HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/13/2025 - HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION - AGENDA - Regular MeetingHUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING – November 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 – October 9, 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, November 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 – November 13, 2025
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Welcome Mayor Jeni Arndt
b. Discussion and approval of 2026 HRC Work Plan (due November 30th)
c. Update: Human Rights Day Proclamation - December 2nd at 5:00pm
d. Update: 2026 Human Library Program and potential “Year of Conversation”
program
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
• Community Recognition: December 11, 2025 Human Relations Award
Program – Selection of Award recipients; HRC assignments for event;
rehearsal schedule date; final work plan review
• Education Outreach: Update re: October 23, 2025 Neurodiversity
educational program
• Government Relations: Update
• Executive: Update
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
10. NEXT STEPS
a. Meeting Action Items
b. Next Meeting – January 8, 2026 – Review 2025 Annual Report;
City Council 101 presentation
11. ADJOURNMENT
10/9/25 – MINUTES
Human Relations Commission
REGULAR MEETING
Thursday, October 9, 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), Rachel Bryan, Kori Wilford, Diana Prieto, Everton Brossus, Teresa
Cribelli (arrived late)
b. Commission Members Absent – Masood Ahmad
c. Staff Members Present – Liz Messenger, Lead Specialist, Equity & Inclusion
d. Guest(s) – Fatima Prieto, Larimer County Community Advisory Board
3. AGENDA REVIEW
Chair Jaeger reviewed the agenda items.
4. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
None.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Commission member Wilford motioned to approve the September 11, 2025
minutes. Commission member Brossus seconded the motion. Motion passed
6-0.
6. BUDGET REVIEW
Chair Jaeger stated the budget currently contains $3,526.27, $1,500 of which has
been earmarked for the neurodiversity event and $2,000 of which has been set aside
for the HR awards.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion re: 2026 HRC Work Plan (due November 30th)
Chair Jaeger provided a copy of the previous Work Plan and members
concurred the first page should remain as is. She stated she and Vice Chair
10/9/25 – MINUTES
Kistler did not see the need for any changes to the Executive section.
Additionally, she noted they have asked the other Boards with which they are
collaborating to include language similar to ‘collaborate with other Boards and
Commissions’ in their 2026 Work Plans.
Commission member Bryan discussed possible updates to the Community
Recognition section of the Work Plan. Members discussed how to properly go
about making changes to the HRC website. Members also discussed adding
language related to ‘networking and belonging’ events and discussed making
additional language changes to some areas while maintaining the mission and
vision language given it is in the Code.
Commission member Brossus suggested keeping most of the language the
same in the Education Outreach section of the Work Plan. He stated he added
one bullet point related to setting a measurable goal of hosting at least one
annual educational program in partnership with another City Board or
Commission. Members discussed adjusting that language so as not to require
partnership with another Board. Commission member Wilford suggested
‘propose meaningful collaboration opportunities,’ but acknowledged that is not
measurable. Vice Chair Kistler expressed support for broader wording,
specifically noting many other Boards do not have a budget. Members
ultimately opted to utilize the wording: ‘strengthen collaboration opportunities.’
Chair Jaeger suggested adding the 250/150 program that the Commission is
working on with the Museum. Commission member Brossus also suggested
including language regarding collaborating with community organizations such
as the Museum of Discovery.
Commission member Prieto discussed possible changes to the Government
Relations section of the Work Plan, including using the wording: ‘advocate for
community representation in members joining City Boards and Commissions.’
Chair Jaeger stated she would make the recommended changes. The final
draft will be reviewed and approved at the November 13th HRC meeting.
b. Update: July 16th NoCo Community Connections and Belonging Mixer
Final Summary Report
Vice Chair Kistler asked if members would prefer to have the report embedded
in the memo or be separate. Members concurred having one document would
be preferred. Fatima will keep the group informed re: potential presentation to
the County Community Advisory Board.
