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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 8-16-2016M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION September 8, 2016 The working meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by John Klaus at 6:07 p.m. in Conference Room 233 of Ames City Hall. Members present were Raghul Ethiraj and Heidi Thompson. 2. REVIEW/WORK ON STRATEGIC PLAN: The Commission discussed the recent initiative to connect with other groups in the community. The Commission discussed implementing a Facebook page. This will be added as an agenda item in the future. The Commission discussed monitoring the local news, with Raghul monitoring campus news and John monitoring the local newspaper. Items of interest to the Commission will be raised for potential Commission action. The Ames Progressive Alliance’s challenge to take the next follow-up steps from the APA/Body of Christ Church discussion was raised by John. Heidi expressed that representatives of the APA will be meeting with the Commission. Raghul shared the issue of international students being homeless for several weeks during the rental housing turnover. The Commissioners would like to discuss this issue further. The Commissioners expressed interest in having a whiteboard to take to events to write on at events, such as the IRIS Peace Walk. John indicated he would be available to participate in the Peace Walk from 9-11; Raghul will attend from 12-2. Heidi will check with Amy to see when she can attend, and Heidi will help set up and will fill in any gaps. Brian will double check that brochures are available. Heidi asked that in the late fall, the Commission discuss event activities put on by other Commissions. John mentioned that the Commission used to organize FACES, but that the event did not effectively facilitate interactions among different groups. Raghul asked whether a collaboration with the university might be appropriate. John suggested that Raghul think of events or activities that could be appropriate for the Commission to participate in or organize. The Commission reviewed the presentation outlining its role and activities. Heidi will prepare the final text of the presentation and send it out to the Commission. 3. PREPARE FOR POLICE CHIEF VISIT: Heidi said the goal in talking with the Police Chief is to find out what in the police’s perspective is concerning in the community. Are there things the Commission can do to help or to focus on? Are there groups the Commission should meet with? John raised the issue of arrests disproportionately affecting people of color. He wanted to find a newspaper article he recalled on that topic before bringing it up. Heidi suggested asking about Ames statistics rather than implying there is a problem. It was decided that the Chief will be invited to the next Commission meeting, in September. John will contact him with the invitation and the issues that will be discussed. 4. ADJOURN: Moved by Ethiraj, seconded by Thompson to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.