DECEMBER 21, 2006

ATTENDANCE: Lucy Romero, Chairwoman; Sam Wright, Daisy Franklin,
Rahoul Dupervil, Bea Brown, Dr. Barbara Amodio, Vicky Su

STAFF: Larry Patterson, Field Representative

OTHERS: Larry Johnson, Andre Williams, Ty Lee, Scot Wilson, John
Moseby, Amos Brown, Rev. Bruce Morris, Robert Koch - The
Hour
CALL TO ORDER

Chairwoman Romeo called the meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.

APPROVAL OF THE NOVEMBER 16 MEETING MINUTES

Please note the following changes:

Page 5, paragraph 7, line 7: please change “ there was a lot of hidden discrimination.” To “ there was a lot of hidden discrimination in the Police Department and Fire Department.”

Page 5, paragraph 7, line 8: please change “Dr. Amodio agreed with Ms. Brown that there was a lot of soft and hard bigotry.” To “Dr. Amodio agreed with Ms. Brown that there was a lot of soft bigotry.”

Commissioner Franklin stated that she wished to have it noted in the minutes that when Mr. Curtis Law spoke, he made reference to his program and said that it was a volunteer program. Ms. Franklin said that it was not mentioned in the minutes that the program is not volunteer now, but now if a student is absent for 10 days, attendance at the program is mandatory and it is now part of the lease. Commissioner Franklin said that she wanted that fact included in the minutes. Commissioner Dupervil pointed out that Commissioner Franklin would have to make a motion to add anything that Mr. Law had not said that was not in the minutes to have it included in the minutes, but Commissioner Franklin could not include it for Mr. Law.

** COMMISSIONER FRANKLIN MOVED TO INCLUDE IN THE MINUTES THE FACT THAT THE TRUANCY POLICY IS NOT VOLUNTARY NOW, IT IS MANDATORY BY MR. LAW’S PROCESS.
** COMMISSIONER DUPERVIL SECONDED.

Mr. Patterson asked Commissioner Franklin where that needed to be included in the minutes. Mr. Patterson suggested just before the Approval of the Minutes. Dr. Amodio said that it should be added in just where Commissioner Franklin said it should be.

Mr. Patterson asked Commissioner Franklin to restate her motion. Commissioner Franklin reiterated that in the minutes it should mention that what Mr. Law had mentioned about the volunteer program with the truancy policy should be included in the minutes that this is not voluntary now. If a student misses 10 days, it is mandatory that the student attends the after school program. The minutes does not state the change, they speak about what it was prior to this.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Dr. Amodio stated that she objected to the statement on page 6 “Now Ms. Youngerman routes the calls to the Human Relations office directly to the appropriate agencies.” Dr. Amodio said that she was not at all sure that is how the discussion went. Dr. Amodio said that the Commission had no idea if the agencies were the appropriate agencies because they have no knowledge. Dr. Amodio said that Ms. Youngerman did not name a particular agency nor used the word “appropriate”. She stated that there was a detailed discussion in which several Commissioners participated and several people wished to know what happened to those statistics. Either there is no discrimination in Norwalk, which the Commission doubts, or there is some other reason why the statistics have fallen off the cliff. Neither the cases nor the statistics are coming up to the Commission to be reviewed. That is a radical change from the past. Dr. Amodio said that she did not believe that there was anything about sending them to the appropriate agencies. She said that the Commissioners make the decisions. Commissioner Romeo suggested some alternative wording. Dr. Amodio reiterated her objection to the word “appropriate” and did not believe that word had been said. Commissioner Dupervil asked if the word wasn’t said or it was not the word at all. Dr. Amodio said that it was not the word at all, neither in the spirit nor the letter of what happened. Dr. Amodio said she would not object to the word “other” replacing “appropriate”. Commissioner. Romeo said that she was suggesting alternative wording to reflect that Ms. Youngerman made the statement, and therefore not a fact. Dr. Amodio said that on a careful reading, Commissioner Romeo was correct, but she was not sure that everyone reads the minutes that carefully. Dr. Amodio said that she believed that the word was misleading. Commissioner Dupervil asked what other agency Ms. Youngerman would be referring people to other than CHRO. Dr. Amodio said that she had heard there were many other places. The fact is that the Commission needs to know, and that was discussion last month and is being discussed now.

