Members Absent: Gregory Medina, Jeni Selph, Geraldine King-Hunt, I. Call to Order/Roll Call/Minutes (May 2015) Chairman Rice

Transcription

1 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (757) VIRGINIA BEACH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEMBERS: WM CLIFF RICE CHAIR VIVIAN E. BLAIZE VICE-CHAIR TERESA STANLEY 2 nd VICE-CHAIR BEATRIZ AMBERMAN MICHAEL F. BERLUCCHI GERALDINE KING HUNT RAJEEB ISLAM L.W. DUFF KLIEWER, JR. GREGORY MEDINA DR. AGNES MOON SYLVIA NERY-STRICKLAND FATHER JAMES E. PARKE LUIS A. RIVERA, MA Ed. ELAINE SCHOLL-IGLECIA, LCSW RONALD TAYLOR RABBI ISRAEL ZOBERMAN STUDENT COMMISSION MEMBERS: NATASHA DHAMANKAR JENI SELPH CITY COUNCIL LIAISONS: BOB DYER SHANNON DS KANE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: REGINA S. HILLIARD, HR DIRECTOR LEGAL COUNSEL: ROD INGRAM, DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY COMMUNITY RELATIONS SPECIALIST: BONNIE L. BENI ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT: ABIGAIL E. PARROTT VIRGINIA BEACH HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Thursday, June 11, p.m. Municipal Center, Building 19, T/R B MUNICIPAL CENTER BUILDING COURTHOUSE DRIVE VIRGINIA BEACH, VA Members Present: Cliff Rice (Chair), Vivian Blaize (Vice-Chair), Teresa Stanley (2 nd Vice- Chair), Duff Kliewer, Sylvia Nery-Strickland, James Parke, Raj Islam, Luis Rivera, Natasha Dhamankar, Beatriz Amberman, Ron Taylor, Rabbi Israel Zoberman, Michael Berlucchi Members Absent: Gregory Medina, Jeni Selph, Geraldine King-Hunt, Guests: Gavin Moulton Staff Present: HR Director Regina Hilliard, Melissa Bowers, Rod Ingram, Deputy Chief John L. Bell, Jr., Shelby Goldsmith, Elizabeth O Parka, Abby Parrott, Sgt. Lois Thompson (Sheriffs Office) AGENDA I. Call to Order/Roll Call/Minutes (May 2015) Chairman Rice II. Introduce Commissioner Michael Berlucchi Chairman Rice III. Citizen Comment Chairman Rice IV. Election of HRC Officer s Rod Ingram V. The City s Strategic Workforce & Employment Plan Shelby Goldsmith Elizabeth O Parka VI. Support of Lets Open Doors Chairman Rice VII. CAC Reports VIII. Memorial Day Weekend Observation 4 th of July Observation CAC Commissioners Cliff Rice & Jim Parke IX. VAHR Conference Review Chairman Rice X. HRC Awards Congratulatory Letter Chairman Rice XI. Legislative Agenda Items Chairman Rice XII. Continuing Work of HRC Update J1 Visa Students Perceptions in our Judicial System Correctional Facility (Mental Health) VBCPS Equity Council Chairman Rice XIII. Commissioner & Staff Remarks XIV. Adjournment All Chairman Rice

