City of Lawrence
Human Relations Commission
August 16, 2006 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Chair Bob Mikesic, Commissioners Ray Chao, Ernesto Hodison, Terri Wilke, Steve Ramirez, Lori Tapahonso, and Bessie Walker. |
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Vice-Chair Barbara Hillmer (excused), and Commissioner Bob Augelli (excused)
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Executive Director Rehelio A. Samuel, Human Relations Specialists Paul Winn, Michelle Smith, and Human Relations Associate Cynthia Colbert |
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STAFF ABSENT:
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None |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Mr. James Dunn, Mrs. Nancy Dunn, and Mr. Bob Ebey
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Chair Mikesic called the meeting of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to order at 11:08 AM in the LHRD Conference Room.
ROLL CALL
Roll call revealed a quorum of the Commission was present.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA FOR AUGUST 16, 2006
Commissioner Ramirez moved that the agenda for August 16, 2006 be accepted. Commissioner Wilke seconded the motion. Motion carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR MAY 1 – JULY 31, 2006
Commissioner Chao moved that the staff report for May 1 – July 31, 2006 be accepted. Commissioner Ramirez seconded the motion. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR MEETING OF MAY 17, 2006
Commissioner Ramirez moved that the minutes for MAY 17, 2006 be approved. Commissioner Walker seconded the motion. Motion carried.
2007 Budget Process
Director Samuel gave a briefing on the 2007 budget process. The LHRD did not receive approval for additional personnel. Director Samuel spoke about the need for additional staff. He thanked all who showed their support for the request for additional staff. Director Samuel stated that although the requests were not approved the LHRC/LHRD will not subordinate the mission of protecting the rights of the people we serve. He stated the LHRD did receive a small amount to help fund the programs that LHRC hosts, but it was not to the extent that it should be. He noted that HUD has cut back on the number of dollars it has available to Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies. He said fair housing agencies did not get any special enforcement effort (SEE) funds this year. HUD is focusing funding to operate the HUD Academy. The purpose of the academy is to get all people involved with housing investigations, especially investigators, trained. Director Samuel expressed his concerns regarding LHRD staff’s ability to fully serve the community. He stated the LHRC/LHRD needs to be proactive and not take a reactionary type posture that too many cities have found themselves in for too many years.
USDHUD National Fair Housing Policy Conference
Director Samuel gave a briefing on the HUD Policy Conference that was held late June. He noted HUD is trying to do a better job. HUD is concerned about aged cases, and to our advantage we do not have any aged cases. Director Samuel noted LHRD investigators are not just investigating cases; they are also very active in preparing and organizing the many conferences the commission and department hosts each year. LHRD staff is at times working overtime to keep up with their workload. Director Samuel said he is concerned there will be a problem some day, due to inadequate staffing.
Director Samuel said it was a good conference. He said staff has talked about how the LHRD could better partner with HUD, or other FHAP agencies. He said LHRD staff is also concerned how funding dollars have to go further than they have before. He noted HUD has a new Assistant Secretary, Ms. Kim Kendrick. He said HUD is trying to get all commissions to work more closely together.
Director Samuel mentioned that HRS Specialists Paul Winn and Michelle Smith have completed 4 weeks of HUD training and are waiting to attend week 5 to become certified HUD investigators. He said this is very good because today when you have a case, attorneys are asking investigators what kind of training have they completed. Director Samuel stated he would like for LHRC commissioners to attend a policy conference and academy. Commissioner Ramirez attended the HUD policy conference and said it was good. He said everywhere he went, the LHRD is recognized and highly regarded on a regional, state, and national level. Commissioner Ramirez also noted the LHRC Executive Director is especially recognized as a leader for his outstanding work over a long period of time and the wise counsel he provides to his colleagues.
A brief discussion ensued
Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar 2006
HRS Specialist Paul Winn gave a briefing on the upcoming seminar. He noted all of the speakers are attorneys and have given confirmation of their attendance. He said the seminar will be held October 17-18, 2006. HRS Winn noted HRCI awarded 14 CEU credits for the seminar. He said application has been made for CLE credits (Kansas and Missouri) and for CME credits for Kansas Approved Mediators. HRS Winn encouraged all commissioners to attend. Commissioner Ramirez commented on the value of the program.
Youth Outreach Program
Director Samuel briefed on the need to establish youth programs such as the “I Can Be” program. He said programs such as this will help local youth to realize that they can achieve anything they want. Commissioner Tapahonso said perhaps a youth version of the commission could be an option. She said she is willing to help develop a leadership type of program and recommended a leadership development program. Commissioner Hodison said he felt it is a good idea, but there is a lack of training in life skills for youth, as well as training in how to handle themselves in the classroom. He said it would be good to meet and assess how the LHRC could be of help.
A brief discussion ensued.
Youth Subcommittee: Commissioners Terri Wilke, Ernesto Hodison, Lori Tapahonso (leadership/coordinate)
Business Summit
HRS Winn talked about the possibility of conducting a Business Summit for helping MBE/WBE/DBE. The summit would focus on the drafting of a 2-5 year plan to help minority businesses. He said the summit’s expert panel should include an accountant, an attorney, and also bankers to instruct on profit and loss so that the businesses will be a success from the beginning stages. Commissioner Hodison noted there is a Small Business Development Center in Lawrence. Commissioner Wilke said she is willing to help with the summit.
A brief discussion ensued.
Mediation Training (Core & Civil)
HRS Paul Winn stated there is a demand for core and civil mediation training. He said the LHRD is hoping to conduct training in 2007.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Commissioner Wilke addressed her concerns regarding adequate staffing.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Samuel noted that Cynthia Colbert’s job position is no longer that of Secretary. He stated that due to the complexity of the duties she performs, her position has been reclassified to Human Relations Associate.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. James Dunn stated he has a concern about the recent article in the local newspaper. Director Samuel stated he has scheduled a meeting with the interim city manager to address the matter. He said he has met with HRS Winn to discuss the concerns brought up by the article.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Wilke moved the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner Tapahonso seconded the motion. Motion approved. The meeting was adjourned at 12:25 p.m.