Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Notes May 21, 2015 Present: Jan Derry, Chair Tim Hairston – Liaison/ State HRC Don Spencer, Secretary Dave Bott – Administrative Representative Due to a lack of quorum, Jan Derry, Chair, stated that the gathering of members and ex- officio members at 6:30 p.m. did not meet the requirements for an official meeting of the Commission and that no formal action could be taken – only information shared. On the matter of Commission membership, the Chair indicated that she would make contact with the City Clerk to determine which commissioners’ terms will be expiring as of June 30 and make contact with current members up for retirement or reappointment to determine availability to continue membership. Public Session: No public session attendees were present. Communications: Jan Derry reported on the State HRC Fair Housing Conference held in Morgantown on April 16 noting that the conference the program had been well received and the event had been well attended. She also reported on the Fair Housing Training for local landlords on distinctions between service animals and pets. This event had been held on April 23. The National ADA Bus Visitation held on Saturday, May 2 brought 150 local citizens to the event and was successful in raising $4,000 to support the transportation of the bus to its next site in South Carolina. Mayor Selin attended the event and presented a proclamation of welcome on behalf of the City. Don Spencer reported that Susan Johnson is coordinating the development of a Diversity Leadership Conference to be held at Lakeview on September 29. She would like to attend the June meeting of the HRC to receive input on the program plan for the occasion. The commissioners present agreed that an invitation could be extended and that agenda time allocation could be 20 minutes. It is hoped that a full attendance of commission members can be present. Dave Bott reported that $500 in new CDBG funding has been assigned for HRC planning and service support for 20015-2016. It is expected that approximately $1,500 will be carried over from the 2014-2015 budget. Minutes: No action was taken on the minutes from the April 15, 2015 meeting. Priority Items: Persons present previewed papers summarizing the priorities identified at each of the four tables at the Town Hall Meeting on March 25th. The lists related to Housing (Jan Derry), Transportation (Don Spencer), Jobs and Livable Wages (Marlene 1 Robinson-Savino) and Mental Health and Addictions (Bob Jones). Sixty persons attended the meeting and helped identify the priorities. The information will be utilized along with demographic data and other interview material to develop an Inclusive City Plan which will include action steps for addressing as many identified priorities as possible. One of the issues considered as a current priority is the reduction in funds for three Title XIX waivers. One waiver was identified in the Mental Health/Addictions table at the Town Hall Meeting as program benefits for persons with Intellectual/Developmental Disability (I/DD) conditions – many of whom are in group homes. According to the table report, these persons currently in group homes face the prospect of having to be transferred into nursing homes because the loss of XIX I/DD waiver funds which would make continued utilization of group homes non-viable. The State DHHS has submitted the reduced budget plan –at the request of the Governor and the Legislative Finance Committees to a U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. It is expected that without intervention, the planned XIX reductions to the three waiver programs will be approved. One question which has been reportedly raised in the State is whether the action being taken by to reduce fund for group homes violates the provision of the Olmstead Decision. This decision states that it is not permissible for the State to force persons into institutions such as nursing homes. A discussion followed on the progress of the follow-up on a “housing-first” program for the homeless population in Morgantown and the various roles of organizations known as Connecting Link, Coordinating Council on Homelessness, and a Summit entity. Of particular interest is the need for pulling together case management responsibilities and defining if and how a day community center would support individuals participating in a housing first program. Reports on several items on the agenda were not considered but set aside in favor of full Commission attendance: 24/7 HRC Phone Line Implementation MEI Liaisons Civil Rights History Course Committee on Diversity Representation Report EEOC Planning Annual Community Human Rights Film Festival New Business: Jan Derry offered to work on revisions to the proposed wording on a draft resolution calling for City Council advocacy support for persons facing the implications of reductions in Title XIX funding. Jan will collaborate with other resource persons in recommending a focus for the Commssion’s expression of concern. The draft had been included in the Commission’s meeting agenda packet as proposed new business. Closure: The discussions were concluded at approximately 8:40 p.m. 2