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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 4-24-2013M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION April 24, 2013 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order at 5:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Members present were Devita Harden, John Klaus, Barbara Woods, Amy Juhnke and Nicole Facio. Moved by Klaus and seconded by Woods to amend the agenda to immediately elect a new permanent chair of the Commission. Moved by Klaus and seconded by Woods to elect Juhnke as chair. Motion carried unanimously. PUBLIC FORUM No one was present for Public Forum. OLD BUSINESS Melissa Mundt updated the Commission on the one case that is pending an opinion from a hearing officer. The case will be transferred to hearing officer Fultz. Moved by Woods and seconded by Klaus to approve the March 28, 2013 minutes. Motion carried unanimously. NEW BUSINESS FACES – The Commission discussed the upcoming FACES committee meeting. Several individuals have already graciously volunteered to be part of the planning committee. The meeting will be May 13, 2013 at 5 p.m. in Room 235 at City Hall. Juhnke indicated subcommittee chairs and a chair are needed for the event. Juhnke suggested that someone from the AHRC should consider being the chair or a co-chair for the event. Klaus indicated that the new Chair of AHRC, Juhnke, should lead off the meeting on the 13th to set up the structure. Juhnke asked what, if anything, the Commission should retain control over related to the planning of FACES? The Commission indicated that they would like to see the planning committee take over as much as possible to make it more of a community event. Klaus indicated that MAXIMUM Ames will be involved in committee planning, but their event is not the same weekend as FACES. Klaus indicated he could be late to the May 13th meeting. Mundt will provide a PowerPoint of pictures to share with the Committee from FACES 2012. Strategic Planning – The Commission reviewed its work around Question number 1 from the strategic planning questionnaire from February 2013. The question was, "What three to five items would you like to see the Ames Human Relations Commission focus on in the next one to two years?" The Commission discussed participation in Welcomefest and Clubfest to help in welcoming students to the community and to solicit participation in FACES. Woods suggested contacting the new Dean of Students about getting students to participate in the community. Juhnke volunteered to contact the Dean of Students. Harden volunteered to work with Mundt on Welcome Fest participation. Klaus has agreed to coordinate the July 4th parade participation for AHRC. Juhnke suggested that a logo is made for AHRC specifically and to not use the FACES logo for these upcoming events, unless it is to promote FACES. Comments on the strategic plan should be given back to Mundt by no later than May 16th. The Commission will be asked to adopt the strategic plan at their May 23, 2013 meeting. Possible Seminar Discussion - Klaus mentioned that AHRC could target the summer for a seminar. Juhnke noted that we have not done anything with unfair accommodations/services, discriminatory education or credit practices. Juhnke suggested that AHRC consider one of the aforementioned areas for a seminar. Facio and Woods indicated that there are a variety of groups that could be presenters pertaining to unfair credit practices. Facio wanted to know what the audience would be for this seminar? Woods indicated that might be good for landlords with unfair credit practices. Klaus indicated that they have worked to target potential victims and possible inadvertent perpetrators. Woods stated that she would check out with ISU extension to see what areas would be good to focus on for a seminar. Woods will submit information to Mundt and determine next steps. Facio also agreed to contact the Iowa Attorney General's Office to see about programming they provide related to unfair credit practices. Commissioner Comments—Klaus stated that we have an excellent chair and new hearing officers. Woods noted that we are approaching summer time and to remind the community that we have a diverse group of residents in the community and it is great time to get to know each other. Juhnke offered to help develop a Channel 12 spot pertaining to community building around diversity and Harden offered to help Juhnke on the messaging. Mundt will connect Juhnke and Harden with Channel 12 staff. Facio suggested the program would talk about meeting others in the community of Ames. Time and Date of Next Meeting - It was noted that the next meeting will be May 23, 2013 at 5:30 p.m. (Regular Meeting, Council Chambers) ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 6:17 p.m.