Human Relations Committee

CITY OF LACONIA – HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE September 17, 2019 - Quarterly Meeting City Hall Chambers MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER David Stamps welcomed everyone and called the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee to order at 3:17 pm. Committee member introductions were made and a quorum was established. II. ATTENDANCE Present - Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Rev. Judith Wright, Janet Simmon, Kate Bruchacova, Kathy James and Carrie Chandler Excused – Mayor Ed Engler, David Osman, Ali Hassan, Matt Canfield, Dennis Bothamley III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A motion was made by Kathy James, seconded by Janet Simmon, to accept the minutes of the June 18, 2019 meeting. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, the minutes were accepted as written. III. AGENDA  Committee Reports: o FINANCE David Stamps reviewed the finance report which states a balance of $1,903.62 as of September 18, 2019. A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Kathy James, to accept the finance report. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, the report was accepted as written. o CHAIR David Stamps handed out copies of two opinion pieces in the Concord Monitor; one written by Robert Azzi (published July 16, 2019) and the other by Katharine Gregg (published July 1  21, 2019) which referenced the Human Relations Committee. David Stamps wrote a correction response but the Monitor did not publish it. It was stated that Robert Azzi may be confused and efforts should be made to discuss this with him in hopes that he may make a retraction. o LACONIA MULTICULTURAL FESTIVAL David Stamps reported that this year’s festival was very successful – attendance was good and the event broke even financially. Becky Guyer is in need of more volunteers for next year. One attendee stated he attends all the multicultural events across the state – and feels that Laconia’s is the best. Next year’s event will be held on September 12th (save the date). David discussed a corporation committee that meets twice a year (Sep and Mar) and asked for a volunteer to join due to their secretary resigning. o COMMUNICATIONS Carrie Chandler reported that one hundred signs with the phrase “Everyone is welcome in Laconia,” were ordered (thanks to Dennis Bothamley). With 29 signs sold ($290 have been raised), we have almost broke even. With 71 signs left to sell, Carrie Chandler will see if Recycled Percussion would be willing to help sell the signs or buy them to give away at their store grand opening this month. Celebrate Laconia has been having conversations about ways to promote positive messages within the city – and are interested in partnering with us. David will reach out to the Executive Director to see how best to move forward. o MARTIN LUTHER KING JR CELEBRATION All committee members in attendance agreed to work on the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. David Stamps will setup a meeting for this purpose and include Margaret Donnelly who is interested as well. o IMMIGRANT INTEGRATION INITIATIVE Kate Bruchacova stated that today (Sept 17th) is Citizenship Day and is the 9th Anniversary of her U.S. citizenship. The backlog of people waiting to become U.S. citizens grows. Kate would like to offer assistance to anyone who needs help with this process. Other announcements include Concord’s Multicultural Festival will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2019, 11-4p, at the state capitol. o INTERNATIONAL FILM SERIES Carol Pierce reported that the International Film Night sponsored the movie “Fly Away Home” at the Laconia Public Library in September. The film selected for October is “The 2  King of Mass,” a Chinese film. Carol has been coordinating this event for seven years and is looking to pass this along to an interested volunteer. It was suggested that the library consider taking on this important role as part of their programming. o MEMBERSHIP David Stamps, Carol Pierce and Margaret Donnelly worked together to review the committee’s policies and procedures. David reviewed their suggestions for discussion; including:  Adding Policies and Procedures to explain the document purpose  Appointment of Members: changing to the mayor shall appoint no fewer than 7 and no more than 13 members  Goals: expanded and made more specific as to who we work with  Make up of Committee: adding The sitting Chief of Police or designee will have an automatic appointment if they choose  Agenda/Minutes: changing the word kept of all to kept for all. Adding five business days  Social Media: this section was added A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Janet Simmon, to make the discussed changes to the Laconia Human Relations Committee’s Policies and Procedures. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, the changes were accepted. David Stamps to revise the document as discussed and send the finalized version via email (and for attachment). A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Janet Simmon, to recommend appointing Margaret Donnelly to the Laconia Human Relations Committee. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, the changes were accepted. David Stamps will reach out to the mayor with this recommendation. IV. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. V. NEW BUSINESS There was no new business. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS There were no public comments. 3 VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Judith Wright, seconded by Kathy James, to adjourn the meeting; and with no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:29p by the Chair. Next meeting will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, 3p at Laconia City Hall – room TBD. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 4