(HRC) Monthly Meeting Minutes Monday, September 17, 2012 ...

CITY OF TULSA
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (HRC)
Monthly Meeting Minutes
Monday, September 17, 2012
Members Present: Claiborne Taulbert Emily Harris - Chair
Ralph Morita Jeffrey Siddons
Maria Barnes Vickie Holler
Dr. Sharlene Johnson Dennis DuBois - Vice Chair
Gayle Hooks-Olden Turner Goodrum
Human Rights Department
(HRD) Staff Present: Dr. Mike Smith LaKendra Carter
Visitors: Carmen Pettie Priscilla Brown
Paul Zachary
Recorded Absences: Alice Blue
I. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Harris at 3:35 p.m.
II. Approval of Minutes of August 20, 2012 Meeting
Commissioner Harris called for approval of the August minutes. A motion
was made by Commissioner Barnes and seconded by Commissioner
Johnson for approval of the minutes. The vote was called. Motion carried.
III. Human Rights Department (HRD) Report
Dr. Smith invited Paul Zachary, director of Engineering Services, to speak to
the Commission regarding bid packet documents. Mr. Zachary provided the
City of Tulsa’s bidder and consultant affidavits for minority and female
utilization goals along with instructions (see handouts attached). The City of
Tulsa Business Disparity study provides the means to enforce utilization of
disadvantaged and or minority female businesses. A subcommittee made up
of City Councilors, employees from Information Technology, Finance and
the Legal department was crafted after a series of complaints were received
as well as the adoption of the Business Disparity study. The group was
charged with the development and implementation of addressing issues from
the disparity study. Mr. Zachary stated that the subcommittee began working
in July 2011 with the Engineers and began a pilot program in September
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with City Contractors. As of January 1, 2012, each contract that is publicly
advertised and bid for includes the affidavit and instruction documents. Mr.
Zachary introduced Pricilla Brown, Engineering Contracts Coordinator with
Engineering Services, and explained in detail each document provided and
the City’s process to remove contracting barriers by modeling federal
regulations. It was mentioned possibly inviting Larry Hood from the
Purchasing department to explain how the forms are used in that department.
Commissioner DuBois inquired about how the utilization percentage is
determined, and Mr. Zachary replied that in the near future, results will
determine if a “narrowly tailored” program is necessary. Looking at the
capability and availability of certain business categories will later determine
if that percentage is too high or too low.
Commissioner Siddons inquired about a system to alert departments when
utilization is lacking and what other cities around Tulsa are practicing. Mr.
Zachary mentioned efforts made by other departments such as HRD, Legal,
and Information Technology to ensure the transition with new documents
are smooth. He briefly explained the pre-bid meetings and the importance of
subcontractors attending. Dr. Smith provided and discussed the investigative
case status report for September (see report attached). LaKendra Carter
discussed the M/FBE Tracking System and quarterly reports; HRD will
provide quarterly statistics deriving from the tracking system’s input.
IV. Discussion of current Affirmative Action Plan for the City of Tulsa
LaKendra Carter provided copies of the City of Tulsa’s Affirmative Action
Plan (AAP), dated July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, and explained that Human
Resources is in the process of revising the plan. Upon the plans completion,
the Commission will be provided a current copy (see AAP attached).
Commissioner Goodrum inquired about drafting a letter and press release
regarding the November vote to keep affirmative action.
V. Discussion to visit with City Councilors about Disparity Study
LaKendra Carter provided a disk to each member concerning the City of
Tulsa Business Disparity Study. Commissioner Barnes initiated a discussion
regarding Dr. Turner-Addison’s termination from the City and media
portrayal of her character.
VI. Committee Reports:
Review and receive reports from the following Committees: A motion was
made by Commissioner Hooks-Olden and seconded by Commissioner
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Johnson to table the Committee reports until October. A vote was called.
Motion carried.
a. Education Committee – Tabled.
Members of the Education Committee:
Commissioner Blue Commissioner Johnson – Chair
b. Fair Housing Committee – Tabled.
Members of the Fair Housing Committee:
Commissioner Gaines - Chair Commissioner Johnson
c. BRIDGE Committee – Tabled.
Members of the BRIDGE Committee:
Commissioner Harris Commissioner DuBois – Chair
d. Sexual Orientation Discrimination Committee – Tabled.
Members of the Sexual Orientation Discrimination Committee:
Commissioner Blue Commissioner Barnes – Chair
Commissioner Siddons
e. Police/Community Relations Committee – Tabled.
Members of the Police/Community Relations Committee:
Commissioner Barnes - Chair Commissioner Morita
f. Committee Against Discrimination & Crimes of Bias – Tabled.
Members of the Committee against Discrimination & Crimes of
Bias:
Commissioner Hooks-Olden Commissioner Johnson
Commissioner Blue Commissioner Morita
Commissioner Goodrum – Chair Commissioner Taulbert
g. ADA Committee – Tabled.
Members of the ADA Committee:
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Commissioner Morita Commissioner Barnes
Commissioner Siddons Commissioner Holler
VII. New Business - None
VIII. Announcements and Public Comments
Visitor, Carmen Pettie with the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of
Women, informed members of the importance to educate the community
about the State Question 759 (regarding affirmative action) and its place on
the November 2012 ballot.
IX. Adjournment
Commissioner Harris entertained a motion to adjourn the meeting at 5:20
p.m. Commissioner Morita so moved and Commissioner Taulbert seconded
the motion. The vote was called. Motion carried.
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