HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 01/08/2009FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting — January 8, 2009
5:30 p.m.
Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw 11 Staff Liaison: Rebecca O'Donnell
11Chairperson: Elaine Boni 11 1�
A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday, January 8, 2009
in the CIC Room, 300 W. Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Elaine Boni
Ken Bryans
Jennifer Lowe
Joann Ginal
James Ross
Jason Thiel
Karen Wong -Brown
EXCUSED ABSENCE:
Maya Jairam
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
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 5:31 pm by Chair Elaine Boni.
WELCOME
Elaine welcomed new members (Jennifer Lowe and Jason Thiel). Introductions were
exchanged.
PUBLIC INPUT. None
GUEST SPEAKER. Joann Ginal read an article of an aide in a Minnesota nursing home who
was accused of tormenting six residents sexually, physically and emotionally for months
before a nursing assistant told a supervisor what she had seen. Joann invited staff
members to the HRC January meeting from the Larimer County Office on Aging (Linda
Rumney attended), and the Senior Advisory Board (member Kathy Schuster attended),
to discuss the current issues at hand with nursing home facilities and staff, and review what
systems are in place in Fort Collins to mitigate the risk of a potential problem.
Linda reported a federal mandate --the Older American Act of 1978--was the impetus for the
formation of State Ombudsman Program and the funding for 39 paid positions in the state.
Our region (2A) has two paid positions and 4 volunteers. A system is set up (with the help
HRC January 8, 2009 — Page 2
of volunteers) to act as advocates to visit senior facilities on a regular basis to empower
residents to act as advocates for themselves and others. The system of regular visits
makes staff and residents aware of the program and offer them a place they can call when a
concern comes up in which intervention would be helpful.
In addition a State team of 3 people perform random audits of facilities to determine how
well a facility is performing related to patient care, doctor's orders, kitchen facilities,
medications, etc. "Tags" such as lost laundry, cold food, etc are occasionally cited with time
to correct the issues normally granted.
Joann asked how the HRC could help. Ms. Rumley suggested looking for volunteers willing
to get training and make regular visit or to seek out members of the community (faith
community or individuals) who are willing to visit facilities occasionally to read and interact
with the residents. Ms. Rumley said the need for more presence is more so at some
facilities than others. She said staff and fellow residents do look out for the needs of
residents. They call the ombudsman program as needed.
Joann asked how you could make the residents aware of what is acceptable. Ms. Rumley
suggested sharing resident rights information through the Resident Council and by
educating families.
Joann said she'd like to network with interested organizations to continue the conversation
with a Senior Advisory Board representative and staff from the Office on Aging. Elaine
asked Joann to follow up and to speak to Margaret Long, Ombudsman Program Supervisor.
Joann said she'd follow up.
Cheryl Distaso visited the HRC to announce the 1 o`h annual Freedom to Marry Day
(celebration of committed relationships) event to be held in Fort Collins on Saturday,
February 21s`. The event will start with a rally in Old Towne Square then proceed to
Avogadro's Number where cake and entertainment will follow. Cheryl asked the
Commission to support and sponsor the event by allowing the HRC logo to be included in
event materials. Members offered to draft a Freedom to Marry Day proclamation for Mayor
Hutchinson to approve and read at the Council meeting on Tuesday, January 17. HRC
members were asked to stay for the citizen participation portion of the council meeting as
well.
Kent Bryans made a motion to sponsor the Right to Marry Day event and to include
the HRC logo on event materials. Jennifer Lowe seconded the motion. The motion
was approved 7:0.
Kent Bryans made a motion to make a request to Mayor Hutchinson to read a
proclamation at the Council meeting on January 17. Karen Wong -Brown seconded
the motion. The motion was approved 7:0.
Jennifer volunteered to write the proclamation for the Mayor's consideration. Becky will
provide Jennifer the recent Human Rights Day proclamation template, and will facilitate the
proclamation submittal for the February 17"' meeting. Some Commission members plan to
stay for the Citizen Participation portion of the meeting.
3. AGENDA REVIEW. A change was made under Liaison Reports —Joann is the liaison to
the Commission on the Status of Women (not the Senior Commission).
HRC January 8, 2009 — Page 3
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Karen Wong -Brown made a motion to approve the November 12, 2008 minutes as
revised (Government Relations Committee section --Steve Chavez to come to the
January 8`h (not January 14`h) meeting.) James Ross seconded the motion. The
minutes were approved 7:0.
BUDGET REPORT/APPROVED EXPENDITURES
Becky reported that the HRC spent $3,893.87 of their $3900 budget. Expenses such as the
Lincoln Center and caterer were paid for the 2009 Human Rights Award Breakfast.
Downtown Business Association (DBA) cards were also purchased.
4. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Executive Committee/Elaine. Elaine announced that election of officers (Chair & Vice -
Chair; and Chairs of the Educational Outreach, Media/Community Recognition, and
Government Relations Committees) will occur at the February 12 meeting. She asked
members to give some thought to accepting a leadership role.
