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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - July 27, 2023, AHRC MinutesMinutes AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Conference Room 235 City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Thursday, July 27, 2023 Call to Order: Chair Wayne Clinton called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioners Chunhui Chen, Angie DeWaard, and Marty Martinez and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator Casandra Eames were also present. Public Forum: Chair Clinton opened the Public Forum. Richard Deyo shared that he was upset he could not attend City Council meetings if he did not wear a shirt. The Commissioners expressed respect for his feelings and explained that different kinds of expression are appropriate for different settings. Isabella Perksen shared her interest in the Commission and intent to attend future meetings. Chair Clinton closed the Public Forum when no one else came forward to speak. Approval of Minutes: Moved by Martinez, seconded by Chen, to approve the minutes of the June 22, 2023, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Planning for National Night Out – August 1: Chair Clinton explained that the event is a national effort to build community relationships with a focus on youth. Coordinator Eames noted that the event would be held Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 6-8pm at Friendship Baptist Church. The Commission reserved a table, canopy, and several chairs. The Commissioners determined shifts for working the table, which would have games, snacks, and giveaways leftover from the Juneteenth Celebration. Planning for Meet and Greet with AHRC and DEI Coordinator: The Commissioners discussed several options for the event, setting the date for 10:30-11:30am on Saturday, October 7, 2023, to coincide with the last day of the Ames Main Street Farmers’ Market. Coordinator Eames planned to reach out to potential host businesses. City Council’s Inclusive Community Plan Conversation: Coordinator Eames shared that she is starting to work on the City Council’s goal of developing an Inclusive Community Plan. Having completed research on similar plans in peer communities, she is reaching out to various community groups to build connections and gather input. The Commission’s participation in the years-long process of developing and implementing the plan will be invaluable, as the goals of its Strategic Plan align with purpose of the Inclusive Community Plan. Chair Clinton emphasized the importance of following through on the plan once it is adopted. Postings and Social Media Content: Chair Clinton noted that Hispanic Heritage Month would be coming up in mid-September and encouraged the Commissioners to think ahead to upcoming recognition months and any associated community events. Staff agreed to share a calendar of recurring recognition months and events. Chair Clinton suggested inviting representatives from various affinity groups to speak to the Commission during their respective recognition months. Commissioner Announcements: Since the City has not yet received the annual contract from the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for investigating complaints of discrimination, Coordinator Eames planned to follow up with the director. Next Meeting: August 24, 2023 Adjournment: Chair Clinton adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.