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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/10/2025 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular MeetingHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – April 10, 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 – March 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, April 10, 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 – April 10, 2025 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Welcome New Members! – Everton Brossus, Diana Prieto, Kori Wilford b. Election of HRC Officers – 4/1/25-3/31/26 Term – Chair, Vice Chair, Committee Chairs c. Updates re: 1) 2025 Collaboration with the JEDI Coalition; and 2) 2026 Human Library program 8. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMITTEE REPORTS: • Community Recognition: Discussion re: December 11, 2025 Human Relations Award Program – Award categories, Award selection rubric • Education Outreach: Discuss recommendations re: Neurodiversity educational program – Date/time, site, format • Government Relations: Update • Executive: Update; Discussion re: HRC collaboration with other Boards & Commissions 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. NEXT STEPS a. Meeting Action Items b. Next Meeting – May 8, 2025: Joe Wimmer, City of Fort Collins Utilities Finance Director re: ¼ Cent Capital Sales Tax Renewal (CCIP) 11. ADJOURNMENT 3/13/25 – MINUTES Human Relations Commission REGULAR MEETING Thursday, March 13, 2025 – 5:30 PM City Hall: CIC Conference Room, 300 Laporte Ave and Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:31 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Commission Members Present – Beth Jaeger (Chair), Barb Kistler (Vice Chair), Rachel Bryan, Masood Ahmad, Teresa Cribelli b. Commission Members Absent – Coronda Ziegler and Phil Walker c. Staff Members Present – Liz Messenger, Lead Equity & Inclusion Specialist d. Guest(s) – Stephanie Watson Lewis, BIPOC Alliance, and Fatima Prieto, Larimer County EDI Advisory Board Chair Jaeger noted that though they are not present, this will be the last meeting for both Phil Walker and Coronda Ziegler. She commended Commission member Walker’s and Zeigler’s service to the Commission and stated that their generous contributions to the HRC will be missed, along with the impactful perspectives they brought to the Commission’s work. 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Jaeger reviewed the agenda items. 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 13, 2025 Commission member Bryan motioned to approve the February 13, 2025 minutes. Commission member Ahmad seconded the motion. Motion passed 5-0. 6. BUDGET REVIEW Chair Jaeger stated the Commission’s annual budget is $6,250, and as of March 6th, $5,775.60 remains. 3/13/25 – MINUTES 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Discussion with the BIPOC Alliance – Stephanie Watson Lewis, Director of Advocacy and Outreach Stephanie Watson Lewis, Director of Advocacy and Outreach, BIPOC Alliance, stated her work at the BIPOC Alliance has been centered around educating the community on upcoming bills and how people can get active around issues that are important to them. She stated BIPOC’s accountability team has been meeting regularly to discuss how to provide support for various groups and bills. She stated she aims to meet with individuals who feel their civil rights are being harmed and also reaches out to the community at meetings such as this. Chair Jaeger asked about the history and mission of the BIPOC Alliance. Watson Lewis replied the Alliance’s mission centers around decolonizing, accessing joy, education, and grassroots efforts. She stated it is important to realize not everyone is going to agree on everything, and that is what makes each individual unique; however, those difficult conversations need to be held. She stated the BIPOC Alliance believes in cultivating culture, sharing joy, and growing together as a community while highlighting and accepting differences. Additionally, she noted there is a weekly breakfast held to offer support to community members and problem solve as a group. Watson Lewis stated BIPOC’s focus this year is on joy, creating spaces for people to rejuvenate, educating people on what is happening in legislation, and connecting with community. Commission member Ahmad requested further discussion of the comment around decolonization of culture. Watson Lewis replied decolonizing is necessary to tap into culture and it is important to not focus on the way society wants us to see our culture, but to embrace people learning about their lineage, roots, and culture. She stated it is important for people to have the ability and right to understand their culture. Commission member Ahmad asked about the three major accomplishments of the BIPOC Alliance over the past year. Watson Lewis replied connection is the major theme for events and the work of the Alliance. Additionally, the idea of culture in general has been a focus. She citied the Day of the Dead and Juneteenth celebrations hosted by the Alliance. The third accomplishment she mentioned was grassroots advocacy. Watson Lewis highlighted a BIPOC Alliance program called Dandelions, which is a program for families to learn how to navigate cultural issues and participate in family activities. Chair Jaeger stated the Commission has been able to contribute more to the community when it connects with other organizations. 