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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - December 15, 2022, AHRC MinutesMinutes AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Special Meeting Conference Room 235 City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Thursday, December 15, 2022 Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:38 p.m. by Vice Chair Wayne Clinton on behalf of Chair Jahmai Fisher. Commission Member Chunhui Chen was also present. Chair Jahmai Fisher and Vice Chair Wayne Clinton were brought in telephonically. City of Ames Staff Liaison Deb Schildroth was also present. Public Forum: Vice Chair Clinton opened the Public Forum. No one was present to speak, and Vice Chair Clinton closed the Public Forum. Approval of Minutes: Moved by Chen, seconded by Clinton, to approve the minutes of the December 1, 2022, meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Selection of Humanitarian Award Recipient and Authorization of Award Production: Vice Chair Clinton noted for the record that Commissioner Plander had shared her input on the award selection via email since she was not able to attend the meeting. Staff Liaison Schildroth read Plander’s comments, in which she stated that all three nominations received were great candidates. Chen agreed that all three nominees were highly qualified and that any of them would be deserving of the award. He hoped that any not selected this year would be nominated again in future years. Vice Chair Clinton raised the idea of giving the award to all three candidates, acknowledging that it would be unprecedented but observing that it seemed like an anomaly to have three strong nominees who served different parts of the community. Chen shared his concern that awarding three individuals would dilute the prestige of the award, and noted that those not receiving it one year could be nominated again and have a good chance another year. Chair Fisher agreed that all three were well-deserved, but felt hesitant about doing a three-pronged award. Vice Chair Clinton shared that he would not push for the idea of three awards without consensus. Vice Chair Clinton and Chen agreed that the notification for those not selected should include feedback commending the strong nominations, encouraging them to continue the excellent work they are doing in the community, and welcoming them to submit nominations again in future years. Moved by Chen, seconded by Chair Fisher, to nominate Maria Celeste Gonzalez Chavez to be the recipient of the 2023 Humanitarian Award. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Fisher decided to send a draft of the notification email to Staff Liaison Schildroth for her to send out. The award will be presented at the Ames/Story County Community MLK Day Celebration Event on January 16, 2023. Commissioner Announcements: Vice Chair Clinton shared an update from the Ames/Story County Community MLK Day Celebration Committee, noting that things are moving forward. The Committee is excited to have City Council Member Anita Rollins confirmed as the Keynote Speaker. Staff Liaison Schildroth shared an update on the City’s DEI Coordinator search, stating that interviews had concluded and references were being checked. Next Meeting: January 26, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. Adjournment: Vice Chair Clinton adjourned the meeting at 6:23 p.m., wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.