Human Relations Commission Meeting

Borough of Doylestown Human Relations Commission Wednesday, July 26, 2023 - 7pm Attendance: Freda Savana, Fred Stanczak, Maxine Katz, John Fraser, Chris Baccash, Nancy Reilly, and Doreen Stratton, as well as Borough Manager John Davis. The Minutes ofthe April 2023 meeting were approved as submitted. HRC Community Member Recognition: This suggestion is based on a property stewardship recognition program held by the Economic Development Advisory Board and Borough Council's Youth Recognition Award. John will provide templates from these programs to assist with developing criteria. Anti-Bullying Program Review: The Commission members discussed the program and were pleased with the speakers and the outcome. The Commission will brainstorm on ideas for the next program at future meetings. Regional HRC Meeting Recap: Doreen provided a report on the recent meeting, and shared the number of local municipalities represented at the discussion. These regional meetings are expected to continue. Old/New Business: Plumstead Township resident Vonna Dearmond attended the meeting to thank the Human Relations Commission for their work, especially the recent Anti-Bullying program. She also would like to discuss her support for a potential Student Resource Officer in Central Bucks West High School and the Police Commission's decisions. John explained the Police Commission has no connection to the Human Relations Commission. Additionally, Ms. Dearmond presented a formal HRC complaint and asked for clarification on the process. John then explained the process. Jamie Walker, Chalfont resident, attended virtually to share her thoughts on Ms. Dearmond"s complaint as well as share her own. John and Fred again explained the procedures to be followed, and urged Ms. Walker to research the complaint form to begin the process. A volunteer with NOVA shared information on an "Upstander' program being held in September at the Dublin Firehouse and brought materials to share with the community. A Borough resident spoke on gun violence around the country. Fred explained the limits on the reach of the Human Relations Commission. Meeting adjourned: 8:05 pm. Respectfully submitted, Amy Kramer Minutes Secretary