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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021 HRCS Meeting Minutes S 1 f; v C it dy } f� li lG Andy Schor,Mayor City of Lansing H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Summary of Meeting Tuesday,January 26,2021 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. ZOOM Meeting Information hth)s://usO2web zooin.us i/S4314959672?12wcl=UOdURi93dlFWYv9wNEExNIPwY05VQT09 Meeting ID:843 1495 9672 Passcodc:572550 Dial-In: One tap mobile:+16468769923,84314959672#,,,,*572550#U.S.(New York) OR+13017158592„84314959672#,,,,*572550#US(Washington D.Q Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US(New York)OR+1 301 715 8592 US(Washington D.Q I. Call to Order/Attendance The meeting was called to order at 5:34 p.m. by Chairperson Ronald Embry Attendance by Roll Call: Board Members: Jeffrey Brown (V: Lansing, MI), Mark Eagle (V: Lansing, MI), Ronald Embry (V: Lansing, MI), Cheryl Tennis (V: Lansing, MI), Josephine Washington (V: Lansing, MI), and Versey Williams (V: Lansing, MI) H.R.C.S. Staff: Director Kim Coleman (V: Lansing, MI), Guadalupe Ayala (V: Lansing, MI), Renee Morgan Freeman (V: Lansing, MI), Katrina Urista (V: Lansing, MI), and Willard Walker (V: Lansing, MI) Note: V=Virtual II. Approval of Agenda Mr. Brown moved to accept the agenda. Seconded by Ms. Williams. Motion passed. III. Approval of Minutes from September 20, 2020, Advisory Board Meeting Ms. Washington moved to approve the minutes as distributed with stated correction. Seconded by M. Eagle. Motion passed. IV. Public Comment: None V. Communications: No Report VI. Petitions/Complaints Director Coleman reported that one complaint had been received. A meeting has been requested with the Office of City Attorney to determine how to proceed with the complaint. G. Ayala will be handling the complaint on behalf of H.R.C.S. VI I. Chairperson's Report Chairperson Embry provided a summary of H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Committees. The following Committee Assignments were established: Budget Committee: M. Eagle (Chair), J. Washington, J. Brown 11PagC Program Committee: J. Brown (Chair), C. Tennis, J. Washington Policy Committee: V. Williams (Chair), M. Eagle, C. Tennis Complaint Committee: All advisory board members Chairperson Embry charged each committee to submit a plan in writing outlining outcomes. J. Brown asked if there was already a strategic plan for the HRCS/HRCS Advisory Board to reference as a guide. Director Coleman indicated that there was not. However, a strategic plan is in the process of being formulated. After a brief discussion, it was concluded that Director Coleman, Chairperson Embry, and Vice-Chairperson Brown would meet to determine the next steps concerning developing a strategic plan and report to the board so that committees will have clarity on how to proceed. V. Williams asked how the mission and purpose of the board is lived out in the community. The discussion then ensued. As a past H.R.C.S. Director, Mr. Walker, provided some insight into this area. Director Coleman shared that the strategic plan will define what the advisory board roles and responsibilities will be, which will further serve as a tool for advisory board members to be well informed, have the opportunity to discuss concerns as a staff and board, and provide resources in addition determining what other resources are available. She also mentioned that H.R.C.S. staff is available to assist with committees. VIII. Director's Report Director Coleman reported on the status of the Back 40. Persons are populating again. An area has been cleaned, and more cleaning will be done in the spring. It is important to the City that persons are not there in unsanitary conditions. Director Coleman, Chairperson Embry, and J. Washington have discussed the need for a long-term encampment and homelessness plan with recommendations to be presented to the Mayor for support and approval. After discussion, M. Eagle moved that the H.R.C.S. Advisory Board develops an Encampment and Homelessness Ad-Hoc Committee to develop a long-term plan and include community members to explore avenues, conduct research, and make recommendations on how these issues can be addressed. The first task would be for Eagle, Washington, and Embry to populate members for the ad-hoc committee. Seconded by J. Washington. Motion passed. Director Coleman reported that she is working on an overall structure of the department to include recommendations