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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 09/13/1973' M M I N U T E$ FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMI,SSION September 13, 1973 The regular monthly meeting of the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission was held in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 7:30 p.m. on September 13, 1973. Members present: Rev. James Baird Mr. David L. Moore Dr. Parker Preble Ms. Ann Azari Sister Elizabeth Dyer Mr. John Clifford Also present: Mr. Victor Von Schlagel Members absent: Mr. Luke Long Mr. Sam Van Why Mr. Victor Bueno Mr. David Osborn Rev. Edward F. Ostertag Mr. Gerald Templer Mr. Carmel Solano Mr. Seymour Graham Mr. Wilbur Scarborough As there was not a quorum present to conduct business, only an informal meeting was held. Those members excused included Luke Long, Sam Van Why, Victor Bueno, David Osborn, and Rev. Ostertag. The Commission asked Chairman Baird to call William Scarborough and Seymour Graham prior to the next regular meeting to determine whether or not they are interested in continuing on the Commission. Both have missed unexcused two consecutive meetings. One guest, Victor Von Schlagel,is an associate of Bill Evans, and is working with him on an evaluation of the Police and Sheriff's Departments. He indicated he was very interested in what recommendations the Commission might have with respect to improving Police/ Community relations. The proposed Human Rights Ordinance was discussed and those members present recommended that at the next meeting a vote be taken to recommend adoption of the Ordinance to the City Council. Members should also be prepared to discuss the strategy or plan of action by which we wish to get the ordinance passed and implemented. Dr. Preble pointed out that,should we be successful in getting the Ordinance passed, we as members of the Commission must understand that the focus and responsibilities of the Commission will necessarily change. The Ordinance prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, and public accommo- dations for the reasons of race, creed, color, national origin, and sex. Respon- sibility for its enforcement would be in the City Manager's office, and as the flow chart in the "Boulder Human Rights Manual" indicates, the Commission would have only a minor role. That is, the activities that have heretofore consumed the Commission's time would now be the responsibility of the City Manager's office. " M N It was questioned whether or not the Commission would then have anything to do --.that perhaps the Human Relations Commission might then just dry up. After some lengthy discussion it appeared the concensus was that first of all passage of the ordinance and creation of a Human Rights Office would better protect an individualfs rights than under the present setup (i.e. the Commission investigates complaints that arise, and if probably cause for discrimination is found, then seeks a voluntary resolution of the matter); secondly, and perhaps more important, the Commission would then be able to proceed to other areas of concern in the community. what those problem areas are, and their order of priority is a matter needing further thought and discussion. David L. Moore indicated that there is increasing tension in Chicano/ Police relations and it is a problem that must be addressed. A number of particu- lar incidents which have occured over the last three weeks were discussed, highlighting the problem and reflecting the growing tension between the two groups. Mr. Moore suggested the Commission ought to take some initiative in the matter, investigate the situation, and suggest ideas and make recommendations to the Police Department as to how Chicano/Police relations may be improved. On September 12, 1973, John McGraw and David L. Moore met with Police Chief Smith to discuss this problem and discuss the claims of police harassment of Chicano youth. The Police Chief recognizes that the problem exists, and he has indicated a desire to cooperate. The matter was given to the Research Committee composed of David Osborn, John Clifford, and David L. Moore to be reported on at the next regular meeting. A letter from Father Leonard Urban was recognized and received by the Commission. Father Urban was concerned about the lack of social services in an affluent society and cited a return of $3.4 million in surplus funds of the State rather than diverting them to meeting the needs of the poor. The query was whether or not the Fort Collins' area has returned any surplus funds. Committee assignments were made by the Chairman effective immediately. Anyone wishing to be on another or different committee should contact the Chairman. The assignments are as follows: Publicity: Chairman, Jerry Templer Victor Bueno Seymour Graham Research: Chairman, David Osborn John Clifford David L. Moore Education: Chairman, Parker Preble Ann Azari Edward Ostertag Will Scarborough Grievance $ Chairman, Luke Long Investimation: Sam Van why Carmel Solano Elizabeth Dyer -2- David Moore distributed copies of a "Poverty Reportll recently completed by the Boulder Human Resources Department which pinpoints the poor and the needs of the poor in Boulder. It was distributed as an exhibit to be read by the membersas they may or may not wish. The next meeting will be the second Thursday of October, October 11, 1973, at 7:30 p.m. in the Friendship Room in the basement of the Municipal Building. Several important items will be considered, and in light of past attendance, a special effort should be made for all members to be present. Proposed agenda: 1. Final recommendation of the Human Rights Ordinance to the City Council. 2. Report and/or recommendations by the Research Committee on Chicano/Police relations in our community. 3. Ideas and priorities to which the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission might address themselves. Respectfully, David Lee Moore for David Lee Osborn -3-