HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-16-2023 Human Relation and Community Services Board Minutes 051623
Attendance: Paul Dripchak, Ron Embry, Melissa Horste, Jody Washington (briefly), Versey Williams, and
Thomas Woods
Absence: Sean Gehle and Frank Lee
Staff: Kimberly A. Coleman, Renee Morgan Freeman, Willard Walker, and Toni Young
Others: Joseph Abood, OCA
The meeting was called to order at 5:33 p.m. by Chair Ron Embry.
R. Freeman conducted a roll call. A quorum was established.
J. Washington moved for approval of the agenda. T. Woods seconded it. Motion carried.
V. Williams moved to accept the meeting summary of March, which was advanced - seconded by M. Horste.
Motion carried.
Public Comment:
Mike Lynn: Referred to information presented at a previous meeting by City Attorney Smiertka stating the
responsibilities of the HRCS Advisory Board and the meeting on March 28, 2023, when the opinion
document, "An Analysis of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board," was presented
by Attorney Abood. City Attorney Jim Smiertka executed the opinion for immediate effect on the
Charter/HRCS Ordinance. Mr. Lynn felt that the opinion eliminated certain powers of the advisory board. He
stated that he did not believe the action was permissible to change the charter without presenting it to the City
Council and asked that the board dispute the changes.
In response to Mr. Lynn's public comment, Attorney Abood shared that after the HRCS Advisory Board
meeting, the City Council expressed concerns regarding the action taken. After further review of the opinion,
it was noted that certain references could be misconstrued. Therefore, OCS has been tasked with clarifying the
ordinance to distinguish the difference between "Advisory Board vs. Administrative Board " and those items
that are not enforceable. The HRCS Ordinance and other ordinances are scheduled to be reviewed on May 17
by the Ordinance Review Committee. After that, the document will be presented to the advisory board and
City Council for review and changes they would like to address and thereafter, approval. No changes are
being made to the City Charter. However, if an ordinance conflicts with the charter and appears misconstrued,
it is noted and addressed. Abood emphasized that the charter prevails and that the HRCS Advisory Board is an
advisory board that monitors, examines, educates, evaluates, recommends, and advises, not an administrative
board.
City of Lansing HRCS Advisory Board Meeting Summary
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster, Room 211, Lansing, MI
Page | 2
After that, a discussion ensued with Attorney Abood and advisory board members surrounding the opinion,
advisory board vs administrative board, and clarification of the complaints that the HRCS department
oversees and is privy to the HRCS Advisory Board. It was asked if the City Attorney could attend a future
meeting to clarify board responsibilities further. Mr. Abood stated that he is available to clarify the board's
concerns on behalf of the City Attorney. Director Coleman indicated that the establishment of committees
might provide some resolution to the board's priorities.
Director Coleman reported that the city budget was approved with agency allocation recommendations.
Agencies will be notified of their allocation. HRCS will incur a 5% reduction in operations and fill some staff
vacancies. A great deal of effort and energy has been directed towards DEI. A Celebration of Diversity event
at City Hall will be on June 22 to introduce the DEI Advisory Board members. The board will drive the
external component of the MRJEA plan and function under the city's DEI ordinance. Training has occurred
with cabinet and leadership. City employees are interested in participating in the Equity Core Team (ECT)
and Equity Trainer Program. HRCS will continue to work on putting policies and procedures in place, i.e.,
withholding agency funds if quarterly reports are not received promptly has been changed from 60 to 45 days.
HRCS has its work cut out regarding warming and cooling centers.
T. Woods shared that he had an opportunity to meet with EPD director, who shared his plans. J. Washington
is working with State legislators regarding exclusionary zoning. There was a discussion regarding
homelessness and the services provided.
Chair Embry reported that the election of officers will be conducted at the July meeting. Nominations will be
received, and voting will be by secret ballot.
Char Embry reported on the appointment of HRCS Advisory Committee Chairs: Program Committee: T.
Woods; Policy: M. Horste; and Budget: S. Gehle.
Director Coleman stated that Tenant Protection Laws might be a policy area to consider. Attorney Abood
shared that OCA has conducted considerable research on various policies, which could be made available to
the HRCS Advisory Board.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:08 p.m.
Final KAC_062623