HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Human Relations Commission - 03/14/1996 MINUTES
OF THE
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING
March 14, 1996
Commissioners Present Commissioners Absent
Mr. Josemanuel Banales Mr. Kareem Goffigon
Mr. Clyde Bourke Mr. Gary Goltzman
Rev. Willie Davila Rabbi Paul Joseph
Ms. Corina Garcia Mr. Errol Summerlin
Dr. Kate Haltom Ms. Abigail A. Wemeke
Ms. Jimmie McCum
Ms. Anna M. Mercado Staff Present
Mr. Terry Mills Dr. Helen R. Gurley
Ms. Johanna Barnett,Attorney
Ms. Adell Lucas
Ms. Adriana Luna
The meeting was called to order at approximately 5:25 p.m. by the Chairperson,Rev. Willie Davila.
Roll call was taken and a quorum was present to conduct a legally constituted meeting.
411, APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
It was moved, seconded and voted that the minutes of January 4, 1996 stand approved.
SHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
Rev. Davila asked for a moment of silence to honor the work of a previous Administrator with the City
of Corpus Christi Human Relations Commission,Ms. Jackie Harrel Brown, recently deceased.
With regard to the Housing Ordinance amendment to be presented to the City Council, Rev. Davila
reported that the Commission would not present these changes to the Council in March as previously
anticipated,but rather sometime in September or October of 1996, for funding in fiscal year 1997.
Rev. Davila stated that a recent complaint of discrimination in public accommodation by a Corpus
Christi resident was partly correct,in that Channel 18 allowed exclusive use of this channel to religious
organizations. However, Charging Party has not been denied access and has been invited to
participate in the upcoming lottery selection. Charging Party submitted recent documentation he
received from TCI Cable,which was submitted for review.
Rev. Davila reported that the Commission has been asked to become involved with police, religious
community leaders and concerned nrtizenc with regard to gang problems in the City of Corpus Christi.
A resident, Abel Alonzo, asked Rev. Davila to read the Human Relations Commission's mission
bir statement,then stated that he felt the City of Corpus Christi discriminates in its hiring of the Director
of the Human Relations Department. Rev. Davila replied that the Commission could not discuss the
City's hiring practices, since Mr. Alonzo has a complaint with EEOC which is under investigation at
this time.
A resident, Leon Perez,made some public comments.
ADMINLSTRATOR'S REPORT
Helen Gurley welcomed Dr. Kate Haltom back,then discussed the number of inquiries for the month
of February, as they relate to employment discrimination and housing/public accommodation. Dr.
Gurley mentioned that the number of closures was lower than the previous month's due to a staff
shortage, but that the department was expected to meet its EEOC quarterly goal.
Dr. Gurley reported that she is awaiting approval of the Community Development Block Grant
proposal submitted to help fund a Training Specialist for the Human Relations Department.
Dr. Gurley asked the Commissioners if they were interested in completing the entire 40-hour mediation
training, or continuing with the dispute resolution training. The majority felt that the mediation training
would be beneficial. The next training session previously scheduled for March 16, 1996, was
rescheduled for Saturday, April 20, 1996. The Commissioners also agreed to conduct the Human
L Relations' monthly meeting on April 20, 1996, because due to the Lent and Easter holidays, the
�r Commissioners' regular meeting is being postponed.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:30 p.m.
Rev. Willie Davila, Chairperson Date Minutes Approved