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09/23/1997COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER September 23, 1997 Present: Herbert Freitag Chair Susan Diner Member Wayne Meissner Member James Murray, Jr. Member Jill Perrino Member Jonathan Wade Member Johnny Long Member Vacant Seat Vacant Seat Eleanor Breland Human Relations Director Sally Ruby Human Relations Manager Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Antonia Babski Human Relations Specialist Brenda Moses Board Reporter Absent: Jeffrey Jones Member Milton Rooks Member Naomi Williams Member Thomas Fry 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 - January 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. 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 A. Board Review: Libengood v. David Flick, M. D., P.A. 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 CRB 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 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. 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 for November 19-21, 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 California petition. 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 Greenwood 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 The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.