** DR. AMODIO MOVED TO CHANGE THE SENTENCE LOCATED ON PAGE SIX, PARAGRAPH 3, “NOW MS. YOUNGERMAN ROUTES THE CALLS TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS OFFICE DIRECTLY TO THE APPROPRIATE AGENCIES.” BE REWRITTEN AS “NOW MS. YOUNGERMAN STATED THAT SHE ROUTES THE CALLS TO THE HUMAN RELATIONS OFFICE DIRECTLY TO THE OTHER AGENCIES.”
** MS. FRANKLIN SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** COMMISSIONER ROMEO MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 16TH MEETING AS CORRECTED.
** DR. AMODIO SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED WITH SIX IN FAVOR (ROMERO, WRIGHT, FRANKLIN, BROWN, AMODIO AND SU) AND ONE ABSTENTION (DUPERVIL).
CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

Commissioner Romeo said that this was her first time as a Chairperson. Commissioner Romeo said that she did inquire about the Human Relations Commission being part of the investigation of the Fire Department. She said that it was important that the Human Relations Commission be part of that investigation because it is part of the charge of the Human Relations Commission to investigate discrimination in the City of Norwalk. There is a committee that has been put together to investigate the discrimination. The Commission has been invited to participate in that inquiry in conjunction with the committee that has been put together. However it will not be all members of the Commission, given that the Committee is not made up of all members of the Council. The discussions are still ongoing as to how many, though, the Committee would like the Human Relations Committee to participate in some form. This is something that will happen in the next few months and Commissioner Romeo said she would be contacted again.

Commissioner Brown stated that she would like to participate in the Committee. Commissioner Brown then said that she did not understand why the Chief has not been fired or placed on suspension. She said that she would like this Commission as to why the Chief hasn’t been fired or suspended, which is a very important issue in this community. The community people want to know why he hasn’t been fired and why nothing has been done. Commissioner Brown said that she had spoken with Council Member Bolden who is present and she said that the hearing in January, but that does not preclude the Commission from asking why the Fire Chief hasn’t been suspended until the investigation is over. Commissioner Brown reiterated that she would like the Commission to go on the record and that there to be a vote if necessary.

Commissioner Dupervil said that while it was a legitimate question, the Commission needed to be careful because the Police and Fire Department might have their own rules that they have to abide by in terms of suspending a person. It is a legitimate question for the Commission to ask, but Commissioner Dupervil said that it was not good to go in there without finding out exactly what the issue is. Mr. Patterson said that he thought it was premature until they finish the investigation.

Commissioner Brown said that while the Police and Fire Department have their own rules, but when it is the Chief, who will say that the Chief should be suspended because he did the wrong thing. Commissioner Brown said that it behooves the Mayor and it does not hurt the Commission to let him know that the Commission is unsatisfied because Mayor has not done anything. The Mayor has been very quiet on the entire situation and Commissioner Brown did not think that was fair. Commissioner Brown said that they were not judging about his discrimination, she was saying that the Chief should be fired or suspended. This should not be because the Chief was a fireman and the Fire Department has its own rules. The Commission has its own rules, too, but that does not preclude the Commission from saying that no one in the Fire Department can say that.

Commissioner Romeo said that the investigation would hopefully answer those questions. If that is the conclusion, no one wants to come to that conclusion until a proper investigation is done. Commissioner Dupervil commented that it was being done. Commissioner Brown reiterated several times that it did not hurt to ask why. Commissioner Dupervil asked if presenting the question as why the Chief wasn’t suspended or fired does not preclude that the Commission has already decided what the outcome will be. Commissioner Romeo agreed, saying that it presumes that is what the Commission wants. Commissioner Dupervil said that the Commission could not do that. Commissioner Brown disagreed and said that if the Commission did not want to do it, she would ask point blank why the Mayor has not said anything more about this than he has and also why the Fire Chief hasn’t been suspended and why hasn’t he been fired.

