HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

November 19, 2003

 

 

 

 

COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:    Chair Wendi Coleman, Commissioners Ray Chao, Barbara Hillmer, Ernesto Hodison, Oscar Marino, Bob Mikesic, Steve Ramirez, and Terri Wilke.

 

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:      None

 

STAFF PRESENT:                         Executive Director Rehelio A. Samuel, Human Relations Specialists Allen Martin, Paul Winn, and Secretary Cynthia Colbert

 

STAFF ABSENT:                            Human Relations Specialist Michelle Smith (Excused)

 

GUESTS PRESENT:                     Mr. James Dunn

 

 

 

 

Chair Wendi Coleman called the meeting of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to order at 11:06 AM in the LHR/HRD Conference Room.

 

 

ROLL CALL

Roll call revealed a quorum of the Commission was present.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

Commissioner Ramirez moved that the Agenda for November 19, 2003 be accepted. Commissioner Marino seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR August 1, 2003 – October 31, 2003

Commissioner Hodison moved that the Staff Report for August 1, 2003 – October 31, 2003 be accepted. Commissioner Marino seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES for August 20, 2003  

Commissioner Ramirez moved that the minutes for August 20, 2003 be accepted. Commissioner Mikesic seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER BARBARA HILLMER

Director Samuel introduced new LHRC Commissioner, Dr. Barbara Hillmer. Director Samuel stated that the LHRD/LHRC is honored to have Dr. Hillmer as a member of the board. Dr. Hillmer stated that she owns a management consultant business in Lawrence. She stated that she has an educational background. Dr. Hillmer further stated that she is pleased to be a member of the LHRC.

 

INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER ERNESTO HODISON

Director Samuel introduced new LHRC Commissioner, Mr. Ernesto Hodison, and noted that Mr. Hodison will make an outstanding contribution to the Commission. Mr. Hodison stated that he appreciates the opportunity to serve on the LHRC. Mr. Hodison stated that he has been in Lawrence since 1980, when he arrived to attend KU. He said that he has been in the banking industry for 16 years and is currently a Loan Officer at Douglas County Bank. Mr. Hodison stated he is looking forward to serving on the LHRC.

 

ELECTION OF 2003-2004 LHRC VICE-CHAIR

Chair Coleman opened nominations for LHRC Vice-Chair. Commissioner Mikesic nominated Commissioner Ramirez. Commissioner Ramirez nominated Commissioner Mikesic. Commissioner Mikesic declined the nomination. Commissioner Marino seconded the nomination of Commissioner Ramirez as LHRC Vice-Chair. Commissioner Marino asked Commissioner Ramirez about his background. Commissioner Ramirez gave a brief statement of his background in Lawrence. He noted that he is an alumnus of Haskell University and the University of Kansas. He further noted that he has completed the Leadership Lawrence program, along with Commissioner Hodison. Commissioner Ramirez said that he has a vested interest in seeing Lawrence prosper.

 

Chair Coleman closed nominations and called for a vote on the nomination of Commissioner Ramirez to LHRC Vice-Chair. The vote was unanimous for Commissioner Ramirez to serve as the 2003 – 2004 LHRC Vice-Chair.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar 2003 Final Report

HRS Martin stated that the seminar was conducted on October 21 – 22, 2003. He noted that it was well attended, and in fact, had a record number of 213 attendees, up from the previous year’s number of 187. HRS Martin stated the seminar received high ratings from the attendees. Chair Coleman asked about the marketing efforts for the seminar. HRS Martin listed the various avenues of advertising utilized and noted that direct mail has proven the best marketing tool. Director Samuel said that the Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar has been noted by many, including the Lawrence Mayor and the Vice-Mayor, as “the best in the State”. Director Samuel thanked and commended the LHRD staff, and specifically HRS Allen Martin, for their outstanding work with the seminar. He noted that HRS Martin was the coordinator and point person for the seminar and has consistently done an outstanding job planning, managing, and conducting the seminar. Director Samuel further stated it is outstanding that the seminar was approved by the CLE Commission for 16 CLE credits for Missouri and Kansas, which included 2 hours of ethics. He noted the seminar also offered 6 CME credits for mediation, as well as CEU credits for SHRM members.  He said this was due to the hard work of HRS Martin in procuring such good presenters/instructors. Director Samuel noted that 10^th Circuit Court of Appeals Chief Justice Deanell Reece Tacha was the keynote speaker during the luncheon on the first day of the seminar. He thanked the LHRD staff, for their outstanding contributions, and the LHRC Chair, Wendi Coleman for giving an introduction at the luncheon.

 

A brief discussion ensued.