2 June 11, I. Call to Order/Roll Call/Minutes (May 2015) The meeting was called to order by Chairman Rice at 4:02 pm. The minutes from May 2015 were reviewed and approved with one correction. Commissioner Stanley made one correction on the Continuing Work of HRC Update section to reflect that she is not awaiting a meeting but is simply available if the Sheriffs Department desires a meeting or any other support. II. Introduce Commissioner Michael Berlucchi Chairman Rice introduced Michael Berlucchi as the newest HRC commissioner. Commissioner Berlucci provided a brief self-introduction. He currently works for the Chrysler Museum of Arts as the Community Engagement Coordinator and serves as Vice-President of Hampton Roads PRIDE, an advocacy organization for the LGBT community. He is interested in issues related to equality for all people and specifically for LGBT people. Chairman Rice presented Natasha Dhamankar with a certificate of recognition for her advocacy efforts in the City of Virginia Beach. (Not on agenda) III. IV. Citizens Comments No citizen comments. Roll call was taken of the commissioners, staff, and guests in attendance. Election of HRC Officers The Nominating Committee, consisting of Commissioners Parke, Islam, and Scholl-Iglecia, shared their recommendations with the Commission. The recommendations were for the offices of Chair (Cliff Rice), Vice-Chair (Vivian Blaize), and 2 nd Vice-Chair (Teresa Stanley). The Chair entertained a motion to elect the people recommended by the Nominating Committee, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Amberman, and unanimously approved. Rod Ingram then swore officers into their positions. Chairman Rice expressed his gratitude for being voted back into his position and being able to work with the Commission. V. The City s Strategic Workforce and Employment Plan Shelby Goldsmith and Elizabeth O Parka presented the Strategic Workforce and Employment Plan to the Commission. Topics covered were the need and reasoning behind workforce planning, EEO data pertinent to the plan, and a question and answer period. Workforce planning is defined in the City as ensuring the right people are in the right place with the right skills at the right time. The Strategic Workforce and Employment Plan contain four citywide themes of recruitment, employee development, retention, and knowledge management. This living document will be an ongoing process that will continue to be developed and built upon to ensure that the City can support the community effectively. This plan will help to mitigate the effects of increasing retirements that could possibly cripple the organization. Key figures concerning workforce demographics, workforce utilization, and personnel actions within the City were discussed. During the question and answer session, Commissioner Rivera questioned whether or not surveys have been utilized to determine cause of underutilization within the City. The presenters affirmed that surveys, as well as other methods, were used to analyze the causes and solutions to underutilization within the City. The discussion then turned to recruitment efforts, especially in public safety positions. Rod Ingram mentioned that the HRC teamed with public safety agencies to increase minority participation through intentional advertising, etc. HR Director Hilliard reported the emphasis of the public safety agencies within the City to initiate positive interactions in the community to encourage recruitment efforts. Commissioners Stanley, Amberman, and Rice all commented on the need for community partnership, communication, and acknowledgement of negative recruiting history in the City to overcome problems. Volunteerism and internships were also cited by Commissioners Islam and Kliewer as excellent methods of establishing an increased applicant pool. Everyone acknowledged that the City must find creative ways to attract college students and skilled applicants for vacant positions. Commissioners Nery-Strickland and Taylor spoke on the importance of mentorship

3 June 11, programs in increasing the skill level of existing employees within the City. The Coordinators of the program will continue to work with the departments to work on initiatives and goals to address and improve areas moving forward. VI. VII. VIII. IX. Support of Let s Open Doors The Let s Open Doors organization submitted an open letter to the Commission requesting official support for the initiative as well as support in submitting a request to Mayor Sessoms for a proclamation to celebrate the 25 th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Chairman Rice presented a motion to support the Let s Open Doors initiative and Commissioner Kliewer seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. Commissioner Blaize included the initiative information in the VBCCO and has added Let s Open Doors to the program for the General Meeting. Commissioner Nery-Strickland also presented the initiative to the RAC Commission. It was asked that all Commissioners use their networking resources to promote the initiative within the community. CAC Reports 1 st Precinct- This was the last meeting for this year. People in that area are concerned and feel they have a voice through the CAC. 2 nd Precinct- There was excellent attendance at the meeting. Capt. Sean Adams reported on the number of arrests in the area. Students from the Explorers program gave a presentation promoting the program. There will be a July 4 th potluck cookout; all are invited. The Books on the Beach program is requesting donations of children s books to be passed out for free at the beach. 3 rd Precinct- The Explorers program also gave a presentation at this meeting, as well as giving recognition to a police officer. Capt. Dennis Hebert did a great job providing feedback and support to the community regarding some recent negative events in the Lake Edwards and Bayside neighborhoods. Huge strides have been made in improving police/community relationships. 4 th Precinct- No Report. Memorial Day Weekend Observation/July 4 th Commissioners Rice and Parke both participated in Memorial Day Weekend observation. They reported that no incidents occurred, there was a good crowd, and police were friendly and had positive interaction with the crowds. Everyone seemed to be having a good time and the environment was very family oriented. Commissioner Stanley raised the issue of recent events at the Carnival at Mount Trashmore. Deputy Chief John Bell stated that the police department received information regarding some students from different schools who were meeting at the carnival to fight. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred. Carnival hours were changed and security was increased. The City had a meeting with the owner of the carnival along with the Sheriffs Department and Police Department where a strategic plan was developed to handle any such issues in the future. Citizens recognize that this was an isolated event and will not be deterred from enjoying the carnival. Commissioner Islam, who was working the carnival at the time of the incident, reported that the police and sheriffs departments were very quick and efficient in shutting down the event and did a great job overall. VAHR Conference Review Chairman Rice, along with Commissioners Blaize, Parke, Amberman, Stanley, and Taylor attended the VAHR Conference. Congressman Bobby Scott and Delegate Glenn Davis were in attendance and exchanged views on various topics in the news. Chairman Rice appreciated the spirit of the conversation and the diverse perspectives that were presented. Commissioner Stanley stated that she was very impressed with Delegate Glenn Davis and how knowledgeable he was on the topics. She stated that the conversation was very timely with this year being the