Commissioner Franklin reiterated that in her community the question has been asked why the Fire Chief hasn’t anything been done. Even in the investigation, there should be some consequence, Commissioner Franklin said. The Fire Chief should not still be working, making money and under investigation.

Dr. Amodio said that she would like to commend Council Member Bolden for her perseverance, determination and independence in calling for an inquiry. Dr. Amodio said that this was commendable. Dr. Amodio said that while she agrees that the Police and the Fire Department each have their internal procedures, so does this Commission has its own internal procedures. This should remain an independent Commission and a non-partisan Commission. As a result, Dr. Amodio said that she thinks the Commission is under some kind of an obligation to proceed in a non-partisan way. Dr. Amodio said that she did not hear a determination of guilt when someone says a suspension while an investigation is going on. She said that it does not say to her that there is a determination of guilt or innocence it is more like limbo. But because there is a question either way, and that the individual’s position rides on the envelope of this, in most personnel situations that Dr. Amodio is familiar with, that person is not there to be part of an investigation or even to conduct it. Dr. Amodio said that while maintaining the independence and impartiality of the Commission, she agrees that Commissioner Brown is talking about the Commission posing this question in the sense of impartiality not in order to fix guilt, but in fact to fix the impartiality of it. Dr. Amodio said that she would vote with Commissioner Brown on that. Dr. Amodio said that she did not hear that this was an implication of guilt. On a careless reading, it might be, but Dr. Amodio did not think it was. She stated that this was more to the impartiality of the process, with a person who has admitted also, but has had some movement of conscience. Nevertheless, this needs to be a community effort.

Commissioner Dupervil said that if Commissioner Brown’s question was appropriate, Commissioner Dupervil said it would be wise to consult the Common Council or those upstairs to determine if this is appropriate for the Commission to state publicly how the Commission feels about this since there are legal implications. Mr. Patterson said that it was okay for Commissioner Brown to express her opinion. Commissioner Brown said that this was Commission that she thought expressed their opinions about things that were not right in this community. Commissioner Brown said that if they were going to sit there and give lip service and not say anything or do anything, she would like to make a motion to close the Commission down and do nothing. Commissioner Brown said that the Commission needed to take a stand and told Commissioner Dupervil if that if he did not want to take a stand that was his prerogative. Commissioner Dupervil said that this was not the point and that Commissioner Brown should not talk like that to people. Commissioner Brown replied that Commissioner Dupervil had interrupted her and that he should shut his mouth until she finished. Commissioner Brown said that this was the time to take a stand and that if the Commission was not going to take a stand, then they don’t need to be here. There are people outside looking at the Commission. Commissioner Brown stated that there are people who will not even come in to make a complaint because they feel that the Commission will do nothing. This is a way of showing that that the Commission does have some kind empathy with the community. She reiterated that the Commission should make a statement that the Fire Chief should have been fired or suspended.

Dr. Amodio made a clarification to Commissioner Dupervil’s comment. Dr. Amodio said that she was not suggesting, or hearing that, the Common Council was involved. Commissioner Dupervil apologized and said that he meant the Corporation Counsel. Dr. Amodio said that she was not suggesting that the Common Council was not leading this investigation but that their invitation to join them was most excellent. Dr. Amodio said that she believes whole-heartedly that this is the business of the Commission. The Commission is to be an independent organism and it needs to begin to function again as it was supposed to function. Dr. Amodio said that there was no chance for this Commission to function as it was supposed to. Nevertheless, it is badly broken and needs to be fixed. In the interim, until it is fixed, the Commission needs to join forces with the Common Council and even ask for their protection that the Commission might fix itself. Dr. Amodio said this was her position on this and it is also the position of the ordinance that established this Commission.

