City of Lawrence
Human Relations Commission
February 15, 2006 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Chair Bob Mikesic, Steve Ramirez, Commissioner Bessie Walker
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Commissioners Bob Augelli, Ray Chao, Barbara Hillmer, Ernesto Hodison, Lori Tapahonso, and Terri Wilke (excused)
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Executive Director Rehelio A. Samuel, Human Relations Specialists Michelle Smith and Paul Winn, and Secretary Cynthia Colbert
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Mr. James Dunn and Robert Ebey of Landlords of Lawrence, Inc. |
Chair Mikesic called the meeting of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to order at 11:06 AM in the LHRD Conference Room.
ROLL CALL
Roll call revealed a quorum of the Commission was not present.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY 15, 2006
Commissioner Ramirez moved that the agenda for February 15, 2006 be accepted. Commissioner Walker seconded the motion. Motion approved by consensus.
ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 1, 2005 – JANUARY 31, 2005
Commissioner Ramirez moved that the staff report November 1, 2005 – January 31, 2006 be accepted. Commissioner Walker seconded the motion. Motion approved by consensus.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR MEETING OF NOVEMBER 17 , 2005
Commissioner Walker moved that the minutes for November 17, 2005 be approved. Commissioner Ramirez seconded the motion. Motion approved by consensus.
INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER BESSIE WALKER
Director Samuel introduced new LHRC Commissioner, Bessie Walker. He said he has known Commissioner Walker for some time now and he stated Commissioner Walker was active in the Winfield, Kansas Human Relations Commission before moving to Lawrence, Kansas. Director Samuel asked Commissioner Walker to give comments. Commissioner Walker said she is a social worker in Adult Protective Services for the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services. She stated she looks forward to serving on the LHRC and working with fellow LHRC members. Chair Mikesic welcomed Commissioner Walker to the LHRC.
USDHUD Training Academy
Director Samuel gave a briefing on the National Fair Housing Training Academy (NFHTA). He spoke on the background, founding, and location of the Academy. He stated that both LHRD investigators have completed 3 weeks of 5 required weeks of training. He added that HRS Smith and Winn will complete week 4 in March 2006 and hopes for them to complete week 5 no later than June 2006. This will enable them to obtain their certification, as well as attend graduation/recognition at the HUD National Fair Housing Policy Conference.
HRS Smith stated she found the training to be beneficial to her as an investigator. She said that although she obtained much new knowledge, she also received reinforcement of training she had previously received. HRS Winn stated he, too, found the training to be extremely useful in his investigative duties. He said he looked forward to completing the training and receiving certification.
Director Samuel said that he was pleased and wished to commend HRS Winn and Smith for successfully completing each week of training they received. He noted that some who had taken the courses did not pass. He said those that do not pass a week of coursework, would be given the opportunity to take a closed book exam administered by their Director, and if they do not pass the exam, they would be required to retake the week of coursework at the academy. Director Samuel noted that eventually HUD might only accept complaints from investigators who have received certification. A brief discussion ensued.
HRS Smith outlined the activities slated for 2006 Fair Housing Month. She stated the Seminar for Landlords, Owners, and Property Managers would be held Friday, April 28th in the Crystal Ballroom of the Eldridge Hotel from 11:00am – 4:30pm. She noted there would be a variety of presenters sharing their expertise on topics of interest to the attendees. She said a proclamation would be presented by Mayor Dennis Highberger. HRS Smith said she would be present at the City Commission meeting of April 4, 2006 to accept the proclamation and encouraged attendance.
HRS Smith noted she and HRS Winn would be providing training for the staff of the Lawrence Housing Authority on the 23rd and 24th of February.
HRS Smith stated that as of July 1, 2005, the Fair Housing Division has processed and closed 16 formal complaints. She commended Chair Mikesic for his help in conciliating ten disability cases. She noted all ten cases were filed against a senior citizen housing facility. Chair Mikesic thanked HRS Smith for allowing him the opportunity to be of service. Director Samuel gave commented that the department could have accepted the initial changes made by the housing provider, but felt more could be done. He said that due to the diligent efforts of the Fair Housing Division staff and Chair Mikesic, a reasonable accommodation in the form of an electronic doorway was obtained, making the entrance truly accessible to all tenants. He added that landlords should always be willing to make reasonable accommodations for tenants.
Employment Seminar 2006
HRS Winn announced this year’s Employment Marketplace would be held Saturday, September 9, 2006 from 8am – 1pm at the Lawrence Arts Center. He stated the seminar would educate large and small employers as well as employees who are underemployed and people who are unemployed. HRS Winn added that there would be a “dress for success” fashion show. He highlighted that this year job seekers will be able to complete and submit applications to onsite employers.
2007 Budget Process
Director Samuel said it will soon be time to begin the 2007 budget process. He noted the effect losing one staff position has had on the department mission. Director Samuel thanked those who helped last year with their phone calls, visits, and e-mails in support of the department 2006 budget requests. He said he would keep LHRC members well informed. Director Samuel gave a briefing on the budget approval process. He noted the budget process would begin in March.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Commissioner Ramirez noted an article in the University Daily Kansan regarding the Disorderly House Nuisance ordinance. Discussion ensued.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Samuel spoke about the issues of crime, youth, housing, and employment in the community. He noted the LHRD does not have the amount of staff necessary to fully address those issues. He elaborated on these and other issues that face the LHRD and the Lawrence community. Director Samuel said it is important for staff to be able to get out into the community, speak with local agencies, and find out what the specific needs are and how they can best be met. In addition, he mentioned the need to be proactive to effect positive change in the community.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. James Dunn asked why a senior housing complex would be allowed to have an out-of-state owner. Director Samuel said the housing complex was privately owned property and can have an out-of-state owner. He said it is no different than someone from out-of-state purchasing local property for their college student to live in while in Lawrence, then renting the property afterward. Director Samuel stated that it is due to the intensified outreach efforts of the LHRD staff that these cases came to the department’s attention.
Mr. Dunn asked if a local installer was utilized to install the electronic door. HRS Smith said she believed a local installer was utilized. A brief discussion ensued.
Mr. Dunn announced the Landlords Information Fair, sponsored by the Landlords of Lawrence, Inc., would be held June 12, 2006 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds. He requested HRS Smith to participate as she had previously.
A brief discussion ensued.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 12:10 p.m.