Chair Jaeger commended Vice Chair Kistler, Fatima Prieto, and Commission
member Wilford on developing the report.
c. Update: September 29th Boards and Commissions Joint Meeting
Chair Jaeger commented on the recent meeting with members of the Senior
Advisory Board, Disability Advisory Board, and Women and Gender Equity
Advisory Board, and stated there is a great deal of energy around
10/9/25 – MINUTES
collaboration and a shared spirit of wanting to contribute to the community.
She noted Davina Lau, who manages Boards and Commissions, was present
at the meeting and took notes on various recommendations. She noted Lau
will be putting together a public participant template for individuals to use for
Council public participation.
Chair Jaeger stated all the Board representatives expressed interest in co-
sponsoring the Human Rights Day proclamation.
Commission member Cribelli motioned to co-sponsor the Human Rights
Day proclamation. Commission member Bryan seconded the motion.
Motion passed 7-0.
Chair Jaeger stated it is likely the proclamation will occur on December 16th.
Vice Chair Kistler noted Human Rights Day is actually December 10th and
asked if an earlier date should be considered. Messenger stated she would
look at December 2nd and November 18th.
Chair Jaeger noted Lau will be creating a comprehensive onboarding Board
and Commission packet by the spring, will clarify dual posting requirements for
events with Council attendance, and will create an annual timeline calendar for
Boards and Commissions. She noted there was a suggestion to use the Super
Issues meetings to educate Board and Commission members on the City’s
Strategic Plan. Additionally, she noted the group agreed to meet again in
January.
Chair Jaeger commented on issues of importance to the other Boards,
including gender neutral signage on restrooms throughout City buildings and
training on the City’s new Blue Envelope program.
Vice Chair Kistler noted Emily Gallichotte of the Women and Gender Equity
Advisory Board has created a City Council 101 presentation and is willing to
present to the Commission if desired. Members concurred they would like to
see the presentation.
d. Update: 2026 Human Library Program and potential “Year of
Conversation” Program
Vice Chair Kistler stated the Human Library group is meeting again bi-weekly
and is working on some fundraising ideas as it did not receive the grant from
Larimer County. However, the Museum and Library are submitting a Fort Fund
grant application that is due at the end of the month. She also noted book
selection will begin in the next couple weeks.
Chair Jaeger mentioned the possibility of utilizing some of the HRC’s 2026
budget for the Human Library Program. The group will revisit this once the
program budget is further developed.
At this point, the Human Library program is scheduled for Sunday, February
22nd.
10/9/25 – MINUTES
Vice Chair Kistler stated the Human Library group is working with the Museum
of Discovery and the Center for Public Deliberation on what makes sense to
support the 250/150 commemoration effort. She stated the overall mission for
the effort is meant to look at defining democracy for not only the past, but also
the future. She noted the group recommended that there may be
organizations that would be willing to take on a specific programming effort as
part of an overall annual package that celebrates the federal and state
histories over the last 250 and 150 years. She added that the Commission
would then have the opportunity to work on a particular program and noted the
Human Library would be the kick-off pillar event with other pillar events,
possibly including Handwriting the Constitution, some type of Civics 101
course, and an interactive youth and intergenerational program.
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Committee Reports
• Community Recognition: Update re: December 11, 2025, Human
Relations Awards
Commission member Bryan stated there are currently 27 nominations
total, with 13 individual, 10 organization/team, two rising star, and two
youth nominees. Fatima Prieto stated she has reached out to Upward
Bound for potential youth nominees.
Commission member Bryan stated nominations close on October 31st
and the HRC will be selecting award recipients at its November 13th
meeting with letters going out to recipients, nominees, and
nominators on November 17th. Additionally, the RSVP date for the
awards event is December 1st.
Chair Jaeger noted all Commission members will receive the list of
nominees by November 3rd or 4th and should then utilize the selection
rubric for the thoughtful and careful conversation that will be
facilitated by Commission member Bryan to select award recipients at
the November 13th meeting. She noted every nominee will be
recognized at the program.
Also, at the November 13th meeting, HRC roles at the event will be
finalized, and a virtual rehearsal date/time will be confirmed.