and changes with some of the positions. Further information will be shared once the plan is in place. She yielded to G. Ayala, the City's new Diversity and Inclusion Officer, to update the Mayor's Racial Justice and Equity Alliance (M.R.J.E.A.), consisting of 30 community members and various workgroups to create a plan. A community survey has been ongoing, with 400 responses received to date. Members were encouraged to complete the survey and share it with their network. Ten focus groups were conducted, and the information will be analyzed. The Alliance is in partnership with the National League of Cities (REAL Program) and Michigan Public Health Institute to conduct training for Alliance members, city cabinet, and leaders. Focus groups will be established for employee input. Thereafter, a survey will be generated based on the findings of the focus group for all employees to participate. Chairperson Embry, a member of M.R.J.E.A., will participate in the training and report periodically on the progress of the Alliance. 21Pagc IX. Committee Reports (Program, Budget, Policy, Complaint) No Reports. However, Chairperson Embry charged committees to meet by February 23. Due to J. Washington's unavailability, it was proposed that the Program Committee meets on Feb. 215t or 22"d. Committees will then be able to report at the next scheduled advisory board meeting. Director Coleman brought the many areas for which the department and board are currently focusing (M.R.J.E.A., Encampment and Homelessness Ad-Hoc Committee, a complaint, the structure for a strategic plan, and grant process/allocations). These directives must be prioritized and permit time management. X. Old Business There was an action of the motion represented at the September 22, 2020 meeting to amend the H.R.C.S. Rules of Procedure to reflect bi-monthly meetings instead of monthly meetings as the latter have been the standard for the past few years. The motion was seconded by J. Brown. There was a discussion. The motion yielded 3 yeas and 3 nays. Director Coleman will consult with the Office of City Attorney to inquire about what to do in cases of a tie vote. XI. New Business New business pertaining to the encampment and homelessness was addressed during the Director's Report. K. Urista presented the H.R.C.S. Community Forum report, which will be held virtually on Wednesday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m. Registration is in progress. Presentations will include community needs and studies, including the CAUW ALICE report. An overview of the funding process and applications, which are due February 10. All information is on the City of Lansing website H.R.C.S. page. Upon return and review of agency documentation, the H.R.C.S. Board will have two weeks to review applications for feedback and budget allocations for submission to the Mayor. Members then posed questions and concerns, which were addressed. Chairperson Embry inquired about the progress of the board vacancy. Director Coleman will reach out to the Mayor's office in this regard. XI I. Adjournment V. Williams moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by J. Washington. Motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Renee Morgan Freeman on behalf of the H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Secretary Josephine Washington 31Page Note: All motions were conducted with a roll call vote. Next Meeting: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Members: Dr. Jeffrey Brown (Vice-Chair); Mark Eagle; Ronald Embry (Chair); Chad Guerrant; Cheryl Tennis, Josephine Washington (Secretary); Versey Williams, and one Vacancy H.R.C.S. Staff: Kimberly A. Coleman (Director); Renee Morgan Freeman (Department Coordinator) 41Pagc Human Relations and Community Services Advisory Board General Fund Grant Allocations Training Meeting Thursday, February 18, 2021 10:00 a.m. — 11:30 a.m. — Virtual Microsoft Teams Summary of Meeting The meeting was called to order at 10:12 a.m. by Chairperson Ron Embry R. Freeman conducted roll call: Jeffery Brown (V. Chair), Lansing, MI; Ron Embry (Chair), Lansing, MI; Chad Guerrant. Lansing, MI; and Cheryl Tennis, Lansing, MI. Versey Williams, Lansing, MI,joined later. H.R.C.S. Staff: Kim Coleman; Renee Freeman; Katrina Urista; and Toni Young Chairperson Embry turned the meeting over to Director Coleman, who welcomed board members'participation and stated the purpose of the process. T. Young and C. Guerrant provided brief introductions. There was