Loading...
HomeMy Public PortalAboutA 2008-08-12 - WOMEN'S COMMISSIONCITY OF LYNWOOD LYNWOOD WOMEN'S COMMISSION ~, -~~ ~~j1 NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING ~~~~ August 12, 2008 10:00 AM Q(J~ O 6 2008 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS AGENDA Margaret Araujo, Chairperson Sylvia Herron Gloria Jaimes Commissioner Commissioner I. Call to Order II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Roll Call Olga Real Commissioner IV. Certification of Agenda Posting V. Minutes Approval for July 8 Regular Meeting VI. Review of Vice Chair duties VII. Health Fair VIII. Board Orals IX. Public Orals" * limited to two minutes per speaker CITY OF Ll'I''Jl+\i%.IO[} C,I~TgY CLE!~ 5 OFFICE /f `~(~LUivt Martina Rodriquez /~`J Vice Chair Adjournment: Motion to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at 10 AM in the City Council Chambers located in City Hall, 11330 Bullis Road, Lynwood, CA 90262. City of Lynwood Lynwood Women's Commission Meeting Minutes Tuesday, July 8, 2008 10:00 A.M. Lynwood Council Chambers Call to Order: Chairperson Margaret Araujo called the meeting to order at 10:05 A.M. Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Martina Rodriquez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Chairperson Margaret Araujo -Present Commissioner Gloria Jaimes -Present Commissioner Sylvia Herron -Present Commissioner Olga Real -Present Commissioner Martina Rodriquez -Present Attendees Laura Alderete, Staff Liaison Serena Coulson-Johnson, Minutes Clerk Certification of Agenda Posting: Agenda was duly posted. Chairperson Araujo called for a motion to approve the June 10 minutes. Commissioner Herron noted corrections in the minutes. The minutes were approved with the necessary corrections. Motioned by Commissioner Herron and seconded by Commissioner Rodriguez. Chairperson Araujo called for a discussion on the review of the Vice Chair duties. The discussion was tabled for the next meeting. Planning for Outreach: Chairperson Araujo reviewed the "Objectives" for the Women's Commission. Commissioner Jaimes stated she would like to speak, Chairperson Araujo asked Commissioner Jaimes not to speak in Spanish. Commission Jaimes stated that she does not like it when someone tells her she can't speak in her language. Chairperson Araujo asked Commissioner Jaimes to please not speak until Board Orals on this matter. Chairperson Araujo continued to review the objectives for the upcoming year. Chairperson Araujo gave an overview of each objective and what each objective means. The topics of interest are health/nutrition, parenting, grandparents caring for the grandchildren, family planning, finances, education/school, cooking healthy meals, sewing, balloon /floral arrangements are to be make at home to sale for donations. For entertainment she stated there is a program at Plaza Mexico and on every Friday one of the coordinators have artistic children come out and do karaoke and other fun activities. She went on to say that another thing they are trying to do is to get someone to donate tickets for the mothers of these artistic children so they will be able to go to a restaurant that will give the mothers an opportunity to go out and have fun. Chairperson Araujo stated that the objectives are some of the things the Women's Commission hope to accomplish this year and a packet will be given to council for approval. Chairperson Araujo also stated that these Commissioners have a lot of resources because they all belong to other organizations. Chairperson Araujo asked for a motion to approve the Objectives for the coming year motion by Commissioner Herron and seconded by Commissioner Real. The National Association of Commissions for Women (NACW) newsletter in their packet was also reviewed. Board Orals: Commissioner Herron stated that in the minutes from the previous June 10 meeting, on the last page under general intentions one of the goals stated is fundraising. She stated that the Commissioners can not fundraise nor raise money for any event or program. Commission Herron stated, "that is why in July 1990 there was a membership drive headed by Ms. Elizabeth Dixon" and also that is when the Women's Commission started having friends. She stated that this went to the City Council at that time and it was approved so the friends could fundraise for the Women's Commission. She stated that the Women's Commission started the "Gifts of Love" program and Health Fair and other programs. Commission Herron stated that she is just informing the Commission that they can not fundraise because it is against the law. Commissioner Real had no remarks. Commissioner Rodriquez stated that she would like to invite the Commissioners and friends to a festival for parents. She stated that there will be a lot of recourses for the community and this special festival will take place on Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 11:OOam to 3:OOpm at the Community Transit Center. This festival is also for children with special needs and she would like some information from the Women's Commission. Commissioner Herron stated that in order for the Women's Commission to have information at this event, they will need the council's approval. Chairperson Araujo stated that she