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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/09/2023 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular Meeting HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING City Contact Person: Rachael Johnson, Senior Equity Specialist, Office of Equity & Inclusion - rajohnson@fcgov.com or hrc@fcgov.com February 9, 2023, 5:30 – 7:30 pm In-Person Location: CIC Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Avenue Remote Meeting Participation: To join the Zoom meeting online (through web browser or Zoom app): https://fcgov.zoom.us/j/99331049989 Meeting ID: 993 3104 9989 Call-in: To join the meeting and provide comments via phone: One tap mobile +17209289299,,99331049989# US (Denver) Meeting ID: 993 3104 9989 ________________________________________________________________________________ This information is available in Spanish or other language at no cost to a person who would like this information translated to or communicated in Spanish or other language. Please call 416-4254 or titlesix@fcgov.com to make a request for information in other languages. Esta información está disponible en español u otro idioma, sin costo para la persona que le gustaría esta información traducida o comunicada en español u otro idioma. Favor llame al 416-4254 o a titlesix@fcgov.com para solicitar información en otros idiomas. Auxiliary aids and services are available for persons with disabilities. TTY: please use 711 to call 970.416.4254.; other _________________________________________________________________________________ 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – JANUARY 12, 2023 5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 6. BUDGET REVIEW HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 2 7. NEW BUSINESS • DISCUSSION RE: DIWALI CELEBRATION – MAYA JAIRAM • UPDATE RE: LARIMER COUNTY EQUITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION ADVISORY BOARD – RABBI HILLEL KATZIR • DISCUSSION RE: HRC 2023 DIRECTION AND PRIORITIES 8. OLD BUSINESS • COMMITTEE REPORTS: O EDUCATION OUTREACH – UPDATE RE: FEBRUARY 26TH HUMAN LIBRARY PROGRAM O MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE O GOVERNMENT RELATIONS – UPDATE RE: CITY COUNCIL’S REVIEW OF HRC’S REQUEST TO MODIFY ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LANGUAGE IN MUNICIPAL CODE, CHAPTER 13, ARTICLE II O EXECUTIVE – 2022 HRC ANNUAL REPORT 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. NEXT STEPS O MEETING ACTION ITEMS O NEXT MEETING – MARCH 9, 2023 – AGENDA IDEAS? O ADJOURNMENT HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 3 HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION January 12, 2023, 5:30-7:30pm CALL TO ORDER ● The meeting was called to order at 5:31 pm by Chair Beth Jaeger. ROLL CALL ● Present: Beth Jaeger Coronda Ziegler Barb Kistler Fabiola Pascual Luna Kyle Teramoto Phil Walker Masood Ahmad Torin Kaletsky ● Staff Present: Claudia Menendez ● Public Participation: Karen Wong Brown APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES – NOVEMBER 10 AND NOVEMBER 29, 2022 – • Motion to approve by Torin with correction to November 10th minutes. Seconded by Masood; approved 8-0. BUDGET REVIEW • Beth indicated that, according to the HRC’s December 2022 year-to-date budget report, the HRC has spent approximately $950. However, the final 2022 budget report will be available in early February and will hopefully give a clear indication of our total 2022 expenses. Claudia will confirm that our 2023 budget will be HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 4 $5,900. NEW BUSINESS • REVIEW OF OFFICE OF EQUITY AND INCLUSION IMPACT REPORT (9/21-10/22) – CLAUDIA MENENDEZ O Claudia reviewed the report and was commended on the impactful work the Office of Equity & Inclusion accomplished over the past year. The HRC requested that they remain updated in regard to the work of the community advisory circle and the group of BIPOC serving agencies so that our work may be aligned and supportive of other initiatives. OLD BUSINESS • COMMITTEE REPORTS: o Education Outreach – Update re: Human Library program: Barb reported that the Planning Committee continues to meet. Planning priorities include Book recruitment – currently have 19 books and target is to have 25; the HRC is encouraged to submit names of potential Books to Barb and Beth for follow- up. Advertising will be launched three weeks before the event; registration is live on the Museum of Discovery website. HRC requested to save the date (Sunday, February 26, 2-5pm at the Museum of Discovery) and consider volunteering. O Media/Community Recognition Committee – Feedback re: December 6th Human Relations Awards: Recommendations for next year’s program included: more program time, bigger space perhaps outside City Hall, more food and drink, improved nomination information, ensure accessibility. o Government Relations – Status of City Council’s review of HRC’s request to modify anti-discrimination language in municipal Code, Chapter 13, Article II – first reading on December 20th passed unanimously and second reading is scheduled for January 17th. Update re: DEI networking Event - put on hold for more clarification to avoid duplication of community initiatives. O Executive – Review of HRC 2023 workplan and election of 2023 workstream leaders. The following were nominated: Chair – Beth; Vice Chair – Barb; Education Committee – Coronda; Media/Community Recognition – Kyle; Government Relations – Barb. Phil made a motion to approve, Masood seconded; approved 8-0. The HRC thanked Fabiola for her effective leadership of the Education Committee over the past year. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 5 NEXT STEPS O MEETING ACTION ITEMS o NEXT MEETING – February 9, 2023 ADJOURNMENT – Motion to adjourn made by Masood; seconded by Barb; approved 8-0. Meeting adjourned at 7:21pm. Human Relations Commission 2022 Annual Report HRC MISSION STATEMENT As community leaders and advisors, the Human Relations Commission collaborates, educates and advocates for equity and inclusion in the City of Fort Collins. INTRODUCTION The 2022 Human Relations Commissioners included Masood Ahmad, Oscar Felix, Beth Jaeger, Torin Kaletsky (appointed 8/22), Barb Kistler, Fabiola Pascual Luna, Jean Runyon (resigned 5/22), Kyle Teramoto (appointed 8/22), Phil Walker, and Coronda Ziegler (appointed 8/22). The HRC continued with a broad plan for supporting human relations issues that were pertinent to the City of Fort Collins, aligning its goals with City Outcome Areas of: Neighborhood Livability and Social Health, Safe Community and High Performing Government. Consistent with City Code and HRC’s Mission Statement, as community leaders and advisors to City Council, the HRC researched, deliberated and took proactive and responsive measures to promote the dignity of individuals and groups in Fort Collins. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 6 MONTHLY MEETINGS A number of guest speakers were invited or requested to speak to the HRC in order to build community relationships, learn about issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion in Fort Collins, and to advocate for social justice. Some of the HRC’s monthly meeting guests included: Reverend David Williams, Rabbi Hillel Katzir and Nina Rubin discussed the “Our Commitment to Self and Society” community initiative (2/22) Larimer County Commissioner Kristin Stephens discussed the County’s newly formed Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board (2/22) Jenny Lopez Filkens, Senior Assistant City Attorney, discussed the HRC’s role (3/22) Rachael Johnson, City of Fort Collins Senior Equity Specialist, delivered a presentation regarding the City’s connection with the Indigenous community (4/22) Chief Jeff Swoboda, Fort Collins Police Services, discussed criminal justice and public safety equity indicators (5/22) Brittany Depew, City of Fort Collins Homelessness Response & Solutions Lead Specialist, Meaghan Overton, City of Fort Collins Housing Manager, David Rout, Executive Director of Homeward Alliance, John Singleton, Chair of the Affordable Housing Board, and Bob Pawlikowski, Vice Chair of the Affordable Housing Board, discussed initiatives to advance housing equity in Fort Collins (6/22) Adam Crowe, Larimer County Economic Development Manager, and Yvonne Myers, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, discussed workforce development programs and initiatives (8/22) Rabbi Sally Finestone and Karen Schwartz discussed anti-Semitism in Fort Collins (9/22) Angela Pena, City of Fort Collins Senior Specialist for Environmental Sustainability, discussed the City’s Our Climate Future initiative (10/22) HRC INITIATIVES The City’s Equity and Inclusion Office and the HRC co-sponsored two sessions of “This Thing We Call Bias” on July 28th (49 participants) and October 19th (35 participants) at the Senior Center. These training programs were facilitated by Alma Vigo-Morales and Barb Kistler, Diversity Solutions Group, and explored the concept of bias and how it interferes with decisions at work and life in general. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 7 COMMUNICATION WITH CITY LEADERS The HRC communicated with City leaders regarding the following topics: • Email to Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis advocating that City Council consider passing a resolution in support of an independent and democratic Ukraine (3/22) • Memo to the Fort Collins Planning and Zoning Commission in support of the Hea rtside Hill Affordable Housing Project (9/22) • Memo to Mayor Jeni Arndt and City Council advocating for modification of the City Municipal Code, Chapter 13, Article II anti-discrimination language to include “sexual orientation, gender identify and gender expression” (11/22) • Monthly meetings attended by Beth Jaeger, HRC Chair, Barb Kistler, HRC Vice Chair, Claudia Menendez and Rachael Johnson, City of Fort Collins Equity & Inclusion Office, to discuss HRC priorities and projects. HRC COMMITTEE REPORTS Media/Community Recognition Committee: • Organized the annual Human Relations Awards ceremony to recognize individuals and organizations in our community that promote equity, inclusion and diversity. The Awards Ceremony was held on December 6, 2022 at City Hall and celebrated the following recipients: Youth Award: Olivia Christiansen Individual Award: Janet Krech Individual Award: Queen Johnson Organization Award: Heart of the Rockies Christian Church Organization Award: 8th Judicial/Larimer County Competency Docket Public Service Personnel: Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelik Government Relations Committee: • Attended and monitored City Council meetings. • Monitored the City Council Calendar to stay informed about upcoming issues. • Monitored public input at Council meetings for topics that were relevant to the HRC. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 8 Education and Outreach Committee: • Organized and delivered the “This Thing We Call Bias” training in July and October 2022. • Advanced the delivery of “The Human Library” program scheduled for February 26, 2023. This program is co-sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Office of Equity & Inclusion, the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery, and the Poudre River Public Library District. Executive Committee: • Scheduled agendas for HRC monthly and special meetings. • Ensured appropriate communication with the Council Liaison and City Council. • Delegated issues to committees as appropriate. • Provided support to HRC committees as needed. CONCLUSION: This annual report was based on HRC’s 2022 Work Plan. Some goals were altered due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the lack of resources due to several Commissioner vacancies until August 2022. As we enter 2023, the HRC is excited to begin its work. The commission will continue to advocate for equitable advancements in our community, while remaining alert and responsive to current events. The HRC will act in an advisory capacity to City Council, with a vision to enhance human rights