HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 09/13/2007FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting — September 13, 2007
5:30 p.m.
IlCouncil Liaison: Lisa Poppaw (Staff Liaison: Rebecca O'Donnell 11
IlChairperson: Maryanne Ingratta 11 11
A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday, September
13, 2007 in the CIC Room, 300 W. Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Paige Backlund Jarquin
Elaine Boni
Joann Ginal
Maryanne Ingratta
Maya Jairam
Cristina Matsushima
James Ross
Karen Wong -Brown
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
Kelly Evans
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rebecca O'Donnell, Staff Liaison
Angelina Sanchez -Sprague, Recorder
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT. None.
2. GUEST SPEAKER. None
3. AGENDA REVIEW
No changes were made to the agenda as proposed.
Paige Backlund Jarquin announced it was with regret that she was submitting her
resignation to the Commission effective September 13, 2007 for personal reasons.
The Commission accepted her resignation and thanked her for her work on the
Human Relations Award, her efforts to improve communications, and for planning the
Commission retreats.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Cristina Matsushima made a motion to approve the August 8`h HRC minutes as
amended. Joann seconded the motion. The minutes were approved 8:0.
BUDGET REPORT/APPROVED EXPENDITURES
Becky reported $1,223.44 available.
HRC September 13, 2007 — Page 2
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Executive/Maryanne. The committee did not meet this past month. Maryanne
reported she had attended the Holiday Display Task Force. She also read a letter
from NCMC Chair Mims Harris that spoke of the dissolution of the Northern
Colorado Multicultural Corporation.
• Government Relations/Elaine. Elaine suggested that rather than proceed with
plans to schedule a one -hour Community Liaison Program training session for the
October meeting, that it might be better to postpone scheduling until the new
member was on board. She recommended that training occur before advertising
for the program.
Elaine reported she'd spoken to Chief Harrison recently who said that Police
Services was working with Channel 14 staff in producing a program related to hate
crimes, and invited the HRC to participate. Elaine will get more information on
what role the HRC will play on that program.
• Education/Community Outreach/Maya & Karen. Maya reported the subcommittee
did not meet and that a different location was set for the regular meeting —the Fort
Collins Oriental Market, 1119 W. Drake, Suite C20.
Maryanne asked the committee at their next meeting to review their work plan and
to be prepared for the next regular Commission meeting to answer the questions --
How will you fulfill your work plan? Which direction would you like to go?
Joann asked if 5-10 minutes could be allocated at the regular meeting to consider
world current events. Maya agreed that thinking globally could aid the commission
in acting locally. Maryanne asked If any member would like to add a current event
to the agenda, which would require the member to notify Maryanne in advance of
the monthly topic, and email members with web links or materials to review prior
the meeting, and in addition to notifying Maryanne of the monthly topic, they would
also provided information or web inks for members to review prior to the meeting.
Elaine suggested they try it out for a couple of months to see how well it works.
Public Relations & Community Recognition/Cristina. Cristina reported the
committee did not meet but they did take care of business via email. Cristina
reported the Canyon West Room had been reserved and paid for a May 1, 2008
Human Relations Award Breakfast. The caterer had been secured. Additionally,
the online nomination form would be available by October 1, and the November
utility bill insert "City News" will provide a 150-word article about the Human
Relations Award online nomination form.
James reported information on the award and the nomination process would be
published regularly on the Coloradoan's Community Events section. He would
also seek like opportunities in Fort Collins Now and the Fort Collins Chronicle.
James asked what other members knew about places where they might set up a
booth to advertising the award and solicit nominations. Members suggested the
ERACISM Film Series, NIOTA Spring Forum, and the Sustainability Fair.
RRC September 13, 2007 — Page 3
James reported on the work of the Holiday Display Task Force. Their charge is to
come up with a recommendation on what would be right for Fort Collins. They
have been working on identifying who the group members are and what they hope
to work on. As a group do they agree the process is fair and could they endorse
the outcomes? The City facilitator Tess Heffernan is doing an outstanding job
keeping the group focused — and they have accomplished a lot thanks to her.
It is James' hope that the work will create a long lasting solution that will build and
sustain unity —a dynamic model that is inclusive, pluralistic and will work as
community demographics change.
Maryanne asked the committee at their next meeting to review their work plan and
to be prepared for the next regular Commission meeting to answer the questions --
How will you fulfill your work plan? Which direction would you like to go?
5. OLD BUSINESS
Tao Line for Business Cards The commission agreed to complete the work
related to selecting a tag line for business cards via email over the coming month.
• Boulder HRC's support of non -citizen Board & Commission members. James
reported that Boulder's City Council decided the proposal to support legal
residents (not US citizens) as members on Boulder's Boards & Commissions was
too divisive. The same thing occurred in San Francisco.
