Citizens' Unity Commission

Citizens’ Unity Commission Monthly Meeting Minutes Thursday, November 10, 2022 6:00 -8:00pm Community Development Conference Room, City Hall, 5th floor Attendance: Katrina Bailey, Alice Capehart, Chris Grady, Malik Perry, Shuntay Tarver, Ellen Velissarios, Steven Wendell, Samantha Snead, Raquel McMillan, Dawn James-Taylor, Kathreen Tadrous, Vidal Dickerson Staff: Imara Gabe Diaz Absent: Jennifer Evans (AN) Erica Spencer (AN), Jabari Colon, Brad Young (AN) Gretchen Nelson (AN), Phyliss Porter (AN), Assistant City Manager Steve Bond (AN) Call to Order – Ellen Velissarios, Chairperson @ 6:00 pm Roll Call – Imara Gabe Diaz, Executive Director Welcome Old Business Review and Approval of Meeting Minutes – Commissioners were given time for review and approval of the meeting minutes from 10/13/22. A motion was called by Commissioner Steve Wendell and 2nd by Commissioner Dawn James-Taylor. Action Items Item 1: FOIA Review – Hampton City Attorney, Cheran Ivery provided a detailed overview of the Freedom of Information Act and how it is directly related to the CUC. Virginia's Freedom of Information Act "ensures the people of the Commonwealth ready access to public records the custody of a public body or its officers and employees, and free entry to meetings of public bodies wherein the business of the people is being conducted." Any Virginia resident asks to see or get a copy of public records. (The most commonly requested documents are usually posted on this website for convenience.) A request for information can be made by phone, email, letter, or in person. There is no formal form or required language. However, you should be as specific as possible. 1 All FOIA requests directed to or seeking records of the City of Hampton should be addressed to the City’s Gabe Diaz, Executive Director, and the City Attorney’s Office. After the city receives the request for records, the city has 5 business days to respond, either by asking for more details about the request; filling the request; filling part of the request; denying the request; or letting you know that the city needs more time. If all or part of the request is denied, the city will state what parts of the Freedom of Information Act exempt that information from mandatory public release. (Some common exemptions include personnel records, medical records and information that is part of criminal investigations.) Note that FOIA does not require governments to create records that do not currently exist. Governments can charge the cost of locating, reviewing and copying records, and can request a deposit if the cost is estimated to be more than $200. Item 2: Commitment to Excellence Acknowledgement – Hampton City Attorney, Cheran Ivery facilitated a review of the Commitment to Excellence packet to include the following topics: ✓ Code of Ethics ✓ Scope of Duties ✓ Standards of Conduct ✓ Best Practices for Communicating with the Media and Citizens New Business Item 1: Small Group Work – Gabe Diaz reviewed the descriptions for the sub-committees that did not meet during the last meeting and allowed time for the following groups to meet: Unity Awards, Movie Talks, and LGBTQ Awareness Item 2: Sub-Committee Report Outs – Each sub-committee was tasked to brainstorm and come up with ideas to support programming for their individual groups. The intent is that each sub-committee would produce at least 2 events/programs for FY23. The following notes were reported for each sub-committee: Unity Awards: • The Unity Awards was established to recognize the contributions of individuals, organizations and initiatives that have made a positive impact supporting the importance of diversity in the city of Hampton. • Awards program - Suggested time for event - early June 2023 (2nd or 9th) • Venue : American Theater ; HRCC ; Vanguard • Application process-March -April 2023. Discussed marketing criteria for applicants. Consider recognizing 3-4 groups/individuals etc. 2  • Program: Entertainment; presentation of awards; youth performance; reception. Time frame 2 hours. Invite city officials. Show a video clip of each award recipient. Provide decorations for the stage and reception area. • Budget - $3500 • Secure sponsorship for catering . Movie Talks: The idea was mentioned to encourage participants to screen the film on their own time. We would show pre-selected clips during the Movie Talk to allow more time for discussion. • Potential platform: Kanopy but will defer to Hampton Library • Disney/Netflix (family friendly) • Suggested titles: Raya and the Last Dragon, Trolls World Tour, Zootopia, American Son (R), American Skin (R) • Screens during a window (Monday – Thursday and the Movie Talk on Friday) LGBTQ Awareness: Plan to attend the 2 upcoming WORLD AIDS DAY events in December. • Phoebus Pride in June • LGBTQ Community Day (late Feb/early March o How to market? o Game night – cornhole D&D o Meet & Greet o Paint & Sip o Open Mic Night • Potential partnering venues to include: 1865 Brewing Co., The Vanguard, Grey Goose, Oozlefinch, Sly Clyde, Pour Girls • Points to consider: safety, use of a community building Announcements • World AIDS Day 2022– Hampton/Newport Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc to host an Awareness Walk on Thursday, December 1, at Peninsula Town Center in the Peninsula Town Center. 6-7:30PM. • Empowering Transgender Services to host a Community Liaison Award Ceremony (Healing the Community) on Thursday, December 1, at the American Theatre. 7PM • Community Toy Drive – 249 Ninja to host the 6th Annual Toy Drive on Sunday, December 18, at Phoebus High School from 12-4PM. Donations are being collected at North Phoebus Community Center Adjourned 8:09pm by Chairperson Ellen Velissarios 3