HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-12 HRC Regular Minutes Approved 6.14.2021FY 2020/2021
Human Rights Commission
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA
0
MINUTES
Regular Meeting
Monday, April 12, 2021
Virtual Zoom Meeting
X = Present
E = Excused Absence
U = Unexcused Absence
R = Resigned
Other Staff Present:
Councilmember Geoff Kors
Jay Virata, Community and Economic Development Director
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:34P.M.
2. ROLL CALL: Director Virata proceeded with roll call; Commissioner Shepherd arrived at 5:35pm.
3. MISSION STATEMENT & GOALS: The mission statement was read aloud by Vice Chair Chappell.
4. QUORUM: YES.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following public comments were received related to Agenda Item.7A.A Frank
Bogert Statue Recommendation. The following individuals spoke in support of a recommendation to
relocate and/or remove Frank Bogert Statue:
Ginny Foat
Janel Hunt
Jody Diaz
Lilly Hanner
David Weiner
The following public comments were received related to Agenda Item.7A.A Frank Bogert Statue
Recommendation. The following individuals spoke in opposition of a recommendation to relocate and/or
remove Frank Bogert Statue:
Susan Smith
Sue Lefevre
Tom Kiley
Doug Evens
There being no one else desiring to speak, Chair deHarte closed Public Comment.
COMMISSIONER JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN
Terri Andrade X X E X E X X X X
Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X X X X X X X E X
Ron deHarte, Chair X X X X X X X X X
Glenn Flood X X X X X X X X X
Edwin Ramoran X X X X X X X X X
Donna Shepherd X X X X U E X X X
Ella Cash, Student Rep. X X X X X X
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2021
Page 2
6. CHAIR COMMENTS:
o In place of Chair Comments, Chair deHarte asked Commissioner Andrade to share a remembrance of
the passing of Former Commissioner Jim Gross. For anyone wishing to donate in his memory, the Well
in the Desert and the Dhamma Dena Meditation Center in Joshua Tree was identified as dear to Jim’s
heart.
o Chair deHarte announced two new Commissioners will be joining the Commission starting July 1, 2021;
another member will be discussed during the Youth/Education Affairs Committee
7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION/ACTION:
A. Committees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell
Executive Committee (deHarte, Vice Chair, Shepherd)
a. Frank Bogert Statue Recommendation
o Chair deHarte reported the agenda item is being brought forward by the Executive Committee
and is an opportunity to discuss and bring forward the subject that this body first addressed 55
years ago and occurred 8 months after Frank Bogart resigned as Mayor of Palm Springs. He
noted the conversation today is going to center on the monument of Frank Bogart. The following
recommendation came out of Committee:
o MOTION: By Executive Committee, Second By Commissioner Flood to bringing the proposed
Resolution on the Frank Bogert monument to the Commission for discussion. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
o Guest Councilmember Kors thanked the Commission for the warm remembrance of Jim Gross.
He acknowledged former Councilmember Foat, Claire Lucas, Chairman deHarte and himself as
authors of the draft resolution. An invitation was extended to the Commission to join a Special
Meeting with City Council on May 20, 2021 at 5:30pm. It would be a joint presentation on the
history of Section 14, and to make final decisions on the matters related to Section 14.
Councilmember Garner and he had requested the Special Meeting, The public will have the
opportunity to comment with advance notice as required by law. In response to public comments
heard regarding “cancel culture”, he stated the proposed resolution would be cancelling
celebrating Frank Bogert as the only person acknowledged with a monument in front of their
Government building and is taking into account the pain that residents who were negatively
impacted, feel every time they come to City Hall to see him celebrated.
o Chair deHarte commented on the preparation of the draft 309-page Commission Report and
noted Section 14 is the first issue that came before the Human Relations Commission 55 years
ago and is still being talked about today.
o The draft Resolution was read aloud and opened for discussion.
o Commissioner Shepherd stated her support of being in favor of the draft resolution. Feels it’s too
little too late but a good first step in resolving the pain of the decisions made during that period of
time in Section 14.
o Commissioner Ramoran stated his support of being in favor of the draft resolution. Agrees with
pushing the draft resolution forward and applauds the authors for the strong language and context
used in the document.
o Commissioner Andrade stated her opposition of the draft resolution. Would like to see the
resolution reworked in a less one-sided judgment, more factual, and less anecdotal. She noted
both sides need to be heard before they vote on something as factual.
