Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for April 20, 2017 Present: Jan Derry, Chair Marlene Robinson, Vice Chair Kristen Cooper David Saville Judith Wilkinson Don Spencer (Program Assistant) Tim Hariston (Liaison with State HRC) Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair, at 6:30 PM. The agenda was distributed. There were no additions or changes made to the evening’s proposed agenda. Pubic Session: Richard Dumas and Roger Banks were present at the meeting. Dumas commented on Morgantown being a very diverse city and hopes for us to pass a resolution (or do even more). He stated that the city needs to stand by this resolution or a city code. Dave Saville discussed how the resolution was developed and asked about the process to make Morgantown a refugee city. Banks sees this resolution as a first step in the refugee city process. He explained that it is a long process but he felt if Charleston, WV can do it then so can Morgantown. Don Spencer and Dave Saville discussed the current status of getting refugees to come to WV. There is an interfaith group in Morgantown and there is readiness, but road blocks exist. They also mentioned the commission’s presentation to the city council of a resolution and a welcome statement and the confusion that occurred surrounding those two efforts. Minutes: The minutes for the last meeting were unavailable so they have been tabled until our next meeting. Communications: Don Spencer spoke about the Indigenous Peoples’ Day effort and introduced Bonnie Brown from the WVU Native American Studies Department. She explained that Indigenous Peoples’ Day recognizes many people in the US as well as many outside of our country. In light of the struggles of indigenous people she felt that Columbus Day was inappropriate. She further stated that she hopes the city will recognize our efforts on this project. The resolution about this issue as developed in response to 1 attention given to diversity week by WVU in 2016 and reworked with the WVU Native American Studies Department. Dave Saville thinks the “contributions” of indigenous people to our community/city should be added to the resolution. It is planned that the resolution will go before the city council towards the end of July (when the new council members will be seated) with possible passing in August. It was decided that the resolution would be redrafted and sent to the Commissioners for approval before the next monthly meeting so we could meet the deadline for submission to the city council. Jan Derry gave a legislative update regarding the ADA Education and Reform Bill which makes it illegal for a person to sue a property owner UNTIL a waiting period for the delivery of the complaint expires (as well as a waiting period while an action plan is developed). She mentioned that these new restrictions were set up to reduce the number of lawsuits regarding ADA violations. The Universal Design Senate Bill 610 did not pass the WV House of Delegates. This bill requires universal design in new residential building projects. Don Spencer reported that the Human Rights Film Festival is almost concluded. Recently there was a film shown regarding fair housing which was followed by a discussion by HUD. This raised a question about affordable housing within Morgantown. Don Spencer proposed that we study this issue and work on it with the same intent as our Universal Design initiative. The topic will be added to “New Business” for next month’s agenda. Marlene noted that there are no teeth in many of our ordinances and it was suggested that occupancy permits be contingent upon compliance to the ordinances. Marlene Robinson mentioned that she would be interested in working on efforts to makes housing in Morgantown affordable. The commission’s Universal Design Ordinance is still in the works. It needs to be reviewed by a universal design specialist and/or a legislative specialist. Don Spencer reported an incident whereby a Human Rights Ordinance provided standing for court case of discrimination. Thus, our ordinance could provide protection in some manner. The next step is to schedule it for the August 29th City Council meeting. Marlene moved to adopt the ordinance; Judith Wilkinson seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously. Priority Items: The Welcome Statement was discussed. It was reported that Councilman Wes Nugent wanted the word “legal” added in reference to those who would be welcomed to the city. Additionally, Councilman Jay Redmond asked that the word “all” be removed from the statement (because “all” means “all” and he felt we can’t accept anyone who is not a law-abiding citizen). Don pointed out that an unqualified “all” is important and exists in many well-known and accepted documents. Jay Redmond had also wanted the statement to include the phrase “we expect everyone behave with good intent.” Because of that, the commission changed the wording slightly but not to the exact wording recommended by Jay 2 Redmond. It was noted that Jay Redmond also wants “legal” added to the immigration resolution and said that it will not pass without that wording. There was a discussion of who will be at the City Council meeting next week (April 26) to introduce and support the Welcome Statement. Jan Derry will be there and Roger Banks and other selected people (like Barbara Howe) will be invited to attend. Progress Reports: Marlene Robinson reported that the Human Rights phone line will be checked for messages within the next few days. Jan Derry reported that there were no email messages sent to the Commission this month. The Commission will investigate having the phone number included in the upcoming Morgantown Newsletter and more prominently posted on the City’s website. The Affirmative Action EEOC ADA Transition Plan was addressed with the city manager in a recent meeting. There are no notes from that meeting to report. There is nothing to report on the Diversity Plan Development. There is nothing to report on the Inclusive City Planning. The Annual Report was reviewed with a few small correction made to spelling. Dave Saville moved that we approve the report; the motion was seconded by Marlene Robinson and it passed unanimously. Don suggested distributing a copy of the Annual Report to the City Council at next week’s meeting. Regular Meeting Items: No new information was shared about the agenda items. Motion to adjourn was made by Marlene Robinson; the motion was seconded by Dave Saville and the motion passed unanimously at 8:42PM Minutes submitted by Kristen Cooper 3