Human Relations Commission

Minutes Tuesday, August 21, 2018, 6:30 p.m. Journagan Family Community Room Howard L. Brown Public Safety Building 1100 SW Smith Street, Blue Springs, MO 64015 Attendance: Marjorie Major – Chairman Susan Stokenbury – Commissioner Jane Bowerman – Commissioner Shawnna Squire – Commissioner Gino Bueno - Commissioner Jerry Kaylor – City Council Representative Jim Snyder – Staff Liaison Tammy Kunkel – Staff Liaison Approval of minutes from June 19, 2018 – minutes approved unanimously. Visitor’s session: Kara Lewis from the Examiner was present to gather information for an article about the Human Rights Commission. Old Business: 1. Chapel Ridge Block Party: The block party was held on Saturday, August 11. The event was well attended. The commission thanked the Blue Springs Police Department for providing and grilling food. It was noted that dessert items will need to be “weather appropriate” in the future as some melted in the heat. Salt, pepper, cheese, mustard and ketchup have been added to the commission’s event supply list. New banners and signs advertising the HRC events were discussed. A sign reading “Presented by HRC with the Blue Springs Police Department” was suggested. 2. Helping Residents Connect Fair: The fair is confirmed for Sunday, November 4, at Vesper Hall from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Board members should arrive by 12:30 p.m. This event’s purpose is to make citizens aware of the programs and services available to them. The commission would like to have 15 to 20 vendors attend and a vendor contact list was discussed. Dance groups that involve juveniles may be invited to perform. Flyers are to be distributed to advertise the event. The possibility of high school students receiving community service hours while helping distribute flyers was discussed. 3. HRC Communication: Website: www.bluespringsgov.com/hrc Email: hrc@bluespringsgov.com An updated HRC contact list was distributed. Access to the HRC email account was discussed. Chairman Marjorie Major advised that she was not receiving emails addressed to HRC. Captain Snyder receives the emails and will ensure that the emails are automatically sent to Marjorie as well. HRC pictures will be taken during the September meeting and will be placed on the city’s website. 4. Student Rep: The recommendation for Quin Evans to serve as student rep has been unanimously approved. Quin is a junior at Blue Springs High School. She will serve a one-year term from September 1, 2018 to August 31st, 2019 upon approval from the Mayor's office. Jaedyn Colvin had been nominated as well. Jaedyn is a senior and not eligible for the position but she would like to volunteer. 5. SPIRIT Council update: The SPIRIT Council met Tuesday, August 21. Chairman Marjorie Major attended and reported that they are working on proposals for a Resource Life Center for Blue Springs residents. New Business: 1. Resignation of HRC Vice Chair: Billy Washington has resigned as Vice Chairman. Captain Snyder advised that city clerk Sheryl Morgan is letting the mayor know that the commission is short two members now. 2. Sub Committees: Sub committees may be formed by commissioners as needed to plan events. All commissioners will then assist with the event preparation. 3. Fall Fun Festival (September 14 – 16): Commissioners will attend to distribute HRC informational flyers and candy. It was determined that instead of walking the parade route, commissioners will walk through the crowd talking with people about HRC. A sign- up sheet will be emailed to commissioners. 4. National Night Out Against Crime (October 2): HRC will participate this year and will use the same informational materials used for the Fall Fun Festival. A sign that stands up and/or a banner that would fit on the side of the table was discussed. Roundtable: Exempt letters and reimbursement forms were distributed to members. These are to be completed for out of pocket expenses under $50. To be reimbursed, the form must be completed and given to Captain Snyder along with an original receipt. It will take approximately 3 or 4 weeks for a check to be mailed. The next scheduled meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Adjournment: 8:00 p.m.