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Home My Public Portal About2021-09-17 MinutesMinutes of Meeting Commission on Human Relations Friday, September 17, 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, Frank Rycyk, Seth Bauman, Andria Hendricks, Jane Barnes Others present: Councilmember Mike Lester, Michael Shine – News Tribune, Gail Strope – city staff Due to a lack of a quorum, the meeting began at 9:07 a.m. with the Commissioner Development Moment by Frank Rycyk. He presented on Yom Kippur, which was celebrated on September 15, 2021. This is the holiest day of the year in Judaism and is based on atonement, repentance, fasting, and prayer. He shared several sources of information on this holy day and offered narratives of individuals about the depth and importance of forgiveness. Andria Hendricks will present a Commissioner Development Moment in the October meeting. The meeting came to order at 9:21 a.m. by Susan Cook-Williams. Frank Rycyk made a motion to approve August’s meeting minutes, second by Jane Barnes. Motion unanimously passed. Susan Cook-Williams reported finances remain the same at this time. Public Comment on Agenda Items: None Old Business: MEI Score: Susan Cook Williams shared that the updated MEI score for Jefferson City will be given in October. The Jefferson City News Tribune recently ran an article about the MEI score and the Human Relations Commission’s work to improve this score and our community regarding these issues. Speaker Series Event & Caffeinated Conversations: These events continue to be on-hold pending COVID cases and the ability to comfortably host in-person events. Day of the Dead Update: Frank Rycyk shared the fiesta and potluck scheduled by El Puente has been cancelled. The Day of the Dead holiday will still be celebrated with a service on October 31, 2021, which commissioners are invited to attend. Veterans Celebration: Susan Cook Williams shared this is not currently being pursued but if there are any events the commission may participate in, commissioners are encouraged to share with fellow commissioners. New Business: None Public Comment: Gail Strope shared that Mayor Carrie Tergin gave a welcome at a Pride-Fest event in Columbia. Frank Rycyk invited commissioners to an upcoming presentation and discussion at the Unitarian Universalist on Replacement Discourses facilitated by Dr. Gary Kowaluck, a criminology professor at Lincoln University, on Sunday, September 19, 2021 at 9:15 a.m. Adjournment: The next commission meeting will be offered in hybrid, with some members remaining virtual and some in person at City Hall. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned with a motion by Frank Rycyk. The next meeting is scheduled for October 15, 2021 at 9:00 a.m.