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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission Minutes August 27, 2026MINUTES AMES HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Conference Room 235 City Hall, 515 Clark Avenue Aug. 27, 2026 Call to Order Chair Annabella Marquez called the meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission (AHRC) to order at 6:06 p.m. In attendance were Commissioner Pablo Suarez, Chair Annabella Marquez, and Communications Specialist Kati Frahm. Joined virtually were Zhengyuan Zhu, Katlyn Mock, and Sarah Bailey. Commissioners Sarah Nolin and Shawn Kenny were absent. Public Forum Appointment of Positions Tabled to the next meeting. Commissioner Marquez noted that decisions should be made soon. Approval of Minutes Approved by Marquez, seconded by Zhu, to approve the July 23, 2026 minutes. Vote on Motion:5-0. Motion carried unanimously. Budget Update Marquez recommended against requesting additional funds from City Council without a designated purpose. Suarez inquired about potential new event sponsorship opportunities. Mock noted a new local LGBTQ bar, though specific upcoming events remain unconfirmed; Marquez supported future public event sponsorships if viable opportunities arise. The Commission agreed to revisit event sponsorships during the next fiscal year budget planning cycle, including potential collaboration with student government. The Commission reviewed a suggestion from Councilmember Bronwyn to distribute informational brochures at local establishments. Commissioners noted that non-profit organizations may be more receptive to host materials than commercial businesses. Potential distribution targets discussed included London Underground, Back Alley House Plants, Wheatsfield Co-op, and Studio 13. Marquez will create a shared document on Microsoft Teams for commissioners to compile a master list of local businesses and non-profits. The Commission discussed procuring official green t-shirts for commissioners who do not currently have one. Suarez clarified that the art contest t-shirts are intended for Ames residents, whereas the green t-shirts serve a more official function. Pablo highlighted that the green shirts are higher quality and more official. Suarez moved to approve the purchase of new official green t-shirts for current commissioners who need one, as well as for incoming commissioners under the updated two-year term limits. Seconded by Marquez. Motion passed unanimously 5-0. Review/Feedback of: National Night Out Marquez and Suarez reported on commission participation during setup and the initial shift. Despite rainy weather, the event saw strong attendance from children and families. Commissioners distributed a substantial volume of outreach materials, including brochures and coloring books. Commissioner Marquez noted that all available crayon supplies were exhausted. Pre-stuffing brochures into coloring books was great for efficiency. Commissioner Suarez observed that several returning children declined coloring books as they had previously received them, though overall distribution numbers remained high. Supplies will be adjusted accordingly for future community events. Neighborhood Connections at Tahira Park Commissioner Mock reported on the event, noting lighter early attendance due to drizzle, with increased engagement later during the event. Key distribution included outreach coloring books and informational materials. Commissioner Zhu noted strong attendee engagement and recommended acquiring a new banner to improve visibility at future outreach events. Research pricing options for a new horizontal banner and review banner designs used by other city departments. Banner acquisition should be a formal action item on the agenda for the next meeting. Commission’s Elevator Pitch Action on Elevator Pitch was tabled until all commissioners are present. Commissioner Mock noted that full commission attendance is preferred for this discussion. Annual Report Schedule Commissioner Suarez moved to reschedule the September meeting to September 17 to allow additional time for commission discussion. Seconded by Commissioner Annabella. Motion passed 5-0 (Note: Commissioner Zhu supported the motion despite an anticipated absence). Marquez inquired about scheduling a presentation to City Council on September 22. Staff will confirm availability and secure the September 22 Council agenda spot. ISU Civil Rights Complaints Commissioner Marquez presented a request to obtain discrimination complaint data from ISU, noting an initial cost estimate of $105, with the potential for additional fees, and queried whether the Commission should set an upper expenditure limit. Commissioner Suarez emphasized the relevance of the request, citing ISU’s significant role within the Ames community. Commissioner Suarez moved to authorize funding to obtain civil rights complaint data from ISU, capping the total expenditure at $150. Seconded by Commissioner Zhu. Motion passed unanimously 5-0. Newsletter Update Newsletter will get reviewed from City staff before bringing it up next meeting. Upcoming Events: • September 23, Roosevelt Park-Location change o Sign up genius is looking good • Pridefest October 10 o Shawn needs to add this to Sign up Genius. Pablo is the head person for this but has no details yet. • Add Building Community Breakfast at Reiman Garden – Oct. 22 at 7:30 a.m. will add this to next month’s agenda Commission Announcements Commissioner Suarez reported progress on a redesigned, interactive Ames Trailblazers coloring book targeting audiences from pre-K through 7th grade, as well as parents. The updated concept incorporates historical Ames trailblazers alongside interactive learning elements such as word searches, word scrambles, and other puzzles on each page. Generative AI tools (ChatGPT) were utilized to draft the initial artwork and layout, which features updated visuals intended to broaden appeal across older youth demographics compared to the previous version. Mockups will be refined using Microsoft PowerPoint and Canva. Commissioner Suarez requested that commissioners submit layout concepts and design feedback directly to him for future draft iterations. Next Meeting: September 17, 2026 Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.