4 June 11, th Anniversary of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Commissioner Amberman did a great job of presenting pertinent issues to the delegates to be addressed. Both public officials made incredibly articulate arguments that were accurate according to each perspective. The entire conversation led to a consensus and a vote in the VAHRC that a voting rights platform be promoted to eliminate any barriers to voting that may exist. The conference was very productive. Commissioner Amberman stated that conference attendees were very impressed with the HRC for having both voices present at the conference. She also commended Commissioner Blaize for giving the report for the HRC for the City of Virginia Beach. Commissioner Amberman praised the City of Charlottesville HRC for their rapid advancement since their conception two years ago. They have contracted a movie called Am I Racist that was presented to the community and speaks to the experiences of minorities. The movie was well received and will be presented again. Commissioner Amberman suggested that members of the Virginia Beach HRC attend. Both Commissioners Amberman and Stanley congratulated Vice-chair Blaize on her position as treasurer for the VAHR Vice-chair Blaize shared the importance of having various members from other cities present to be able to get a comprehensive view of human rights issues throughout the state. Northern Virginia provided a lot of information regarding issues in that area of the state. The Urban League was in attendance and is interested in partnering with the HRC. The organization as a whole would like to partner with civil rights organizations to address voter suppression, especially going into the election season. As part of the conference discussion, Chairman Rice raised the question about data indicating statistics about black officers killing white unarmed individuals. He challenged law enforcement and interested individuals to look into the hard questions that might produce answers that could prompt increased diligence on the issue. Commissioner Blaize requested that more HRC commissioners try to attend the conference in the upcoming years. X. HRC Awards Congratulatory Letter During the May meeting, Rabbi Zoberman brought up the issue of including verbiage in the congratulatory letter to ensure that award recipients are aware of the diverse audience that will be present at the Awards ceremony and fashion their comments accordingly to avoid offending anyone in attendance. Bonnie and Rod worked together to formulate an appropriate letter that highlights the Commissions expectations regarding speech content and time limits without restricting individuals 1st amendment rights. Commissioner Stanley stated that she was pleased with the push to include this verbiage into the letter because it reminds people to be mindful and inclusive in the rest of their everyday interactions. The letter was consensually approved by the Commission. XI. XII. Legislative Agenda Items Rod Ingram will draft a letter on behalf of the HRC to City Council on requesting them to include four items in the 2016 Legislative Package to the General Assembly. These items include the expansion of the Virginia Human Rights Act, increased funding for mental healthcare services, support for the expansion of Medicaid for all Virginians, and eliminating barriers to voting. Commissioner Stanley motioned for the HRC to draft a letter supporting all four issues, Commissioner Amberman seconded, and the motion was carried unanimously. The issue will be included on the July agenda for further approval. Continuing Work of HRC Update J1 Visa Students- No report Perceptions in our Judicial System- Commissioner Parke will continue to speak with Commonwealth Attorney Colin Stolle regarding perceptions and diversity in positions in the judicial system. Commissioner Taylor commented on the lack of minority judges in the City of Virginia Beach and the need for the HRC to work closely with our delegates to ensure the appointment and approval of qualified minority candidates to fill upcoming vacancies. Rod pointed out that inroads have been made with juvenile and domestic court judges with the hopes that

