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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 08/08/20131 City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Highlights August 8, 2013 5:30 p.m. CIC Room, 300 Laporte Avenue, City Hall West, Fort Collins, Colorado The Human Relations Commission promotes acceptance and respect for diversity through educational program and activities to discourage all forms of discrimination based on age, disability, gender, race, religion etc. Council Liaison: Mayor Karen Weitkunat Staff Liaison: Melissa Herzog Recorder: Kellen Wittkop Commissioners Present: Colleen Conway, Myles Crane, Christine Hays, and Mary Lyons (by teleconference from British Columbia) Excused Absent: James Owiny, Preety Sathe, Faith Sternlieb Others Present: Elaine Boni, former HRC Vice Chair and LCOA Council Member; Cindy Bragdon, President-Elect VP & Trust Officer - First Western Trust Bank; Dave Swineheart, Development Director, Disabled Resource Services; Pam Weir, Management Assistant Program – City Manager’s Office; Molly Wendell, Boards and Commissions Coordinator; Dale Adamy, former member of the Air Quality Advisory Board Meeting Summary: 1. The HRC unanimously approved its response to City Council regarding Councilmember Troxell's request. Councilmember Troxell had inquired if the HRC held a position on Amendment 64 and whether the HRC could provide input to Council in light of a news media article which Councilmember Troxell had circulated to Council. This request to HRC was made during City Council’s Periodic Board Review of the HRC on July 9, 2013. 2. The HRC welcomed guest speaker Cindy Bragdon, President-Elect, Project Self-Sufficiency (PS-S), Fort Collins. This highly regarded non-profit organization was founded 22 years ago and serves 150 low income single parent families by helping them advance to a point where they can make a living wage. Successful PS-S outcomes include enhanced human dignity and self-esteem, improved parenting, personal self-defense when appropriate, as well as valued guidance on becoming contributing members to society. 3. The HRC unanimously approved a motion to support the Commission on Disability and other Boards and Commissions in the City's sponsorship of the upcoming 2nd Annual Colorado Disability Pride Fest on September 7th. Call to Order Chair Myles Crane called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. 2 Public Input No public input. Agenda Review Commissioner Christine Hays motioned to approve the agenda. Commissioner Colleen Conway seconded the motion, which was approved 4:0. Minutes Review No changes were made to the Minutes for the July 11, 2013 meeting of the Human Relations Commission. Commissioner Christine Hays motioned to approve the minutes. Commissioner Colleen Conway seconded the motion, which was approved 4:0. Budget Report Commission Christine Hays suggested developing a plan for the remainder of the HRC budget which could include a discussion at the next meeting to discuss potential fund uses. Commissioner Christine Hays motioned to approve the budget. Commissioner Colleen Conway seconded the motion, which was approved 4:0. Motions from Floor Commissioner Colleen Conway motioned that the Human Relations Commission support the City of Fort Collins, the Commission on Disability, Disabled Resource Services and others in recognition of Colorado Disability Pride Fest on Saturday Sept 7, 2013. One or more HRC representatives will appear before Council in August and to the extent HRC volunteers are willing and available HRC will march in the City's Parade and possibly participate at a complimentary booth during the festivities at CSU on that date. Commissioner Christine Hays noted that she will be holding one end of the banner during parade. Commissioner Mary Lyons will not return in time to attend the event but supported any involvement the HRC can provide. Commissioner Mary Lyons seconded the motion, which was approved 4:0. Commissioner Christine Hays motioned that in response to Councilmember Troxell's request at City Council’s Periodic Board Review of the Human Relations Commission on July 9, 2013, in which he asked if the Human Relations Commission held a position on Amendment 64 and whether the HRC could provide input to Council in light of an article the Councilmember had circulated, HRC hereby approves the response to Council entitled "Position regarding State Constitutional Amendment 64” based on the dedicated research done by Vice Chair Colleen Conway and suggested revisions made by Senior Assistant City Attorney Greg Tempel. Commissioner Mary Lyons noted that the memo was very well done and appreciated the focus on schizophrenia as a genetic disease. Commissioner Colleen Conway seconded the motion, which was approved 4:0. Commissioner Christine Hays suggested a future agenda item to clearly define what a political position would be for the HRC. She referenced the general precedent that the HRC should not take a political position but noted that the Senior Assistant City Attorney has suggested that this limitation may not always apply. Chair Myles Crane stated that if such a position pertains to the HRC’s mission as defined by the City Code, then the HRC may be able to take a