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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2009_02_05Brookings Human Rights Committee Minutes of the Meeting of February 5, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. City Hall, 311 Third Avenue Present: Ann Marie Bahr, Steve Bayer, George Hamer, Angela Hatton, Penny Hauffe, Ryan Howlett, Lawrence Novotny, Jay Vargas, Tricia Wek-Visker and Shari Thornes Not Present: Kelley Tilman ________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order: 11:12 a.m. 2. Adoption of the Agenda was so moved by Ann Marie Bahr, seconded by Ryan Howlett and approved by voice vote. 3. Approval of the January was so moved by Lawrence Novotny, seconded by Ann Marie Bahr and approved by voice vote. 4. Schedule March meeting: March 12, 2009 at 12:00 pm. 5. Action to approve the 2008 Annual Report: Add new members to the report. Annual report goes to city manager on 2/15 then to city council on 3/10. 6. Updates: A. MLK Event Wrap-up: ADVANCE donation of $150.00 was given to Shari Thornes by ADVANCE administrator Tricia Wek-Visker. Thanks to George Hamer for making sure the posters were on display and for taking them down and forwarding them to the appropriate schools. George Hamer informed committee he will take care of mailing “Thank You” cards to those businesses that allowed the BHRC to display MLK posters on there windows. One parent requested rating criteria used in the essay part of the MLK contest so her child can improve her writing skills for next year’s contest. Committee did not take action since it was an isolated request. B. Human Rights Award Presentation—February 26, 2009. The time for the event is 7:00 pm. Dr. Woodard gave the committee 52 addresses of invitees for the event. Shari will take care of mailing out these invitations. It was suggested that the committee buy the coffee from Cottonwood. As per the meeting, location was still an issue; possible locations were the Foundation, Old Sanctuary, the Art Museum, the PAC, the Swiftel Center and the community room located downstairs at City Hall. Penny Hauffe made phone calls and left messages. Committee members will be informed of location via email. To make the presentation to Dr. Woodard consist of either the Mayor (plan A) if he is unable to attend, the Deputy Mayor (plan B) will be present. C. Spring Human Rights Forum—Establish Subcommittee: members consist of Ryan Howlett and Penny Hauffe; if a third is needed, George Hamer volunteered. It was suggested for the event to take place on Native American Day (Fall 2009 semester). It was mentioned there is a time conflict for Dr. Woodard to attend BHRC meetings thus the reason a subcommittee was formed to meet with Dr. Woodard at a time convenient for him to discuss matters regarding how far we need to go and what is the progress towards reconciliation. **Agenda item till Fall 2009** D. Spring Diversity Potluck—April 19, 2009 Old Sanctuary from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Decision on food, beverages, etc. Tricia Wek-Visker told committee ADVANCE would provide papers goods; In addition, George Hamer will contact Cottonwood for the coffee. Tabled to March meeting. E. Ordinance Revisions: we cannot enforce, would be in violation of South Dakota law. It was recommended that the City Attorney be invited to the BHRC meeting in March 2009. 7. Discussion regarding paperless electronic agenda packets: was so moved by George Hamer, seconded by Penny Hauffe and approved by voice vote. 8. Upcoming Events Calendar and Announcements: February 26th: Human Rights Award Presentation April 19th: Diversity Potluck February 9th: School Board meeting—modification to policy to include sexual orientation. Location is Mickelson Middle School at 6:00pm. 9. Future Agenda Items: Update from school district on diversity; invite Boys & Girls Club Representative; Spring Human Rights Forum; Spring Diversity Potluck 10. Adjournment was voiced at 12:12pm. Submitted by Jay Vargas, Secretary for the Brookings Human Rights Committee. If your require assistance, alternative formats, and/or accessible locations consistent with the American with Disabilities Act, please contact Shari Thornes, City ADA Coordinator, at 692-6281 at least 3 working days prior to the meeting.