 

U.S. EEOC Investigative Services Contract Update

Director Samuel stated that he has calls into the EEOC office in Washington, D.C. in follow-up to the LHRD submitting the necessary documents to receive an Investigative Services Contract. Director Samuel stated that the LHRD is awaiting word from the EEOC regarding the contract. Director Samuel gave background information on Fair Employment Practice Agencies (FEPA), and noted that the application and proposal the LHRD sent to EEOC contained innovative new concepts that had not been done before.

 

Commissioners Training – November 13, 2003

Chair Coleman commented that the Commissioners’ training was excellent. HRS Martin noted LHRC Commissioners that did not attend would need to have the training. HRS Martin also mentioned the need for additional training on disability, sexual harassment and other related topics.  Director Samuel stated that there would be a New Commissioner Orientation in the future. A brief discussion ensued.

 

Commissioners Retreat

Director Samuel said an effort needs to be made to make progress on planning for a Commissioners retreat. He noted that Commissioners Ramirez, Marino and Chair Coleman were to meet to discuss the retreat. Director Samuel stated he would contact Chair Coleman to set up an agenda for a retreat. Commissioner Hillmer offered to help coordinate the retreat.

 

Fair Housing Ongoing Community Outreach

Director Samuel gave an update on Fair Housing Outreach activities. He noted LHRD staff would meet to discuss alternative outreach activities in order to reach more segments of the community. He noted efforts to work with various community organizations, such as Mother-to-Mother and the Salvation Army. He also mentioned working with the Women’s Bureau to help women with housing, business, and employment opportunities. Director Samuel stated that all of the fair housing programs have been very well received by the housing community. He stated that Ms. Smith is to be commended for her tireless efforts in the area of Fair Housing.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Training Intervention

HRS Martin gave a briefing on training given by LHRD staff, at the request of a City department. LHRD staff gave EEO training, a survey, and sensing interviews to employees of that department. HRS Martin stated the training was well-received and felt the department benefited from the training.

 

USDHUD Partnership Initiative 2003/2004

Director Samuel briefed the LHRC on the HUD Partnership Initiative Program. He noted past Partnership Initiative activities and partnerships with the Lawrence Alliance and Milan & Associates. Director Samuel gave a detailed explanation of the fair housing testing conducted by Milan & Associates and the results of the testing. He said that the testing results were submitted to HUD and as a result, HUD has approved funding for follow-up testing. Director Samuel noted complaints were not filed against housing providers with deficiencies. He stated if providers fail to make corrections, after being notified of the deficiencies, then a possibility exists for the filing of complaints.

 

Director Samuel explained the Los Colonitas Project, a Partnership Initiative program submitted by Mr. Elias Garcia to the LHRD for approval by HUD. The Los Colonitas Project would provide fair housing outreach to underserved Hispanic communities in Kansas. He noted that HUD did not fund the Los Colonitas program at this time. The LHRD staff has contacted and will meet with HUD regarding the possibility of funding for the project.  Director Samuel gave additional comments regarding options for outreach to the Hispanic community.

 

Chair Coleman stated that it is important to have a town hall meeting to hear from the general public what their needs are. She further stated that unless the public has been given the opportunity to articulate their needs, it is difficult for agencies to know exactly how to formulate effective outreach to underserved segments of the community. Director Samuel gave additional comments.

 

HRS Martin gave a background of the Los Colonitas project and the individuals who would be responsible for implementing the project. Director Samuel noted that the LHRD would oversee the project and handle the administrative duties for the project.

 

A brief discussion ensued.

 

Commissioner Wilke left at 11:55 a.m.

 

Executive Director Recognition

HRS Winn mentioned that Executive Director Samuel received an award from the League of Kansas Municipalities and the Kansas Human Relations Association. The award was presented to Director Samuel at the Diversity Breakfast during the Annual LKM conference in Topeka. The award was presented for his many years of outstanding leadership in the field of civil/human rights.

 

Lawrence Sesquicentennial Celebration

HRS Winn stated that plans are underway for the Lawrence Sesquicentennial Celebration. He gave a list of some of the activities planned for the celebration. HRS Winn gave copies of the agenda from the previous planning meeting. He mentioned that all segments of the community are welcome to be involved in the planning. He added that some local churches will have a float in the planned parade. HRS Winn said that if anyone is interested in participating, they can contact one of the people listed on the celebration meeting agenda.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community-wide Celebration

HRS Winn announced the Martin Luther King Community-wide Celebration would be held January 17-19, 2004. He stated that the speaker for the Monday program would be Lisa Miree, Miss Black USA.

 

HRS Winn noted that Lawrence chapter of the NAACP is currently holding a membership drive and is electing new officers.

 

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

 

Commissioner Hodison congratulated Director Samuel for the award he received.

 

Commissioner’s Chao and Hillmer asked if training materials for commissioners could be available online, or if hard copies are available. HRS Martin stated that the materials could be made available in those formats, but training in a classroom setting is more appropriate.

