Approved Minutes — original pdf

Approved Minutes

LGBTQ QUALITY OF LIFE ADVISORY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES The LGBTQ Quality of Life Advisory Commission convened in a regular meeting on Monday, August 9, 2021, via video conference. Chair Gonzales called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m. Members in Attendance: Gonzales, Curry, Curette, Dowling, Kirby, Martinez, Taylor, Wollerson Staff in Attendance: Staff Liaison Neal Falgoust PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – The minutes of July 12, 2021, were approved without objection. 2. NEW BUSINESS a. Charles Robbins of Health Management Associates provided an update concerning the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. All of the recommendations are aligned to the City Council’s Strategic Direction 2023. b. Chair Gonzales addressed the role of the commission in publicizing the results of the LGBTQIA+ Quality of Life Study. The commission intends to conduct town hall-style meetings with stakeholder groups. Chair Gonzales acknowledged the difficulty in communicating with the community during the pandemic. The commission appointed, without objection, Chair Gonzales and Vice Chair Taylor as spokespersons on the Quality of Life Study. c. Vice Chair Taylor discussed the organization of working groups to address topics within the Quality of Life Study. d. Chair Gonzales discussed the Special Session of the Texas Legislature and the current quorum break, and requested the commission to keep track of what is happening at the Capitol. No recommendations were presented. e. Commissioner Kirby discussed Governor Abbott’s attacks on transgender youth. Commissioner Wollerson agreed to work on drafting a recommendation to City Council. f. Commissioner Curette discussed the eviction of 85 families from Rosemont Apartments. The evictions have been halted for now with the help of BASTA. Chair Gonzales asked that commissioners work on drafting a robust recommendation on housing issues.  g. Chair Gonzales discussed the need for an amendment to the Commission’s Bylaws and quorum requirements. h. Chair Gonzales noted that a final report on the Winter Storm Uri Review Task Force will soon be made public. Recommendations will be made to Council i. Chair Gonzales discussed the Vision Zero Stories Program and encouraged Commission members to complete the survey ADJOURNMENT – Chair Gonzales adjourned the meeting at 8:48 p.m. without objection.