HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 06/14/1979COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 5, 1979
TO: Human Relations Carsrussicn
FROM: Rosita Bachmann, Acting Secretary
RE: Minutes of the June 14, 1979 Regular Meeting
I. Call to Order
Meeting was called to order at 7:40 p.m. in the Community Services
Building, 1715 W. Nbuntain Avenue.
Ii. Roll Call
• Members Present:
Don Shoemaker
Dan Keating
Kelsey Smith
Paul Thayer
Bob Zimdahl
Staff:
Imsita Bachmann, Human Rights Officer
III. Consider Approval of May 10 1979 Notes
Notes were approved by consensus.
IV. Research on the Concept of an Ombudsman (Materials distributed with
agenda
Don Shoemaker complimented Rosita Bachmann for research done on the
concept of the obm dsmran. Paul Thayer asked if there was any data
available on the need for this position. Don Shoemaker requested in-
formation on the results of the citizen survey conducted in April by
the City. He said that analysis of the survey might be pertinent to
document need of an ombudsman position.
Commission members Smith and Zimdahl wanted to know how may inquiries the
public information officer is handling. They also requested information
from Fdosita Bachmann on how many complaint calls citizens make to Council
• members and/or to staff --- are they enough to substantiate having an
ombudsman.
The Commission requested more information for the next meeting before
deciding on a recomrendation to Council.
•
Fort Collins HMA16lations Commission •
Minutes of the June 14, 1979 Regular Meeting
Page Two
V. Response to Ernie Miranda and Victor Bueno
Commission Member Zimdahl moved that a letter be written to Ernie Miranda
and Victor Bueno informing than of the Human Relations Commission members'
meetings with the Editor of the Coloradoan and Police Chief Smith regarding
concerns about the public media's reporting about Chicanos. Commission
Member Keating seconded and mmotiam was approved 5 - 0. Ayes: Commission
manbers Shoemaker, Keating, Smith, Thayer, and Zimdahl.
VI. Awards) to
de Contributions in the
Don Shoemaker suggested that it would be beneficial to give some positive
feedback to individuals/entities who promote better human relations in the
community. For exanple, recognition award to a police officer who promotes
human relations in the community. A suggested vehicle for this program was
a once -a -year banquet with City elected officials present. Bob Zimdahl
suggested that the award might be a part of the City's annual Boards and
Commission banquet.
Paul Thayer stated that although this appears to be a very beneficial action,
• he would like to see the Hunan Relations Commission's energies devoted to
other things more in line with human needs and following the goals and
objectives set earlier by the Commission.
VII. Other Business
A. Commission memnbers inquired about new appointments to the Human Relations
Commission. Rosita Bachmann indicated that appointments will be made
by City Council at their July 3, 1979 formal session.
B. Don Shoemaker discussed concerns referred to him by Attorney Mable
Preble relating to police department interrogation of mentally retarded
individuals and the use of the polygraph with these individuals.
Commission Menber Zimdahl moved that the Commission briefly discuss
the issues surrounding the arrest and interrogation of mentally re-
tarded individuals with Police Chief Smith. Commission Manber Thayer
seconded and motion was approved 5 - 0. Ayes: Commission members
Shoemaker, Keating, Smith, Thayer, and Zimdahl. Nays: None.
VIII. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
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