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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 08/10/2006FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting — August 10, 2006 5:30 p.m. IlCouncil Liaison: David Roy II Staff Liaison: Rebecca O'Donnell I 11 Chairperson: Maryanne Ingratta A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday August 10, 2006 in the Council Information Center at 300 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Boni Caroline Tu Farley Paige Backlund Jarquin Joann Ginal Maryanne Ingratta Parker Preble Moin Siddiqui BOARD MEMBERS WITH EXCUSED ABSENCE: Jeffrey Van Fleet Lester Washington STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Rebecca O'Donnell, Staff Liaison Angelina Sanchez -Sprague, Recorder 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Parker Preble at 5:32 p.m. 2. PUBLIC INPUT None. 3. GUEST SPEAKER The speaker for the El Voto Latino program was unable to attend. 4. AGENDA REVIEW Under New Business Maryanne asked the commission to consider tabling topics under Agenda Item IV: Revised Agenda, and HRC influence on the qualities and selection process for vacancies on the Commission, until the September meeting. The group agreed. 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Moin Siddiqui made a motion to approve the July 13, 2006 minutes. Paige Backlund Jarquin seconded the motion. The motion passed. 6. NEW BUSINESS • Caroline Tu Farley made the announcement that said she would like to tender her resignation as a member of the Commission. She wanted to personally let members know that she came to the decision independently after the retreat and said her reasons for resigning were personal. • Caroline distributed copies of Lester Washington's resignation and left the meeting. • Members mentioned that Jeffrey Van Fleet recently announced his intention to resign via email to Commission members only. Maryanne stated she would provide a copy for the Staff Liaison. • Parker shared the information that he also intended to retire. He stated he would stay and chair the remainder of the meeting, as well as, share his impressions, answer any questions, and dictate his retirement message at the end of the meeting to become a part of the minutes. HRC August 10, 2006 — Page 2 • Parker asked if the Commission wanted to elect Officers. All agreed they needed time to reflect on the latest development and agreed they would meet in the near future to elect officers. 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS • Executive Delegation. No meeting. • Government Relations. A member of the Greeley HRC called as a result of Elaine's visit to their commission in June. They were interested in starting a Not in our Town Alliance (NIOTA). Elaine referred her to Phil Koster at Poudre Valley Hospital. • Media and Community Recognition. No meeting. Caroline Tu Farley provided Lester Washington's written Media minutes in his absence. HRC members did not fully review and respond to Lester's report at the meeting. A cursory review by a few members revealed it was difficult to accept some of Lester's concerns, since he did not attend the meeting and did not have first hand knowledge of what transpired. • Education and Community Outreach. Maryanne reported that as a result of the Coffee Chat, there had been discussions with LAMBDA and Coloradoans for Fairness about the possibility of the HRC supporting a resolution in support of Colorado's Referendum I (also known as HB 06-1344, the Domestic Partnership and Responsibilities Act.) Maryanne had consulted with Greg Tempel, City Attorney's Office, who advised her on the parameters on which the HRC could support those efforts. Including its support in the context of the Fair Campaign Practices Act Guidelines. Which states, once the HRC's resolution goes before City Council, city resources could not be used to support the question. And support by HRC members could only be as individuals versus as a Commission, except if it was in support of a balanced forum which discussed both sides of the question. Paige suggested a copy of the proposed resolution be sent to liaison groups so they could consider supporting LAMBDA's efforts. The Commission decided to table any discussion of the topic until they had a chance to review the materials. Meanwhile the committee would explore how the commission could seek others support of the Amendment. HRC Retreat. Elaine Boni provided minutes of the special meeting on Saturday, August 5, 2006. Paige asked for feedback on the memherc' imnressinn of the r.tr..f Positive Negative Alma was fabulous. She had great Started the retreat on a "tough" topic. The facilitation skills and an appreciation of the retreat was delayed while Commission Commission as a result of her being the discussion ensued about news article Cit 's first Human Rights Officer process. Appreciated the focus on the power the Brought into focus the fact that the Commission did have, and its successes to Commission does not have power to date. investi ate. Appreciated the opportunity to get to know Disappointed that more people did not each other better. speak out. The retreat was a positive experience and Good retreat, but were not allowed to they came away with renewed motivation. express their feelings. Could have done better without a facilitator and suggested a more concrete focus on how to achieve oals for the next retreat. A Connect People, Create Community Workshop will be held on Saturday September 30, 2006, at Harmony Presbyterian, 400 E. Boardwalk. They had invited the Commission to participate on the topic "Partnership for Working Toward and Inclusive Community." Elaine and Maryanne will work on a brainstorming session to solicit ideas for a proposal on a City campaign. HRC August 10, 2006 — Page 3 8. BUDGET. Becky reported a balance of $1,019.76. 9. LIAISON REPORTS • Northern Colorado Multicultural Corp. No Report. 1. NIOT Alliance. ((Caroline Tu Farley provided Lester Washington's written NIOTA notes in his absence.) • Commission on the Status of Women. No report. • Latino Action Council. No report • Interfaith Council. No report. • ERACISM Film Series. Parker had worked to engage facilitators Early Thomas (Our Town) and Norberto Valdez (Dying to Live) for films to be shown at the October series. Elaine asked Parker if he would remain as the HRC's liaison on that committee until the end of this year's film series. Parker agreed. • Larimer County Office on Aging. No report. 10. Members agreed to a special meeting on Tuesday, August 29, 2006 at Joanne Ginal's residence at 316 East Magnolia from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. to discuss the following items: 1. Select Chair and Vice Chair 2. Review Subcommittees and Projects 3. Review and Revise Agenda 11. After the HRC meeting adjourned, Parker dictated his resignation letter to staff to be included in the minutes, as follows: "This is a declaration of retirement as a member of the Human Relations Commission effective at the end of our meeting on August 10, 2006. Having been on the commission for a total of thirteen total years over two terms, I would like to extend my commendation to City Council, Mayor and Chief Harrison with whom I've had the opportunity to interact. A special thanks goes to the HRC's Council Liaison David Roy for his support of the Commission's efforts. The reasons for my retirement are not necessarily pertinent information but nevertheless I designate my reasons for retirement as strictly personal. Although some decisions with regard to the Human Relations Commission by City Council have disappointed me, I nonetheless appreciate our collaborative efforts. Parker Preble" 12. ADJOURNME T. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Chairpets n Rl6becca O'Donnell, IStaff Liaison