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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 09/11/1997C� C� HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES Regular Meeting - September 11, 1997 Human Resources Conference Room, 200 W. Mountain Ave. 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Council Liaison: Ann Azari Chairperson: Bob Lank Phone: 493-5809 Staff Liaison: A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on September 11, 1997 in the Human Resources Conference Room, 200 W. Mountain Ave. HRC Members present: Viviano Abt, Judy Berg, Brian Carroll, Leslie Frantz, Joe Jaramillo, Lori Lenard, Bob Lank, Man Oberoi and Joe Stern. HRC Members absent: None Staff Members present: Gabe Serenyi, HRC Staff Liaison Greg Tempel, Assistant City Attorney I. Meeting was called to order by Bob Lank, Chair, at 5:30 p.m. 11. Bob Lank asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the Augustl4, 1997 meeting. Man Oberoi made the motion to approve, and was seconded by Lori Lenard. The minutes were approved by the HRC with no changes. III. Election of Officers and Subcommittee Members for 1997 - 1998 A. Election of HRC Officers The following members were elected to offices: Bob Lank, Chair Lori Lenard, Vice Chair Leslie Frantz, Secretary B. Appointment of Subcommittee members. The following HRC members were appointed to the various subcommittees: 0' Bob Lank, Chair Leslie Frantz, Chair Viviano Abt Judy Berg Joe Jaramillo Bob Lank Joe Stern Human Relations Commission September 11, 1997 Page 2 Brian Carroll, Chair Brian Carroll Judy Berg Leslie Frantz Joe Jaramillo Lori Lenard Man Oberoi Joe Stern Leslie Frantz, Chair. Viviane Abt Lori Lenard Man Oberoi IV. Subcommittee Reports Human Resource Grants Committee. Lori Lenard reported that members are completing on -site visits of the various agencies that have requested funding for 1998. She also reported that there is a possibility that the Grants Committee will be dissolved in January, 1998 if funding dries up. The November, 1997 elections will determine what dollars will be available. If funding for a new court house is not approved by voters, the committee will likely be completely dissolved. If money is still available in the Fort Collins portion of the fund, the committee will be absorbed by the United Way. The committee will then continue to meet and work with the person who will replace Sam Szymanski. This information is being communicated to the various agencies. The final allocation meeting will be on October 14th. Diversity Subcommittee. No report. Committee on Executive Delegation. Bob Lank reported that the CED has not formally met, but he wanted to report on the activities of the Human Rights Ordinance Task Force. Greg Tempel had prepared recommendations for a number of procedural changes (HRC members had been sent copies, along with some additional recommendations by Bob Lank). The initial feeling of the Task Force was that these procedural changes would not be controversial, but that turned out not to be the case. Just agreeing to add the word "intentional" to the definition of discrimination took over an hour of discussion. Bob also reported on the plans for the full -day retreat the Task Force will have on September 25th. The plan is to have a draft ordinance prepared shortly after the retreat, and the remainder of meetings will deal with finalizing the draft ordinance. Gabe Serenyi reported that the issue of including sexual orientation as a basis of discrimination was still the most contentious, and will probably take up a good part of the retreat discussions. The other major issue under discussion is whether penalties under the ordinance should be criminal or civil. Many of the Task Force members do not want the penalties to be criminal. City Attorney Steve Roy has proposed dealing with intentional acts of discrimination differently from unintentional acts. This issue will also be discussed at the retreat. Human Relations Commission September 11, 1997 Page 3 Joe Stern inquired if there has been any discussion about the ordinance being referred to the electorate. Bob Lank responded that there were three options: 1. Council adopts the ordinance (with the possibility of a legal challenge as a result of the 1988 vote on the issue). 2. Council refers the ordinance to the electorate. 3. Council adopts the ordinance, and the ordinance is referred to the electorate as a result of a successful petition. Police Subcommittee. Bob Lank reported on the most recent Council Health and Safety Committee meeting during which discussion took place about police review responsibilities. Chief Harrison proposed that a three member police review board or commission be established. The group would be appointed by the City Manager, not City Council (although Council may have some input). The board would have the responsibilities of the current HRC police sub -committee, plus would also review complaints other than formal complaints. The group would not have additional investigative powers, and would not have subpoena powers. Investigations would continue to be done by the Police Department. The next step will be for the City Attorney Office to draft an ordinance for review by Council, the HRC, and other interested boards and individuals. Gabe Serenyi noted that the current ordinance is still in effect, and will be until it is replaced. Consequently, the role of the HRC with regard to the Citizen Liaison Program and the review of formal police complaints has not changed. Joe Jaramillo indicated that Sgt. Mike West and Lt. Brad Hurst are currently working on the police complaint form. Once finished, the form will be available at many locations, including supermarkets and churches. IV. New Business None V. Announcements None The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.