Commissioner Dupervil said with all due respect to everyone present, that when he speaks, he does so with respect and expects to receive the same back. However, he is not against any opinion that anyone put on the table. Commissioner Dupervil said that he was trying to make sure that if the Commission is going to go along with the process, that it is done the right way. That is Commissioner Dupervil’s only objection. This does not mean that Commissioner Dupervil is against what is being suggested but the Commission must do it right. He reiterated that he had meant Corporation Counsel earlier when he said Common Council. He suggested that the Corporation Counsel look over their statement to insure that it was legal and then publicize it. If the Commission is suggesting a course of action, the Commission needs to know how they will implement it.

Council Member Bolden said that she had heard from three individuals from this Commission on this issue for the record. She said that she had not spoken with the staff or Andre. Council Member Bolden said that the Commission had a responsibility. As the chairwoman of Health, Welfare and Public Safety, Council Member Bolden also has some responsibility, but that she can only move so many places on the chessboard as people tell her what they need done. As a minister, Council Member Bolden says she believes in forgiveness and all that good stuff. People must deal with the choices that they have made. Therefore, Council Member Bolden said, if the Commission feels strongly, then the Commission needs to help Council Member Bolden accomplish what needs to be done. Council Member Bolden said that she was working on the investigation and that there is a panel that will do the actual hearing. Council Member Bolden said that she appreciates the phone calls she’s received, like the one from Reverend Morris. Council Member Bolden said that she could not fight this battle alone. If the Commission or the community wants justice, people treated fairly, people treated well in their jobs, and to retain the diverse community, then they must fight for it. Others do not care. Council Member Bolden concluded said that she was willing, but she needs the assistance of the Commission by telling her what they want. She said she listened tonight and she will take her notes to the Mayor. She encouraged other to call her and told them where to find her phone number.

Rev. Morris asked to understand if Council Member Bolden heard from a quorum of this Commission or from the residents of the City that they were in favor of the Chief’s termination or resignation that as the Council Member, would she ask the Mayor. Council Member Bolden said as was mentioned earlier, regardless of guilt, a message needs to be sent because something happened and it wasn’t taken care of properly. Personally, Council Member Bolden is not asking for anyone to be fired, but she wants to know what happened. Once it is clear what happened, then if firing is appropriate, then it is appropriate. It was pointed out that in regards to the Chief, by his own admission, he has admitted his negligence for a year and only acknowledging it after being confronted with the videotape and only apologizing for it after. It was asked if this was not sufficient evidence. Council Member Bolden said that she had written this down in her notes.

Dr. Amodio said that she would be happy to serve on the Committee. Commissioner Brown agreed, as did Commissioner Franklin, Commissioner Wright, and Commissioner Romeo.

Commissioner Dupervil suggested that a motion be put in the table that stated the Commission would work with any other organization that was interested in solving this problem and be part of it to put together a statement. Both Dr. Amodio and Commissioner Brown stated that Commissioner Brown’s motion was already on the table. Commission Dupervil asked exactly what that motion was.

Council Member Bolden interjected that the Commission needed to realize that there were two components to the problem, one being Health and Welfare and the second is Personnel. Council Member Grant will be involved in this investigation also. There is a personnel component and because it is in the public safety component, Council Member Bolden is involved. In conclusion, Council Member Bolden said that all of the concerns will be addressed and an investigation will take place. Council Member Bolden left the meeting at this time, because she had another meeting to attend.

Commissioner Dupervil asked Commissioner Brown to please repeat her motion. Commissioner Brown said that before she makes the motion, she said that Mr. Moseby wanted to make a statement. Commissioner Romeo recognized Mr. Moseby who stated that he had been in town some forty some years and worked for the school system for thirty five years. He said that as a concerned citizen that he admired Commissioner Brown and came to the meeting because Commissioner Brown always tells the truth. He said that he believed that the Human Relations Commission was supposed to independent group. Mr. Moseby spoke at length about his perception of what the Human Relations Commission should be able to do. He claimed that he had filed complaints (with the Police Department) and nothing was done about it. Commissioner Brown was correct, Mr. Moseby claimed, in that if a complaint was filed, nothing would be done because the Commission would worry about what the Mayor would say. Mr. Moseby said that when a complaint is filed with the Police Department it takes almost two months to get something done. He claimed that the Police Department would not recognize the complaint. Mr. Moseby stated that he had spoken with someone that morning that said he had gone to headquarters to file a complaint and that the police were always giving him a run around. Mr. Moseby filed a complaint two months ago and was given a run around.

