Auburn Human Rights Commission
Members: Present (P) Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Dir. P Fred Richardson, Comm.; P Zan Liebowitz, Sec.; E_
Judah Rodriguez-Sierra; E Fr. Stephen Mack; P Loretta Snell; E Gwendolyn M. Jones; E
Valerie Bauhofer; A Kent Brandstetter; E Anthony DeCaro; P
Members Present: 3 Members Absent: 1 Members Excused: 4
At 5:00 pm, a general meeting was held prior to the beginning of the Fair Housing Forum provided by Special Guest Merrilee Witherell, Executive Director of CNY Fair Housing Council. Items on the agenda were briefly discussed and included monthly report, annual report, monthly budget, and new/old business. The meeting moved into the Council Chambers for more seating during the housing forum. Services organization representatives and area citizens attended to learn more about fair housing issues in and around different scenarios. Closing time: 6:45 pm
Auburn Human Rights Commission
Director’s Report for November 2003
· Monthly intakes for October (53) consisting of questions and complaints dealing with eviction/housing matters, Fair Housing Forum, requests for legal assistance, employment/termination, information on divorce, and general matters.
· On October 7th , the Commission was able to return to our basement office located in City Hall. It was speculated that our return from off-site office work was scheduled for July 2003. As everyone knows, plans can be and are flexible as our return was during the fall, not summer. The Maintenance Crew did a great job in restoring the office to its original design while waxing, dusting, and repainting the entire space. The extra detailing was completed by the human rights staff and required reorganizing of materials, furniture, etc. in order to make the office streamlined and more functional. The space is very small, so less is
more. Numerous people have visited the office and offered a “welcome back” greeting – truly providing a feeling of welcome.
· Annual Report is currently at M.D.I. Printing at the time of this writing. The blue lilne proof will arrive and await approval within a day. Funds are encumbered from last year’s budget for $295. (This fee does not include screening selected artwork or artwork alterations.) The Report is black and white plus one additional color Pantone 187C (a conservative red/brown color) on glossy paper. The original plan for publication was set for summer 2003. Due to the ongoing geothermal construction, the Report was not accessible for completion at any other computer in the building. No other department uses Pagemaker desktop
publishing. Without any further delay, the final printing should be complete within the next 2 weeks and ready to distribute to Council, service organizations, churches, schools, and the general public.
· HR Awards Recognition Awards & Reception. The program was well received with 70 people in attendance (75 capacity). Area citizens, service organizations, and politicians attended and honored the individuals receiving awards. Schweinfurth Art Center staff and Diamond & Blue Jeans Catering (The Orifinos) professionalism was instrumental in making the program a success. Additionally, Mr. Aguilar has offered his services in Spanish language translation, as needed. Shawnte Barr has expressed an interest in becoming a HR Commission youth member. Various individuals donated funds ($93) to our Human Rights Scholarship drive 2004.
· Budget: Members please see monthly activity report attached.
· Fair Housing Forum & HR in-service is scheduled for November 5th. All promotional pieces are complete with continuous announcement of cable channel 4. Merrilee Witherell, Executive Director of Central New York Fair Housing will provide general information on housing issues as well as answer questions from those in attendance. We will be able to use the Council Chambers for a portion of the forum if extra seating is needed.
· Attended Homsite board meeting – housing issues/repair programs/budgets discussed.
· Black History Month planning is underway. Further details to follow.
· Juneteenth Day planning is underway. Actively searching for new Juneteenth Day presenters for June 2004. On going.
Next COMMISSION MEETING Wed. Dec. 3 at 5 pm
Please call 255-4122 if you cannot attend the meeting. NOTE: This is our HOLIDAY MEETING!
Refreshments will be available!
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