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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 10/09/20141 City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes October 9, 2014, 5:30 p.m. CIC Room, 300 Laporte Avenue, City Hall West Fort Collins, Colorado 80521 The Human Relations Commission promotes acceptance and respect for diversity through educational programs and activities to discourage all forms of discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion etc. Council Liaison: Mayor Karen Weitkunat Staff Liaison: Mary Atchison Recorder: Michele Scalva Commissioners Present: Colleen Conway, Myles Crane, Christy Doyon, Christine Hays, James Owiny, Preety Sathe and Victor Smith Excused Absent: Mary Lyons Guests: Erica Gagne Glaze and Ana Arias CALL TO ORDER The meeting commenced promptly at 5:30 PM. PUBLIC INPUT None. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Crane asked if there were changes to the agenda. There were none and the Agenda was approved for the meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chair Crane asked for a motion to approve the September HRC meeting minutes. With one minor change proposed by Vice Chair Conway, Commissioner Owiny motioned for approval. Commissioner Hays seconded and it passed 7:0. Meeting Highlights Summary: 1. Guest speaker Erica Gagne Glaze addressed current as well as historic issues and trends in her role as Enforcement Manager of the Denver Field Office of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Ms. Glaze’s responsibilities include Colorado and Wyoming. 2. The Commission unanimously approved a formal reply to public input from the Community Action Network. 3. The HRC reviewed its 2014-2015 Work Plan. After considerable discussion, HRC unanimously approved draft revisions to an updated 2015 Work Plan which will be finalized at HRC’s next regularly scheduled meeting in November. 4. EOC Chair Christine Hays reviewed final plans for HRC’s program on Mental Health Issues Impacting Public Schools on October 14th, 7:00 PM at the Harmony/Shields Library. She thanked commissioners Owiny and Smith for their assistance in publicizing this community event. 5. M&CR Chair James Owiny discussed the HR Awards process and scheduled a standing committee meeting about the awards on October 24th. 2 BUDGET REPORT Staff Liaison Atchison provided a budget report with a stated balance of $1,816.53 to spend in the remaining year. Commissioner Doyon inquired about the status of lapel pins to support mental health. Commissioner Hays reported that the pins had arrived and she distributed them. Chair Crane requested a motion to approve the budget. Commissioner Sathe motioned for budget approval and Commissioner Doyon seconded. It passed 7:0. GUEST SPEAKER PRESENTATION – Erica Gagne, Enforcement Manager of the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Denver pointed out that her work responsibilities cover both Colorado and Wyoming with some additional nationwide work, particularly when an employer is nationwide. The EEOC enforces anti-discrimination laws such as the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Their work is complaint driven. The scope of a complaint can go beyond charging a party/person(s) depending on circumstances. Systemic programs such as hiring processes can create a potentially negative impact for an entire organization and its employees or job applicants on a nationwide basis. As part of the EEOC’s investigation resolution process, confidential mediation services are offered without charge to both parties. There is also a litigation unit in which Colorado is recognized as having one of the best teams in the country. Their work has impacted practices nationally. Other current and historic matters the speaker addressed were: • in the EEOC’s administrative unit, a judge is appointed to hear cases • there are about 1500-2000 complaints filed annually. • EEOC attempts to complete investigations within a year. • referrals are taken from individuals and community groups. • the Equal Pay Act of 2009 has resulted in an increase in complaints filed. • complaints filed have also increased under Title 7 that covers some LGBT issues, for which Federal law currently provides limited protection. EEOC services also include education and outreach to employers and community groups. Q&A highlights: Chair Crane asked how Fort Collins complaints compared to surrounding communities and cities across the country. Erica offered to provide an email a response to this question. Erica stated the EEOC looks at specific industries where there are shifts in the demographic of individuals working to see if there are discriminatory practices happening. The EEOC also works to protect personal information and that may be being used inappropriately. Vice Chair Conway asked about fluctuations in cases filed. Erica stated that since 2009 there has been a 43% increase in cases filed. She stated that complaints often increase in challenging economic environments and there has been an increase nationwide. Commissioner Hays asked how difficult it is to prove discriminatory practices. Erica stated the EEOC employs a neutral, fact-finding process and looks for a “more-than-likely” situation of discrimination occurring. They look for voluntary witnesses to verify issues. It is difficult to prove discrimination. In about 10% of cases they have a “cause-finding”. There are other options before a “finding” such as mediation or providing an accommodation to reach resolution. The government becomes a party to established agreements because they want to see there are changes happening. If a case is dismissed by the EEOC, the complainant can still sue the other party. Vice Chair Conway commented that she is impressed that mediation services are offered for free to resolve issues. Erica stated there are three mediators in Denver and they are very successful in meeting the needs of both parties involved in a conflict. The EEOC works to level the playing field among the parties. There are no fees involved to file and resolve a complaint. 3 Staff Liaison Atchison asked if investigations are done in other languages. Erica stated that several staff are bi-lingual in Spanish and the agency also has access to sign language and other language-speaking interpreters. Immigration status does not matter when filing a complaint. Every working person is treated equally. Some visas can be provided during the investigation process to protect individuals from deportation. Chair Crane suggested Erica give consideration to presenting to other B&C’s such as the Commission on Disability and Senior Advisory Board. SPECIAL ATTENTION 1. Review and Approve Public Input Reply: Chair Crane distributed a letter approved by the City Attorney’s Office regarding the HRC’s response to public input from the President of the Community Action Network. Commissioners previously had reviewed correspondence and provided feedback via email. Chair Crane asked for a motion to approve the letter and send it. Vice Chair Conway motioned for approval and Commissioner Doyon seconded. It passed 7:0. 