HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 5-23-2013M I N U T E S
HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
May 23, 2013
The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order at 5:31 p.m.
in the Council Chambers. Members present were John Klaus, Barbara Woods, Amy Juhnke and
Nicole Facio. Absent: Devita Harden.
PUBLIC FORUM
Richard Deyo discussed how he felt discriminated against by the community pertaining to his
sign that states, "Please let me be naked". He believes it is a crime that the law requires you to
wear clothes. He has been carrying a petition to change the law, but no one at the policy level is
interested. Juhnke explained that he was following the proper channels to seek change in the
law. He noted that he was upset by peoples' reaction to his ideas.
OLD BUSINESS
Juhnke requested that the minutes be amended to reflect that Woods would be contacting the
Dean of Students, not Juhnke. Woods agreed. Moved by Woods and seconded by Klaus to
approve the April 25, 2013 minutes as amended. Motion carried unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
FACES – The Commission discussed the FACES committee meeting that was held on May 13th
and noted it was a positive meeting with many good ideas. The next meeting will be June 3,
2013 at 5 p.m. in Room 135 at City Hall. Klaus noted that the Commission is still looking for a
Chair and subcommittee chairs for the event. Juhnke asked if Mundt could provide a copy of
recent donors to FACES as well as find out what the process is for approval of food vendors for
Bandshell Park. Juhnke noted that several organizations had already responded to the FACES
gmail account and were interested in participating in the 2013 event.
Strategic Planning – The Commission discussed their efforts with the Strategic Plan and noted
that the City Council should be aware of their efforts. Juhnke agreed to send the plan to the City
Council. Motion by Woods, second by Facio to approve the 2013-2015 Strategic Plan for the
Ames Human Relations Commission. Motion carried unanimously.
Possible Seminar Discussion - Woods stated that she would check out with ISU extension to
see what areas would be good to focus on for a seminar. Facio also agreed to contact the Iowa
Attorney General's Office to ask what programming they provide related to unfair credit
practices. Both will have information to share at the June meeting of the Ames Human Relations
Commission. The Commission discussed groups to contact to get the correct audience for the
seminar, including United Way, CCJ, Iowa State University, Good Neighbor, and MICA.
Commissioner Comments— Klaus noted that there was an incident the prior week in West Des
Moines involving a student posting KKK information on a locker of an African American
student. Klaus told a story about an African American man that owned a shoe story in 1964 that
was burned to the ground in Mississippi. He noted that both the student that was victimized in
West Des Moines and the shoe store owner thought the individuals that victimized them were
their friends prior to the incident. Woods noted that she had not heard of that happening in
Ames. Juhnke mentioned that she is happy to see that the Strategic Plan is in place, as it will
help the Commission and the community address issues like these as well as mental disabilities
and sexual orientation issues.
Time and Date of Next Meeting - It was noted that there will not be a quorum for the June 27,
2013 meeting. The Commission asked staff to look for another meeting time that would work
for a quorum.
ADJOURN
The meeting adjourned at 6:02 p.m.