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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - January 14, 2022, AHRC MinutesMinutes AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Special Meeting Held via Zoom Friday, January 14, 2022 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 11:03 a.m. by Chair Jahmai Fisher. Members present were Wayne Clinton, Chunhui Chen, Jahmai Fisher, and Lynette Plander. Members absent were Madesh Samanu. City of Ames Staff Liaison Deb Schildroth and Human Resources Analyst Samantha Perry were also present. The meeting was held electronically. Approval of Minutes: Moved by Clinton, seconded by Chen to approve the minutes of the December 15, 2021 and December 17, 2021 meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Public Forum: Chair Fisher opened public forum. Samantha Perry, City of Ames Human Resources Analyst, discussed Black History Month with the Commission noting that the City of Ames Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team will be creating a display for the display case in the lobby of City Hall. She asked the Commission for ideas and suggestions for what to feature in the display. After discussing this opportunity, Chair Fisher closed Public Forum as no one else was present to speak. Martin Luther King, Jr 2022 Celebration Event Updates: Clinton briefed the Commission on the event noting that the location has changed. Clinton stated that the Celebration will take place on Monday, January 17 at the Ames City Auditorium with the program starting at 6:30 p.m. He noted the event will still be hosted in a hybrid format and that masks/social distancing will be required to attend in person. Assistant City Manager Schildroth noted that the awards for the Humanitarian Award recipients had been picked up and will be at the City Auditorium for the event. Additionally, she stated that the Ames Human Relations Commission banner will be set-up in the front lobby. Planning for Recognition of the Chinese New Year and Black History Month: Chen presented a proposal for the recognition of the Chinese New Year. He noted interested partners and their contributions, and the format in which the recognition would be presented. Chen stated that the recognition will be ready for social media by February 1, 2022. Clinton thanked Chen for putting together and presenting the proposal. He noted that he thinks it is a great idea and is in full support of moving forward with the project . Chen inquired about the logistics of putting together the recognition. Chair Fisher reviewed past practices and Assistant City Manager Schildroth noted that she can introduce Chen to the Media Productions Coordinator for the City of Ames. With plans finalized for the recognition of the Chinese New Year , Chair Fisher transitioned to discussing the Commission’s partnership with the Ames Public Library for Black History Month. Chair Fisher informed the Commission that to recognize Black History Month, the Ames Public Library is putting together an open dialogue series titled, “Sharing out Stories: Black Voices in Ames”. The series will kick off on February 15, 2022, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. with Chair Fisher and Clinton. Chair Fisher noted that the series will continue each month on the third Thursday. Chair Fisher stated the logistics are still being worked out and she will update the Commission when more information is available. Assistant City Manager Schildroth inquired about opportunities and expectations for co- promoting the event. Chair Fisher expressed the desire to share the Ames Public Library’s visual marketing materials on the City of Ames Facebook page to reach a wider audience. Chair Fisher again noted that she will update the Commission and expand the conversation as more information becomes available. Commissioner Announcements: Clinton reminded the Commission of the Martin Luther King, Jr Celebration Event location change and informed them of another celebration that will be taking place on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. should any of the members like to attend. Assistant City Manager Schildroth updated the Commission on a City Council decision regarding the City’s mask policy. Chair Fisher asked Principal Clerk Carly Watson to include language on mask requirements with the meeting materials for the January 27, 2022 regular meeting. Chair Fisher noted that she will be representing the Commission on KASI radio on January 20, 2022 to promote the Commission and highlight the work of the members. She asked the Commission members to send her any ideas or suggestions on highlights to mention on the radio. Next Meeting: January 27, 2022 Adjournment: Moved by Chair Fisher to adjourn at 11:48 a.m.