HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 03/12/2009FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting — March 12, 2009
5:30 p.m.
11 Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw 11 Staff Liaison: Rebecca O'Donnell 11
11 Chairperson: Jennifer Lowe 11 11
A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday, March 12, 2009
in the CIC Room, 300 W. Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Kent Bryans
Kelly Evans
Maya Jairam
Jennifer Lowe
James Ross
Jason Thiel
Karen Wong -Brown
EXCUSED ABSENSE:
Elaine Boni
Joann Ginal
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Angelina Sanchez -Sprague, Recorder
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jennifer Lowe at 5:31 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT. None
2. GUEST SPEAKERS
None.
3. AGENDA REVIEW. Jen would like to add under Media/Community Recognition, Coloradoan
article approval and under New Business Minutes Procedures.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
James Ross made a motion to approve the February 12, 2009 HRC minutes. Jason
Thiel seconded the motion. The minutes were approved 7:0.
BUDGET REPORT/APPROVED EXPENDITURES
Angelina reported Becky had forwarded budget information --to date $234.54 has been
spent.
HRC March 12, 2009 — Page 2
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Executive Committee/Jennifer & Elaine. Jen said she had received community
feedback from individuals expecting to attend a subcommittee meeting who found that it
would not take place and no cancellation was posted. Jen asked when members
become aware that a meeting will not be taking place and it's too late to post a
cancellation (at least 24 hours before the scheduled meeting), the Chair plan to report to
the meeting site to confirm community members are not affected.
• Government Relations/Kelly & Jason. Kelly reported the last meeting was cancelled due
to member conflicts.
Maya said she's spoken to her father about attending an HRC meeting and as one of the
newest members of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC) speak to the HRC
about the CCRC and topics of mutual interest. Mr. Jairam asked Maya to develop a list
of questions he could address at the time of his visit.
Kelly reported she'd been working with HRC Council Liaison Lisa Poppaw on Domestic
Partners Benefits for City of Fort Collins employees.
• Educational Outreach/Joann & Karen
Karen reported that the subcommittee has been working on planning the May 201h, 6:30
p.m., Senior Center forum to consider the issues related to elder abuse. They have
developed a format that includes an introduction, information on the ombudsman
program, a video (currently available on YouTube/produced by University of California -
Davis), and audience participation. Karen is drafting a flyer and plans to get a draft to
Joann and Elaine next week. Joann is planning to write a letter to the editor or a soap
box advertising the event. Jen asked the committee to coordinate the submittal of
articles with the Media committee due to the Coloradoan's publishing restrictions (60
days between soap box article submittals and 30 days between letters to the editor
submittals.) The Media and Community Recognition subcommittee is also planning
submittals (lust approved) related to the Human Rights Award breakfast.
Karen reported the subcommittee is planning a well attended follow up event similar to
what took place Fall 2008 after the ERACISM film on Japanese Internment Camps. In
2009, they are considering the topic of Poverty in Fort Collins and have approached a
local community activist Betty Aragon to speak.
• Media & Community Recognition/Kent
Kent reported the Committee will be meeting next week (March 19, 6:30 p.m.) They will
be concentrating on advertising, getting sufficient nominations by the March 31 deadline,
securing a keynote speaker, and acting as the selection committee. Besides the one
nomination received, several are in the works. Members considered where they should
visit to seek nominations. Ideas included the Poudre School District, Police/Emergency
service agencies, churches such as Plymouth Congregational Church, the Collegian,
and the Senior Center. Jen recommends that in addition to making the initial contact
that members follow-up with the individuals completing nomination forms. Kent is aware
that once the number of attendees is known, they need to confirm that number of
reservations with the caterer (Sackits).
HRC March 12, 2009 — Page 3
James said the committee will collectively be preparing a response to the Coloradoan
Editorial Board article they wrote about the February 17'' City Council meeting Right to
Marry issue. The HRC's City Council approved charter is education and inclusion and
was presented in a negative light. They think some clarification is necessary.
Jason Thiel moved to table (a report from Kelly, Joann and Kent, who participated
in the Martin Luther King event on January 19). Karen Wong -Brown seconded the
motion. The motion was approved 7:0. Suggestions for improving the Commission's
participation at the annual event will be discussed at the April meetinq.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Table for Pride in the Park
Jen Lowe said setup for Pride in the Park starts at 8 a.m. She asked Karen, because of
their early registration, to contact Arne Anderson about an approximate prominent booth
setup location. It'll be marked and ready for the person doing setup for the event. Closer to
the June 6w event, Karen plans to distribute a booth coverage sign-up sheet.
Review of the HRC Brochure
Jen Lowe moved to table the HRC Brochure review discussion. Jason Thiel
seconded the motion. The motion was approved 7:0.
6. NEW BUSINESS
Advocacy vs. Advisory
James asked the Commission to consider how they determine their role in advocacy or
advisory to City Council so as to maintain a respective role as advisors to City Council. He
used as an example the HRC's work on an immigration ordinance in 2007, and how
important it was to respect the line in advocacy in order to be credible advisors on behalf of
the entire community. Ultimately City Council deemed it was under Federal purview and it
would be inappropriate for them to act in the manner requested by some community
members.
