The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2021-10-11 HRC Regular Minutes Approved 11.8.2021 0 Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Regular Meeting Monday, October 11, 2021 Virtual Zoom Meeting 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Andrade, deHarte, Clearly, Flood, Loyola, Ramoran, Shepherd, Vignolo Absent: Robles (Excused), Student Representative Hanner Staff Present: Jay Virata, Director, Community & Economic Development 3. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS: 4. QUORUM: Yes. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. 6. CHAIR COMMENTS: • Thanked the Commissioners for participating in the Joint Meeting with City Council on September 29, 2021. Applauded City Council for moving forward with the Section 14 Apology. Welcomed Commissioner Clearly to the Human Rights Commission. 7. APPROVAL OF MINTUES: SEPTEMBER 13, 2021 • MOTION BY: Commissioner Loyola, Second by Commissioner Flood to accept the minutes as presented. • DISCUSSION: NONE. • MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Chair deHarte thanked Staff for reporting the minutes in a timely basis. 8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION: A. Reports • Chair deHarte noted additional Chair comments and recognized Indigenous Peoples’ Day, a day that celebrates and honors the Native American peoples, commemorates their histories and cultures. Respect was given to the land they work and live by honoring and recognizing the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Although the Commission proudly supports Indigenous Peoples’ Day, they do not have a resolution; we reached out to representatives of Tribal Council and extended the Commission’s support to having them present a proclamation. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 11, 2021 Page 2 Executive Report Standing Committee (Chair deHarte, Vice Chair Shepherd) a. Retreat • Chair deHarte reported the Committee did not meet. They are still familiarizing themselves with the new committee structure; will develop a schedule and work with Director Virata to have the meetings available for public participation. Community Relations/Budget/Personnel Report a. Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) LGBT Outreach Group, Liaison deHarte • The Group met, there was discussion about the person arrested for the local murders of a lesbian and retired senior. They are pleased the PSPD worked swiftly in finding the person and bringing charges. b. Master Calendar, Liaison Ramoran • Commissioner Ramoran stressed the importance of having Commissioner commitment and participation at the upcoming Pride and Veterans Day Parades • Chair deHarte said the Commission will be marching on their own during the parades with 1 to 3 people holding the Human Rights Commission banner, with the rest of the Commission and supporters walking behind; requested Commissioners inform Commissioner Ramoran if their plans change. c. Main Street, Liaison deHarte • Main Street discussed homelessness and the impacts downtown. The PSPD spoke about their process and challenges of trying to help someone that does not want help, not much they can do other than continue to ensure the person knows about services. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS), Liaison Vignolo • Commissioner Vignolo will attend the ONE-PS Monthly Membership Meeting tomorrow. No information to report from September’s meeting. Cultural Affairs Report a. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association, Liaisons: Andrade, Flood, Shepherd • No report. Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Report a. Veterans’ issues, Liaisons: Flood, Vignolo • Commissioner Flood indicated suicide remains a critical issue for active-duty military and Veterans. If you know a veteran suffering and may need help, they can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1.800.273.8255. Youth/Education Affairs Standing Committee a. Student Representatives (Robles, Shepherd, Vignolo and Student Representative Hanner) • No report. Chair deHarte stated these meetings require an agenda be posted for public notice. The Standing Committee can work with Director Virata on the process. • Commissioner Vignolo was named committee lead. Commission Development/Mediation Report a. Mediation, Liaisons: Andrade, Vignolo • Commissioner Andrade has not received her mediation Certificate of Completion. • Commissioner Flood received his certificate for the classroom course and commented on his last communication with Ms. Olga Sanchez, Community Action Partnership of Riverside County. • Commissioner Ramoran reported receiving his classroom course certificate in June. • Director Virata responded to Commissioner Andrade inquiry, confirmed the City does not want the Human Rights Commission, as a City Representative, to be involved with Small Claims Court matters due to various liability issues. The focus would be towards community mediation and fostering communication between various parties. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 11, 2021 Page 3 B. Ad Hoc Committee Assignments a. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission Update, (Ramoran) • Chair deHarte requested that the Commission be provided with a copy of the Ordinance; this item will be on the next Agenda to provide additional comment(s) and return to the Sustainability Commission. • Commissioner Ramoran will email the Commission a copy of the current draft ordinance forwarded to the Sustainability Commission. C. Homelessness Update • Director Virata reported the Palm Springs Access Center opened a month ago. Overnight shelter services at the United Methodist Church will continue until the end of October. The operator for both the Access Center and Overnight Shelter is Martha’s Village and Kitchen. Martha’s Village & Kitchen is proposing/exploring the possibility of adding pod/pallet homes at the Access Center. Permanent supportive housing project updates were provided. • Commissioner Vignolo shared City Manager Clifton reported to members during the last ONE-PS meeting that enforcement and maintenance will be increased around bus stops, and other City locations where homeless recurringly gather. D. Vision and Priorities Update a. Priorities/Areas of Focus for the City Council Visioning Session • The Commission discussed the priority matrix document identifying and reviewing priorities/areas of focus for 2022. The final priorities forwarded to the City Manager are attached herein as part of the meeting record. E. Commissioner, Staff and Student Comments • Director Virata stated Commissioner Robles indicated she would not be present for the meeting; he commented on the subcommittee structure and clarified the role of Liaisons. • Commissioner Ramoran shared an image of a colleague honoring the names of ancestors who never returned to the Philippines after traveling to St. Louis for the 1904 World’s Fair. F. Topical Newsworthy Items – None. 9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING: The following items were proposed for the next Agenda: • Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission – (Human Rights Commissioners to Comment) 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: None. 11. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 7:21p.m. to a regular meeting on Monday, November 8, 2021 at 5:30 PM via teleconference. Respectfully submitted, Annie Rodriguez Housing Program Assistant