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08/31/1999COMMUNITY RELATIONS BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER August 31, 1999 Present: Robert Reece Chair Johnny Long Vice Chair Wayne Meissner Board Member Thomas Fry Board Member (arrived 6:10 p.m.) Herbert Weed Board Member E. J. Robinson Board Member Paul Hartigan Board Member 5 Vacant Seats Absent: Isay Gulley Board Member Also Present: Eleanor Breland Human Relations Director Cynthia Davis-Gryce Human Relations Manager Nicholas Riveria-Ruiz Human Relations Specialist Brenda Moses Board Reporter To provide continuity for research, items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. ITEM 1 – Call to Order The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:49 p.m. at City Hall. ITEM 2 – Roll Call Members introduced themselves. ITEM 3 – Welcome Paul Hartigan to Board The Chair welcomed new Board Member Paul Hartigan. ITEM 4 – Approve Minutes from 4-29-99 Meeting Member Meissner moved to approve the minutes of the April 29, 1999, meeting, as submitted in written summation to each board member. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. ITEM 5 – Discuss Proposed Transfer of EEOC and HUD Enforcement Programs to County A. Determine County’s Plans to Establish a Review Board Human Relations Director Eleanor Breland said the City has approached the County about responsibility of federal contracts for EEOC and HUD enforcement programs. The County has verbally agreed to accept the City’s compliance program, which enforces certain local and federal anti-discrimination laws for upper Pinellas County. To facilitate the transfer of this program, the City’s Code must be amended. If approved, the change will take effect October 1, 1999. Board members were given copies of the proposed amendments to the ordinance. The City will retain Community Relations programs and efforts, including conducting internal investigations and diversity training. Continuing services provided by the department will include the investigation of internal City compliance issues and the promotion and affirmation of the City’s commitment to the value of diversity in employment. Some personnel currently in positions related to the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Council) and HUD (Housing and Urban Development) contracts may be transferred to the County or other City positions. ITEM 6 – Future Roll of Community Relations Board A. Will Board Exist after Current Fiscal Year? Ms. Breland said consideration is being given to reducing the number of board members and extending the area of coverage for residency requirements for board members to north county residents. B. Broadening Responsibilities of Board Ms. Breland said it appears that there is an influx of Hispanics and blacks in the City. The CRB (Community Relations Board) will work with the City to ensure all races are included in the mainstream of City life. Human Relations Manager Cynthia Davis-Gryce will be responsible for the diversity program within the City, serving as liaison with various community groups. In response to a question, Ms. Breland said the County does not have a Community Relations Board, but a committee consisting of people from Clearwater and St. Petersburg that periodically meet as needed to review discrimination cases. She said although there are no Hispanics on the CRB, a name has been submitted to the Commission as a possible CRB board member. Ms. Breland said the CRB was created as a means for residents and local organizations to articulate their concerns. C. Broadening Relationship of Board with Police Department It was remarked that this topic is on the agenda to begin a dialog with board members. Should the CRB no longer exist, there would be no link of citizens to the Police Department. The CRB can address community issues and concerns and make recommendations to the City. It was remarked that board members also can attend Commission meetings, offer comments, and write letters to the Commission regarding community concerns. ITEM 7 – New Business Discussion ensued regarding the frequency of board meetings. The proposed schedule is being revised to require that the CRB meet a minimum of once a year. Additional meetings can be scheduled as needed. Staff will keep board members informed about opportunities regardless if a CRB meeting is scheduled. It was remarked that it is important for the City to continue to recognize handicapped, particularly wheel chair bound persons. One member thanked staff for their foresight in accommodating the handicapped board members in attendance today. In response to a question, Ms. Breland said Parks and Recreation did an RFP (Request for Proposal) for the building vacated by Erwin’s All-American and the related funding. Staff reviewed 3 proposals submitted. Based on the criteria of the RFP, staff recommended to the Commission that funding be awarded to the African American Leadership Group. It was remarked that the City should include advisory boards in the evaluation process before funding is awarded to any group. It was remarked that due to the elimination of welfare, many people are being incorrectly told they are not eligible for program assistance. Other programs are available. ITEM 8 – Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.