HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 12/07/1995 MINUTES
�tr OF THE
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
Decrier 7. 1995
Commissioners PresentPresent Commissioners Absent
Rev. Willie Davila Rabbi Paul Joseph
Dr. Kate Haltom Mr. Gary Goltzman
Mr. Clyde Bourke
Ms. Jimmie McCum ataffatscat
Ms. Cozina Garcia Dr. Helen R. Guilty
Mr. Errol Summerlin Ms. Johanna Bamett
Mr. Terry Mills Ms. Adell Lucas
Special Attendance Youth Commissioners Preseal
The Honorable Mayor Mary Rhodes Mr. Jose M.Banales
Ms. Abigail A. Wemeke
Mr. Kareem Goffigon
Judge Manuel Battles administered the oath of office to the recently appointed Youth
Commissioners.
The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:15 by the Chair,Rev. Willie Davila. Roll call was
taken and a quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting.
APPROVAL OF TRF. MLN11TFS
It was moved, seconded and voted that the minutes of November 2, 1995 stand approved.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
Reverend Davila stated that the Commission is in the process of completing the change of the
proposed Housing Ordinance and would like to present it to the City Council by early 1996. He
thanked Mayor Rhodes for being present during this discussion of the Housing Ordinance. Rev.
Davila also stated that according to Bill Hale, Director of the Texas Human Rights Commission,the
time frame for the Housing Ordinance to be in effect is about 6 to 7 months, after approval
Therefore,Wit is presented in early 1996,the Commission is looking for the Ordinance to be in place,
possibly by October, 1996.
Ms. Feb Leal spoke regarding the condition of fair housing in Corpus Christi and updated the
Commission on the Fair Housing Assessment, which was completed in 1993. Rev. Davila recalled
that in 1993 the Housing Authority waiting list consisted of 4,000 families awaiting assistance with
housing in Corpus Christi and asked whether these conditions had changed. Ms. Leal replied that
`, because the Housing Authority's list had not been updated or revised for many years, the list was not
current. At the present time, she said,the waiting list consists of approximately 750 families seeking
assistance in housing. A discussion followed regarding substantial equivalency, education and testing
in the community, as these relate to fair housing.
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Minutes of the JJumau Relations Commission Meeting(continued)
December 7, 1995
Rev. Davila asked the Mayor for input in terms of strategy for the Commission to get the Housing
Ordinance approved by the City Council. Mayor Rhodes stated that she had seen a "knee-jerk"
reaction once before from the Council on this issue and that she felt the community would react like
the Council,in terms of viewing this Ordinance somewhat fearfully. She feh that the Council night
view this as yet one more controversial issue to be avoided and her suggestion was that 2 or 3
members of the Commission meet with Council members on an individual basis.
Mayor Rhodes mentioned that somewhere down the line, the Commission might have better buy-in
power from the Council if the Commissioners were appointed by the City Council itself, and not by
the Mayor, as in the past. She stated that if the Commissioners chose this route, she would be fully
supportive.
Rev. Davila mentioned that on December 13, 1995, the Human Relations Commission was co-
sponsoring Human Rights Day Observance with the Jewish Community Center and that Dr. Gurley
was speaking on behalf of the Commission at this event.
The Commissioners were invited to participate in the upcoming taping of a 3-part series with Mr.
Javier Colmenero at KORO studios about the Human Relations Commission, to be aired at a later
date. The first taping will take place on Tuesday, December 12, 1995, with Rev. Davila and Dr.
Gurley scheduled to be present.
ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT
Dr. Gurley reported on the number of inquiries taken by the Human Relations Office during the
month of November, as they relate to employment discrimination,housing/public accommodation
and other inquiries.
Dr. Gurley's report included information on the scheduled June 14, 1996,non-discriminatory practice
conference. EEOC Commissioner from Washington D.C.,Joyce Tucker has accepted an invitation
to attend and Dr. Gurley is awaiting confirmation from HUD Secretary,Henry Cisneros.
On December 18, 1995, a panel consisting of Council Member Ms. Betty Jean Longoria,Mr. Juan
Garro,Mr. Tom Utter,Rev. Davila, Dr. Gurley and Mr. Thomas Heilman from Koch Refinery will
meet at St. Paul Methodist Church to discuss the proposed buy-out surrounding the area of the
refineries and any other issues concerning the Merest area. On December 14, 1995, Council
Member Betty Jean Longoria will be meeting at the Oveal Williams Community Center to address
similar concerns.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
Rev. Willie Davila, Chairperson Date Minutes Approved