did not think the council would have a problem if the Women's Commission had a booth at this event. She stated that the only problem she sees is that it is not on their calendar. She stated that hopefully by the next meeting they will have their calendar and handouts. Commissioner Real asked Commissioner Herron, "When did the council approve to have the friends to fundraise?" Commission Herron stated that it is in ordinance #1324 on May 16, 1989. She stated it was around that time between that date and the membership drive. She stated that they are still looking for that ordinance and that Betty Jackson, a member of the Women's Commission at that time, suggested to Carol De Jesus, who was the Liaison, to take this item to Mr. Byrd. Mr. Byrd in return took it to the Council and they all approved it. Ethel Pacheco was also on the Commission at that time and she confirmed it. Commissioner Jaimes stated that things are changing and it is very rude to say that the Commissioners can not collect donations for the Women's Commission. Commissioner Herron stated again that for the Commissioner to fundraise is against the law. Commissioner Jaimes stated that she thinks the Commissioners should talk to council because she knows a lot of people she can get donations. She is being trained on how to ask for donations from different organizations. Commissioner Real asked, "Where did the Women's Commission get the money for the previous event?" Chairperson Araujo stated that staff used their division budget. Chairperson Araujo stated that since we are going in a new direction and we have new council, we are going to put a packet together and in that packet we asked what we are allowed to do in the way of fundraising. Commissioner Real stated that she would like to keep busy and work with Commissioner Rodriquez at her event on the Saturday, July 12, 2008. Chairperson Araujo stated to Commissioner Real that she can work with Commissioner Rodriquez at her event on Saturday, July 12, 2008. She stated the problem is that the Commission does not have any information to have a booth at the festival, but in future events the Commission will have information for a booth. But right now the Commission can not set up a booth until we get council's approval. Chairperson Araujo stated that some of the council already know what the Women's Commission is trying to accomplish. Public Orals: Irene Garcia: Ms. Garcia stated that with regards to the item mentioned in the previous minutes around donations, she asked if they have an enclosed form that reads who gives the donations. She stated that the credit should be given to the donors, not the Women's Commission. Ms. Garcia also stated that she would like to see an African American on the Women's Commission so that there will be a balanced representation for the city. Lein Stringfield: Ms. Stringfield stated to Chairperson Araujo, that she has worked with and has been a friend of the Women's Commission for years, and she feels that Chairperson Araujo does not want to have them as friends. Lorene Reed stated that she would like for her statements to go on record. Ms. Reed stated that she was a friend of the Women's Commission for over six years. She stated to the Commissioners "you are new." Ms. Reed went on to say to the Commissioners that "when you three Commissioners, Chairperson Araujo, Commissioner Real and Commissioner Jaimes, walked into the chambers you made a remark: "Why are they here?" She stated, "I was insulted by that remark and you turned and walked out of the chamber." Chairperson Araujo stated that she did not make that remark "Why are they here?" She stated that the reason she turned and took the two Commissioners outside was to instruct them not to speak Spanish in the meeting so as not to offend Commissioner Herron. Ms. Reed stated that we are not trying to argue, we all heard the remark. Ms. Reed stated that there is an ordinance in place that prohibits any Commissioner from fundraising and it can't be changed until council changes it. Ms. Reed stated to the Commissioners that the friends have been proving to be a benefit to the Women's Commission. She also stated to the Commissioners that they do not have to have them as friends; the Commission can pick the people they want to help. She stated that if you have resources, and because you are a Commission it would be in 3 v violation of the law for you to fundraise, but you can send a friend to go to that resource so the Commission will not get in trouble with the District Attorney because of conflict of interest. Ms. Reed stated that the reason she came to the meeting today was to invite the Commissioners to a HIV/Aids training workshop. She stated that in the Latino and African American communities aids are on the rise. She stated there is a workshop that will be held in Compton at the YWCA and she came to invite them to one of these workshops. She stated that she did not come here for problems, but that remark, "Why are they here", was offensive. Ms. Reed stated to the Commissioners that they should not be against anyone who is trying to help. She said these ladies are here because they would like to help you, not hurt anyone. She continued to say to the Commissioners that "some of you have been around