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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-13 HRC Regular Minutes APPROVED 7.22.2022 Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA 0 MINUTES Regular Meeting Monday, June 13, 2022 Virtual Zoom Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ron deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners: Andrade, deHarte, Flood, Loyola, Ramoran, Shepherd, and Student Representative Hanner Absent: Commissioners: Cleary, Robles (Excused), Vignolo (Excused) Staff Present: Jay Virata, Director, Community & Economic Development 3. QUORUM: YES 4. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS: 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE 6. CHAIR COMMENTS: Chair deHarte wished a Happy Birthday to Mayor Lisa Middleton and congratulated her for receiving an invitation to a Pride event at the White House. He announced this is his last meeting as Chair and shared some of the Commission’s accomplishments during his tenure; listed previous and current Commissioners and student representatives and thanked them for their service. 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Reports 1. Executive Report Standing Committee (Chair deHarte, Vice Chair Shepherd) - None a. Retreat - None 2. Community Relations /Budget/Personnel Report – None a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Liaison (deHarte) Chair deHarte reported the Palm Springs Police Department continues to do an incredible job for the City and mentioned a hate crime at the Airport. b. Master Calendar Liaison (Ramoran) Commissioner Ramoran thanked Chair deHarte for his leadership and service; encouraged the public to access the City Calendar on the City’s website; noted temperatures are rising and discussed the City’s various cooling centers; spoke about the national focus on gun violence, reproductive rights and the recent March for our Lives; addressed the recent election and Pride month; announced an exhibition by the LGBTQ+ History and Archives of the Desert at the Palm Springs Public Library; reported Palm Springs will celebrate Pride in November and talked about a special Alzheimer’s presentation at the Library. Additionally, he addressed the City’s Juneteenth celebration and looked forward to the City’s Fourth of July events. c. Main Street Liaison (deHarte) Chair deHarte noted an uptick in violent behaviors in connection with downtown restaurants and bars. d. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs Liaison (Vignolo) - None Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2022 Page 2 3. Cultural Affairs Report - None 4. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association Liaison (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd) - None Commissioner Flood thanked Chair deHarte for his leadership and service. 5. Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Report - None a. Veterans Issues Liaison (Flood, Vignolo) - None 6. Youth/Education Affairs Standing Committee - None a. Student Representatives (Hanner, Robles, Shepherd, Vignolo) - None 7. Commission Development/Mediation Report - None a. Mediation Liaison (Andrade, Vignolo) - None 8. Equity and Social Justice Committee Update (Ramoran) Commissioner Shepherd noted challenges in meeting and thanked Chair deHarte for his leadership and service. ELECTION OF HRC CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR Chair deHarte declared the positions of Chair and Vice Chair of the HRC and called for nominations. Commissioner Loyola expressed his interest in the position of Chair. Commissioner Andrade nominated Commission Vignolo for Chair. There were no other nominations for Chair. Chair deHarte nominated Vice Chair Shepherd to continue in her role as Vice Chair. There were no other nominations for Vice Chair. Commissioner Loyola was elected Chair by a vote of 5-1. Vice Chair Shepherd was elected to continue as Vice Chair by a unanimous vote. B. Joint Meeting and Presentation to Commissions and City Council June 21, 2022 Director Virata announced an upcoming Joint Meeting and presentation to Commissions, Boards and City Council on June 21, 2022 with dinner beginning at 5:00 p.m. and the meeting beginning at 6:00 p.m. Discussion followed regarding providing a recap of past accomplishments and plans for the future. Vice Chair Shepherd suggested that Outgoing Chair deHarte provide a list of past accomplishments and that New Chair Loyola introduce himself and present plans for the future and include items from the matrix of priorities. C. Potential Educational Program Collaboration with Boys and Girls Club Director Virata presented a brief update on this item. D. National Bullying Month (October) Symposium Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes June 13, 2022 Page 3 Director Virata encouraged Commissioners to send their comments regarding the item to Commissioner Vignolo or to him. E. Commissioner, Staff, and Student Comments Commissioner Andrade thanked Chair deHarte for his leadership and service and wished him well. Additionally, she commented on increased incidents of crime downtown and suggested hosting listening sessions on the subjects of gun violence and another on conflict resolution. Chair deHarte suggested agendizing a discussion regarding Commissioner Andrade’s suggestions and encouraged Commissioners to bring ideas to the next meeting. Commissioner Flood reported his mediation training continues with certification as the goal. Commissioner Loyola spoke about the importance of the topics and turning ideas into action. F. Topical Newsworthy Items - None 8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING: The HRC will discuss the possibility of hosting a listening session on the impact of violence in the community and conflict resolution targeted to the City’s youth. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None 10. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:29 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting on Monday, July 11, 2022 at 5:30 p.m., via teleconference.