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HomeMy WebLinkAboutWomens Commission - Minutes - 06/21/1993MINUTES ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN JUNE 21p 1993 Present: Donna Aurand, Sue Cottingham, Kathy Everett, Kathleen Faller, Audrey Faulkner, Dana Hiatt, Kathy McLeod, Sally Miles, Lynne Warner, Chris Wood Absent: Carolyn Duff, Lu Fisk, Brownie McGraw, Betty Medina, Mary Zamora Council Liaison: Gina Janett Staff: Colleen A'Hearn Guest: Karen Rose-Brailsford, Moderate Voter's Coalition Project MINUTES Minutes from meeting of May 17, 1993 were approved as written. COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT Gina Janett was introduced as the new Council Liaison to the Commission. She addressed the Commission on the recent selection process for appointing new members to Boards & Commissions. Few ground rules currently exist relative to the appointment process, other than all those who apply are interviewed for 10 minutes each by a team of two Council Members. Gina expressed her philosophy, and that of a number of other Council Members, that the more citizens who are involved in City government, the better. Given this philosophy, not all sitting members of Boards & Commissions were reappointed. A number of recommendations concerning future appointment processes were discussed: o Commission members felt that current members who are applying for reappointment should be requested to submit a summary of their personal contributions/accomplishments over the course of their term. The Commission recommends that this information be made part of the selection criteria and that it should be given some weight by City Council. o Other criteria that should be considered include whether or not a candidate for reappointment is involved in ongoing. projects of major importance to their respective Board or Commission. o Current Board or Commission members who are not reappointed should be notified in a more courteous, personal way rather than being sent a form letter and certificate. That process is acceptable if you are an applicant who is not selected, but Commission on the Status of Women Monthly Meeting Minutes June 21, 1993 Page 2 does not seem appropriate if you are an existing member who is not reappointed. o City Council should be aware of the gender, ethnic, income, educational diversity, etc. of each Board & Commission prior to interviewing applicants. An important criteria for Council appointments should be maintaining a diverse, balanced group of community representatives on Boards & Commissions. o There has been a tradition of reappointing existing Board & Commission members. Given that the tradition has changed, it may be important to emphasize during the recruitment/interview process that reappointment of existing members is not automatic. In this way, the process will be understood in advance and it is less likely that existing members will be surprised or offended. o Board & Commission should have an opportunity to provide input to Council on needs that existing members feel are important to be addressed as a part of the appointment process. This information should be given some consideration as Council weighs their individual concerns and perspectives. Gina shared her view of her role as Council. Liaison as one of reporting to the Commission on the philosophies, issues, and decisions of City Council of specific relevance to women, and gaining input from the Commission on these same type of issues. She encourages Commission members to always ask the question: What can the City do to tangibly help women in Fort Collins, as a service provider, employer, and leader in the community? She suggested that question be used as a filter as the Commission decides work plan priorities. Gina also reviewed Council work plan items with the Commission. Council has twelve major goals for the next year, one of which is Affordable Housing. Affordable Housing is scheduled to be discussed at the June 22 Council Worksession. Currently, $250,000 has been set aside in the City budget to be put toward affordable housing. A second major goal is a Violence Reduction Project; making the community a safe place to live, work, and raise families is on the list of Council priorities. Commission on the Status of Women Monthly Meeting Minutes June 21, 1993 Page 3 GUEST SPEAKER Karen Rose-Brailsford is the founder of the local Moderate Voter's Coalition Project (MVCP). MVCP is a bi-partisan group formed for the purpose of educating voters regarding the political activities and agendas of extremists on both the left and right extremes of the political spectrum. The work performed by MVCP involves research and educating the electorate so that voters can make informed decisions. o Members were advised that a new exhibit entitled "Faces II" is opening at the Illustrated Light Gallery on June 25. The exhibit features faces of Fort Collins and the surrounding area, including those of some Commission members. The exhibit runs through July 30. o The Commission will be purchasing two copies of a book entitled "Why Women Pay More." The books will be donated to the June Friedman Collection at the Fort Collins Public Library. o Carolyn Duff, through Sally M., advised that the Wall Street Journal published an informative insert on Work & Family issues in today's June 21st edition. OLD BUSINESS o Task Force on Racism/Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee Commission members discussed the written response received from the Human Relations Commission (HRC) regarding the HRC's willingness to formally support efforts of the Multi -Cultural Advisory Committee. The HRC chose not to provide a formal level of support at this time. A follow-up letter will be drafted by Audrey and forwarded to the HRC. The Commission reaffirmed the individual and collective commitment of members to continue to support the Multi -Cultural Advisory Committee, and is attempting to find meaningful ways to assist that are supportive vs. obstructive or overly bureaucratic. A letter will be prepared to formally document this commitment. Commission on the Status of Women Monthly Meeting Minutes June 21, 1993 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS o Marcile N. Wood Award Kathy E. led a discussion on the nomination process planned for the Marcile N. Wood Award, to be presented in August as a part of Women's Equality Day/Month activities. Draft nomination forms and biographical sketch of Marcile Wood were reviewed. An article publicizing the nomination process will appear in The Triangle Review in early July. A press release will be prepared and distributed. In addition to the award, Women's Equality Day buttons will also be distributed and posters displayed in various parts of town, similar to last year. o Comments from the Chair Kathy M. reminded members that this will be her last meeting with the Commission. She thanked everyone for their participation and shared a feeling of pride and encouragement over what Commission members have been able to accomplish over the past few years. Donna Aurand will serve as the interim chair until new officers are elected later in the summer. Commission members in turn expressed appreciation for Kathy's efforts as Chair, as well as to outgoing member Carolyn Duff for her contributions over the years.