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02/09/1998COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER February 9, 1998 Present: Herbert Freitag Chair Jonathan Wade Vice Chair Susan Diner Board Member Thomas Fry (arrived 5:45 p.m.) Board Member Jeffrey Jones Board Member Wayne Meissner Board Member James B. Murray, Jr. Board Member Jill Perrino Board Member Johnny Long (arrived 5:50 p.m.) Board 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 Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Milton Rooks Board Member Naomi Williams Board Member The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:36 p.m. in City Hall. To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. II. Minutes Approval - September 27 and November 25, 1997 Member Murray moved to approve the September minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Member Meissner moved to approve the November minutes as submitted in writing to each member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. III. New Business A. Harrison v. Palm Harbor MRI – Board Review Assistant City Attorney Dougall-Sides explained the investigative report and Pinellas County Code regarding the investigation and determination process. She stated the Community Relations Board is restricted to review of the written record provided in the board’s packets. At this point, the board will choose whether to send the case back for further investigation, or accept staff recommendations. Brief board discussion ensued regarding the issue. Member Wade moved to accept the investigative report and staff recommendations as submitted. The motion was duly seconded. In response to questions, Ms. Dougall-Sides the stated attorney for the charging party cited no grounds for requesting Community Relations Board review. Ms. Ruby said this review is under local jurisdiction because the respondent had fewer than 15 employees. General consensus was to support staff’s findings, as insufficient evidence was submitted to support the charging party’s allegations of sexual discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. Brief discussion ensued regarding background of the case contained in the record. Upon the vote being taken, the motion carried unanimously. B. Chairman’s Report – None C. Members’ Community Involvement Reports – None D. Staff Report Ms. Ruby stated St. Petersburg’s Human Relations Office hopes to clear their case backlog using the same mediation procedure used in Clearwater. Members of the American Bar Association are amenable to working with St. Petersburg toward this end. It was indicated the mediators are doing a good job and the number of volunteers is growing. Director Eleanor Breland submitted a list of human rights workshops, seminars, and community activities. Several members expressed interest in being informed when opportunities occur to participate in such events. Ms. Breland stated the list is updated monthly and encouraged those interested in receiving regular mailings to contact her. Board Discussion Member Long stated an acquaintance who has operated a weed and seed program in Tampa is interested in starting a similar program in Clearwater. He has funding and is looking for a location in Clearwater that is not attached to the housing authority. Mr. Long stressed the City needs this kind of service and questioned how to begin the process. Ms. Breland highlighted Clearwater’s collaborative effort among the community, police department and school system. She recommended pursuing the issue through the Pinellas County School system’s adult vocational education program. Member Murray reported the date of the Kiwanis Clubs’ annual health fair at the Long Center has been changed to Saturday, July 25, 1998. It was felt scheduling the event just before school starts will help families with children needing school physicals, vaccinations and preschool health screening. Transportation can be provided and the event is advertised in newspapers. Member Wade reported the North Greenwood Association is pleased to have been included in the City Manager’s "One City. One Future." program. This is an exciting time for the community. The Association is meeting with Water Pollution Control Superintendent Joe Reckenwald tomorrow night to review the reclaimed water site and provide input regarding its appearance. Two meetings are scheduled with City planning staff to discuss what the Association would like to see happen with economic development. Mr. Wade added community attitudes have been favorable and positive. It was indicated excitement with the "One City. One Future." program extends throughout the City. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:05 p.m.