Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee January 10, 2022 - Meeting 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 3:35pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair David Stamps, Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Matt Soza, Carrie Chandler Present via Zoom – David Osman, Margaret Donnelly, Rev. Judith Wright, Trish Weatherbee, Pat Wood (Guest) Excused – Kate Bruchacova, Seifu Ragassa, Kay Anderson Leave of Absence – Janet Simmon III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Matt Soza, to accept the minutes of the December 13, 2021 Laconia Human Relations Committee. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. MLK Subcommittee  Recommendation to cancel anything in person this year due to Covid.  A letter about Dr. King, what he stood for as it relates to Laconia, was co-authored by Carol, Judith, Matt and David Stamps for release. Mayor Hosmer made a motion to submit the letter to the Daily Sun on behalf of the committee. Motion was seconded by Trish Weatherbee, and with no further discussion, passed unanimously. IV. NEW BUSINESS Other Programming Planning Ideas with Covid in mind: 1. Community Read - Pat Wood suggested a book series by Kent Nerburn about Native Americans. Pat will reach out to the Tribal Council. 2. Humanities Council – Carol Pierce would like to do some programming around: 1  What’s happening in the schools – Laconia High School is open to working with us. Ask the schools what they are reading that is relevant. David Stamps and the Mayor will talk with the superintendent of schools and share information from the Humanities Council. Series of articles on Democracy and where we are in this country – Matt, Trish, Pat and David Stamps offered to work on this. In order to socially distance - May or June, plan an outside speaker event at the Belknap Mill gazebo. Is there an author we can invite? “Discussions in the Park.” Perhaps broadcast on public television to engage and build our network. 3. Keep submitting relevant articles to the local newspaper. 4. Can we tap into the Putnum Fund? 5. Everything we do – should circle back to Laconia. Budget Request – even though Covid continues, do we anticipate the need to ask for additional funding to promote the committee’s work. New Members – Pat Woods is interested in joining the group. Mayor Hosmer suggested that his name be submitted for consideration. Margaret Donnelly informed the committee of her plans to move to California in the near future. Mayor Hosmer in particular expressed his tremendous thanks for Margaret’s contributions to the Laconia Human Relations Committee. She will be greatly missed by all. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no one present for public comment. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by Chair David Stamps 4:38p. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 14, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2