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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Relations Commission - Minutes - 04/11/2013City of Fort Collins Human Relations Commission Regular Meeting Minutes April 11, 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 programs 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: Michele Dunlop Commissioners Present: Myles Crane, Kent D. Bryans, Christine Hays, James Owiny, James Lesco, Mary Lyons, Preety Sathe, Faith Sternlieb Excused Absent: Colleen Conway Others Present: Eleanor Dwight, UN Association, Northern Colorado Chapter, Pranaya Sathe, Chair, Youth Advisory Board Meeting Summary: Eleanor Dwight, past President of the United Nations Association, Northern Colorado Chapter, based in Fort Collins, described UNA-USA educational and humanitarian campaigns, discussed their International Humanitarian Award and expressed appreciation for HRC's moral support. James Owiny, Media and Community Outreach Committee Chair, updated commissioners about the HRC awards breakfast on May 2nd. All activities are on schedule. Eight HRC members unanimously approved an Amendment to HRC By-Laws (Revised 9/15/11) Section 11, Membership and Attendance. The amendment fully is consistent with the Attendance Policy as stated in Boards and Commissions Manual - January 2013. Call to Order Chair Myles Crane called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Staff Liaison Melissa Herzog distributed relevant materials for the meeting and was then excused due to illness. Public Input Pranaya Sathe, Chair, Youth Advisory Board (YAB) requested that the HRC continue to provide their ongoing support to the incoming Chair of the YAB after Ms. Sathe's term expires. Agenda Review No changes were made to the Agenda. Commissioner Kent Bryans motioned to approve the April 11, 2013 HRC Agenda. Commissioner Preety Sathe seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Approval of Minutes No changes were made to the Minutes for the March 14, 2013 meeting of the Human Relations Commission. Vice Chair James Lesco motioned to approve the Minutes. Commissioner Hays seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0 Budget Report Staff Liaison Melissa Herzog distributed copies of the HRC 2013 Budget Report that reported expenditures to date and indicated an available balance of $3,509 .12. Vice Chair James Lesco motioned to approve the report. Commissioner Christine Hays seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Guest Speaker Commissioner Faith Sternlieb introduced April’s guest speaker, Ms. Eleanor Dwight, past President of the United Nations Association of Northern Colorado, based in Fort Collins. Ms. Dwight described several examples of UNA-USA educational and humanitarian campaigns, such as Global Classrooms and Human Rights programs. She discussed student alliance initiatives and advocacy with elected leaders to promote such issues as US financing to the UN. Ms. Dwight also presented information about the UNA- USA’s International Humanitarian Award and cited recent winners. She went on to mention several local organizations that the United Nations Association has worked to collaborate with. During HRC Q&A, Ms. Dwight indicated that the new President of UNA-USA is Elissa Tivona. Ms. Dwight mentioned that finding physical space for their Board’s evening meetings on weekends is an ongoing challenge. Commissioners Christine Hays and James Owiny offered several suggestions for Ms. Dwight to propose to the UNA’s Northern Colorado Chapter. Ms. Dwight distributed some informational flyers to the HRC and thanked the HRC for its moral support. Standing Committee Reports Executive Committee: Chair Myles Crane confirmed that the speaker scheduled for the May 9, 2013 meeting of the Human Relations Commission will be Tracy Hays from United Way 2-1-1. Speakers for other months are pending. The Chair also expressed appreciation on behalf of the HRC to Commissioners Christine Hays, Preety Sathe, Mary Lyons, Faith Sternlieb and Staff Liaison Melissa Herzog for their exceptional work over the past few weeks, which contributed to the successful preparation of the May 2nd Awards Breakfast. Government Relations Committee: Committee Chair Preety Sathe shared a report from Commissioner James Owiny, who attended the April 2, 2013 meeting of the City Council. Commissioner James Owiny had the opportunity to give the Council an overview of the Human Relations Award Breakfast. He invited Council Members to join the HRC at the breakfast on May 2, 2013, and took a moment to advertise the Women’s Commission’s Marcile N. Wood Award as well. Citizen discussions noted at the meeting included: Richard Thomas on “ex parte” and neighborhood student housing, Anita Reynour on the City’s support of Ordinance No. 033, and one concerned citizen’s request that the City consider the community impact of new companies. A variety of speakers expressed strong appreciation for the work of the three outgoing Council members. Committee Chair Preety Sathe provided information on the April 10, 2013 meeting of the Citizen Review Board. The Citizen Review Board discussed the crime rate in the City of Fort Collins. They noted that although the population has increased, the crime rate has been reduced by 45%. In the first quarter of 2012, emergency services received 11,108 calls. In the first quarter of 2013, they received only 8,500 calls. The Board praised local law enforcement officers for their positive community outreach. As an example, they described an officer’s effort to pull in money and help out a family in distress on Christmas Day. The meeting of the Citizen Review Board concluded with a review of a new citizen notification document, intended to offer citizens additional information on the Board. Members of the HRC briefly discussed the meaning of