3/13/25 – MINUTES Messenger commended the work and passion of the Commission members. Watson Lewis stated the BIPOC Alliance would like to collaborate and connect with the Commission moving forward. Vice Chair Kistler asked how the BIPOC Alliance is funded. Watson Lewis replied the main funding source is grants. She also noted the organization is accepting applications for its Board. She stated Board members need to understand that all voices belong at the table. Commission member Cribelli asked about the BIPOC breakfast schedule. Watson Lewis replied they are Wednesday mornings beginning at 8:30 AM at the BIPOC Alliance office. She noted the Alliance is looking for funding sources and sponsors for the breakfasts. b. Updates Regarding: Potential 1) 2025 Collaboration with the JEDI Coalition, and 2) 2026 Human Library Program Vice Chair Kistler stated she and Chair Jaeger have a meeting with members of the JEDI Coalition on March 17th and a follow-up report will be made at our April meeting. Vice Chair Kistler stated the FoCo Museum of Discovery Director has indicated the Museum will be applying for a Human Library grant from Larimer County, and noted that more information will be known around June. Commission member Ahmad asked if a web-based Human Library is being considered. Vice Chair Kistler replied the international program does web- based and virtual programs, which were paused for a year, but are back on- line now. She stated the Fort Collins program would be done in person. Vice Chair Kistler stated the program cost could range from $2,500 to $10,000, and the large cost in the past has been the Museum rental, which is $6,500. These costs were covered by the Larimer County grant. If the grant application this year is not successful, other funding sources (and/or possibly another location) will need to be explored to cover a 2026 program. 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Committee Reports • Community Recognition: 2025 Human Relations Awards Commission member Bryan stated City Hall was booked for Thursday, December 11th for the ceremony. In addition, Melanie Clark developed an expense report to estimate costs for the program, including the interpreter, physical awards, food, and beverages. The total cost of the program is approximately $2,000. 3/13/25 – MINUTES Messenger noted the request has gone out to the executive administrative staff regarding the Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem’s availability for the award ceremony. At the April meeting, the HRC will determine nomination categories and review a draft selection rubric. • Education Outreach Chair Jaeger stated the election of new officers will occur in April and noted a new member will be selected to head up the education outreach committee. Commission member Cribelli stated a time and place need to be determined for the neurodiversity workshop. Chair Jaeger stated the group has already determined the workshop should be held in the fall, likely in October, and noted the Senior Center could be a possible location. Commission member Cribelli noted the last two events at the Senior Center were successful and stated that would be her first choice for a venue. At our April meeting, the HRC will select a meeting date, time and site. Chair Jaeger asked if there is still an appetite to partner with the Disability Advisory Board for the event. Vice Chair Kistler stated she would be happy to work with Commission member Cribelli on the event and that contact. • Government Relations Vice Chair Kistler recommended watching the ‘Know Your Rights’ webinar on Senator Cathy Kipp’s website. Vice Chair Kistler noted she, Chair Jaeger, and staff will be meeting with Mayor Pro Tem Francis, the Commission’s Council liaison, regarding the City’s commitment to DEIJ work and the Commission’s ability to pursue its programming. Vice Chair Kistler commented on legislative forums being hosted by state legislators and stated the state budget now has a $1.3 billion shortfall. Chair Jaeger noted there will be a virtual issue forum on March 15th being hosted by our state legislators with Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser speaking about the constitutionality and legality of various federal actions. Commission member Cribelli also commented on attending a ‘Know Your Rights’ workshop and stated higher education is deeply concerned with the threat to withdraw federal funding if DEI programs exist. She also noted there is concern, particularly from the disabled community, about Medicaid funding. 3/13/25 – MINUTES • Executive Chair Jaeger stated three new Commission members will be present in April, including Diana Prieto, the Human Resources Director at CSU STRATA, Everton Brossus, a marketing strategy expert, and Kori Wilford, the Communications and Technology Manager for the Larimer County Department of Health and Environment. She also noted the Commission will need to hold elections for the HRC officers for the next year. Fatima Prieto, Larimer County EDI Advisory Board liaison, stated Claudia will be coming to its June meeting to share information on updated equity indicators and she invited the Commission to join that meeting. