09/23/1997 (2)
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COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD
CITY OF CLEARWATER
September 23, 1997
Present:
Herbert Freitag
Susan Diner
Wayne Meissner
James Murray, Jr.
Jill Perrino
Jonathan Wade
Johnny Long
Vacant Seat
Vacant Seat
Eleanor Breland
Sally Ruby
Leslie Dougall-Sides
Antonia Babski
Brenda Moses
Human Relations Director
Human Relations Manager
Assistant City Attorney
Human Relations Specialist
Board Reporter
Chair
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Member
Absent:
Jeffrey Jones
Milton Rooks
Naomi Williams
Thomas Fry
Member
Member
Member
Member
1.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Freitag at 5:40 p.m. at City Hall.
In order to provide continuity for research, the items will be listed In agenda
order although not necessarily discussed in that order.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Januarv 28. 1997
Member Wayne Meissner moved to approve the minutes as submitted in
writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously.
3. OLD BUSINESS
A. Community Relations Board Representation on North Greenwood
Community Task Force
Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland said Reverend William Graham,
Chair of the North Greenwood Community Task Team, indicated the Task Team
only meets on an as-needed basis. Their final report has been forwarded to City
administration and the City Commission. They finished the task the team was
established to complete.
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A. Board Review: Libengood v. David Flick, M. D., P.A.
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In response to a question, Ms. Breland said the Police Department's new
computer center is open for visits between 3:00 and 9:00 p.m., Monday through
Thursday. Staff is available to answer questions.
4. NEW BUSINESS
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Assistant City Attorney Leslie Dougall-Sides said the attorney representing
the charging party had written a letter requesting review of the decision to
determine if further investigation is necessary, or if the determination should be
reversed. According to the Pinellas County ordinance, if the charging party
requests, the Commission shall review the director's decision and decide if further
investigation is needed, or if the determination should be reversed. This decision
must be made by majority vote of present CRB (Community Relations Board)
members. Members are to review the written report and supporting documents
provided by the City. and are not to question the charging party or respondent,
receive any additional evidence, or rehear the case. Should the eRB remand the
case back to the City for further investigation, the City is to give report to the board
within 10 days of the next regular CRB meeting. The CRB can reverse the decision,
require further investigation, or let the decision stand. Discussion ensued regarding
the timing of the employee being fired in relation to charges filed. It was noted
both charges were filed together. The charging party had alleged she was fired
after complaining to her employer about the harassment.
Member Long moved to accept the recommendation of the investigative
report, and no further action be taken in the matter. The motion was duly
seconded. Members Diner, Meissner, Perrino, Wade, and Long voted "Aye";
Member Murray abstained. Motion carried.
B. Member Reports on Community Involvement
.~
The upcoming 10th anniversary of the NGA (North Greenwood Association)
was noted. It was noted a recent press article regarding North Greenwood was
negative. Concern was expressed people outside the North Greenwood community
seem to have an agenda for the community. It was stated the community is
moving forward but neighborhood residents deserve sensitivity. It was suggested
allowing North Greenwood to choose their own leaders. It was noted that the
North Greenwood Community Task Team originally was formed to address
neighborhood concerns regarding construction of a reclaimed water system. It was
felt many people express opinions regarding the needs of the North Greenwood
community. Concern was expressed no ongoing funding, organization, or concerted
effort is focused on North Greenwood. It was noted during the past several years,
discussion had ensued regarding establishing an agency to tackle local and private
concerns. to focus exclusively on the community, and to generate funds. It was
felt no assistance has been provided small businesses in North Greenwood. It was
stated good leaders exist in churches and the NAACP (National Organization for the
Advancement of Colored People). It was noted the head of Erwin's All-American
Youth Club is a self-appointed leader who takes good care of that organization, but
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not necessarily the whole community. It was stated the NGA is the only
organization that has fought for the North Greenwood community.
It was noted an unnamed coalition has been organized by Reverend Graham,
Mr. Smiley of the Safe House, and Member Wade. That coalition is working
towards goals and developmental issues representing agencies and organizations
with clout in the community. Concern was expressed the coalition's efforts are
overlooked. Concern was expressed those seeking grants for the community are
not actively involving North Greenwood community members. It was felt it is
important for North Greenwood residents to be included every step of the way.
It was felt North Greenwood and the beach are part of downtown. Concern
was expressed Clearwater has a bad business attitude towards small businesses. It
was stated the City Commission acts responsibly regarding the beach and other
City neighborhoods but does not address North Greenwood problems. It was stated
black businesses were disregarded when the City's overall plan was developed. It
was suggested community members request a meeting with the new City Manager
to discuss concerns. It was noted a meeting has been scheduled with the City
Manager and all leaders of organizations working in North Greenwood at the Martin
Luther King Center on October 7, 1997, at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Roberto is working to
meet with all community groups throughout the City. It was noted all City
communities affect each other.
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It was report Nicholas Rivera-Ruis has been invited to address the October
meeting of the Upper Pinellas Ministerial Association and will discuss the needs of
Hispanic residents in the City. It was noted this large block of people are becoming
a great local influence.
C. Staff Reports
Human Relations Manager Sally Ruby reported the Seventh Annual Civil
Rights Conference is scheduled fol' November 1 9-21, 1997, at the St. Petersburg
Bayfront Hilton. Previous meetings were held only in Tallahassee. When available,
an agenda will be distributed to CRB members. It was requested all members
contact Ms. Ruby's office regarding their intention to attend,
Ms. Ruby stated the mediation process is going well. More mediators are
volunteering, The settlement rate has increased and less than 100 cases are
pending, an excellent rate when compared to the national average. In response to a
question, Ms. Ruby said the final burden of proof is always on the charging party.
Ms. Breland referred to a move to eliminate affirmative action in Florida. The
current wording of the Civil Rights petition drive implies support of
nondiscrimination. However, deceptive verbiage actually states affirmative action is
discriminatory. Ms. Breland will distribute copies of the Cali'fornia petition,
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5.
OTHER BUSINESS
A reference was made to a copy of the Emancipation Proclamation. In the
document, it was indicated the President apologizes, stating he will go to war with
anyone who continues the practice of slavery. It was felt those types of words are
responsible for the current "mess.. Copies of the proclamation were offered.
Concern was expressed the CRB received no follow-up information from the
January 1997, meeting. It was stated the Police Chief's office had not returned a
board member's call. It was felt the CRB must be fully occupied to fully represent
the entire community. It was noted the Police Department is revitalizing the
Greenwooa Volunteer Citizen Organization.
Concern was expressed the CRB no longer is represented on the City Social
Service Grant Review Committee. It was noted CRB members are knowledgeable
regarding many community organizations and played a valuable role on the
committee in the past.
A request was made for a report of the October 7, 1997, meeting with the
City Manager. It was suggested the City Manager be asked to state his feelings
regarding the role of the CRB.
6.
ADJOURNMENT
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The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
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Chair
Community Relations Board
Attest:
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Board Reporter
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