2. Review and Modifications of 2014-2015 Work Plan: Work Plan Heading: Chair Crane suggested adjusting the Work Plan title to reflect the current time frame since HRC is required to submit an annual plan. Commissioners discussed options and decided to remove “2014” from the HRC Work Plan for 2015. Proposed changes to the Work Plan Goals: Goal 1: Delete “ongoing” and “2014”. Goal 2: Replace “Women’s Commission” with “Senior Advisory Board”. Goal 3: No changes. Goal 4: Replace “aging” to “age”. Goal 5: The goal will read: “The HRC has communicated the Commission’s support to Council for a multi-cultural diversity conference or other diversity activities as currently under consideration by the City. If such events are approved, the HRC will designate a commissioner or community member to participate in the planning.” Commissioner Hays stated she would like to be involved in the multi-cultural retreat and/or events when they occur. Goals 6 and 7: No changes. Goal 8: Chair Crane proposed adding an 8th goal and drafted verbiage for Commissioners to review. In discussion of the proposed 8th goal, Commissioner Smith stated his support. Staff Liaison Atchison stated the goal is aligned with the work of the City’s Department of Social Sustainability. Commissioner Hays stated concerns about the HRC needing to remain independent of the Department of Social Sustainability. Staff Liaison Atchison proposed further modifications to have the goal reflect the broader work of the HRC. The final version of the goal read: “The HRC will continue its role as a proactive advisory resource for City Council concerning equity and social justice.” Chair Crane asked for a motion to approve Goal 8. Commissioner Sathe motioned and Commissioner Owiny seconded. It passed 7:0. Chair Crane asked for a motion to accept the changes for Goals 1-7 as they were revised in the meeting. Commissioner Hays motioned and Vice Chair Conway seconded. It passed 7:0. 4 Commissioners reviewed and discussed changes to the HRC Standing Committee Work Plan Goals. One minor spelling error was corrected. Chair Crane asked for approval of the proposed changes to the HRC Standing Committee Work Plan Goals as discussed. Commissioner Hays motioned and Commissioner Doyon seconded. It passed 7:0. STANDING COMMITTEE AND LIAISON REPORTS Executive Committee (EC): CPD/CSU and LCOA: Chair Crane previously reported via email to commissioners. ACLU: No report. Government Relations Committee (GR): City Council Meetings: Commissioner Doyon previously reported via email to commissioners. Citizen Liaison Program: No report. Educational Outreach Committee (EOC): October 14th Mental Health Forum: EOC Chair Hays stated there will be four presenters from the PSD Mental Health Team. She reminded the commissioners attending to sit among the attendees. EOC Chair Hays also provided a recap of her efforts to circulate information about the Mental Health Forums throughout the Poudre School District. Senior Advisory Board (SAB)/Partnership for Age-Friendly Communities (PAFC): Commissioner Lyons previously reported by email. Women’s Commission: No report. Media & Community Recognition Committee (M&CR) HRC Awards Update and Nomination Review Plans Commissioner Hays stated that she submitted two award nominations. Staff Liaison Atchison said that she will follow-up with Christine Macrina regarding total nominations received. Commissioner Hays mentioned some issues with the online forms that need to be addressed for future nominations. There was general discussion as to the rationale for HRC presenting the awards. Chair Crane shared information about the B&C Manual’s requirements. Commissioner Hays inquired about the timeline to meet and select HRC award recipients. M&CR Chair Owiny announced a Standing Committee meeting for October 24th at 9:30 AM at Whole Foods Café. CSU Diversity Conference: M&CR Chair Owiny reported that he has attended sessions and left flyers for the Mental Health Forums for attendees to pick up. National Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15th to October 15th: M&CR Chair Owiny stated CSU has a program of events being held every Wednesday throughout the month. 5 Chair Crane asked if guest Ana Arias had any additional information to share. She stated that the program would end the following week. OLD BUSINESS B&C Meeting, 8/25 Follow-up Vice Chair Conway sent the HRC report to Council regarding priorities for BOB II. Chair Crane thanked Vice Chair Conway and Commissioner Owiny for representing the HRC at this B&C meeting. NEW BUSINESS HRC 2014 Annual Report Chair Crane proposed that the HRC review a preliminary draft at its November 13th meeting. UPCOMING Events/Announcements Staff Liaison Atchison announced that on November 6th, the City will host its Annual Boards and Commissions Event. Invitations were mailed out to B&C members on today October 9th. Staff Liaison Atchison also shared a letter with information from the Colorado Springs and Pueblo Human Relations Commissions. They have coordinated a two-day mediation training program with the Department of Justice. Training dates are November 14th and 15th in Colorado Springs. Chair Crane circulated an invitation to an upcoming breakfast sponsored by Touchstone where legislators will be present to discuss mental health issues. He also suggested that the HRC consider holding its final 2014 regularly scheduled meeting in November. CLOSING/Call for Adjournment Chair Crane requested a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Sathe motioned and Vice Chair Conway seconded. It passed 7:0. The meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM. The next HRC regular meeting is scheduled for November 13th at 5:30 PM in the CIC room. Meeting Hand-outs and brochures: EEOC general information and services brochure EEOC Arrest and Conviction Records in Employment Best Practices brochure EEOC Equal Pay Act of 1963 and Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 brochure EEOC Preventing Employment Discrimination of LGBR Workers brochure Budget report HRC public response letter hand-out HRC Work Plan documents Boards and Commissions Alignment to the Seven Key Outcome Areas hand-out City of Fort Collins 2015-2016 Strategic Plan Summary hand-out Department of Justice 2-Day Intensive Mediation Workshop hand-out