5 June 11, when the higher courts have a vacancies, the general assembly will be able to look at the experienced juvenile and domestic court minority judges. This will serve as a stepping stone and a method to combat judicial appointments based upon cronyism. Correctional Facility (Mental Health)- The correctional facility is under a new medical contract with NowCare. The new mental health case worker is Ms. Lay. Currently nurses rotate with teams in twelve hour shifts but the goal is to have a social worker and charge nurse available 24 hours a day. Currently 328 inmates are on psychiatric medication, however not all are classified as mental health patients. A mental health pod was developed almost a year ago that holds up to 60 individuals. A mental health facilitator is stationed in the middle of the pod and is available to provide one-on-one care to these patients exclusively 24 hours a day. Sgt. Lois Thompson invited those commissioners who have not done so already to take a tour of the facility. Chairman Rice asked for recidivism rates but specific statistics were not immediately available. Sgt, Thompson reported on a new program called Back Into Society that is in the beginning implementation stages that works to assimilate inmates back into society. A brief discussion was held surrounding efforts to connect inmates to social services in order to address the gap in medication availability as well as inmate compliancy issues. VBCPS Equity Council- Meeting to be held on June 23 rd. No Report XIII. Commissioner & Staff Remarks Commissioner Islam apologized for his recent absences and thanked the Commission for their support during his family s time of transition. Ramadan begins on July 17 th. Commissioner Rivera reported that the Latin Festival will take place on June th at the oceanfront. Rabbi Zoberman will be traveling to Israel on June 27 th for a couple of weeks. Commissioner Stanley along with Commissioner Amberman will be attending a Vital for Prosperity seminar on June 15, 2015 at the Central Library from 6:30-8:30. Lynnhaven Colony Congregational Church is hosting a Paint Nite to support Virginia Supportive Housing and raise funds to eliminate homelessness through housing. Commissioner Kliewer was very pleased to see a positive article in the Virginia Pilot written by Carrie Daughtery about the Virginia Beach Police Department and officer interactions. Commissioner Taylor announced that the Hampton Roads Black Caucus will be hosting a Caucus Connection on June 18, 2015 at Martins Soulfood in Janaf Shopping Center in Norfolk. The Men of Faith will put on a 2 week STEM Camp beginning June 22-July 2 at New St. John AME Church. On July 18, 2015 from 8-4pm, Men of Faith will hold its annual Youth Leadership Conference in partnership with the City of Virginia Beach and the Virginia Beach Police Department to include parent workshops, ice breakers, giveaways, and seminars. Commissioner Dhamankar asked if any precincts needed an extra commissioner for the CAC meeting. 3 rd Precinct CAC meeting will be held on the 3 rd Thursday of the month at Williams Farm Recreation Center. Commissioner Parke posed a question to the Commission regarding the actions to be taken to address absentee commissioners and possible replacements. He suggested that instead of increasing the number of commissioners, inactive commissioners be replaced to maintain the current numbers and abide by Commission by-laws. Commission Nery-Strickland sought clarification on the amount of dues ($25) and relationship between conference attendance and membership. One theory was that unless commissioners attend the conference, they are not members. She stated that in the past it was understood that all commissioners were all members regardless of conference attendance. If the budget allows, dues may be able to be paid by the commission. She also questioned if the commission founders and minority business council members are able to attend the conference. She is sure that they do have the right to attend. Commissioner Blaize will follow up on verifying this information. She suggested that the Commission be cognizant of the issue of 5 territories where U.S. citizens are not allowed to vote in the presidential elections and the inability of Samoans to vote.

6 June 11, Commissioner Amberman announced three upcoming forums; Virginia Latino Engagement Forum will be held in Northern Virginia on June 14, 2015; Forum on Immigration will be held at the Virginia Beach Central Library on June 15, 2015, and Governor McAuliffe will be hosting a forum on August 5, 2015 to inform service providers to the Latino community of resources that are available to them through seminars on education, workforce development, and small businesses. The Mexican Embassy contacted her to arrange a meeting with a visiting Mexican consulate that was to arrive in Hampton Roads on May 20, Bonnie arranged a dinner meeting with Sheriff Stolle, Deputy Chief Victoria Thompson, Deputy Chief Brian Esterery, Jobynia Caldwell, Bonnie Beni, and Kay Thomas. They were able to discuss previous requests that were submitted by the Mexican government to the Sheriffs Department. The dinner went well and positive relationships were formed that will assist in building bridges of communication between both parties. Commissioner Blaize worked as an election official in the Republican primary. The new voting machine was utilized for the first time and worked very well. The new electronic polling booth was able to streamline the voting process. Voter turn-out was very low; out of 2,863 eligible voters, only 181 voters turned out. That may have been due to scarce media coverage and many precincts that were not open due to unopposed candidates. The Virginia Beach Council of Civic Organizations will be holding its annual Party in the Park on June 18, 2015 from 6pm-dark. City officials and candidates for election will be in attendance. Chairman Rice thanked the commission for voting him back into his position. He reported that he will be traveling to Barbados in July. XIV. Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.