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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/12/2025 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular MeetingHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – June 12, 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 – May 8, 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, June 12, 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 – June 12, 2025 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Update: July “NoCo Community Connections and Belonging” picnic; and Collaboration with the JEDI Coalition b. Update: June 17th Boards & Commissions Joint Meeting c. Update: 2026 Human Library Program 8. OLD BUSINESS a. COMMITTEE REPORTS: • Community Recognition: Update re: December 11, 2025 Human Relations Award Program – Work plan review; and review of draft planning template for the communication/promotion of HRC events • Education Outreach: Update re: Neurodiversity educational program – review date/time, site, format, promotion • Government Relations: Update • Executive: Update 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS 10. NEXT STEPS a. Meeting Action Items b. Next Meeting – July 10, 2025: Agenda ideas? 11. ADJOURNMENT 5/8/25 – MINUTES Human Relations Commission REGULAR MEETING Thursday, May 8, 2025 – 5:30 PM City Hall: CIC Conference Room, 300 Laporte Ave and Microsoft Teams 1. CALL TO ORDER: 5:35 PM 2. ROLL CALL a. Commission Members Present – Beth Jaeger (Chair), Barb Kistler (Vice Chair), Rachel Bryan, Teresa Cribelli, Kori Wilford, Diana Prieto, Everton Brossus b. Commission Members Absent – Masood Ahmad c. Staff Members Present – Liz Messenger, Lead Equity & Inclusion Specialist d. Guest(s) – Joe Wimmer, Utilities Finance Director 3. AGENDA REVIEW Chair Jaeger reviewed the agenda items. 4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – APRIL 10, 2025 Commission member Wilford motioned to approve the April 10, 2025 minutes. Commission member Prieto seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. 6. BUDGET REVIEW Chair Jaeger stated the budget as of March 5th was $5,884.95, much of which has been earmarked for networking events, the neurodiversity program, and the Human Relations awards. 7. NEW BUSINESS a. Presentation: ¼ Cent Capital Sales Tax Renewal (CCIP) – Joe Wimmer, City of Fort Collins Utilities Finance Director Joe Wimmer, Utilities Finance Director, noted the dedicated ¼ cent capital sales tax has a long history of approval in Fort Collins, and if renewed per 5/8/25 – MINUTES voter approval in November, would continue for another ten years beginning in 2026. He discussed the overall City tax base and noted dedicated taxes such as the Community Capital Improvement Program (CCIP) are not charged on groceries. Wimmer outlined the previous prominent projects that have been funded by the tax, including the Whitewater Park, Downtown streetscape improvements, Gardens on Spring Creek improvements, and an affordable housing fund. Wimmer stated the ¼ cent tax will generate around $11 million annually, which will generate approximately $110 million for projects over the course of the next ten years, though that may change depending on growth. He noted there are $166 million in proposed projects at this point, and public outreach is now occurring to narrow the list to the number of projects that can be funded. He also noted projects are widely varied, including those from active modes, engineering, transit, affordable housing, parks and recreation, cultural services, and environmental, and he discussed specific projects that may be included as part of the overall package. Wimmer stated staff will be attending a Council work session on May 27th with a proposed list of projects and the tax could be referred to the ballot at the last Council meeting in July. Commission member Brossus asked about the review process for the past ten years of projects. Wimmer replied the list was similarly developed and prioritized and noted not all projects have been completed as taxes are still being collected to go to some of them, including the Southeast Community Center. He stated major intersection improvements, including College and Trilby, bicycle infrastructure improvements, pedestrian sidewalk installations, the Carnegie Center for Creativity, the Whitewater Park, and some affordable housing projects were part of the past ten years’ worth of projects. Commission member Cribelli asked how much climate change has factored into the Transfort and transit expenditures. Wimmer replied Transfort has started to move toward a more electrified fleet and the Transit Optimization Study is currently underway to look at efficiency in the overall transit system. Messenger noted Transfort has a fleet electrification program with a goal of 100% electric fleet by 2040. Additionally, mobility hubs, micro-transit, and bus rapid transit are all being investigated as options as roadways become more congested. Commission member Cribelli commented on the importance of considering climate change in park design as well. b. Update: Collaboration with the JEDI Coalition, including potential summer networking event Vice Chair Kistler stated the small planning group subcommittee of the JEDI Coalition/HRC/County DEI Advisory Board has discussed having a networking event in November connected to CSU’s Symposium event. Additionally, she and Wilford discussed the HRC hosting an event in the summer, possibly with the theme ‘Community Connections and Belonging in Fort Collins.’ She stated 5/8/25 – MINUTES the plan would be to use the indoor/outdoor space at the Senior Center for the event and the HRC could provide some type of grab and go snacks. She asked members to provide input on the possible idea. Members discussed ideas for the event and goal to provide a safe, welcoming environment for a more informal gathering. Chair Jaeger supported having some type of activity to get people involved in conversation. Members discussed using the theme ‘NoCo Community Connections and Belonging.’ Commission member Wilford commented on purchasing food from a local, potentially minority-owned business and Vice Chair Kistler mentioned the possibility of having music, local leaders for a meet and greet, and inviting families. Chair Jaeger noted the Senior Center location could be tight if families were involved. Commission member Prieto motioned that the Human Relations Commission pursue a summer networking event with the theme of ‘NoCo Community Connections and Belonging.’ Commission member Bryan seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Vice Chair Kistler and Wilford agreed to meet prior to the next HRC meeting to discuss what will be needed. Members agreed to look at July 16th or 17th as a possible date. c. Update: Potential Collaboration with Other Boards and Commissions Chair Jaeger stated she and Vice Chair Kistler reached out to the Chairs, Vice Chairs, and staff liaisons for the Disability Advisory Board, the Senior Advisory Board, the Women and Gender Equity Advisory Board, and the Youth Advisory Board for a possible collaborative meeting. She stated it appears the meeting will fall on Tuesday, June 17th from 5:30-7:30 PM, and she, Vice Chair Kistler, and Messenger will be there to represent the HRC. Chair Jaeger stated this could provide a good opportunity to create partnerships moving forward and to bring resources together. Additionally, she stated the plan is to invite those meeting participants to the Juneteenth reception and proclamation to be held prior to the B&C meeting. d. Update: 2026 Human Library Program Chair Jaeger stated there are no updates about the Program; however, the Museum of Discovery will be submitting for a County grant to fund the early 2026 Human Library Program. She also noted she has been informed that Front Range Community College is considering doing a Human Library Program with a target audience of the College’s students and staff. 5/8/25 – MINUTES 8. OLD BUSINESS a. Committee Reports • Community Recognition: December 11, 2025 Human Relations Awards Commission member Bryan provided a document of monthly action items, including a communications plan, and stated she has updated the award categories and rubrics. Commission member Bryan motioned to finalize the selection rubric as presented. Vice Chair Kistler seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Commission member Bryan motioned to utilize the award categories as presented. Commission member Brossus seconded the motion. Motion passed 7-0. Commission member Bryan will work with Melanie Moses and Messenger to update the HR Awards website by July 1st. Also, she will bring a planning template to the June 12th HRC meeting to facilitate the effective promotion of the HRC’s 2025 programs. • Education Outreach: Neurodiversity Educational Program Commission member Brossus stated the Senior Center has been identified as a good location to host the educational program and the plan is to promote the event for three to four weeks prior. It was noted the October 23rd date is already reserved at the Senior Center. Commission member Brossus stated there is a plan to reach out to the Disability Advisory Board as a potential collaborator. Daisy Montgomery and Anais Campbell were identified as contacts. Commission member Cribelli stated she is happy to collaborate with Montgomery or others on the presentation. Chair Jaeger requested the conversation with the DAB occur prior to the June HRC meeting. Commission member Brossus stated he will be meeting with Commission member Cribelli and will come to the next HRC meeting with a more finalized project timeline. • Government Relations: Update Commission member Prieto noted the State legislative session just ended and there is a deadline of June 6th for the Governor to sign or veto bills. She highlighted some bills that passed in this session, including ‘Accessibility Standards in Building Codes,’ ‘Gender Identity 5/8/25 – MINUTES Certificate of Death,’ a bill protecting the freedom to marry, and ‘Medical Necessity Determination Insurance Coverage,’ which assures insurance coverage for mental and behavioral health. Vice Chair Kistler noted at one point the HRC wanted to take more action around gun legislation, but was advised not to do so. She noted a number of gun legislation items were passed at the State level, including raising the age to purchase gun ammunition to 21, and requiring four to twelve hours of training for anyone purchasing a semi-automatic gun. Additionally, there is a bill that has yet to be signed by the Governor that would provide an additional 12 weeks of leave for parents whose infants have to be in the NICU. Vice Chair Kistler stated there is another bill that would expand how the anti-discrimination act applies to trans individuals, though it also has yet to be signed. Another bill eliminated the cap on the number of vet students can be at CSU at any given time. Vice Chair Kistler also commented on a bill related to social media protections for youth that was vetoed by the Governor. Chair Jaeger noted local legislators are having an end of session meeting at CSU this Saturday from 10:00-11:30 AM. She also noted there may be a special legislative session if federal cuts to Medicaid are proposed. Commission member Prieto noted an executive order was signed at the federal level titled ‘Restoring Equality of Opportunity in Meritocracy.’ She commented on unintentional discrimination related to disparate impact and stated this executive order revokes that concept and speaks to requiring discrimination by using disparate impact. • Executive: Update Chair Jaeger reported on meeting with Danyel Addes, the Coordinator of Community Engaged Learning in the Institute for Learning and Teaching and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Artistry at CSU. She stated Addes is interested in getting students placements or experience in the community so they can test what they are learning and test their interests, and she expressed interest in possibly placing a student with the HRC. 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chair Jaeger stated she and Vice Chair Kistler had lunch with Phil Walker, former HRC member, yesterday. She noted he plans to attend upcoming HRC programs. Commission member Cribelli stated she worked with the Poudre Libraries equity coordinator to put together an Autistic Joy event which was a large success. She stated the event will occur again next April. 5/8/25 – MINUTES Vice Chair Kistler thanked those who voted in the Health District election. She noted the District is tax funded and offers dental care, assistance with accessing Medicaid and Medicare, and mental health services for adolescents. Commission member Bryan noted New Belgium is hosting a Pride event on June 7th. 10. NEXT STEPS a. Meeting Action Items b. Next Meeting – June 12, 2025 – Agenda ideas? • Extend an invitation to Council liaison Mayor Pro Tem Emily Francis for July • Jo Buckley – Community Health Improvement Plan Coordinator – priority areas of the Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP): all around belonging and inclusion 11. ADJOURNMENT a. 7:25 PM Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Board/Commission on XX/XX/XX Signature: Human Relations Commission- Human Relations Awards 2025 Timeline Human Relations Awards December 11th 2025 at City Hall Reception 4:00 -4:30PM / Ceremony 4:30 -5:30PM Budget: $2,000 Task Deadline Lead Done (Y/N) Finalize date, time, location of 2025 HR Awards Mar 13 HRC meeting Rachel Liz Y Check with admin on availability of Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, HRC Liaison, and Council members to 2024 program Note: Emily Francis – yes/speak Mayor Arndt – yes/speak Susan Gutowsky-yes Julie Pignataro – yes Melanie Potyondy -yes Tricia Canonico - yes Apr 10 Liz Beth Y Input on HR Award categories and definitions Input on HR award rubric and voting process Apr 10 HRC Meeting Rachel Barb/Teresa Y Final approval HR Award categories and definitions Final approval HR award rubric and voting process May 8 HRC Meeting Rachel Barb/Teresa Communicate plan for HR Awards website language including event logistics, nomination categories, and definitions (English and Spanish) May 12 Rachel Liz/Melanie Work with CPIO to develop communication plan for September/October (English and Spanish) TBD Liz/Melanie Discuss HR Awards communication s audience & schedule, along with other HRC 2025 programs (English and Spanish) Jun 12 HRC Meeting Rachel Beth/Barb Formal invitation to Council members, Mayor, Mayor Pro-Tem Jul 1 Beth Post revised HR Awards language and nomination form on HRC website (English and Spanish) Jul 1 Liz/Melanie Finalize Call for Nominations letter to be sent to community members and organizations (English and Spanish) Note: HRC members to receive copy for distribution Jul 10 HRC Meeting Rachel All Nomination period opens Jul 10 HRC Meeting Create draft program flow for HR Awards with HRC Sep 11 HRC meeting All Order award artwork and origin of artwork document Oct 9 HRC Meeting Beth Finalize letters to nominators and nominees who are award recipients (English and Spanish) Oct 9 HRC meeting Rachel Finalize letters to nominators and nominees not selected as award recipients (aka finalists) (English and Spanish) Oct 9 HRC meeting Rachel Nomination period ends Oct 31 Send nomination spreadsheet, nominations, rubric, and award criteria to HRC for all to review before meeting Nov 3 Rachel Select award recipients Nov 13 HRC meeting All Finalize program flow and HRC member responsibilities Nov 13 HRC meeting All Send letters to nominators and award recipients congratulating them and providing award reception and ceremony details (English and Spanish) Nov 17 Rachel Beth/Melanie Send letters to nominators and nominees not selected as recipients (English and Spanish) Nov 17 Rachel Beth/Melanie Secure language and sign interpreter if needed Nov 22 Liz/Melanie Order catering Nov 22 Liz/Melanie Secure photographer Nov 22 Beth Liz/Melanie Finalize program recording and cost required Nov 22 Liz/Melanie Create award program with CPIO & print copies (English & Spanish) Nov 24 Liz/Melanie Finalize Mayor and M ayor Pro-Tem remarks, send to Sarah Kane Dec 1 Beth Send reminders to event RSVPs Dec 8 Melanie Hold Zoom practice session for HR Award speakers TBD All Human Relations Award Ceremony Note: Set-up 3:00 -4:00pm Reception 4 -4:30pm Ceremony 4:30 -5:30 pm Photo opportunities/Clean-up 5:30 -6:00pm Dec 11 City Hall All NoCo Community Connections and Belonging Picnic (7/16 or 7/17) Neurodiversity Event (10/23) Fall/Winter Networking Event TBD Human Relations Awards (12/11) Call for Nominations Target audience- who do we want to invite/contact? When should the first program reminder be sent? When should a second reminder be sent, if needed? What is the best channel to reach the target audience? (email, posters/flyers, social media/websites, other) How should emails be sent? (HRC mailbox, personal email) What, if any, is the cost of these marketing efforts? Other considerations? Notes: