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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 12-19-2013M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION December 19, 2013 The regular meeting of the Ames Human Relations Commission was called to order by Chair Amy Juhnke at 5:34 p.m. in City Hall Room 235. Members present were John Klaus, Devita Harden, and Barbara Woods. Nicole Facio was not present. PUBLIC FORUM Megan Herrigton from Gilbert High School was present and observed the Commission. Two new complaints have been filed with the City Manager's Office. One pertaining to treatment at a restaurant and another related to discrimination related to housing for people with children. Both have been turned over to the Iowa Civil Rights Commission for processing. Action has been taken on one housing case by local investigators; the case was not founded by the AHRC Hearing Officer. Another housing claim is currently being investigated by AHRC Investigators and is anticipated to be turned over to the Hearing Officer by the end of the year for findings. OLD BUSINESS Approve amended October 24, 2013 Minutes -- It was moved by Harden and seconded by Klaus to approve the October 24, 2013 minutes, with correction to state the Civil Rights Act, not affirmative action. Motion carried unanimously. Approve November 20, 2013 Minutes -- It was moved by Woods and seconded by Harden to approve the November 20, 2013 minutes. Motion carried unanimously. 150th Anniversary of Ames --Civil Rights Act display -- Juhnke led a brainstorming session to determine what the Civil Rights Act display portray at the Ames Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner to be held on January 30, 2014. The group discussed showing a historical perspective with Ames, State and Federal decisions in some sort of a timeline format. They also determined that it will show both positives and negatives for the community. AHRC would like a timeline for key changes in the City Code pertaining to human relations. Woods noted that the AHRC display should showcase positive changes for protected classes. The Commission determined that they need a bold statement on the display about what is a protected class today as defined by Chapter 14 of the Ames City Code. The Commission discussed having this display at other locations, such as Welcomefest at Iowa State University, major City events, the new Library, community events that are open to the public, at public schools, at Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, in City Hall, at Iowa State International celebration, Iowa State University Library, Ames Historical Society, and the North Grand Mall. The group determined it would be an indoor only display. The Commission also requested that staff determine if dollars from FACES could be reallocated for creating the display. Staff was going to get critical dates for the Commission to use in the poster and provide any background information as needed. The Commission also discussed a video and discussing that at the next meeting. The Commission asked if Derek Crisler could attend the January 23, 2014 meeting to discuss this project. NEW BUSINESS Humanitarian Award 2013 -- Klaus motioned to present the award to Rollie Link, second Woods. Motion carried anonymously. The award will be presented by Juhnke at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on January 20, 2014. Martin Luther King Jr. Day planning -- Harden reported on upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Day festivities. She stated that AHRC would once again provide the cake. Staff will ensure the cake is ordered. Annual Report Discussion -- the Commission discussed the Annual Report and the need for the Commission to prepare paragraphs on events and activities to share with the City Council. Staff offered to assign sections of the report to the Commission. Commissioner Comments -- None Time and Date of Next Meeting - January 23, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m.