long enough to know what Commissioners can and can not do so don't believe everything you are being told. Research it for yourselves so you will not get in trouble." Ms. Reed proceeded to pass out information to the Commissioners on the HIV/Aids workshop. Chairperson Araujo stated that at the previous Women's Commission meeting/retreat there was a discussion regarding the friends and fundraising and other issues. She stated that the Commissioners know they need friends and they are going to recruit more friends. She stated that it was not her idea to do away with the friends, but that everything will be taken to council. She stated that the Commissioners researched and could not find the ordinance regarding fundraising. She called the ex-City Clerk and she was told that there is an ordinance, but no one could find it. She also stated that they were told by members of the council that the Women's Commission did not have to include friends because none of the other Commissions have friends, so we chose not to keep the friends. Chairperson Araujo continued to say that she is not telling the new Commissioners what to say or do because each one of them is close to council members and they talk to the council. Chairperson Araujo stated that if they get donations from an organization, they will recognize that organization as the one who gave the donation. But it will be presented by the Women's Commission. She stated an example: If a donation was given by Commissioner Rodriquez, we would say this item was donated by that person to the Women's Commission. Chairperson Araujo went on to say that the council selected these Commissioners, and if anyone thinks there should be an African American on the Women's Commission, that person should go and speak with the council regarding that issue. Chairperson Araujo stated that she took Commissioner Real and Commissioner Jaimes out of the chamber to ask questions before the meeting. If they had any and to remind them not to speak Spanish in the meeting. She stated she spoke to Councilman Rodriquez and asked about members speaking Spanish in the meeting. She said she asked him because of what transpired in their previous meeting and he said that the council never said that one could not speak Spanish, if it is to correct someone and that is what Commissioner Rodriquez did. Ms. Stringfield stated that she had listened to these Commissioners when they speak and they speak English well enough, "I don't think there is a problem to the point where you had to take them back outside and tell them not to speak Spanish." 4 Commissioner Rodriquez stated that this is the first time she has ever been on a Commission and she felt that the council elected them because they believe that they can do something other than just come and have meetings and that South Gate has a lot of activities going. And by sitting on this Commission, it would help other women to become empowered and to realize they can become leaders. She stated, "no disrespect to the previous members." She stated that the Women's Commission can do a lot of things in the community. She stated that she respects the friends and she has learned a lot from them and they are roll models to her and they are welcome to come to the Women's Commission meetings. Commissioner Jaimes stated that it is good to have friends. She stated that Ms. Garcia said that she thinks the Women's Commission needs an African American on the board. She stated that each time the friends come to the meeting there is an argument. She stated, that it could be said that maybe the council needs an African American on their board too. Commissioner Jaimes stated that she does not feel bad because everyone is free to say what they feel but try to act like grown ups, and not like children. She stated to the friends that anything the Commissioners does, someone feels bad. Commissioner Jaimes stated that we are all adults and "like you say we speak Spanish, well most of the community is Spanish people. How are you going to work with someone Hispanic if you do not speak Spanish? Grow up we need to build something not destroy it." Commissioner Herron stated to Chairperson Araujo that this is Public Orals and you let two Commissioners speak under the Public Orals. These are not Board Orals. She stated, I thought once you spoke under the Board Orals that was it for the Commissioners, you are letting the meeting get out of hand. Chairperson Araujo stated that she understands her roll felt that Commissioner Jaimes needed to clear up some things. She stated that as mentioned before, Commissioner Jaimes does not really have the command of English to say what she need to say. Chairperson Araujo thinks that now that all the cards are on the table and everything is out in the open, hopefully the Commissioners and friends won't act like children and, from this day forward, we will have productive meetings. Chairperson Araujo reminded the Commissioners that in July they are going to start planning for their Health Fair for October. Chairperson asked Ms. Alderete if she had any comments she had none. Commissioner Rodriquez made a motion to adjourn the meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Real and approved. The meeting adjourned at 11:00 am. 5