HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-05 Personnel & Finance r 1 a
Personnel and Finance Committee
2005 South Bend Common Council
The April 11, 2005 meeting of the Personnel and Finance Committee was called to order by its
Chairperson, Council Member Roland Kelly at 3:15 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting
Room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly,Puzzello, Varner, Kuspa, White, Pfeifer
and Rouse; City Clerk John Voorde, Rita Kopola, Director of Public Works Gary Gilot, Gail
McGuire and William F. Eagan of the South Bend Human Rights Commission, Dr. Catherine M.
Pittman, other unidentified members from the public and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand, Council
Attorney.
Council Member Kelly noted that the committee is composed of Council Members Varner,
Kuspa,White and himself as Chairperson.
Council Member Kelly stated that the committee meeting was called to have a power point
presentation from South Bend Equality.
Catherine M. Pittman, PhD noted that she is a Psychology Professor at Saint Mary's College.
On January 19, 2005, a position statement was prepared by the South Bend Human Rights
Commission. She noted that it is in the multi-page handout entitled"Evidence of Discrimination
against GLBT individuals in the South Bend Area" (copy attached). Dr. Pittman then proceeded
with the power point presentation. She noted that GLBT stands for gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transgender. She stated that in the "big picture" according to a 2000 survey, 49% of Americans
have gay friends or family. She then reviewed the slides referenced in the handout. South Bend
Equality, which is a group of concerned citizens, is concerned about alleged discrimination in
housing,employment, education and public accommodations.
Dr. Pittman then reviewed standards which were used in developing the South Bend Equality
Case Report of Alleged Discrimination; noting that it had the approval of the Institutional
Review Board of Saint Mary's College. She stated that twenty(20) individuals were interviewed
for the record, many of whom "submitted information at some risk". In summary, Dr. Pittman
stated that GLBT individuals are unprotected. She encouraged the Council to work with the
Human.Rights Commission in finding a remedy. She stated that she believes that the issue is
one of fairness. She asked the Council to carefully review each of the "alleged discrimination
reports"which are set forth in the handout.
In response to a question from Council Member White, Dr. Pittman stated that there were
slightly more than twenty (20) individuals; and that overall they may have spoken with 50
persons.
In response to a question from Dr. Varner, Dr. Pittman confirmed that the report is a survey and
that none of the allegations were investigated. Dr. Varner noted that perceptions can be
different. He also voiced concern over statistics from the Los Angeles Times poll.
Dr. Pittman noted that a Gallup poll was used.
April 11,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 1-
Council Member P1»zello inquired whether GLBT individuals would have trouble pursuing their
claim(s)before the Human Rights Commission, if the local ordinance was amended.
Professor Gail McGuire of IU South Bend, noted that she is a member of the Human Rights
Commission, along with William Eagan who was also present at the meeting. She sees the
problem as there being no law now. She noted that some information is confidential; that there
must be probable cause in order to have reconciliation,which would be private.
Council Member White stated that she wants everyone to be clear as to what is being asked of
the Council.
Professor McGuire stated that the Human Rights Commission may not pass laws. She believes
that the Council should hear from the public, and determine what appropriate remedies there
may be.
Council Member Rouse stated that the Common Council received a letter from the Department
of Law which did not ask for the same action as that described by Professor McGuire. He
stressed that the Human Rights Commission must be clear on what they are asking the South
Bend Common Council to do.
Council President Pfeifer stated that Assistant City Attorney Aladean DeRose sent the letter to
the Council along with the statement from the Human Rights Commission. She added that Ms.
DeRose is the attorney for the Human Rights Commission.
Dr. Pittman noted that there was an article on this topic in the January 21, 2005 edition of the
South Bend Tribune.
Dr. Varner stated that he is assuming that the Commission is asking for a fine, and directed the
question to the Council Attorney.
The Council Attorney stated not necessarily.
Dr. Pittman noted that there are mechanisms in place which are used by the Human Rights
Commission,and that those could be studied and reviewed.
Council Member Kelly thanked Dr. Pittman for the presentation. He stated that he sees this as a
first step. He stated that he appreciates all of the other members of South Bend Equality who
were in attendance today and for thanked them for the information provided.
There being no further business to come before the Personnel and Finance Committee, Council
Member Kelly adjourned the meeting at 3:47 p.m.
�Rct ly bmi ed,
ouncil Member o and� lly, Chairperson
Personnel and Finance Committee
April 11,2005 Personnel and Finance Committee Meeing Minutes -page 2-