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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/13/2025 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular MeetingHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 300 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Microsoft Teams – See Link Below 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. AGENDA REVIEW 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – February 13, 2025 6. BUDGET REVIEW Participation for this Human Relations Commission Meeting will be in person at: CIC Room, City Hall, 300 LaPorte Avenue You may also join online via Microsoft Teams, using this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/join-a-meeting Meeting ID: 240 263 045 832 Passcode: 9X4zk9Wm Dial in by phone +1 970-628-0892,,306081147# United States, Grand Junction Find a local number Phone conference ID: 306 081 147# Online Public Participation: The meeting will be available to join beginning at 5:20pm, March 13, 2025. Participants should try to sign in prior to the 5:30pm meeting start time, if possible. For public comments, the Chair will ask participants to click the “Raise Hand” button to indicate you would like to speak at that time. Staff will moderate the Teams session to ensure all participants have an opportunity to address the Board or Commission. To participate: • Use a laptop, computer, or internet-enabled smartphone. (Using earphones with a microphone will greatly improve your audio). • You need to have access to the internet. • Keep yourself on muted status. Masks Strongly Recommended in Indoor Public Spaces While there are currently no public health orders in place, Larimer County Public Health officials strongly recommend that well-fitting, high-quality masks are worn in crowded indoor spaces. For more information, please visit fcgov.com/covid HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – March 13, 2025 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion with The BIPOC Alliance – Stephanie Watson Lewis, Director of Advocacy and Outreach b. Updates re: Potential 1) 2025 Collaboration with the JEDI Coalition; and 2) 2026 Human Library program 8. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMITTEE REPORTS: • Community Recognition: Update re: 2025 Human Relations Award Program; discuss other potential 2025 activities • Education Outreach: Discuss recommendations re: Neurodiversity educational program; discuss other potential 2025 activities • Government Relations: Update • Executive: Update 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. NEXT STEPS a. Meeting Action Items b. Next Meeting – April 10, 2025: Welcome new HRC members; Election of HRC 2025-2026 Officers 11. ADJOURNMENT 2/13/25 – MINUTES Human Relations Commission REGULAR MEETING Thursday, February 13, 2025 – 5:30 PM City Hall: CIC Conference Room, 300 Laporte Ave and Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Commission Members Present – Beth Jaeger (Chair), Barb Kistler (Vice Chair), Phil Walker, Rachel Bryan, Masood Ahmad b. Commission Members Absent – Coronda Ziegler, Teresa Cribelli c. Staff Members Present – Liz Messenger, Lead Equity & Inclusion Specialist d. Guest(s) – Fatima Prieto, Larimer County EDI Advisory Board Chair Jaeger noted Miho Yoshioka has resigned from the Commission and commended her thoughtful perspective and energy around the work of the Commission. Additionally, she noted Commission member Walker is term limited at the end of March and Commission member Ziegler has opted to not reapply. She stated interviews have just been completed and the hope is that the Commission will have a full slate of members beginning in April. Chair Jaeger introduced Fatima Prieto, the new Larimer County EDI Advisory Board liaison, to the Commission members who were not present at the January meeting. 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Jaeger reviewed the agenda items. 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – JANUARY 9, 2025 Commission member Bryan motioned to approve the January 9, 2025, minutes. Commission member Ahmad seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. 2/13/25 – MINUTES 6. BUDGET REVIEW Chair Jaeger stated the Commission’s 2025 budget is approximately $5,900-$6,000. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Update Regarding Potential Collaboration with JEDI Coalition Vice Chair Kistler stated the JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Coalition is an ad hoc group put together by the County that meets monthly to bring together people who are interested in equity, inclusion, diversity, and accessibility issues. She stated the Coalition partnered with CSU’s Symposium on Inclusive Excellence in October to host a networking event, which is similar to what the Commission did twice last year; therefore, she, Chair Jaeger, and Messenger attended the recent Coalition meeting to discuss possible collaboration opportunities. She stated they proposed forming a subgroup of members of each entity to discuss a collaboration moving forward. Vice Chair Kistler noted the County has made the decision not to change any of the language in its strategic plan around its DEI goals at this point. She discussed work being done by the Coalition and another entity around ‘know your rights’ for businesses, non-profits, and board members, particularly as related to the current immigration issues. Commission member Ahmad asked what type of collaboration is being sought by the Commission. Chair Jaeger replied that the collaboration would be similar to the relationship with the Human Library partners wherein the two entities would plan together for certain community events. Vice Chair Kistler noted only two Commission members could serve on any potential subgroup. Vice Chair Kistler motioned that the Commission approve a meeting with the JEDI Coalition to explore collaboration on any networking event that would be hosted this year. Commission member Walker seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Vice Chair Kistler noted she and Commission member Ziegler have collated input received from the Commission’s two networking events in February and September of 2024 and suggested it may be beneficial to get those notes to Laurie Kadrich at the County, Council liaison Emily Francis, and to City staff. Vice Chair Kistler motioned that the Commission send the final summary report to Emily Francis, Laurie Kadrich, and Claudia Menendez by March 1st. Commission member Ahmad seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Committee Reports 2/13/25 – MINUTES Chair Jaeger noted the Commission received a thank you note from Heart and Sol