Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 11/09/1972N N FORT COLLINS COMMISSION ON HUMAN RELATIONS Meeting of November 9, 1972 A special meeting of the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission was held at City Hall in the Council Chambers on Thursday, November 9, 1972. Members present: Mrs. Walter Atherly Mr. Ralph Braden Rev. James Baird Mr. Seymour Graham Mr. Luke Long Dr. Parker Preble Mr. Jerry Templer Also present: Mayor Karl E. Carson City Manager Robert L. Brunton The meeting was called to order by the Chairman Rev. James Baird at 7:30 p.m. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. Chairman James Baird advised the members that this special meeting was called in order to go over the purposes, objectives and future direction of the Human Relations Commission and that the Mayor and City Manager would also be present to offer suggestions and input. Also, we should review the membership list and delete the names of members who have repeatedly been inactive or have indicated lack of interest. Names mentioned to be deleted were Mr. John Bustos and Mrs. Anthony Giron. Dr. Preble said he would like to talk with Mrs. Giron as he felt she was needed on the Commission and had indicated an interest. He is to report back. It was agreed that Mr. John Bustos' name be removed from member- ship. Chairman Baird also advised that Mrs. Jessie Godinez had sent her letter of resignation. A letter of appreciation will be sent to Mrs. Godinez. Rev. Baird said he will meet with Mr. Wilbur Scarborough, Chairman of the CSU Human Relations Commission next Wednesday and suggest that they appoint someone of their membership to be a member of the Fort Collins Human Relations and that we appoint one of our members to meet with their Commission. Mr. Seymour Graham and Dr. Preble agreed to alternate attendance of the CSU meetings if possible. Chairman Baird asked for new names as possible prospective members of the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission. The following names were offered: Mr. Louis Brown, Jr. Mr. Robert O'Rourke Mrs. David Moore Mr. Ernie Romero Mrs. John Matsuchimo Mr. Larry Mendoza Mr. Rudy Vargus Mr. David Osborne Mr. Charles Selano Mr. Gilbert Carbajal Mrs. James Stitzel M 00 These people are to be contacted by various members of the Human Relations Commission to see if they would be interested and willing to actively serve on the Human Relations Commission. The names of those willing to serve would then be passed on to Mayor Carson for his approval and recommendation to the City Council. Mayor Carson and City Manager Robert Brunton were then asked by Rev. Baird to give their ideas and suggestions as to the direction and purpose of the Human Relations Commission. Mayor Carson reviewed history and background of Human Relations Commission and suggested that one important function should be to act as a preventative group --to anticipate problem areas and to ward off before they become serious situations. Other areas should be more public education in Federal, State and local laws regarding discrimination. The Mayor expressed the importance of the grievance and investigative committee. Also, the lack of legal authority of the Human Relations Commission, what it can and cannot do. That there should be more communication between the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission and the CSU Human Relations Commission and other groups. The Mayor expressed his and the Council's confidence in the Fort Collins Human Relations Commission and offered an apology for the sometimes lack of communication and support of the City Council. Mr. Brunton gave several personal examples of how he has 'seen_ other Human Relations Commissions anticipate and ward off festering problems before they would get out of hand. To act in a quiet, dignified and expeditious way -- no fan -fare or publicity. Mr. Brunton suggested more sensitivity and human relations training for our members and the Police Department. That we should at all times keep a good attitude and faith that this Commission is worthwhile and needed in the community. That in general our role should be one of ombudsmen. Also, Mr. Brunton advised that he would very much like to attend each meeting himself and support the Commission in every way possible. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held in Council Chambers on Thursday evening, November 16, 1972 at 7:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Jerry Templer