the legal term “ex parte” and suggested reaching out to the Planning and Zoning Board to learn more about local rezoning policies and procedures. Educational Outreach Committee: Committee Chair Christine Hays reported on a meeting with Emily Petersen of Touchstone Health Partners. Ms. Petersen shared a couple excellent outreach ideas with Committee Chair Christine: messages printed on coffee sleeves and brochures with wallet-sized cards. Committee Chair Christine relayed Ms. Petersen’s request that the Human Relations Commission support Touchstone in its proclamation declaring May as Suicide Awareness Month. Commissioner Faith Sternlieb motioned for the HRC to assist Touchstone with its proclamation. Commissioner Preety Sathe seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Committee Chair Christine Hays proceeded to share a training booklet for Mental Health First Aid. The booklet, in conjunction with a one-day training session, provides participants with resources to address mental health crises. Ms. Petersen suggested it might be a very valuable training opportunity for members of the City Council. The HRC reviewed a number of Minutes from different meetings. Commissioner Mary Lyons motioned to approve Committee Chair Christine Hays’ Educational Outreach Minutes. Commissioner Faith Sternlieb seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Committee Chair Christine Hays motioned to approve Chair Myles Crane’s Community Outreach Minutes. Commissioner Preety Sathe seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Committee Chair Christine Hays also motioned to approve Commissioner Faith Sternlieb’s Minutes. Commissioner Faith Sternlieb seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Committee Chair Christine Hays picked back up with an overview of recent events at The Center. The Center invited twelve individuals from a variety of foundations, explained the purpose of its program, and then opened up discussion to the group. Committee Chair Christine noted that the meeting was particularly fascinating, because the participants had the opportunity to meet each other and learn about their different organizations first-hand – the very definition of educational outreach! Committee Chair Christine Hays concluded her Educational Outreach report with a request for the HRC to consider splitting a PrideFest booth with the Women’s Commission. Committee Chair Christine moved to invite the Women’s Commission to split a booth at PrideFest. Vice Chair James Lesco seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. Please note that the April 17, 2013 meeting of the Educational Outreach Committee has been postponed. Media and Community Outreach Committee: Committee Chair James Owiny announced that the Human Relations Commission is on track with its Award Breakfast timeline. Committee Chair James confirmed that Staff Liaison Melissa Herzog has already sent a press release out to the media, and that she is in the process of preparing certificates for each nominee. The following tentative presentation assignments were announced: Youth: Commissioner Christine Hays Adult: Vice Chair James Lesco Senior: Commissioner Mary Lyons Organization: Commissioner Preety Sathe Police and Emergency Services: Commissioner Christine Hays In addition to these assignments, Commissioner Kent Bryans helpfully agreed to hand out awards. To date, 32 people had accepted the Award Breakfast invitation and 8 had declined. Commissioner Mary Lyons estimated that, with an invitee list of 144, the Commission could anticipate around 110 guests at the breakfast. Guests are asked to RSVP no later than April 22, 2013. Commissioner Christine Hays suggested that the HRC consider reaching out to the Commission on Disability to determine how it selects candidates for its own award. Commissioner Kent Bryans, liaison to the Commission on Disability, agreed to reach out to the Commission and ask about its process. The Human Relations Commission will reconvene at a special meeting on April 17, 2013 to determine the recipients of the HRC Award. Committee Chair James Owiny asked Commissioners to please assign each candidate a numeric rank in advance, and Chair Myles Crane thanked him for his straightforward approach to scoring. Old Business Chair Myles Crane announced Karen Buchanan’s gracious agreement to conduct a training session on May 21, 2013 for all members of the HRC. Commissioner Christine Hays pointed out that, as Chair Myles Crane would be unable to attend the session as scheduled, it might be better to arrange another date. Commissioner Christine will follow up with Ms. Buchanan to investigate alternative dates for the training. Chair Myles Crane requested that each Committee Chair review the responsibilities listed in the 2013 work plan, provided by Staff Liaison Melissa Herzog. Committee Chairs are asked to prepare a verbal report for the May 9, 2013 meeting of the Human Relations Commission. New Business By-Laws Proposed Amendment: Chair Myles Crane proposed a revision to HRC By-Laws (revised 9/15/2011), Page 1, Section 1 to replace current HRC By-Laws with reference to the June 23, 2000 Boards and Commissions Policy 7/2000 with an updated Attendance Policy as stated in the Boards and Commissions Manual (B&CM) – January 2013. The proposed Amendment defines HRC “regularly scheduled meetings”, clarifies that HRC members are required to attend only those meetings of the Standing Committee to which they have been voluntarily assigned, and reiterates B&CM requirement that advanced written notice be provided for absences from any required regularly scheduled meetings. The proposed Amendment will not adversely impact any HRC member who submits advanced written notice of absence for any reasonable circumstance. During discussion, Commissioner Mary Lyons recommended some added clarification