HomeMy WebLinkAbout09.25.2006• •
COUNCIL WORK SESSION
September 25, 2006
4:15 p.m.
Council Chambers
Members present: Mayor Hurley, Kincaid, Welper, Gunderson, Greenwood, Cole, Schmitt,
Getty.
Moved by Schmitt, seconded by Kincaid that the Agenda, as proposed, be approved. Ayes: Six.
Absent: Getty. Motion carried.
David Meeks, Director of Waterloo Human Rights Commission, reviewed the commission's
work and funding. Mr. Meeks reviewed the Human Rights Commission's mission as follows:
"The Waterloo Commission on Human Rights' mission is to protect and promote the personal
dignity of all Waterloo citizens and eliminate any discriminatory barriers that prevent them from
reaching their full production capacities." Mr. Meeks reviewed the Human Rights Commission's
2006 Calendar of Events.
Mr. Meeks reviewed the staffing of the Human Rights Commission office. The Fair Housing
Coordinator position is currently vacant and the Education Outreach Coordinator position has
been eliminated. One staff member is on FMLA leave. Currently, the Director and
Administrative Secretary are staffing the office.
Mr. Meeks reviewed the commission's partnership in 2006. The partnership included city
departments, community organizations and businesses. Sponsor and grant donations were
received from Cedar Falls Human Rights Commission, Dollar General, Friends of Iowa Civil
Rights, Inc., Veridian, and United Presbyterian.
Mr. Meeks reviewed the Fair Housing Fund. There is $6,200.00 revenue from registration fees
and reimbursement for case files. The drawdown dollars are being sorted out. Mr. Meeks
reviewed open cases. There are currently 28 housing complaints and 151 employment
complaints. The department receives $2,400.00 if the case is resolved within 100 days and an
additional $400.00 if there is probable cause. There are some cases over 350 days. The Fair
Housing Coordinator position is responsible for processing the cases and for training. The cases
are handled by the Human Rights Department unless the person requests the case be transferred
to the state or if the department feels they can't process the case in a timely manner. Mr. Meeks
noted that 52 cases were forwarded to the state in February 2005.
Mayor Hurley noted that the federal fiscal year differs from the city's fiscal year. The city is
working to keep the services, but not endanger the general fund.
Michelle Weidner, Chief Financial Officer, reported the budget includes $20,000.00 for training
only and $20,000.00 partnership funds for specific projects.
Mr. Meeks stated there is a need for the Fair Housing Coordinator and Education Outreach
Coordinator. Mr. Meeks stated the Fair Housing program receives no funding from Community
Development Block Grant funds and $20,000.00 would help pay for those two positions. Mr.
Meeks suggested funds from the Isle of Capri could be used to fund Fair Housing.
Councilperson Cole requested the council receive monthly reports from the Human Rights
Commission indicating case loads in all categories and number of people attending events.
Councilperson Getty now present at 4:40 p.m.
Mr. Meeks reviewed the complaint process. The complain form is filled out, a 30 day notice is.
sent to the respondent, within 60 days the complainant is contacted, witness are interviewed and
documents are compiled, and they work to resolve the issue working together. The
commission's complaint procedure is modeled after the state.
Council Work Session
September 25, 2006
Page 2
Warren George reviewed the number of open cases. Mr. George noted that funds for the Fair
Housing Coordinator position are still available and if the position were filled at this time, we
would be paying the salary. Mr. George questioned how the position can continue to be vacant
when the job needs to get done.
With no further business before the council, it was moved by Gunderson, seconded by Schmitt
that the meeting be adjourned at 4:54 p.m. Ayes: Seven. Motion carried.
Nancy Eckert
City Clerk