City of Lawrence

Human Relations Commission

August 15, 2007 Minutes

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Chair Ernesto Hodison, Vice-Chair Barbara Hillmer, Commissioners James Dunn, Terri Wilke, Kevin Johnson, Bob Augelli, Lori Tapahonso

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Commissioners Ray Chao and Bessie Walker (excused)

STAFF PRESENT:

Interim Director Debbie Van Saun, Human Relations Specialists Paul Winn, Michelle Smith, Human Relations Associate Cynthia Colbert, Legal Services Director Toni Wheeler, and City Manager Dave Corliss.

STAFF ABSENT:

 

None

PUBLIC PRESENT:

Mr. Bob Ebey

 

 

 

 

Chair Hodison called the meeting of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to order at 11:05 AM in the LHRD Conference Room.

 

ROLL CALL

Roll call revealed a quorum of the Commission was present.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA FOR AUGUST 15, 2007

Commissioner Wilke moved that the agenda for August 15, 2007 be accepted. Commissioner Augelli seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR MAY 1 – JULY 31, 2007

Commissioner Wilke moved that the staff report for May 1 – July 31, 2007 be accepted. Vice-Chair Hillmer seconded the motion. Motion carried. Commissioner Wilke requested the minutes reflect that the number of department contacts is quite a remarkable number for such a small department to handle.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FOR MEETING  OF May 16, 2007

Commissioner Wilke noted that she was present at the May 16, 2007 meeting, but not listed under “members present” in the minutes and requested a correction. Commissioner Wilke moved that the minutes for May 16, 2007 be approved with the correction. Commissioner Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS

 

Department Status/Update

Interim Director Van Saun deferred the update to City Manager Dave Corliss.  He said the Human Relations function has been included under the Legal Services Department in the 2008 Budget. He noted Interim Director Van Saun is leaving her position with the City and thanked her for her many years of service. He introduced Toni Wheeler, who will serve as Interim Director for the Human Relations Department. He said he has directed her to begin the hiring process for another staff attorney who would also serve as Executive Director to the Human Relations Department. He noted those plans are contingent upon finding the right person for the position. Corliss said he and Interim Director Van Saun have concluded there is a need for a strong legal presence in the Human Relations Department, as its main function is enforcing the human relations ordinance. City Manager Corliss added that he and the City Commission continue to support the mission of the department and the rigorous enforcement of the ordinance. He said Ms. Wheeler has proven ability as an attorney and director for the City’s Legal Services Department and believes she will do an excellent job working with the Human Relations Department in the role of Interim Director. Corliss stated that as Wheeler works on a job description for the Staff Attorney/Executive Director position, the HRC will be invited to participate in the review and discussion of that document and the hiring process.  A brief discussion ensued.

 

Commissioner Tapahonso arrived at 11:20am.

 

Youth Outreach / Subcommittee

Chair Hodison recommended this item be permanently removed from the agenda.

 

HUD/RECCR Training / August 22 – 24, 2007

HRS Smith said the annual training is a joint venture of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Regional Executive Council on Civil Rights (RECCR). It will be held August 22 – 24, 2007 at the Downtown Marriott Hotel, Kansas City, Missouri. She said that she will be in attendance as well as Commissioner Bessie Walker and Chair Ernesto Hodison.

 

Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar 2007

Interim Director Van Saun said plans for the seminar are only somewhat behind schedule, due to waiting for approval from the Kansas CLE Commission. HRS Winn gave a copy of the seminar schedule to those in attendance and encouraged LHRC members to attend, if possible. He noted the seminar is of the highest caliber and will be an excellent educational opportunity. HRS Smith added that our seminar is a great value, in that it is education of the highest standard at an extremely low cost to attendees. She noted we have received contact from many wishing to attend and one person registered in advance.

 

HRS Smith mentioned she has begun preparations for Fair Housing Month 2008. She said the seminar for landlords will be held April 25, 5008 at the Holiday Inn/Holidome and the tenants fair will be held April 26, 2008 at the Lawrence Arts Center.

 

Staff Community Outreach Activities

Interim Director Van Saun said the department has expanded its outreach efforts over the past few months by adding outreach visits to area businesses. She noted this allows both the department and the businesses to get to know about each other outside of the investigative process, thereby allowing the department to work with the businesses in being proactive in regard to civil rights. Ms. Van Saun said she and HRS Winn visited several businesses such as Berry (Packer) Plastics and Amarr Garage Door Group, as well as Haskell Indian Nations University.

 

HRS Smith said she attended an information fair for a KU International Students group on August 11th and shared fair housing information with them. She noted she also gave out information to students and parents of those moving into Naismith Hall on Saturday, August 12th. Smith stated she will be in attendance at the Haskell Highlight Night for Students on August 21, 2007, providing information on fair housing.

 

Chair Hodison left at 11:50am.

 

HRS Smith said she has plans to provide fair housing training to staff of two Lawrence apartment complexes. She added the English as a Second Language classes would like for her to return and provide fair housing training.

 

Commissioner Tapahonso noted that October 19th will be the induction ceremony for the new president of Haskell University, Dr. Linda Warner. She encouraged all to attend.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

NONE

 

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

Vice-Chair Hillmer thanked Interim Director Van Saun for her willingness to serve as interim and provide guidance to the department and commission. Interim Director Van Saun thanked everyone and said it was her pleasure working with the LHRC and LHRD staff. HRS Smith thanked Interim Director Van Saun for her support.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Bob Ebey expressed concern about the department’s ability to remain impartial in the instance of discrimination complaints against the City of Lawrence. Interim Director Van Saun explained the department and/or commission does not accept or investigate complaints against the City. The state agency would investigate those complaints.

 

Commissioner Dunn inquired about the next LHRC meeting date. It will be held Wednesday, November 28th due to the Thanksgiving holiday.

 

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Augelli moved the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner Wilke seconded the motion. Motion approved.  Meeting adjourned at 11:58 a.m.