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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResponse To Constituent Letter - Mail Packet - 3/26/2024 - Letter From Mayor Arndt And Mayor Pro Tem Francis To Fort Collins Human Relations Commission Re: Hrc Recommendations Re: Proposed Resolution Related To A Ceasefire In The Israel-Hamas WarDATE: February 10, 2024 TO: Mayor Jeni Arndt City Councilmembers City Manager Kelly DiMartino CC: Jenny Lopez Filkins Claudia Menendez Sarah Kane Melanie Clark FROM: The Human Relations Commission RE: HRC Recommendations re: Proposed Resolution Related to a Ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War Pursuant to the request from City Manager Kelly DiMartino to consider the above referenced resolution, the Human Relations Commission (HRC) deliberated on the matter in its meeting on February 8, 2024. Our discussion took into consideration community input from the February 6, 2024 City Council meeting (members heard approximately 100 people speak to the proposed resolution), input from an additional 25 community members that was shared during “public participation” at our February 8, 2024 meeting, review by HRC members of approximately 40 letters/emails received by City staff as of February 8, 2024 at 4:00pm, and review by HRC members of a number of resolutions passed throughout the United States in recent weeks. Commissioners also discussed at length our desire to stay true to our team’s and City’s values and vision: To advance the City of Fort Collins' vision to be a safe and welcoming community for all – a community where all belong. After these deliberations, the HRC passed a motion by five to zero, with one member abstaining, to recommend to City Council to consider a newly worded resolution related to a Ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas War, with the following considerations: •acknowledges the immense human suffering and loss of life on all sides as a result of war •does not assign blame, and/or use adversarial language •condemns violence - without condemnation of any group or community - or taking of sides; promotes peace for all • condemns Anti-Semitism, Anti-Palestinian rhetoric and Islamophobia in Fort Collins • states unwavering commitment to all Fort Collins residents to promote peace, unity and respect for all; represents voices and concerns of all • acknowledges commitment to stand in solidarity with our Palestinian and Jewish communities, and to reaffirm commitment to their safety, security and well-being • calls for an immediate ceasefire on all sides of the conflict • calls for immediate release of hostages on all sides of the conflict • calls for immediate sharing of humanitarian aid to all who are impacted by the conflict • expresses hope for swift, peaceful resolution of current conflict, leading to a just and lasting peace for all involved Additionally, the HRC resolved to work towards bringing together members of the Fort Collins community on different sides of this conflict. The HRC resolved to hold a meeting or a program where members of the Jewish, Palestinian, Muslim, Christian and other interested communities will be invited to explore ways to continue working towards a peaceful coexistence in our beautiful and inclusive city. We appreciate City Council's consideration of the HRC's request. Please let us know if more information is required.