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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 6-26-2014M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION June 26, 2014 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Amy Juhnke, the presiding officer, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers. Members present were John Klaus, Nicole Facio, and Barbara Woods. Devita Harden was absent. PUBLIC FORUM No members of the public were in attendance. AHRC CASES Cathy Gersema stated she knew of no new cases being filed since the May meeting. OLD BUSINESS Approval of May 22, 2014 Minutes – The minutes of the May 22, 2014 meeting were discussed. It was moved by Klaus and seconded by Facio to approve them as amended. Motion carried unanimously. DISCUSS PSAs Chair Juhnke began the discussion on the Public Service Announcements. She said she felt that the PSAs were not necessarily “so relevant” to the commission’s work. She noted that Derek Crisler had helped develop ways the PSA’s could be used. Both PSAs deal with coping with bullying. Commissioner Woods felt the first announcement made a good presentation by using sports analogies and would be good for general use. She added that some sections of the film dealt with adults and the felt the sports motif would interest people of various ages. The video could not be downloaded for showing (http://www.adcouncil.org/Our-Work/Current-Work/Safety/Bullying- Prevention). Ms. Woods pointed out that the second video (http://www.stopbullying.gov/videos/index.html) used young people to present its message. She asked if the commission had considered a strategy that would encourage viewership by high school students. Mr. Klaus said that the students had access to computers and could access the videos. Ms. Woods felt that making contact with both high school and middle school students, they could be encouraged to watch the videos. Ms. Facio felt the schools might be interested in encouraging this as well. Chair Juhnke felt the second video could be used for still photos to help define bullying to the students. The second video was watched by the commissioners. Ms. Woods stated that the video focused on diversity. Mr. Klaus felt that it was important the “subject was broached.” Ms. Facio stressed that she felt the video should tie to the commission’s goal. Since all commissioners had not yet viewed the first video, Chair Juhnke suggested tabling decisions until the July meeting. Ms. Woods mentioned having a “lead-in” to the videos from the City’s website that would put the PSAs in context. The commission then discussed the anti-discrimination focus of other PSAs. Ms. Juhnke will send out other PSA links to help with the decision of which videos can be used and how. PARTICIPATION IN AMES EVENTS: 4TH OF JULY PARADE – Chair Juhnke polled the commissioners about participation in the July 4th parade. Former commissioners have been invited to participate with current commissioners but only one accepted. The commissioners agreed that 6 participants would be enough to make a creditable presence. The decision was made not to be involved with the parade. AHRC will display its display and brochures at the Ames Historical Society for the Sesquicentennial celebration. Chair Juhnke suggested the commission consider adding money to the budget for the purchase of shirts for the commissioners to wear when they serve as volunteers at various functions. Ms. Woods suggested name badges might be a better purchase. NEW BUSINESS A. Annual Seminar Topic – Chair Juhnke said the seminar topic should complement the strategic plan. The goal is to host the seminar in October. The commissioners should be considering people who would be good speakers and be looking for a location for hosting the seminar. B. Commissioner Comments – Ms. Woods said that a former member of the Cedar Rapids commission is moving to the Ames area to take a job at Iowa State University. She hopes this person can use his prior experience to assist the Ames commission in its efforts. Ms. Juhnke said timing was very important with the seminar and that more people who work with residents (as opposed to residents) attended the Fair Housing seminar. Discussion next focused on Welcome Back Students, which is hosted by the City in August. Mr. Klaus said this would be a good time to establish some outreach to students, so that students would know the commission is there. (The City uses this event to meet students and inform them of City services and expectations.) C. Website Concerns – Ms. Juhnke noted that the commission’s old brochure is still on the City’s website. Cathy Gersema said she would see it replaced with the current one. She added the commission has a simple URL - http://www.cityofames.org/ahrc. D. Time and Date of Next Meeting - June 24, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURN: The meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.