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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 1-28-2016M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION January 28, 2016 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Chair Amy Juhnke at 5:32 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Ames City Hall. Members present were John Klaus, Mary Beth Oostenbrug, and Heidi Thompson. Raghul Ethiraj was absent. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. PUBLIC FORUM There was no one present for the public forum. Amy requested that the agenda be re-ordered to address planning for Fair Housing Month at the beginning of the meeting. There were no objections. OLD BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF DECEMBER 17, 2015 MINUTES: It was moved by Oostenbrug, seconded by Klaus to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. B. PLANNING FOR FAIR HOUSING MONTH: Housing Coordinator Vanessa Baker- Latimer was present to discuss Fair Housing Month. Amy explained that last year the Commission started the Home for Everyone Award to recognize exemplary housing providers in the area of fair housing. Ms. Baker-Latimer indicated there is a need for training for housing providers. She is working to bring in a national trainer to be available to property managers and the public. An anti-discrimination billboard is intended for Duff Avenue. Ms. Baker-Latimer is also considering a Fair Housing fair to educate people about discrimination and fair marketing methods. John indicated that it would be useful to find an event that could be partnered with to present the Home for Everyone Award. Ms. Baker-Latimer indicated there is a luncheon during Fair Housing Month and that might be a good opportunity. She stated that if she gets the information, she can get it out to property owners. C. REVIEW OF THE WEBSITE, LITERATURE, AND OTHER COMMISSION PROMOTION MATERIALS: Because Raghul was not present, this item was postponed to the next agenda. D. DEVELOPMENT OF A LIST OF PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS AND EMAIL CONTACTS: Amy asked if everyone had received the draft. Mary Beth indicated she had several organizations to add. John also suggested a number of organizations. Once the list is compiled, it will be transmitted to City staff, and Commissioners can obtain it as needed for mailings and announcements. E. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES: Amy will reach out to Heidi to get a copy of the calendar prior to the next meeting. F. LIST OF GROUPS TO REACH OUT TO IN ORDER TO BEGIN LEARNING ABOUT NEW EXPERIENCES AND UNREPORTED COMPLAINTS: John suggested that a contact with the Police Department would be helpful, as would contacts with the University, the School District, and the Commission investigators. NEW BUSINESS A. HOME FOR EVERYONE AWARD: Amy reviewed the timeline for the award application, review, and ceremony processes. She stated that it needs to get out to landlords and to tenants. Brian will place the award nomination form on the website and put out a press release, and copy the commissioners. Amy will work to have a plaque designed for the recipient. B. PLANNING FOR THE FOCUS GROUP ON DISCRIMINATORY HOUSING PRACTICES: Mary Beth asked if it would make sense to have the focus group at the Fair Housing Fair. John suggested there ought to be participants who have had experiences being discriminated against. Amy indicated she would like to ask to record stories to have on hand for a radio story perhaps. John agreed to talk to Vanessa Baker-Latimer about whether a focus group could fit into the Fair Housing fair. Mary Beth suggested that Heidi would be a good choice to come up with the questions. Amy will reach out to Heidi to see if she will come up with questions. C. FUTURE REGULAR MEETING TIME: Amy stated that Raghul sent her an email stating that it will be difficult for him to make 5:30 meetings because of his internship in Des Moines. She wondered if the Commissioners would be open to meeting at a late time. Mary Beth said that she had a regular conflict on this Thursday. Brian will bring a list of the standing meetings in City Hall in the evenings. TIME AND DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING: February 25, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – There were none. ADJOURN: Commissioner Klaus moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Oostenbrug. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 p.m.