CC PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES 07231968

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Mrs. Howard introduced herself as a State Field Representative of the Department of Human Rights. She stated that the various Commissions were established in response to a request by the State. She felt that the local Commission would be an ideal way to implement the program. Various programs are available to implement the local Commission. Mrs. Howard stated that she would be glad to answer any questions the audience might have. Mrs. Hobart Swan asked of Mrs. Howard "how many of the thirty-five Com- missions formed were originated other than by Village Councils". Mrs. {Toward stated that sihe was only concerned with officials of Commissions and that local Commissions were appointed by Councils. Mrs. Swan stated that she felt the large group that was assembled was an attempt to force the Council to act. Mrs. Howard stated that it was not democratic if the State told Village Councils what to do, and that Councils react to greater feelings of community residents. State Law, she further stated, gives the Commissioner the right to appoint a Commission in any area he sees fit. He prefers not to. He prefers the Mayor make the appointment. Mrs. Swan stated that some members of the Committee expressed the fear that if the Commission is not established "loot: out". Mr. Puncochar asked which members. Mrs. Swan stated that Mr. Stevens stated that if a Commission was not established the activist would te!ce over, and that Mrs. Harris had privately expressed concern. Nr. Stevens did not agree with Mrs. Swan's interpretation of his statement. Mr. Boytel asked Mrs. Toward if the ad hoc Committee could act or function as well as a duly appointed Commission in reporting problems. Mrs. Howard stated that any individual may come to the State with knowledge of a discriminatory act and that the State prefers individuals bring specific allegations to the State office. She further stated that the State does not wish to set up Commissions in individual communities. Mr. Boytel stated his interpretation of Mrs. Howard 's remarks and she replied that she did not • state the matter in such words. Mr. Russell Sparks asked if there were any specific costs available at this time and Mrs. Howard replied that none were available to date. She said the budget could run from 0 to an undetermined amount. The St. Anthony Study Committee felt the cost would not exceed the administration costs of the Park Board or the Planning Board. Mr. Puncochar reviewed the committee recommendations. He stated that six members were in favor of the Commission and that one member filed a minority report. The report by Mr. Dayton Walker was read by Mr. Puncochar. The understanding o the types of Commission was as follows : Passive-sit and review and ma;:e recommendations; active-create an atmosphere wit,iin the Village. The Committee recommended an active Commission. It was felt either an Ordinance or Resolution would be satisfactory to the study committee. Mr. Puncochar read a proposed Ordinance drafted by the study committee. Mr. Art Schwalm asked for an indication of the Council 's feeling at this time. Mayor O'Connor stated that no indication would be given until the Council met as a whole. Mr. Schwalm asked if the Council would give a personal opinion at that time, Council indicated it would. Councilman Crouse stated ti,at a lot cF work had been done on the report and that it was not his intention to harass the Commit- tee but to bring out specific facts on v4nich the Council could base a decision. Fie felt the Committee should be thanked for the job that they had done in pre- paring the report and would personally ask forgiveness if any one felt his questioning was meant as harassment. Mayor O 'Connor stated that the Council would review the tape and take action at a future date. Mr. Eddy asked if Council feels that it has enough information available on • which to rnake a decision. The Council indicated that they felt that they had been given sufficient information.