and social justice in our growing community. FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION 2023 WORK PLAN November 30, 2022 MISSION As community leaders and advisors, the Human Relations Commission collaborates, educates, and advocates for equity and inclusion in the City of Fort Collins. HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 9 VISION Embracing differences and giving value to every human being. PURPOSE The Fort Collins City Council established the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in 1964 to promote acceptance, equity, inclusion and respect for diversity through educational programs and to act in an advisory capacity to the City Council. LONG RANGE GOALS Cultivate relationships with the community and media that support the mission and vision Provide educational outreach that promotes equity and inclusion Advocate for an equitable and inclusive environment in city government and community The Fort Collins Human Relations Commission will continue a broad plan for enhancing productive human relations and supporting social sustainability issues that are pertinent to the City of Fort Collins and are consistent with the City Charter and the City Code. The Commission will strive to be informed about diversity, equity, inclusion and social justice issues within Fort Collins and will recommend appropriate action to City Council. The Commission will recommend programs, policies, and activities that promote positive human relations and equitable outcomes and greater opportunities for all. The Commission also may create and deliver programs and activities in furtherance of th is objective. HRC goals and responsibilities are divided among four standing committees for procedural reasons, but are not exclusive to any one committee. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SHALL: • Determine meeting agendas for monthly and special HRC meetings • Maintain regular communication with the HRC’s City Council Liaison and City Council • Collaborate with and support the City’s Office of Equity & Inclusion programs and initiatives • Delegate issues for resolution to standing or special committees • Provide support to HRC standing committees as needed • Call special meetings as needed • Meet regularly with commissioners on a one-on-one basis to maintain and enhance connection among HRC members • Explore opportunities to collaborate with other Boards and Commissions, and DEI-focused organizations in the community HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 10 THE MEDIA/COMMUNITY RECOGNITION COMMITTEE SHALL: • Plan, coordinate and execute an annual Human Relations Awards event; consider both “live” and “virtual” options; promote early nominations for Award recipients; redefine award categories as needed to better reflect community diversity and inclusion • Recommend updates and refinements to the HRC website content so that its message and branding are clear • Build HRC’s community and media relations by maintaining an updated contact list and building a far-reaching communications platform, including social media and city newspapers • Work towards engaging the community through consistent media presence • Organize and track efforts by developing a detailed communication plan • Report monthly to the HRC THE EDUCATION OUTREACH COMMITTEE SHALL: • Create a better understanding of equity and inclusion through educational programs and events, including for example, collaborating with community organizations to host a “Human Library” event. • Seek to deliver programs and events in the most accessible and equitable way • Plan and deliver interactive public forum or discussion sessions • Propose collaboration opportunities with local organizations or other boards or commission s to respond to new or long-standing community issues or topics as identified in the Equity Indicators reported by the City’s Equity and Inclusion office • Educate citizens and recommend actions that promote positive relationships and outcomes within our City • Document committee events to increase efficiency in future programming • Evaluate the impact of programming by surveying participants • Recruit speakers and facilitators • Report monthly to the HRC THE GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMITTEE SHALL: • Monitor City Council activity and attend meetings as needed • Work with City Council and all residents to promote the Principles of Community that will serve as a guide for our community • Review proposed legislation, policy changes or other governmental actions at the Federal, State or Local level which may affect human rights in Fort Collins and recommend actions as appropriate. Consider reviewing city jobs through an equity lens. • Establish consistent lines of communication with community leaders and partners, including periodic meetings with elected officials, candidates for local and state offices, etc. focused on HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING: February 9, 2023 2/9/2023 – AGENDA Page 11 topics related to equity and inclusion (for example, public health, housin g, transportation and employment issues) • Align HRC’s priority objectives with local and state priorities as appropriate • Advocate for people of color to join City Boards, Commissions and Government • Collaborate with other organizations whose primary mission is social justice in Fort Collins, for example, Fort Collins Equity Collective Networking event • Explore scope of HRC quasi-judicial work with city leaders. The HRC’s quasi-judicial role is to defined as follow in section 2-175 (b)(2) of the city code: To assist residents of the City in utilizing the complaint procedure under Chapter 13, Article II of the code and to hear appeals from decisions of the City Manager as provided in Subsection 13-23 (b) of the Code; provided, however, that any members of the Commission who have rendered assistance to particular complainants shall refrain from participating in the Commission’s review of any decision of the City Manager related to such complainant. • Report monthly to HRC •