Rev. Morris said his understanding it was the strength that community people could come to the Commission despite their politics.

Dr. Amodio said that she seconded Rev. Morris’s point and Mr. Moseby’s point also. She said that she had received a few phone calls and an email from people who told her that they had sought help in the Human Relations office within the last two months and they had been directly referred to CHRO. Dr. Amodio said that she did not know if people were aware that CHRO’s executive director was fired within the last month. Even before this, Dr. Amodio said she knew of cases that were left over 190 days the statute of limitations. She said that she would reiterate the fact that if someone had come to the Commission and lodged a complaint and the investigation had started, even if the case was later removed from the Commission by CHRO or the person hired a private attorney, CHRO would have to give them prescience within sixty days. One person told Dr. Amodio that she had been given an appointment at CHRO in the springtime. There will not be a fresh local investigation at that time. In Dr. Amodio’s experience, this was not the case in the past and that this should not continue. Dr. Amodio said that she felt pained about this issue.

Mr. Johnson, a member of the public and the founder of Hopelessness of Youth group, said that he was reading the article that had been distributed and pointed out that Chief did not pursue the issue over twelve months ago. Mr. Johnson said that this was the key point and that if someone was not going to pursue an issue over twelve months, it is wrong to tell the community to sit tight and chill out. If there are community members saying that there is zero tolerance for discrimination, and this has been overlooked for twelve months. Mr. Johnson said that who would be responsible if it was discovered that some calls were delayed or people were given different directions and this resulted in the loss of life.

Mr. Brown, a former vice president for the NAACP for two terms, spoke next. He said that there had been a blue ribbon panel that had discussed this issue and that the Justice Department had been present at the table. Everything that was discussed was in the book. Mr. Brown said that if the Commission feels that can handle this issue, but if the Commission feels that it cannot handle this issue, Mr. Brown assured them that he still has contacts with the Justice Department.

Commissioner Dupervil stated that he was not against any investigation, but if the Commission was going to take action, that they would do it the right way. Commissioner Dupervil said that he heard people talking as if someone was against it and not willing to do anything. That is not point at all. The point is clear. Something is happening and the Commissioners have the right to investigate. But as far as putting a statement on behalf of the Commission, it is important to be sure that it is within the legal scope of the Commission to publish it.

Commissioner Brown said that if everything that is done by the Commission has to be reviewed by the Legal Department, it means that the Commissioners don’t know what they are doing and don’t have the intelligence to know what Commissioners are supposed to do.

It was commented that Commissioner Brown’s motion was in the form of the Commission was taking the authority to ask a question that why based on the evidence that is in hand, which is the Fire Chief’s admission that he has done wrong, why hasn’t discipline been dispensed? Commissioner Dupervil agreed and said that is the legal way, using the phrase “based on this”. Commissioner Dupervil asked Commissioner Brown to repeat her motion. Commissioner Brown said that she wanted the motion in the minutes and in the form of a question so that the Mayor would answer it. Commissioner Romeo asked if she wanted it in a formal communication. Commissioner Brown asked again why hasn’t Fire Chief Dennis McCarthy been fired or suspended. There was a discussion as to the actual wording of the motion. Dr. Amodio said that she would write down the wording directly from Commissioner Brown.

** COMMISSIONER BROWN MOVED THAT THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ASK THE MAYOR WHY FIRE CHIEF DENIS MCCARTHY HAS NOT BEEN FIRED OR EVEN SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY BASED ON HIS OWN ADMISSION THAT HE WAS DERELICTION OF DUTY BY FAILING TO RESPOND TO A DISCRIMINATION CLAIM.