o Commissioner Flood stated his support of the draft resolution. In order to live up to their mission
statement as the Human Rights Commission, indicated they needed to support the resolution.
o Vice Chair Chappell stated her support of the draft resolution. Agrees with the relocation of the
statue and being educators and sensitive of atrocities that have happened so that they are not
repeated to anyone.
o Student Representative Cash stated her support of the draft resolution. Supports removing the
statue to be not celebrating awful actions and noted it is not trying to erase history.
o Chair deHarte stated his support of the draft resolution. He acknowledged the incredible good
that Frank Bogert did for the City, however the discussion is about his leadership and the ability
that he had to stop the atrocities and to make a difference in the lives of hundreds of families; he
endorses the thought of relocating the monument to another place in the City where he can be
honored and tell both sides of the story.
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2021
Page 3
o Commissioner Ramoran further spoke in support of the proposed resolution as presented. He
noted a longer conversation needs to be reconciled about structural racism and its role in the
building of this city.
o In response to Commissioner Andrade inquiry, Chair deHarte commented on the Section 14
matter that was brought forward to the Human Relations Commission in August of 1966, noting
that the clearing had already occurred.
O MOTION: BY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, SECOND BY COMMISSIONER FLOOD, TO
APPROVE THE DRAFT RESOLUTION AS PRESENTED TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS
COMMISSION AND FORWARD THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO CITY COUNCIL WITH
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION ENDORSEMENT. MOTION CARRIED 5 – 1.
An additional Motion was made towards the end of the meeting before Agenda Item D.
Commissioner, Staff and Student Comments. Motion made at 6:43PM | 1:49:42 on video recording
timestamp.
b. April 7th World Health Day
o Chair deHarte presented a presentation recognizing the celebration of April 7th World
Health Day around the world.
Community Relations Committee/Budget/Personnel Committee
a. PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee (deHarte) –
o Chair deHarte presented an update on the hate crimes data reported in the Committee
for the month of March.
b. Master Calendar (Ramoran)
o Commissioner Ramoran reported on upcoming events, activities being celebrated and
observed for the month of April by the United Nations, locally and nationally.
c. Main Street (deHarte) No report.
d. Finance (deHarte, Chappell) No report.
e. Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs No report.
Cultural Affairs Committee
a. Community Service Awards (deHarte, Chappell) No report.
b. Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association (Andrade, Flood, Shepherd)
o No report; Chair deHarte noted Commissioner Shepherd was added to the Committee.
Seniors/People with Disabilities Veterans Affairs Committee
a. Veterans issues (Flood) Commissioner Flood shared that the American Legion remains open.
Youth/Education Affairs Committee
a. Student Representatives (Chappell, Cash)
o Vice Chair Chappell presented a new Student Representative Application for the Human
Rights Commission from Lilly Hanner; On behalf of the Committee requested
consideration to have her join the Human Rights Commission.
O MOTION: BY YOUTH/EDUCATION AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, SECOND BY
COMMISSIONER SHEPHERD TO ACCEPT LILLY HANNER AS SECOND STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION. MOTION CARRIED
UNANIMOUSLY.
o New Student Representative Lilly Hanner shared her interest in serving on the
Commission.
o Vice Chair Chappell will organize a virtual meeting to go over rules/procedures with the
student representatives. Chair deHarte noted Lilly Hanner’s application had come
forward from Councilmember Woods and Mayor Pro tem Middleton who had received
her application through the City’s formal application portal.
Commission Development/Mediation Committee
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2021
Page 4
a. Mediation (Andrade)
o Commissioner Andrade indicated that Commissioners Flood, Ramoran and she
completed the Mediation Training classroom curriculum. They have the choice to receive
a Certificate of Completion or continuing towards the State Mediator Certification.
Commissioner Andrade will be pursing State Mediator Certification.
o Commissioner Flood will be pursing State Mediator Certification.
o Commissioner Ramoran will be pursing State Mediator Certification; is excited to see one
of the new Commissioners is also a mediator.
b. Retreat (Chappell, deHarte) No Report.
B. Committee Assignments
a. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission Update
o Commissioner Ramoran welcomed new student representative Lilly Hanner; presented
a new red-line draft ordinance. It was requested that the Commission review the draft
document and provide comment at their next scheduled Regular meeting. In response
to inquiry, Commissioner Ramoran will find out if stakeholders were invited to share
their input.
