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Human Relations Committee

Regular Meeting

Laconia, NH · June 12, 2023

AgendaMinutes

Minutes

Laconia Human Relations Committee June 12, 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 3:29 pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair David Stamps, David Osman, Matt Soza, Trish Weatherbee, Carol Pierce, Pat Wood, Kay Anderson, Janet Simmon, Rev. Judith Wright, Linda Thanas, Heather Stanley, Carrie Chandler and Lois Kessin (Guest) Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Seifu Ragassa III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – A motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Rev Judith Wright, to accept the minutes of the May 8, 2023 Laconia Human Relations Committee; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – the sub-committee visited the Colonial Theatre who has agreed to save the date of January 16th (2PM) for the event, free of charge. Pat Woods met with Steve Tucker, Superintendent of Schools who is in support of student participation, planning to follow. Two choirs have agreed to perform gospel music. The idea for a graphic is in development to use for this event and other future events. A budget will be developed once expenses are known. Business Sticker Campaign – still in progress. Pride Flag/Banner – the City Council tabled the matter of displaying pride this June at their last meeting. Pat Wood wrote a letter in support of the pride flag and will attend tonight’s council meeting to continue the conversation. There is no current policy on the issue. A motion was made by David Osman, seconded by Matt Soza, to elect Pat Wood as spokesperson at the June City Council meeting; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Mission Statement – after brief discussion, A motion was made by Pat Wood, seconded by Kay Anderson, to adopt the amended changes made by Trish Weatherbee and others; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. 1 IV. NEW BUSINESS Southern Poverty Law Center – there is a new report out about hate crimes. Succession Planning – David Stamps who has served as chair for several years, plans to resign as chair by end of this year. He is planning for a smooth transition process. Kristallnacht – Lois Kessin was present to discuss ideas for future Kristallnacht remembrance on November 9th. It was a good event held last year, some non-Jewish persons in attendance. There were approximately 10 brief speakers. This year will be the 85th anniversary of Kristallnacht; they are hoping for greater numbers but need to decide on inside/outside/venue, etc…. the event is about the active and passive treatment of Jews. Our committee offered to help in whatever way we can. Future Meeting Topics: 1. Discuss Critical Incident Committee; involve others when an incident occurs. 2. How to address the effects of terrorism – what our response should be? V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was no one present for public comment. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by David Stamps at 4:57p. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 10, 2023, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2

Agenda

Laconia Human Relations Committee Monthly Meeting June 12, 2023 - Monday 3:30pm – 5:00pm City Hall Rm 200A also via Zoom Agenda Welcome and Roll Call Review and Acceptance of May 8, 2023 Meeting Minutes Work Groups  MLK Celebration Planning Old Business  Welcome Stickers  Banners/flags on City Property  Policies and Procedure – see attached for final review  Succession Planning New Business  Mission Review – see attached for Trish’s suggestions  Kristallnacht Remembrance – Nov 9-10  Other business  Next Meeting Room 200A, Monday July 10, 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. ------------------------------------------------------ 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 Vision & Mission Suggestions by Trish Vision Statement: The Laconia Human Relations Committee envisions a world where everyone is treated with dignity, fairness, respect, and kindness. Mission Statement: The Committee shall strive to: a. Cultivate a community-wide climate that is welcoming to the individuality and dignity of each ( does not tolerate prejudice of any kind which undermines the dignity of any) person. b. Include (Engage) every individual, group and organization in Laconia in support of our vision. c. Educate ourselves and our children about the presence and dehumanizing impact of (any) prejudicial attitudes. (that are currently at work in our community.) d. Promote (, in as many segments of our community life as is possible, )policies and practices which encourage equal opportunity through equity and justice for all. e. Proactively resist and publicly condemn any practices or incidents in our community which either result from or might encourage prejudice, intolerance, harassment and discrimination. Objectives: The Committee shall: a. (Educate about and establish a comfort level with) Support the changing face of our community by working with individuals, City Council, business groups, service, health and educational institutions. b. Actively pursue the prevention of prejudice, intolerance, harassment and discrimination in our community through public discourse, media exposure, and community action (and education) to raise awareness about these issues. c. Create programs and initiatives in furtherance of our vision such as the Welcoming Laconia Initiative, the Laconia Multicultural Festival and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. LACONIA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMITTEE Policies & Procedures Changes to be Considered for Adoption 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.

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