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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 7-23-2015M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION July 23, 2015 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by chair Amy Juhnke at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers of Ames City Hall. Members present were John Klaus and Heidi Thompson. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. PUBLIC FORUM Rebecca Olson, intern in the Planning and Housing Department, indicated that she works for Ronald Grooms, a former professor who is a quadriplegic. He had pointed out to her that it was the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ms. Olson requested that the City recognize that anniversary and further recognize the efforts of individuals with disabilities on a regular basis. Amy suggested that the Commission think about a short-term idea to do this and then work on a long-term recognition. OLD BUSINESS A. Approval of June 25, 2015 Minutes – It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Thompson to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS A. Recognition of the 25th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act – Amy indicated that she had spoken with Ms. Olson on the phone about some possibilities. She suggested requesting that the Mayor issue a proclamation at the next available Council Meeting. Ms. Olson suggested that she could help gathering stories of individuals affected by the ADA. Heidi suggested perhaps the Commission could put together a forum to discuss those stories, and put information out to the media regarding that forum. Vanessa Baker-Latimer, Housing Coordinator suggested that perhaps there could be a cake and punch reception prior to the Council meeting if there was to be a proclamation. She also suggested that perhaps there could be a movie night at the Library, showing a movie related to a disabilities-related topic. Moved by Thompson, seconded by Klaus, to request that the Mayor issue a proclamation in recognition of the Americans with Disabilities Act for the next available City Council meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Amy suggested she would prepare to do a letter for the paper. Discussion turned to planning an event into the future. At Amy’s request, Ms. Olson agreed to help plan such an event. Brian will put this topic on the agenda for the August 27th Commission meeting. B. Peace Walk Publicity and Planning – Brian indicated that IRIS was interested in a photo op publicizing the Commission’s sponsorship of the event. The Commission members indicated that they were receptive to participating in that and Brian indicated that IRIS would be invited to the next Commission meeting for a photo opportunity. C. Commissioner Comments – Amy requested that the Strategic Plan discussion be postponed until Raghul is back and a fifth commissioner is seated. Heidi would like to wait until all five commissioners could attend. Moved by Thompson, seconded by Klaus to postpone the strategic plan discussion until September, when all commissioners are present. Motion carried unanimously. Amy asked Ms. Baker-Latimer if there were initiatives that the Commission could assist with, as the Strategic Plan session approached. Ms. Baker-Latimer indicated that fair housing was an issue and training was being pursued. Partnering with the Commission might be considered. She also indicated that there is a possibility of a property manager’s conference taking place in Ames. D. Time and Date of Next Meeting – August 27, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURN: It was moved by Commissioner Klaus to adjourn the meeting at 6:13 p.m.