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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 8-27-2015M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION August 27, 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 Raghul Ethiraj, John Klaus, Mary Beth Oostenbrug, and Heidi Thompson. Staff member Brian Phillips was also present. PUBLIC FORUM Amy asked for Mary Beth to introduce herself, as she is new to the Commission. OLD BUSINESS A. Approval of July 23, 2015 Minutes – It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Thompson to approve the minutes. The motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS A. IRIS Peace Walk Publicity – The Commission moved to the hallway for a publicity photo with the IRIS Peace Walk staff. Amy mentioned that Commission members are needed for the event on September 19th. The Commission will have two representatives for two-hour shifts. John and Heidi will be present from 8-10 and Amy and Raghul will represent the Commission from 10-noon. Heidi will collect the banner and materials in advance of the event. B. Planning an Event to Recognize the Ames Disabled Community – Amy requested that this discussion be postponed until Rebecca could attend the meeting to be a part of the discussion. She also reported that she had submitted a letter to the editor about the anniversary. C. AHRC Strategic Plan – Amy explained the history of the strategic plan and mentioned that the Commission wanted to wait until the Commissioners could all participate. Brian agreed to work to find a time that could work for the Commission to hold that discussion. D. Commissioner Comments – Brian provided an update regarding the Iowa Criminal Justice Summit. He explained that the organizers were interested in the Commission’s endorsement of the event. It was moved by Klaus, seconded by Thompson to authorize staff to submit an endorsement form. Raghul noted that the wording of the event summary used strong phrasing. John indicated that he would attend the event. Mary Beth will try to attend. Brian also mentioned that the Iowa Civil Rights Commission was looking to hold its September 18th meeting in Ames. The Commission suggested that Brian should indicate to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission that it should proceed with hosting their meeting here. Brian was asked to find out what the agenda topics are and get information to the Commission, who will promote the meeting. Heidi suggested posting flyers at local businesses. Amy suggested having a press release announce the meeting and inviting the public. Amy suggested that the Commission should get in contact with ISU regarding a spring event and offered to start that process. Raghul mentioned that he really liked the advertising campaign on the buses. John wondered whether there was any feedback from the June meeting with the NAACP and the Police Department. Amy suggested that she might contact the police department to find out. E. Time and Date of Next Meeting – September 24, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURN: It was moved by Commissioner Oostenbrug to adjourn the meeting at 6:08 p.m.