Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee December 11, 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 3:30pm. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Chair David Stamps, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Matt Soza, Rev. Judith Wright, Trish Weatherbee, Janet Simmon, Pat Wood, Kay Anderson, Heather Stanley and Carrie Chandler Excused – Seifu Ragassa Public – Mo Baxley, Lois Kessin, Eric Hoffman, Ronnie Abbott, Mark Haynes, Evie Stacey and Carey Pierce III. MINUTES & FINANCIALS Motion was made and seconded to accept the November 13, 2023 LHRC meeting minutes; with no further discussion the minutes were approved as written. David Stamps reported a current balance of $4,152.98. David Osman made a motion to accept the finance report as presented, Pat Wood seconded the motion; with no further discussion the motion passed unanimously. IV. NEW BUSINESS Reward Incentive – at Carrie Chandler’s invitation, Chief Matt Canfield was present to discuss the idea of community members establishing a reward incentive for potential arrest and conviction of those involved in significant hate crimes in Laconia. Chief Canfield stated year’s ago the Laconia Crime Line was active and this may be an avenue for accepting donations. It can send a strong message. There was some discussion related to confidentiality and how things might play out at trial. There is precedence for this - Chief Canfield has seen this used in high profile cases. Motion was made by Carrie Chandler, seconded by Janet Simmon, in alignment with the mission of the committee, we will explore this idea in effort to eliminate antisemitic actions within the city. The Chief and Carrie will explore this idea further and report back to the committee for further discussion. V. OLD BUSINESS Martin Luther King Jr. Event – the committee is hard at work (last met on November 27th). Rev. Judith Wright gave a progress update to include:  “I Have a Dream Speech”  Recorded Quotes  Flyers  Master of Ceremonies  Speakers  Food  Solidarity March 1   Budget review – approximately $1200  Next meeting is scheduled for 10 am on December 14th at City Hall Endowment for Health Grant – Pat Wood gave an update. An inter-agency steering committee has met twice; next meeting is Wednesday, December 13th, 3p at Lakes Region Mental Health Center. Banner Proposal – Pat Wood said there have been two meetings with the Government Operations Committee of the City Council to delineate flags from banners which display community values on city property and to outline a process. Together a policy has been drafted for decision, likely in January. It’s been a good collaboration. 2024 Election – At the January 2024 meeting, we will elect the Chair and Secretary for the year. David Stamps would like to step-down as Chair. Carrie Chandler is willing to serve as Secretary unless there is other interest. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS & DISCUSSION Eric Hoffman read a statement asking the LHRC to take a non-partisan lead against antisemitism to include a yard sign campaign – with the hopes of flooding the city with signage to the effect “Laconia Stands Against Hate.” Without a strong message - silence is acceptance. Mo Baxley stated a sense of urgency – holding forums and vigils are great but there is a need to be more visible. Things are escalating and action is needed before anyone gets hurt. Ronnie Abbot stated concern that signs could become a target - and asked if there is another way to show support. He would like to see community members together showing support with greater publicity before and after. He would like to see a large event to show we are standing together. Carol Pierce suggested we stand together at City Hall once a month. Lois Kessin provided a sign being displayed in Portsmouth – “Hate is Unwelcome Here.” Mo Baxley said free bummer stickers is another way – hand out when people register their vehicles. David Stamps said we should review all these ideas. Motion was made and seconded to form a sub- group to plan a physical response to acts of hate; with no further discussion the motion passed unanimously. Trish Weatherbee will head a committee to include – Kay Anderson, Matt Soza, Eric Hoffman, Mo Baxley and Ronnie Abbot. VII. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 4:53p by Chair David Stamps. Next meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 8, 2022, 3:30p, City Hall Room 200A and via zoom invite. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Recording Secretary 2