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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001 HR Commission Minutes Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission January 9, 2001 Present: Co-Chair Joe Wars Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Cmmr. Kendall West Cmmr. Besty Armistead Absent: Chair Dionnes Rivera Staff Dorothy Brandon Ex-Officio: Chief Bill Miller Guests: Ina Dews Jane Barbosa Ramiro Garcia, Student Glen Mueller, President of Willow Lakes Estate Association Phil Asplund, Director, Willow Lakes Estate Association The Association President and Board Member expressed their concerns regarding the rent increase of the senior citizens and they were looking for some assistance as to what could be done to protect the senior citizens from being priced out of their homes. Chair Wars indicated that the Commission did not have the authority to regulate rent increases. Chief Miller suggested that the Commission submit a letter to Corporation Counsel on behalf of the Association and request that they review the situation to see if there is any assistance the Commission can provide. Dorothy will work as liaison with Legal and Willow Lakes Association. Chair Wars thanked Mr. Mueller and Mr. Asplund for bringing this matter to the attention of the Commission. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration Dorothy provided a draft copy of the brochure for the Prayer Breakfast and the Public Program. Some minor changes will be made to the brochure before it goes to final print. Ina informed the Commission that the community choir has been supported very well with approximately 50 individuals. 6 Human Relations Commissions January 9, 2001 Minutes Page 2 Ina also provided information regarding the dedication to Charlie Mae Parham-Smith. There will be a memorial stone placed at Newsome Park on the corner of Kimball and Dundee in memory of Charlie for her hard work and support of the Martin Luther King events. The dedication will be at the Pray Breakfast and the memorial will be placed in the park during the spring of 2001. After much discussion regarding Bob Love as Public Program speaker, it was the decision of the commission members present to ask staff liaison and Chair Rivera to draft a letter to the Center for Independent Living notifying them that it was not the Commission's intention to undercut them in their obtaining Bob Love for their benefit. On behalf of Chair Rivera, Dorothy invited all the Commissioners to attend the Prayer Breakfast on Saturday and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Public Program on Sunday. There being no further business to discuss, Chair Wars adjourned the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved: February 6, 2001 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission February 6, 2001 Present: Chair Dionnes Rivera Co-Chair Joe Wars Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Absent: Cmmr. Laura Becerra Cmmr. Kendall West Guest: Aluoun Khotisene The meeting was called to order at 6:53 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Welcome New Members Chair Rivera welcomed new Commissioner Ina Dews. Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Armistead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wars to approve the August 1st, November 7' 2000 and January 8, 2001 as presented. The motion carried. Ordinance Letter to Corporate Counsel Chair Rivera passed around a draft copy of the memo to be presented to Corporate Counsel for review. Cmmr. Wars made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Armistead to approve the memo to Corporate Counsel with the noted changes. The motion carried. Members present discussed how the new changes to the ordinance could be enforced and what impact the changes will have on the Commission. Dorothy reminded the Commission that according to the ordinance, any complaints would need to be investigated by the Commission. There was much discussion regarding the Staff and Commission duties and responsibilities on complaints. Elgin Human Relations Commission February 6, 2001 Minutes Page 2 There were five goals discussed: 1. Develop a plan of action. 2. Educate the community of its' rights and resources through the Commission. 3. Translate literature into community languages. 4. Invite community groups to educate them on Commission. 5. Discussion with HUD. Monthly Reports November and December monthly staff reports were provided. December 2000 and January 2001 monthly contract compliance reports were provided. Commission requested that Dorothy provide a synopsis of all complains received. National Association of Human Rights Workers Membership Dorothy will contact Denise Gordon regarding membership in NAHRW. Laotian New Year Dorothy informed the Commission that the Laotian New Year will be held on April 21'. The Commission was also notified that the YMCA would like to have a representative assist them with Laotian New Year. Cmmr. Visaysouk will be the Commission's representative. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Wrap Up Letters will be sent to all volunteers regarding the wrap up meeting date. Correspondence * Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance News Letter * Forth Worth Human Relations Commission News Letter Subcommittee Assignments Assignments were made to the subcommittee assignment listing to include the new Commissioners. Each Commissioner will receive a copy of the new assignments. Elgin Human Relations Commission February 6, 2001 Minutes Page 3 Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Armistead to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved:March 6, 2001 1-?4---/-A--*_ - Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary r Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission March 6, 2001 Present: Chair Diormes Rivera Co-chair Joe Wars Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Laura Becerra Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Kendall West Absent: Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Staff: Dorothy Brandon The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Welcome New Member Chair Rivera welcomed new Commissioner Laura Becerra. Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wars to approve the February 6th minutes as presented. The motion carried. Cmmr. Dews requested to be replaced on the Fair Housing subcommittee, due to a conflict of interest. Corrections will be made to the subcommittee listing, and distributed at the next meeting. Ordinance Letter to Corporate Counsel Dorothy will follow up with the Corporation Counsel and provide an update at the next meeting. National Association of Human Rights Workers Membership Tabled until the next meeting. Elgin Human Relations Commission March 6, 2001 Minutes Page 2 Laotian New Year Chair Rivera will discuss the Commission's involvement regarding the Laotian New Year with Cmmr. Visaysouk, who will in turn discuss the issue with the Laotian Council. An update will be provided at the next meeting. Monthly Reports There were no complaint reports for the month of January and February. Contract compliance reports were provided for January and February. Correspondence ❑ Illinois Municipal Human Relations Association Conference - May 3`d & 4th ❑ Indiana Civil Rights Commission Conference-April 26, 2001 Please contact Dorothy if you are interested in attending either one of these conferences. Dorothy will contact the E.E.O.C. regarding a complaint brochure. New Business Annual Report Chair Rivera requested that the Commission prepare an annual report to be presented to Mayor and Members of the City Council. Excellence in Elgin Program Cmmr. Wars summarized the Excellence in Elgin program for the new Commissioners who were not familiar with this program. Cmmr. Rivera indicated that the criteria for nomination needs to be revisited. Cmmr. Wars will contact previous committee members to determine their interest. Cmmr. Becerra volunteered to work with this subcommittee. r Elgin Human Relations Commission March 6, 2001 Minutes Page 3 A tentative date of March 27th at 6:30 p.m. is being scheduled for a meeting of the Excellence in Elgin subcommittee. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Rivera called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. West to adjourn the meeting at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved:April 3, 2001 f Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission April 3, 2001 Present: Co-Chair Joe Wars Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Laura Becerra Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Cmmr. Kendall West Absent: Chair Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Ina Dews Staff Dorothy Brandon Introduction and Welcome of New Human Resources Director Co-Chair Wars introduced Nick Oriti as the new Human Resources Director to the Commission and welcomed him to his new position with the City of Elgin. r Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Armistead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Becerra to approve the March 6th minutes as presented. The motion carried. Ordinance Letter update Dorothy provided a copy of the memo from Corporation Counsel in response to Chair Rivera's letter requesting an amendment to the Elgin Human Relations ordinance. Co-Chair Wars explained the history behind the request for the proposed amendment changes to the Human Relations ordinance. Co-Chair Wars asked Dorothy to approach the Corporation Counsel and ask them to attend the next meeting to assist the Commission with the correct approach in obtaining the proposed amendment changes. Membership in the National Association of Human Rights Workers Dorothy has approached Robin Kelly from Matteson on how the Commission can become a member of NAHRW,but is awaiting a response. . Elgin Human Relations Commission April 3, 2001 Minutes Page 2 Correspondence ► Health and Welfare Luncheon on Wednesday, April 18`h from noon to 1:00 p.m. Chair Wars requested Dorothy approach one of the large apartment complexes and set up an informational meeting to discuss landlord and tenant responsibilities. Dorothy indicated that this would be a good way for the Commission to make themselves more visible to the community. Monthly Reports Monthly contract