Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee October 10, 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, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Matt Soza, Pat Wood, Janet Simmon, Heather Stanley, Trish Weatherbee, Kay Anderson, Carrie Chandler and Melina Hill Walker (guest) Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Rev. Judith Wright and Seifu Ragassa III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – Motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by Heather Stanely, to accept the minutes of the September 11, 2023 Laconia Human Relations Committee meeting (LHRC) and September 25, 2023 TM-CEI Sub-Committee meeting; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Endowment for Health – Melina Walker from the Endowment for Health provided background information related to a Trust Making Community Engagement opportunity in Laconia (one of 5 NH locations to receive $20,000 each). The Mission of the Endowment for Health is to promote health and wellness of the people of NH through welcoming NH work, environmental justice, equity leadership work and health future initiatives. Please see the 2020 NH Civic Health Index. The goal is to collaborate with others and organize perhaps 4-5 events over 18-24 months in Laconia which may include speakers, facilitators, covering food costs, etc. a public location is ideal. We would want to convene a public meeting with community stakeholders mid to late January – ie. Lakes Region Mental Health, Partnership for Public Health, schools and churches to name a few. The theme of “Trust making Community Engagement” can have a deeper focus – ie. democracy, voting, socio-economic differences. Melina offered to work with the committee if we agree to be the lead agency which should be decided by end of year. A sub-committee meeting will be held on November 1st to further discuss a commitment. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration – progress continues; the sub-committee was asked to provide a budget by the November LHRC meeting. Pride Banner – the Government Ops Committee will be meeting with Pat Wood, David Osman and Carrie Chandler on October 13th to work on a collaborative policy to include recognizing our LGBTQ+ community as well as others. Kristallnacht – Lois is in charge of the event on November 9th likely outside; an email will follow. 1 IV. NEW BUSINESS Vigil – the organized event lined up with multiple speakers in response to recent targeted hate was extremely well attended at Lake Opechee. Pat Wood and David Stamps were instrumental in pulling together this time of support for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Leadership Transition – Pat Wood has volunteered to take over as committee chair effective January 1st. David Stamps will support Pat in this new role and offered to stay on as Treasurer. A motion was made by Carol Pierce, seconded by Janet Simmon, two separate-out these two positions. With no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Restorative Justice - Len Campbell may attend the November meeting to discuss changing the language about hate crimes – “we can’t arrest our way out of hate.” It was asked if offering a reward might help bring a person to light thus potentially discourage others in the future. V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was opportunity but no public comments were made. VI. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting was adjourned by the chair at 4:29p. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13th, 2023, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2