position. Commissioner Christine Hays also suggested inviting a legal department representative to a future meeting to give some examples/clarifications on this issue. Guest Speakers Chair Myles Crane introduced the first guest, Dave Swinehart. The guest discussed the Disability Pride Fest which is a celebration of diversity that honors persons who are disabled and supports a nationwide movement around Disability Pride. The event includes a parade and music festival with booths for 3 nonprofit organizations and commissions. Dave Swinehart invited the HRC to participate in the event and offered for the HRC to host a booth to disseminate information. The parade will run from Old Town to CSU and is followed by a music festival at the CSU Lagoon. Some members of the committee include the Commission on Disabilities, the Archestra (from Arc Thrift Store), and Front Range Exceptional Equestrians, among others. The Diversity Pride Fest will also serve in part as a fundraiser for Disabled Resource Services. Performers at the music festival include the Sears, Lee Holiday and the Time Off, and the local band The Flobots. Chair Myles Crane then invited Molly Wendell, Boards and Commissions Coordinator, to speak. Molly Wendell stated that she has an open door and is happy to answer any questions such as those regarding membership and annual recruitment. She provided an update regarding the conversations about boards and commissions restructuring. Per a memo from the City Manager, these conversations will take place at a private City Council retreat instead of being discussed as a Work Session item. Chair Myles Crane inquired about the status of the HRC’s potential two new members. Molly Wendell responded that thus far, she has not received any new applicants. She assured the HRC that annual recruiting will be staring soon and the positions should be filled by December. Chair Myles Crane introduced Pamela Weir and congratulated her on receiving a highly competitive internship appointment for the City Manager’s office. Pamela Weir described her role as doing anything and everything including assisting departments when they require help, completing a large amount of research, event planning, and spending time with the executive team. Chair Myles Crane then welcomed guest speaker, Cindy Bragdon, President-Elect, Project Self- Sufficiency. (PS-S)a 501(c)3 nonprofit. PS-S began as a joint effort with the housing authority in Loveland. 22 years ago, PS-S then hired an executive director and became an independent organization. While PS-S started with budget of $60,000, they have expanded their budget to $1.2 million per year. The primary purpose of the organization is to support low-income single parents and advance them to a point where they can make a living wage. They currently serve 150 families (single parents plus their children) with women comprising almost 90% of participants. Cindy Bragdon shared how she loves to see the transition of heads of families coping with unfortunate situations to become working professionals. She attended the PS-S awards banquet for participants and shared how many of those participants had not graduated high school or completed any college work upon entering the program. One specific participant began four years ago as a homeless person with four children and no high school diploma. Upon completion of the program the participant now works as literacy specialist in a school district. Many participants seek humanitarian careers such as social work. Cindy Bragdon also brought copies of the 2012 Annual Report for HRC members. The report stated that PS-S is funded by the City of Fort Collins, the United Way, grants, and individuals. Families in the program receive approximately $8,000 per year and most participants remain in the program for a few years. The five full-time advisors are all social workers and work in partnership with participants who contribute a significant amount to the program. Highlights from program outcomes included: 91/150 participants completed 1716 credit hours and 18 participants completed academic and certificate program (7 bachelors, 7 associates, 3 GED, CN, etc.). Cindy Bragdon shared that PS-S is the most effective nonprofit with which she has ever been involved. PS-S provides participants with career counseling, housing assistance, a car program, scholarships, “Cool Kids” program to provide back to school clothes/supplies for their children, sports scholarship programs for their children, services for self-esteem, services for self-defense, and parenting classes. Participants are not permitted to be in a live-in domestic relationship during their participation. PS-S seeks to provide participants with everything they need to become good parents and be a positively contributing member of society. 