verbiage to the proposed Amendment. Commissioner Preety Sathe motioned that the Amendment, as stated below with the added verbiage suggested by Commissioner Lyons, be approved. Vice Chair James Lesco seconded the motion. The motion for the following By-Laws Amendment was approved 8:0: “Section II – Membership and Attendance” Upon application for acceptance of appointment, HRC members have demonstrated their intention and ability to attend meetings. HRC’s regularly scheduled meetings include: monthly HRC meetings; periodic meetings of the Standing Committee on which the HRC member has volunteered to serve; attendance at City Council on designated previously agreed upon dates; recommended special event meetings for attendance by all HRC members including but not limited to the annual HR Awards Breakfast, Educational Outreach public events, other occasional public meetings and HRC training and development. Consistent with the Attendance Policy in the Boards and Commissions Manual Revised January 2013: Either of the following shall automatically cause a member’s appointment to be terminated: 1. Three consecutive absences from regularly scheduled HRC meetings, if prior to the meetings where the absences occurred, no written notification of any such absence has been submitted, to the staff liaison, or the chair, or if the chair is the person experiencing attendance problems, then to the vice chair. 2. Four absences from regularly scheduled HRC meetings in any calendar year, without written notification to the staff liaison or the chair or, if the chair is the person experiencing the attendance problems, then to the vice chair. In the event that a vacancy occurs by reason of this policy, the chair and/or vice chair shall work with the staff liaison consistent with current Boards and Commissions Manual policy so that the vacancy can be filled in a timely manner by Council.” Proposed Draft to Document Policy and Procedures for Awards Breakfast: Chair Myles Crane presented a proposed preliminary draft to document HRC Awards Breakfast policy and procedures for HRC members to review and discuss at the May 9, 2013 meeting of the HRC. Commissioners Mary Lyons, Christine Hays and James Owiny acknowledged the benefit of such a document for training future HRC members and providing guidance for other commissioners. The commissioners also recognized that HRC is planning to collaborate with both the Commission on Disability and the Women’s Commission for the 2014 Awards Breakfast. Approval from those two Commissions is pending. After further discussion, HRC reached a consensus to table further discussion of a proposed policy and procedures draft until after such time that an agreement is determined on how to consolidate the Awards process with the other two Commissions. Liaison Reports Chair Myles Crane reported that the Center for Public Deliberation hosted a training program on April 6, 2013. Commissioners Faith Sternlieb, Preety Sathe and Mary Lyons and Chair Pranaya Sathe (YAB) were all in attendance. Chair Myles remarked that it was a very productive day. Vice Chair James Lesco reported that Colorado State University launched Asian Fest, a two week celebration of Asian cultures. Commissioner James Owiny praised Africans United’s 9th Annual African Night, and commented that around 300 people attended the tasting and performance. Commissioner Faith Sternlieb announced that CSU would also be celebrating Earth Week, with a special event at the Gardens on Spring Creek on April 20, 2013. Vice Chair James Lesco added that Colorado State University will also feature Sexual Assault Awareness Month throughout April. A Take Back the Night march is planned for April 11, 2013. Commissioner Kent Bryans confirmed plans to email the Commission on Disability about the Mayor’s Award. At Commissioner Mary Lyons’ suggestion, Commissioner Kent agreed to ask the Commission on Disability if a discussion of the awards could be added as one of their agenda items. Chair Myles Crane noted that meetings of the Commission on Disability are well worth attending and praised the group for its dedication. Commissioner Mary Lyons provided information on the April 10, 2013 meeting of the Senior Advisory Board. The Senior Advisory Board announced that Loveland and Fort Collins city staff members have started work on a plan to develop an intergovernmental agency agreement to address transportation issues. The Senior Advisory Board has been incredibly supportive of the plan, with an aim to promote accessible transportation for seniors. Additionally, the Senior Advisory Board continues to support the Senior Center expansion initiative. The Board is working to raise $500,000 for the project, and will host a fundraiser on May 21, 2013 at 7:00 PM. Roger Wolf will interview adventure-thriller author Grant Blackwood at the event. Commissioner Faith Sternlieb noted an invitation from the Chair of the Water Board to attend one of its meetings. She asked if she could attend the meeting as a representative of the Human Relations Commission, and Chair Myles Crane encouraged her to attend. Commissioner Chris Hays reported that the Women’s Commission will be presenting at CSU on April 17th in Lory Student Center rooms 214/216. She planned to attend to support the WC as well as observing how the WC presents themselves to the community as a potential model for the HRC EOC. Chair Myles Crane said he would also be attending and that he would be contacting others who would be interested in this presentation. With liaison reports completed, Vice Chair James Lesco motioned to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner James Owiny seconded the motion, which was approved 8:0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:17 PM. The next HRC regular meeting is scheduled on May 9, 2013, at 5:30 p.m. in the CIC room.