no public comment. Director Coleman provided a brief overview of the H.R.C.S. department. T. Young provided a review of the general funds' allocations process timeline, which was previously advanced and designed to allow more time for board members to score the grants. T. Young shared a summary of the information regarding basic services/needs and community gaps the agencies provided and briefly explained the highlights. K. Urista provided an overview of the funding criteria, a formula used, program and funding categories, community-supported agencies, and cultural arts. She shared the excel tool that the board will utilize, which includes an agency-assigned application number and sections of the application that will be scored and allow an area to provide comments. Please note that some agencies submitted more than one application, and each application has to be scored. K. Urista then shared the actual application on the screen and summarized each section. T. Young provided some additional comments regarding the application and tips. Director Coleman reminded the board that their conflict of interest form is appreciated as soon as possible. J. Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned. The meeting was adjourned at 11:24 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Renee Morgan Freeman on behalf of the H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Secretary Josephine Washington Approved KC_052021 yPN S r City of Lansing HRCS Advisory Board Meeting Summary Special Meeting Tuesday, March 9, 2021 f �,� 3:00 p.m. x i Andy Schor, Mayor Microsoft Teams Chairperson Ron Embry called the meeting to order at 3:12 p.m. Roll. Call was taken as follows: Q Dr. Jeffrey Brown (Vice-Chair) (V-Lansing, MI); ❑ Mark Eagle; ORonald Embry(Chair) (V-Lansing, MI) ; ZChad Guerrant (V-Lansing-MI) ; ❑ Cheryl Tennis, Q Josephine Washington(V-Lansing, MI) (Secretary); Q Versey Williams (V-Lansing)—Entered late. 4 Present—3 absent - Changed to 5 President—2 Absent during V. Williams attendance. HRCS Staff ❑ Kimberly A. Coleman ❑ Katrina Urista ❑ Toni Young ❑ Renee Morgan Freeman ❑ Kim Dunbar There was no public comment. The meeting was then put into the hands of Director Coleman. Director Coleman stated that the purpose of the special meeting is to review scoring and finalize recommendations for allocating general grant funds for submission to Mayor Schor. The meeting was then turned into the hands of T. Young, who presented an overview of the grant/allocation process. K. Urista also provided some input. Director Coleman introduced Kim Dunbar, who will be conducting contract manager services on a contractual basis. There was discussion surrounding the need for more community engagement with more direct contact with the residents of Lansing, who are experiencing the gaps in service and may be in a better position to provide some input. All comments and concerns will be taken into consideration. KU: Careful on how to collect data as it could be challenged, and there is a collection and method in K. Urista presented an Excel document outlining the scoring of the agency grant applications. Columns consisted of their average score, historical allocation from the past year, agency FY 2021/2022 request, and the HRCS FY 2021/2202 recommendation for a status quo budget. Reference was made to new agencies and others agencies that redirected their requests to other areas. An inquiry was made regarding if any agencies were not issued their second installment due to none or insufficient reporting. It was reported that some second installments are being withheld due to COVID challenges and others submitting amendments. Also, it was asked if any grant allocations were amended due to non-compliance or other circumstances. Because of the recent ordinance change, HRCS plans to provide the Board with more metrics and data for the next grant allocation scoring. There was a brief discussion regarding the ordinance change and the 1.35% allocated for racial equity. Director Coleman directed everyone's attention to the beginning of the Excel document to review each agency's status. After that, attention would be focused on new requests. After a lengthy discussion, the following actions were taken: C. Gurrant moved to accept the $65,000 request from#110/Care Free Medical. No Second. Motion failed. R. Embry moved to allocate#110/Care Free Medical $55,000, V. Williams seconded it. Roll Call: J. Brown/no, J. Washington/no,V. Williams/no, R. Embry/yes, and