HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021-02-19 MinutesMinutes of Meeting
Commission on Human Relations
Friday, February 19, 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:
Susan Cook-Williams, Missy Creed, Kimberly Woodruff, Frand Rycyk, Mitchell Woodrum, Jane Barnes
Staff present:
Gail Strope
Others present:
Councilmembers Laura Ward, Mike Lester, Ron Fitzwater, Ahnna Nanoski – City Planner, Michael Shine –
Jefferson City News Tribune
The meeting came to order at 9:01 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Frank Rycyk offered one change to
January meeting minutes and made a motion to approve minutes with correction, second by Mitchell
Woodrum. Motion unanimously passed.
Mitchell Woodrum, Treasurer, reports we continue to have an annual set budget of $500, plans to offer
written treasurer report. Kim Woodruff motioned to approve verbal report, second by Missy Creed.
Motion unanimously passed.
Mitchell Woodrum presented on unconscious bias for the monthly Commissioner Development
Moment. It is important to understand unconscious bias and actively work to identify it in our lives and
interactions as nobody is immune to it. Jane Barnes will present a development issue for the March
meeting.
Public Comment on Agenda Items:
None
Old Business:
Stronger Through Diversity Recap: Virtual event held Thursday, February 18, 2021. Susan Cook-Williams
welcomed attendees and reminded all about the history and mission of the Human Relations
Commission. Guest speaker was Dr. Stephen Graves, Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Black
Studies Department at the University of Missouri. He presented on the history of Black culture. Jennifer
Ferguson also presented on the Ubuntu Community Garden in Jefferson City. This event will be shared
on the HRC Facebook page.
Coffee Conversations Update: Mitchell Woodrum reports he and Missy Creed continue to work on this
idea. As it stands, they recommend beginning meeting on a quarterly basis and having a repetitive
format for the audience to anticipate the structure. Missy Creed explained the Clubhouse platform,
which may be a free, virtual way for attendees to “tune in”. They will continue to work on this plan.
Highlight of Black Owned Businesses on Facebook: Throughout February, the Human Relations
Commission has done a “spotlight feature” on local Black owned businesses. This promotion has been
favorably received and has attracted about 150 new followers to the Human Relations Commission
Facebook page. Kim Woodruff suggested considering repeating this style of spotlight in June for
Juneteenth.
New Business:
Jefferson City Comprehensive Plan: Ahnna Nanoski, city planner, presented on the current status of the
20-year city plan. This plan aims to provide a road map to strengthen and maintain Jefferson City.
Typically, this plan would be shared in public sessions seeking input from all interested citizens but due
to COVID-19, most of the sharing will be virtual. She shared the desire to weave an equitable
perspective into the plan and this road map is the culmination of all recommendations of the study
period. This plan aims to engage citizens and continue to make this community an attractive place to live
and work. Considerations include diversity and inclusion, internet connectivity, affordable housing,
community events, economic benefits among many other facets covered. There is a survey online that
she encourages all citizens to complete and provide input.
Plans for Stronger Through Diversity Event: Ideas are being discussed about hosting the next Speaker
Series event in June to coincide with Pride Month. At this time, there is no committee nor chair to lead
on this, it will be discussed in the March meeting.
Public Comment:
Michael Shine, new reporter for the Jefferson City News Tribune, was introduced. Due to technical
difficulties, he was unable to speak. He will join the March meeting and will have an opportunity to
introduce himself at that time.
Adjournment:
There being no further business, the meeting adjourned with a motion by Frank Rycyk, second by
Mitchell Woodrum.
The next meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.