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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 3-22-2012M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION March 22, 2012 The Ames Human Relations Commission meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 235. Members present were Chairperson Aaron Fultz, Amy Juhnke, John Klaus, Amy Longenecker, Amit Shah, and Lea Vogl. Investigator Tim Ellet was also present. Welcome to Investigators Investigator Tim Ellet was in attendance. Tim indicated that he was new to being an investigator and asked about the investigators’ training and procedures. Aaron explained his experience on an investigation several years ago. There was discussion about how investigators are paired with members of the Commission and the merits of that system. Aaron requested that the investigators be added to the meeting notice email list, so as to inform them of the Commission’s regular meetings and invite them to attend if they so choose. Public Forum No one came forward to speak at Public Forum. Fair Housing Fair Vanessa Baker-Latimer, the City’s Housing Coordinator, was present to discuss the Fair Housing Fair. The City is required to administer this program as a condition of the federal housing funds it receives. This year’s fair will be held on April 17 in the City Auditorium at a time to be determined. Betty Bottiger, from HUD, will be a featured guest. The Ames Rental Housing Association and local Realtors will be in attendance as well to receive continuing education credits and meet fair housing compliance. This year, training will take the form of skits and scenarios dealing with bed bugs, service animals, and other topics. The Mayor will issue a proclamation about fair housing on April 10. Vanessa indicated a desire for a member or members of the Commission to be present for the presentation. Ms. Bottiger may also be available during her time in Ames to meet with the Commission members and provide some investigatory training. John expressed interest in having a training opportunity. Amy Juhnke suggested that it would be great to have a table or representatives of the Commission at the event to help educate tenants on their rights. There was agreement from other Commissioners that it would be good to have the table, banner, and literature at the afternoon sessions of the fair. Amit noted that his experience was in hotel operations and suggested that the information at the fair would be good for hotel managers as well. Vanessa encouraged him to pass along the information to hotel proprietors. Old Business Moved by Klaus and seconded by Longenecker to approve the February 23, 2012 minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Aaron asked for unanimous consent to reorder the agenda to discuss employment training next. There was no objection. Employment Training – John indicated that there was nothing new to report on this item. He and other organizers are sticking to the plan as previously presented. Humanitarian Award - Aaron noted that he and Amy Longenecker had worked on the criteria for the award. A draft of the criteria was passed around to the Commission. John indicated that he liked the criteria statement. Amy Longenecker noted that the idea arose to take nominations at FACES and present the award at the Martin Luther King celebration. John asked if the Commission as a whole would determine the award recipient. Aaron indicated that was the case. Amy Juhnke asked about the award itself. Amy Longenecker responded that it would be a certificate. Aaron mentioned that, depending on the cost, it may be possible to look into an engraved medal. Amy Juhnke asked whether it would be a requirement that the recipient live in Ames. There was discussion from several Commissioners. It was determined that the committee’s discretion in choosing the recipient would suffice in ensuring the recipient’s connection to the community. It was asked that the form, once completed, be put on the City Manager’s Office and Ames Human Relations Commission webpages. Aaron also indicated an interest in issuing a press release or making a Channel 12 promotion for the award. Moved by Klaus and seconded by Juhnke to approve the proposal. Motion carried unanimously. AHRC Annual Report – Aaron handed out copies of the draft final report. He asked that Commissioners email him with any additional changes in the next few days. John asked that the fair housing training be added to the report. Amy Longenecker asked that a title page be added. Aaron requested that staff complete the title page in a format consistent with other City reports. Amy Juhnke asked that outreach to schools and increased awareness be addressed as goals. Moved by Klaus and seconded by Longenecker to approve the annual report as presented with whatever modifications Chairperson Fultz sees fit. Motion carried unanimously. Goals/schedule – Aaron asked for discussion on the goals or schedule. Amy Longenecker inquired as to whether investigators should be invited to future meetings. Aaron noted that when the Commission and investigators are sent the agendas, it would be desirable for City staff to note that investigators are always welcome to attend. Amy Juhnke noted that she had visited the state Civil Rights Commission meeting this month for the first time. There was a presentation from representatives of Sioux City. There was also discussion of testing landlords by posing as potential renters and calling in with questions on fair housing-related topics. This is done in some of the larger cities in Iowa. Aaron noted that there might be a way to partner with Vanessa Baker-Latimer on a project like that. Commissioner Comments – Aaron noted that he will try to get on the City Council’s agenda to present the Commission’s Annual Report at the April 10, 2012 meeting. The Commission will next meet on April 26, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. In addition, the members of the Commission will attend training at the Fair Housing Fair, if possible. That training will be for informational purposes only. Adjournment The Commission adjourned at 6:45 p.m.