C. Guerran//yes. Motion fails. J. Brown moved for#110/Care Free Medical to be allocated $45,000 and seconded by J. Washington. Roll Call: V. Williams/yes, R. Embry/yes, C. Gurrant/no, J. Brown/yes, and J. Washington/yes. Motion carries. J. Brown moved for $10,000 for#11IC/Children and Family Charities-Teen Court. There was no second. Motion failed. J. Washington moved for#116/Eastside Community Action Center to be allocated$10,000 and seconded by R. Embry. Roll Call: R. Embry/yes, G. Gurrant/no, J. Brown/yes, and J. Washington/yes. Motion carries. J. Brown moved that#119/Endeavor House Ministries receive no funding. J. Washington seconded it. Roll Call: R. Embry/yes, C. Gurrant/yes, J. Brown/yes, J. Washington/yes. Motion carries. R. Embry moved that#172 receive no funding. J. Brown seconded it. Roll Call: R. Embry/yes, C. Gurrant/yes, J. Brown/yes, J. Washington/yes. Motion carries. J. Brown moved that#160/Student Statesman receive no funding. R. Embry seconded it. After discussion, J. Brown withdrew his motion because K. Urista would have a direct conversation with the agency. C. Guerrant moved that#109B/CAUW/211B VITA be allocated $15,000. No Second. Motion failed. R. Embry moved that 109B/CAUW/21 1 B/Vita be allocated $10,000. No Second. Motion failed R. Embry moved that a decision for#133/International Humanitarian Services be tabled. Existing agencies, with exception of those who submitted late applications, were supported, and will all will receive funding in an amount no less than the current year. With no other business to come before the body, this meeting adjourned 6"15 pm Approved by KC_052021 *NSIN �• C Andy Schor,Mayor City of Lansing H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Summary of Meeting Tuesday,March 23,2021 5:30 p.m, - 7:00 p.m. ZOOM Meeting Information hl_I //us02 cb room ue/i/S4 i 11959C7�''p��d=UOdGlti93d I Meeting ID:843 1495 9672 Passcode:572550 Dial-In: One tap mobile:+16468769923,84314959672#,,,,*572550#U.S.(New York) OR+13017158592„84314959672#,,,,*572550#US(Washington D.C) Dial by your location +1 646 876 9923 US(New York)OR+1 301 715 8592 US(Washington D.C) The meeting was called to order at 5:37 p.m. by Chairperson Ronald Embry Attendance was taken by Roll Call: R1 Dr. Jeffrey Brown (Vice-Chair); Lansing, MI Ll Mark Eagle; Lansing, MI Q Ronald Embry (Chair); Lansing, MI Q Josephine Washington(Secretary); Lansing, MI Rf Versey Williams; Lansing, MI HRCS Staff: Kimberly A. Coleman, Guadalupe Ayala, and Katrina Urista J. Washington moved to accept the agenda. M. Eagle seconded it. Motion carried by the majority. J. Washington moved to accept the January 26, 2021 meeting minutes as presented. J. Brown seconded it. Motion carried by the majority. There was no public comment. Members watched the City Attorney's Office Ethics Training for Boards and Committees Video. There was no communications report. There were no petitions/complaints for the Board. Chairperson Embry reminded members to submit their original notarized conflict of interest as soon as possible to the City Clerk's office. Director Coleman reported that the position of Commission Investigator had been filled and would start on April 19, They will be available for introduction at the next meeting. There are some Human Rights Complaints being handled by G. Ayala. During the Attorney Abood meeting to explain the various complaints, he mentioned that he would provide some tools to the Board. The recommendations for General Fund Allocations will be finalized and submitted to Mayor Schor. Any changes to the IIh �t �T � recommendations by the Mayor will be shared with the Board. City Council has approved the Basic Human Services Ordinance, Chapter 240, which allows for an increase of 1.35 % ($135,000), which shall be reserved for local agencies or activities that address the root causes of racism and/or promote racial equity. H.R.C.S. will reach out to community agencies for requests on how the funds should be distributed. When a final strategy has been put in place, the Board will be informed. G. Ayala provided an update report on M.R.J.E.A. Workgroup submissions are due by the end of the month. City of Lansing staff is asked to complete the employee survey by March 31. A writer has been secured to pull all information together. The final plan should be completed by the end of May. K. Urista reported on COVID emergency funds. The City of Lansing will serve as the fiduciary$14 million in funds for housing, utilities, and internet services. If 