• Government Relations/Kelly. Elaine reported that Kelly has tried several times to reach
Steve Chavez, Director of the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) to invite him to the
January meeting, to no avail. It would have given the Board an opportunity to learn the
CCRD and to seek opportunities for helping them with an affordable housing event to
take place in Fort Collins in a February timeframe.
Educational Outreach/Joann & Karen
Joann shared her impressions that the Commission was no further along in
understanding where to go from here on the issue of elder abuse. She appreciated the
information shared by Linda Rumley of the Larimer County Office on Aging and she'd
like to explore further how to address potential problems to the senior citizens of Fort
Collins. Karen wondered if one idea is to visit senior home administrators. Joann will
identify a date when members can meet to explore further. She'll send notice.
The next Educational Outreach and Government Relations committee meetings have
been changed to Tuesday, February 3, at the Bean Cycle. Becky will post notice.
• Media & Community Recognition/James
The HRC will participate at the Martin Luther King event to take place in Old Town
Square at 12 noon on Monday, January 19. Kelly, Joann and Kent will carry the HRC
banner.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Becky distributed HRC business cards to members.
Copies of the 2009 Human Rights Award nomination forms were distributed to members.
They were asked to seek nominators and return three completed nominations by the
February meeting.
6. NEW BUSINESS
The Commission reviewed the final draft of the HRC 2008 Annual Report.
Joann Ginal made a motion to approve the 2008 Annual Report. Karen Wong -Brown
seconded the motion. The motion passed 7:0.
HRC January 8, 2009 — Page 4
7. CURRENT EVENTS
Karen reported the Chinese New Year is scheduled for January 261h at CSU and
encouraged members to attend. She'll be a part of the dragon line dance..
8. LIAISON REPORTS
Elaine plans to attend the Citizen Review Board meeting on January 14.
Karen reported the 2008 ERACISM Film Series was a great success with the Japanese
internment film attendance reaching an all-time high of 125. She'll be leaving this meeting
to attend an ERASICM Film Series meeting where they'll be reviewing potential films for the
2009 series. She's also made contact with the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union), who
are planning a film series. She'll be working as a co-chair for the ACLU Film Series
committee.
Karen's reported she's lost contact since summer with the Commission on Disability. She's
been having problems getting meeting minutes. Kent said he may be able to attend one of
their upcoming meetings.
Joann had no report on the Commission on the Status of Women.
James had no report on the Youth Commission. He will make contact.
9. UPCOMING EVENTS
M•
February 3, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.
--------...---.._.._.._
February 3, Tuesday
- ------ _--------------- ------------------------
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
February 12, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
February 17, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6:00 p.m.
February 19, Thursday _
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
February 21, Saturday
Freedom to Marry Day Event, Old Town Square.
March 3, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
March ld Tuesday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
- ---- ----
March 12, Thursday
---------------- ----------------------------------------------
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
March 17, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
March 19, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
April 7, Tuesday
City Council Meeting - CANCELLED FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTION
April 9, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
April 14, Tuesday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
HRC January 8, 2009 - Page 5
April 16, Thursday
April 21, Tuesday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
May 1, Friday
HRC Awards Breakfast
May 5, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m..
May 14, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
---------
-- - Tue---- ---- - --
Ma----
y 22, sday
- - -- ----- -- ----------- ----------
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
May 19, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
May 21, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
June
June 2, Tuesday
Juneteenth Celebration
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
June 6, Saturday
Pride in the Park, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Civic Center Park
June 9, Tuesday
- ----- -
June 11, Thursday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle_144 N College Avenue
-- - ------
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m. l
June 16, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
June 18, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 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.
July 14, Tuesday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:OO p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
July 16, Thursday
July 21, Tuesday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
August 11, Tuesday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
August 4, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
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, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
September
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 1, Tuesday
- - -- ----- - .._.
September 8, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
- - ---- - ---
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue
September 10, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
September 15, Tuesday
September 17, Thursday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
September 22, 23, 24
CSU 9'1' Annual Diversity Conference
October 6, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
October 8, Thursday
Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m.
HRC January 8, 2009 - Page 6
October 13, Tuesday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 p.m.,
Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue _
October 15, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
October 20, Tuesday
City Counal Meeting 6 p.m.
November
Native American Awareness Month
--- __ ---- - -..---sd - --
November 3, Tuesday
-------------__. ._ - - .. --.. ---- ---------- ---
City Counal Meeting 6 p.m.
November 10, Tuesday
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 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 5:30 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
Educational Outreach, 5:30 p.m. & Government Relations, 6:00 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 p.m.
December 17, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 5:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave.
10. ADJOURNMENT
Joann Ginal made a motion to adjourn.
motion passed 6:0.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Elaine—Soni,
Kent Bryans seconded the motion. The
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Re ecca O'Donnell Staff Liaison