05/31/1978 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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community. It was noted these last items would be increasing. Staff felt that Council's approach taken seven months ago in giving the commissions a ~ challenge to prepare goals and objectives, with Council review of those at .., the end of one year to be sound. The commissions are working from October to October, and Council could expect review of those goals by late December. However, the commissions feel they need staff time to accomplish their goals. He noted if Council felt it must follow the Budget Committee's recommendations, there will be a major reorganizational effort, creating many problems for the commissons. Many commissions may no longer exist, with two major ones left, thus resulting in the problem of finding people to work on them, and the tendency of those to break off into composite groups seeking additional staff assistance. George Russell, spokesperson for the Human Rights Council and the five human rights commissions, requested reinstatement of the third human rights position. He said Council had demonstrated its support and commit- ment to the human rights commissions since 1966. He said commissions could not be, and should not be, expected to reach their optimum levels overnight. In June 1977, the first annual report was presented to Council, at which time concerns were expressed about their structure. Subsequently, an assessment process had been established with goals and objectives set up by each commission. The commissions understood at that time that these goals and objectives would be the basis for evaluating the efficiency of the human rights structure one year later. They felt that the restructuring that would come from the elimination of this position would be premature and wholly inappropriate at this time. The elimination of this position would be a back-door evaluation of the human rights commissions. It was suggested the position be maintained until at least 4It such time as the evaluation of the commissions is completed. - Others speaking in favor of the reinstatement of the third position were Don Chalmers, Youth Commission; Therese Engelmann, President, Women's Commission; Bob Blizzard, Handicapped Commission; and Carolina Murillo, Minorities Commission. Each stressed the need for the commissions to continue their year~~ outline of meeting t~ir goals and objectives in order to have a fair evaluation by Council of the effectiveness of the human rights commissions. Mr. Bradley moved, seconded by Mr. Delay, to restore the third human rights position to the 1978-79 buqget, and incorporate Option 2 as recommended by staff. In response to a question from Mr. Obie, Mr. Bradley said the intent of his motion was to reinstate the position, whether or not the budget is increased. Manager noted the property tax levy would not be affected. Assistant Manager said there would be a hearing June 26, with more up-to- date information on the budget and some changes coming at that time. Options for Council would be to add $17,600 with revenue adjustments that way or may not be coming; or shift funds within the budget itself. - 5/31/78--4 ~O~