• Education Outreach: Update re: October 23rd Neurodiversity
Educational Program
Commission member Brossus provided fliers for the Commission to
distribute regarding the event and stated there are currently 55
RSVPs for the program. He stated the goal number for attendance is
120 and noted the food has been ordered.
Commission member Cribelli stated she has been working to update
the slideshow presentation for accessibility.
10/9/25 – MINUTES
Commission member Brossus asked for volunteers to arrive at the
Senior Center at 4:00pm to help with set-up and break-down of the
event.
(**Secretary’s Note: Vice Chair Kistler left at this point in the
meeting.)
Commission member Brossus stated that the program cost will come
in under the $1,500 budget.
• Government Relations: Update
Commission member Prieto noted Dominion Voting was sold. The
new company name will now be Liberty Voting and will focus on
desires of the current administration, including paper ballots and
identity verification. She noted Dominion is based out of Denver and
serves all but two counties in the state.
Commission member Prieto stated the Chamber of Commerce
hosted a program titled "Adapting and Change: Navigating Shifts at
Federal, State, and Local Levels.” She stated the event involved
representatives from five of the largest employers in Fort Collins
speaking about how changes are impacting budgets, health
insurance, and other issues.
• Executive: Update
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Fatima Prieto stated Larimer County has changed the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
Advisory Board name to Community Advisory Board, though its mission remains the
same.
10. NEXT STEPS
a. Meeting Action Items
b. Next Meeting – November 13, 2025 – Mayor Jeni Arndt, 2026 Work Plan
approval, selection of HR award recipients and event planning
Chair Jaeger requested members to attend the November 13th meeting in-
person and be prepared to stay later than 7:30pm, if needed.
11. ADJOURNMENT
a. 7:03 PM
Minutes approved by the Chair and a vote of the Commission on XX/XX/XX
Signature:
FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
2026 WORK PLAN
November 30, 2025
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; continue to promote early nominations for Award recipients; and adjust
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 IDEA-focused groups and organizations to
build community DEIJ efforts and impact, e.g., belonging and networking events, 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, 250/150 commemoration programs, etc.
• 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
• Strengthen 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
Indicators report 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 community representation in members joining City Boards, Commissions and
Government
• Explore scope of HRC quasi-judicial work with city leaders as requested. The HRC’s quasi-judicial
role as defined 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
2025 HRC Awards Voting Rubric
HRC Commissioners: Please make a copy of this document for your own personal review of
2025 HRC Awards nominations. You can also copy and paste this chart within the document to
review multiple nominations. Score each nominee on the criteria below, where 1 represents
minimal evidence and 5 represents very strong evidence of the criterion.
Here is the outline of our voting protocol:
•Commission members complete a rubric for each nominee
•After reviewing all nominees, commission members identify their top five nominees in
each category
•During the November HRC meeting, Community Relations Lead captures each
member’s input on a flipchart
•Community Relations Lead facilitates a conversation and deliberation of the top
nominees
•Commission members vote on each category’s top nominees for award selection (as
many times as needed)
•In case of a tie vote, all scores will be tallied for top nominees, and the highest scoring
nominees will be considered; or a ranked choice voting process can be enacted
Nominee Name:
Criteria Score
(Rank 1 to
5)
Comments
(Overall impressions of the candidate)
#1 Positively impacts
underserved
population(s) in the
community
#2 Serves as role
