Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee November 12, 2024 Meeting Minutes I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Patrick Wood 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 Patrick Wood, Carol Pierce, Matt Soza, David Osman, Heather Stanley, Kay Anderson, Richard Littlefield, Scott Ringer, Seifu Ragassa, Faith Pakasuk and Carrie Chandler Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Rev. Judith Wright and Patricia Okinedo III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – Motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by David Osman, to accept the minutes of the October 15th, 2024 Laconia Human Relations Committee meeting (LHRC) with one word clarification (“gathering”); with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration (Matt reported for Judith)  Sub-committee minutes provided  The event is coming together – committee offered any support  Publicity to include flyers, Facebook, Laconia Links, Daily Sun press release  Check with Colonial about allowing for donations to be accepted to offset Endowment for Health Grant (Heather reported)  No updates  Pat will follow up with the Housing Authority regarding a program  Richard and Pat have ideas for a program on Mental Health/Homelessness Banner Proposal (Patrick reported)  No updates - City Council has taken no further action Vigil/Signage (Matt reported)  No updates Multicultural Festival (Pat reported)  At the October board meeting – Carrie Chandler voted as new member  Clarification needed regarding Becky’s desired involvement  Next meeting will be Friday, Nov 15th at 3p at the UU church  Suggestion that Multicultural Festival take the lead on other opportunities – ie. Black Lives, Pride, Native American; capacity was discussed along with listening to marginalized groups for what they feel is needed/desired o Endowment monies can be used to offset these initiatives 1  o Joia Hughs – working for the city on events and housing o Carrie will reach out to Vincent at Good Natured Smoothie to see if LHRC could hold a meeting there in February to discuss what the LGBTQ+ community needs for support IV. NEW BUSINESS How to address Racism in Laconia  David O attended “Mingle Café” in Dover  Small group gathers to discuss various topics – this one was on aging issues  Donna facilitates – perhaps invite her to attend a meeting via zoom to further discuss o Email David O your thoughts/questions V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was opportunity but no public comments. VI. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting was adjourned by the chair at 4:40 pm. Next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 10, 2024, room 200A, at 3:30 pm also via Zoom. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Secretary 2