HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2014_10_23Brookings Human Rights Committee Minutes
Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 12:30 p.m.
Suite 230, Room 241- Brookings City & County Government Center
Attendance: George Hamer, Chandradhar Dwivedi, Shafiqur Rahman, Sam Jennings, Hanna
Larsen, Patty Bacon, Steve Bayer and Lawrence Novotny. Absent: Penny Hauffe and Judy
Karen. Also present: City Staff Shari Thornes.
Hamer called the meeting to order at 12:34 pm. A motion was made by Jennings, seconded by
Dwivedi, to approve the amended agenda adding an item for Rally for Right. Motion carried. A
motion was made by Novotny, seconded by Bayer, to approve the September 24, 2014 minutes.
Motion carried.
Schedule next meeting date. November 20, 2014 at 12:30 pm.
Reports/Updates.
a. Annual Butler Human Rights Award Event – Novotny reported the event was well
attended and went very well. Swedlund was very appreciative of the award. The venue
had challenging acoustics with the live musicians. If the event is at the same location, it
was suggested the musicians be in the porch room to allow for conversation. Parking was
also an issue and it was suggested that those who can, should park further away.
b. 2014 Community-Campus Common Read – The Will Allen presentation is anticipated to
have a good turnout.
c. October 19 Fall Diversity Potluck – The event was well attended with an estimate of 130;
however, community member attendance was lacking. SDSU students were the majority
of the guests. The students received credit for attending, but were not required to provide
food. If the Potluck corresponds with another Community Common Read, it is suggested
that the committee provide more sides of food. Rahman suggested the Committee control
the food line and make sure the tables with community members go through first.
d. Rally for the Right – Novotny, Dwivedi and Rahman attended the event on Native
American Day on the SDSU campus. Novotny suggested the committee engage the “Not in
Our Town” activities. Novotny, Dwivedi and Rahman will serve on a subcommittee and
report at the next meeting.
e. Renter’s Rights & Responsibilities Brochure – Thornes will have the city departments
review the brochure for a final review. Service animals and emotional support animals
were left out. The format will change from a 3-column to 4-column to accommodate the
additions. All the information is valuable.
f. Welcoming Campaign for Residents – Tabled.
g. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Award Program – The press release was sent out and the
packets were delivered to the schools. Hamer will check with Robb Rasmussen to verify if
the posters can be hung at Sioux River Bicycle & Fitness. Bayer suggested the committee
deliver the information to the teachers in June, so the have a chance to plan it into their
curriculum.
h. Brookings Equality Index Scorecard – Our final score is 48 and there was nothing new to
report. Thornes is waiting to hear from the Human Rights Campaign before proceeding to
the City Council to become a Commission. Bayer suggested the committee revisit the
possibility of passing a City ordinance for non-discrimination.
Thornes advised she was contacted about the spelling of ‘Dakota’ in the name of City and school
buildings.
Announcements/Correspondence/Calendar:
• October 27th – Community Common Read Will Allen Author Presentation
• December 18th – Brookings Holiday Celebration, hosted by Mayor Tim & Mary Reed, 5-7 pm,
Swiftel Center
Adjourn. A motion was made by Dwivedi, seconded by Rahman, to adjourn. All present voted
yes; motion carried. Meeting adjourned 1:25 p.m.
Submitted by Patty Bacon.