 

Commissioner Mikesic offered his assistance with the Partnership Initiative project conducted by Milan & Associates.

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Director Samuel recognized and commended Ms. Amanda Conrad, former LHRC representative from KU, for her excellent service and dedication to the LHRD and LHRC. Ms. Conrad stated that she enjoyed the time spent working with the Department and Commission. Chair Coleman commended Ms. Conrad for her outstanding effort on behalf of the LHRC.

 

Director Samuel said the new LHRC Commissioners would be contacted in the near future to schedule an orientation session.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. James Dunn asked who would be the speaker for the MLK Celebration banquet. HRS Winn stated that he did not know at this time, but would advise Mr. Dunn when he received the information.

 

Mr. Dunn asked when Fair Housing Month would take place. Secretary Cynthia Colbert said Fair Housing Month is always held in April each year. She said the dates for the landlord and tenant seminars had not been selected yet, but information would be released as plans are made.

 

Mr. Dunn asked about the status of the Lawrence Alliance. Director Samuel said that he has not heard from the Lawrence Alliance as to what the status of the Alliance is at this time. He noted that he has attempted on various occasions to make contact, with no results to-date. Director Samuel said he would continue attempts to contact the Alliance.

 

Mr. Dunn stated it was his opinion that training on sexual harassment issues was needed for landlords.

 

Mr. Dunn asked who the new NAACP officers are. Director Samuel said the President is Rev. Janis Cobb and the First Vice-President is Ms. Marian Brown. 

 

Mr. Dunn asked when the next Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar would be. HRS Martin said the seminar would be held during the 3^rd or 4^th week in October.

 

Mr. Dunn asked who would be the KU representative to replace Ms. Conrad on the LHRC. Director Samuel noted that an invitation was extended to both the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University for representatives to the LHRC. To-date, no one has been appointed to fill the vacancies.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

Commissioner Marino moved that the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner Ramirez seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

Chair Coleman adjourned the meeting at 12:25 p.m.

HUMAN RELATIONS/HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT STAFF REPORT

to the LAWRENCE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION

November 1, 2003  to January 31, 2004

 

This report outlines formal discrimination case activities during the months of November and December 2003, and January 2004.  The following are lists of complaints processed during the period.  Additionally, a description of the education and outreach endeavors of the department is detailed, as well as staff training and development.

 

 

 

                                                                         

 

 

EDUCATION AND OUTREACH

 

1.                  HRS Martin and HRS Winn conducted training for the City of Lawrence Utilities Department staff on November 12^th and 21st, 2003.

2.                  The LHRD conducted Training on the Public Hearing Process for LHRC members on November 13, 2003.

3.                  HRS Smith conducted Fair Housing training at the Adult Learning Center for GED classes and English as a 2^nd language classes on December 2, 2003.

4.                  LHRD staff, along with other City of Lawrence employees, made preparations for the annual diversity training of all City of Lawrence employees. The topic of training for 2004 will be The Generation Mix: Traditionalists and Baby Boomers vs. Gen X and Gen Y. The training will be conducted in February/March 2004 at various city office locations

5.                  HRS Martin began preparations and opened registration for a Core Mediation Training class to be conducted March 9 – 11, 2004.

6.                  HRS Smith conducted Fair Housing training for the staff of Masterplan Management, on January 21, 2004.

 

TRAINING ATTENDED

 

1.                  Executive Director Samuel, HRS Winn, HRS Smith, and Secretary Cynthia Colbert attended mandatory training on the investigative process, on December 11 – 12, 2003, at the HUD Regional offices.

2.                  HRS Winn, Martin, and Smith attended Supervisor Training for City of Lawrence management staff, at the Lawrence Arts Center, on January 20, 2004.

ACTIVITIES

1.                  HRS Winn attended the workshop, Mental Illness and Substance Abuse Among the Homeless Population, conducted by the Salvation Army on November 1, 2003.

2.                  Lawrence High School student Kimbra Warber spent the day with LHRD staff on November 5, 2003, learning about the department/commission duties and mission.

3.                  HRS Winn, LHRC Commissioner Barbara Hillmer, and LHRC Chair Wendi Coleman attended the Resource Plan Development Focus Group Lunch Meeting for Community Representatives, conducted by the Lawrence Police Department, on December 2, 2003.

4.                  LHRD staff met for an Outreach Brainstorming Session on December 4, 2003, in order to discuss ideas and suggestions for new and innovative ways to intensify its outreach efforts to the Lawrence business community and general public.

5.                  HRS Winn again served as Speaker/Program Committee member and was very instrumental in the planning of the Annual Community-Wide Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration held January 17, 18, & 19, 2004.