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS Messenger noted the Equity Office has completed its 2024 impact report. She commended the work of the Equity Office team and the Commission. Vice Chair Kistler noted she and Chair Jaeger submitted the report from the two 2024 DEIJ networking events to Laurie Kadrich, Messenger, and Mayor Pro Tem Francis. She also noted April 4th is the social event for the Commission at her home. 10. NEXT STEPS a. Meeting Action Items b. Next Meeting – April 10, 2025 – Welcome new HRC Members, Election of HRC 2025-26 Officers 11. ADJOURNMENT a. 7:09 PM Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on XX/XX/XX Signature: FoCo HRC Awards Selection Rubric Please score each nominee on each criterion, in which 5 represents very strong evidence of the criterion and 1 represents minimal evidence of the criterion. CRITERIA SCORE Rank 5 to 1 COMMENTS (Overall impression of this candidate) Criterion #1 Advocates for inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility in the community Criterion #2 Positively impacts underrepresented population(s) in the community Criterion #3 Serves as role model by motivating others to effect positive change in underserved communities Criterion #4 Advances goal of making Fort Colins and Larimer County a safe and welcoming community for all Criterion #5 Builds effective partnerships with other individuals and organizations to advance inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility within the community [New] TOTAL SCORE Considerations for HRC Awards Criteria and Selection Rubric Submitted by Teresa Cribelli and Barb Kistler 1. Consider adding an “Eligibility” statement to the “Accepting Award Nominations” Options/examples: • Nominees must live, work or conduct business in Fort Collins/Larimer County during the nomination year • Members of the City Council, City employees, and Human Relations Commission are not eligible to receive this award Note: historically City Employees have been eligible – do we want to consider a change or keep the same? • Nominee services must be either voluntary or above-and-beyond a paid position’s usual job responsibilities; or we don’t ask for this??? Note: historically the Commission has not been all that clear on how to consider this issue – might be good to clarify now Note: all these need to be decided by the group - these are just examples of what could be considered eligibility standards 2. Tweak our language to the “IDEA” acronym to be consistent with the City’s framing of their office and work. 3. Consider the following criteria for nominees: • The overall impact of the nominee’s advocacy for inclusion, diversity, equity for and accessibility within the community • Positively impacting underrepresented populations in the community • The impact of serving as a role model by motivating others to effect positive change in underserved communities • The impact of advancing the goal of making Fort Collins/Larimer County a safe and welcoming community for all • The impact of building effective partnerships with other individuals and organizations to advance inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility within the community [New] 4. Process for selection meeting: • Each Commission member completes rubric for each nominee • Each Commission member identifies their top 5 in each category • Commission’s Lead captures each member’s input on flipchart (or some such thing) • Commission’s Lead facilitates conversation/deliberation of top nominees • Commission votes on each category’s top nominees for selection of award (as many times as needed) • In case of a tie vote (since we are 8 members)– tally all scores for top nominees and go with the highest scored nominee (s); or use ranked choice voting type process Recommended 2025 Human Relations Award Categories April 10, 2025 1. Individual Award (1-2 awardees) Recognizes an adult (19 years or older) who has demonstrated a strong and sustained commitment to advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Fort Collins or Larimer County for at least three years. This individual actively works to create inclusive spaces, challenge inequities, and promote meaningful change within their community. 2. Organization/Team Award (1-2 awardees) Celebrates a non-profit, for-profit business, or team within an organization that has consistently championed DEI initiatives in Fort Collins or Larimer County for at least three years. This group demonstrates leadership in fostering inclusive practices, implementing impactful programs, and driving systemic change in their industry or community. 3. Rising Star Award (1-2 awardees) Recognizes an individual or organization that has recently begun their DEI advocacy journey (three years or less) but has already made a meaningful difference. This award highlights emerging voices and initiatives that show great promise in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within Fort Collins or Larimer County. 4. Youth Award (1-2 awardees) Honors a young leader (18 years or younger) who is making a significant impact in the areas of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Fort Collins or Larimer County. This award recognizes young advocates who inspire change, foster inclusivity, and work to create a more just and equitable community. 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