Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee June 13, 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 3:33pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Rev. Judith Wright, Matt Soza, David Osman, Trish Weatherbee, Kay Anderson and Carrie Chandler Present via Zoom – none Excused – Janet Simons, Kate Bruchacova, Pat Wood, Seifu Ragassa III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – A motion was made by David Osman, seconded by Carol Pierce, to accept the minutes of the May 9, 2022 Laconia Human Relations Committee; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Laconia Multi-Cultural Day --- September 10th  Becky Guyer is hard organizing entertainment, vendors and sponsors o Several $1000 level sponsors  Mayor Hosmer will ask for additional funds for this event – the budget process has started o Cost has doubled o Late start due to COVID  Invite Becky to September Laconia Human Relations Committee meeting to debrief immediately following the event o those working the Multi-Cultural Festival to take notes for discussion / additions to manual that Becky is developing Democracy Articles  2 articles have been submitted to the Daily Sun  Sub-committee will meet again to finalize 3rd article for publication IV. NEW BUSINESS NH Humanities Council presented a program “Towards a More Perfect Union”  Carol and Trish attended  Josh Tepley – excellent presenter, provided talking point cards regarding citizenship o After articles are published – invite Josh to facilitate a “Does Truth Matter?” discussion in October 1  o Motion to invite Josh Tepley to facilitate a future public conversation was made by Rev. Judith Wright, seconded by Mayor Andrew Hosmer, with no further discussion, motion approved unanimously. o Carol will extend an invitation The Better Argument Project  Shawn Cavanaugh facilitated a discussion at the Belknap Mill  A follow up discussion will be planned Laconia Human Relations Table at Multi-Cultural Festival  Have printed articles available  Offer a game to engage community Pride Flag  Trish Weatherbee will draft a letter of thanks and support in response to recent letter to editor about the lack of a Pride Flag at City Hall in support of LGBTQ Community  Personal funds by committee members were given in support  Carrie Chandler made a motion to pursue a Pride Flag at City Hall, Rev. Judith Wright seconded the motion, with no further discussion a unanimous vote passed.  Mayor Hosmer will follow up with the city. Hot Weather Shelter – Matt Soza suggested a summer cooling/hydration station to provide relief for the homeless and persons without home air conditioning. The Mayor will explore this idea. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no one present for public comment. VI. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned by Chair David Stamps at 4:50p. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 11, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2