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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2009_08_20Brookings Human Rights Committee Minutes of the Meeting of August 20, 2009 at 12:00 p.m. City Hall, 311 Third Avenue Present: Ann Marie Bahr, Steve Bayer, Angela Hatton, Penny Hauffe, Ashley Kuecker, Lawrence Novotny, Jay Vargas, and Shari Thornes Also present: Chuck Woodard; Valerian Three Irons, Office of Diversity Enhancement; Joseph Brewer, Coordinator for Native American Studies-SDSU Not Present: George Hamer, Ryan Howlett, and Tricia Wek-Visker ________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order: 12:00 p.m. 2. Adoption of the Agenda was so moved by Lawrence Novotny, seconded by Ashley Kuecker and approved by voice vote. 3. Approval of the July minutes was so moved by Ann Marie Bahr, seconded by Lawrence Novotny and approved by voice vote. 4. Schedule next meeting: September 17, 2009 at 12:00 pm. 5. Visioning Meeting with Brookings Mayor Tim Reed: Mayor Reed informed the committee of his vision for the city and the HRC. Main idea and theme is “changing the conversation of a community” and how it relates to the “awareness of social issues.” Bringing the diversity the university currently has and combine with city and school district; having a common theme in which all three sections (university/city/school district) learn from each other (partnership). Possible of a book distribution to students at the local level to encourage parental involvement in reading with their children and eventually, tie at the end with a social event involving the university, city and school district. This was a brainstorming session and the first meeting that this was addressed. Other item was to get input from Mayor Reed on the role of the Human Rights Committee and to make residents aware that “we do exist.” ***This item is a yearlong agenda item*** 6. Proposed Ordinance Amendments: City Attorney and HRC changes to ordinances will be forwarded to Mayor Reed to verify conversation with Steve Bayer. Need to verify what is changed and what the same remains. Not to be forwarded to committee. Motion to table for September was approved by voice vote. 7. Update from Fall Human Rights Forum: Steve Bayer informed committee that he spoke with the Superintendent of Brookings School District regarding the calendar to make him aware of the Columbus Day celebration should be changed to Native American Day. However, the school calendars are processed elsewhere outside the area resulting in the mistake on the calendar. It was suggested to make a calendar in Lakota and English that includes important Native American events and dates and used as a tool for re-educating the masses. In addition, to become part of a statewide effort to push for Reconciliation via social events and guest speakers. Joseph Brewer (Coordinator for Native American Studies at SDSU) was asked if he would speak to school children on Oct. 12 (pending approval by School District) about Native American Day and he accepted. **Agenda item for September** 8. Upcoming Events Calendar and Announcements: October 11th: Fall Potluck October 12th: Native American Day October 12th: Proposed Fall Human Rights Forum on Reconciliation Steve Bayer announced the resignation of Tricia Wek-Visker from the committee as of Tuesday, August 18, 2009. 9. Future Agenda Items: Invite Boys & Girls Club, Fall Forum, Final Ordinance and Law Amendments September: Fall Potluck, Fall Human Rights Forum, and Ordinance Amendments Yearlong: Mayor Reed: “changing the conversation of a community” The following is from the BHRC April 2009 meeting: *** It was brought to the attention that the EEOC meeting scheduled for April 16th was not feasible for members to attend with short notice. Contact with the EEOC will be made to set up a date and time in early fall. September 2009 was suggested as a possible training session with the addition of local businesses and SDSU HR departments. *** 10. Adjournment was voiced at 1:53pm. 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.