City of Lawrence
Human Relations Commission
May 16, 2007 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Chair Ernesto Hodison, Vice-Chair Barbara Hillmer, Commissioners James Dunn, Terri Wilke, Kevin Johnson, and Bessie Walker |
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Commissioners Bob Augelli, Ray Chao, and Lori Tapahonso |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Interim Director Debbie Van Saun, Human Relations Specialists Paul Winn, Michelle Smith, and Human Relations Associate Cynthia Colbert. Legal Services Director Toni Wheeler arrived at 11:17am. |
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STAFF ABSENT:
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None |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Mrs. Nancy Dunn |
Chair Hodison 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 present.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA FOR May 16, 2007
Vice-Chair Hillmer moved that the agenda for May 16, 2007 be accepted. Commissioner Wilke seconded the motion. Motion carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 1 – APRIL 30, 2007
Commissioner Wilke noted the staff report should read “Quarterly”, rather than “Monthly” Contacts. Commissioner Dunn moved that the staff report for February 1 – April 30, 2007 be accepted with changes. Commissioner Wilke seconded the motion. Motion carried.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2007
Commissioner Dunn noted Mrs. Nancy Dunn was present at February 21, 2007 meeting and requested a change to the minutes. Commissioner Dunn moved that the minutes for February 21, 2007 be approved with changes. Vice-Chair Hillmer seconded the motion. Motion carried.
SARAH TERWELP, WOMEN’S TRANSITIONAL CARE SERVICE
Sarah Terwelp of the Women’s Transitional Care Service (WTCS) distributed information and brochures on domestic violence. She said it would be helpful to learn the basics of domestic violence as an aid in working with fair housing cases involving domestic violence. She explained the power wheel and the reasons a woman may stay in an abusive situation.
Chair Hodison tabled this item until Interim Director Van Saun could arrive.
Youth Outreach / Subcommittee
Chair Hodison gave a briefing on the information he received from Interim Director Van Saun. He gave a listing of agencies and individuals who work with Lawrence youth. Chair Hodison and Commissioner Tapahonso will meet with the board of The Shelter and Judy Culley to possibly tie-in projects as opposed to beginning anew. A brief discussion ensued.
Business Summit
HRS Winn said the summit would be about “Business Helping Business”. He gave a report on the current status of the summit. He said no date has been set.
Fair Housing Month Activities / April 2007
HRS Smith gave a final report on the Fair Housing Month activities and thanked those that helped with the events in her absence. Concern was expressed that real estate agents are not attending or receiving information regarding the seminar. HRS Winn commended Chair Hodison for his help with the seminar. A brief discussion ensued.
HUD/RECCR Training / August 22 – 24, 2007
HRS Smith said the agenda, location and times had not been finalized for the training, but information would be sent to the LHRC once it is received from HUD. HRS Smith said commissioners wishing to attend the training should contact the LHRD office.
Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar
HRS Winn gave an update on plans for the seminar. He noted the keynote speakers would be Magistrate Judge David J. Waxse and David Adkins, Vice Chancellor/External Affairs, KU Medical Center. He said the seminar would be held at the Holiday Inn Holidome October 16 – 17, 2007. In addition, he noted attorney Alan Rupe would return as an instructor.
Staff Community Outreach Activities (Amarr, HINU, etc.)
HRS Winn said the LHRD was extending its outreach activities to include visits to several Lawrence businesses. He said he and Interim Director Van Saun visited and toured Amarr Garage Door Group. He added there will be a visit made to Haskell Indian Nations University on May 23rd, and a visit is being planned to Berry Plastics.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Commissioner Walker said her employer is planning a conference on human trafficking and noted the services that are available. She said she will distribute information as it becomes available.
PUBLIC COMMENT
NONE
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Commissioner Wilke moved to recess into executive session for the purpose of consultation with Toni Wheeler, Legal Services Director, on matters which would be deemed privileged under the attorney-client relationship. The justification is to maintain attorney-client privilege on a matter involving the City of Lawrence and the Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Dunn seconded the motion. Motion approved. The LHRC went into executive session at 12:00pm and resumed at 12:15pm.
Department Status/Update
Interim Director Van Saun said no recommendation regarding department status has been made at this time. She said currently the budget is being developed for 2008. A position is being left vacant in the 2008 budget in the event a director/manager is selected. The LHRD is not being funded as a stand alone department at this time, but as a division of Legal Services. A brief discussion ensued.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Johnson moved the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner Wilke seconded the motion. Motion approved. Meeting adjourned at 12:32 p.m.