Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee (LHRC) August 14, 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 3:30 pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair David Stamps, David Osman, Matt Soza, Carol Pierce, Pat Wood, Rev. Judith Wright, Janet Simmon, Becky Guyer (guest) and Carrie Chandler. Kay Anderson attended via Zoom. Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Seifu Ragassa, Trish Weatherbee, Heather Stanley and Linda Thanas III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – Motion was made by David Osman, seconded by Pat Wood, to accept the minutes of the July 10, 2023 LHRC; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Kristallnacht – November; no further update. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – Theme: “We are all Connected.” Rev. Judith Wright provided an update. The Southern Poverty Law Center is unavailable to speak. Next steps include looking for a speaker perhaps from the Equal Justic Initiative (hope is to have a speaker on another date at the Mill), working on a budget and flyer to advertise the events. The sub- committee is hard at work. Business Sticker Campaign – no further update. Pride Banner – committee met to review and discuss the City Council’s flag proposal; another meeting is scheduled. IV. NEW BUSINESS Multi-Cultural Festival – Saturday, September 9th, 10-3 PM. Becky Guyer was present to report that the day is shaping up to be “the best one ever” – there are a few new entertainers, several new food vendors, Kiwanis is sponsoring a Kids Kraft Korner, demonstrations in the Mill, there will be bag pipers and drummers leading the parade, free music lessons and “dogs from around the world” parade. Those interested in walking in the parade, carrying a flag, should be at the Bank of NH by 9:45 am. Becky is still looking for help particularly with cleanup. She has approached several groups and offered to pay. The committee gave a few suggestions. The Wolverines will be there again this year to help 1  with setup. The committee applauded Becky for her tremendous work to make the 2023 Multi- Cultural Festival an affirming and enjoyable day in Laconia for all ages. A motion was made by David Osman, seconded by Rev. Judith Wright, to allocate $1500 to the Multi-Cultural Committee; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was opportunity but no public comments were made. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by David Stamps at 4:18p. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 11th, 2023 (Patriot’s Day), 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2