City of Lawrence
Human Relations Commission
June 1, 2005 Minutes
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Vice-Chair Bob Mikesic, Commissioners Wendi Coleman, Bob Augelli, and Terri Wilke |
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MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Chair Steve Ramirez, Commissioners Ray Chao, Barbara Hillmer, Ernesto Hodison (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. James Dunn of Landlords of Lawrence, Inc. |
Vice-Chair Mikesic called the meeting of the Lawrence Human Relations Commission to order at 11:10 AM in the LHR/HRD Conference Room.
ROLL CALL
Roll call revealed a quorum of the Commission was not present.
ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA, STAFF REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 1 – APRIL 30, 2005 and MINUTES for FEBRUARY 16, 2005
It was agreed by consensus to accept the Agenda for June 1, 2005, Staff Report for February 1 – April 30, 2005, and Minutes for February 16, 2005.
U.S.D.HUD Partnership Initiative 2004/2005 – Update
HRS Smith gave a briefing on current HUD Partnership Initiative (PI) projects. She said Dr. Jesse Milan conducted the last of the PI projects, holding workshops on Predatory Lending. HRS Smith said the reports for all PI projects have been completed and submitted to HUD. She added that HUD will not be granting Partnership Initiative funds to Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) agencies in the near future.
Director Samuel gave comments on the benefits of Partnership Initiative outreach projects on predatory lending. He noted that the LHRD was able to reach more people due to the Partnership Initiative Program. Director Samuel said he was pleased the LHRD was able to take a leadership role in getting information about Predatory Lending out to the public.
Commissioner Coleman asked how people get away with predatory lending practices. HRS Smith said it is not always illegal and legislation to prevent it has not been passed by the legislature. Director Samuel noted that some predatory lending cases have made it to the courts for a decision. Director Samuel stated the Partnership Initiative program would be missed, as it gave major benefits to the City of Lawrence. He said that such programs, such as the accessibility study, helped the businesses and property owners to identify potential problem areas and to correct the situations. Director Samuel spoke about the need for statewide civil/human rights training. Director Samuel thanked the LHRC for their part in aiding civil/human rights.
Job Fair and Employment Seminar 2005 / Final Report
HRS Winn said the seminar was held April 16, 2005 at the Lawrence Arts Center. He noted that Commissioner Wilke was a workshop presenter. He said it is the first time being held in partnership with the Lawrence Chamber of Commerce. HRS Winn said some of the topics covered were Interviewing, Hiring, Resume Writing, and Interviewing Role Play. He stated attendance was over 100 people. He noted the models in the “Dress for Success” fashion show were students from Free State and Lawrence High Schools. He said the fashions were provided by TJ Maxx, and Commissioners Hodison and Hillmer gave invaluable help in coordinating the fashion show. HRS Winn thanked the LRHC for their support of the event.
Fair Housing Outreach / Fair Housing Month 2005 / Final Report
HRS Smith said there was a proclamation signed by the Mayor denoting April 2005 as Fair Housing Month. She said there were two events; one for landlords and another for tenants. HRS Smith said this year a housing fair was held, instead of the usual workshops and it was very well attended. She noted attendance was much higher than in previous years. She said attendees gave very high marks and positive comments for both events. HRS Smith thanked Vice-Chair Mikesic for serving as a presenter at the landlords seminar.
Equal Opportunity Law Update Seminar 2005
HRS Winn said the EOLUS is planned for October 18 – 19, 2005 and will be held at the Lawrence Holiday Inn/Holidome. HRS Winn said there would be 12 sessions, with sessions pertaining to employment law, mediation, and fair housing case law, conciliation and investigation. He noted that Governor Sebelius has been invited to be a keynote speaker. HRS Winn said that he would apply for the usual number of CLE’s, CME’s and CEU’s. HRS Winn said he would have more details available at the next LHRC meeting.
USDHUD Training Academy Week Two / March 7 – July 1, 2005
HRS Smith said she attended Week 2 of training at the HUD Fair Housing Academy, the first week of May. She said she was pleased with the level of education received and the quality of the instructors. She noted that she did pass Week 2 training and would attend Week 3, which begins in August 2005. Director Samuel congratulated HRS Smith for her accomplishment and noted that HRS Winn would attend Week 2 training in July 2005.
LHR/HRD Human Relations Specialist Position
Director Samuel stated the HRS position would not ever be filled; the position is lost. He said the City approved a Training Specialist position for the Administrative Services Department. The person selected as Training Specialist may assist the LHRD with seminars and other training events. Director Samuel gave a brief history of LHRD positions and funding. In addition, he gave a briefing on his efforts addressing the issue through the 2006 budget process.
NEW BUSINESS
2006 LHRD Budget Process
Director Samuel gave a briefing on the 2006 budget process and its effects on the LHRC/HRD. Director Samuel said the LHRD has requested the addition of a Human Relations Technician position, as well as having 50% of the HRS/Fair Housing salary picked up by the City. He gave a brief history of funding for the Human Relations Specialist / Fair Housing Assistance Program position.
RECCR/HUD Training / July 14-15, 2005
Director Samuel stated the training is conducted by HUD and the Regional Executive Council on Civil Rights. He said the RECCR was formed back in the 1970’s to provide training for professional human rights workers and commissioners. He added that the training scheduled for July 14 – 15, 2005 would include a training track for commissioners to train them in various aspects of civil/human rights. Director Samuel said if any commissioners are interested in attending to notify the staff secretary. Commissioners Wilke and Coleman stated they would like to attend. Commissioner Coleman asked how someone becomes a member of RECCR. Director Samuel gave an overview on the founding, mission, and member qualifications for RECCR.
Commissioner Coleman asked who handles cases of discrimination in small towns that do not have human relations commissions. Director Samuel said that the State commission handles those cases, however, the majority of underprivileged people are not served because they are not knowledgeable of their rights, complaint procedures, how to access civil/human rights agencies, and the duties, responsibilities and mission of civil/human rights agencies. As such most incidents of unlawful discrimination practices are not reported.
Executive Director Case Docket Report
Director Samuel gave a briefing on the housing case that had recently gone to trial. He stated the judge has set a date for hearing of July 25, 2005 to address the issue of punitive damages and attorney fees. He said efforts were being made to resolve the issue before the July date.
COMMISSIONER’S COMMENTS
Commissioner Augelli went on the record in support of the Human Relations Technician position and the LHRD.
Commissioner Mikesic asked how to give support for the LHRD budget. Director Samuel noted there would be a public comment session on June 7, 2005.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Director Samuel congratulated HRS Winn for completing his doctorate degree. HRS Winn thanked everyone for their support and encouragement.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mr. James Dunn said there would be a fair housing event at the Lawrence Public Library on Monday, June 27th at 7:00 p.m. He noted that Alphonso Eason, a staff attorney with HUD/Region VII would be the presenter.
Mr. Dunn asked what the Human Relations Technician position duties would be, if approved. Director Samuel gave a brief overview of the position duties.
HRS Winn noted that various activities for the Juneteenth celebration would take place June 12 – 18, 2005, beginning with a prayer breakfast on June 12th at First Christian Church, and ending with an all-day family fun festival on June 18th at Burcham Park.
ADJOURNMENT
It was agreed by consensus that the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting was adjourned at 12:05 p.m.