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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRCS 2002 Minutes CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD December 5, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The December meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Monica Martinez at 6:10 pm Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall St., Rm#203, Lansing. Present: Cheval Breggins„ Monica Martinez, Gordon Steinhauer, Steven Willobee and Thomas Wilson Absent: Rev. Kirklin Hall, Amy Hodgin Staff: Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director, and Carol Walton, Administrative Secretary LPD Liaison: Captain Edward Forrest, Jr. Lansing Police Department Public: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Cheval Breggins moved to approve the agenda. The motion was supported by Steven Willobee and carried unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMUNICATIONS Youth Do Count Flyer - Department Open House Flyer APPROVAL OF MINUTES Cheval Breggins moved to approve the minutes of April 4, 2002. The motion was supported by Thomas Wilson and carried unanimous. DISCUSSION OF BOARD IDENTIFIED ISSUES None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Monica Martinez welcomed the newly appointed board members, Steven Willobee and Gordon Steinhauer to the board. Monica Martinez discussed the 2003 Board schedule. The board members agreed to keep there scheduled day and time, the 1st Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m., 9th Floor City Hall conference room. The exceptions will be January 9 due to the New Year's Holiday and July10 due to the 4th of July Holiday. Gordon Steinhauer moved that the 2003 schedule be approved. The motion was supported by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimous. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Kip Gomoll reported that all Departments are preparing their budgets for the next fiscal year and there are no expected increases. The department receives 1.25% of the general fund revenue budget for human services and the other budget monies the department receives is for salaries. The fiscal year for the city is July 1 to June 30. One function of the board is to review the budget on an annual basis. Introductions were made with all in attendance. All persons in attendance gave a brief description of their educational, employment and personal background. Kip Gomoll stated that if any board members had issues regarding the Police Department, feel free to address them at the meetings. If you have an issue you wish to have addressed at the board meeting, feel flee to contact Carol Walton and she will follow up with Captain Forrest so the issued can be addressed at the board meeting. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Spiral Night Club Update - this issue has been resolved and no further action is needed at this time. Captain Edward Forrest asked for the board assistance in the recruitment of minorities and females to the Lansing Police Department. He asked that he be contacted if they knew of minority or female persons who may be interested in serving the citizens of Lansing by becoming a Police Officer. OLD BUSINESS Monica Martinez reviewed the motion from the April board meeting to amend the bylaws. The amendment included changing the language from majority of the board being a quorum to the majority of the current serving members of the board being the majority for a quorum. Gordon Steinhauer moved that the bylaws be approved as amended. The motion was supported by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimous. The amendment also included changing the time from 7:00 p.m. to times and locations as determined by the board. Cheval Breggins moved that the time change in the bylaws be approved as amended. The motion was supported by Gordon Steinhauer and carried unanimous. Kip Gomoll suggested that the board invite Business Services Manager, Amy Kraus to one of the 2003 board meetings so that she could discuss the minority vendor process. Gordon Steinhauer suggested providing Amy with a list of concerns or issues that she could address before going before the board to discuss the minority vendor process. It was requested that the board members be provided with previous board minutes, organizational chart and the department budget in an effort to understand their role as well as the functions of the department. NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2003, at 6:00 pm, in the 9,h Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm. DRAFT CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD December 5, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The December meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Monica Martinez at 6:10 pm Gier Community Center, 2400 Hall St., Rin 9203, Lansing. Present: Cheval Breggins„ Monica Martinez, Gordon Steinhauer, Steven Willobee and Thomas Wilson Absent: Rev. Kirklin Hall, Amy Hodgin Staff: Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director, and Carol Walton, Administrative Secretary LPD Liaison: Captain Edward Forrest, Jr. Lansing Police Department Public: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Cheval Breggins moved to approve the agenda. The motion was supported by Steven Willobee and carried unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMUNICATIONS Youth Do Count Flyer - Department Open House Flyer DRAFT APPROVAL OF MINUTES Cheval Breggins moved to approve the minutes of April 4, 2002. The motion was supported by Thomas Wilson and carried unanimous. DISCUSSION OF BOARD IDENTIFIED ISSUES None CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Monica Martinez welcomed the newly appointed board members, Steven Willobee and Gordon Steinhauer to the board. Monica Martinez discussed the 2003 Board schedule. The board members agreed to keep there scheduled day and time, the 1 st Thursday of the month at 6:00 p.m., 9th Floor City Hall conference room. The exceptions will be January 9 due to the New Year's Holiday and July10 due to the 4th of July Holiday. Gordon Steinhauer moved that the 2003 schedule be approved. The motion was supported by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimous. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Kip Gomoll reported that all Departments are preparing their budgets for the next fiscal year and there are no expected increases. The department receives 1.25% of the general fund revenue budget for human services and the other budget monies the department receives is for salaries. The fiscal year for the city is July 1 to June 30. One function of the board is to review the budget on an annual basis. Introductions were made with all in attendance. All persons in attendance gave a brief description of their educational, employment and personal background. Kip Gomoll stated that if any board members had issues regarding the Police Department, feel free to address them at the meetings. If you have an issue you wish to have addressed at the board meeting, feel free to contact Carol Walton and she will follow up with Captain Forrest so the issued can be addressed at the board meeting. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 3 LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Spiral Night Club Update -this issue has been resolved and no further action is needed at this time. Captain Edward Forrest asked for the board assistance in the recruitment of minorities and females to the Lansing Police Department. He asked that he be contacted if they knew of minority or female persons who may be interested in serving the citizens of Lansing by becoming a Police Officer. OLD BUSINESS Monica Martinez reviewed the motion from the April board meeting to amend the bylaws. The amendment included changing the language from majority of the board being a quorum to the majority of the current serving members of the board being the majority for a quorum. Gordon Steinhauer moved that the bylaws be approved as amended. The motion was supported by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimous. The amendment also included changing the time from 7:00 p.m. to times and locations as determined by the board. Cheval Breggins moved that the time change in the bylaws be approved as amended. The motion was supported by Gordon Steinhauer and carried unanimous. Kip Gomoll suggested that the board invite Business Services Manager, Amy Kraus to one of the 2003 board meetings so that she could discuss the minority vendor process. Gordon Steinhauer suggested providing Amy with a list of concerns or issues that she could address before going before the board to discuss the minority vendor process. NEW BUSINESS None NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for January 9, 2003, at 6:00 pm, in the 9"' Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no fiu-ther business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:26pm. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD July 11, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The April meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Vice-Chair Monica Martinez at 7:11 pm in the 91' Floor Conference Room, City Hall, Lansing. Present: Cheval Breggins, Rev. Kirklin Hall, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez, and Thomas Wilson Absent: Staff: Willard Walker, Interim Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director, and Carol Walton, Administrative Secretary LPD Liaison: Captain Edward Forrest, Jr. Lansing Police Department Public: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Rev. Kirklin Hall moved to approve the agenda. The motion was supported by Amy Hodgin and carried unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMUNICATIONS Letter of resignation from Noel Copiaco. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Amy Hodgin moved to approve the minutes of April 4, 2002. The motion was seconded by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF BOARD IDENTIFIED ISSUES Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 2 The Board has identified five issues to work on during 2002. These issues are: 1. Facilitating connection between consumer needs in the areas of homelessness and mental health with community resources. No discussion. 2. Continue work with the Unity in Community including ways to increase supplier diversity with the City. It was suggested by the Chair that the September Board meeting might be used as a forum to allow the public to express concerns or issues dealing with supplier diversity with City government. Board member Hodgin indicated that there may not be any advantage to identifying one's business as a minority or woman owned business. Additionally, there seems to be new businesses asking the same questions that previous businesses asked and if becomes difficult to move forward. It was suggested that knowing what the City purchases would be beneficial. The Chair suggested publicizing the September 5th Board meeting and inviting vendors to attend. 3. Seek public input on a civil rights ordinance. No discussion. 4. Identify and improve communication between the Board and the community. Boardmember Hodgin indicated that the situation at the Sprial Bar has increased tensions in the north end. Individuals continue to complain at the Council meetings regarding this issue. The Chairperson asked the Lansing Police Department Liaison Captain Forrest if he could provide the Board with a status report at the next Board meeting. He agreed to provide an update. Deputy Director Gomoll also indicated that a HRCS staff member had investigated the situation and an update from the department would also be provided at the August meeting. 5. Establish or reinstate a HRCS award for outstanding community leadership. No discussion. Discussion took place about holding the September board meeting like a forum for the community to come and express their concerns. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Monica Martinez discussed the recruitment of new board members. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 3 Rev. Kirklin Hall discussed his tenure with the board. He also initiated discussion regarding board members and their role with the administration as well as with the public. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Deputy Director Kip Gomoll reported that the City funded agencies have been informed that there contracts are available for approval. He also reported on the prevailing wage, construction projects, and referrals from LPD for neighborhood complaints that are being investigated by staff. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Edward Forrest has been appointed as the new LPD liaison. As this was his first meeting, he had no formal report. OLD BUSINESS Board was invited to attend the Lugnut game on July 18, 2002. NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers: Rev. Hall nominated Monica Martinez to be appointed Board Chairperson. The nomination was supported by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimously. Monica Martinez nominated Amy Hodgin to be appointed Board Vice-Chairperson. The nomination was supported by Rev. Hall and carried unanimously. Monica Martinez nominate Cheval Breggins to be appointed Board Secretary. The nomination was supported by Amy Hodgin and carried unanimously. Amendment of Bylaws: A motion to amend the Rules of Procedure (bylaws), specifically, Section VI (I) Quorum by striking "A quorum shall consist of at least five (5) members" and inserting "A majority of serving members of the board shall constitute a quorum of the board" was presented by the Chairperson. The amended section would read as follows: Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 4 6. Quorum: A majority of the serving members of the board shall constitute a quorum of the board. A quorum will be required to conduct business including but not limited to the approval of minutes, action on motions and approval of reports. The motion was accepted unanimously and will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Cheval Breggins made a motion to amend the Rules of Procedure (bylaws), specifically Section VI (B) Schedule by deleting "7:00 p.m. in City Hall and/or other sites in the community" and inserting "at times and locations." The amended section would read as follows: B. Schedule: Prior to January 1 of each year, the Board shall adopt a schedule of meetings for the upcoming year. At least one regular meeting shall be scheduled each month. Regularly scheduled meetings shall be held the first Thursday of each month at times and locations as determined by a vote of the Board. The motion was accepted unanimously and will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for August 1, 2002, at 6:00 pm, in the 9' Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53pm. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT f HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY$OARD July 11, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The April meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Vice-Chair Monica Martinez at 7:11 pm in the 9' Floor Conference Room, City Hall, Lansing. Present: Cheval Breggins, Rev. Kirklin Hall, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez, and Thomas Wilson Absent: Staff: Willard Walker, Interim Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director, and Carol Walton, Administrative Secretary LPD Liaison: Captain Edward Forrest, Jr. Lansing Police Department Public: None APPROVAL OF AGENDA Rev. Kirklin Hall moved to approve the agenda. The motion was supported by Amy Hodgin and carried unanimous. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. COMMUNICATIONS Letter of resignation from Noel Copiaco. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Amy Hodgin moved to approve the minutes of April 4, 2002. The motion was seconded by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimously. DISCUSSION OF BOARD IDENTIFIED ISSUES Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 2 The Board has identified five issues to work on during 2002. These issues are: 1. Facilitating connection between consumer needs in the areas of homelessness and mental health with community resources. No discussion. 2. Continue work with the Unity in Community including ways to increase supplier diversity with the City. It was suggested by the Chair that the September Board meeting might be used as a forum to allow the public to express concerns or issues dealing with supplier diversity with City government. Board member Hodgin indicated that there may not be any advantage to identifying one's business as a minority or woman owned business. Additionally, there seems to be new businesses asking the same questions that previous businesses asked and if becomes difficult to move forward. It was suggested that knowing what the City purchases would be beneficial. The Chair suggested publicizing the September 5th Board meeting and inviting vendors to attend. 3. Seek public input on a civil rights ordinance. No discussion. 4. Identify and improve communication between the Board and the community. Boardmember Hodgin indicated that the situation at the Sprial Bar has increased tensions in the north end. Individuals continue to complain at the Council meetings regarding this issue. The Chairperson asked the Lansing Police Department Liaison Captain Forrest if he could provide the Board with a status report at the next Board meeting. He agreed to provide an update. Deputy Director Gomoll also indicated that a HRCS staff member had investigated the situation and an update from the department would also be provided at the August meeting. 5. Establish or reinstate a HRCS award for outstanding community leadership. No discussion. Discussion took place about holding the September board meeting like a forum for the community to come and express their concerns. CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT Monica Martinez discussed the recruitment of new board members. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 3 Rev. Kirklin Hall discussed his tenure with the board. He also initiated discussion regarding board members and their role with the administration as well as with the public. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Deputy Director Kip Gomoll reported that the City funded agencies have been informed that there contracts are available for approval. He also reported on the prevailing wage, construction projects, and referrals from LPD for neighborhood complaints that are being investigated by staff. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Edward Forrest has been appointed as the new LPD liaison. As this was his first meeting, he had no formal report. OLD BUSINESS Board was invited to attend the Lugnut game on July 18, 2002. NEW BUSINESS Election of Officers: Rev. Hall nominated Monica Martinez to be appointed Board Chairperson. The nomination was supported by Cheval Breggins and carried unanimously. Monica Martinez nominated Amy Hodgin to be appointed Board Vice-Chairperson. The nomination was supported by Rev. Hall and carried unanimously. Monica Martinez nominate Cheval Breggins to be appointed Board Secretary. The nomination was supported by Amy Hodgin and carried unanimously. Amendment of Bylaws: A motion to amend the Rules of Procedure (bylaws), specifically, Section VI (I) Quorum by striking "A quorum shall consist of at least five (5) members" and inserting "A majority of serving members of the board shall constitute a quorum of the board" was presented by the Chairperson. The amended section would read as follows: Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Minutes of July 11, 2002 Page 4 6. Quorum: A majority of the serving members of the board shall constitute a quorum of the board. A quorum will be required to conduct business including but not limited to the approval of minutes, action on motions and approval of reports. The motion was accepted unanimously and will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting. Cheval Breggins made a motion to amend the Rules of Procedure (bylaws), specifically Section VI (B) Schedule by deleting "7:00 p.m. in City Hall and/or other sites in the community" and inserting "at times and locations." The amended section would read as follows: B. Schedule: Prior to January 1 of each year, the Board shall adopt a schedule of meetings for the upcoming year. At least one regular meeting shall be scheduled each month. Regularly scheduled meetings shall be held the first Thursday of each month at times and locations as determined by a vote of the Board. The motion was accepted unanimously and will be considered at the next regularly scheduled meeting. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for August 1, 2002, at 6:00 pm, in the 9' Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53pm. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD April 4, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The April meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Bob Egan at 6:17pm in the 9'Floor Conference Room, City Hall, Lansing. Present: Bob Egan, Noel Copiaco, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez Absent: Kirklin Hall (excused) Staff- Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director LPD Liaison: Captain Julie Williams, Lansing Police Department Public: Thomas Wilson APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as written. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Ms. Martinez and seconded by Mr. Copiaco to accept the minutes from the March 7, 2002 meeting as presented. The minutes were accepted as presented. DISCUSSION OF BOARD IDENTIFIED ISSUES Chairperson Egan began discussion on the items of Board identified issues. As discussed at last month's meeting, Rev. Hall and Ms. Martinez are gathering information and working on items regarding Community Resources to be presented at the May meeting. Discussion then ensued on other identified issues of Community Unity, Supplier Diversity and Dialogue Circles. Mr. Copiaco provided an update on the Dialogue Circles. He indicated that twelve facilitators are meeting and training regularly. May looks like the target for launching of this program. Funding is yet to be identified, with participant booklets costing approximately$5. Mr. Copiaco requested that the Board promote and participate in the Dialogue Circles. Director Rhodes-Reed suggested conducting a press kick-off announcing the Dialogue Circles one-half hour prior to the next Unity Community meeting scheduled for April 21 at the Red Cross. Mr. Copiaco, Chairperson Egan, and Director Rhodes-Reed agreed to work together to discuss and organize media and other aspects for the press kick-off. Ms. Hodgin shared with the board information on Global Homemakers. Global Homemakers is a successful organization that is a spin-off of the sister-city organization. The group is diverse and different themes/topics are discussed. Recently, this group has networked with individuals from the Pakistani community. Chairperson Egan suggested that Ms. Hodgin invite individuals from Global Homemakers to both Unity in Community and our board meetings. CHAIR'S REPORT There was no report. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Rhodes-Reed announced that the Red Cross will host the next Unity in Community meeting scheduled for April 21 at 3pm. She noted a need for a more structured agenda with a time frame to make the meetings concise and informative for all participants. Some of the events planned by this group include, Lansing State Journal presentations, Day at Oldsmobile Park, picnic planned, a public forum in June with Daryl Davis, and youth education group meeting with Lansing, Grand Ledge, and Dewitt to name a few of the events and programs in the works. They are also looking at profiling of the police department and airport authority, language barriers, and funding. City Council has decided that Community Unity will be an evolution of the Undoing Racism Task Force with a$5,000 appropriation, and another$5,000 contingent upon matching funds. Budget hearings are scheduled for May 1 —4. Thursday, June 27 at 7:05 (arrive a little earlier for social and light food) was agreed as the day for a Board "Lugnuts" game. Spouses and significant other are invited with left over tickets to be distributed to area children. The Secretary position might be filled by the 15`h of April, as an offer has been made. Director Rhodes-Reed provided an overview of the sexual harassment allegations and investigation involving City Council. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Williams updated the board as to why the information regarding the New Year's Eve chase regarding the youth was not more immediately conveyed. Captain Williams indicated that since the case involved an active criminal investigation, the information was not available, even to her. Additionally, Captain Williams informed the Board that a recent request for viewing photos of the youth in the case is not available to the Board under the Victim's Rights Act. Captain Williams updated the Board on the responsiveness and protocol being used in the case of a missing youth. Captain Williams also gave an overview of community concerns regarding the Spiral Bar. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2002, at 6:00 pm, in the 9"'Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan, ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm. CITY of LANSING INTEROFFICE COMMUNICATION TO: Debbie Miner, City Clerk FROM: Willard K. Walker, Interim Director DATE: July 16, 2002 RE: Minutes of April 4,2002 Meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Please find attached the approved Minutes of the April 4,2002 meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board. Thank you. Enclosure CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD April 4, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The April meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Bob Egan at 6:17pm in the 91" Floor Conference Room, City Hall, Lansing. Present: Bob Egan, Noel Copiaco, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez Absent: Kirklin Hall (excused) Staff: Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director LPD Liaison: Captain Julie Williams, Lansing Police Department Public: Thomas Wilson APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as written. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Ms. Martinez and seconded by Mr. Copiaco to accept the minutes from the March 7, 2002 meeting as presented. The minutes were accepted as presented. DISCUSSION OF BOARD IDENTIFIED ISSUES Chairperson Egan began discussion on the items of Board identified issues. As discussed at last month's meeting, Rev. Hall and Ms. Martinez are gathering information and working on items regarding Community Resources to be presented at the May meeting. Discussion then ensued on other identified issues of Community Unity, Supplier Diversity and Dialogue Circles. Mr. Copiaco provided an update on the Dialogue Circles. He indicated that twelve facilitators are meeting and training regularly. May looks like the target for launching of this program. Funding is yet to be identified, with participant booklets costing approximately$5. Mr. Copiaco requested that the Board promote and participate in the Dialogue Circles. Director Rhodes-Reed suggested conducting a press kick-off announcing the Dialogue Circles one-half hour prior to the next Unity Community meeting scheduled for April 21 at the Red Cross. Mr. Copiaco, Chairperson Egan, and Director Rhodes-Reed agreed to work together to discuss and organize media and other aspects for the press kick-off. Ms. Hodgin shared with the board information on Global Homemakers. Global Homemakers is a successful organization that is a spin-off of the sister-city organization. The group is diverse and different themes/topics are discussed. Recently, this group has networked with individuals from the Pakistani community. Chairperson Egan suggested that Ms. Hodgin invite individuals from Global Homemakers to both Unity in Community and our board meetings. E CHAIR'S REPORT There was no report. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Rhodes-Reed announced that the Red Cross will host the next Unity in Community meeting scheduled for April 21 at 3pm. She noted a need for a more structured agenda with a time frame to make the meetings concise and informative for all participants. Some of the events planned by this group include, Lansing State Journal presentations, Day at Oldsmobile Park, picnic planned, a public forum in June with Daryl Davis, and youth education group meeting with Lansing, Grand Ledge, and Dewitt to name a few of the events and programs in the works. They are also looking at profiling of the police department and airport authority, language barriers, and funding. City Council has decided that Community Unity will be an evolution of the Undoing Racism Task Force with a$5,000 appropriation, and another $5,000 contingent upon matching funds. Budget hearings are scheduled for May 1 —4. Thursday, June 27 at 7:05 (arrive a little earlier for social and light food) was agreed as the day for a Board "Lugnuts" game. Spouses and significant other are invited with left over tickets to be distributed to area children. The Secretary position might be filled by the 15t" of April, as an offer has been made. Director Rhodes-Reed provided an overview of the sexual harassment allegations and investigation involving City Council. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Williams updated the board as to why the information regarding the New Year's Eve chase regarding the youth was not more immediately conveyed. Captain Williams indicated that since the case involved an active criminal investigation, the information was not available, even to her. Additionally, Captain Williams informed the Board that a recent request for viewing photos of the youth in the case is not available to the Board under the Victim's Rights Act. Captain Williams updated the Board on the responsiveness and protocol being used in the case of a missing youth. Captain Williams also gave an overview of community concerns regarding the Spiral Bar. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2002, at 6:00 pm, in the 91h Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS & COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD Date of Meeting: Thursday, May 2, 2002 Time of Meeting: 6:00 p.m. Place of Meeting: 9th Floor Conference Room City Hall 124 W. Michigan Ave AGENDA I. Call to Order H. Attendance III. Approval of Agenda IV. Approval of Minutes from the April 4, 2002 meeting V. Discussion of Board Identified Issues for 2002 VI. Chairperson's Report j VII. Director's Report VIII. Communications IX. Lansing Police Department Liaison's Report X. Old Business XI. New Business XII. Public Comment XIII. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 6, 2002, at 6:00 p.m. at the Lett's Community Center, 1220 W. Kalamazoo, Lansing, MI XIV. Adjournment Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of April 4, 2002 Page 2 Director Rhodes-Reed suggested having a press kick-off a half hour prior to the next Unity Community meeting scheduled for April 21 to be held at the Red Cross. Mr. Copiaco, Chairperson Egan, and Director Rhodes-Reed have agreed to work together to discuss and organize media and other aspects for the press kick-off. Ms. Hodgin shared with the board information on Global Homemakers. Global Homemakers is a successful organization that is a spin-off of the sister-city organization. The group is diverse and different themes/topics are discussed. The group was formed to bridge individuals from the Pakistani community with others in our diverse Lansing community. Chairperson Egan suggested that Ms. Hodgin invite individuals from Global Homemakers to both Community Unity and our board meetings. CHAIR'S REPORT There was no report. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Rhodes-Reed announced that the Red Cross will host the next Community Unity meeting scheduled for April 21 at 3pm. She noted a need for a more structured agenda with a time frame to make the meetings concise and informative for all participants. They have begun to get media involved, Lansing State Journal presentations, Day at Oldsmobile Park, picnic planned, a public forum in June with Daryl Davis, and youth education group meeting with Lansing, Grand Ledge, and Dewitt to name a few of the events and programs in the works. They are also looking at profiling of the police department and airport authority, language barriers, and funding. City Council has decided that Community Unity will be an evolution of the Undoing Racism Task Force with a $5,000 appropriation, and another $5,000 contingent upon matching funds. Budget hearings are scheduled for May 1 —4. Thursday, June 27 at 7:05 (arrive a little earlier for social and light food)was agreed as the day for a Board"Lugnuts" game. Spouses and significant other are invited with left over tickets to be distributed to area children. The Secretary position might be filled by the 15th of April, as an offer has been made. Director Rhodes-Reed provided an update on the pending sexual harassment charge. COMMUNICATIONS There were no communications. Minutes of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of April 4, 2002 Page 3 LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Williams updated the board as to why the information regarding the New Year's Eve chase regarding the youth was not more immediately conveyed. Captain Williams indicated that since the case involved an active criminal investigation, the information was not available, even to her. Additionally, Captain Williams informed the Board that a recent request for viewing photos of the youth in the case is not available to the Board under the Victim's Rights Act, because they were youth, etc. Captain Williams updated the Board on the responsiveness and protocol being used in the case of a missing youth. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for May 2, 2002, at 6:00 pm, in the 9th Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:27pm. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD March 7, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The March meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Bob Egan at 6:12 p.m. at Galilee Baptist Church, located at 2511 Reo Road in Lansing, Michigan. Present: Chair Bob Egan, Noel Copiaco, Kirklin Hall, and Monica Martinez Absent: Amy Hodgin Staff: Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director; Amanda Bunker LPD Liaison: Captain Julie Williams, Lansing Police Department Public: Thomas Wilson, Fredrick Galloway, John Clay, Jimmy Wilson, Kathy Gray, Javon Jones APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as revised. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Noel Copiaco and seconded by Monica Martinez to accept the minutes from the. February 21 meeting and the February 27 special meeting as presented. CHAIR'S REPORT Chairperson Bob Egan requested that the Advisory Board discuss their 2002 goals prior to discussion of the other agenda items. For the guests present at the meeting, the five issues were identified and Board members involved with the two goals with the highest priority, Community Resources and Unity in Community gave brief presentations on future direction and next steps. Kirklin Hall and Monica Martinez are working on better coordinating community resources so that those in need are better served. The areas that they have identified to work on are Youth Programs, Programs for the Homeless, Mental Health Care, Food Banks, and Medical Facilities. Suggestions for facilitating this included organizing a drive or volunteer work; publishing materials related to the services available in the Lansing area, and helping to improve awareness Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting March 7, 2002 Page 2 about hunger and homelessness in our community during Homeless Awareness Month (November). By the May meeting, specific recommendations will be presented to the Board. Discussion also ensured about combining this goal with the goal of making the Advisory Board. more connected to the community. Chairperson Egan asked that the minutes reflect his appreciation to Assistant Chief Helen Perry- Buse for attending the Special Meeting of the HRCS Advisory Board on February 27. He felt that it was a very frank and productive meeting. The Special Meeting of the Advisory Board is an example of the type of active role he would like the Board to provide to the community. Captain Julie Williams provided additional information and answered Board questions regarding the December incident which was the subject of the February Special Meeting. Chairperson Egan also distributed materials to the Advisory Board with regards to an incident referenced at the February meeting. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Rhodes-Reed began with an update concerning the next Unity in Community Meeting which is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 17, 2002 at the Hannah Community Center in East Lansing. The Community Education Group will likely begin Dialogue Circles in April. They are also working to facilitate an Interfaith Group that will meet separately as a subgroup. Motivational speaker, Darryl Davis, will serve as the first Unity in CommUnity Forum speaker, courtesy of one of the forum participants. The Community Education Group is organizing both a day at Oldsmobile Park and a picnic at Riverfront Park. The Youth Education Group is working to actively involve both Superintendents from area school districts and youth in the Coalition. The Media Relations Committee would like to have a presentation at each forum of examples of positive and negative reporting on issues related to people of color. The Public Policy group will be working with local police departments and the Lansing Airport Authority to create a model profiling policy. The Community Services Committee has expanded the scope of the Coalition to include socio-economic inequalities. They will initially address language barriers and accessibility. The Work Group is working on publicizing the work of and increasing the level of support to the Coalition. Mr. Copiaco and Rev. Hall, who have participated in both the Undoing Racism Task Force and the Unity in CommUnity Coalition, urged that continued effort be made to integrate these initiatives. Dr. Rhodes-Reed pointed out that efforts have been made from the outset to involve the members of the Task Force in the Coalition and that she would continue to work to ensure the coordination of these efforts which share common goals and guiding principles. The National League of Cities Municipal Leadership in Education Project Team met on March 5, 2002 at the Hill Vocational Center. The Team has decided to focus its efforts on middle schools. During the meeting the Team split into four groups to discuss each of the four identified areas of focus: discipline, attendance, parental involvement, and academic Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting March 7, 2002 Page 3 achievement. The next meeting will be in mid-April by which time each group was asked to complete their action plan. The Human Relations and Community Services Department's pre-budget meeting with the City Council Committee of the Whole will be Thursday, March 21, 2002. The Department will also be sponsoring a Supplier Diversity workshop on June 11 to improve representation of minorities and women in securing business with the City of Lansing. Dr. Rhodes-Reed also distributed the January and February City hiring statistics. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Julie Williams discussed a recent incident during the Chairperson's Report and had nothing further to discuss. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC COMMENT Mr. Jimmy Wilson would like the Board to schedule its meetings so that they do not conflict with community events. He also suggested that the Board be present at community events to help with conflict resolution. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be April 4, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., in the 9th Floor Conference Room of City Hall, located at 124 W. Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. APPROVED 04/04/2002 r CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD February 27, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The special meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Bob Egan at 6:08 p.m. in the 9`h Floor City Clerk's Conference Room of City Hall, Lansing, Michigan. Present: Chair Bob Egan, Kirklin Hall, and Monica Martinez Absent: Noel Copiaco (excused), Amy Hodgin Staff: Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director; Amanda Bunker, Department Secretary LPD Liaison: Assistant Chief Helen Perry-Buse, Lansing Police Department Public: Geneva Smith, Kevin O'Malley, Patty Farhat, Maria Mejorado, Derrick Quinney, Roger Newcomb, Herb Yamanishi, Iwao Ishino, David Kim McCreight, Deb Frederick, James Chappell, Joseph Lynn APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. CHAIR'S REPORT Chairperson Bob Egan requested that all those in attendance introduce themselves and the organization they represented. Chair Egan explained that the meeting had been called after the Advisory Board learned that the New Year's Eve incident had been released to the press. He explained that the videotape would be shown, followed by questions of Assistant Chief Perry- Buse or comments. He then asked Assistant Chief Perry-Buse to explain the events leading up to the incident and provide the background on proper procedure in situations such as this. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Assistant Chief Helen Perry-Buse commented on Lansing Police Department's official procedure in incidents such as this and began the videotape. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting February 27, 2002 Page 2 PUBLIC COMMENT Several questions were asked by members of the audience of Assistant Chief Perry-Buse. The questions ranged from whether the involved parties were fluent in English, to whether they were filing charges against the department, whether the officers involved in the incident deviated from official LPD policies, and procedure and would be disciplined. Chair Egan thanked Assistant Chief Perry-Buse for providing information about the incident and its possible repercussions. NEXT MEETING The next regular meeting will be March 7, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., at Galilee Baptist Church, located at 2511 Reo Road in Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD February 21, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The February meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Bob Egan at 6:19 p.m. in the 9`h Floor City Cleric's Conference Room of City Hall, Lansing, Michigan. Present: Chair Bob Egan,Noel Copiaco, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez Absent: Kirklin Hall Staff: Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Amanda Bunker, Department Secretary LPD Liaison: Captain Julie Williams,Lansing Police Department APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Amy Hodgin and seconded by Noel Copiaco to accept the minutes from the January 3 meeting as presented. CHAIR'S REPORT Chairperson Bob Egan commended the department for the work done on the 21 st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration held on January 18, 2002 in the Lansing City Council Chambers. Chairperson Egan drafted a letter in support of scheduling a hearing on HB4927, a bill which bans racial profiling. The Advisory Board agreed to send the letter after changing the word "ban"to "address ." The Chair determined that the first half hour of the next meeting would be spent discussing the progress of the five previously determined goals of the Board as the first item on the agenda. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting February 21, 2002 Page 2 DIRECTOR'S REPORT Dr. Rhodes-Reed spoke about the success of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration and thanked Noel Copiaco for participating in the program. Dr. Rhodes-Reed recently returned from a National League of Cities Cross-Site Visit in Washington, DC. The presentation went well and the Director thanked Amanda Bunker for helping prepare meeting materials. The Team has decided to focus their efforts on middle school improvement in the areas of achievement, attendance, discipline and parental involvement. Capt. Williams suggested that the group discuss "risky behavior" as well. The experts available at the cross-site visit were very knowledgeable and provided some very helpful information and resource materials, including Paul Thomas Hill's book,It Takes a City. The next Unity in Community Meeting is scheduled for 3:00 pin on Sunday, February 24, 2002 at the Islamic Center in East Lansing. Dr. Rhodes-Reed has recommended to City Council that the goals of the Undoing Racism Task Force and Unity in Community Coalition be consolidated. The goals and guiding principles of these groups are consistent. If Council agrees to the merger, fiuiding for the Task Force she has asked that be transferred to the Coalition. Dr. Rhodes-Reed met with the Lansing School District this week to discuss the 2002 South Side Youth Sunnier Coalition Summer Enrichment Program. She will help to plan the program, but will not be able to staff it. Director Rhodes-Reed gave an update on two prevailing wage cases. She will keep the Board apprized of their status. The Department will host a forum within the next two months to explain the application process for doing business with the City, how to bid on City projects, and what goods and services the City purchases from outside sources in the interest of advancing supplier diversity. Dr. Rhodes-Reed updated the Board on the recently released Department of Health and Human Services 2002 Poverty Guidelines. She provided the Board with recalculations of the Living Wage based on those guidelines. The department still has two vacancies, Administrative Secretary and Equal Opportunity Specialist. Due to the hiring freeze, the Specialist position will not be filled. The request to reclassify the Administrative Secretary position to that of Administrative Assistant has been denied. The position has been reposted. The goal is to fill the position by March 15. The Department is in the process of planning a television program to educate and inspire the community. The Board will be mailed information about proposed titles and program format. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting February 21, 2002 Page 3 Homelessness and unemployment are on the rise across the country. Dr. Rhodes-Reed said she has urged local emergency shelters to provide information about outcomes and successes to better place in context their requests for additional fiuiding. Dr. Rhodes-Reed shared with the Board that Deputy Director Gomoll's sister passed away, and the mother of Department Commission Investigator, Bernard Brantley, is gravely ill. OLD BUSINESS Chairperson Egan discussed the Board's goals during his report. There was no additional old business. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Julie Williams commented on Lansing Police Department's current promotional process. She also informed the Board about a recent incident. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be March 7, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., at Galilee Baptist Church, located at 2511 Reo Road in Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. CITY OF LANSING HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD February 21, 2002 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The February meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Chair Bob Egan at 6:19 p.m. in the 9`h Floor City Clerk's Conference Room of City Hall, Lansing, Michigan. Present: Chair Bob Egan,Noel Copiaco, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez Absent: Kirklin Hall Staff: Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Amanda Bunker, Department Secretary LPD Liaison: Captain Julie Williams, Lansing Police Department APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Amy Hodgin and seconded by Noel Copiaco to accept the minutes from the January 3 meeting as presented. CHAIR'S REPORT Chairperson Bob Egan commended the department for the work done on the 21st Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Celebration held on January 18, 2002 in the Lansing City Council Chambers. Chairperson Egan drafted a letter in support of scheduling a hearing on HB4927, a bill which bans racial profiling. The Advisory Board agreed to send the letter after changing the word "ban" to "address . The Chair determined that the first half hour of the next meeting would be spent discussing the progress of the five previously determined goals of the Board as the first item on the agenda. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting February 21, 2002 Page 2 DIRECTOR'S REPORT Dr. Rhodes-Reed spoke about the success of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration and thanked Noel Copiaco for participating in the program. Dr. Rhodes-Reed recently returned from a National League of Cities Cross-Site Visit in Washington, DC. The presentation went well and the Director thanked Amanda Bunker for helping prepare meeting materials. The Team has decided to focus their efforts on middle school improvement in the areas of achievement, attendance, discipline and parental involvement. Capt. Williams suggested that the group discuss "risky behavior" as well. The experts available at the cross-site visit were very knowledgeable and provided some very helpful information and resource materials, including Paul Thomas Hill's book,It Takes a City. The next Unity in Community Meeting is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, February 24, 2002 at the Islamic Center in East Lansing. Dr. Rhodes-Reed has recommended to City Council that the goals of the Undoing Racism Task Force and Unity in Community Coalition be consolidated. The goals and guiding principles of these groups are consistent. If Council agrees to the merger, funding for the Task Force she has asked that be transferred to the Coalition. Dr. Rhodes-Reed met with the Lansing School District this week to discuss the 2002 South Side Youth Summer Coalition Summer Enrichment Program. She will help to plan the program, but will not be able to staff it. Director Rhodes-Reed gave an update on two prevailing wage cases. She will keep the Board apprized of their status. The Department will host a forum within the next two months to explain the application process for doing business with the City, how to bid on City projects, and what goods and services the City purchases from outside sources in the interest of advancing supplier diversity. Dr. Rhodes-Reed updated the Board on the recently released Department of Health and Human Services 2002 Poverty Guidelines. She provided the Board with recalculations of the Living Wage based on those guidelines. The department still has two vacancies, Administrative Secretary and Equal Opportunity Specialist. Due to the hiring freeze, the Specialist position will not be filled. The request to reclassify the Administrative Secretary position to that of Administrative Assistant has been denied. The position has been reposted. The goal is to fill the position by March 15. The Department is in the process of planning a television program to educate and inspire the community. The Board will be mailed information about proposed titles and program format. