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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-12-14 HRC Regular Meeting Agenda 5:30 PM Regular Meeting Monday December 14, 2020 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA www.palmspringsca.gov AGENDA Pursuant to Executive Order N-29-20, this meeting will be conducted by teleconference and there will be no in-person public access to the meeting location.  To view/listen/participate in the meeting live, please use the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84164720699?pwd=ZUk5V2c1SUVLQUEvQjlrcnVpcXR2QT09 Or Call: 669 900 6833 US (San Jose); 346 248 7799 US (Houston); 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma); 312 626 6799 US (Chicago); 929 436 2866 US (New York); 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C) Meeting ID: 841 6472 0699 Passcode: 109623  Written public comment may also be submitted to cityclerk@palmspringsca.gov. Transmittal prior to the meeting is required. Any correspondence received during or after the meeting will be distributed to the Board/Commission as soon as practicable and retained for the official record.  The meeting will be recorded and the audio file will be available from the Office of the City Clerk and will be posted on the City’s YouTube channel, as soon as practicable. Ron deHarte, Chair Denise Chappell, Vice Chair Terrie Andrade Glenn Flood Edwin Ramoran Donna Shepherd Student Representatives: Solange Signoret Ella Cash Staff Liaison Jay Virata, Director Community & Economic Development City of Palm Springs Mission Statement: Palm Springs is an inclusive world-class city dedicated to providing excellent and responsive public services to enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. Please silence electronic devices. 1. CALL TO ORDER: 2. MISSION STATEMENT: "The Mission of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is to promote and protect the diversity of our community and to improve human relations through education and community Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda Monday, December 14, 2020 Page 2 awareness." Goals:  To develop community education programs;  To investigate and mediate instances of discrimination of groups or individuals;  To bring persons and groups together in common support of human rights issues;  To acquire the fiscal and human resources necessary to support and accomplish the work of the Commission;  To provide management and coordination for the Commission;  To promote diversity through the appointment of candidates to all city boards and commissions to proportionately reflect the diversity of the population of the City of Palm Springs;  The Commission and each Committee shall develop goals and objectives annually, for adoption by the commission;  The Commission shall work closely with the Mayor, City Council, and City Cabinet and with all other City Commissions and Boards in joint endeavors that support the Commission's mission statement and City's goals and objectives. 3. QUORUM: 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: This time has been set aside for members of the public to address the Human Rights Commission on agenda items; and items of general interest within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. Three (3) minutes is allowed for each speaker. Although the Commission values your comments, pursuant to the Brown Act, it generally cannot take any action on items not listed on the posted agenda. Commissioners will not enter into discussion with speakers, but during Commission Comments, may refer the matter to staff for report and recommendation at a future Commission meeting. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 9, 2020 6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) b. Master Calendar (Ramoran) c. Main Street (deHarte) d. Finance e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs Cultural Affairs Committee a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell) i. Community Service Awards Slate b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd) Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee a. Veterans issues (Flood) Human Rights Commission Meeting Agenda Monday, December 14, 2020 Page 2 AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING I, Jay Virata, Director, Community & Economic Development, City of Palm Springs, California, certify this Agenda was posted on or before 4:00 p.m. on Thursday December 10, 2020, as required by established policies and procedures. Pursuant to the Government Code Section 54957.5, the designated office for inspection of public records in connection with the public meeting of the Human Rights Com mission is the office of the City Clerk, City Hall, at 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. /s/ Jay Virata Jay Virata, Director Community & Economic Development Youth/Education Affairs Committee a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Signoret and Cash) Executive Committee (deHarte, Vice Chair) a. International Day of Persons with Disabilities – December 3 b. Human Rights Day – December 10 c. International Migrant Day – December 18 Commission Development/Mediation Committee a. Mediation (Andrade) b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) B. General Plan Update – Vote on Unified Response to Planning Department on Proposed Vision & Priority Statements C. Topical Newsworthy Items 8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING: 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 10. