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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Ames Human Relations Commission - AHRC Minutes 4-26-2012M I N U T E S HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION April 26, 2012 The Ames Human Relations Commission meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Members present were Chairperson Aaron Fultz, Amy Juhnke, John Klaus, and Lea Vogl. Public Forum No one came forward to speak at Public Forum. Old Business Moved by Fultz and seconded by Klaus to approve the March 22, 2012 minutes. Motion carried unanimously. Housing Fair – Aaron apologized for a lack of communication on the Housing Fair. Aaron and John talked to Betty Boettiger from HUD about housing issues. John expressed that he learned a great deal from the sessions provided. Aaron expressed hope that in future years the Commission can coordinate better with City staff on participating in the event. Aaron noted that there was an informative discussion on service animals and regulations. Amy Juhnke asked whether the attendees were individuals who had had issues with fair housing. John believed there was one person who may have had issues with fair housing before. Humanitarian Award - Aaron asked whether there was anything new to report on this item other than the timelines? John indicated that he thought the criteria were good and useful, but wanted to know the process. Aaron suggested that the selection be made by the November meeting to ensure that if a winter meeting must be canceled, the selection will be completed by January. John asked if nomination information was being sent out aggressively. Aaron said that the Commission would need to establish the network and contact list for whom to send nomination forms to. Aaron asked if there was a contact list of agencies that would be appropriate to send nominations to. Project Coordinator Brian Phillips indicated that he was unaware if such a list existed, but he would look for it and let the Commission know as soon as possible if it is found. Employment Training – John passed around fliers for the employment training. Amy Juhnke will make some modifications to the names of the individuals listed on the fliers. The Commission was reminded that the training will be held on June 14th in the Council Chambers and that there will be refreshments provided. Aaron asked if the Chamber of Commerce would be approached to promote the event. Amy Juhnke responded that it costs $30 to get it sent to Chamber members, and the Commission would have to provide copies. She asked if it would be possible for the City to provide copies. Brian responded that he would look into the cost for the City to reproduce 350 copies in black and white. Moved by Fultz, seconded by Klaus to approve $30 for distribution plus any additional costs for copying out of the Commission’s budget for promotion of this event. Motion carried unanimously. John indicated his desire to put together a full budget for this event, including the refreshments cost. AHRC Annual Report – Aaron noted that Brian had provided copies of the report. The report will be presented at a joint meeting of the Commission and the City Council at 6:30 on May 8 in the City Council Chambers. There were no additions to the report, although it was asked that in the goals listed, “reach” be stricken from goal number seven. John asked about whether anyone knew about the status of United Ames. Brain mentioned that the City Manager’s Office had not had contact with the organization since about October. Aaron was concerned about how to plan FACES without their support. John agreed to call Amber Corrieri to see what she knows about United Ames’ current activities. Moved by Juhnke, seconded by Klaus to approve the Commission’s annual report for 2011. Motion carried unanimously. FACES – Aaron noted that the commission will need to know by the next meeting what United Ames can or cannot do to plan FACES. John reiterated that he would call Amber tonight. Amy Juhnke suggested getting a listing of people or organizations that participated in previous FACES. John noted that the connection with Maximum Ames last year was excellent and he would like to see it continued. Goals/schedule – Amy Juhnke expressed a desire to pursue goal number nine of increasing outreach to schools and increasing the awareness of the Commission. Amy will develop a plan to achieve this goal. John offered to assist. Commissioner Comments – Aaron asked for commissioners to introduce themselves for the new member of the commission. Several commissioners expressed gratitude for Sheila Lundt’s work as staff member for the Commission. Aaron noted that the citizenship class through Lifelong Learning at Iowa State had a presentation last night with Councilmembers Orazem and Goodman, who praised the work of boards and commissions. Aaron wanted to relay the councilmembers’ compliments. Aaron also noted that Law Day is May 1st this year, and will focus on discussing underfunding the courts system. Aaron had also received a flier regarding an NAACP event in Des Moines and a flier advertising board and commission member training. The Commission expressed an interest in participating in this. Amy Juhnke expressed concern about the training of the Commission’s investigators. Brian noted that in the past there may have been sessions where the City Attorney’s Office provided training for investigators. He will contact the City Attorney’s Office to see if it is possible to provide an orientation at a future meeting. The Commission will next meet in a joint meeting with the City Council on May 8, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Adjournment The Commission adjourned at 6:30 p.m.