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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 12/08/2005Human Relations Commission Meeting Minutes December 8, 2005 HRC Members Present — Elaine Boni, Joann Ginal, Maryanne Ingratta, Parker Preble, Caroline Tu Farley, Mom Siddiqui HRC Members Absent — Paige Backlund Jarquin, Jack Coleman, and Lester Washington Staff Members Present: Becky O'Donnell, Staff Liaison, and Wendy Hartzell, Secretary I. Call to order Chair Parker Preble called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. IL Public Input Ryan Breen, CSU student, asked questions of the HRC regarding its function and responsibilities, the Human Rights Protection Ordinance and ethnic diversity in Fort Collins. III. Guest Speaker — Joann Ginal — Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) Joann presented information to the HRC regarding the Medicare Modernization Act. In summary, Joann stated the MMA is very confusing and not helpful to the majority who need help with prescription drugs. IV. Agenda Review - Hip/Hop Letter - Letter from Jack Coleman - Media Committee - Roster — Becky O'Donnell said she would check with the City Clerk's Office. V. Approval of Minutes Changes were noted on the bottom of page 4 of the November 10, 2005 minutes. Elaine Boni made a motion to approve the minutes as corrected. Joanne Ginal seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed 6-0. VI. Committee Reports A. Executive Delegation Council Liaison - Parker Preble stated David Roy has been invited to speak to the HRC in January regarding possible new duties with the closure of the Human Rights Office. At the time of the meeting, he had not confirmed. Becky O'Donnell reported that management staff is still determining who will be the City's designee. She distributed a memo from Interim Director of the Human Rights Office, Elliott Cisneros explaining the role of the office and the job description. He has offered his services on an as -needed basis after the closure of the office. B. Education and Community Outreach Joann Ginal stated she was trying to reach Catherine Hicks regarding gangs at a junior high and providing in-service mentoring. After leaving three messages, she has not received a response and will not continue to try to contact her further. Work Plan — Maryanne Ingratta finalized the 2006 HRC Work Plan and sent a final copy to the City Clerk's office. Copies were distributed to HRC members. C. Government Relations Human Rights Day 12/10— Elaine reported that the proclamation was read by Mayor. Translators List — a new final version was distributed to HRC members. Diversity Data— Elaine stated work is still in progress, due for completion sometime in February. Monitoring of City Council meetings — Elaine stated that volunteers to monitor the following Council meetings are needed — HRC volunteers are: 12/13—JoAnne, 12/20-Elaine, 1/3—Elaine, and 1/17-TBD. D. Media & Community Recognition As Lester Washington was absent, Elaine Boni read a draft response letter from Lester to CSU regarding the Hip Hop Dance Contest issue. Members discussed concerns and objections with the manner in which the letter was drafted. There was discussion about who the letter should be coming from, the HRC as a whole or from an individual representing the HRC. Parker Preble stated the letter is not coming from the HRC. Dr. Siddiqui stated that if it has been determined that subcommittees have authority to do as they wish, then the letter would be okay. Joann Ginal expressed concern about the letter contradicting the policy for articles. Parker clarified that members are permitted to write what they want as long as they are representing themselves as an individual. Maryanne Ingratta stated that as a member of the HRC, one is representing the HRC. Parker stated that Assistant City Attorney Greg Tempel has advised in the past that one should make it clear they are writing as an individual and also as a member of the HRC. Caroline Tu Farley stated that Greg Tempel said to put a disclaimer on the item in specific text. As long as this is included, it is okay. Maryanne Ingratta stated that she agreed with Caroline and thought it was important to have the opportunity to review an item and comment before making it public. Parker stated he will revise the letter, simplify it and convey the concerns to Lester. Elaine Boni stated she thought it was important to finalize it and sent it before the end of the month. Discussion about the HRC Breakfast ensued. Parker stated he would call Lester about the HRC Breakfast. Caroline offered her assistance if needed. Coloradoan Soapbox articles and dates to be published will be requested of Lester. VII. Liaison Reports A. Northern Colorado Multicultural Corporation Maryanne reported that she and Mims Harris were elected to the NCMC. They hope to unify the city behind a joint plan to get more work done. Next meeting is at City Hall from 4-5 p.m. in January. THE NCMC wants more members and wants to involve high level community resources as they are currently losing active members. John Havocost is the new chairperson. B. NIOT Alliance No report due to Jack's absence. Caroline updated that NIOT is looking seriously at the ERACISM program. NIOT has a web page and members rotate a response person every month, as some NIOT members don't come to meetings it's a way for them to stay current with issues. They will include a page of interested members to add their name and provide the level of participation they want to be involved. They plan to write a letter to address the RACISM issue and the Hip Hop incident. Caroline stated she will attend if Jack resigns. C. Latino Action Council - No report due to Paige's absence. D. Interfaith Council Mom reported that Abrahaming Faith took place in October. Jewish/Christian group continued Ad -Hoc meeting last Saturday. Interfaith Council/Dialog recruited 2 Hispanics. E. Eracism Film Series - No report due to Lester's absence. Parker volunteered to take over ERACISM. VII. Budget Report Becky O'Donnell reported the HRC budget for 2006/2007 is $3900 per year. IX. Old Business A. Meeting reflections Parker read a letter from Jack Coleman. Jack stated it was wrong for the HRC to do nothing to stop racism in Fort Collins and to not support the Institute for Healing Racism (IHR). Jack stated if the HRC didn't change their mind he will work with NIOTA instead of the HRC. HRC members commented and referred to their prior vote which resulted in the HRC not supporting and sponsoring the IHR program Jack promoted. Parker stated he would respond to jack there is no change and remind Jack he needs to officially resign his HRC appointment to the City Council, if that is his choice. The HRC received a response letter to the Hip -Hop Explosion concerns from Barry Logan, President of Black Student Alliance. Mr. Logan's letter offered some clarity about the nature, history and voting considerations of the Hip -Hop Explosion event. B. Homeless - No report due to Paige's absence. X. New Business Caroline offered congratulations to Parker for receiving the Larimer County Medical Society Physician's Award in recognition for his contributions to the medicine in this region. Election of 2006 Officers commenced. Parker nominated himself for Chair. Moin seconded. No other nominees. Parker declared nominations closed. By acclamation Parker was elected 2006 HRC Chair. Moin nominated Caroline for vice -chair. Parker seconded. No other nominees. Parker declared nominations closed. By acclamation Carline was elected 2006 HRC Vice -Chair. Next meeting will appoint subcommittee members and confirm standing meeting times for public notice. XI. Adjournment Elaine made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Moin seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed 6-0. The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Parker Preble, Chair Signed on this date: a— / - 6 10 C� y O'Do ne , taff Liaison 0