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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.