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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 3-23-2017M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION March 23, 2017 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Chair John Klaus at 5:31 p.m. in Conference Room 235 of City Hall. Members present were John Klaus, Joel Hochstein, and Victoria Knight. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. Heidi Thompson and Amy Tehan were absent. A variety of community members were present. 2. PUBLIC FORUM: John asked the members of the public present to introduce themselves. Jamet Colton announced that on May 2, Ames Progressive Alliance is sponsoring a workshop at the Library regarding bias. She indicated that the Human Relations Commission could partner with sponsoring the event, and that the invitations would hold more weight coming from the Human Relations Commission. John indicated that the Commission could not take any action to support the event at this time b ecause it is not on the agenda. Brian suggested that a phone meeting of the Commission could be held next week to decide whether to sponsor the event. It was moved by John, seconded by Joel, to hold a telephonic meeting Monday at noon to discuss the Commission’s partnership on the implicit bias workshop at the Ames Public Library. Motion carried unanimously. 3. FEBRUARY 23, 2017 MINUTES: It was moved by Joel, seconded by Victoria to approve the minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 4. REQUEST FOR COMMISSION SPONSORSHIP OF IRIS PEACE WALK: Del Christiansen of IRIS was present to discuss the Peace Walk. He thanked the Commission for its sponsorship the past two years. A third Peace Walk has been scheduled for September 23 rd. He indicated last year there were 250 attendees. Over 20 countries were represented and the Ames Police Department attended to present child seat safety. He stated the event is growing nicely. It was moved by Joel, seconded by Victoria, to allocate $500 to sponsor the IRIS Peace Walk. Motion carried unanimously. 5. SPONSORSHIP OF FAIR HOUSING MONTH: Brian provided the history of the Commission’s association with Fair Housing Month. It was moved by Victoria, seconded by Joel, to sponsor the Fair Housing Month activities in the amount of $500. Motion carried unanimously. 6. INCLUSIVE AMES SUBCOMMITTEE: There was no report to discuss. 7. CITY POLICY REGARDING IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT: There was no further action to be taken by the Commission regarding this topic. John indicated there was legislation pending that would affect this area. 8. SELECTION OF HOME FOR EVERYONE AWARD RECIPIENT: Brian reported that no nominations were received. Victoria asked who had received the award in the past. John provided an overview. He further indicated that there was an effort underway to develop an affordable housing trust, and that several individuals involved with that effort had worked particularly hard to move it forward. It was moved by John, seconded by Joel, to nominate and recognize Steven Ringlee, Jason Paull, and Pastor Eileen Gebbie for the Home for Everyone Award. Motion carried unanimously. John agreed to speak with Vanessa Baker-Latimer regarding the presentation of the award. 9. AHRC ANNUAL REPORT: John noted that not much has happened on this. Brian noted that the Council had asked to hold discussion on the Municipal Equality Index until the Annual Report is discussed. Joel agreed to speak with Heidi to get an update as to the status of the report. 10. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS: John mentioned he spoke with KHOI to decline producing a radio show, and that from time to time the Commission might be interested in participating in radio shows. Joel noted he was looking at how other cities are structured with regard to the Municipal Equality Index recommendations. He has requested information from the Dubuque Human Rights Commission, which has full-time dedicated staff. Victoria noted it was her last meeting. John wished her luck. Brian noted there would be a new commissioner seated as of April 1. 11. NEXT MEETING: The next Commission meeting is scheduled to be held April 27, 2017. 12. ADJOURN: Victoria moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:12 p.m.