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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHRC Minutes OCT-DEC 2018 Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Regular Meeting October 8, 2018 Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Present Present FY 2018/2019 FY 2018/2019 This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences Terri Andrade X 3 1 Jilska Chandrasena X 2 2 Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 4 Sam Ciraulo 2 1 Ron deHarte, Chair 3 1 Jim Gross X 4 Ryan Miccio 3 1 David Morgan X 4 Nicki Randolph X 4 Other Staff Present: Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison 1. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Chappell called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. 2. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Ciraulo, not present, resigned effective October 8, 2018; Chair deHarte, not present (excused absence); Commissioner Miccio, not present (excused absence); Mr. Cook, Staff Liaison announced that a quorum was present. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Robert Heinbaugh, Palm Springs, commented on Agenda item 7.B. He expressed appreciation to the Commission for designating Commissioner Randolph to work on the tobacco related issues. He provided the Commission with the latest updates regarding the status of the Tobacco Retailer Permit at the first City Council reading. The second reading is scheduled for October 17, 2018. He emphasized that the Commission still have an opportunity to write a letter of endorsement and get it to City Council. Paul Henrickson, Palm Springs, commented on the Tobacco Retailers Permit County Ordinance. He will be working with Commissioner Randolph to bring presentations to the Commission to look for a resolution of support on a citywide no smoking ordinance as well. It was indicated that the Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2018 Page 2 Sustainability Commission has already presented their resolution of support to City Council. Mr. Henrickson also made comments of cannabis growing facilities emerging near neighborhoods . 4. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: February 12, 2018, March 12, 2018 and April 9, 2018 MOTION BY: Commissioner Morgan, Second by Commissioner Randolph to approve the minutes of February 12, 2018, March 12, 2018 and April 9, 2019 as presented. 4 Ayes / 1 Abstained (Commissioner Gross), 1 Recused (Commissioner Andrade) DISSCUSSION: The Commission will bring forward the Minutes to next month meeting due to lack of simple majority. There was a brief conversation regarding the meeting Agenda packet. Commissioner Gross indicated that he had not received an Agenda packet by email. He also stated that his reason for abstaining even though he was present at all three meetings because of the amount of time lapse he would propose it to be questionable. Vice Chair Chappell indicated that they would come back to Agenda item 4. The meeting continued with the next Agenda item. 5. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: Commissioner Morgan – Stated he has been doing volunteer work at the Boys and Girls Club, and commented on the Safe House shelter being a great youth program. He further commented on Cities such as San Francisco, charging the developers of cannabis growing facilities a fee for the area of where the development is. Mr. Cook – Indicated that he is not familiar with the application process of cannabis growing facilities. If the Commission has an interest, they may be able to get someone from the Planning Commission or Staff to provide an overview of the process. Commissioner Gross – Stated that the Cathedral City would be a good resource to look into because they are very live and actively discussing what to do with the cannabis growing facilities with the same issues that are rising in Palm Springs. 6. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE: A. Master Calendar – Commissioners Andrade and Miccio Mr. Cook – Indicated that they had updated the calendar. All Pride events have are now accounted. No major corrections. Subcommittees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell Internal:  Community Outreach & Marketing – Commissioners Chandrasena, Miccio, and Randolph Commissioner Morgan – Identified two corrections to the Subcommittees. He was accidently removed from the Community Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee and was to be removed from the Student Representative Subcommittee. Vice Chair Chappell confirmed the Subcommittee members. Commissioner Gross will be removed from the Subcommittee as he had previously requested. Commissioner Morgan will be removed from the Student Representative Subcommittee. Commissioner Randolph – Reported that the Subcommittee has had to cancel the fundraising event for October 30, 2018. They are not dropping the event rather identifying a new date. They will continue to move forward and clear up all the factors that the City Attorney needs them to do. She further noted that the producer was understanding of the delay and indicated that whenever they are ready to do the event that he would provide the film. They will be talking with The Center, who is there Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2018 Page 3 beneficiary to coordinate a date.  Community Service Awards – Chair deHarte, Commissioner Gross, and Commissioner Ciraulo Commissioner Gross – There has been no meeting to provide a report.  Finance – Commissioners Miccio and Randolph Commissioner Randolph – No update at this time.  Retreat – Chair deHarte, Vice Chair Chappell, and Commissioner Miccio Vice Chair Chappell – No update at this time.  