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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 02/12/2009FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Regular Meeting — February 12, 2009 5:30 p.m. II Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw II Staff Liaison: Rebecca O'Donnell II II Chairperson: Elaine Boni II II A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday, February 12, 2009 in the CIC Room, 300 W. Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, Colorado. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Elaine Boni Ken Bryans Kelly Evans Joann Ginal Maya Jairam Jennifer Lowe James Ross Jason Thiel Karen Wong -Brown STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Rebecca O'Donnell, Staff Liaison Angelina Sanchez -Sprague, Recorder 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Elaine Boni at 5:31 p.m. PUBLIC INPUT. None 2. GUEST SPEAKERS Mayor Doug Hutchinson and Sidna Rachid, ACLU Mayor Hutchinson was invited by Elaine Boni to dialogue with the Commission on his decision to decline signing the Freedom to Marry Proclamation. The Mayor said he'd thought long and hard about the request and in the end decided the proclamation was divisive. He did not think that a proclamation was the -proper avenue for issues that represent divisive views. He offered as an example the war on Iraq. He'd been approached by both sides of that issue and declined in both instances to support either position via a proclamation. He said he has supported the Pride in the Park event in the past as he felt it was celebratory and inclusive. He said the HRC provides a valuable service to the city and recognized the Commission's charter to educate and to work against discrimination. He suggested they find other avenues rather than a proclamation to communicate their beliefs. He encouraged the HRC February 12, 2009 — Page 2 Commission to speak in support of Freedom to Marry Day at the City Council meeting on February 17, 2009. Council welcomes all views and citizen input. Joann asked if he'd received feedback in support of Pride in the Park. The Mayor responded no. He was asked what his personal position was on the issue and he said like President Obama he supports civil unions, societal acceptance but not "marry". Jennifer Lowe noted that the Mayor supports Martin Luther King events. She remarked that society acceptance of race differences came after a long struggle from individuals willing to participate in civil disobedience to make a statement against racial discrimination. Mayor Hutchinson said he appreciates the members sharing their point of view, he just did not believe that it should be through proclamations. Maya Jairam asked how the Commission could bring the message to the community. Mayor Hutchinson suggested City Council's Citizen Participation via Cable 14. Maya asked how the Commission could get City support on the issue without alienating the other side. Mayor Hutchinson said by respectfully recognizing differences. Jason Thiel asked if the Mayor recognized all families. The Mayor said yes. The Mayor and James Ross discussed lessons learned via the Holiday Display Task Force on which James was a member. The Mayor agreed there were some parallels and he said that proclamations were different. The Mayor promised to explore the development of guidelines for proclamations, thanked the Commission for sharing their point of view, and bid everyone good night so he could make another appointment. Si.dna Rachid, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said their mission was to protect people's rights. She came at Karen Wong -Brown's invitation to seek collaboration for the ACLU Film Series. The series, inspired by the ERACISM Film Series, was looking for sponsors and venues for 30-minute films produced by the ACLU. A discussion would follow the film presentation. They had a list of available films, including some on Freedom to Marry, Freedom to Parent by Gay/Lesbian Couples. They would prefer not to compete with the ERASCISM Film Series and could run in the Spring, whereas, the ERACISM Film Series runs in the Fall. Members suggested venues such as CSU, the Main Library, Lyric Cinema Cafe, and the Bean Cycle as the topic of a Coffee Chat. Jason said he thought the Educational Outreach Subcommittee might best work on the collaboration details. Sidna offered to share a complete film list with Subcommittee Chair Joann Ginal. She also offered to get copies of films in advance for viewing prior to make a selection. 3. AGENDA REVIEW. Elaine would like to add under Media/Community Recognition, Human Relations Award Breakfast and under New Business Pride in the Park on June 6cn APPROVAL OF MINUTES Karen Wong -Brown made a motion to approve the January 8, 2009 minutes as revised. Jennifer Lowe seconded the motion. The minutes were approved 9:0. BUDGET REPORT/APPROVED EXPENDITURES Becky reported the only HRC expenditures to date was the HRC's January dinner expense. HRC February 12, 2009 — Page 3 4. COMMITTEE REPORTS Executive Committee/Jennifer & Elaine. No report. • Government Relations/Kelly & Jason. Kelly reported that she had tried several times to reach Steve Chavez, Director of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC) and when she finally made contact he said he would not be coming to Fort Collins to meet with the HRC. Maya mentioned her father had recently been named to the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC). Maya would be happy to invite her father to the March meeting to consider collaborative efforts between the HRC and CCRC. She asked only that Kelly submit a list of questions in advance of the meeting and she would forward those questions to her father. Maya also expressed an interest in acting as liaison to the CCRC. Kelly reported she'd been tracking the Domestic Partners Benefits legislation at the State level. It's currently in the Appropriations Committee. Elaine asked how the Commission wanted to proceed with supporting the Freedom to Marry event at the February 171h City Council meeting. The group decided they would attend the Council meeting en masse and during the Citizen Participation portion of the meeting, Joann would read the purpose (charge) of the HRC with regard to education and inclusion and Jennifer would read the resolution supporting the 2009 Freedom to Marry event on Saturday February 21s`. They appreciated the Mayor's willingness to share his perspective at today's meeting. They appreciated his time and how respectfully he had handled the differences. They would like to bring it forward in the same respectful manner. They would stay through City Council's comments with regard to issues raised