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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 2-25-2016M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION February 25, 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, and Heidi Thompson. Raghul Ethiraj and Mary Beth Oostenbrug were absent. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. PUBLIC FORUM There was no one present for Public Forum. OLD BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF JANUARY 28, 2016 MINUTES: It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Thompson to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. B. FAIR HOUSING MONTH / A HOME FOR EVERYONE AWARD / FOCUS GROUP: John had contacted Vanessa Baker-Latimer about the role of the Commission in Fair Housing Month. Many of the details are not yet developed for the Housing Fair. Amy suggested arranging for another location to host the focus group. John suggested the Public Library might be a good location. Heidi suggested perhaps coordinating a focus group after Food at First. Amy reiterated that the focus group is intended to get perspectives from community members who have experienced housing discrimination. Heidi suggested putting up posters advertising the event in advance. Amy stated the Commission can use the list of contacts now that it has been developed. John clarified that the Commission members would be there to hear from the community members what they have experienced related to the topic of housing discrimination. The Commission’s contact list would be used to invite their clients or others who might have issues to discuss. Amy suggested the following needs to happen for the focus groups: secure the location, prepare print materials, prepare a news release, email the contact list, review the questions, select a date and time, and assign commissioners to each session. Heidi suggested preparing a format of how the focus groups will progress. John indicated the goal is to gain an understanding regarding what people are experiencing, since the Commission does not frequently receive complaints. Heidi added that the information gathered can be used to plan Commission efforts to educate the public. The Commission reviewed the questions for the focus group. Heidi will check with Food at First about using the space. Amy will reach out to Raghul and see what his availability is. The Commission agreed to explore dates and times and settle on a date/time via email. Amy will put together a draft of what the award will look like and provide it for the next meeting. John will follow up with Vanessa to discuss the event details and presenting the award at the Fair Housing Event. 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 will incorporate Mary Beth’s and John’s additions and send it to the Commission. E. DEVELOPMENT OF THE CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES: Brian mentioned adding the annual report and the Home for Everyone award review and presentation process to the calendar. F. LIST OF GROUPS TO REACH OUT TO IN ORDER TO BEGIN LEARNING ABOUT NEW EXPERIENCES AND UNREPORTED COMPLAINTS: This topic will be addressed following the focus groups regarding fair housing. G. FUTURE REGULAR MEETING DAY/TIME: It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Thompson to move the regular meeting time for the Commission to 6:00 p.m. Thursday for the next two months. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS TIME AND DATE OF NEXT REGULAR MEETING: March 24, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS – John asked if there was interest in collecting data regarding the race and ethnicity of people stopped by the police. ADJOURN: Commissioner Thompson moved to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.