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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-01-2020 HRC Minutes Minutes Human Relations Commission Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Special Meeting of the Human Relations Commission CALL TO ORDER A Special Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was called to order on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. via teleconference, San Luis Obispo, California, by Chair Welts. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners, Renoda Campbell, Abe Lincoln, Drew Littlejohns, Jeannette Richardson, Megan Souza, and Nancy Welts Absent: Commissioner Emily Rosten Staff: Cara Vereschagin, Housing Coordinator; City Manager Derek Johnson; Michael Codron, Community Development Director; Megan Wilbanks, Deputy City Clerk PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None --End of Public Comment-- APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Consideration of Minutes of the Regular Human Relations Commission Meeting of June 3, 2020. ACTION: MOTION BY CHAIR WELTS, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER LINCOLN, 6- 0-1 (Commissioner Rosten absent) to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Human Relations Commission of June 3, 2020 with the following correction to Item 3: Change the text “Commissioners Lincoln and Richardson presented the preliminary funding recommendations for the 2020-21 GIA program” to read “Commissioner Lincoln presented the preliminary funding recommendations for the 2020-21 GIA program.” City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subti tle Minutes Human Relations Commission Meeting of July 1, 2020 Page 2 BUSINESS ITEM 2. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Taskforce Discussion City Council Subcommittee Liaisons, Mayor Harmon and Council Member Stewart, presented the item with the help of City Manager Derek Johnson. Working collaboratively with the Human Relations Commissioners, the following recommendations will be forwarded to the City Council: • Critical and important to involve representatives from Cal Poly that have been successful in receiving grant funding for DEI efforts. • The HRC inquired about the hierarchy and “chain of command” in the proposed DEI process/timeline, and it was expressed that all supporting bodies would report to the Task Force. • There was discussion as to the eligibility of applicants applying and receiving a DEI grant, if they were members of the Task Force. The HRC highlighted that the NOFA process should be aware of this to avoid any conflict of interest situations. • HRC commented that a 9-member Task Force could be too large for productivity and decision-making. • It was suggested that the HRC should provide feedback on the NOFA before it is becomes published. • The HRC advised that the NOFA should have commonly used jargon and be written/structured in a way that would be understandable and inviting to first-time grant seekers. • HRC also advised that the proposed 2-week application process seemed rather short, especially if it is suspected that applicants are going to be applying for newly created DEI programs & activities. • Overall, the HRC was excited for next steps and was appreciative on the progress made to structure and organize this critical effort for the community. Public Comments None --End of Public Comment-- STAFF & COMMISSION COMMUNICATIONS 3. Staff Updates Housing Coordinator Vereschagin reminded the Commission that the City Council will be reviewing the HRC’s recommendation for the 2020-21 GIA program on July 7th as Item #11. City of San Luis Obispo, Title, Subti tle Minutes Human Relations Commission Meeting of July 1, 2020 Page 3 4. Commissioner Updates Commissioner Campbell announced that the chalk art installation in Mission Plaza to memorialize Maxine Lewis was a huge success. Commissioner Richardson announced that the Section 8 Housing Voucher waitlist would be opening on July 13th which will be exciting for people looking to get into housing. Chair Welts announced that she will be attending the next PACT Meeting and will relay the latest information on the DEI to the group. ADJOURNMENT Chair Welts adjourned the meeting at 10:08 a.m. The next Regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission is scheduled for Wednesday, August 5, 2020 at 5:00 p.m., via teleconference. APPROVED BY THE HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: 09/02/2020