HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - December 17, 2020, AHRC MinutesMinutes
AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
Meeting held via Zoom
Thursday, December 17, 2020
Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 5:33pm by Chair Jill Crosser.
Members Present: Wayne Clinton, Leslie Ginder, and Jahmai Fisher
Member(s) Absent: Madesh Samanu
Guest: Susan Gwiasda
Staff Liaison: Deb Schildroth
Approval of Minutes: Wayne moved approval of the November 19, 2020 minutes and
Jahmai seconded. Motion carried unanimously
Public Forum: None
City Website: Susan Gwiasda, Public Relations Officer, shared information about the
City’s website as well as social media accounts.
• Website
o The City’s goal with the website is accessibility
o Susan manages website content and IT oversees website functions
o Efforts are made with making the website better by following best
practices
o Software is used on the back-end to help identify broken links, color of
text, etc
o Internal group of 45-50 employees who assist with website issues
• Social Media
o In addition to the City’s primary social media accounts, there are
departments that have their own accounts and collectively make up a total
of 15 Facebook pages, 10 Twitter accounts, and several Instagram
accounts
o Susan’s focus is on the City primary social media accounts, though, she
will cross promote between accounts
o Goal is to post twice daily
Susan provided helpful tips on what entails an engaging post. She said it’s important to
always think about the message that AHRC wants to convey.
Susan provided guidance on a process for AHRC to follow when determining content
and messaging. Deb will write this up and have it available for the next AHRC meeting.
Susan shared that there were 4,000 views on the City’s social media accounts when
she posted “meet your AHRC members.” AHRC expressed their appreciation for
Susan’s time and assistance. Susan stated that it is very helpful to have AHRC as a
sounding board.
Selection of Humanitarian Award Recipient and Authorization of Award
Presentation: Deb reported that 5 applications were received. Members discussed
the applications and Wayne moved that Charles Grim receive the 2021 Humanitarian
Award and that the four other nominees (Mardy Medders, Ames Foundation Board and
Volunteers, Anneke Mundel, and Dan Culhane) each be recognized by a certificate.
Leslie seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Jill will contact Mr. Grim and make arrangements to order and pick up the award. Deb
will notify those who nominated the other individuals/organization and will work with the
City’s print shop on printing certificates.
The Humanitarian Award will be presented during the annual MLK Community
Celebration. The event will be held virtually on January 18, 2021 from 6:30pm –
7:30pm. Wayne stated that the MLK Celebration Committee is finalizing plans for an
essay contest for students and determining a way to share favorite Martin Luther King
Jr. quotes submitted by citizens. The event also includes a keynote speaker.
AHRC typically provides funding for the celebration cake, but since the event is virtual
this year, there will be no cake. Jill moved to reallocate up to $300 for prizes for the
essay contest. Jahmai seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Postings and Social Media Content Ideas: Leslie moved and Wayne seconded the
following ideas for January postings. Motion carried unanimously.
• Introduction to AHRC’s strategic plan
• Wayne and Edna Clinton receiving the Ames Chamber’s Diversity and Inclusion
Award
• Annual calendar of events
Commissioner Announcements: Jahmai asked about the possibility of changing the
date in which AHRC meets, specifically if it could be moved to the third Thursday of the
month rather than the fourth Thursday. She has a work meeting conflict. Leslie asked
about changing the time from 5:30pm to 6:00pm due to childcare arrangements. This
will be placed on the January agenda for further discussion and action.
Next Meeting: January 28, 2021 at 5:30pm.
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:06pm.