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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 25, 2024, AHRC MinutesMinutes AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Conference Room 235 City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Thursday, January 25, 2024 Call to Order: Chair Wayne Clinton called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. Vice Chair Chunhui Chen, Commissioner Angie DeWaard, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator Casandra Eames were also present. Commissioner Marty Martinez joined the meeting telephonically at 6:05 p.m. Public Forum: Chair Clinton opened and closed the Public Forum as no one came to speak. Approval of Minutes: Moved by DeWaard, seconded by Chen, to approve the minutes of the December 14, 2023, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. MLK Celebration Report: Chair Clinton reported that the Ames/Story County Community MLK Day Celebration Event on January 15, 2024, was a very successful event. Despite it being caucus night and extremely cold, the turnout was tremendous. T-Shirt Design Contest: It was noted that Vice Chair Chen had suggested the idea of a t-shirt design contest. Coordinator Eames suggested partnering with the Public Art Commission (PAC), perhaps in recognition of the Commission’s 50th anniversary this October. Commissioner DeWaard shared PAC’s process for holding a design contest, and the Commissioners discussed whether to make the focus of the contest something larger than a t-shirt, like a mural. Vice Chair Chen noted that an October anniversary celebration could coincide with the quarterly meet and greet. The Commissioners tasked themselves with the homework of brainstorming possible themes for the design and ideas for an event celebrating the 50th anniversary. Coloring Book Pages Update: Commissioner DeWaard shared an update on the draft of the coloring book and shared that she hoped to include Chair Clinton. The Commissioners discussed keeping this first coloring book smaller and including many on the longer list of individuals in a future edition. There was some conversation about whether to theme the book around people who were notable by being first at something versus notable in their contributions to the community. The Commissions leaned toward a focus on “firsts” for the first coloring book. Staff will research several more individuals suggested by Chair Clinton, and the Commissions will each look through the longer list of bios and be prepared to share any they think should be included at the next meeting. Discussion on How to Use Community Feedback: Chair Clinton emphasized that the Commission has a responsibility to use the community feedback it collects. Coordinator Eames suggested starting with a gathering phase and then moving into a follow-through phase. Staff will track feedback in a database to generate visualizations for inclusion in the Annual Report. Commissioner DeWaard inquired about the possibility of adding a feedback form on the website, and Coordinator Eames planned to investigate the idea. Black History Month: Chair Clinton mentioned several events that he would be attending, including George Washington Carver Day at Iowa State and the NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet. Chinese New Year: Vice Chair Chen noted that there are no community events planned for Chinese New Year, but the Chinese Language Academy usually holds a cultural celebration in March. Quarterly Meet & Greet: The Commissioners discussed possible locations before deciding on Sunday, February 25 at 12:00 p.m. as the time of the next Meet & Greet. Coordinator Eames planned to reach out to possible venues. A Home for Everyone Award: Coordinator Eames shared that the press release is ready to go out. Nominations will be due by March 20. Calendar Check-In: Staff will update the calendar invites. Commissioner Announcements: None. Next Meeting: February 29, 2024 Adjournment: Chair Clinton adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m.