City of Lawrence
Lawrence Human Relations Commission
August 20, 2009
Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Lori Tapahonso, James Dunn, Ernesto Hodison, Kirsten Krug, Sue Leonard, Terri Wilke, and Barbara Hillmer |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Bob Augelli and Kevin Johnson |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Toni Wheeler, Paul Winn, and Michelle Smith |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
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Commission Meeting Called to Order
The Lawrence Human Relations Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair Lori Tapahonso at 11:00 a.m.
Roll Call:
Commissioners present were: Kristen Krug, Sue Leonard, Teri Wilke, Ernesto Hodison (came at 11:15 a.m.), Barbara Hillmer, Lori Tapahonso, and James Dunn.
Staff present: Toni Wheeler, Paul Winn, and Michelle Smith
Old Business:
City Budget Update on LHRC/LHRD:
Toni Wheeler provided an update on the City Commission’s action to approve the 2010 City Budget. The approved budget eliminates funding for the Human Relations Specialist positions and shifts responsibility for enforcement of Chapter 10 to existing city Legal staff. Toni Wheeler advised the Commission that staff will work through the fall to ensure a smooth transition. Director Wheeler responded to a question concerning the City Commissioner’s final vote on the 2010 City budget and reported the vote was 5-0.
Gender Identity Proposal to the Ordinance:
Chair Tapahonso briefly reviewed the Commission’s work to-date on the request the Lawrence City Commission received to add gender identity to the protected categories in Chapter X of the City Code. After further discussion, the commission scheduled a public meeting to receive public comment on the proposal to add gender identity as a protected category in the City’s anti-discrimination code, Chapter X.
The public forum was scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2009 at 10:00-Noon in the City Commission Meeting Room in City Hall. The Commissioners were encouraged to view the videos, “Call Me Malcolm” and “Shades of Gray” on their own.
A letter was received from the “League of Women Voters” in support of adding gender identity to the Chapter X City ordinance. Commissioner Dunn stated that he recused himself from voting on the topic of gender identity with the “League of Women” voters of which he is a board member because of his role as a Commissioner for the City of Lawrence, Human Relations Commission.
Maggie Childs, Kansas Equality Coalition, expressed her strong desire to have the Lawrence Human Relations Commission take action on the proposal as soon as possible.
RECCR Training:
Information was shared regarding the Regional Executive Council on Civil Rights’ (RECCR) training to be conducted on October 14 – 16, 2009. Commissioners are to contact Director Wheeler if they want to attend. Director Wheeler will request out-of-state travel approval from the City Manager as attendees will have the option to commute or stay overnight. HRS Smith will make reservations for Commissioners at the hotel where the training will be conducted.
Upcoming Lawrence Community Activities:
Director Wheeler advised of some city-wide community activities as follows:
- “Real Men Cook” fundraiser of the NAACP to be held on September 12, 2009, starting at 4:00 p.m. and will be held at Steve’s Place located at 31st and Louisiana Street. This event is sponsored by the NAACP to help raise monies for scholarships provided by this organization.
- “Lawrence Festival of Cultures.” This event is sponsored by the Lawrence Alliance and the City of Lawrence. This event will be held on September 27, 2009, from 12 noon to 5p.m. at South Park.
There were no public comments.
The Human Relations Commission meeting was adjourned at 11:58 a.m.