Commissioner Romeo said that Council Member Bolden said that it would unfair to ask for him to be fired at this point, given that a full investigation has not taken place. He has done wrong. Dr. Amodio explained that the word “fired” should be removed because of reasons of impartiality. Mr. Patterson pointed out that to suspend someone without pay and then turn around and fire him is almost double jeopardy. He explained that either a person is suspended with pay during the investigation, or a determination is made that there is enough information based on their own admission. Dr. Amodio said that perhaps it would be better not to make a determination about with or without pay, and preserve the impartiality by removing the word “fired”, if this is agreeable to Commissioner Brown. Commissioner Brown asked why they wanted to remove the word “fire”. Commissioner Romeo said that the firing would be the outcome after the investigation. Prior to the investigation, legally is not right to fire him, until a hearing with evidence is held.

The following amended motion was offered

** COMMISSIONER BROWN MOVED THAT THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ASK THE MAYOR WHY FIRE CHIEF DENIS MCCARTHY HAS NOT BEEN, AT A MINIMUM, SUSPENDED BASED ON HIS OWN ADMISSION THAT HE WAS DERELICTION OF DUTY BY FAILING TO RESPOND TO A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT.

Rev. Morris was commented that Dr. Amodio had given the rational when she asked how one has a person who is the head of an agency who is derelict in his duties involved in the process. Dr. Amodio said that was the impartiality there. Rev. Morris then said that Fire Chief McCarthy should be removed from the process. Mr. Wilson commented that Fire Chief McCarthy said in the newspaper that Fire Chief McCarthy had asked Mr. Wilson if he wished to make complaint and Mr. Wilson answered No. Mr. Wilson said that the final word of the motion should not be “complaint” because Mr. Wilson did not want to make a complaint because Mr. Wilson works with these guys every day. Mr. Wilson said that he made a claim or allegation. Commissioner Brown said that she did not want to change her motion and to leave it like it is. Dr. Amodio said that she would read back the motion. There was further discussion about the wording of the motion.

The following amended motion was offered:

** COMMISSIONER BROWN MOVED THAT THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ASK THE MAYOR WHY FIRE CHIEF DENIS MCCARTHY HAS NOT BEEN, AT A MINIMUM, SUSPENDED BASED ON HIS OWN ADMISSION OF DERELICTION OF DUTY BY FAILING TO RESPOND TO A DISCRIMINATION CLAIM.

Commissioner Romeo asked Commissioner Brown if this communication was to be in writing. Commissioner Brown said that she preferred the answer to be in writing.

** COMMISSIONER ROMEO SECONDED THE MOTION.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Mr. Patterson said that the Director’s Report with the statistics attached. He then read Ms. Youngerman’s report and noted that “Martine Bernard” should read “Martin Bernard”.

STATISTICS

These were included in the Commissioner’s packets.

OLD BUSINESS

Diversity Day

Mr. Patterson directed the Commission’s attention to a letter attached to the program, which is dated December 18th. The letter lists the five points that came about from the program. Also, the letter lists the blog site that Alex Roehner had set up. Nilsa and Mr. Patterson checked the site today and it is live. Packets from the workshop report and action plan from December 2nd. Commissioner Dupervil said he would like to know if any Commissioners would like to participate in one of the five topics that were offered.
Commissioner Dupervil said that with the Norwalk Community Diversity’s goals and actions each group has a goal. Mr. Patterson said that Group Two already had a meeting date planned for January 4th from noon to 1:30 at the Human Services Council on Park Street. Dr. Amodio asked if the meeting should be held in the Community Room to prevent confusion. Commissioner Dupervil said that the members of the group wanted to have the meeting at the location because one of the members of the group offered the location. Dr. Amodio said that it had been the Commission’s idea to have the meetings all over town. Rev. Morris expressed concern that the meeting was on a weekday. He suggested having the meeting on a Saturday and suggested January 6th in the Community Room. Commissioner Romeo said that she had not received an email about the luncheon and that being a teacher, she could not attend a luncheon meeting. Rev. Morris said that years ago, the Commission did fantastic work but the challenges now sit collecting dust. He said that the Commission does not want to lose the trust and that he thought the Commission would do everything possible to ensure that. Mr. Patterson commented that to schedule the Community Room, one has to contact the City Clerk’s Office.