Student Representatives – Vice Chair Chappell, Commissioners Morgan, and Miccio A discussion over the challenges, the Subcommittee has had to get student representatives ensued. It was suggested by Commissioner Chandrasena that the Commission obtain two student representatives from the Boys and Girls Club and/or other youth organizations. Mr. Cook indicated that the Districting Work Group has recommended to City Council that all Boards and Commissioners have a student representative. He will be inquiring with the City Clerk’s office on how they will be adding student representative and will be sharing with them their experience and difficulties the Commission has had to assist with moving forward in elevating the School Boards interest.  Senior Expo and Dependent Adult Bill of Rights – Chair deHarte and Commissioners Gross Commissioner Gross – Reported that everything is in order for the Senior Resource Day event and provided venue details. Event brochures with a Spanish language insert was distributed to the Commissioners. The publicity plan was discussed and Commissioners volunteered to take brochures to specific identified loc ations. He welcomed Commissioners to participate in the event if they were able to. Comments and questions were presented and discussed regarding the report. External:  Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association – Commissioner Chandrasena, Andrade and Miccio Commissioner Chandrasena – Attended last month’s meeting and heard discussions on the election reform at the Community Association Meeting. She will not be able to attend tomorrow’s meeting at 7:00p.m. and asked if someone else can be present at the meeting. Commissioner Andrade – Indicated that she would try to see if she could attend the meeting.  Housing & Homelessness Task Force – Commissioner Andrade Commissioner Andrade – No report. Mr. Cook – The next quarterly meeting will be next Thursday, October 18, 2018 and it is listed on the Master Calendar. Commissioner Gross – Shared that City Council had received a thorough report from the Parks and Recreation Commission regarding the status of homelessness items overall including housing. He referred to the 70-page report as a great resource that is available for viewing on the City Council meeting agenda located at the City Website. Comments and questions were presented and discussed. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2018 Page 4  Main Street Palm Springs – Chair deHarte No report. (Chair not present)  Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) – Commissioner Gross Commissioner Gross – Will be making a presentation to ONE-PS on the Senior Resource Day.  PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee – Chair deHarte No Report. (Chair deHarte no present)  Mediation Service – Commissioner Gross Commissioner Gross – Reported that he will be speaking Ms. Susanne Severin regarding what is available to the Commission. He is aware of the County already having a great mediation program in place. He further shared prelim inary ideas that he will be discussing and will then be soliciting the Commission’s reaction as to whether it’s just mediation services or there is also community education. C. Topical Newsworthy Items Commissioner Gross – Shared national media news story that he came across regarding a transgender student in Virginia Middle School being excluded from a safety drill and was on the baseball field alone in the middle of the drill. Commissioner Gross commented that the incident was a form of human cruelty of the highest order. 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE: A. Film Proceed Sharing Commissioner Randolph – Indicated that for the particular film/fundraiser, The Center would be the most appropriate partner. She recommended that the final profit discussion be post- pone for January now that there is a delay and they are working to get the contract approved through the City Attorney. A brief conversation ensued. There was no opposition from the Commission. The discussion will be post-pone until January. B. Tobacco Retailer Permits Commissioner Randolph – Stated that she did not want to overstep her bounds and wanted to receive clarification as to what is her role. Mr. Cook – Indicated that the advocating group is asking for a letter of support. Similarly, to the separation of families at the border efforts, the Commission would vote on the effort to support and have the Tobacco Retail Permit Ordinance approved and a minute order would be provided to City Clerk’s Office by Staff to be included in the Staff Report to City Council. MOTION: By Commissioner Gross, Second by Commissioner Chandrasena to recommending adoption of the proposed ordinance of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, establishing regulations applicable to Tobacco Retailer Permits consistent with Calif ornia State Law and Riverside County Ordinance 838.2, be approved. Motion Carried 6-0. AYES: Commissioner Andrade, Commissioner Chandrasena, Vice-Chair Chappell, Commissioner Gross, Commissioner Morgan and Commissioner Randolph. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commissioner Ciraulo, Chair deHarte and Commissioner Miccio. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes October 8, 2018 Page 5 A brief conversation followed clarifying the additional support Commissioner Randolph could provide by attending the City Council meeting at her discretion/schedule availability. Presenting themselves as a Human Rights Commissioner at City Council meetings was also discussed. 8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT HRC MEETING: 1. Commissioner Recruitment 2. Committee Structure – Standing and Ad Hoc 3. Report to the City Council A discussion followed regarding Commission representation at the Dyke Rally and the Pride Parade, approval of minutes post pone for November, procedural question and Staff tasks. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Commissioner Gross – Announced that he had overlooked reporting that ONE-PS will be holding a candidates forum at 6:30p.m. Thursday evening in Council Chambers for the Desert Water Agency and the Palm Springs Unified School District. He noted that it would be a great opportunity to learn about the candidates. Commissioner Morgan – Commented on speaking as a citizen before the Parks and Recreation Commission last year regarding the homeless at Sunrise Park. He further commented on the safety of the children, elders and citizens that are being threatened by the homeless at Sunrise Park. He noted that he would like to start speaking at City Council meetings publicly, going back to the Parks and Recreation Commission, and start doing a letter to the editor as a private citizen. A discussion ensued among the Commission. Mr. Cook will be sharing with Commissioner Morgan additional resources such as the Palm Springs Homeless Hotline an d email address, assuring that the concerns are taken seriously and responded to. He will also be providing the specific Staff names that he should include so his concerns do not get unnoticed. He also recommended that he join the Homelessness Task Force meeting and making his views known there. Mr. Cook – Announced that the next scheduled meeting falls on a Veterans Day holiday on November 12, 2018 and City Hall will be closed. Therefore the meeting will be scheduled to the following Monday, which would be November 19, 2018. 10: ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:48p.m. by motion from Commissioner Randolph, second by Commissioner Gross and approved by a unanimous vote to an adjourned Regular Meeting, Monday, November 19, 2018, at 5:30 P.M. in the Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA. Respectfully submitted, Annie J. Rodriguez Housing Program Assistant Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Regular Meeting November 19, 2018 Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Present Present FY 2018/2019 FY 2018/2019 This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences Terri Andrade X 4 1 Jilska Chandrasena X 3 2 Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 5 Ron deHarte, Chair X 4 1 Jim Gross X 5 Ryan Miccio X 4 1 David Morgan 4 1 Nicki Randolph 4 1 Other Staff Present: Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. 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 ed ucation and community awareness” 3. ROLL CALL: Commissioner Morgan, not present, excused absence; Commissioner Randolph, not present, excused absence; Mr. Cook announced that a quorum was present. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Bill McCarthy, President of Unity Foundation, a non-profit that promotes world peace spoke to the Commission about the work that the Foundation does specifically around Human Rights , including their Peace Channel and Positive Spin television show. A Human Rights Day celebration flyer was provided to all Commissioners. Paul Henrichson, Palm Springs, thanked the Commission for their support in the Tobacco Retailers Permit. He explained that the next effort was to pass a citywide ordinance. A copy of the draft ordinance was provided to the staff liaison for Commissioner distribution. He explained that the he is Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018 Page 2 looking for the Commission’s support about the discrimination that people suffer because of tobacco and second hand smoke in Palm Springs. Bob Heinbaugh, Palm Springs, commented on his experience attending the American Public Health Association Convention in San Diego. Emphasizing the information, he had learned from the health effects of second hand smoke and tobacco. 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: February 12, 2018, March 12, 2018, April 9, 2018, May 14, 2018 and June 11, 2018 Commissioner Gross initiated a discussion by suggesting the Commission post pone the approval of the minutes until December now that he has discovered with the help of Mr. Cook, Staff Liaison, why he was not able to view the meeting agenda packet sent via email by Staff, and would like some time to review them . There was consensus to move forward with a motion for approval of minutes from February, March and April. Minutes from April and May was tabled for December’s meeting. MOTION: By Vice Chair Chappell, Second by Commissioner Miccio to approve the minutes of February 12, 2018, March 12, 2018 and April 9, 2019 as presented. Motion carries 6-0 6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: Commissioner Miccio - Congratulated Commissioner Gross on a successful Senior Resource Day and thanked his fellow Commissioners that were charging the banner down the street at the Pride Parade event. Commissioner Gross – Thanked Commissioner Andrade for the video recapping the Senior Resource Day event. Commissioner Andrade – Congratulated Commissioner Gross on the Senior Resource Day event. Chair deHarte – Echoed the comments on the Pride Parade and thought the Commission had a beautiful presence. A special shout out to Commissioner Randolph was made as the sole representative for the Veterans Day Parade. He encouraged getting as much participation at the Black History Parade when the conversation of commitments to events comes up. He further congratulated Mizell Senior Center, Commissioner Gross, Ms. Susanne Spencer and Ms. Ginny Foat for a really well organized Senior Resource Day program. 7. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE: A. Master Calendar – Commissioners Andrade and Miccio Commissioner Miccio – Stated that there was nothing new to report. They still need to get a “baton handoff”, the expectation of the duties involved with the master calendar. It was discussed that Commissioners Andrade and Miccio will be meeting with Commissioner Chandrasena following the meeting for the “baton handoff”. It was noted that the Subcommittee would be the ones to coordinate and solicit support/participation from the Commission, including registration on any event they bring forward that is on the Master Calendar effective last month. A minor discussion followed that identified the upcoming events and conversation of removing/adding events from the master calendar and sponsorships. It was agreed that the Subcommittee would look at 2019 and if any funding were found necessary then they would need to get together with Finance Subcommittee to get it in the budget. A target for the month of February was set for budget recommendations to be carried forward to City Council. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018 Page 3 B. Subcommittees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell Internal:  Community Outreach & Marketing – Commissioners Chandrasena, Miccio, and Randolph Commissioner Miccio – Reported that the Subcommittee is starting up their regular meetings again to discuss various initiates and efforts that they are thinking about. Some proposals shall be brought forward to the Commission at the next meeting. Chair deHarte – Spoke about the Commission following through with their presence at events and displaying Commitment of the Commission going forward. He recommended that if they know that they would only have one person participating in an event, that as a group they decide that they are not going to participate in the parade, so that they prevent sending the wrong message. Comments and questions were presented and discussed.  Community Service Awards – Chair deHarte, Commissioner Gross, and Commissioner Ciraulo Commissioner Gross – Reported that the Subcommittee met and discussed the application process. The proposed application was distributed among the Commission to entertain a motion to approve the form and have it circulated with a due date of December 6, 2018. They would like to have the award nominees available for approval by their December 10th meeting. The Community Service Award Ceremony is scheduled for February 11, 2019. MOTION: By Commissioner Gross, Second by Commissioner Miccio to approve the 2019 Community Service Awards Application form as presented. DISCUSSION: It was discussed that once approved, nominations can be submitted by the public as well as Commissioners by either email or dropped off at City Hall to Mr. Cook’s attention. Ms. Blaisdell, Director of Communications puts out a press release and the application is available on the City website. Commissioners can also circulate the application within their own social media network. MOTION ON THE FLOOR CARRIES 6-0.  Finance – Commissioners Miccio and Randolph Commissioner Miccio – Reported that the Subcommittee has not had a recent discussion on the item therefore there is nothing new to bring forward. Chair deHarte – Requested that the Subcommittee work on a timeline to come up with any budget suggestions. It will be placed on the Commission’s February Agenda to address any suggested changes that will then be sent to City Council. Mr. Cook – Reminded the Subcommittee that their City Council Liaison Councilmember Holstege had offered her assistance to bring the additional funding request forward.  Retreat – Chair deHarte, Vice Chair Chappell, and Commissioner Miccio Vice Chair Chappell – Stated that the Subcommittee will be meeting afterwards and that they will be coming back in December to schedule a retreat time/date. Mr. Cook – Indicated that he has been notified by the City Clerks Office of the Council Calender for 2019 and they will be dark in August. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018 Page 4  Student Representatives – Vice Chair Chappell, Commissioners Morgan, and Miccio Commissioner Miccio – Shared that the item has been frustrating and disappointing because the Commission revised the self -nomination process for the student representative and it has been circulated with no response to application submissions. The Subcommittee will be meeting at the end of the meeting to discuss additional outreach efforts. Commissioner Gross volunteered to join them for a few minutes to share his ideas. Chair deHarte – Encouraged the Subcommittee to continue with their outreach efforts and not get discouraged.  Senior Expo and Dependent Adult Bill of Rights – Chair deHarte and Commissioners Gross Commissioner Gross – Thanked Commissioners who were present for support. Highlights of the program results were shared. He will be having an evaluation meeting with Mizell Senior Center over the next two weeks. It was noted that the Commission would likely have an Agenda item early next year about the Commission’s position on whether to do that type of sponsorship again. External:  Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association – Commissioner Chandrasena, Andrade and Miccio Commissioner Chandrasena – Saw an increase in youth participants at last week’s Community Association meeting. Top issues of concern that were brought-up by the community were: dispensaries and cultivation facilities starting-up in the neighborhood and sexual harassment at the high school. The new Palm Springs High School Principal was present, and she suggested that he be invited to a Commission meeting. Comments and questions were presented and discussed.  Housing & Homelessness Task Force – Commissioner Andrade Commissioner Andrade – Reported no new updates.  