HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 04/09/2009FORT COLLINS HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Regular Meeting — April 9, 2009
5:30 p.m.
11Council Liaison: Lisa Poppaw 11Staff Liaison: Rebecca O'Donnell 11
11Chairperson: Jennifer Lowe 11 II
A regular meeting of the Human Relations Commission was held on Thursday, April 9, 2009,
215 N. Mason Community Room, Fort Collins, Colorado.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:
Elaine Boni
Kent Bryans
Kelly Evans
Joann Ginal
James Ross
Karen Wong -Brown
EXCUSED ABSENSE
Jennifer Lowe
Jason Thiel
Maya Jairam
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT:
Rebecca O'Donnell, Staff Liaison
Angelina Sanchez -Sprague, Recorder
1. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice -Chair Elaine Boni @ 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC INPUT. None
2. GUEST SPEAKERS
Cheryl Distaso of the Center of Peace, Justice and the Environment (CPJE) and Cheryl
Beckett of NIOTA (Not in Our Town Alliance) asked for time with the Commission to register
their concern about the recent distribution of hate pamphlets directed at undocumented,
immigrants in old town. Cheryl Distaso said there's been some pretty nasty blogging taking
place on local (newspaper) sites --some directed to her personally.
They are seeking the support of the Commission in several ways. They asked for the
Commission's participation (co-sponsor with NIOTA) at a community meeting to take place
Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m., the Mennonite Church located at the corner of Mathews and
Oak. They'd like the Commission's support in petitioning a City Council Resolution for a
Hate Free (regardless of immigration standing) Zone Resolution. She encouraged the
Commissioners to participate in a Unity March taking place on May 2 in Greeley.
HRC April 9, 2009 - Page 2
The Commission approves "in concept" the idea of a hate free community.
Elaine made a motion to support in concept the efforts of CPJE and NIOTA. James
seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0
Joann Ginal asked Cheryl if she'd be interested in drafting the resolution. Cheryl said yes
and asked for a member of the HRC to work with her. Once drafted, the HRC will schedule
a special meeting to review/make a final decision. April 14 was tentatively set for the special
meeting as many members will be at the Government Relations Committee meeting 5:30
p.m. and/or the Educational Outreach Committee meeting at 6:30 p.m.
3. AGENDA REVIEW. Elaine said she'd like to give priority to issues related to planning the
final details of the Human Relations Award Breakfast.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Karen Wong -Brown made a motion to approve the March 12, 2009 HRC minutes as
amended. Kelly Evans seconded the motion. The minutes were approved 6:0.
BUDGET REPORT/APPROVED EXPENDITURES
No report.
4.. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Executive Committee/Jennifer & Elaine. Joann asked that the Commission revisit the
"Go Green" PC/Projector procedures at the next meeting when Jen and Jason are
present. Joann will bring the PC/projector setup for that meeting.
• Media & Community Recognition/Kent
Kent reported that James has been working on securing a keynote speaker. Becky
reported that 14 nominations have been received (3 each in the Senior, Adult, Youth and
Organization categories and 2 for the Police & Emergency Services category.)
The committee will be selecting award recipients at their meeting on April 161. Sending
invitations out will follow the selection process. When RSVPs are known, Kent will
confirm numbers with the Lincoln Center (Canyon West Room) and Sackits, the caterer.
Committee members will make arrangements for plaques and Becky (with City graphics
staff) will finalize the programs. Centerpieces will be of the small floral arrangement
variety.
Joann, Kelly & Kent, who participated in the 2009 Martin Luther King (MILK) march, were
in attendance. Joann suggested the Commission consider a higher profile in 2010.
Joann suggested contacting the organizers in a September timeframe and being one of
the groups on the stage to speak for approximately 5 minutes.
• Government Relations/Kelly & Jason. Kelly is still working with Maya/Mr. Jairam about
collaboration with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission (CCRC) on topics of mutual
interest. Mr. Jairam's role (with other CCRC members) is to hear/make determinations
on discrimination cases. She'll continue to work with Maya on setting up a visit from her
father.
HRC April 9, 2009 — Page 3
Kelly reported domestic partners legislation has passed both houses in Colorado. It's
currently on the Governor's desk. If and when it's signed into law, she'd like to work
with Lisa Poppaw and through the BFO budget process to seek domestic partners.
benefits for City of Fort Collins employees.
• Educational Outreach/Joann & Karen
Joanne reported that committee members (Elaine, Karen & Joann) have been very busy
planning for the, May 20`h, 6:30 p.m., Elder Abuse forum. Karen has drafted a flyer. All
have written letters educating the community on issues related to elder abuse and
advertising the event.
Karen Wong -Brown made a motion to approve Joann's Coloradoan Soapbox
article. Kelly Evans seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Joann Ginal made a motion to approve Karen's Coloradoan letter to the editor.
Kelly Evans seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0.
Karen Wong -Brown made a motion to approve Elaine Boni's letter being sent to a
number of publications such as North Forty, 50 Marketplace, and more. Kelly
Evans seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6:0..
The committee plans to contact local media (local radio stations, Denver television
stations, and newspapers) to share information on the event.
The program will be:
0 6:30 Welcome
0 6:35 YouTube Elder Abuse video
0 6:45 Shared experiences
o. 7:00 Open to audience interchanges
Two HRC members will be taking notes of the comments for future use.
5. OLD BUSINESS
Table for Pride in the Park
Karen reported that she's spoken to Arne Anderson but was having trouble securing a
prominent table by "the tree." Joann and Kelly suggested speaking to Jen, who's on the .
Lambda Board. Closer to the June 61h event, a booth sign-up sheet will be passed around.
6. NEW BUSINESS
None
7. CURRENT EVENTS
None
8. LIAISON REPORTS
Karen continues work with the ERACISM. They've secured a poverty film for the film series.
HRC April 9, 2009 — Page 4
9. UPCOMING EVENTS
2009
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
Avenue.
June
Juneteenth Celebration
June 2, Tuesday
City Council Meeting 6 p.m.
--------------._._..- _.— —
June 6, Saturday
_i__- - -- - -r__ .. ... . ..._ -.._ _..........,_ .... _..-_-.... - _ - -- ----- -------
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 -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
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.
HRC April 9, 2009 — Page 5
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
September 17, Thursday
Media/Community Recognition, 6:30 p.m., Mugs, 261 S. College
Ave.
September 22, 23, 24
CSU 9t" 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
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...-Co He qeAvenue
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, 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 2nd 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 Chair Kent Bryans / Jennifer, James, Maya
Recognition Meets 3`d Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., Mugs (Downtown)
HRC April 9, 2009 — Page 6
10. ADJOURNMENT
Kelly Evans made a made a motion to adjourn. Karen Wong -Brown seconded the
motion. The motion passed 6:0.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Jennifer