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Human
Relations Commission
Actions
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SPECIAL MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2006
ATTENDANCE: Sarah Mann, Chair; Dr. Barbara Amodio, Charles Stabinsky,
Lucy Romeo, Bea Brown, Daisy Franklin, Vicky Su (6:35 p.m.)
STAFF: Elisabeth Youngerman
OTHERS: None
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chairwoman Mann called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. GOAL SETTING FOR 2007-08 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
Chairwoman Mann stated that the grant that the Human Relations Commission was
applying for was due on Thursday and the special meeting was called to set the
goals for the year. These goals will be included on the grant application. Chairwoman
Mann said that there was a list of some suggestions to start the discussion.
Some of the suggested goals were: ADA Training, establishing a Speakers Bureau,
hosting Guest Speakers,
Diversity Follow-ups and Reviewing the Human Relations Bylaws
Dr. Amodio said that she felt the group should continue the International Rights Day and expand the scope of the program. This year, according to the International calendar, International Rights Day is scheduled for December 10th, which is a Sunday. The Mayor’s secretary suggested that the school programs be done on the 7th or the 8th and the program in the atrium on the 11th. Dr. Amodio stated that she would have more information for the next meeting.
Dr. Amodio also pointed out that the Commission should try to submit a newspaper column. She offered to write a column for December. There was some discussion regarding if there was enough material available to do a monthly column, but starting with a bi-monthly column might be the best.
Chairwoman Mann directed the Commission’s attention to the copy of the Norwalk City Code, Human Relations Commission, Section 60-1, Purposes and Functions. Ms. Brown stated that she felt that Chairwoman Mann should have provided the entire section. Chairwoman Mann replied that she had simply wished to clarify the Commission’s purpose.
Dr. Amodio stated that the Human Relations bylaws needed to be brought into conformity with the City’s bylaws. Chairman Mann said she will have the Corporation Council review the bylaws and give their opinion. Chairman Mann also said that it will be important to check and see if it is legal and necessary for the Commission to have bylaws.
Dr. Amodio then went on to say the Human Relations brochure needs to be reviewed and updated. She felt that the Commission should revise the brochure and also consider the cost of printing them.
Ms. Franklin expressed very strong concerns about the new Housing Authority truancy policy that recently was passed. Ms. Youngerman said she had already spoken to Legal Services and that the issue is being viewed as a civil rights issue and a privacy issue. Dr. Amodio pointed out that private homeowners do not face eviction if their child is found to be truant. Ms. Brown said that she wished to listen to people’s concerns and find out information about the policy. Dr. Stabinsky said that he was not sure that this issue was in the scope of Human Relations. Dr. Amodio then read Paragraph A of Section 60-1 from the Human Relations Commission City Code out loud for the Commission.
Ms. Su joined the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
There was a brief discussion on whether this issue would be something the Human Relations Commission should investigate. Ms. Su asked if anyone knew why the Housing Authority has instituted the policy. Chairwoman Mann stated that the goal was to close the academic gap, not to evict people from their homes. Chairman Mann suggested that having Curtis Law come and speak to the Commission might be a good idea.
Dr. Amodio commented she felt that the Human Relations Commission should have honorarium for speakers who present programs. The Commission felt positive about this. Dr. Stabinsky said it would be important to follow up on recommendations.
Chairwoman Mann said the Commission should consider scheduling some events during Black History Month. Ms. Su informed the Commission that Chinese New Year will be on February 18th this year.
The Commission then finalized the goals for the grant application as follows:
1. To invite diversity speakers and coordinate events.
2. To generate a bi monthly newspaper column to raise awareness regarding Human
Relations.
3. To continue sponsoring and expand the International Human Relations Day Program.
4. To raise awareness of other cultural events such as Black History Month by sponsoring programs.
3. DIVERSITY PROGRAM ATTENDANCE UPDATE AND DISCUSSION
Ms. Youngerman reported that there had been 48 responses to the Community Diversity Training Education Program and that more were arriving on a daily basis. A list of the organizations that have responded and the number of people expected to attend from each was in the information packet. Chairman Mann informed the Commission that Steppingstones will also be holding an event on the same day and Governor Rell and former President Clinton are expected to attend.
Dr. Stabinsky commented on the Human Relations and Fair Rent Department Budget that was included in the packet of information. He asked how it compared with the previous year’s budget. Ms. Youngerman stated that other than salary increases, the budget numbers were the same.
Ms. Brown said receiving her information via the Internet and also having paper copies at the meeting was difficult for her. She asked that the information packets be sent out via the mail as they had been before.
4. ADJOURNMENT
** DR. AMODIO MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MS. BROWN SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services
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