65% of the funds are not utilized by September, the funds will be awarded to other counties/cities. H.R.C.S. has hired a contractual employee to assist with the COVID grant. There were no official committee reports. Chairperson Embry stated that committee guidelines would be sent to the committee chairs. There was no old business. New business. J. Washington moved that the Homelessness and Encampment Ad Hoc Committee be formalized. M. Eagle seconded it. Motion carried by the majority. J. Brown moved that the meeting be adjourned. V. Williams seconded it. This meeting was adjourned at 6:56 p.m.. Respectfully submitted, Renee Morgan Freeman on behalf of the H.R.C.S.Advisory Board Secretary Josephine Washington Note: All motions were conducted with a roll call vote. Next Meeting: Tuesday, May 25,2021 H.R.C.S. Advisory Board Members: Dr.Jeffrey Brown(Vice-Chair);Mark Eagle; Ronald Embry(Chair); Chad Guerrant; Cheryl Tennis, Josephine Washington(Secretary); Versey Williams, and one Vacancy H.R.C.S.Staff: Kimberly A. Coleman(Director); Renee Morgan Freeman(Department Coordinator) Approved KC_052121 2 1' a ` i rase City of Lansing HRCS Advisory Board Minutes Tuesday, May 25, 2021 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Microsoft Teams Virtual Meeting �t Join on your computer or mobile app Llici< h2rt fio join isle iilLe i r, Andy Schor, Mayor Or call in (audio only) 1 3 1�- (609 1„`�&�18-23'91' United States, Detroit Phone Conference ID: S64 842 391# The meeting was called to order at 5:39 p.m. by Director Kim Coleman. Roll call conducted by Renee Freeman. Dr. Jeffrey Brown (Vice-Chair)/Lansing/Exited at 6:15 p.m., Mark Eagle/Lansing, Ronald Embry (Chair)/Ohio; Josephine Washington(Secretary)/Lansing/Entered at 6:32 p.m.; and Versey Williams/Lansing HRCS Staff Present: Kimberly A. Coleman, Director, Guadalupe Ayala, Renee Freeman, Delvata Moses, Katrina Urista, and Willard Walker Mayor Schor was in attendance and conveyed his thanks to the staff and board for their services on behalf of the City. He also shared that the budget was passed and entertained questions before exiting the meeting. V. Williams moved that the agenda be approved as presented. M. Eagle seconded the motion. Motion carried 4/0. M. Eagle moved that minutes of February 18, February 26, March 9, and March 23 be approved collectively. V. Williams seconded the motion. Motion carried 4/0. There was no public comment. There was no communication to report. Petitions/Complaints—Director Coleman introduced newly hired Police Commission Investigator Delvata Moses. M. Moses and G. Ayala are assigned to review human rights ordinance complaints. They are pleased to report all complaints have been addressed and are up-to-date. D. Moses provided a brief background introduction and a summary of her actions to date related to the commission citizen's complaints and mediations. V. Williams asked Commissioner Moses what her relationship and role with the Police Commission is. D. Moses investigates police complaints for the Police Commission. She is housed in HRCS Department and supervised by the Department Director. Ms. Moses prepares monthly progress reports for the commission, and she meets with the citizen's review committee. W. Walker has been assigned as her mentor. Chairperson's Report—Chair Embry stated that a major concern is the number of homicides taking place and asked if the advisory board could come up with some ideas to assist in addressing this concern. Others expressed their concerns, and a discussion ensued. It was concluded that the Chief or a Capitan of LPD be invited to attend the HRCS Board meetings. Director Coleman would advance the advisory board's concerns for the Chief to share with the board, ways it could provide community assistance, the progress of the social worker, high-crime areas, and if they are being committed by those who live in Lansing and an overall statistics of crimes. Chair Embry is also concerned about the commitment of advisory board members at meetings. Director Coleman stated that the policy regarding attendance be reviewed. Director's Report—Director Coleman yielded to G. Ayala to report on MRJEA. The MRJEA is making great progress and will meet on May 27. Board members are welcomed and encouraged to attend the virtual City Council of the Whole meeting on June 7 at 5:30 p.m. to hear the internal and external scan reports of the MRJEA, which will be presented. A virtual community input event is scheduled for June 22 at 5:30 