HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES

February 18, 2004

 

 

 

 

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

 

COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:      Barbara Hillmer and Oscar Marino (excused).

 

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

 

STAFF ABSENT:                            None

 

GUESTS PRESENT:                     Mr. James Dunn and Mrs. Nancy Dunn

 

 

 

 

Chair Wendi Coleman called the meeting of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to order at 11:00 AM in the LHR/HRD Conference Room.

 

 

ROLL CALL

Roll call revealed a quorum of the Commission was present.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA

Commissioner Wilke moved that the Agenda for February 18, 2004 be accepted. Commissioner Hodison seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR November 1, 2003 – January 31, 2004

Commissioner Ramirez moved that the Staff Report for November 1, 2003 – January 31, 2004 be accepted. Commissioner Chao seconded the motion. Motion carried.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES for November 19, 2003  

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

OLD BUSINESS

 

MLK, JR. Celebration Report

HRS Winn stated that plans for the 2005 celebration are already underway. He announced the group would like to have Ms. Coretta Scott King as the speaker for 2005. HRS Winn noted the 2004 banquet speaker, Mr. Mark Mangino, was very inspirational. He stated the community musical had a packed house. He added that Ms. Lisa Miree, Miss Black America 2004 was the keynote speaker at the community-wide commemorative service held at the University of Kansas Lied Center. He noted that she gave an excellent, insightful speech and was eloquent and professional in her demeanor. Commissioner Wilke said she attended the musical. She said the musical was excellent and perhaps a larger venue is needed in the future. Commissioner Wilke added that possibly the Lawrence Sesquicentennial celebration could be used as an incentive for Ms. Coretta King to speak at the next MLK celebration. A brief discussion ensued.

 

Commissioner Mikesic arrived at 11:06 a.m.

 

Fair Housing Outreach Activities Update

HRS Smith gave a listing of the variety of outreach activities of the LHR/HRD. She stated that she conducted Fair Housing training sessions at the Salvation Army, as well as the English as a Second Language classes at the USD 497 Adult Learning Center. Commissioner Chao asked what was taught at the English as a Second Language class. HRS Smith explained the classes were for Lawrence residents that were new to the United States and taught them to speak English. She further explained that the Fair Housing training sessions would help the students to understand the federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws, and their rights and responsibilities under those laws.

 

USDHUD Partnership Initiative 2003/2004

HRS Smith gave a briefing on the Partnership Initiative Program projects. She gave additional information on the follow-up testing to be conducted by Milan and Associates. This will educate housing providers to identify and correct deficiencies.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

Fair Housing Month Activities – April 2004

HRS Smith outlined the activities slated for Fair Housing Month, April 2004. She stated that the Seminar for Landlords, Owners, and Property Managers would be held Friday, April 23, 2004 at the Eldridge Hotel. She also stated the Seminar for Tenants and Prospective Tenants would be held Saturday, April 24, 2004 in the training room of the LHR/HRD offices. HRS Smith noted that Attorney John Relman of Washington, D.C. would be the keynote speaker at the landlords seminar, and there will be a proclamation, proclaiming April 2004 to be Fair Housing Month in the City of Lawrence.

 

Core Mediation Training – March 9-11, 2004

HRS Martin gave an update on the upcoming Core Mediation training. He stated that it should be a self-supporting project. He further noted that after the success of previous mediation training conducted by the LHR/HRD, the LHR/HRD has received many requests to conduct additional mediation training.

 

New Commissioner Training / February 11, 2004 - Report

Director Samuel gave a briefing on the New Commissioner Orientation. Commissioner Hodison commented that the training was very helpful. Director Samuel gave an explanation as to why all LHRC Commissioners need to be trained on the Public Hearing Process in the event a case goes to Public Hearing. He further explained that a minimum of three LHRC Commissioners are utilized to serve on a Public Hearing panel. Commissioner Hodison stated that any training available to LHRC Commissioners on any civil/human rights issues would be welcome. Brief discussion ensued.

 

HUD Intake Training / March 11-12, 2004

HRS Smith gave a briefing on the HUD Intake Training to be held March 11-12, 2004. Director Samuel noted that LHRC Commissioners do not normally attend intake training.

 

 

COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS

 

NONE

 

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS

Director Samuel made brief comments regarding the many activities of the LHR/HRD. He  encouraged LHRC members to continue reading the staff report in order to stay informed.

 

Director Samuel discussed the Public Hearing Process training, for LHRC members, to be scheduled in the near future.

 

Commissioner Hodison asked if LHRC meetings are only held quarterly, and if there was ever a reason to call an unscheduled meeting of the LHRC. Director Samuel noted that although it would be extremely rare, an additional meeting of the LHRC could be called if it is warranted.

 

Commissioner Hodison said it would be good for Commissioners to be notified of any relevant training that would be of help to them.  Director Samuel stated that the LHRC, along with LHRD staff are always notified of mandatory trainings conducted by HUD.

 

Director Samuel gave a brief update on current Fair Housing cases.

 

Commissioner Hodison asked if diversity training for City employees is mandatory. Director Samuel said, yes, and explained the benefits of mandatory training for employees. He also gave a background of how the diversity training for employees came to fruition.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. James Dunn asked if the media is notified of LHRC meeting dates. Executive Director Samuel said that all local media outlets are sent notification of LHRC meetings one month in advance.

 

Mr. Dunn asked when fair housing month activities would be held. HRS Smith said the seminar for Landlords, Owners, and Property Managers would be held Friday, April 23, 2004 at the Eldridge Hotel, and the Seminar for Tenants and Prospective Tenants would be held Saturday, April 24, 2004 in the training room of the LHR/HRD offices.

 

Mr. Dunn asked if there are any current vacancies on the LHRC. Director Samuel noted that there is only one vacancy, which should be filled in the very near future.

 

Mr. Dunn asked if the LHR/HRD currently had any student interns sitting on the LHRC. Director Samuel noted that at this time, no one has been appointed to fill the intern positions. He stated that the LHR/HRD has invited students from the University of Kansas and Haskell University to apply for the intern position.

 

Director Samuel gave comments on resolving cases in a timely manner. He noted that the goal is to process cases within 100 days.

 

Mr. Dunn asked where the English as a Second Language classes are held. HRS Smith stated the classes are held at 19th and Moodie Road. She further briefed on the make up of the class and its participants.

 

HRS Martin mentioned the LHR/HRD Mediation Program being expanded, and stated he would like to make a presentation to the Landlords of Lawrence, as well as the Chamber of Commerce.

 

Director Samuel gave brief comments.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

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

 

Chair Coleman adjourned the meeting at 11:48 a.m.