02/05/1968 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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e 51-' 2/5/68 I (5) That the City's current recruitment and selection methods be examined and possibly revised. The Commission felt the current method of examination for one c1assificationof employes based on verbal performance has little value so far as future success on the job is concerned. (6) That special efforts be made to make availability of City positions known to the Negro community. With regard to the CORE demand for low-cost housing on an open-occupancy basis, the Commission recommended: e (1) That the Council take immediate steps to authorize an application by the Lane County Housing Authority under the Leased-Housing Program for 300 additional rental units to be made available to low-income families in Eugene. The Commission felt it would be well to make the leased-housing program a continuing one because of the expected population growth in the community and the time element involved in gaining appropriations under the Program. I (2) That the Council encourage creation of a non-profit housing corporation to sponsor housing projects for low-income families, utilizing various Federal programs. Dr. Pott said it is recognized there is activity in this area now through the Joint Housing Committee, but that the Commission would support the Joint Committee with a resolution from the Council to form the corporation. (3) That the Council support distribution of information to Negroes through all available channels regarding housing programs now operational, pro- cedure for application for this housing, and procedure for filing a dis- crimination complaint if it is indicated. Dr. Pott said one Commission project now is an attempt to itemize all channels of communication in the City, and particularly communication with the people who could benefit. He said if the Commission is to do the job, it would require an increase in the Commission's budget allotment, and that the COmmission would bring back an estimate of the cost involved. . Betty Niven, chairman of the Joint Housing Committee, described the aims of the Com- mittee and progress it is making. She distributed copies of a questionnaire with which the Committee is attempting to collect data with regard to need for low-income housing in relation to public transportation and to desires of low-income families as to location and type. She asked that the Human Rights Commission help in getting responses to the questionnaire from those people the Commission represents. I Councilman Anderson, also a member of the Joint Housing Committee, explained possibilities explored in arriving at a recommendation concerning which type of non-profit development corporation should sponsor low-income housing. He said the Joint Committee will consider a recommendation which will be part of a recommenda- tion to the City Council to establish a private non-profit corporation composed of citizens of the community interested in housing who would represent vusiness and have access to financial assistance and advice, and patterned after the Eugene Industrial Development Corporation with the necessary modifications to meet the non-taxable status required to be eligible for Federal grants. e Lee Anderson, Lane County Housing Authority, reviewed the progress of the Authority in leasing the present units authorized under the Leased-Housing Program, and said additiona1U1its wou1d~obab1y be needed about the first part of 1969. He said the data supporting the recent application may still be valid, and that possibly the only delay inapprova1 of an application would depend upon allocation of appropria- tions at the Congressional level. Mrs. Hayward moved seconded by Mr. McDonald to authorize application for 300 addi- tional units under the Leased-Housing Program. Motion carried, Mr. Lassen voting no. Mrs. Hayward moved seconded by Dr. Purdy that the Council direct the Human Rights Commission to bring to the Council a recommendation for a program to ensure getting information about housing programs to the Negro community (and other minority groups), with an estimate of the necessary funds to accomplish the program. .' Dr. Pott asked that employment and housing be included in the same motion. I Kurt Neustadter, Commission member, said additional units are needed beside the 300 units authorized. He said there is merit in a non-profit corporation for low-income housing since it would keep the property on the tax rolls. Councilman Anderson said the two major objectives of the Joint Housing Committee are to get information on needs of the community and to get a non-profit development corporation underway. Councilman Wingard expressed the opinion that formation of a non-profit housing corporation does not mean public housing - that it is a means of keeping a supply of land available. e A vote was taken on the motion as stated, and motion carried. 2/5/68 - 10 ~