Dr. Amodio said that in her view, the Commission has a relatively worthless and misleading brochure that does not even state the full case and has graphics on it that worthy of elementary school. She said that those who were sitting on the subcommittee and running the Commission from the subcommittee were not doing this in coordination with other members of the Commission. Dr. Amodio said that it was extremely important under Commissioner Romeo’s leadership to take back control of the Commission and resurrect the ordinance in some way and have the decisions made by the entire Commission. A good part of that is a cloning of what the Human Services Council has done. Dr. Amodio said that the Commission does not need to duplicate the Human Services Council and Human Services Council should pay for their own translations, also, and not on the Human Relations budget. The Human Relations needs to have money to pay for someone to take the complaints, even if it is a civil rights attorney. Even if the people are interim or part time, so that the complaints can be taken downstairs.

Rev. Morris said that a number of people had attended the workshop and then read in the papers about the executive director and the chairman of the Human Relations resigning. The Commission needs to be unified as to what they want to do.

Mr. Patterson commented that the listing of all the upcoming meetings for 2007 was in the packet. The January and March meetings for the Commission will be in Room 101.

Commissioner Brown said that she had brought this issue up before, so she was requesting that the Human Relations funds be separated from the Fair Rent. Mr. Hamilton has said he did not see why this could not be done. Commissioner Brown said that she would like to have this done with all speed. Commissioner Su commented that the Human Relations would have to have statistics to support why Human Relations deserve whatever percentage of the budget. Commissioner Su said that in the past, the two salaries were covered by both Commissions budgets. Commissioner Brown said that the money that the Commissions spend for office supplies or other projects should be separated. Commissioner Brown reiterated that Mr. Hamilton said that this could be done and Commissioner Brown wanted to know how quickly this could be done. Commissioner Su said that she was unclear as to what exactly was being separated out. Dr. Amodio said that it was unified budget because there was one director over two departments. There was a discussion about the aspects of the budget. Commissioner Romeo said that she was not familiar enough with the budget to make any kind of decision. She then said that she would meet with whomever she needed to in order to learn more about budget and whether the Human Relations budget needs to be separated from the unified budget.

NEW BUSINESS

Request for Additional Field Representative.

Commissioner Romeo said that this would have to be considered as she learned about the budget.

** COMMISSIONER ROMEO MOVED TO ADJOURN.

Dr. Amodio said that she needed talk about Diversity Day.

Feedback and Follow up on Human Rights Day

Dr. Amodio said that there was no report. She reported that given the staging of Human Rights Day in December, the school system handed the program over to two people who did not put the program together. Dr. Amodio said that she received no support from the staff. Given her schedule, Dr. Amodio said that it was turning into a fiasco and the school system pulled out of it. She said that she would do her best to find something conceptual for the springtime and get back to the Commission on it.

Commission Brown said she had something to say about the Field Representative.

** COMMISSIONER ROMEO WITHDREW HER MOTION TO ADJOURN.

Commissioner Brown asked for a motion to create a committee to draw up a job description for someone to work in the community. She said that it would have to be someone who knows the public and can go to locations where people hang around. Dr. Amodio volunteered to work on the committee and so did Commissioner Franklin.

**COMMISSIONER ROMEO MOVED THAT THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION ESTABLISH A SUBCOMMITTEE TO DRAFT A PROPOSAL FOR THE COMMON COUNCIL TO ESTABLISH THE POSITION OF A SECOND FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION.

** COMMISSIONER DUPERVIL SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Johnson asked if the information about the upcoming meeting on January 6th could be published. He said that perhaps it would be good to have a luncheon and reminded everyone that the meeting needed a room. After a brief discussion, Mr. Patterson said that Nilsa would be able to do the press release.

Commissioner Su asked when the last date for submitting items to the budget was. Mr. Patterson said he would check into this.

Commissioner Brown commended Commissioner Romeo on her assuming the chairmanship of the Commission. Dr. Amodio concurred.

ADJOURNMENT

** COMMISSIONER ROMEO MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** DR. AMODIO SECONDED.
** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes
Telesco Secretarial Services

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