Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee May 9, 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 3:32pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Matt Soza, David Osman, Janet Simons, Pat Wood, Carrie Chandler and Guest Becky Guyer Present via Zoom – Rev. Judith Wright Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Trish Weatherbee, Kay Anderson, Kate Bruchacova, Seifu Ragassa III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Pat Wood, to accept the minutes of the April 11, 2022 Laconia Human Relations Committee; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Laconia Multi-Cultural Day – Motion was made by Pat Wood, seconded by Matt Soza, to rescind the decision to cancel Laconia Multi-Cultural Day in thanks to Becky Guyer who has agreed to manage the event another year; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Becky was present to discuss the status of things and where she could use some help.  The Mill still had the date open --- Saturday, September 10, 10-3p  Location at Beacon Street and river side  Vendors should not be a challenge  Local tent rentals not an option, another vendor was found – costs have gone up substantially  This year’s budget is $16k (usually $13-15k) – we have approximately $9k in the treasury  Becky asked for feedback related to a Sponsorship Package – look good  Will do a direct mail campaign for sponsorship  Suggestion – to consider reframing things next year to be “Belknap County Multi-Cultural Festival” – may be able to get additional funding  No booklet, perhaps a one-page pamphlet  Entertainment will be listed on signage  Suggestion to ask the City for increased funding to support the event - $5k Democracy Articles – David Stamps met with the Daily Sun regarding the timing to release the articles. The Sun would like to print one per month which will encourage conversation. As way of promotion the Sun interviewed David and Carol – there has been positive feedback. The goal is to have a facilitated discussion after all the articles have been printed. 1 IV. NEW BUSINESS In light of the war in Ukraine – it is important to be not only mindful or Ukrainians but also any local Russian citizens who may become marginalized. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no one present for public comment. VI. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Judith Wright, seconded by Pat Wood, to adjourn - all were in favor and the meeting was adjourned by Chair David Stamps at 4:45p. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 13, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2