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission will adjourn to an adjourned regular meeting Monday, January 11, 2021 5:30 p.m. via teleconference. It is the intention of the City of Palm Springs to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If, as an attendee or a participant at this meeting or in meetings on a regular basis, you will need speci al assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City will attempt to accommodate you in every reasonable manner. Please contact the Department of Community & Economic Development, (760) 323-8321, TDD (760) 864-9527, at least 48 hours prior to the meeting to inform us of your particular needs and to determine if accommodation is feasible. Pursuant to G.C. Section 54957.5 the designated office for inspection of public records in connection with the meeting is the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California. FY 2020/2021 Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 0 MINUTES Regular Meeting Tuesday, November 9, 2020 Virtual Zoom Meeting X = Present E = Excused Absence U = Unexcused Absence R = Resigned Other Staff Present: Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. 2. MISSION STATEMENT: The Mission Statement was read aloud by Commissioner Flood. 3. QUORUM: 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: October 13, 2020 MOTION: By Commission Shepherd, second by Commissioner Ramoran to approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried. 5 YES| 0 NO | 1 ABSTAINED. 6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: Commissioner Ramoran - Commented on last month’s Proclamations, wished everyone a happy Palm Springs Pride; honored all veterans on Veterans Day; and acknowledged we are on the indigenous land of Sec -he of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Commissioner Andrade – Echoed the comments to honor all veterans. Commissioner Flood – Echoed the comments to honor all veterans and wished all families, caretakers and survivors well. Vice Chair Chappell – Commented on attending downtown during Pride Weekend. Concurred with honoring COMMISSIONER JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN Terri Andrade X X E X Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X X X X Ron deHarte, Chair X X X X Glenn Flood X X X X Peter Owen X X X R Edwin Ramoran X X X X Donna Shepherd X X X X Solange Signoret, Student Rep. X U U Ella Cash, Student Rep. X Human Rights Commission DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes November 9, 2020 Page 2 veterans and noted the parade celebration will be missed. Thanked Commissioner Ramoran for his work to encompass culture. Student Representative Cash – Echoed the Veterans Day comments. Chair deHarte – Gave kudos to the City who will be hosting a drive-through appreciation event on Veterans Day in front of City Hall and drive-through appreciation luncheon for all veterans at the Convention Center Parking Lot. Reminded residents and interested parties to apply on the City’s website for the City’s Equity and Social Justice Committee. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, December 1. 7. PRESENTATIONS / GUEST SPEAKERS: A. General Plan Update, Assistant Planning Director David Newell David Newell, Assistant Planning Director – Provided a PowerPoint Presentation overview of the General Plan and the limited updating process required by the State. Residents can obtain more information at PSGeneralPlan.com. Introduced the proposed Vision and Priority Statements related to diversity and inclusivity. At the request of the City Council, the Human Rights Commission is to provide comment on the proposed revisions. 8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) – Chair deHarte – The Committee is moving forward organizing their Town Hall Meeting; is being planned for some time between March and April 2021. b. Master Calendar i. Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2020 at Palm Springs City Hall Commissioner Ramoran – The Transgender Health & Wellness Center will be hosting the Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20 at City Hall from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. This will be a drive-through event. Commissioner Ramoran and Andrade volunteered to attend and will coordinate how to represent the Commission. c. Main Street (deHarte) – No Report. d. Finance Chair deHarte asked if anyone had any interest in serving on the Budget Committee. He welcomed Vice Chair Chappell to join him. A report will be given at the next meeting. e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs – No Report. Cultural Affairs Committee a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell) Vice Chair Chappell - Introduced the Community Service Awards Nomination Application. Application deadline is December 3rd. Everyone is invited to submit nominations. Chair deHarte - The February 8, 2021 ceremony will likely be a virtual program. Applications are available on the City’s website and on the Human Rights Commission webpage. The subcommittee will present recommended honorees for the Commission’s review and vote in the December meeting. Human Rights Commission DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes November 9, 2020 Page 3 Mr. Virata – Confirmed the list of past honorees has been updated and is available on the City Website. b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood) Commissioner Flood – Heard positive feedback on the Voting Assistance Center set-up in the area. Senior/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee a. Veterans issues (Flood) – Commissioner Flood – Nothing additional to report. The Local American Legion is struggling but will have outdoor dining. Youth/Education Affairs Committee a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Signoret