Maya suggested, in the future, when someone brings an issue seeking the support of the
HRC they act as a community "linchpin" taking a bipartisan approach and documenting both
sides of a question when bringing an issue before City Council. She recommends to the
best of their ability bring a perspective that serves the greater good. Jason suggested being
proactive and when appropriate support a position paper being written by a third party.
Jen suggested the Commission review the by-laws as relates to advocacy vs. advisory and
including all community stakeholders' perspectives in a position take by the HRC.
Jen Lowe moved to consider the topic at the next HRC retreat. Jason Thiel seconded
the motion. One member abstained from the vote. The motion was approved 6:0.
Minutes Procedures
In an effort to "go green", Jason suggested the following process changes. He suggested
members review draft minutes recommending changes prior to the meeting; then when they
come to the meeting they are ready to make a motion/vote—saving time. He also wanted to
suggest that rather than providing paper copies of the agenda at the meeting, arrangements
HRC March 12, 2009 -Page 4
be made for a pro4ector/pc setup so the agenda (or any documents to be considered) could
be projected on the screen.
Jason Thiel moved that the above procedural changes be adopted. Kent Bryans
seconded the motion. The motion was approved 7:0.
7. CURRENT EVENTS
None
8. LIAISON REPORTS
James reported interaction with the Youth Commission is still pending.
Karen continues to work with the ERACISM and the ACLU on their film series.
9. UPCOMING EVENTS
ME
April 7, Tuesday
City Council Meeting - CANCELLED FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTION
April 9, Thursday
Regular HRC _BOARD MEETING-5.36-p.m.
-April 14, Tuesday
....... . .... .... . .. . .... ..
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
April 16, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
April 21, Tuesday
... ..... .... ... ... .. ...... . . ....... _.- ..... .... .... .. . ....... - ------------
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
May 1, Friday
HRC Awards Breakfast
May 5, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
May 14, Thursday
_kc461ar HRC-BOARD MEETING
May 12, Tuesday
Government Relations,5:30p.m.&Educational Outreach, 6:30
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College e Avenue
May 19, Tuesday
_p.m.,
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
May 20, Wednesday
Community Conversation on Elderly Abuse, 6:30 p.m., Senior
Center
May 21, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Avenue.
June
Juneteenth Celebration
June 2, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
June 6, Saturday
Pride inthePark, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Civic Center Park
June 9, Tuesday
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
. .
.. p.m.., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
. .
June 11, Thursday
. ............ ........ . ........
.
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
June 16, Tuesday
City Council Meeting - CANCELLED FOR COLO. MUNICIPAL
June 18, Thursday
-LEAGUE
Media/Community Recognition, 61:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
July 7, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
July 9, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
HRC March 12, 2009 - Page 5
July 14, Tuesday
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
--- ---- - -- - -- - - - -
I p.m., Bean Cycle 144 N. College Avenue
-.._- .-.....
July 16, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
July 21, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
August 11, Tuesday
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
t p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
August 4, Tuesday
City Council Meeting- CANCELLED/NEIGHBORHOOD NIGHT
OUT
August 13, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
August 18, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
August 20, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
September
Hispanic Heritage Month
- ---- - -- ----- ---- ----
September 1, Tuesday
... ..................... .. - - -- -------
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
September 8, Tuesday
a -Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. CollegeAvenue
September 10, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
-
September 15, Tuesday
-- ...... .. ......... _... ---- - .........._............ __...... ..-.._... -
City Council Meeting 6 p.m
September 17, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
September 22, 23, 24
CSU g`" Annual Diversity Conference
October 6, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
October 8, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
October,13, Tuesday
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
_
October 15, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave. _
October 20, Tuesday
_ _
City Council Meeting 6 p.m:
November
Native American Awareness Month
771
November 3, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
November 10, Tuesday
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N.-College,Avenue
November 11, Wednesday
Veteran's Day - City offices closed
November 12, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
November 17, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
November 19, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, '6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
December 1, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m. - Human Rights Day
Proclamation read at 5:30 p.m.
December 8, Tuesday
Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30
p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
December 9, Wednesday
Human Rights Day
December 10, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
December 15, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6
HRC March 12, 2009 — Page 6
December 17, Thursday Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
STANDING COMMITTEES
Executive Chair Jennifer Lowe / Vice -Chair Elaine Boni
Meets as needed
Government Relations Chair Kelly Evans, Co -Chair Jason Thiel / Joann, Karen
Meets 2°d Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Bean Cycle
Educational Outreach Chair Joann Ginal, Co -Chair Karen Wong -Brown / Elaine, Kelly, Maya
Meets 2"d Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m., Bean Cycle
Media/Community Recognition Chair Kent Bryans / Jennifer, James, Maya
Meets 3`d Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Mugs (Downtown)
10. ADJOURNMENT ,
Jen Lowe made a motion to adjourn. Maya Jairam seconded the motion. The motion
passed 7:0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.