City of Lawrence
Human Relations Commission
February 16, 2005 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Chair Steve Ramirez, Vice-Chair Bob Mikesic, Commissioners Wendi Coleman, Barbara Hillmer, Ernesto Hodison, and Terri Wilke. |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Commissioners Bob Augelli and Ray Chao (excused) |
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STAFF PRESENT: |
Executive Director Rehelio A. Samuel, Human Relations Specialists Michelle Smith and Paul Winn, and Secretary Cynthia Colbert |
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PUBLIC PRESENT: |
Mr. Bob Ebey and Mr. James Dunn of Landlords of Lawrence, Inc., Ms. Myrtle Wilson, Mr. Jeff Carlock and Ms. Jennifer Thomas of HUD KS/MO Region VII Office, Ms. Viola Hill, Mr. Robert Jiles, Mr. Victor Ramirez, and Ms. Charlie Conn, KU Dept. of Social Welfare. |
Vice-Chair Mikesic 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 Hodison moved that the Agenda for February 16, 2005 be accepted. Commissioner Hillmer seconded the motion. Motion carried.
ACCEPTANCE OF STAFF REPORT FOR November 1, 2004 – January 31, 2005 and MINUTES for November 17, 2004
Commissioner Mikesic moved that the Staff Report for November 1, 2004 – January 31, 2005 and the Minutes for November 17, 2004 be accepted. Commissioner Hodison seconded the motion. Motion carried.
INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS
Director Samuel introduced Ms. Myrtle Wilson, Deputy Director of the Kansas City Fair Housing Program Center, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Kansas/Missouri Office, Region VII. Director Samuel asked Ms. Wilson to introduce her staff, who visited with her. Ms. Wilson introduced Mr. Jeff Carlock, HUD Monitor for the LHR/HRD Fair Housing Assistance Program, and Ms. Jennifer Thomas of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture. Ms. Thomas is working with the HUD Fair Housing Office as part of an executive management-training program. Ms. Wilson thanked the LHRC/LHRD for allowing her and her staff to participate in the LHRC meeting. She said she wanted to indicate how much the HUD Region VII staff enjoys working with Director Samuel and his staff, and that it is an excellent working relationship. Ms. Wilson said it is truly a partnership and the LHRD can be relied upon to do quality work, as well as to help carry on the mission of HUD. She added that HUD would do whatever they can to assist the LHRC/LHRD in continuing to carry out the mission.
Director Samuel introduced Mr. Bob Ebey of the Landlords of Lawrence and gave a briefing on Mr. Ebey’s contributions to the Lawrence housing community and the LHR/HRD. He thanked Mr. Ebey for his support and his help in establishing and improving relationships with the landlords in Douglas County and Lawrence, Kansas. He noted that Mr. Ebey is currently serving as Vide-President of the Landlords of Lawrence and Mr. James Dunn is serving as President. Director Samuel stated that the LHRD has a good working relationship with the Landlords of Lawrence.
HRS Winn introduced Ms. Viola Hill, who attended to observe the meeting. HRS Smith introduced Ms. Charlie Conn, from the KU Dept. of Social Welfare and the Haskell Health Center. Ms. Conn stated she is seeking opportunities to work with the LHRC/LHRD.
U.S.D.HUD Partnership Initiative 2004/2005 – Update
HRS Smith gave a briefing on current HUD Partnership Initiative projects. She said that three workshops had been conducted by Milan and Associates on accessibility in housing and three more were scheduled for February 18th, 25th, and March 11, 2005. She said two workshops were conducted at Haskell University on predatory lending and fair housing.
Director Samuel commented on why some housing providers had failed to attend the accessibility workshops, even after they had been notified of deficiencies in accessibility. He noted that Commissioner Hillmer had previously suggested contacting those housing providers to find out why they have neglected attending the accessibility training. He thanked Commissioner Hillmer for the suggestion. Director Samuel noted it was discovered that some had received notification and took no action. Some did not respond because the notification was not on City letterhead, but from Milan and Associates and they felt nothing needed to be done, but was perhaps just a solicitation from a sales business. He noted that if deficiencies were found, the housing providers should have taken steps to correct them, regardless of the origination of the notification. He further noted that some had turnover in staffing and the notification was lost. Commissioner Hodison asked what the reception of the housing providers was, to the calls as to why they did not participate in the workshops. HRS Smith said they appeared to be glad for having received the call, although not all of them committed to attending the workshops. Director Samuel said that type of response is a concern to him because accessibility in housing is the law. He stated he applauds the attitudes and actions of those who are agreeable to attending the workshops and correcting the deficiencies, but for those that decide they will do nothing; the LHRC/LHRD will initiate complaints against them. Director Samuel noted the LHRD has gone the extra mile in allowing those housing providers with time to train and correct discrepancies in accessibility. Commissioner Mikesic asked where the accessibility workshops would take place. HRS Smith said they will be held in the LHRD training room and participants will be given notebooks with training materials and ADA laws.
HRS Smith mentioned the faith-based fair housing project being conducted by Victor Glover through the Partnership Initiative on February 26, 2005. Commissioner Wilke said she has seen the advertisement for the faith-based seminar and wanted to know what the seminar would be about and who would be the targeted audience. HRS Smith said the seminar would be targeted to the faith-based community and general public, and would deal with general fair housing issues. Ms. Myrtle Wilson said that HUD supports the faith-based initiative as it is a U.S. Presidential initiative and HUD has funded FHAPS/FHIPS to work with church groups because they believe the ministers in the community have greater contact than any other community group. HUD believes it is a very effective means of getting the word out about fair housing. She stated that is why HUD Region VII was very happy to see the LHRC/LHRD had entered into a Partnership Initiative to do faith-based education and outreach in the Lawrence community and they are very pleased with the proposal for the faith-based seminar on February 26th.
