Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEMBERS

Present:

Commissioner Crawford

Commissioner Alton

Commissioner Bhinge

Commissioner Hudson

Commissioner Salinas

Commissioner Shipman

Commissioner Solon

Commissioner Torres

Director Saunders

Absent:

Commissioner Selim

Commissioner Alber

Commissioner Malik

CALL TO ORDER

Commission Chair Gloria Crawford called the Wednesday, June 19, 2019 Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Approval of Agenda: It was moved by Commissioner Salinas and seconded by Commissioner Shipman that the June 19, 2019 agenda be approved as presented. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

Approval of Minutes: It was moved by Commissioner Torres and seconded by Commissioner Salinas that the May 15, 2019 minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

STAFF ISSUES: Housing Program Manager Kristen Barry informed the Commission that the office will be hiring two new investigators and that they will start Monday June 24th. Ms. Barry also informed the Commission that an Outreach Coordinator will begin sometime in July.

COMMISSION BUSINESS:

HRC #2017142H - FIR. It was moved by Commissioner Torres and seconded by Commissioner Shipman on the allegations of posting a discriminatory notice and imposing discriminatory terms and conditions during tenancy, that findings of reasonable cause based on evidence sufficient to establish that violations of the Human Rights Ordinance occurred consistent with the recommendations of OHREP. This motion passed by majority vote with Commissioner Solon abstaining.

It was then moved by Commissioner Solon and seconded by Commissioner Crawford on the allegation of retaliation that this complaint be dismissed due to insufficient evidence that a violation of the Human Rights Ordinance has occurred consistent with the recommendation of OHREP. This motion failed.

It was then moved by Commissioner Torres and seconded by Commissioners Alton and Alber on the allegation of retaliation that a finding of reasonable cause based on evidence sufficient to establish that a violation of the Human Rights Ordinance has occurred. This motion passed by majority vote with Commissioner Crawford and Commissioner Solon abstaining.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Future Awards Program – Commissioner Crawford stated that the Awards Committee is scheduled to have a meeting on June 27th at 8:00. The Committee will be discussing the future of the Commission Awards Program. Commissioner Solon suggested that the Board of Supervisor’s present the award for the nominee. Commissioner Salinas stated that they have tried to do that in the past and it did not work. Commissioner Torres suggested that the Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (OHREP) provide funds and set up the program for the Committee. Commissioner Alber stated that the Committee should continue to do what they have been doing in past awards programs.

PENDING BUSINESS: -- There was no pending business.

NEW BUSINESS: Commissioner’s Training dates -- A tentative date of August 21 was set for the OHREP Overview and Housing training. A tentative date of September 18th or October 2nd was discussed for the Employment training. The office will discuss the proposed dates and let the Commissioners know if the dates will work.

Commissioner Crawford congratulated Commissioner Hudson, who was elected the Vice President of the Virginia Association for Human Rights (VAHR). Commissioner Hudson will establish an Executive Steering Committee for VAHR. Commissioner Crawford encouraged fellow Commissioners to join the Committee.

The meeting adjourned at 9:07 p.m.