Commission Meeting

COMMISSION MEMBERS

Present:

Commissioner Crawford

Commissioner Alber

Commissioner Alton

Commissioner Hudson

Commissioner Shipman

Commissioner Torres

Director Saunders

Absent:

Commissioner Selim

Commissioner Bhinge

Commissioner Malik

Commissioner Solon

Commissioner Salinas

CALL TO ORDER

Commission Chair Gloria Crawford called the Wednesday, May 15, 2019 Commission meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

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

Approval of Minutes: It was moved by Commissioner Crawford and seconded by Commissioner Torres that the April 17, 2019 minutes be approved as presented. The motion passed by unanimous vote.

STAFF ISSUES: Director Saunders updated the Commission with the April monthly report. The Staff met the Balance Score Goals for the month.

COMMISSION BUSINESS:

Commissioner Crawford welcomed newly appointed commissioner Kimberly Alton to the Commission.

HRC #2018111H - Conciliation. It was moved by Commissioner Shipman and seconded by Commissioner Hudson that the Conciliation Agreement in this matter be accepted as presented. This motion passed by unanimous vote.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS: Future Awards Program – Commissioner Crawford gave a brief overview of the Awards programs and the Awards committee, to the new

Commissioner Alton. Commissioner Crawford stated that the committee is working on proposals and will share them with the Commission. Commissioner Shipman inquired about a deadline for the Fair housing event in preparation for next years event. Director Saunders suggested to start soliciting early fall. Outreach specialist will assist in getting information out to the community. The position will start sometime in October. Commissioner Crawford stated that the Commission will have to decide whether they would like to continue the awards program. Commissioners Alton and Alber volunteered to join the Awards Committee. The Awards committee will schedule a conference call meeting June 27th at 8:00pm, were they will discuss the awards program and report back to the Commission at the next scheduled meeting.

PENDING BUSINESS: - Commissioner Hudson informed the Commissioners that the Virginia Association of Human Rights will be holding a meeting in Richmond. Commissioner Torres stated that the VHAR is made up of Commissioners throughout Virginia and they will discuss what the different commissions do. Commissioner Crawford offered her gratitude to Commissioner Hudson for Serving on the VHAR steering/Planning Committee.

NEW BUSINESS: The Commissioners discussed whether to support adding Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity and Source of Income to the protected classes. It was moved by Commissioner Alber and seconded by Commissioner Hudson that the Fairfax Country Human Rights Commission forward recommendations to the Fairfax Board of Supervisors in support of initiating legislation proposing that the Virginia Legislature add "Sexual Orientation and Gender identity" as protected class to the Virginia Fair Housing Act .The motion passed by majority vote with Commissioner Shipman abstaining.

It was moved by Commissioner Alber and seconded by Commissioner Alton that the Fairfax Country Human Rights Commission forward recommendations to the Fairfax Board of Supervisors in support of initiating legislation proposing that the Virginia Legislature add "Source of Income" as a protected class to the Virginia Fair Housing Act .The motion passed by unanimous vote.

The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.