Commission on Human Rights

CITY OF ALBANY COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CITY HALL 24 EAGLE STREET, ALBANY, NY KATHY M. SHEEHAN MAYOR MEETING MINUTES Meeting Date: Thursday, March 21, 2024 Meeting Time: 6:00pm Location: Mayor’s Conference Room & YouTube Meeting Facilitator: Thomas Mueller, Vice Chair - Present Invitees: Aaron Moore, Chair - Excused Kate Shelly, Secretary - Present Valerie Alexander-Moseley, Commissioner - Present Natisha Alexander, Commissioner - Excused Richard Conti, Commissioner - Present Celia Evers, Commissioner - Present Rosie Love, Commissioner - Excused Kimberly Young Wilkins, Commissioner - Present Ann Marie Salmon, Commissioner of Administrative Services - Present Melanie Woodward, EEO Compliance Officer - Present Raisi Mobele, Assistant Corporation Counsel – Present Bailey Walz, Project Manager – Present Meeting called to order by Vice Chair Mueller at 6:05 PM I. Public Comment (limited to 5 minutes per person) a) Vice Chair Mueller requested a motion to move public comment to the beginning of the meeting by the general consent of the Commission on Human Rights (“CHR”). Motion moved by Commissioner Young Wilkins, seconded by Commissioner Conti. The CHR voted unanimously to pass the motion. b) Laura Baboulis contacted EEO Compliance Officer Woodward requesting information and expressing concern on the City’s response the rights of counter-protesters at an event involving the Proud Boys which took place on January 6, 2021. Woodward advised of the policy to submit a formal complaint. c) Juliette Hammond stressed that this event was an escalation by the Proud Boys where the State Police did not intervene. The lack of police intervention resulted in the prosecution of a counter-protestor who acted to save lives. Hammond is concerned at the lack of action by the City of Albany.  d) Vice Chair Mueller thanked Baboulis and Hammond for their commentary, and the CHR expressed their support. II. Approval of February 29, 2024 Minutes a) Vice Chair Mueller requested a motion to approve 02/29/2024 meeting minutes by general consent of the Commission on Human Rights (“CHR”). Motion moved by Commissioner Conti, seconded by Commissioner Alexander Moseley. The CHR voted unanimously to pass the motion. III. Old Business a) 2024 Human Rights Recognition Reception and Forum  Vice Chair Mueller attempted to contact the Black Chamber of Commerce to host this year’s event, but has not yet received a response. As a back-up option, he has been in contact with The Hollow which currently has June 5, 12, 19 and 26 available.  Commissioner Young Wilkins will reach out to a personal contact at the Black Chamber of Commerce.  Administrative Services will send out a Doodle Poll to determine a preferred date to hold the event in June (Tuesdays or Thursdays preferred).  Commissioner Conti prepared a call for nominations draft. After discussion it was decided that nominees do not need to be a resident of the City of Albany, but their work must be reflected in the City of Albany, or they must hold a strong Albany presence.  The deadline for submissions of Nominees is 4/30/2024.  Project Manager Walz will update the call for nominations, and once approved by the CHR will circulate this to the Mayor’s press list, Common Council and similar avenues as the Henry Johnson Award. b) Commission on Human Rights Bylaws  Assistant Corporation Counsel Mobele advised that this is an active document and requested Commissioner’s continue to review and provide him with comments by April 4, 2024.  Vice Chair Mueller noted that typically whoever is acting as Chair should take a position of neutrality, not impose undue influence and should not debate or engage in votes. If the Chair does participate, they must relinquish their responsibility as Chair. Assistant Corporation Counsel Mobele will research to determine if it applies to the CHR.  Commissioner Alexander-Moseley asked if the Rules of Procedure (Adoption & Amendment) differ from the bylaws. Assistant Corporation Counsel Mobele will update the title more appropriately. c) Informational Brochure  Secretary Shelly expressed concern regarding the language surrounding protected classes. After discussion, it was decided that EEO Compliance Officer Woodward will share the NYS Division of Human Rights description, and Project Manager Walz will create alternate brochure options for the CHR to review. Further discussion regarding appropriate terminology to be included in the brochure and website was tabled.  Commissioner of Administrative Services advised that small batches or brochures can be printed to accommodate for textual and contact information changes.  d) Common Council Resolution regarding end dates for the terms of Commissioners  Assistant Corporation Counsel Mobele presented a rough draft to implement uniformity for Commissioner Appointment term dates. Commissioner Conti advised that the resolution will require a Local Law along with a separate section of conforming language. He recommended review of the Zoning Board’s formatting. Mobele will work with the Common Council’s attorney to redraft the language. e) Updates from Corporation Counsel regarding responsibilities with respect to investigations  Assistant Corporation Council advised that the CHR’s responsibility as a board is enumerated in section 42-366 of the City Code. The memo summarizes the CHR’s authority and responsibility to receive and address complaints within their jurisdiction, and refer to the NYS Division of Human Rights as needed.  Commissioner of Administrative Services Salmon confirmed that all incoming complaints are tracked, and if they are within the CHR’s jurisdiction the complaints are forwarded for the review of the Investigations Committee, however no complaints received for 2024 have fallen within the CHR’s jurisdiction.  Commissioner Young Wilkins requested clarification regarding the timeline for processing complaints as there are certain benchmarks that must be followed. IV. New Business a) City of Albany Equity Audit  Chief City Auditor Applyrs released an Equity Audit which reviewed the CHR Equity Agenda Report. Equity Audit can be found here: https://albanyny.gov/1928/Audit- Reports  Findings related to the CHR are: o Auditor found that the CHR was compliant in publishing annual reports, but noted a lack of tracking ongoing goals.  Administrative Services will provide data to the CHR earlier to allow for more time to assess data and track goals. o Auditor found that reports had not been published on the City website  All reports have been added to the website. o Auditor found a lack of compliance in hosting annual forums on race, equity and inclusion.  The Mayor responded to the Audit, noting that the CHR hosts the annual reception and the Mayor has hosted many rotunda events  Vice Chair Mueller recommended further discussion about a bi-monthly Rotunda discussion series. V. Updates from Commission on Human Rights Subcommittees a) Community and Non-profit Engagement and Events  Albany Community Land Trust Gun Violence Prevention Program will meet 3/27.  Commissioner Young Wilkins thanked the CHR for their support with the Black Family and Wellness Expo.   Tulip Fest will require a CHR sponsor to complete the vendor application sheet. Project Manager Walz will create a sign-up sheet for Commissioners to select shifts to staff the table.  The African American heritage parade is scheduled for 6/14/2024.  The Black Expo is scheduled for 11/8/2024 – 11/10/2024.  Please share upcoming event details with Project Manager Walz, or enter event information on the calendar in the newly created CHR shared drive. b) Investigations  N/A c) Communications and Social Media  Administrative Services and Corporation Counsel are attempting to regain access to the CHR Facebook page. VI. Other Announcements and Discussion  Secretary Shelly motioned to invite Monice Barbero Gayle Hartz of the Legal Project to join the April 18, 2024 meeting to discuss housing. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Young Wilkins. The CHR voted unanimously to pass the motion. VII. Adjournment  Commissioner Alexander Moseley made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:12 pm. Motion seconded by Commissioner Evers. The CHR voted unanimously to pass the motion. Minutes Approved on: April 18, 2024