compliance report was provided for the month of March. Staff monthly report was provided for the month of March. Work Session Discrimination Process Pamphlet Cmmr. Armistead provided several copies of discrimination process pamphlets she received from several departments to assist the Commission with the preparation of a discrimination process pamphlet. Dorothy provided a copy of the complaint forms that she presently uses. She suggested that each Commissioner review the pamphlets and be prepared at the May meeting to discuss their ideas. Work Session -Report to Council Tabled until the next meeting. Co-Chair Wars suggested that Dorothy send a copy of the Bloomington annual report to the Commissioners for review and discussion at the next meeting. Excellence in Elgin Program There will be an April 17`h meeting at 6:30 p.m. in a meeting room to be determined. Co-Chair Wars asked Dorothy to obtain a meeting room. Elgin Human Relations Commission April 3, 2001 Minutes Page 3 Adjournment Cmmr. Armistead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. West to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. The motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Approved:May 1, 2001 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary r rik • Elgin Human Relations Commission April 3, 2001 Minutes Page 3 Adjournment Cmmr. Armistead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. West to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 p.m. The motion carried. Respectfully Submitted, Approved:May 1, 2001 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary rb. Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission .May 1, 2001 Present: Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Laura Becerra Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Cmmr. Kendall West Absent: Chair Dionnes Rivera(excused) Cmmr. Joe Wars Ex-Officio: Chief Bill Miller Staff. Dorothy Brandon William Cogley, Corporation Counsel Guest: David Dill, Elgin High Student The meeting was called to order at 6:37 p.m. by Acting Chair Armistead. Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Becerra to approve the April 3rd minutes as presented. The motion carried. Correspondence ► Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance Newsletter ► State Agency Job Vacancy Notice Update on Ordinance Dorothy provided an update for the Commission regarding the request to have Corporation Counsel at the meeting to explain the proposed changes to the ordinance. Corporation Council Cogley provided information regarding their response to the Commission's request to the city's Human Relations ordinance amendments. Counsel explained to the Commission that the City is under no obligation to broaden the ordinance, but the decision to Human Relations Commission May 1, 2001 .Minutes Page 2 continue with the amendment changes would be up to the Commission. Corporation Counsel suggested that any decision to continue with the ordinance amendment be based on an actual needs survey. He also made the suggestion that the Commission do a document survey of comparable cities regarding source of income as a protected class in their ordinance. Corporation Counsel suggested that the Commission provide practical support for the ordinance amendment. He also indicated that it be good to contact the Landlord Association to obtain their reasoning behind their reluctance in renting to Section 8 individuals. Corporation Counsel informed the Commission that while the City Council has the power and authority to change the ordinance, they are under no obligation to make amendment changes. After much discussion, the Commission agreed that there is a need for education of landlords on Section 8 rental. Acting Chair Armistead requested that this issue be laced on the next month's agenda. p g Acting Chair Armistead thanked Corporation Counsel Cogley for his expertise and explanation on amendment changes. Update on Membership in National Association of Human Rights Workers Dorothy indicated that she has had no response from Robin Kelly. Dorothy and Cmmr. Dews will be attending a conference this week and Cmmr. Dews will try to obtain the information. Monthly Reports Monthly contract compliance report was provided for the month of April. Staff monthly report was provided for the month of April. Excellence in Elgin Status Cmmr Becerra expressed her concern regarding the lack of planning for this event. Cmmr. Becerra will contact Cmmr. Wars regarding the status of planning for the Excellence in Elgin program. Human Relations Commission .May 1, 2001 .Minutes Page 3 Work Session -Report to Council Acting Chair Armistead volunteered to work on this report and provide a draft for the Commission to review. The report will consist of an overview of the past year events and future events. Adjournment Cmmr. Becerra made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. West to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. The motion carried. The next meeting of the Human Relations Commission will be Tuesday, June 5, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. r Respectfully Submitted, Approved: June 5, 2001 `i Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary r Minutes Human Relations Commission June 5, 2001 Present: Chair Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Laura Becerra Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Wes Scott MD, PhD Cmmr. Joe Wars Chief Bill Miller Absent: Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Staff Nick Oriti Dorothy Brandon Guests: Dick Miller Steve Martin Ann Marie Apollo, Courier News The meeting was called to order at 6:31 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Welcome New Commissioner Chair Rivera welcomed Wes Scott to the Human Relations Commission as a new member. Election of Chairperson and Co-Chairperson The results of the ballots for the Chairperson and Co-chairperson of the Human Relations Commissions are as follows: Chairperson Co-chairperson Dionnes Rivera- 4 Dionnes Rivera- 1 Besty Armistead - 1 Laura Becerra- 4 Besty Armistead - 1 Wes Scott - 1 r June 5, 2001 Minutes Human Relations Commission Page 2 Approval of Minutes Cmmr. Wars made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Scott to approve the May 1, 2001 minutes as presented. The motion carried. Discussion of Education/Training for Landlords Dorothy explained that the purpose of having this item on the agenda was to discuss the training and education of landlords and tenants. She also indicated that HUD and Prairie Legal State could be used to assist the Commission with their training. Nick inquired about the types of calls that staff was receiving. Dorothy indicated that the majority of the calls were landlord/tenant issues. Chief Miller informed the Commission that the Police Department held landlord meetings that dealt with issues such as how to run a background check and leases. Cmmr. Dews suggested contacting Sandra Freeman regarding informational/training seminars for landlords. Cmmr. Wars indicated that training was provided in the past to both landlords and tenants of the large apartment complexes. These meetings would be held in a large open forum, and the only down fall was the lack of participation of tenants. Chair Rivera requested that staff work on setting up some possible meeting dates with one of the large apartment complex. Chair Becerra addressed the issue and need of providing bi-lingual training sessions and meetings for both tenants and landlords. Chief Miller suggest that the Commission invite the Realtors Association, HUD, The Housing Authority and Centro de Informacion to one of the meetings to express their concerns over housing issues. Cmmr. Armistead having the tenant and landlord meetings taped as this would provide good exposure to the community. r June 5, 2001 Minutes Human Relations Commission Page 3 Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Wars to develop a plan workshop geared towards landlords in regards to fair housing issues and the advantages of Section 8 and to invite the Elgin Area Association of Realtors, the Elgin Housing Authority and Centro de Informacion to the next meeting to assist with the development of an educational program for landlords. Commissioners agreed that a tenant educational program/workshop will be developed in the future. Monthly Reports Dorothy summarized the monthly reports that were being provided to the Commission for the benefit of the new commissioner. Monthly contract compliance report was provided for the month of May. Staff monthly report was provided for the month of May. Excellence in Elgin Status Cmmr. Wars informed the Commission that the program is tentatively set to be held in October, with the date to be determined at a later time. Cmmr. Becerra volunteered to assist and work on this program. The suggestion was made to prepare this program from the beginning as there is a need to revisit the criteria and selection procedures. Report to Council Cmmr. Armistead indicated that she is working on the report and will provide a draft copy for the Commission at the next meeting. Chair Rivera will provide a chairman's letter as a cover page for the report. r June 5, 2001 Minutes Human Relations Commission Page 4 Old Business Dedication Dorothy will purchase the plaque(stone) that was dedicated to Charlie Smith and have the Forestry Department install it. The suggestion was made to prepare a dedication ceremony and to send the family members a letter indicating the date and time. NAHRW Membership Dorothy indicated that she had been unsuccessful in obtaining information regarding NAHRW membership. She indicated that the Commission is already a member of the Illinois Municipal Human Relations Association (IMHRA) and was there a need to pursue membership in NAHRW. Dorothy provided information on the International Association of Official Human Rights Agencies' (IOAHRA) website for the benefit of the Commissioners. The IOAHRA website provides information to keep its' membership abreast of news and information such as upcoming meetings, training programs and Commission decisions, etc. Cmmr. Dews provided an overview to the Commission of her attendance at the May seminar sponsored by IMHRA. New Business Training for New Member Chair Rivera indicated that at the July