and Cash) Student Representative Ella Cash – Shared an experience she and her family had with a Palm Springs Police Officer, while celebrating following the results of the Election. She expressed some concerns and noted that the officer approached their vehicle without a mask. Commissioner Shepherd – Indicated that the incident is something that they should report to the Police Department and apologized for the experience. Chair deHarte – Echoed Commissioner Shepherds comments and thanked her for sharing her experience. The Commission will follow-up after the meeting to get more details to speak with the Police Department to raise awareness. Executive Committee (deHarte, Chappell, Owen) Commission Development/Mediation Committee a. Mediation (Andrade) Mr. Virata – Received information from Community Action Partnership of Riverside County’s Mediation Program. Mr. Virata will forward the information received about training costs and specifics and report back to the Commission. b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) – No Report. B. Committee Assignments C. Renaming of Streets Update (Ramoran & Owen) Chair deHarte – Announced Commissioner Owen has submitted his resignation from The Human Rights Commission. Commissioner Ramoran – Encouraged other Commissioners to join the subcommittee. D. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission Update (Ramoran) Commissioner Ramoran – Is working directly with Commissioner Baker from the Sustainability Commission and meeting on Fridays, topics of discussion include but are not limited to: impact between condominiums and apartments, designating smoking areas, economic impact, and awareness campaign. They believe it might not be something enacted until the COVID -19 Pandemic is under control and/or potentially after 2021. E. Topical Newsworthy Items Commission Shepherd – Inquired if there is something the Commission can do to address recent events discussed at today’s meeting and campaign etiquette seen during the election. Human Rights Commission DRAFT Regular Meeting Minutes November 9, 2020 Page 4 Chair deHarte – Concerns brought forward is not new for elections. The Equity and Social Justice Committee hopes to bring a higher level of awareness and discussion in the community. Mr. Virata indicated he would inquire with the City Clerk, City Attorney, and the Police Chief to see if they can speak at a future Commission meeting regarding items discussed. Commissioner Shepherd volunteered to join the Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association Committee. Chair deHarte encouraged the Committee to communicate regularly to ensure representation each meeting. Commissioner Ramoran – Commented on several reasons to celebrate that included both the local and national election results. Commissioner Shepherd – Expressed concern about speeding in the Desert Highland Neighborhood. Mr. Virata suggested contacting Marcus Fuller, Assistant City Manager. Chair deHarte – Appreciated comments made. Encouraged ideas be-brought forward for the Commission to take action. Noted that Student Representative Cash and her family has the right to file a formal Complaint to the Human Rights Commission to go forward and raise the awareness with the Palm Springs Police Department Vice Chair Chappell – Provided comments on the Community Service Awards Nomination. The purpose of the award is to recognize community activists. 9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING: The following Agenda items were proposed:  Community Service Awards – Review of recommended honorees  Commission Budget  Presentation on Guidelines and Fair Practices during an election  General Plan Update – Vote on unified response The Commission will have a Study Session on December 7, 2020 at 4:00p.m. to discuss the General Plan. The Comment form is to be emailed by Mr. Virata prior to the meeting. The Commission will vote on a response at the regular December 14, 2020 meeting. Chair deHarte – Thanked Student Representative Cash for sharing her experience and welcomed her to do so in the future. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. 11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 7:03 P.M. to a Regular Meeting, Monday, December 14, 2020 at 5:30 P.M. via teleconference. Respectfully submitted, Annie Rodriguez Housing Program Assistant HRC Comments on 2040 General Plan Vision and Priorities General Plan Vision Palm Springs is a vibrant, diverse and inclusive desert resort community where year-round and seasonal residents and visitors enjoy a relaxing and positive experience featuring safe neighborhoods, arts, culture, creativity and an exciting social environment. The City values equity its indigenous and cultural heritage, architectural, historical, cultural, and natural resources and balances resident priorities with economic and sustainable growth. We celebrate our diversity. We are an equitable, inclusive community with a high quality of life for all residents, regardless of income level, race, ethnicity, gender, ability or age. We recognize that all persons have a right to access physical, social and digital infrastructure across all planning objectives. The City provides responsive, friendly, respectful, and efficient public services allowing for inclusion of people with disabilities and full community participation for all our residents and businesses. Comments on “General Plan Priorities” 1. Support Palm Springs as a premier desert resort community. Strengthen and promote those things that make Palm Springs a one-of-a kind resort destination, including its natural resources, eco-tourism, its pedestrian-oriented shopping and entertainment districts, its unique architecture, cultural diversity and identity, the convenience of its airport and convention center, and its wide array of lodging and recreational facilities. Added Priority #1b. Foster and enhance opportunities for open space retention and expansion that allows safe neighborhood access throughout Palm Springs and its adjacent areas. Open spaces with safe access are accessible for all regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, native language, culture, abilities, and disabilities. Where possible, open space includes passive and active forms of recreation for all to enjoy. 