Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for May 19, 2016 Public Safety Conference Room Present: Billie Murray Kristen Cooper Jan Derry, Chair Don Spencer, Secretary Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair, at 6:45 p.m. The agenda was approved as distributed. Public Session: There were no public session participants attending the meeting. Minutes: On a motion by Kristen Cooper, seconded by Billie Murray, the Commission approved the minutes of February 18, 2016. No action was taken on the notes for the March 17 and April 21, 2016 work sessions. Communications: Jan Derry presented information on action taken in New York City on public policy established for requiring the development of inclusionary housing along with other residential development. Information on the action was included in the agenda packet. Don Spencer reported on the reluctance of Granville, Westover and Star City to adopt the Commission’s resolution requiring compliance with accessibility design standards. He stated, however, that Mike Stone of the Morgantown Code Enforcement Department has reported no difficulties and that his department now includes a person who has been trained and certified in working with Fair Housing Standards. Derry reported that the NWVCIL has an intern two days a week but that NWVCIL is willing to have him work on the Commission’s “Welcome to Morgantown” project as well. Tim Hairston reported on concern at the State level regarding budget cuts for the State Human Rights Commission. The next meeting on budget decision-making is scheduled for May 26th. Concern was expressed by several members regarding the implementation of the Concealed Carry Law and what that might means for increased suicides, problems w/ road rage/other emotional incidents, and deaths by toddlers by having increased daily access to guns. On the Right to Work legislation concern was expressed for reduction of household income for employees heretofore benefitting from union supported contracts, prevailing wage and Davis Bacon standards. Meanwhile there is no brake on CEO or administrative salaries which have reportedly increased 45X to 700X since 1991. Plans are being generated for a “Building Code Workshop” by NWVCIL for the fall. Priority Items: The status of the Commission membership was discussed in anticipation of the June 30 termination of the City Fiscal Year. Marlene Robinson will be available for reappointment, but Don Spencer will not due to his plan to move to a residence outside of the City boundary. With Fran Whiteman’s resignation plus Matt Blair’s lack of participation, this will mean that at least three new commissioners will need to be appointed by City Council. Progress Reports: Don Spencer reported that planning meeting of the Human Rights Film Festival will begin taking place this summer. On a motion by Billie Murray, seconded by Kristen 1 Cooper, the Commission voted to appoint Don Spencer to serve as a Commission liaison on the Festival Planning Committee and to keep the Commission informed of its progress. Jan Derry agreed to prepare a job description for the intern working with the NWVCIL and to include tasks relating to the Commission. Derry reported that there has been no correspondence or meetings on Fair Housing convened by WVU Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. There was no report on the status of progress on City plans relating to Affirmative Action, EEOC, ADA or Fair Housing. On the matter of developing a “Welcome to Morgantown” program based on the Iowa City program and the Morgantown’s Human Rights Ordinance, the Commission agreed that the City of Morgantown needs to have a welcome statement. The following statement was first discussed at its April work session as a statement appropriate for Morgantown in its work to build inclusivity: Welcome to Morgantown! The City of Morgantown continuously works to build an inclusive community for its residents and visitors. We welcome all persons regardless of diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, abilities, age, economic status, or life situation. We ask that all persons herein treat others and our environment with respect and civility. On a motion by Billie Murray, seconded by Kristen Cooper, the Commission voted to approve the statement for use in the Welcome to Morgantown project and for use by the City in welcoming persons to City Hall, to the City website and to the city of Morgantown in general. The advisory board concept discussed in April was set aside for consideration after the appointment of new commissioners. Regular Meeting Items: The Commission reviewed the Annual HRC calendar, the Commission’s annual plan, meeting dates for 2016, and May-June HR Observances Calendar events. The next Commission meeting will be held on June 16, 2016. The meeting was adjourned by the chair at 8:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Spencer 6.16.16 2