4 Commissioner Christine Hays asked how PS-S conducts outreach to find participants. Cindy Bragdon responded that individuals are referred to the program from many places such as Crossroads Safehouse. In 2013, PS-S Executive Director Mary Carraher received the United Way of Larimer County’s Collaborator of the Year Award. Chair Myles Crane inquired about the organization’s mental health resources for participants and Cindy Bragdon responded that some resources include funding specifically for mental health and referrals by advisors. Commissioner Colleen Conway commented that she knew an acquaintance that went through the program, and that PS-S was a lifesaver for that individual. Chair Myles Crane thanked Cindy Bragdon for her passionate and informative presentation. Chair Myles Crane then shared information about the Arc of Larimer County’s Open House. The Open House will take place on August 29th from 4:00-6:00 pm at 1121 Prospect. The Arc of Larimer County will provide periodic meeting space for non-profit organization meetings. Cindy Bragdon also mentioned that First Western Bank offers a community room for organization meetings as well. Standing Committee and Liaison Reports: Executive Committee Chair Myles Crane shared that the Center for Public Deliberation is planning a community conversation on mental health which is currently in its preliminary planning stages. At the LCOA meeting, substantial discussion took place about passage of State legislation in 2013. One new law enables senior citizens 70+ years of age with the ability to renew their driver’s license online, and the recent passage of the law concerning reporting of elder abuse was also discussed. Elaine Boni noted that the LCOA Advisory Council is well-informed and asked good questions especially regarding healthcare. Chair Myles Crane reported that he has attended the Commission on Disability (COD) August meeting where he discussed common interest in the community outcomes. The COD also professionally reiterated their position to hold independent award celebrations in October 2014. Additionally, Chair Myles Crane mentioned the Summit on Aging’s theme for Fall 2014 will involve how to make Larimer County a truly “Aging-Friendly” community. Commissioner Christine Hays asked about a discussion regarding the breakfast and recommended that the discussion take place before the end of the year. Chair Myles Crane noted that at the next Media and Community Recognition Committee meeting, he and Commissioner James Owiny will discuss initial ideas regarding the breakfast and convey those ideas during the HRC discussion. HRC members decided to plan the November and December meeting agendas so that this discussion occurs at the November meeting. ACLU Commissioner Colleen Conway was in contact with the ACLU and learned that they have a booth (#45) at New West Fest. They would be happy to welcome any HRC members that are attending. Government Relations Committee Commissioner Preety Sathe will report on the Government Relations Committee at the next HRC meeting on September 12, 2013. Senior Advisory Board While Commissioner Mary Lyons was not able to attend the recent board meeting, she forwarded information about the Transportation Commission and Communications Committee. 5 Educational Outreach Committee Committee Chair Christine Hays led an EOC meeting a few days prior, which included Myles Crane and Colleen Conway. Committee Chair Christine Hays will compile meeting minutes and send them out to all HRC members. Media and Community Recognition Committee Chair Myles Crane reported that the Media and Community Recognition Committee will be reviewing the marketing brochure created by Committee Chair James Owiny at next month’s meeting. Committee Chair James Owiny will also provide a report at the HRC meeting on September 12, 2013. Old Business Chair Myles Crane reviewed old business which included: the HRC’s response to Councilmember Troxell, Committee Chair Christine Hays’s EOC’s meeting highlights, and the Arc of Larimer County Open House. Commissioner Colleen Conway expressed concern regarding the City Council notes from the Work Session on July 9, 2013, discussing the periodic review and how boards/commissions fit within the seven City outcomes. Referencing the minutes from the Work Session, she noted how the new forward-thinking model may affect the makeup of the HRC. Commissioner Colleen Conway recommended that the HRC not be caught by surprise on this subject. Chair Myles Crane added that the Mayor communicated during the periodic review, how boards/commissions should align their work with the seven City outcomes. The memo from the City Manager details the next step in this process which includes dedicating time to see how the various City’s boards and commissions fit with the needs and strategic plans of the City. Elaine Boni suggested that the HRC aligns especially well with the safe community outcome. New Business Regarding the Colorado Disability Pride Fest, Chair Myles Crane thanked guests Molly Wendell for her email about this event to all boards and commissions and Dave Swinehart for his visit and information to the HRC. Meeting Highlights The HRC discussed the meeting highlights summarized on Page 1, Meeting Summary of these Minutes. Chair Myles Crane motioned to approve these highlights. Commissioner Christine Hays seconded the motion, which was approved 4:0. Motion to Adjourn Commissioner Mary Lyons made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Christine Hays seconded the motion. The motion was approved 4:0. The meeting was adjourned at 6:43 p.m. The next HRC regular meeting is scheduled on September 12, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the CIC room.