Job Fair and Employment Seminar 2005 / Update
HRS Winn said the seminar would be held April 16, 2005 at the Lawrence Arts Center from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. He added it would be an exciting change from the previous year in that it is being done in conjunction with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. HRS Winn noted the Arts Center is a great facility for this event, as it is handicapped accessible, has a large auditorium for the workshops, as well as plenty of space for the vendor booths. He said there would be 22 panelists covering a variety of topics such as how to interview and resume skills. There would also be a number of employers displaying their products, services, and employment opportunities. HRS Winn noted LHRC Commissioner Terri Wilke and HRS Smith would be participating as workshop panelists.
Chair Ramirez asked what types of marketing efforts are taking place to attract attendees. HRS Winn said newspaper ads and flyers are being utilized to get the word out. Commissioner Hillmer asked if any marketing was targeted to KU students. HRS Winn said, yes. Commissioner Hillmer suggested sending flyers to the KU Career Center. She also listed other KU offices where flyers could be sent. Chair Ramirez said flyers should also be sent to Haskell University.
Fair Housing Outreach / Fair Housing Month 2005 / Update
HRS Smith said she has been in contact with KU Legal Services and they have agreed to participate in the Information Fair for Tenants, as well as other groups such as Haskell University, NAACP, HCCI, HUD, Tenants to Homeowners, and Mother-to-Mother.
HRS Smith said she has conducted mini-seminars at the USD 497 English as a Second Language and GED classes and the Salvation Army, as well as training staff members of various apartment complexes. She noted she would be giving a presentation at the June 2005 NAACP monthly meeting. HRS Smith asked about local Hispanic organizations that she could speak to on the topic of fair housing. Chair Ramirez stated there are no formal Hispanic groups locally.
2005 LHRC/LHRD Projects [Discussion]
Director Samuel noted this item was tabled at the last LHRC meeting to give the LHRC time to think about and decide what projects they might consider such as forming specific committees or a speakers bureau. Chair Ramirez asked if anyone had projects they would like to pursue. Director Samuel said if anyone has a project for consideration, to send the idea into the LHRD office for further discussion.
NEW BUSINESS
Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar 2005
HRS Winn stated plans are underway for the October seminar. He said he has entered into negotiations with the Holiday Inn, as they have sufficient space, is wheelchair accessible, and is in a central location. He said he hopes to utilize the attorneys from Foulston and Siefkin, who have held a major role as instructors in previous EOLUS seminars. HRS Winn said he is in discussions with Director Samuel to select a keynote speaker. He noted last year’s keynote speaker was Mr. Rod Bremby, Kansas State Secretary of Health and Environment.
USDHUD Training Academy Week Two / March 7 – July 1, 2005
HRS Smith said Week Two classes of the USDHUD Training Academy would take place during the period of March 7 – July 1, 2005. She stated she plans to attend in May 2005 and HRS Winn will be attending at a yet-to-be determined date. HRS Smith noted she and HRS Winn passed Week One of the Academy and look forward to attending Week Two. Commissioner Coleman asked if all staff members are expected to attend the training, and if they do not attend what are the consequences. Ms. Myrtle Wilson said not attending is not an option; attendance is mandatory. Ms. Wilson said if staff does not attend, funds would be taken from the agencies not in compliance.
LHR/HRD Human Relations Specialist Position
Director Samuel briefed on the LHRD efforts to have the position filled. He noted the LHRD has been asked to hold off on filling the position until a decision can be made. Director Samuel said a series of meetings has already taken place discussing the position as it pertains to training needs of City employees. He said he hopes to receive a decision from City management in the near future. Director Samuel noted how the absence of the HRS position is affecting the workload of the LHRD and the ability to conduct outreach and educational events, as well as investigation of complaints.
Director Samuel mentioned LHRD efforts in obtaining a Human Relations Technician position. He gave a briefing of the LHRD staffing history and patterns. Commissioner Mikesic asked if it is certain the Human Relations Specialist position will eventually be filled. Director Samuel said he feels the position would be approved, but discussion is being held as to how training of City employees would be incorporated into the position duties. A brief discussion ensued.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Commissioner Wilke stated she believes Lawrence is a great city and appreciates the work of the LHRD. Director Samuel commended the LHRD staff for their outstanding work and commitment to the cause of equality and justice for all people, regardless of their race classification and gender. Chair Ramirez noted for the LHRD to continue the high quality of work they do, given the growth of the city, is amazing.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Samuel updated the LHRC on the fair housing case currently in the district court. He noted the various motions submitted by both sides. He additionally noted the jury trial is scheduled be held May 9 – 13, 2005.
Director Samuel commended HRS Winn and HRS Smith on their successful completion of Week One of the USDHUD Training Academy. He noted they both received passing grades and will be attending Week Two of the five weeks required to obtain certification.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. James Dunn stated he felt the LHRD should provide diversity training for City employees. He said that if training is left to individual departments, the training given might not be consistent across all departments. Commissioner Wilke said she thought it might work if the LHRD trained department staff that would be giving the training. Commissioner Hillmer said if department staff people are utilized to train their individual departments, then that takes them away from their designated duties. She thought it would be a good idea for training to be done by the LHRC, but it should be an additional staff position, solely for training City employees. She stated that training for an organization the size of the City of Lawrence is a huge responsibility.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chair Mikesic moved that the meeting be adjourned. Commissioner Wilke seconded the motion. Motion carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:02 p.m.