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting February 21, 2002 Page 3 Homelessness and unemployment are on the rise across the country. Dr. Rhodes-Reed said she has urged local emergency shelters to provide information about outcomes and successes to better place in context their requests for additional funding. Dr. Rhodes-Reed shared with the Board that Deputy Director Gomoll's sister passed away, and the mother of Department Commission Investigator, Bernard Brantley, is gravely ill. OLD BUSINESS Chairperson Egan discussed the Board's goals during his report. There was no additional old business. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Julie Williams commented on Lansing Police Department's current promotional process. She also informed the Board about a recent incident. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be March 7, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., at Galilee Baptist Church, located at 2511 Reo Road in Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. CITY OF LANSING 1IIUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT HUMAN RELATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ADVISORY BOARD January 3, 2001 Minutes CALL TO ORDER The December meeting of the Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board was called to order by Vice Chair Monica Martinez at 6:21 p.m. in the 9"' Floor City Cleric's Conference Room of City Hall, Lansing, Michigan. Present: Chair Bob Egan,Noel Copiaco, Kirklin Hall, Amy Hodgin, and Monica Martinez Absent: None Staff: Genice Rhodes-Reed, Ph.D., Director; Kip Gomoll, Deputy Director; Amanda Bunker; Robert Johnson, Chief of Staff to Mayor Hollister LPD Liaison: Captain Julie Williams, Lansing Police Department APPROVAL OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Rev. Hall and seconded by Mr. Copiaco to accept the minutes from the December 6 meeting with one change. Captain Julie Williams was referred to as a Chief, which she is not. CHAIR'S REPORT Chairperson Bob Egan stated that a letter to Mayor Hollister commending the work of Dr. Rhodes-Reed would be sent out on Friday. Copies of the letter will be sent to City Council. Vice Chair Monica Martinez offered her assistance with the letter. DIRECTOR'S REPORT Director Rhodes-Reed reiterated Rev. Hall's statement from the previous meeting on the renewed energy of the Board and thanked them for their commitment. The recent City-wide Blood Drive coordinated by HRCS and the Personnel Department, held December 17, 2001, was reportedly the most successful ever. This year's City Martin Luther King Commemorative Celebration will be held on January 18, from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Director Rhodes-Reed stated that this year's celebration will be more diverse in both its speakers and in the types of refreshments served. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting January 3, 2002 Page 2 Robert Johnson invited the Board to attend the Mayor's State of the City address on January 28, 2002, at Lansing Community College's Dart Auditorium. The reception is at 6:00 p.m, and the address begins at 7:00 p.m. The next CommUnity Unity (CU) Forum will be held on Sunday, January 20, 2002 at Union Missionary Baptist Church's Community Center. The purpose of this meeting will be to begin to implement Action Steps to maintain the momentum of the group. Involving area superintendents and their schools in this initiative, sponsoring monthly luncheons with speakers and convening Dialogue Circles have been proposed by CU Work Group members for immediate implementation. Dr. Rhodes-Reed stated that monthly updates of City of Lansing Employment Data will be provided at each board meeting in the future. The September data that was provided at the meeting showed that one-fifth of current City employees are minorities. The 2000 City population is approximately one-third minorities. The ideal employment statistic would be for the composition of the City employees' race/ethnicity to match the composition of the City as a whole. When Mayor Hollister took office in 1994, only 15% of City employees were minorities. Dr. Rhodes-Reed is continuing to work with Personnel and other City departments to increase the representation of City workers. Dr. Rhodes-Reed indicated that she would ask the Mayor to attend either the February or March Board meeting. The department still has two vacancies, Administrative Secretary and Equal Opportunity Specialist. None of the applicants tested for the Administrative Secretary position passed the general skills test. There were nine applicants for the position of Equal Opportunity Specialist. Of the nine, four will be selected for interviews. Dr. Rhodes-Reed distributed a summary of Lansing youth programs which was also provided to the site visitors from the National League of Cities Municipal Leadership in Education Project. This list may aid the Board in working to foster better coordination of youth programs. Deputy Director Kip Gomoll gave an update on the status of three pending labor cases. He also provided a summary of two cases the Michigan Department of Civil Rights recently filed with the department. OLD BUSINESS The Board had no questions or comments regarding the previously distributed LPD MATS report. The Board agreed to spend a half hour prior to each meeting working on the 2002 goals. Action steps for attaining each goal are to be presented at the February Meeting. Rev. Hall is the Board representative for coordinating community resources; Monica Martinez will work with him. Noel Copiaco is the Board representative responsible for facilitating the Community Unity Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board Meeting January 3, 2002 Page 3 Initiative; Amy Hodgin will work with him. Monica Martinez will be in charge of obtaining community input on a Civil Rights Ordinance; Bob Egan will work with her. Chairperson Egan will be in charge of improving communication between the Board and the community. Amy Hodgin and Rev. Hall will work with him. Chairperson Egan will be in charge of developing or reinstating the HRCS award for outstanding community service. LPD LIAISON'S REPORT Captain Julie Williams commented on Lansing Police Department's staffing, particularly in the 911 Center. Because of recent retirements and retention issues there are more vacancies than usual. In addition, it has been difficult to obtain applicants with the necessary qualifications for these positions. Captain Julie Williams spoke about the new hires that have been reconunended for the Lansing Police Department. The 911 Center has ten new hires pending and four of them are minorities. Two new detention officers are expected and both of them are minorities. NEW BUSINESS Amy Hodgin requested information on the effects of federal and state budget cuts on City programs. It was agreed that the department would forward information on budget cuts to the Board as information becomes available. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. NEXT MEETING The next meeting will be February 7, 2002, at 6:00 p.m., in the 9th Floor City Clerk's Conference Room of City Hall in Lansing, Michigan. ADJOURNMENT With no further business,the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.