Human Relations Committee

City of Laconia – Human Relations Committee November 10, 2020 MINUTES I. CALL TO ORDER David Stamps welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee. Committee member roll call was taken, a quorum was established, and the meeting was called to order at 3:03 pm. The Chair reviewed procedures related to public access to electronic meetings as required under Governor Sununu’s Emergency Order #12. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Rev. Judith Wright, David Osman, Janet Simmon, Matt Soza, Margaret Donnelly, Kate Bruchacova and Carrie Chandler Excused – Dennis Bothamley III. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Matt Soza, to accept the minutes of the October 13, 2020 Laconia Human Relations Committee meeting. A vote was taken, and with no opposition, the minutes were accepted as written. IV. OLD BUSINESS Martin Luther King Jr Celebration Subcommittee met to brainstorm ways to promote who Dr. King was and what he stood for by taking action to build community awareness and lift people up. Committee discussion continued to include:  Pass out King bags with necessities, the constitution - the committee will reach out to Isiah 61, Salvation Army, Cary House and Belknap House to ask what the needs are.  Host a Vigil with readings, signage with Dr. King quotes – could leave the signs throughout the city following the vigil – a way to draw new people.  Provide a meal outside.  Promote a concert – work with the Mill. 1  There will be publicity for the events. The subcommittee will continue to outline a plan for further discussion at the December meeting. Homeless Taskforce Mayor Hosmer spoke about homelessness as a human relations issue. As a city we are good in times of emergency, but we need a high quality of continuum of care. Our long term goal needs to be to help the homeless get their feet underneath them so they can have a fulfilling life. As the Human Relations committee we need to get a better understanding of homeless people and inform the community. One idea is to speak with the Daily Sun about a series of articles profiling people who experience homelessness. A better understanding will hopefully lead to less violence from or towards the homeless population. Critical Incident Group Mayor Hosmer will be meeting with Police Chief Matt Canfield soon to discuss this idea further. V. NEW BUSINESS Lion Club – is starting a new hunger initiative by facilitating food drives for the local food pantries. Universalist Church – is sponsoring a plastic recycling event on November 21st. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no one present for public comment. VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by David Osman, seconded by Matt Soza, to adjourn the meeting; and with no further business the meeting was adjourned at 4:13 pm by the Chair. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 3p via Zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2