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Human
Relations Commission
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Click
here for minutes from the April 18th, 2002 meeting
Click here for minutes from the
June 20th, 2002 meeting
Click here for minutes from the
July 18th, 2002 meeting
AUGUST 28, 2002
ATTENDANCE: Art Scialabba, Chairman; Joanne Romano; Mariusz Kossarski; Dr. Charles Stabinsky; Andy Garfunkel; Steve Papadakos; Barbara Amodio; Tony Flack.
STAFF: Sonja Devitt, Director of Human Relations.
The meeting was called to order at 7:45 p.m. by the Chairman.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JULY 18, 2002
The following corrections were made: On page 2, 2nd to last paragraph, 1st sentence, "Committee" was corrected to "Commission". On page 3, 1st paragraph, 1st sentence, "have" was changed to "explore". In the 2nd sentence, "Ms. Devitt" was corrected to "Ms. LeTourneau" and "Diversity" was changed to "Concept". On page 4, the first case was corrected to 217-02E, and the motion was corrected to read "Mr. Kossarski moved to defer a decision to hear the case until the staff interviews more witnesses, investigates and obtains additional information from the Social Security Administration."
** MR. FLACK MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS CORRECTED.
** MS. ROMANO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
The Chairman said that the ordinance had been approved, with one exception (term limits). There is a time period before it becomes effective. The ordinance will now be current with the State statutes and clarify the hearing and appeal structure. Ms. Devitt noted that the thoroughness of this ordinance had been complimented.
The Chairman said they had been notified by the City Clerk that this Commission may not be eligible for secretarial services as of September. As Chairman, he will write a letter to the Mayor’s Office objecting to this change. Extensive discussion took place on this issue, with the Commissioners all speaking of the necessity of having professional services and the unfairness of some bodies receiving secretarial support and others not receiving the same support.
The Chairman said he had sent a letter to the Mayor on behalf of Mr. Garfunkel and Ms. Amodio regarding their reappointments. In addition, there is a vacancy that needs to be filled. He has not yet received a response from the Mayor. The Chairman advised Mr. Garfunkel and Ms. Amodio that, unless replaced, they should continue to serve.
DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Ms. Devitt reviewed her written report.
In reference to the Disabilities Awareness event, Ms. Romano suggested someone from Veterans Disabilities (VFW) be contacted; Ms. Devitt will do so.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There was no public comment.
APPOINTMENT OF NOMINATING COMMITTEE
The Chairman appointed as follows: Barbara Amodio – Chair
Mariusz Kossarski
Steve Papadakos
Andy Garfunkel
This committee will come back with a recommendation at the next meeting on September 19th. The Committee must provide Ms. Devitt with a recommended slate by Friday, September 6th so it can be included with the meeting notice. It was noted that the bylaws do not preclude someone on this Committee being nominated. The two positions to be nominated are that of Chair and Vice Chair.
OLD BUSINESS
FAIR HOUSING REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORT
There was no report.
REVIEW/REVISION OF BROCHURE
Members reviewed the brochure and made various changes. The Chairman will talk with Rev. Morris prior to the next meeting regarding the choice of a school for the tree planting.
This brochure will be discussed again at the next meeting.
UPDATE AND REVIEW OF BLUE RIBBON REPORTS
There will be a special meeting on Thursday, October 10th, at 6:30 p.m. at which only this item will be discussed.
The regular October meeting, on October 17th, will start at 7 p.m.
There will be a hearing on September 25th at 7 p.m.
The date of the September meeting was changed from September 19th to September 17th at 7 p.m.
OTHER BUSINESS
SEPTEMBER 11 OBSERVANCES
The Chairman said there would be a one half hour ceremony at Brien McMahon at 1:30 p.m. to honor police and fire personnel.
Ms. Devitt said plans are still being made. There is talk about holding a concert in the evening, preceded by a candlelight ceremony outside.
NATIONAL EQUALITY WEEK 9/23-29
Ms. Devitt said Ms. Stark has urged them to become involved in this. However, there has been no development from the City Clerk’s Office. Mr. Papadakos suggested that Ms. Devitt make contact.
DISCUSSION/ACTION ON PROJECTED LOSS OF SECRETARIAL SERVICES
** MS. ROMANO MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE CHAIRMAN TO SEND A LETTER TO THE MAYOR REGARDING THE LOSS OF SECRETARIAL SERVICES.
** MR. PAPADAKOS SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
At 9:15 p.m., Mr. Flack left the meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR CASE REVIEW
** MR. PAPADAKOS MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
** MS. ROMANO SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Commissioners went into Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. and reconvened into Public Session at 9:30 p.m.
** MR. PAPADAKOS MOVED TO ADJOURN.
** MR. GARFUNKEL SECONDED.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cheryl Telesco
Telesco Secretarial Services
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