HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-01-15 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, January 15, 2021
Due to COVID-19 and social distancing recommendations, the Commission on
Human Relations meeting was made available by using a Webex meeting.
ATTENDEES:
Commission members present:
Patsy Johnson, Susan Cook-Williams, Missy Creed, Kimberly Woodruff, Frand Rycyk, Mitchell Woodrum,
Patsy Johnson, Andria Hendricks, Jane Barnes
Staff present:
Rebecca Lee
Others present:
Councilmembers Laura Ward, Mike Lester, Ron Fitzwater, Mayor Carrie Tergin
The meeting came to order at 8:00 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Introductions by each commissioner
were made and the December 18, 2020 meeting minutes were reviewed and approved with a motion by
Frank Rycyk, second by Mitchell Woodrum. The motion unanimously passed.
Mitchell Woodrum, Treasurer, shared he intends to offer a monthly report on projects, funds, and
additional financial matters of relevance to this commission. The Human Relations Commission currently
receives $500 in the annual city budget with additional funds available for specific projects on an
individual project and need basis.
Susan Cook-Williams, Chair, suggested initiating an ongoing learning opportunity for commissioners to
educate and learn from one another on specific topics related to inclusion and diversity. She shared a
handout on Inclusive Language and the need for us as commissioners to model and use up-to-date,
respectful identifiers for all to feel honored and accepted in our community. Mitchell Woodrum will
provide the continuing education opportunity for the February meeting.
Old Business:
2020 Accomplishments: Commissioners shared positive actions from 2020 including: ongoing quorum
for virtual meetings in spite of COVID challenges, pivoting the Speaker Series to an online forum, safely
implementing Project DIVE and the positive impact in our community, the adopted changes to city code
putting protections in place for all city employees, and the commission working together despite
differences to lift up voices in our community.
Stronger Through Diversity Speaking Event-February: Susan Cook-Williams, Kimberley Woodruff, and
Jane Barnes updated the commission on the virtual February event which will be a history-infused
cultural celebration of the Black community. The guest speaker will be from the University of Missouri
Black Studies Department and there will be additional community highlights including recognizing Black
owned businesses and sharing of talents. This event will be through the Human Relations Commission
Facebook page at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Efforts will continue by all commissioners
to reach out to Black owned businesses in Jefferson City to be promoted on Facebook prior to the event.
Mayor Tergin suggested checking with the Chamber of Commerce for additional businesses. The general
contact email was shared with the Commission for any businesses to submit information if interested.
New Business:
Survey Results/Plans for 2021: Online survey conducted among commissioners was discussed. The
general feeling is the Commission is headed in the right direction and should continue with similar focus
and style. Additional opportunities for informal community connections and conversations would be
beneficial. The current meeting time of 8:00 a.m. seems to present scheduling challenges to some
commissioners, it was agreed upon that meetings from here forward will be the third Friday of each
month at 9:00 a.m. Motion for this change was made by Frank Rycyk with a second by Kimberley
Woodruff with the motion passing unanimously.
Theme for 2021: Susan Cook-Williams introduced the idea to have a theme for the year. The theme
suggested is the Year of Radical Listening. This will include finding more opportunities to listen to all
members of our community and seek input to have an inclusive community. Discussion ensued on the
intent and impact of the word “radical” with the suggestion by Kimberley Woodruff that the commission
frame using this word in a positive way with our words and actions throughout the year.
Coffee Conversations: Susan Cook-Williams suggested one way to find more opportunities for
conversations with a variety of people in our community is for the Commission to host regular social
meetings. These informal meetings would include a commissioner and conversation would course
wherever the participants take it, with the commissioner’s role to simply keep the conversation
respectful and valuing the input of all. The commissioner would not serve as a facilitator nor would the
meeting always end in resolution. Mitchell Woodrum, Missy Creed, Patsy Johnson, and Jane Barnes will
work on this project.
Public Comment: Susan Cook-Williams discussed a need to consider new parameters for public comment
in Commission meetings. As she explained, there seems to be a better solution to receive public input
specific to items on the agenda as opposed to all public comment at the end of the meeting which is the
current practice. The new format may include public comment (limited to two minutes per speaker)
specific to meeting item, Commission discussion of meeting item followed by a Commission vote on
item. All other public comment on items not specific to the meeting will be reserved for the end of the
meeting.
Miscellaneous: Frank Rycyk shared a Day of the Dead Fiesta is being planned for Sunday, October 31,
2021. He will share additional information and potential opportunity for Commission involvement closer
to the event. Mayor Tergin reminded commissioners of the upcoming virtual Martin Luther King Jr.
Prayer Breakfast hosted by the NAACP at 9:00 a.m. Monday morning. She also pointed out the bench
dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. on the Greenway near the Linc. Mayor Tergin acknowledged the
attendance in this meeting of Councilmembers Ward, Lester, and Fitzwater, thanking them for their
participation and support of this Commission. Councilmember Mike Lester offered positive feedback of
the Commission stating he appreciated the contributions and participation of all during this meeting.
Public Comment:
None
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:26 a.m. with a motion by Frank Rycyk,
second by Patsy Johnson.
The next meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.