for considering it for a 2024 Human Relations award. • Community Recognition In order to determine the date for the 2025 Human Relations Awards event, Commission Member Bryan noted December 10th is Human Rights Day and December 11th is available for the HRC Awards. Members discussed holding the event on Human Rights Day itself. Commission member Bryan motioned that the Commission hold the annual awards ceremony on December 10th with December 11th as a potential back-up date. Commission member Ahmad seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Members discussed the timeline and length for the 2025 awards event. Commission member Bryan motioned to hold the reception from 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM and the ceremony to begin at 4:30 PM and end at 5:30 PM on December 10th with a backup date of December 11th. Vice Chair Kistler seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Members discussed the venue for the awards event. Vice Chair Kistler expressed support for holding the event in Council Chambers and in the lobby of City Hall. Commission member Bryan motioned to hold the 2025 awards event at City Hall. Commission member Walker seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. Members discussed the award categories, including the potential for a new “rising star” category. Vice Chair Kistler suggested forming a potential rubric for award selection criteria. Vice Chair Kistler and Commission member Cribelli will draft a decision rubric and recommendations for the award recipient selection process. Chair Jaeger noted nominations were opened in June of last year and stated that was beneficial. Members outlined items to be discussed at the April 10th meeting, including award categories, a decision rubric, and how best to manage the award selection discussion. • Education Outreach 2/13/25 – MINUTES The Commission discussed the proposed “Neurodiversity” education program to be held in fall 2025. Messenger stated she may be helping as a panel member for the event and stated Commission member Cribelli has additional information. She provided a brief summary of the plan for the event, including pre-set questions with a moderator and a question-and-answer session. Members discussed deciding on the date, location, and details of the event at the March 13th meeting. • Government Relations Vice Chair Kistler noted there was a homeless camp sweep a few weeks ago and there was some associated public comment and a Police Services presentation at a recent Council meeting. She also noted accessory dwelling units are now allowed per State legislation and stated another recent topic has been around the unionization of the Connexion Workers’ Coalition, which has yet to be recognized by the City. In terms of State issues, Vice Chair Kistler noted the budget is already moving into a severe deficit partially as State voters approved a large sum of funding for police training. Additionally, there have been many questions at the State level regarding what it is doing to protect its citizens, particularly immigrants, given the new federal administration. Vice Chair Kistler stated she would be reaching out to Mayor Pro Tem Francis for guidance on the City’s DEI initiatives and commitment moving forward. Messenger stated staff has received direction that nothing should change as of now and she read a message from City Manager DiMartino noting that the City’s core mission, vision, and values have not changed, and that the City remains committed to its inclusion, equity, diversity, and accessibility work. • Executive Chair Jaeger reported on facilitating a recent forum with State representatives and topics being related to executive actions and immigrant rights. She announced an upcoming issue forum focused on immigrant rights. Chair Jaeger stated she sent the Commission’s annual report to Mayor Pro Tem Francis who offered an enthusiastic and complimentary response. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 2/13/25 – MINUTES Prieto announced the County EDI Advisory Board will be meeting with Larimer County Sheriff John Feyen on February 26th and will send information about this meeting to the HRC. 10. NEXT STEPS a. Meeting Action Items b. Next Meeting – March 13, 2025 – BIPOC Alliance Chair Jaeger noted Messenger has arranged for representatives from the BIPOC Alliance to attend the March meeting. 11. ADJOURNMENT a. 6:50 PM Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on XX/XX/XX Signature: FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION 2025 WORK PLAN November 30, 2024 MISSION As community leaders and advisors, the Human Relations Commission collaborates, educates, and advocates for equity and inclusion in the City of Fort Collins. 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 this 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 • Adopt an “open door” policy and meet with Commissioners as needed • Explore opportunities to collaborate with other Boards and Commissions THE 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 • Expand HRC’s community relations by maintaining and building updated contact lists • Organize and track efforts by developing, in collaboration with the City, detailed communication plans for specific programs and events • Explore opportunities and collaborate with other DEIJ-focused groups and organizations to build community DEIJ efforts and impact, e.g., DEIJ networking events, ERG meet-ups, etc. • 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 that educate community members and recommend actions that promote positive relationships in the city, all in the most accessible and equitable way • Plan and deliver interactive public forums and discussion sessions facilitated by Commission members and/or guest speakers • Propose collaboration opportunities with local organizations or other boards or commissions to respond to new or long-standing community issues or topics as identified in the City’s Equity Plan and/or City Council priorities • Document committee events to increase efficiency in future programming • Evaluate the impact of programming by surveying participants • Report monthly to the HRC THE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE SHALL: • Monitor City Council activity and attend meetings as needed • 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 • 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 topics related to equity and inclusion (for example, public health, housing, 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 • Explore scope of HRC quasi-judicial work with city leaders as requested. 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