HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-08-31 - MINUTES - STUDY SESSION NOTES (2)City Council Special Study Session
August 31, 1999
Call To Order: 5:35 p.m.
Roll Call: Present: Ferry, Weste, Majic, Darcy
Absent: Heidt
Flag Salute: Councilmember Weste
ITEM 1 HUMAN RELATIONS FORUM UPDATE — Rick Putnam,
Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services gave a
brief background on the Santa Clarita Human Relations Forum,
a task force which addresses cultural diversity and racism, and
introduced Mike Ballard and Gary Mast, members of the Santa
Clarita Valley Human Relations Forum.
Mike Ballard and Gary Mast introduced and presented a 45 -
minute video regarding racism. At the completion of the video,
they encouraged an open forum to discuss the video.
Council comments included: students, particularly minority
students and how they are treated at malls, and local
businesses; change can not come by pounding a belief into
someone's head; the process needs to be worked through; lack of
diversity in youth sports; it takes time, patience; consistency.
George Caravalho, City Manager suggested that the forum
contact the local businesses through the Chamber of Commerce,
and also a community place might be a possibility for people to
meet and discuss hot issues. He also suggested the forum
continue its efforts with schools, and churches, and that maybe a
combination of the local businesses, government, churches, and
schools could help raise awareness.
A citizen from the audience suggested that the forum also get in
touch with such organizations as Rotary and Zonta to help take
a proactive stance on this issue.
Mayor Darcy called for general Public Participation.
Several citizens in the audience were from the Sand Canyon Homeowners
Association and expressed their concern with the Robinson Ranch Golf
Course Project, particularly concerns with trails, grading, water issues.
Mayor Darcy explained to the audience that Council could not take any
formal action at a Study Session and requested that this issue be placed on
the City Council agenda for September 14, 1999.
Mayor Darcy adjourned the meeting at 7:28 p.m
Gerf Bryan,
Deputy City Clerk