Main Street Palm Springs – Chair deHarte Chair deHarte – Reported no new updates.  Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) – Commissioner Gross Commissioner Gross – Reported that ONE-PS will be electing their officers at its next meeting. Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month, at 8:00 a.m., at the City Yard Conference Room, 425 N. Civic Drive. Comments and questions were presented and discussed. The Commission will be adding the ONE-PS Community Picnic & Expo as an item of discussion for next month’s meeting to determine whether the Commission wants to participate. Mr. Cook will be following-up with Ms. Goolsby, Manager of The Office of Neighborhoods, regarding the application deadline to participate.  PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee – Chair deHarte Chair deHarte – Reported that the continuing items of discussion have been race relations and Police Department recruitment strategies when reaching out to LGBTQ communities. The Police Department is partnering with other departments throughout Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018 Page 5 the state to see what the best practices are for recruitment to the LGBTQ population.  Mediation Service – Commissioner Gross Commissioner Gross – Reported no new updates to report. C. Commissioner Recruitment Mr. Cook - Stated that they have one Commissioner vacancy. Two sitting Commissioners have acknowledge to the City Clerk that they are interested in reapplication and their names will be considered. Five applicants have submitted applications. Interviews will begin early December. The Chair will assist two City Councilmembers in the interviews. It is anticipated that they will be appointed at the December 5th monthly meeting of City Council and be seated in the Commission’s January meeting. D. Committee Structure The Agenda item was being carried forward from last month’s Study Session meeting on the rules and guidelines/structure. The Commission conversed about what they discussed at the meeting. It was agreed that they would bring the item forward to their December 10, 2018 meeting and would approve the October discussion on standing committees going forward for 2019. Due to not all Commissioners being present at the October 8, 2018 meeting, Mr. Cook will be putting together summary notes of that general discussion and will be getting them out as soon as possible so Commissioners can familiarize/recap themselves in time for their December meeting. E. Report to the City Council Chair deHarte – Indicated that Mr. Cook had forwarded a note out to the full Commission on October 25, 2018 with a request to receive their response on their level of involvement from July 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. Their individual comments will be compiled along with the overall report to City Council on behalf of the full Commission. Comments and questions were presented and discussed. Commissioners are to respond to Mr. Cook’s request on behalf of the Chair by December 3, 2018. F. Clean Air, Smoking and Tobacco Use Proposed Ordinance The Commission entered into discussion about the recommendation and endorsement on the draft resolution that has been presented to the Staff Liaison, Mr. Cook. The two speakers that spoke earlier during Public Comments were invited by the Commission to participate in the discussion for a brief question and answer period surrounding the draft ordinance. The Commission requested that Mr. Cook send a copy of the 18-page document to all Commissioners to review and discuss adopting for December’s meeting. The draft ordinance has been reviewed by the City Attorney and is anticipated to go before City Council for the first reading in December. G. Topical Newsworthy Items Commissioner Chandrasena – Announced the Ability Festival will be held on December 1, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in Palm Desert Chair deHarte – Shared that if you get hungry in Palm Desert head over to the Tamale Festival that is taking place in Indio. Commissioner Gross along with Chair deHarte announced that the Annual Transgender Day of Remembrance Memorial would be tomorrow, November 20, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Palm Springs City Hall. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes November 19, 2018 Page 6 8. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT HRC MEETING:  Commissioner Chandrasena to invite the new Palm Springs High School Principal to a Commission meeting as his schedule permits.  Subcommittee Reports  Meeting Time  Senior Resource Fair Video to be presented for all Commissioners to view  ONE-PS Picnic Vice Chair Chappell – Emphasized that the Master Calendar Subcommittee confirm participation coverage for Black History Parade and ONE-PS Commissioner Andrade – Recommended that the Commission recognize Human Rights Day on December 10, 2018. Chair deHarte – Indicated that the slate for Community Service Awards nominees will be presented under the Community Service Awards Subcommittee report for approval. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Cook – Announced that the County has established January 29, 2019 as the Hom eless Point-In- Timecount. More information will be forthcoming. 10: ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 6:54p.m. an adjourned Regular Meeting, Monday, December 10, 2018, at 5:30 P.M. in the Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA. Respectfully submitted, Annie J. Rodriguez Housing Program Assistant Human Rights Commission CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MINUTES Regular Meeting December 10, 2018 Palm Springs City Hall, Large Conference Room 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Present Present FY 2018/2019 FY 2018/2019 This Meeting to Date Excused Absences Unexcused Absences Terri Andrade X 5 1 Jilska Chandrasena X 4 2 Denise Chappell, Vice Chair X 6 Ron deHarte, Chair X 5 1 Jim Gross X 6 Ryan Miccio X 5 1 David Morgan X 5 1 Nicki Randolph X 5 1 Other Staff Present: Dale Cook, Community Development Administrator, Staff Liaison 1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair deHarte called the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. 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 ed ucation and community awareness” 3. ROLL CALL: Mr. Cook announced that a quorum was present. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Bill McCarthy, President of Unity Foundation, announced it was Human Rights Day and the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With the encouragement of Commissioner Andrade to celebrate Human Rights day, a proclamation from Mayor Moon was secured and read. Mr. McCarthy will be making a presentation later on during the meeting. 5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: May 14, 2018 and June 11, 2018 MOTION: By Commissioner Morgan, Second by Vice Chair Chappell to approve the minutes from May 14, 2018 and June 11, 2018 as presented. Motion carries 8 – 0. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Page 2 6. COMMISSIONER, STAFF AND STUDENT COMMENTS: Commissioner Miccio – Has been promoting the opportunity of the Commission opening to as many diverse candidates that he is aware of. He urges the leadership and interview panel to consider as many diverse candidates that qualify to fill the Commissions opening. Mr. Cook – Reported that they are on calendar schedule to seat someone in January. They have received 11 applications in addition to the two members that are seeking to be seated again. A minor question and answer period followed regarding the selection process. Commissioner Randolph – Stated that she too has been trying to recruit people to add diversity to the Commission. Eleven applications is excellent. Commissioner Chandrasena – Requested that having representatives who are currently working in the front lines of Human Rights in the community should be considered as candidates, not only the people who are retired. Commissioner Morgan – Commented on his efforts to recruit as many diverse commun ity members and emphasized a big loss to the Commission coming at the end of the fiscal year; he appreciates everyone’s efforts to get as many diverse candidates on the Commission. The meeting advanced to Agenda item 8 – H. Human Rights Month Recognition/Presentation. 7. GUEST SPEAKER: TO BE ANNOUNCED Chair deHarte – Announced that they intended to have a guest speaker but that is not happening. The meeting resumed with the order of the Agenda and resumed to Agenda item 8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE – A. Master Calendar. 8. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION AND/OR VOTE: A. Master Calendar – Commissioners Andrade and Miccio Commissioner Miccio – Reported that the Subcommittee had met and brought forward the discussion surrounding the trial meeting period times and reverting to a 3:00p.m start time. There was a consensus agreement that the meeting time change trial period did not generate a bigger audience. It was agreed that the Commission would resume back to the regular meeting time of 3:00p.m., beginning January. If they hear direction from City Council, they will address the meeting time again. No changes were made to the regular meeting dates through through June 2019 of the Master Calendar. Commissioner Miccio – Noted that the Subcommittee solicited feedback from Commissioners regarding the parades and special events . The Community Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee will be reporting on that feedback during their report. Chair deHarte – Recommended that Human Rights Day be added to the Calendar and the Commission can decide what is that action. B. Subcommittees – Chair deHarte and Vice Chair Chappell The first internal Subcommittee report given was by the Community Service Awards Subcommittee. The Community Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee was skipped in accident. (Proceed to the Community Service Awards Subcommittee) Internal:  Community Outreach & Marketing – Commissioners Chandrasena, Gross, Miccio, and Randolph Commissioner Miccio – Reported that last week, the events on the Master Calendar were Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Page 3 reviewed by the Subcommittee and brought forward their recommendation of events to participate in 2019 for discussion, event updates if any, and approval. The Subcommittee has recommended that the Commission continue participating in the following events for 2019:  Community Service Awards  Black History Month Parade  Film Screening – It was announced that the contract was approved by the City. A new date is being coordinated with the theater around the last two weeks in March 2019. Either the Finance or Community Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee will present the Commission with a recommendation on how they will share the revenue with the beneficiary.  ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo  Pride Parade  Senior Resource Day  Veterans Day Parade  Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast The Dyke Rally was not included in the recommendation and will be re -visited in the future. It was noted by Commissioner Miccio that through the Subcommittee have assigned leaders to each event to coordinate on behalf of the Commission. Commissioner Chandrasena – Reported that she represented the Commission at the following outreach events during Commissioner Miccio’s report: Coachella Valley Resource Meeting, The Ability Festival and the Inclusion Conference. MOTION: By Commissioner Gross, Second by Commissioner Miccio to support the schedule of events that have been presented with the caveat that the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will be decided based on budget. DISCUSSION: Commissioner Morgan initiated a brief discussion on the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast Sponsorship and table seating. MOTION ON THE FLOOR CARRIES 8 – 0. The meeting proceeded ahead to the Finance Subcommittee Report. (Community Service Awards Subcommittee Report already given)  Community Service Awards – Chair deHarte, Commissioner Gross, and Commissioner Gross The Subcommittee passed out their suggested slate of honorees to the full commission for discussion and endorsement of support. A discussion that only referenced the nominees by a number ensued. Fourteen applications were received with a couple duplicates. The Subcommittee is recognizing four individuals and two groups in their suggested slate. MOTION: By Commissioner Morgan, second by Commissioner Randolph to accept the slate as presented for the Community Services Awards on February 11, 2019. Motion carried unanimously 8 – 0. The Chair will be contacting the honorees regarding accepting the award. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Page 4 Mr. Cook – Noted that by the direction of City Clerk’s office because the new commissioners will not be voted until the January meeting, the existing chair term ends in December and a new chair selection will be made in January. The meeting proceeded back to the Community Outreach & Marketing Subcommittee Report during this time. (Accidently skipped).  Finance – Commissioners Miccio and Randolph Commissioner Randolph – Went over the current budget line items and a view of a proposed budget if their Film Screening Event is successful. It was noted that the proposed $8,000 budget includes the $2,000 City General Fund allocation and $6,000 fundraising revenue from their legacy event. A draft budget handout was provided to all Commissioners during her report. Comments and questions were presented and discussed regarding the finance report, expenditures, line item name revisions and footnote additions indicating what each line item is, and the City Council budget approval timeline. Chair deHarte recommended that the proposed budget be increased to $8,500 to include the Senior Resource Day expenditure, to more forward and be presented to City Council for budget approval. MOTION: By Commissioner Morgan, Second by Commissioner Chandrasena to approve the budget presented by Commissioner Randolph with corrections as discussed. Motion carried 8-0. Chair deHarte - Indicated that Commissioner Randolph did a great job moving the Commission forward. As s oon as the budget revisions are made, they can forward to Councilmember Holstege.  Retreat – Chair deHarte, Vice Chair Chappell, and Commissioner Miccio Chair deHarte – Reported that the item is tabled until they receive more information on the conversation from October.  Student Representatives – Vice Chair Chappell, Commissioners Morgan, Ciraulo, and Miccio Commissioner Miccio – No new to report. No word from the educational partners.  Senior Expo and Dependent Adult Bill of Rights – Chair deHarte, Commissioners Gross Commissioner Gross – Hopes to do an evaluation meeting with Mizell Senior Center staff before the holidays. Will bring forward an evaluation report on the Senior Resource Day event for January’s meeting and discuss solidifying Commissioner Gross introduced a short power-point video capturing the Senior Resource Day event that was documented by Commissioner Andrade who was present at the event. Commissioner Andrade initiated a conversation on the Dependent Adult element of the Senior & Dependent Adult Bill of Rights. A timeline overview of the efforts that have been accomplished and pending tasks was shared. Chair deHarte - Cognizant of the time and guests, recommended that the meeting move ahead to Agenda item G. No opposition from the Commission. The meeting proceeded to Agenda item G. Clean Air, Smoking and Tobacco Use Proposed Ordinance. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Page 5 External:  Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association – Commissioner Chandrasena, Andrade and Miccio Commissioner Chandrasena – No new update.  Housing & Homelessness Task Force – Commissioner Andrade Commissioner Andrade – No new report for the Homelessness Task Force. The City Council Affordable Housing Subcommittee will have a 5:30 meeting on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at City Hall Council Chamber. She hopes that she will be able to attend.  Main Street Palm Springs – Chair deHarte Chair deHarte – No human rights related update.  Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) – Commissioner Gross Commissioner Gross – ONE-PS will have a membership meeting at 8:00a.m on Thursday, December 13, 2018. He noted it was officer election time and encouraged anyone from the public to attend a meeting.  PSPD LGBT Outreach Committee – Chair deHarte Chair deHarte – Announced that there will be a Town Hall scheduled for March 2019 and other ongoing town hall’s will be presented by Police Chief Reyes and the LGBT Community. The Outreach Committee and a number of people from the Police Department will be going to the San Jose Police Department to learn their best practices on recruitment specifically when outreaching to the LGBT community. It was announced that one of the recent new hires comes from the LGBT community.  