City of Lawrence

Lawrence Human Relations Commission

August 19, 2010

Minutes

 

Members Present:  James Dunn, Jason Barnhill, Dan Coke, Scott Criqui, Kirsten Krug, Laura Diaz Moore

 

Staff Present:  Cal Thoman, and Scott Wagner

 

Public Present:  Mrs. James Dunn

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Commission Meeting Called to Order

The Lawrence Human Relations Commission Meeting was called to order by Chair, James Dunn, at 11:00 a.m. in the City Commission Room at City Hall, located at 6 East 6th Street, Lawrence, Kansas.

 

Approval of Minutes

Chair James Dunn asked for commission comments on the commission minutes from the May 20, 2010 meeting.

 

It was moved by Commissioner Krug and seconded by Commissioner Barnhill to approve the May 20, 2010 minutes of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission.  The motion was unanimously approved.

 

Staff Report

Scott Wagner, Management Analyst reviewed the Staff Report prepared by Toni Wheeler, Director of the Legal Department.  He reported that staff continues to research by-laws used by other City boards and by other cities’ human relations commission.  Staff expects a report on this item for the November commission meeting.  On-going community outreach activities are taking place.  Director Wheeler attended the Harvest of Hope Leadership Academy for Kansas high school students at KU on June, 21, 2010.  Mayor Amyx, Director Wheeler and several commissioners attended the 20th anniversary of the ADA act held at South Park on July 26, 2010.  Staff also provided outreach materials to Commissioner Dunn for the Community Commission on Homelessness meeting in May which was also the 6th annual town hall meeting on homelessness.

 

Upcoming outreach opportunities for the commission were discussed.  The Festival of Cultures will be held in South Park on September 26, 2010 and KU will be holding a disability fair on October 20, 2010.

 

City Prosecutor Cal Thoman presented the case report.  Currently, there is one active case in the division.  It is a disability case involving an apartment complex.  Mr. Thoman noted that the investigation is nearly complete and that the respondent has been fully cooperative with the process.  Chairman Dunn asked Mr. Thoman to discuss the process for conducting an investigation and filing of a report, especially for new members of the commission.  Mr. Thoman explained that he is essentially the Human Relations Police.  He takes calls, conducts investigations and interviews and writes reports regarding alleged or actual violations of the Human Relations code.  In the report, a recommendation is made as to a finding of probable cause.  Director Wheeler reviews the report and presents the case to a commissioner for review and signature. 

 

Mr. Thoman stated that while there is currently just one active case, he was conducting another initial intake interview this afternoon on another complaint and continues to take calls and follows up inquiries as they come in.

 

Mr. Thoman reported on the Housing and Urban Development Conference that he attended in New Orleans July 19-23.  Also attending the conference were Director Wheeler, Staff Attorney John Miller and Commissioner Tapahonso.  Mr. Thoman noted that the training was very informative, provided networking opportunities and an exchange of resources.  He was also able to meet regional HUD office representatives and other human relations professionals from areas around Lawrence.  One of the outreach activities discussed at the conference was a need to make attempts to engage the Hispanic community, especially in light of existing national political discussions.

 

Chairman Dunn asked if there was anything we need to be looking at in Lawrence regarding the Hispanic community?

 

Mr. Thoman responded that in Lawrence, there are always outreach opportunities as evidenced by the commission’s agenda today.  He noted that Lawrence is a diverse community, but that we may need to focus more efforts on outreach to Hispanic groups.

 

Chairman Dunn asked what kinds of issues is the Hispanic community facing?

 

Mr. Thoman noted that at the conference, it was discussed that Hispanics may be facing a backlash given the existing political climate in some communities; there are also language and cultural barriers at work.

 

Commission Items

Commissioner Criqui discussed his efforts to work on possible outreach activities.  He has been in talks with Deb Taylor of the Lawrence Alliance.  Possible activities may involve partnering with the Lawrence Alliance on an event in 2011, either the Festival of Cultures or some other event.  He did not want to engage in further dialogue without the approval of the commission.  Various commissioners supported Commissioner Criqui’s efforts and encouraged him to continue discussion and to bring back more concrete details to the commission.  Commissioner Criqui said he would report back at the commission meeting in November.

 

There was general discussion regarding the commission’s work on the transgender issue.  It was noted that the commission’s report has not yet been scheduled for a City Commission meeting and it was listed as a future agenda item on the current City Commission agenda.  Chairman Dunn asked staff what the process would be for the City Commission to hear the report.  Mr. Wagner reported that the City Manager’s office would schedule a date for receiving the report.  Mr. Wagner reported that Director Wheeler would certainly communicate scheduling of that date with Chairman Dunn and the commission.

 

Commissioner Barnhill asked if there were any follow up to the issues brought up by members of the public at the last meeting?

 

Mr. Wagner reported that Director Wheeler and members of the public present at the May meeting, met with representatives of the Lawrence police department and that follow-up meetings have also occurred.

 

Commissioner Barnhill reiterated that he was committed to insuring that all avenues were open for the public to make and file complaints with the police regarding this issue and any violations of the law.  He said it was important that data be collected regarding this issue.

 

Public Comment

There were no additional public comments.

 

The Human Relations Commission meeting was adjourned at 11:35 a.m.