HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHRCMinutes_2016_06_16Brookings Human Rights Commission Minutes
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Room 300, Brookings City & County Government Center
Attendance: Penny Hauffe, chair; Steve Bayer, vice-chair; Lawrence Novotny, recorder; Chandradhar
Dwivedi; George Hamer; Judy Karen; Shafiqur Rahman; Maggie Owens and Shari Thornes, City Clerk-
staff. Absent: Laura Renee Chandler and Elliot Johnson.
Chair Hauffe called the meeting to order at 12:05 pm.
A motion was made by Bayer, seconded by Rahman, to approve the amended agenda moving item 5 ahead of
item 4. All present voted yes; motion carried. A motion was made by Hamer, seconded by Dwivedi, to approve
the May 9, 2016 minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried.
Annual Butler Award Winner Selection. One individual, Ruth Harper, was nominated by three
members of the Brookings Community. While three nominations were excellent, discussion ensued
regarding soliciting additional nominations in the future. A motion was made by Bayer, seconded by
Hamer, to select Ruth Harper as the 2016 Butler Human Rights Award Recipient. All present voted yes;
motion carried.
Novotny left the meeting.
Schedule next meeting. July 14 at 4:30 pm, quarterly meeting
Reports/Updates.
A. Restore Earth Day Booth: Sustainability, Disability, and Historic Preservation committees all had
displays at a shared table. In 2017, Earth Day is Saturday and the Sustainability Council is planning
a large event. Scheduling the event later to avoid weather did not change the attendance. The HRC
will not participate in this event in the future.
B. Community Common Read: The memoir Boy Meets Depression has been selected as the 2016
Community Common Read book. Karen reported the subcommittee met with Lonnie Bayer and
others regarding NAMI and presenters. NAMI provided a list of presenters that are trained and
could be utilized. Someone who suffers from major depression would be a possible presenter and
tie with the book. Bayer asked Karen to check with NAMI about using a local person. Bayer will
reach out to PTSD sufferers to see if they would be interested. The event could be held at the PAC
with minimal cost for setup/cleanup. Another option is the Government Center for a live or
replayed broadcast. Holding the event “off campus” is preferred in order to incorporate the
community. A broad age range for the presenters is also important to show depression can affect
anyone. The High School Human Rights Committee should be involved. Members will reach out and
report back at the July meeting.
C. Review of revised complaint procedures flowchart Bayer asked the flowchart be finalized as it can
be updated if any changes need to be made. Everyone will review for errors and finalize at the July
quarterly meeting.
D. Discussion regarding mediator qualifications and suggested mediators Thornes has researched
what constitutes a good mediator and has guideline standards in assembling a list of candidates.
This will be a work item for the July meeting.
E. Discussion regarding sponsoring a race relations forum at the Brookings Pu blic Library Tabled until
next meeting.
F. University Police Department LGBTQ Liaison Based on recommendation from Brookings Police
Chief Miller, Chief Heaton from SDSU UPD will serve.
G. 2016 HRC Municipal Equity Scorecard Subcommittee The subcommittee is working on the report
and the deadline is early August. The HRC needs to monitor Sioux Falls.
H. Comprehensive Master Plan Advisory Committee Request The Comprehensive Master Plan
Advisory Committee (CMPAC) is creating an outline of the priorities tha t describe how we as a
community would like to work, play and live within the City of Brookings as we develop through the
year 2040. They are requesting that the committee to answer the following questions: What is your
mission? What is your vision for Brookings in the near, mid and long-terms? What are the strategic
priorities of your group that enable you to realize your vision for the future of Brookings? August
22nd is the submittal deadline. Discuss at the July meeting.
I. Budget Thornes announced the initial budget request went well.
Announcements:
Jun 18 – Sioux Falls Pride
Sep 10 – Dakotas Equality Summit, Sioux Falls
Sep 29 – Combined Awards (tentative)
Oct 3 – Brookings Empowerment Project Forum
Oct 16 – Fall Diversity potluck
Oct 25 – Kevin Breel, Common Read speaker
Adjourn: Motion made to adjourn at 1:21 pm.
Submitted by Lawrence Novotny, recorder and George Hamer