during Citizen Participation. Maya Jairam made a motion to approve an appropriate resolution and presentation. Kelly Evans seconded the motion. The motion was approved 9:0. • Educational Outreach/Joann & Karen Joann reported both she and Elaine met with the State's Ombudsman for Region 2A at the Larimer County Office on Aging office on February 2"d. The considered the issues related to elder abuse. They agreed they would raise consciousness on what could happen here and explored ways on how to make facilities safer and ensure a good quality of life for their residents. In addition to considering the Northern Colorado Cultural Change group, which meets at the Hospices office to review person directed care; they also considered the Volunteer Ombudsman Program, which has a Denver based training program and a cost of $125. They agreed the HRC would take a lead role with co-sponsors: the Larimer County Office on Aging, the Senior Advisory Board, the Alzheimer's Association, and others to sponsor a forum at the Senior Center in a mid -May timeframe. The forum would offer a place where the participants could consider abuse (financial and physical), the care and neglect of the elderly, and offer a place where people can bring their ideas, stories and experiences. Maya Jairam made a motion the HRC sponsor a forum/panel discussion on Elder Care/Abuse on either May 19`h or 201h. Kelly Evans seconded the motion. HRC February 12, 2009 — Page 4 James asked if they wanted to collaborate with the Center for Public Deliberation on the event. The Commission said no —not in this case. The motion was approved 9:0. • Media & Community Recognition/Kent A report from Kelly, Joann and Kent, who participated in the Martin Luther King event on January 19, was tabled. Suggestions for improving the Commission's participation at the annual event will be discussed at the March meeting. Elaine Boni made a motion to appropriate $50 to secure a table at the Pride in the Park event on June 61h. Karen Wong -Brown seconded the motion. The motion passed 9:0. A sign up list for members to cover the HRC table at the Pride in the Park event will be distributed later. Copies of the 2009 Human Rights Award nomination forms were distributed to members who did not receive a supply at the January meeting. All members were asked to return with two completed nomination forms by the March meeting. James reported he'd not been able to reach Stephie at MOCA about centerpieces for the 2009 Human Relations Awards Breakfast event. James was asked to make contact with Cristina to obtain the 2008 work plan for use in planning the 2009 event. Kent (who was elected Chair of the Media & Community Recognition Subcommittee) will meet with the Subcommittee the third week of February to coordinate the tasks related to planning the breakfast by the May 15` event. Maya encouraged individuals to invite nominations and post links to the nomination forms on their Face Book accounts. 5. OLD BUSINESS None —see the Committee Reports, Media/Community Recognition portion of the minutes for information on Human Relations Award Breakfast developments. 6. NEW BUSINESS Elaine sought nominations for the Chair and Vice -Chair positions. Kelly Evans made a motion to nominate Jennifer Lowe as Chair and Elaine Boni as Vice Chair. James Ross seconded the motion. The motion was passed 9:0 Elaine sought nominations for the Chair and Co -Chair of the Education Outreach Subcommittee. Maya Jairam made a motion to nominate Joann Ginal as Chair and Karen Wong - Brown as Co -Chair of the Education Outreach Subcommittee. Jason Thiel seconded the motion. The motion was passed 9:0 Elaine sought nominations for the Chair and Co -Chair of the Government Relations Subcommittee. Karen Wong -Brown made a motion to nominate Kelly Evans as Chair and Jason Thiel as Co -Chair of the Government Relations Subcommittee. James Ross seconded the motion. The motion was passed 9:0 Elaine sought nominations for the Chair of the Media/Community Recognition Subcommittee. HRC February 12, 2009 — Page 5 James Ross made a motion to nominate Kent Bryans as Chair of the Media/Community Recognition Subcommittee. Maya Jairam seconded the motion. The motion was passed 9:0 7. CURRENT EVENTS No report. 8. LIAISON REPORTS Tabled. 9. UPCOMING EVENTS 2009 March 3, Tuesday City Council Meeting 6 p.m. March 10, Tuesday Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30 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 - CANCELLED FOR LACK OF A QUORUM March 19, Thursday Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 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 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 Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m. May 12, Tuesday Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30 p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue May 19, Tuesday 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 Ave. June Juneteenth Celebration -June 2,T------ue-- sday----­-----­-------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 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 LEAGUE June 18, Thursday Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave. July 7, Tuesday City Council Meeting 6 p.m. HRC February 12, 2009 - Page 6 July 9, Thursday Regular HRC BOARD MEETING 5:30 p.m. July 14, Tuesday Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30 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 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 Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30 p.m., Bean Cycle, 144 N. College Avenue 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 9`" 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 November Native American Awareness Month 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. .......... ... ----- .... - - - - -------- 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. -d�v-e- --------------- ---- ------------------------ ----------------- December 8, Tuesday Government Relations, 5:30 p.m. & Educational Outreach, 6:30 p.m., Bean Cie, 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.mi�_______ December 17, Thursday . Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College Ave. HRC February 12, 2009 - Page 7 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 2nd Tuesdays, 5:30 p.m., Bean Cycle Educational Outreach Chair Joann Ginal, Co -Chair Karen Wong -Brown / Elaine, Kelly, Maya Meets 2nd 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 James Ross made a motion to adjourn. Maya Jairam seconded the motion. The motion passed 9:0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Elaine oni, Chairperson R ecca O'Donn II, Staff Liaison