meeting, a question and answer session will be provided for the Commission to discuss the ordinance. Fourth of July Parade Cmmr. Wars indicated that an application has been submitted on behalf of the Commission to participate in the July 4th parade and that a vehicle has been secured for their use in the parade. There being no further business to discuss, Chair Rivera entertained a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Scott to adjourn the meeting at 8:00 p.m. The motion carried. June 5, 2001 Minutes Human Relations Commission Page 5 The next meeting of the Human Relations Commission will be on Tuesday, July 10, 2001 at 6:30 p.m. in the First Floor Conference Room -150 Dexter Court. Respectfully submitted, Approved:August 7, 2001 v Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary r Minutes Elgin Human Relations Commission August 7, 2001 Present: Chair Dionnes Rivera Cmmr. Besty Armistead Cmmr. Ina Dews Cmmr. Somlith Visaysouk Absent: Cmmr. Laura Becerra Cmmr. Wes Scott, MD, PhD Cmmr. Joe Wars Chief Bill Miller Staff: Dorothy Brandon The meeting was called to order at 6:52 p.m. by Chair Rivera. Cmmr. Armistead made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Dews to approve the June 5, 2001 minutes as written. The motion carried. Question 8r Answer Session on Ordinance There was a brief discussion regarding the request to change the language of the current ordinance. "Source of income"was one issue in which the Commission felt should be included in the ordinance. At a previous meeting, Corporation Counsel suggested surveying comparable cities such as Waukegan and Joliet to see if their ordinance has such language written in their ordinance and to request copies. Currently, Chicago is the only city that has "source of income" as a protected class. This item will be tabled until the September meeting for further discussion with the Commission members. Please have specific questions ready for discussion at the next meeting. r Elgin Human Relations Commission August 7, 2001 Minutes Page 2 Development of Education/Training for Landlords The Commission members present decided that the purpose of this training will be to provide landlords with information on how to screen for Section 8 housing. The suggestion was made to have someone from Code Administration and the Police Department attend a Commission meeting . Code Administration would discuss the procedures for acceptable living conditions, and the Police Department would discuss security issues. Dorothy will be contacting Prairie State Legal Services to inquire if they have services available to assist the Commission with landlord training. The Elgin Housing Authority was contacted and they indicated that they do not provide formal training. The request was made to have Prairie State Legal, Code Administration and the Police Department invited to the September meeting to discuss their areas of training for landlords. Monthly Reports The Contract Compliance report was provided for the months of July and August. The Staffs Monthly report was provided for he months of July and August. The Commission requested that Staff contact the Indiana Construction Corporation in regards to lack of response to the workforce representation form. Dorothy indicated that she will start to provide the Commission with an investigation flow chart to assist the Commission in viewing how complaints are handled. Old Business Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Committee There will be a meeting of the Committee in early September. A public speaker has been selected, Alex Kotlowitz author of the book"There Are No Children Here". Elgin Human Relations Commission August 7, 2001 Minutes Page 3 National Association of Human Rights Workers (NAHRW) Dorothy informed the Commission that they are now members of this association and that a NAHRW conference is schedule from October 28th through November 1St in Mississippi. If any Commissioner is interested in attending, please let Dorothy know as soon as possible to that arrangement can be made for your attendance. New Business Cmmr. Dews informed the Commission that during the Police Arbitration hearings, she was called in to testify as a citizen not as a Commissioner. Cmmr. Dews Indicated that she was questioned as to the Commission's stand on the residency requirement for Police Officers, she informed the Arbitrator that she was unable to speak on behalf of the Commission, since this issue has not been discussed by the Commission. Cmmr. Dews was providing this for informational purposes only. elk There was discussion regarding the decline of low to moderate housing in Elgin and that the Commission needs to become more involved in the fair housing issues in the City of Elgin. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, Chair Rivera called for a motion to adjourn. Cmmr. Dews made the motion, seconded by Cmmr. Armistead to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. The motion carried. The September 4`''meeting has been changed to September 11th at 6:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Approved:November 6, 2001 Sandra Taylor Recording Secretary r