Human Relations Committee
Regular MeetingLaconia, NH · June 12, 2023
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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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