staff and Commissioners is not logical or fair. Commissioner Mills stated he was only speaking for himself He thinks the process is unfair. Also stated this is a slap in the face to the Interim Director who will probably have to train the person who is hired. Commissioner Davila said the way it's set up, the City Manager form of government goes by City Ordinance and City Charter. There was a change in the Fort Worth Human Relations Commission where the Commission has the authority to hire and fire. The Human Relations Commission will never be autonomous the way we are structured by the Ordinance and City Charter. Commissioner Guerrero stated the Commission was still in public format and would like to ask questions. He suggested the matter be discussed in closed session. 411/ A motion was made the Commission go into closed session. Commissioner McCum seconded the motion. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Henry Gorham gave a brief report on the Human Relations Commission October Monthly report and answered questions from the Commissioners. OLD BUSINESS Ordinance Committee Report - no report NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Davila stated the City is aware of the concerns of the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies(IAOHRA). Now, Community Development would like to meet Wednesday, November 9, 1994 to go over Human Relations concerns at 10:30 a.m. The meeting will be call the Fair Housing Assessment. Commissioner Davila will meet with Jorge Garza, Group Manager, Mike Reuwsaat, Director of Community Development. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 Henry Gorham reported that Mike Reuwsaat came by his office requesting a meeting with the Commission. Sometime ago, Human Relations tried to obtain funding for an educational outreach position. Henry Gorham read a letter from Mike Reuwsaat written to the City Manager. The letter recommended that the next Community Block Grant Program cycle include funding for one full time position for educational outreach. The position would be funded by Community Development, but the person would be assigned to the Human Relations Department. Henry Gorham also reported that the Human Relations Department had previously submitted a proposal to Department of Housing and Urban Development for funding an educational outreach program. Commissioner Davila also reported that the previous proposal included a request for money for computer equipment. There were representatives who spoke against the proposal. The portion of the meeting where our proposal was denied is no longer on tape. Commissioner Davila said that if any member wanted to attend the meeting to be scheduled with Mike Reuwsaat and Jorge Garza they are welcomed. Commissioner Guerrero made a motion that the Chair of the Commission be instructed to express Commissioner's concerns on the process followed in the selection of Director of Human Relations Department. The Commission also instructed him to communicate with the City Manager or other 41/ appropriate parties these concerns. Election of Vice Chair A motion was make to elect Jimmie McCum as Vice Chair. Complaint Log Commissioner Davila presented the new complaint log for the Commission. The Human Relations Department will keep the log in our office. Henry Gorham asked for verification on types of complaint to be kept. The answer is only complaints that concern the Commission. Public Comments- 2 minutes none ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Chair Date