2. Continue to advance Palm Springs’ role as a sustainability leader. Promote the sustainable and affordable use of materials, energy, land, water, air and other natural resources to enhance the long-term livability of our community for all residents regardless of socio-economic position. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and proactively anticipate and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Reduce wastes going to landfill through source reduction, reuse, recycling and other methods. 3. Diversify and strengthen the City’s economy and promote education and innovation. Develop and encourage new businesses, employment and education opportunities that will maintain a stable sustainable, livable, resilient and diverse economy and workforce. Promote businesses that will provide a living wage. Invest in improving accessible public and private infrastructure for a digital future for all. Promote employment opportunities in renewable energy and other green businesses. 4. Maintain and enhance a diverse range of retail, dining and entertainment opportunities for local, regional, and tourist markets. Encourage diverse and appealing shopping opportunities for residents, tourists, and the regional market that will generate sales tax revenues, attract customers from neighboring communities, and enrich the quality of the life for those living in and visiting Palm Springs. Suggested revision of 4 – Maintain, encourage, and enhance a diverse and appealing range of retail shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities to generate sales tax revenues and enrich the quality of the life for those living in and visiting Palm Springs. Consumer. 5. Provide for a broad range of affordable, healthy, high-quality housing opportunities for all residents. Encourage development of resource efficient housing units at a range of densities for all life stages and affordable to all economic levels. ADD - 5b - Identify solutions to complement development programs and facilitate efforts to reduce rent burden and housing instability. Strive to achieve inclusionary housing development to create opportunities for low-income earners, young people, and seniors. 6. Create, maintain and enhance unique places and facilities that foster community interaction and engagement. Facilitate access to and improve parks and other open spaces, community facilities, arts and cultural centers and landmarks in order to promote the City’s rich history, offer visual interest, and support lively activity. Ensure community facilities provide services and amenities for all inhabitants to be able to fully enjoy and contribute to city life. that meet the needs of families in Palm Springs. 7. Encourage the creative mixing of land uses to promote vibrant and walkable neighborhoods and commercial areas accessible to all. Combine residential, retail, office, and other land uses within commercial and other key locations, to create active, inclusive, full-service neighborhoods that are less dependent on the automobile. #7b. Nurture retail opportunities for residents in all neighborhoods. With a commitment to inclusivity, strengthen and promote equitable and convenient access to the basic ingredients of healthy, productive lives through a variety of retail opportunities that serve the needs of daily lives in close proximity to all residential neighborhoods. 8. Preserve and uphold the distinct architecture and unique visual and aesthetic form in buildings and neighborhoods that distinguish Palm Springs from other cities. Promote the identification of unique culturally diverse neighborhoods while investing in priority neighborhoods that have a greater need because of historic disinvestment. Encourage new and characteristically different neighborhood types to develop. Recognize the importance of adaptive reuse for architecturally and historically significant resources. 9. Provide a circulation system that accommodates the smooth safe flow of vehicular traffic and public transportation, encourages safe bicycle and pedestrian movement, and presents attractively landscaped corridors. As the City develops, safe and complete streets with transit will be necessary to ensure a safe and functioning network of circulation corridors and intersections, protecting residential neighborhoods from commercial traffic to the extent possible. The streets will be attractively developed, designed with adequate parking and maintained to encourage bicycles, pedestrians, and alternative forms of transportation. Trails, bikeways, and other forms of circulation linkages through the city and into surrounding areas must also be developed and maintained. 10. Enhance both visual and physical access to the City's surrounding mountains, washes, open space, and other scenic and natural resources. The indigenous heritage and Unparalleled natural resources in and near Palm Springs add value to the City’s quality of life and are an important contributor to the City’s image as a destination resort.