05/11/1992 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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. - e 3. Program Work Plans Mr. Sauceda reviewed the commission's work plan, involving budget administration and coordination of all program activities. Each of the committee chairs reviewed the work plans for their respective committees. Ms. Hays, Committee on Accessibility, explained that the committee is involved with accessibility to City services for all protected classes. Although an important element, the committee does not confine its work to the rights of people with disabilities. Ms. Oliver described the Committee on Discrimination and Harassment as a reactive group, the one people come to when they have a problem. She highlighted instances where the committee was able to make a difference based on an individual's complaint. Ms. DeSpain, Committee on Community Education and Outreach, reviewed the committee's work plan and described some of its activities over the last year. 4. Current Issues in the Community Mr. Green introduced the topic, saying this was an important meeting for the commission and it wished to be seen as a resource to the council. He noted the diversity and resourcefulness of the commission. Commissioners identified the following as significant, emerging community issues: hate crimes/hate groups; City Code on discrimination; City work force diversity and sensitivity; growth in the Hispanic community; needs of low-income families, homelessness; Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA); community partnership, collaboration; and violence against women. 5. Requests of Council Mr. Sauceda reviewed a list of commission requests of the council, saying the City Council is encouraged to consider the Human Rights Program as a resource to assist it in making policy decisions that incorporate human rights into the way the City does business and the way people experience the community. 6. Council Direction Mayor Miller thanked the commission for its presentation and asked Councilor Green to take the lead in processing the commission's requests through the council in order to address the issues raised. Councilors expressed appreciation for the commission's annual report. Mr. Boles said the commission had set a new standard. Speaking for the business community, Mr. Rutan indicated that businesses very much want to meet the needs of people with disabilities, saying it was a matter of productivity. Responding to Ms. Bascom's question, Ms. Miller said that the council could actively oppose the Oregon Citizens Alliance by taking every opportunity to make powerful statements about its support for a tolerant, diverse community. Mayor Miller assured the commission that it would receive attention to the issues it has raised. MINUTES--Eugene City Council 5:30 p.m. May 11, 1992 Page 2