Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee September 13, 2021 - Meeting Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER David Stamps welcomed everyone to the meeting of the Laconia Human Relations Committee (LHRC). Committee member roll call was taken, a quorum was established, and the meeting was called to order at 3:36 pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Janet Simmon, Margaret Donnelly, Matt Soza, Trish Weatherbee, Kay Anderson, Seifu Ragassa and Carrie Chandler Present via Zoom – Margaret Donnelly and Rev. Judith Wright Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer and Kate Bruchacova III. MINUTES A motion was made by Seifu Regassa, seconded by Matt Soza, to accept the minutes of the August 9, 2021 Laconia Human Relations Committee. With no discussion, and two abstentions, the motion passed unanimously. IV. OLD BUSINESS Homeless Taskforce – no report Community Fest – scheduled at the Belknap Mill from 12-4p on Saturday, October 16th during Duck Derby. A number of community agencies are taking part. Trish Weatherbee is organizing a LHRC table with information regarding our mission and a children’s game. Committee members will volunteer the day of the event. It was suggested that a table banner with our committee’s name be purchased. A motion was made by Janet Simmon, Seconded by Matt Soza, to purchase the banner, in the amount not to exceed $100. V. NEW BUSINESS Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – Carol Pierce has a speaker idea regarding a historical black man. The committee will move forward with planning knowing that things may cancel due to COVID. There will be further discussion at the October committee meeting. 1  Forum Ideas:  Present a program quarterly that publicizes the mission of the LHRC  Book Club/Discussion – try to find a NH author/facilitator, explore free opportunities but we may need to explore fundraising. Explore the ability to make books available with the library. o Becky Fields – book on immigrants o Desmond Mead – Let My People Vote  Conversation related to the role of LHRC regarding promoting diversity and inclusion within the schools. Committee Facilitator – it was suggested that we consider engaging a facilitator to work with the LHRC to help focus our attention on what we expect to accomplish this next year. October Meeting – discuss how to support the resettlement of 250 Afghanistan refugees in the greater Concord area. Please email the chair with ideas for next year and for the MLK program. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no one present for public comment. VII. ADJOURNMENT A motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Janet Simmon, to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned by Chair David Stamps at 4:47p. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 12, 2021, 3:30p in person and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2