6. NEW BUSINESS
• Community Forum Addresses Hunger Maryanne will attend the Community
Forum that Addresses Hunger, Homelessness, and Health Care Crisis 6:30 —
8:30 p.m. Harmony Library. State Representative John Kefalas (HD-52), in
collaboration with various nonprofit and advocacy groups, is hosting his monthly
community forum to support the 2007 "Paycheck Away" Tour.
Hispanic Heritage Month Maryanne shared a flyer on Hispanic Heritage Month
(September 15- October 15, 2007) activities. The proclamation for the United
States of America to celebrate the contribution of Hispanics to our communities
and country started with the observance of Hispanic Heritage week (public law 90-
498, approved Sept. 17, 1968, 90th congress). It wasn't until August 17, 1988, that
the 100th congress authorized the designation of the National Hispanic Heritage
Month.
In the past in Fort Collins, Hispanic Heritage Month has been celebrated with
musical groups, theater groups, poetry, videos and films, education and food. The
celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in Fort Collins has provided an excellent
means of educating the sharing of cultural diversity among all people in our
community. The events planned for Hispanic Heritage Month 2007 will be open for
all ages and people of all ethnic backgrounds.
Elaine Boni made a motion that the HRC support Hispanic Heritage month and at
Council's September 18"' meeting they highlight its purpose. James Ross
seconded the motion. The motion was approved 8:0.
HRC September 13, 2007 — Page 4
CSU Diversity Conference September 25-27. James plans to attend CSU
Diversity Conference sessions as time allows.
7. UPCOMING EVENTS
2007
September 4, Tuesday
City Council Meeting (Maryanne)
September 6, Thursday
Education Committee Meeting 5:30 at La dolce vita
September 13, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
September 15th-October 15th
Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on Campus with a Fiesta from 11:30-
1:30pm at the CSU Plaza
For the next 6 weeks, there will be a multitude of panels, parties, films, and
celebrations highlighting the rich contribution of our Hispanic community.
Starting next week there will be a complete schedule on www.fceov.com
Some highlights:
September. 15th--1-5 PM --Chili Harvest Festival at the Museo de Las Tres
Colonias (Romero House) (425 loth Street/Romero) Info:
blaraeon(&,earthlink.net
September 19th—Panel discussion hosted by Fuerza Latina. Broken
Families:/Broken System: a Personal Look at Immigration. Fort Collins Public
Library 7-9pm, 201 Peterson. Info: distaso@frii.com
September 26th—Film: Soldados: Chicanos in Vietnam. Discussion led by
Norberto Valdez. Fort Collins Public Library 7-9pm, 201 Peterson Info:
distaso@frii.com
September 17, Monday
PR/Community Recognition 6:30 p.m. Coopersmiths
September 18, Tuesday
City Council Meeting
September 18, Tuesday
Community Forum Addresses Hunger, Homelessness, and Health Care
Crisis 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. Harmony Library
State Representative John Kefalas (HD-52), in collaboration with various
nonprofit and advocacy groups, is hosting his monthly community forum to
support the 2007 "Paycheck Away" Tour.
The 2007 Paycheck Away Project has organized a series of statewide
community forums aimed at identifying solutions to hunger, homelessness and
the health care crisis. .
The gap from paycheck to paycheck is something that Coloradans living
below the poverty level struggle with everyday. Nine different nonprofit and
advocacy groups are sponsoring these town forums to identify causes, effects,
and solutions to this growing challenge for so many Colorado families. Local
residents are strongly encouraged to attend the forums, and discuss their
experiences with local community leaders who will serve on the discussion
panel
For more information, contact Rep. John Kefalas, 221-1135 or
j kefalashd52(dfrii.com
September 25-27
CSU Diversity Conference is September 25-27
October 2, Tuesday
City Council Meeting
October 4, Thursday
Education Committee Meeting 5:30 at the Fort Collins Oriental Market,
1119 W. Drake, Suite C20
October 11, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5.30 p.m.
October 15, Monday
PRICommunity Recognition 6:30 p.m. Coopersmiths
HRC September 13, 2007 — Page 5
October 16, Tuesday City Council Meeting
November 1, Thursday
Education Committee Meeting 5:30 at the Fort Collins Oriental Market,
1119 W. Drake, Suite C20
November 6, Tuesday
City Council Meeting
Holiday Display Task Force Recommendations
November 8, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
Work Plan must be finalized.
November 19, Monday
PR/Community Recognition 6:30 p.m. Coopersmiths
November 20, Tuesday
City Council Meeting
December 6, Thursday
Education Committee Meeting 5:30 at the Fort Collins Oriental Market,
1119 W. Drake, Suite C20
December 13, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:36 p.m.
December 17, Monday
PR/Community Recognition 6:30 p.m. Coopersmiths
8. ADJOURNMENT. The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
Maryanne I gratta, Chai erson R ecca O'Donnell, Staff Liaison