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Human
Relations Commission
Actions
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JUNE 15, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Rahoul Dupervil, Vice Chair; Bea Brown; Carol Frank;
Dr. Sally Grose; Sara Sikes; Dr. Charles Stabinsky
STAFF: Elisabeth Youngerman, Director
OTHERS: Steve Papadakos
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Dupervil called the meeting to order at 7:36 p.m.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF MAY 2006 MEETING AND MAY SPECIAL MEETING
Ms. Youngerman said that she marked some corrections to the minutes. In addition
to those corrections, Ms. Grose was corrected to read Dr. Grose throughout.
** DR. GROSE MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF MAY 18, 2006 AND THE MINUTES OF
MAY 23, 2006 AS CORRECTED
** DR. STABINSKY SECONDED
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
CHAIRLADY’S REPORT
The Chairlady was not present this evening.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Youngerman provided an update on the Haitian Consulate presence in Room 124 and said that it has been an overwhelming success, as far as the turn out. She said that this is something the community has been waiting for. Mr. Dupervil agreed and said that this gave the Haitian community a view of what City Hall is all about.
Dr. Grose said that she was curious about the Haitian residents and wanted to know where they worked and if they had families, children and if they had needs other than legal. Dr. Grose asked if the Commission could ask those questions or if those questions would be considered intrusive. Mr. Dupervil said that most of the residents are working; some may be working two jobs and therefore may not have a lot of time to deal with their children. He said that sometimes the children get out of hand because there is a lack of supervision because the parents are working. Mr. Dupervil said that he is working on an after-school program for the children.
Dr. Grose said that people are concerned about helping the parents, but said that they can’t be helped unless they know what the needs are.
Ms. Youngerman suggested that they could create a questionnaire for the parents to determine their needs.
Dr. Stabinsky said that he was glad that the Haitian Consulate came to City Hall and that they are using space in the Human Relations office, but said that this discussion was irrelevant. If they have an issue of discrimination, the Commission is here, but to help the parents become better parents, does not fall under the jurisdiction of the Human Relations Commission.
Dr. Grose said that they should find out whether there is a need and direct the parents to those resources in the community. Ms. Youngerman said that a resource directory is being printed in Creole. Dr. Grose said that she would feel happier if they could ask the members of the Haitian community what they needed. Mr. Dupervil said that if it relates to the Charter of this Commission, they could help; otherwise they should stay out of it. Dr. Stabinsky added that the brochure will provide all of the necessary information.
STATISTICS
Ms. Youngerman reviewed her written report. In response to a question from Dr. Stabinsky she said that she has all of the Intakes from the past three years. Dr. Stabinsky referenced an article from The Hour, which stated that a City employee received a financial award for age discrimination. He asked if that employee came to the Human Relations office before going to the CHRO. Ms. Youngerman said that she believed this employee went to directly to his Union.
OLD BUSINESS
DIVERSITY PROGRAM RFP
Ms. Youngerman reported that Mr. Joe Mann came to the office on Tuesday. She provided him with a copy of the RFP memo. NEON would like to be a partner in the Community Diversity Program.
Dr. Grose suggested inviting Police Chief Rilling to a meeting to discuss discriminatory issues. She said that he may benefit from hearing their take on what is happening in the community. Ms. Frank said that the Chief is aware of what is going on in the City.
CHRO TRAININGS AND OTHER STAFF TRAINING
Dr. Stabinsky reported on the Planning session that was held on Monday to discuss the Community Diversity program.
Dr. Stabinsky said that the Consultants asked what the Commission thought the program ought to be. Dr. Stabinsky said that his emphasis was that what happens at the end of the conference is the most important. He added that it was important for the Commission to be firm about what they want.
Dr. Stabinsky suggested using Study Circles and described his perception of what he wanted the event to accomplish.
Ms. Frank asked what will happen after 3 – 6 months. Dr. Stabinsky said that he was told that as they move further along, the programs will lessen in its intensity. Ms. Sikes asked if there was a model. She said that it was important to have everyone buy into and understand the program.
Dr. Grose said that she was troubled because there is an elusive goal to hear from the voiceless. There are people who suffer from discrimination, but they are never heard from. She said that she might like to try placing a survey in the newspaper. She said that they may hear from people.
Ms. Sikes said that unless people walk in or e-mail their responses, she does not expect to get many responses. Ms. Brown said that the people they would want to reach do not have computers.
Mr. Dupervil said that from experience, he knows that different groups have Community Leaders. He suggested trying to identify those Leaders and asking them to let the Commission know what is needed by the people in their various Communities.
Ms. Brown suggested calling the Resident’s Council in public housing and also the Churches. She said that you would get more honest answers if the respondents were allowed to remain anonymous.
UPDATE ON NORWALK CASES BEFORE CHRO
There were no cases discussed.
NEW BUSINESS
SAMPLE INTAKE PROCESS, WITH INTAKE WRITE-UPS
Ms. Youngerman distributed the new Intake forms that are compatible with the
CHRO forms.
UPDATES ON SPENDING: BUDGET
Ms. Youngerman reported that the Human Relations Commission will be giving $2,000 in unspent funds back to the City at the end of the fiscal year.
FIELD REPRESENTATIVE REPORT OR STATUS
There was no report this evening. Mr. Dupervil suggested combining the Director’s and Field Representative’s report.
ADJOURNMENT
There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Rosemarie Lombardi
Telesco Secretarial Services
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