HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations and Community Services Board Minutes 04.28.26
City of Lansing Human Relations & Community Services
Advisory Board Meeting Summary
Attendance: Ron Embry, Sean Gehle, Melissa Horste, Glenn Lopez, Dr. Versey Williams and Dr.
Thomas Woods
Staff: Amy Crank, Renee Morgan Freeman, and Interim Director Delvata Moses
Others: Patrick Abood, OCA and Sunny Miller, OCA
The meeting was called to order by Chair Ron Embry at 5:36 p.m.
Roll Call
A quorum was established with the majority of board members present. Chair Embry acknowledged
and asked Sunny Miller (new City Attorney) to introduce herself. She stated that she was one of the
newer assistant attorneys with the Office of City Attorney (OCA) who will be attending HRCS AB
meetings.
Approval of the Agenda
M. Horste moved to approve the agenda. Seconded by Dr. Woods. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
S. Gehle moved to approve the minutes of March 24, 2026. Seconded by Dr. Woods. Motion carried.
Public Comment
None
Communications
None
Interim Director’s Report
Interim Director Moses provided a brief update on NOVA, stating that former director, Kim Coleman, is
serving in the role of consultant for the Lansing Housing Initiative. Meetings with the community have
continued, with the most recent meeting being held in Council President Peter Spadafor’s Ward 4. Kim
Coleman has also met with non-profit agencies, DHHS, TCOA who occupy offices on the selected
ModPod site. She has also met with the leadership of community mental health. The meetings
provided updates and addressed any concerns presented such as parking, green spaces, safety and
not being part of the process. The agencies expressed that they would collaborate with HRCS as plans
move forward. There is still an opportunity for residents to sign up for NOVA work groups. The board
was asked to save the date of June 16th from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. to attend a NOVA Lansing Housing
Initiative Meet and Greet.
Date of Meeting: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Time of Meeting: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Place of Meeting: Foster Community Center
200 N. Foster, Room 211
Lansing, MI 48912
HRCS Advisory Board Meeting Summary 042826 – P a g e | 2
Interim Director Moses reported that the RFP operating agency closed on April 22nd. The HRCS AB
Program Committee was asked to review the RFPs with its recommendations. The RFPs will be
provided to the committee within the next week.
There was mention of the recent Lansing State Journal reference to the date continuing to be changed
for the placement of the ModPods. Interim Director Moses reported that the report was incorrect.
There are processes and approvals which must be completed first. However, Kim is still moving
forward with the anticipation of the ModPods being placed by the winter. There was brief discussion
stating that HRCS must dispel any myths and state the facts.
Evaluation of Grant Assignments and Scoring
Amy Crank, Contract Administrator, shared feedback and suggestions to help streamline the grant
assignment and scoring process, which include, adjusting application dates, limiting submissions per
agency, establishing regular board member check-ins, creating soft and hard review deadlines,
organizing applications by category and neighborhood to reduce duplication of services, requiring
partner support letters, and developing a process for resolving allocation disagreements or fast-tracking
decisions when consensus is reached.
New Business
S. Gehle inquired about replacement of the two advisory board vacancies. The Mayor’s office is aware
of the vacancies and is vetting interested people.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:22 p.m.
HRCS Advisory Board Members (6/8): Ronald Embry/Chair (2nd Ward), Sean Gehle (MAL), Melissa Horste/Vice Chair
(MAL), Glenn Lopez (1st Ward), Versey Williams (3rd Ward), Thomas Woods (MAL), Vacancy (MAL), Vacancy (4th Ward)
Finalized DM/rmf/052626