Chair deHarte introduced guest Palm Springs Police Chief Brian Reyes. The meeting proceeded to
Agenda Item 7C. Homelessness Update; followed by Agenda Item 7B.B Street Naming Update and then
resumed with the regular order of the Agenda.
b. Street Naming Update
o Commissioner Ramoran thanked Director Virata for guiding him on how committee
updates work; Commissioner Shepherd serves on the Committee; they will be meeting
to start discussions around street naming in the City, anyone interested in participating
was welcomed to join the committee.
C. Homelessness Update
o Police Chief Reyes thanked the Commission for their continued effort and provided a
summary update on the Homelessness efforts that City has been engaged in to assist
individuals that are suffering from homelessness. Highlights from Project RoomKey, The
Quality Inn, Downtown and Barista Park was shared. It was noted that the communication
with the County of Riverside has increased. They had just completed a tour today with
County Staff, Councilmembers, Director Virata and City Manager Clifton to see firsthand the
areas that are impacted throughout the City. Chief Reyes responded to Commissioner
Inquiries.
o Director Virata, in response to Commissioner Andrade shared that Hot Purple Energy will be
hosting a display of Pallet Homes on April 23, 2021 at 4:30PM. It is as a possible option for
providing housing to homeless individuals with a low affordable cost.
o Councilmember Kors – Stated the tour with Supervisor Perez was helpful so he could recount
first hand when they have discussions with him; the demonstration on April 23rd is from
Martha’s Village and Kitchen and Well in the Desert; The City is applying for the new
Community Project Funding Grant from the Federal Government to buy the Boxing Club and
land next to it for a project; also today they looked at the Gene Autry property for possible
affordable housing with wrap-around services and potential navigation center.
Frank Bogert Statue Recommendation:
o Chair deHarte announced that it was brought to his attention that another resolution is
needed for Agenda item. 7A.A; Acceptance of the 309-page report with the pending 28
business day review before the Commission and then it will be voted on by the Commission
for acceptance.
o MOTION: by Commissioner Andrade, second by Commissioner Shepherd to accept the
report as presented with a 28-business day review. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
o In response to the invitation extended by Councilmember Kors to have a Joint Special
Human Rights Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2021
Page 5
Meeting with the City Council on May 20, 2021 at 5:30PM, there was consensus among the
Commission to cancel their originally scheduled May 10, 2021 meeting and in favor of the
May 20th special meeting.
D. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS:
o Commissioner Ramoran – Commented on the meeting having the most participation on a Zoom
call; welcomed Lilly Hanner.
o Commissioner Shepherd - Welcomed Lilly Hanner; glad to see Ella Cash continuing to
participate; acknowledged Commissioner Ramoran’s email; agreed it was a tough subject
covered today and glad to see everyone taking a stand.
o Commissioner Flood welcomed Lilly Hanner.
o Student Representative Cash welcomed Lilly Hanner; Excited to have a Co-Student
Representative
o Commissioner Andrade welcomed Lilly Hanner; Agreed it was great to see a high public
participation and that the Commission is looking deeply on a tough subject.
o Vice Chair Chappell welcomed Lilly Hanner; believes this is one of the toughest conversations
they have had and hope they continue to have.
o Director Virata introduced new City Manager Justin Clifton and invited him to say hello if
available.
o City Manager Clifton shared a summary of his background and commented on his inspiration
to make his move to Palm Springs; is impressed to see the dialog from the Community and
Commissioners; encouraged Commissioners to reach out to him if they needed anything.
o Chair deHarte commented on the feedback shared by the Commission to the Resolution today;
welcomed Lilly Hanner; new Commissioners will be introduced in the next couple months;
congratulated Commissioner Shepherded on her reappointment to the Commission.
E. Topical Newsworthy Items – None.
8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING:
1. Clean Indoor Air and Health Protection Draft Ordinance with Sustainability Commission
Update (June Meeting)
2. Adoption of Monument Report and Approval to Forward to City Council (May Meeting)
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
o Commissioner Ramoran commented on inclusionary housing. Commission consensus to inquire with
the Affordable Housing & Homelessness Council Subcommittee on how the Commission can provide
support with inclusionary housing efforts. Commissioner Ramoran volunteered to be the Liaison.
o Director Virata to inform the Commission of who the Council Liaisons are.
10. ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourn at 7:36PM to a Special Joint Meeting with City Council on
Thursday, May 20, 2021 at 5:30PM.
Respectfully submitted,
/S/ Annie Rodriguez
Annie Rodriguez, Housing Program Assistant