p.m. Towards the end of June, and it is hoped that the complete MRJEA plan will be presented to the Mayor. W. Walker reported the RFI (Request for Information) status for the Racial Equity Grant of$135,000. HRCS staff members are participants of the Harvard Kennedy School Government Performance Lab - Sprint: Excellence in Contract Management as a resource tool to assist with developing the RFI and RFP. Director Coleman informed the advisory board that their role would be the same as the allocations process of the general funds. The timeline for the Racial Equity RFI is June, the RFP in July/August, followed by a Q&A and review of the proposals in September, and the final stage will be to finalize the contract(s). K. Urista reported on the recommendations and approval of the general funds. Staff reviewed the recommendations of the HRCS Advisory Board,made adjustments due to being notified of additional funds being available, presented to the Mayor, combined review and adjustments, and presented to City Council. K. Urista shared her screen, which included the final results of$1.8 million in allocations. The HRCS ordinance amendment has been approved, which references the purpose of$135,000 to be available annually. Once the edits are finalized, the ordinance will be shared with the advisory board. Committee Reports (Program; Budget,• Policy Complaint) Chair Embry asked if any HRCS Advisory Board Committees have met. The response was negative. Director Coleman stated that committees would be asked to schedule a meeting in July. Old Business—none New Business Homelessness Ad Hoc Committee—Director Coleman provided an update on the Back 40, in which the grounds have been cleared and persons placed in shelters or other housing. The City is working to keep other persons from re-populating and put up fencing and no trespassing signs. A May 28 meeting has been scheduled with approximately 15 persons from the initial meeting to update, address encampments and devise recommendations for a policy to the Mayor. Director Coleman and Chair Embry will Co-chair the Encampment Ad Hoc Committee, and Toni Young will facilitate. J. Washington informed the board that homeless persons are being bussed in from Flint. She asked if a CERA report could be provided. Director Coleman will ask K. Urista to assist with J. Washington's request for a report at the next meeting. Vote to accept the resignation of Cheryl Tennis/At-Large—J. Washington moved to accept the resignation of Cheryl Tennis. It was seconded by Mark Eagle. Motion carried 4/0. Due to the resignation of Cheryl Tennis, the HRCS Advisory Board has two at-large vacancies. The Mayor's office is reviewing applications to fill the vacancies. J. Washington moved that the meeting be adjourned at 6:55 p.m. Seconded by V. Williams. HRCS Advisory Board Members:Dr.Jeffrey Brown/At-Large(Vice-Chair);Mark Eagle/41h Ward;Ronald Embry/2,d Ward(Chair); Chad Guerrant/At-Large;Josephine Washington/]"Ward(Secretary);Versey Williams/31 Ward,Two At-Large Vacancies HRCS Director: Kimberly A. Coleman Next Meeting: Tuesday,July 27,2021 S I�,c City of Lansing HRCS Advisory Board Agenda Monday, October 18, 2021 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. H G Foster Community Center —Room 211. Andy Schor, Mayor 200 N. Foster, Lansing, MI 48912 In Attendance: Ron Embry, Chad Guerrant, and Versey Williams. Others: Kimberly A. Coleman, Kim Dunbar, Kim Gillespie, Renee Morgan Freeman, and Willard Walker The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Chair Ron Embry C. Guerrant moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by V. Williams. Motion carried. There was no public comment. G. Guerrant moved that the meeting go into a closed session for the RFQP Interview Process with three of the four agencies. Seconded by V. Williams. Motion carried. V. Williams moved that the board resume to an open meeting. Seconded by C. Guerrant. Motion carried. C. Guerrant moved that the grant be issued to the two top scorers with recommendations to Mayor Schor for his approval with an announcement to be made at a later date. Seconded by V. Williams. Motion carried V. Williams moved that the meeting be adjourned. Seconded by C. Guerrant. Motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 7:07 p.m. HRCS Advisory Board Members: Cordella Black; Dr. Jeffrey Brown (Vice-Chair); Mark Eagle; Ronald Embry (Chair); Chad Guerrant; Josephine Washington (Secretary); Versey Williams, One Vacancy HRCS Director: Kimberly A. Coleman