Xiong for vice chairperson.
McDermid motioned to elect Xiong as vice chairperson. Kiel seconded. The
motion carried by a voice vote.
Discussion on City Participation in Juneteenth Event
2
McDermid mentioned the free meal last year and asked if the City could sponsor the
meal and volunteer in serving it. LaPoint said the cost of food would be higher than
last year due to inflation, so should the donation. Littlejohn asked if there would be a
separate request to the Board of Parks Commissioners, but staff suggested
coordinating one contribution from the City as a whole. McDermid suggested the HRC
table and prepare an information board; could split into shifts from 12-8pm. Littlejohn
can put together a table and McDermid can take care of the board. Shaundel Spivey
said food will be provided by 5 black-owned vendors, and the first 50 meals from each
vendor would be free. The total estimated cost was $3,000 for those meals. City did
not sponsor last year.
Kiel motioned to recommend the City sponsor up to $5,000 for Juneteenth,
seconded by Ringgenberg. The motion carried by a voice vote.
Discussion on Fair Housing Complaint Application Improvements
3
Attachments:
Xiong suggested the form could ask more about complainants self-identification, to
help HRC figure out which groups are facing discrimination most frequently. McDermid
said people need to understand the difference between a bad landlord and
discrimination; more questions could help determine that, and connect the dots
between the basis of the discrimination and the statement. The form should have
"discrimination" in the title or header. Explanatory paragraphs from the webpage could
be added to the form. Lettner suggested giving a clear example when discrimination
has occurred, and a one when it hasn't; that maybe not appropriate or leading.
McDermid suggested making sure they answer questions about what, how, and why
discrimination occurred. Kiel asked if the complainant could share a first draft before
its submitted. Lettner suggested putting the rubric on the form, too (it's under the
HRC page's important links); also make clear that the purpose of the form is to report
discrimination--"Why has the landlord targeted you our your group? What proof can you
provide that this has happened to you and not others/other groups? Be prepared to
provide evidence or witness from protected class with supporting examples." McDermid
suggested putting suggestions in a shared document for editing. She also mentioned
reminding complainants about assistance available to help in filling out the form.
Lettner suggested there be an intake process. LaPoint is interested in how that would
look and what REACH could do to assist. Littlejohn suggested that the complainant
be notified that the form is received, and staff review it for clarity and content, and
ensure that they are prepared for the hearing. McDermid suggested adding part about
contacting staff for guidance, like a phone interview of critical elements before
submitting forms. Xiong, Littlejohn, and LaPoint volunteered to review and edit form.
Planning for Town Hall w/ Elected Officials
4
LaPoint suggested a town hall on fair housing complaints and guidance for recourse for
online renter forum. Littlejohn suggested taking lead from Hope Restores and wait for
strategic planning before HRC does it's own. McDermid agreed and suggested
listening for what actions City could take based on town hall input.