Mediation Service – Commissioner Gross Commissioner Gross – No new update. C. Meeting Time Chair deHarte – Reported that this item has already been discussed under Agenda item 8 – A. D. ONE-PS Picnic Commissioner Miccio – Stated that they are just waiting to receive the application from Mr. Cook and they will move forward with the event coordination. Chair deHarte – Stated that it was necessary that the Commission have a shade structure for the event. Last year, through various avenues it was shared that the Commission looked like they did not want to reach out and talk with folks in the community because Commissioners were trying to catch shade. E. Committee Structure – Standing and Ad Hoc This item was tabled for January’s meeting. F. 2019 Calendar Chair deHarte handed out the 2019 City Council Meeting Calendar for review and discussed the Commission’s 2019 meeting schedule that has been presented by staff. It was highlighted that February’s meeting will be a dual function with City Council participating in the Community Service Awards. The month of August can be dark . November’s meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month due to City Hall being closed the second Monday in observance of the Veteran’s Day Holiday. The Commission at any time can choose to adjust the schedule if any pressing matters require Commission action. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Page 6 MOTION: By Commissioner Randolph, Second by Commissioner Chandrasena to approve the 2019 Human Rights Commission Meeting Calendar as presented by Mr. Cook, noting that the month of August is dark. Motion Carries 8 – 0. The meeting proceeded ahead to Agenda item I. Topical Newsworthy Items. (Agenda item 8G - Clean Air, Smoking and Tobacco Use Proposed Ordinance and Agenda Item 8H – Human Rights Month Recognition/Participation have already been discussed). G. Clean Air, Smoking and Tobacco Use Proposed Ordinance Commissioner Randolph – Reported that County Ordinance that the Commission supported is in effect in the City as of November 17, 2018. Regarding the next step, a City no-smoking ordinance, Commissioner Randolph met with Mr. Heinbaugh and Mr. Henrickson pertaining to their request for a resolution of support. She briefed the Commission on the proposed no- smoking ordinance background details and explained how the matter relates to the Commission. It was specified that the Commission’s role is to vote on concept and intent of the ordinance and not the legal aspect. The City Attorney’s office has stated that the proposed ordinance is being considered for the City Council’s Agenda in December (this month). To help guide the commission’s discussion on the proposed ordinance, Commissioner Randolph went over eight important items that the ordinance covers. Comments and questions were presented and discussed regarding the report. MOTION: By Commissioner Miccio, Second by Commissioner Gross to support the non- smoking ordinance being presented. DISCUSSION: A discussion ensued among the Commission regarding the motion. It was clarified that the Commission is not endorsing the draft ordinance as it is being presented but is rather sending City Council a vote of support in principal, concept, intent and purpose the adoption of the proposed ordinance of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, amending chapter 6.10, smoking prohibited in certain public areas, relating to the expansion of additional public areas where smoking is limited or prohibited. MOTION ON THE FLOOR CARRIES 8 – 0. Mr. Cook will be forwarding an excerpt of minutes for the City Clerk’s office regarding the Motion, for City Council’s meeting materials. The meeting proceeded back to Agenda item 8 – B. Subcommittees, External – Desert Highland Gateway Estates Community Association. H. Human Rights Month Recognition/Participation Commissioner Andrade – Introduced the Unity Foundation Organization, who will be presenting a special Human Rights Day video presentation focusing on the history and present state of Human Rights and the founding of the Declaration of Human Rights 75 years ago today. A Human Rights Day 6-minute video presentation was presented to the Commission during this time. At the end of the video presentation, Mr. McCarthy indicated that the Commission has full permission to post the video on their webpage if they please and provided details of the peacechannel.com program schedule relating to Human Rights. Chair deHarte – Thanked Mr. McCarthy for the presentation and his efforts in getting the Proclamation from the City. Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 10, 2018 Page 7 The meeting proceeded back to Agenda item 7. Guest Speaker. I. Topical Newsworthy Items Commissioner Chandrasena – Commented on a private commercial transportation service. 9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT HRC MEETING:  Tabled Item - Committee Structure – Standing and Ad Hoc Commissioner Gross – Stated that he would be giving a report next month on the Senior Resource Day event for the Commission to discuss how to move forward. 10. ANNOUNCEMENTS: Mr. Cook – The next Homelessness Task Force Quarterly meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 17, 2019, 4:00 p.m. – 5:p.m., at the Fire Department Training Facility, 3000 E. Alejo Rd. Preceding the meeting, the County will be offering a Point-In-TimeCount Volunteer Training, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., also at the Fire Department Training Facility. The information will be posted on the City Calendar. 11: ADJOURNMENT: The Commission adjourned at 7:08 p.m. an adjourned Regular Meeting, Monday, January 14, 2019 at 3:00 P.M. in the Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA. Respectfully submitted, Annie J. Rodriguez Housing Program Assistant