HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 11 -16Human Relations Commission
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Present: Chair Bill Williamson, Commissioner Denise Habun, Commissioner Winfried
Cooper, Vice Chair Rich Jacobs, Commissioner Elisa Lara, Deputy Chief Bill Wolf
Absent: Commissioner Aloun Khotisene
1. Call To Order – The meeting was called to order at 6:32 p.m.
2. Person(s) Recognized
Joyce Fountain, Keynote Speaker for the 2016 MLK Prayer Breakfast. Ms.
Fountain teaches sociology at ECC including a racial/ethnic relations course. She
recommended a 3 part documentary series called The Power of An Illusion which
will be the basis for a 3 week event at the GBPL in April. Commissioner Habun
indicated that the HRC can assist by writing for the rights to show the series.
Chair Williamson stated that the HRC had wanted a discussion of institutional
racism, and it would make sense to have the film series first, so everyone was
using the same language.
Commissioner Habun made a motion that the HRC support a partnership
between the GPBL and the ECC to present the program. Vice Chair Jacobs
seconded. Motion approved.
Commissioner Habun made a motion that the HRC provide financial support for
the program in an amount not to exceed $500. Vice Chair Jacobs seconded.
Motion approved.
Commissioner Cooper made a motion to purchase a copy of the documentary
through the GBPL. Commissioner Habun seconded. Motion approved.
3. Approval of October 4, 2016 Minutes
Vice Chair Jacobs made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Habun. Minutes approved.
4. Monthly Reports
There were no monthly reports.
5. Old Business
• Diversity Committee Update
Staff Liaison Cohen provided an update on committee meetings and the
Assistant Fire Chief search.
• Meeting with City Manager
Chair Williamson reported that City Manager Kozal indicated he would
attend an HRC meeting. Chair Williamson requested that the HRC’s role
needed to be defined as well as support from the City.
• Questions Re: City bid process to Submit to Purchasing Officer
Commissioner Habun will ask Judge Barbosa about the HRC’s role in the
bidding process as he may have historical knowledge. Chair Williamson
commented that the HRC has to understand how the bidding process
works and how and when would the HRC raise any concerns.
6. New Business
• 2017 Meeting Schedule
The meeting schedule was reviewed and accepted by the HRC.
• Upcoming Events
a. 11/15/16 – The Open Door Clinic is holding a discussion on
transgender issues
b. 12/1/16 – The State of the City speech by the Mayor at ECC
7. Adjournment
There being no further business, Commissioner Lara made a motion to adjourn,
seconded by Vice Chair Jacobs. The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Cohen
Gail Cohen
Staff Liaison