Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020 HRCS Meeting Minutes n Andy Schur,Mayor City of Lansing H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Agenda* and Summary of Meeting Date of Meeting: Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Time of Meeting: 5:30 PM — 7:00 PM Place of Meeting: Via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.usli/81396335980 Meeting ID: 813 9633 5980 Dial — In: 312 626 6799 US *AGENDA REVISED I. Call to OrderlAttendance The meeting was called to order by Chair Julie Rowe at 5:38 p.m. Attendance: Jeffrey Brown, Mark Eagle, Ronald Embry, Chad Guerrant and Julie Rowe. HRCS Staff: Director Kim Coleman, Willard Walker and Renee Freeman. Guest: Attorney Teresa Bingman Il. Approval of Agenda Mr. Brown moved that the agenda be accepted with flexibility. Seconded by Mr. Eagle. Motion passed. III. Approval of Minutes from March 11, 2020 Advisory Board Meeting Mr. Brown moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Mr. Eagle. Motion passed IV. Introduction of Teresa Bingman and Remarks re: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Environmental Scan Director Coleman provided an introduction of Attorney Teresa Bingman who will guide us in the development of the Mayor's Racial Justice and Equity Community Action Plan, which will include an internal and external environmental scan. Director Coleman cited the mission of the HRCS department as defined in the City of Lansing Ordinance. She further stated that Attorney Bingman's efforts and the proposed action plan are well within the scope of HRCS's mission, and presented an opportunity for her to share what she will be working on. Attorney Bingman thanked the board for providing the opportunity to discuss the work she has been charged to do, and shared some highlights of her background as an attorney. She then discussed the structure of the Racial Justice and Equity Alliance that will involve an Executive Committee lead by the Mayor with co-chairs, a Steering Committee consisting of the Mayor's Cabinet and a chair from each of the Mayor's boards, commissions and authorities, and a 15 member Community Advisory Committee. Ms. Bingman further discussed the roles of the various committees, process to be used and provided a general timeline for the completion of the work. Chair Rowe and HRCS board members thanked Attorney Bingman for her time and expressed their appreciation for providing an overview of the process. V. Public Comment No public comment VI. Lansing Police Department Liaison's Report No Report. Director Coleman stated that she spoke with Chief Green who was the LPD liaison prior to becoming Chief. He has not selected a replacement at this time. VI I. Communications No Report VIII. Project Reports No Report. Director Coleman informed members that July is the month when the Board's leadership is determined for the upcoming term, and stated that she would like to discuss the HRCS Advisory Board Committee Structure — to include the Complaints Committee in more detail at the next meeting. IX. Petitions/Complaints Discuss Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) Chair Rowe would like the Board to direct its attention to effectively address and make the NDO process a focus of priority. X. Chairperson's Report (Julie Rowe) No Report XI. Director's Report (Kimberly A. Coleman) In addition to working with Attorney Bingman, Director Coleman has been reviewing and engaging staff in discussions about the department's internal structure such as how responsibilities are assigned, looking at where the gaps are within the department while determining what our focus should be. The HRCS staff has identified and recommended five areas to adopt as our department focus. They involve the following: Capacity Building/Community Problem Solving; Advocacy; Increase Community Communication/Engagement; Establish/Re-establish Partnerships (Strengthening Relationships); and Community Needs Assessment. To this end, Mr. Walker has been instrumental in reviewing the current structure and resources to determine how we go forth to make these things happen. Part of the changes will include a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, an evaluation component to look at competitive grant applications, metrics and how well services are being delivered in the community. HRCS hopes to build on these areas through evaluations. Other areas entail review of job descriptions, resources and finalizing the general fund resources. FY 2021 HRCS Budget and General Fund Grant Director Coleman directed the Board to review the Adopted FY 2021 HRCS Budget and General Fund Grant Allocations, which were amended due to the budget shortfall that Covid-19 has created. During Covid-19, attention was placed on sheltering the homeless and making sure they were taken care of. There was a segment of homeless persons where an alternative had to be implemented because they did not want to go into a shelter. We are fortunate that the homeless persons assisted 2 1 P a g e did not contract the virus. In regards to community engagement, HRCS is looking at contracting with agencies to carry out community services, such as the Greater Lansing Food Bank taking the lead with food security. HRCS Advisory Board Vacancies Appointees Versey A. Williams and Cheryl Tennis will be on the July 13th City Council agenda for confirmation and officially could attend the July 28th HRCS Advisory Board meeting. Director Coleman and Chair Rowe will meet with new appointees to provide on boarding prior to the next meeting. HRCS Outreach Programs The Drive-through Mobile Food Pantry has been going very well in regards to food content and organization. The June Mobile Food Pantry had a decrease in numbers served. Mr. Embry moved to accept the Director's report. Seconded by Mr. Guerrant. Motion passed. XI I. Old Business HRCS Revised Ordinance The ordinance, which is to modify the grant process and description of the department, is still sitting in the City Council Committee of the Whole. It is not known when it will be taken up. XIII. Upcoming Events Mobile Food Pantry Drive-through — July 18, 2020 First United Methodist Church 3827 Delta River Drive The Police Commission is starting racial justice community meetings every other Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom until September. Further information will be sent to the board. XIV. Other - None XV. Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28, 2020, 5:30 p.m. tentative via Zoom XVI. Adjournment — Mr. Guerrant moved to adjourn. Seconded by Mr. Brown. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Renee Morgan Freeman on behalf of the HRCS Advisory Board Secretary Y�,N s ANC n `PACFf IG�� Andy Schor,Mayor City of Lansing H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Summary of Meeting Date of Meeting: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Time of Meeting: 5:30 PM — 7:00 PM Place of Meeting: Via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84108825040 Meeting ID: 841 0882 5040 One tap mobile +16468769923„84108825040# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US (New York) HRCS Advisory Board Summary of September 22, 2020 Meeting I. Call to Order/Attendance Due to the resignation of Chair Julie Rowe, the meeting was called to order by Director Kim Coleman at 5:36 p.m. Attendance: Board Members: Jeffrey Brown, Mark Eagle, Ronald Embry, Chad Guerrant, Josephine Washington, and Versey Williams HRCS Staff: Director Kim Coleman, Renee Morgan Freeman, Katrina Urista and Willard Walker Guest: Assistant Attorney Mary Bowen Self-introductions were provided by those in attendance. II. Approval of Agenda Mr. Eagle moved to accept the agenda. Seconded by Mr. Guerrant. Motion passed. III. Public Comment: None. IV. Approval of Minutes from June 23, 2020 Advisory Board Meeting Ms. Williams moved to approve the minutes. Seconded by Josephine Washington. Motion passed. V. Election of Officers: Chairperson; Vice Chairperson; Secretary Mr. Brown nominated Ronald Embry as Chairperson. Mr. Embry accepted the nomination. Seconded by Mr. Guerrant. Motion passed. Mr. Embry nominated Jeffrey Brown as Vice Chairperson. Mr. Brown accepted the nomination. Seconded by Mr. Guerrant. Motion passed. Mr. Brown nominated Josephine Washington as Secretary. Ms. Washington accepted the nomination. Seconded by Mr. Guerrant. Motion passed. Order of the board meeting was transferred to Chairperson Embry. He expressed thanks to the team and looks forward to moving the board forward to meet the needs and concerns of the community. Chairperson Embry further expressed that he hopes to make an impact as Chair. He directed the meeting to Director Coleman to oversee the HRCS Advisory Board Orientation. Director Coleman then turned the meeting over to Mary Bowen, Assistant Attorney with the City of Lansing Office of City Attorney (OCA). VI. HRCS Advisory Board Orientation Office of City Attorney (OCA)/Mary Bowen provided some brief personal background information. Ms. Bowen's presentation consisted of the following: Who OCA Represents; What the OCA Office Does; and How OCA Interacts with the Public. Focus was directed on the structure of the City's governing bodies; the definition and purpose of the City Charter, the staff composition of the OCA and its responsibilities such as general offenses and prosecution, enforcement of city ordinances and codes, assistance to city departments and the City Clerk. In relation to HRCS, OCA reviews contracts, agreements and policies and procedures to ensure they are in accordance with the governing law and that the language is in the best interest of the city. The Human Rights Ordinance, police investigation complaints, and other complaints that are overseen by the HRCS Department were discussed at length. It was concluded that the Board would play a key role in promoting the availability of these and other services offered by the department. The Freedom of Information and Open Meetings Acts were highlighted. Chairperson Embry thanked Ms. Bowen for her presentation. An invitation was extended for her or OCA staff to return for a further board meeting to present Conflict of Interest and board training surrounding the investigation processes. About HRCS and Director's Report Director Coleman provided an update on the Mayor's Racial Justice and Equity Alliance (MRJEA), which has held two meetings and conducted external scanning in the areas of a series of community input virtual forums, a survey and focus groups. The next meeting will focus on a review of data collected and a charge to workgroups. MRJEA will be working with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to conduct an internal scan. Director Coleman hopes Attorney Teresa Bingman is able to return for a future board meeting to provide further updates. Director Coleman reported that the HRCS Ordinance was being updated and will be brought before City Council for a vote. The primary change was to incorporate the HRCS Advisory Board participation in the general fund grant allocation process. 2JPage HRCS Orientation Manual Review Director Coleman then conducted an overall review of the HRCS Advisory Board Orientation Manual. Attention was directed to Chapter 273.01. Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board —Statement of purpose of the City of Lansing Ordinance. This area would be the directive of the board to incorporate and implement strategies. Director Coleman referenced that a motion to amend the Board Rules of Procedure — Board Meetings section to reflect the current bi-weekly meeting schedule as opposed to monthly meetings. Mr. Guerrant moved that the Board Rules of Procedure be changed to reflect the current meeting schedule. J. Washington prompted discussion surrounding the need to meet more frequently for the purpose of reviewing investigation complaints. It was concluded that special meetings would be scheduled, if needed. In accordance with the amendment, voting will be conducted at the next board meeting. Q & A There were no further questions. VII. Next Meeting Chairperson Embry informed the board of the next meeting scheduled for the 4th Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. However, he did represent the possibility of board members meeting prior to November 24th face to face, with safety and distance measures being put in place, to discuss a strategic plan. He would discuss this in further detail with Vice Chairperson Brown and provide an update to the board. Vill. Adjournment J. Washington moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by Chad Gurrant. Motion Carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Renee Morgan Freeman on behalf of the HRCS Advisory Board Secretary Josephine Washington