model by motivating
others to effect
positive change in
underserved
communities
#3 Demonstrates
impact in making Fort
Collins and Larimer
County a safe and
welcoming community
for all through
advocacy for IDEA
initiatives
#4 Builds effective
partnerships with other
individuals and
organiztions to
advance IDEA within
the community
Total Score:
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
Y
Communicate plan for HR Awards website
language including event logistics,
nomination categories, and definitions
(English and Spanish)
May 12 Rachel
Liz/Melani
e
Y
Work with CPIO to develop
communication plan for
September/October (English and
TBD Melanie Y
Spanish)
Discuss HR Awards communications
audience & schedule, along with other
HRC 2025 programs (English and
Spanish)
Jun 12
HRC Meeting
Rachel
Beth/Barb
Y
Post revised HR Awards language and
nomination form on HRC website (English
and Spanish)
Jul 10 Liz/Melani
e
Y
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
Y
Nomination period opens Jul 10
HRC
Meeting
Y
Distribute Call to Nomination for
HRC members
Aug 14
HRC
Meeting
Rachel Y
Create draft program flow for HR Awards
with HRC
Sep 11
HRC meeting
All Y
Order award artwork and origin of
artwork document
Oct 9
HRC Meeting
Beth Y
Finalize letters to nominators and
nominees who are award recipients
(English and Spanish)
Oct 9
HRC meeting
Rachel Y
Finalize letters to nominators and nominees
not selected as award recipients (aka
finalists) (English and Spanish)
Oct 9
HRC meeting
Rachel Y
Nomination period ends Oct 31 Y
Send nomination spreadsheet,
nominations, rubric, and award criteria to
HRC for all to review before meeting
Nov 3 Melanie Y
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 Mayor Pro-Tem
remarks, send to Sarah Kane
Dec 1 Beth
Send reminders to event RSVPs Dec 8 Melanie
Hold Zoom practice session for HR TBD All
Award speakers
Human Relations Award Ceremony
Note:
Set-up 3:00-4:00pm
Reception 4-4:30pm
Ceremony 4:30-5:30pm
Photo opportunities/Clean-up
5:30-6:00pm
Dec 11
City Hall
All
HRC 2025 Awards Reception and Ceremony
Thursday, December 11th 2025
3:00pm HRC Members arrive – help with set up, welcome guests,
etc.
4:00pm Reception (CIC Room & Lobby)
4:20pm HRC members request attendees to take seats in Council Chambers. HRC
members and Award Recipients to sit in reserved seats at the front of the room.
4:30pm HR Awards Ceremony begins in Council Chambers
● 4 min (Beth Jaeger)- Welcome and introduction of Mayor
● 4 min Mayor remarks
● 1 min (Beth Jaeger)- Introduction of Mayor Pro-Tem
● 4 min Mayor Pro-Tem remarks
○ Mayor Pro-Tem Closing: “I’d like to introduce HRC Commissioner to talk about
the beautiful history of our HR Awards.”
● 2 min (HRC Commissioner)- HRC Painting Award History
○ Closing: “I’d like to invite HRC Commissioner and HRC Award Winner to the
podium for the presentation of the Award.”
AWARDS PRESENTATION (5 Mins Max/Award = Recipient Intro + Recipient
Remarks) pending based on # of awardees across categories
4:45 Start INTRO – Award, HRC Commissioner
5mins/award REMARKS- HR Award Winner
● CLOSING: “I’d like to invite HRC Commissioner and HRC Award Winner to the
podium for the presentation of the Award.”
INTRO - Award, HRC Commissioner
5mins/award REMARKS- HR Award Winner
● CLOSING: “I’d like to invite HRC Commissioner and HRC Award Winner to the
podium for the presentation of the Award.”
INTRO - Award, HRC Commissioner
5mins/award REMARKS- HR Award Winner
● CLOSING: “I’d like to invite HRC Commissioner and HRC Award Winner to the
podium for the presentation of the Award.”
INTRO - Award, HRC Commissioner
5mins/award REMARKS- HR Award Winner
● CLOSING: “I’d like to invite HRC Commissioner and HRC Award Winner to the
podium for the presentation of the Award.”
INTRO - Award, HRC Commissioner
5mins/award REMARKS- HR Award Winner
● CLOSING: “I’d like to invite HRC Commissioner and HRC Award Winner to the
podium for the presentation of the Award.”
INTRO - Award, HRC Commissioner
5mins/award REMARKS- HRC Award Winner
● CLOSING: “I’d like to invite Beth Jaeger to the podium to deliver closing
remarks.”
5:15pm (Beth Jaeger)- Invites all recipients to the front of the Chamber and
delivers closing remarks. Group photograph is taken.
By 5:30pm- All exit