Human Relations Committee

CITY OF LACONIA – HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE December 18, 2018 - Quarterly Meeting City Hall Chambers MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER Leonard Campbell welcomed all and called the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee to order at 3:03 pm. Committee member introductions were made and a quorum was established. II. ATTENDANCE Present - Chair Leonard Campbell, Mayor Ed Engler, Carol Pierce, David Stamps, David Osman, Kate Bruchacova, Rev. Judith Wright, Ali Hassan, Janet Simmon, Chris Adams, Carrie Chandler Excused – Kathy James III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A motion was made by David Stamps to accept the minutes of the September 18, 2018 meeting; it was seconded by David Osman. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, the minutes were accepted with one correction - the spelling of David Osman’s name. III. AGENDA • Committee Reports: o FINANCE Len Campbell reported a balance of $2,080.62 as of December 1, 2018. There was some discussion regarding the report format which outlined revenue and expenses for the period of July 2017 through December 2018. Len will reach out to the city to find out what template is used for financial reporting. o LACONIA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL David Stamps reported that thank you letters containing donor information for IRS purposes were recently mailed to those participating in the 2018 Festival. Meetings have not resumed since the fall event, but will likely start up again in January. The date for the next Laconia Multicultural Festival has been set for September 14, 2019. 1 o MARTIN LUTHER KING JR CELEBRATION Carol Pierce reported that the ad hoc committee has been busy planning for the next Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The event will begin with a film clip from MLKJ’s “I have a dream” speech. There will be panel comprised of Dottie Morris, VP of Diversity at Keene State College and Seifu Ragassa who works for the Parole and Probation Office of Carroll County. Three questions will be addressed – (1) the relevance of Dr. King in today’s world; (2) what it means to be a person of color today; (3) educational aspects to deal with racism in today’s educational system. Each speaker will be paid $200. The date for the event is January 20th, 3-5p. There are two possible locations – the Beane Center and the Jewish Synagogue. If held at the Beane Center there is a fee of $225 of which Kate’s organization would absorb $100. We will need to let the Beane Center know within the next week if we wish to use this venue. After discussion, the group agreed that due to the oppositional climate towards Jewish people, it would be important to have the event at the synagogue in the social hall. Len will connect with the temple to discuss details in terms of feasibility and any associated expenses. Police presence shall be absorbed by the committee. It may be helpful to find someone to spearhead the refreshments (we should be sensitive in terms of food items brought into the temple). It would be a nice addition to have entertainment as well; options are being explored. An article in the Daily Sun will promote the event; as well as, distributing flyers in the community. A motion was made by Carol Pierce to approve up to $600 for celebration expenses; it was seconded by David Stamps. Discussion included raising the amount and Janet Simmon asked to amend the motion to increase the amount not to exceed $800. David Stamps seconded this. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, it was agreed to authorize up to $800 for the 2019 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. o IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION INITIATIVE Kate Bruchacova provided the following update:  Soup-A-Thon fundraiser for ‘Hands Across the Table’ program will be held on February 22nd, 4:30-6:30p at the Sacred Heart Gym. International soups will be featured.  Driving Lessons are offered in Concord for new Americans and refugees; these are offered by a new American who has special training in cultural competency. Concord is looking for additional students and a request has been made to bring the program to the Lakes Region if enough need. It was suggested to advertise within the community. There may be a few interested students at the high school. Kate assists with scholarship applications.  The grant for the initiative has ended. The new name of the program is “Welcoming Lakes Region.” 2  INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES Carol Pierce stated that the International Films continue to be offered at the Laconia Public Library on the first Monday of each month at 6:15p. The series has been running for six years with approximately 20-30 attendees. There is a list of DVD movies that may be borrowed. The movie, “The 100 Foot Journey,” will be featured on January 7th. It is the story of a family from India who moves to France. Janet Simmon graciously offered to provide transportation if needed. o MONUMENT” AD HOC David Stamps has done research into the feasibility of a couple ideas to promote the mission of the Laconia Human Relations Committee by sharing positive affirmations throughout the city. David and Carrie Chandler met with Kevin Dunleavy of the Parks and Recreation Department who is in favor of the idea; as well as a local architect in support of the idea who suggested a design that could be distinctive in terms of identity, involving the community/schools and including various locations in all parts of the city (Weirs and Lakeport). The ad hoc committee will reconvene in the new year to review what information has been gathered and discuss next steps to include a proposal to the Mayor and full committee. IV. OLD BUSINESS A written communication from Mr. Baer was to be attached to the September 2018 minutes; this will be corrected. There was no other old business presented. V. NEW BUSINESS Len asked the present members if they wish to continue serving on the Laconia Human Relations Committee for 2019. An email will be sent concerning the process. David Stamps reminded all that whoever serves of the committee must bear in mind the mission as outlined. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Jim Thompson of Laconia • Supports the idea of the MLKJ celebration at the Jewish Temple • Enjoyed last year’s film ‘Shadows Fall North’ • Would like to see more recognition of good things happening within the black community • Enjoys the international films at the library. 3 VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by David Stamps to adjourn the meeting; it was seconded by Janet Simmon. With all in favor, the meeting was adjourned at 4:11p by the Chair. Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, 3p at Laconia City Hall. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary LACONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE MISSION To: a) Cultivate a community-wide climate that does not tolerate prejudice of any kind which undermines the dignity of any person. b) Educate ourselves and our children about the presence and dehumanizing impact of any prejudicial attitudes that are currently at work in our community. c) Promote, in as many segments of our community life as is possible, policies and practices which encourage and demand equal opportunity and responsibility for all people. d) Proactively resist and publicly condemn any practices or incidents in our community which either result from or might encourage prejudice, intolerance, harassment and discrimination. 4