Human Relations Committee
Regular MeetingLaconia, NH · May 8, 2023
Minutes
Laconia Human Relations Committee
May 15, 2023 - 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
3:33 pm.
II. ATTENDANCE
Present – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, Matt Soza, Pat Wood, David Osman,
Kay Anderson, Trish Weatherbee, Rev. Judith Wright, Heather Stanley and Carrie Chandler
Excused – Janet Simmon, Linda Thanas and Seifu Ragassa
III. OLD BUSINESS
Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Mayor Hosmer, to accept the
minutes of the April 10, 2023 Laconia Human Relations Committee; with no further discussion, the
motion passed unanimously.
Flag Proposal (Pride Flag) – the LHRC presented a policy to City Council for review. At the request of City
Council, the Mitchell group developed another policy for discussion at this evening’s City Council meeting;
which includes the allowance of approved flags at Veteran’s Square (flag pole near the railroad station,
Congregational Church and bank). Requests to be submitted to the City Manager who decides what and
for how long (not to exceed 31 days). Members of the Laconia Human Relations committee may express
their opinions about this at the May 24th meeting; there is a strong desire to have the pride flag hang at
City Hall as it did last year.
Unhoused Population – this has been an important matter under the Mayor’s Taskforce on Housing.
There is currently a large encampment of approximately 100 homeless persons - and a neighboring
community affected. This issue is incredibly challenging and requires us all to work together – public and
private sector.
Sub-Committee Work:
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – Sunday, January 14, 2024
Rev. Judith Wright shared the following updates:
Theme: “We are all connected”
There will be different displays
Creating a flyer
Looking for a native American to open the celebration
Met with Steve Tucker and Bob Champlin
Music including school bands, choirs and other musicians
Artists from the community invited to participant
May invite someone from the Poverty Law Center to speak prior to the event
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Business Sticker Campaign – still underway, please continue this effort. Once all stickers have been
delivered, we can revisit purchasing additional for local businesses. It is best to speak with someone who
can make decision versus leaving a sticker and letter to be forwarded to management.
Genocide Awareness Program – the event was successful and highly attended.
Committee Mission/Vision Statement – Trish Weatherbee reviewed proposed changes for discussion.
There was additional feedback. Trish will provide David with the discussed changes.
IV. NEW BUSINESS
Succession Planning - David Stamps announced that he will be stepping down as chair at the end of the
year. David has been outlining the operations pertaining to the role of chair to help the transition.
Nov 9-10: Kristallnacht – the LHRC would like to offer help in whatever way.
V. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was no one present for public comment.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by David Stamps at 4:47p.
Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, June 12, 2023, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carrie Chandler,
Recording Secretary
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Agenda
Laconia Human Relations Committee
Monthly Meeting
May 8, 2023 - Monday
3:30pm – 5:00pm
City Hall Rm 200A also via Zoom
Agenda
Welcome and Roll Call
Review and Acceptance of April 1 0, 2023 Meeting Minutes
Work Groups
MLK Celebration Planning
Old Business
Welcome Stickers
Genocide Awareness - Yom HaShoah
o Remembering The Holocaust with Temple B’Nai Israel – Sat. May 6th 4pm
Banners on City Hall
Policy & Procedures (see attached)
New Business
Operations Detail
Other business
Next Meeting Room 200A, Monday June 12, 2023, at 3:30pm also via Zoom
Public Comment –
The public is invited to offer their opinions. Initially, they will be limited to four minutes until all
have had an opportunity to speak. Each person is constrained to their time period or to ask
questions of the committee. Everyone is expected to speak respectfully.
If on Zoom, the public will be visible but muted until unmuted by the chair. Members of the
public wishing to speak will use the “raise hand” option.
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Note: The meeting will also be held online through Zoom and will begin at 3:30pm although people are encouraged check in early.
Contact David Stamps, 387-4382 if you are having trouble connecting.
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Topic: Human Relations Commission
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81922296874?pwd=M0E4a1pES0VGV0Rsa1hmT0ZDU3Bmdz09
Passcode: 793636
Or One tap mobile :
US: +16465588656,,81922296874#,,,,*793636# or +13017158592,,81922296874#,,,,*793636#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 646 558 8656 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 312 626 6799 or +1 669 900 9128 or +1 253 215 8782 or
+1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 819 2229 6874
Passcode: 793636
International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/k661pCha
LACONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE
Policies & Procedures
Proposed Changes
05-08-2021
Name of Committee: Laconia Human Relations Committee .
Appointment of Members: The mayor shall appoint no fewer than 7 and no more than 13
members to this committee. They are subject to reappointment on
an annual basis. These appointees shall be uncompensated.
Appointed members will receive a letter of appointment and will
need to be sworn in by the City Clerk. The Mayor will be a non-
voting member but otherwise will have all the rights and privileges
of members. All members of this Committee agree to support its
mission and goals and to participate actively as far as able.
Make up of Committee: Members must live or work in Laconia. The Committee will strive to
include people from all areas of Community Life. Each year in early
January, the chairperson in consultation with the Committee will
recommend new or renewing members to the Mayor for
appointment.
Votes: Each member present shall have one vote.
Meetings: Regular meetings shall be held on the second Monday monthly at
3:30pm. Special meetings may be called, as necessary.
Officers: Each year the Committee will vote for chairperson and secretary.
The City Finance department acts as the fiscal agent for the
committee. The Committee will vote to elect its officers.
Quorum of Members: A quorum shall be no less than half of the official appointees.
Members, at the discretion of the chairman, may attend via
telephone or other electronic means but may not be counted under
NH RSA 91A.
Agenda/Minutes: Minutes will be kept for all Committee and Subcommittee meetings.
The Committee and Subcommittees will notice all meetings at least
24 hours in advance and post minutes within five business days
through the City Manager’s Office. Meetings will not be taped or
electronically recorded. The Secretary will take minutes which will
be posted to the City website.
Finance: Expend monies as voted on from their City account for programs
and services the Committee deems appropriate. The Committee
may receive revenue generated by its programs. The City Finance
acts as its fiscal agent.
Social Media: The Committee’s Facebook page may only be used to post
announcements and scheduled events. No comments will be made
or allowed by the Committee.
Laconia Human Relations Committee
Operations Detail
created May 2023
The LHRC Committee is part of Laconia Government.
As such the following is important:
o The City Fiscal Year is from July 1st to June 30th
o November 1st is the beginning of the departmental budget season
The Finance Office (currently Glenn Smith) sends out a standardized request budget
form due back about a month later as stipulated in his email.
o The Committee receives their budget allotment on July1st of the following year which is
credited to our fiscal account.
o All money disbursed must be accompanied by a signed voucher form
o Any cash or checks deposited is given to the Finance Office. Be sure request a receipt
form to insure proper crediting.
Currently, I am keeping track of our finances using QuickBooks and give a copy of the financial
reports to City Finance after July 1st and ask for them to reconcile. This is important as
occasionally income or expense if misapplied.
LHRC is governed by its mission, vision and published policies
The Committee is listed on the LaconiaNH.gov website where all our agenda and minutes are
published under Your Government, Boards & Commissions
LHRC started the annual Multicultural Festival (laconiamulticulturalfestival.org) in 2001 and
continues as a “silent” partner. The Festival is managed by the Laconia Multicultural Festival
Inc. – a business entity created to confer non-profit tax deduction status (501.c.3) for donors.
Laconia Multicultural Festival Inc. has a separate board of directors “to promote, raise funds
and manage multicultural events in Laconia including the annual Laconia Multicultural Festival.”
The Festival was originally begun to provide an opportunity for New Americans who arrived as
refugees from many countries to share food, crafts and local music and dance from their
cultures. Although, Laconia is no longer a refugee resettlement community, the Festival has
been embraced by the Laconia Community and is held every September the Saturday after
Labor Day.
Many Committee members volunteer along with many other volunteers in the community to
make the day a success. The bulk of the Festival budget is raised through personal and business
contributions and corporate sponsors.
LHRC started another annual program to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
This celebration occurs on the Sunday before the annual National Holiday . The celebration was
begun in 2010 as a mid-winter program in January and has promoted various MLK themes over
the years provide insight and understanding into the many civic themes espoused by Dr. King.
The MLK program is managed by an all-volunteer MLK subcommittee of LHRC but often
includes Community partners.
LHRC has worked on other projects and participated in vigils all inspired by its Vision and
Mission:
o Yards signs reading “Everyone is Welcome in Laconia”
o Articles and Letter Writing in the local paper.
o Kristallnacht Remembrance
o Publicly responding to recent rash of Hate Graffiti
o Supporting “All are welcome here” business door stickers campaign
o Supporting Pride Flag on City Hall during Pride Month
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