Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee April 10, 2025 Meeting Minutes I. PRE-MEETING GATHERING The committee was invited to meet at Real Life Church at 3:30p to view some built examples of God Pods (emergency structures for unhoused). An update was provided as well as time for questions and answers. II. 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 4:06p. III. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair Patrick Wood, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Matt Soza, Rev. Judith Wright, Heather Stanley, Kay Anderson, Faith Pakasuk, Richard Littlefield, Patricia Okinedo, Scott Ringer, Seifu Ragassa and Carrie Chandler Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Seifu Ragassa IV. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – Motion made and seconded to approve the minutes of the March 11, 2025 Laconia Human Relations Committee ; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. Sub-Committee Work: Homelessness (Richard Littlefield)  Reported on meeting at Unitarian Universalist Church  Bill and Kenzo met with zoning officials – there are some modifications that have been requested; supportive in offering guidance  Legal issues will be addressed – setting parameters, governance, safety regulations  Private funding  Letter for review by committee to Daily Sun – early stages; involve Joia Hughes  LHRC role is to communicate/educate the community Martin Luther King Jr Celebration (Rev. Judith Wright)  Committee met on March 28th  Panelist Marie has asked to join sub-committee  Next year’s vision “Musical MLK Day” with interaction, choirs concert  Even more meaning and purpose  Engage children  Endowment for Health Grant (Patrick Wood)  Pat had a phone meeting with 5 other communities who have received funding  Ran mental health program idea past the Endowment – didn’t materialize  May 22nd – Community College and Chamber of Commerce will host a full day event with theme of mental health  Someone from the endowment may attend the Mingle Café and/or Yom Hashoah – Holocaust Remembrance event on April 24th  Aspects of God Pod project rollout could fall under the grant; if funds are needed to have a forum and paid facilitator  Pat plans to attend the endowment annual meeting Mingle Café  First event is rescheduled to April 26th  Faith will update the flyer  David will work on press release  Faith and Carrie will run this first event  Recap after first event to plan for second event Banner Proposal  No further action Vigil/Signage  No further action Multicultural Festival  Planning continues  Becky is working with Sue V. NEW BUSINESS Concern regarding role of Sherrif’s office related to ICE  Sending deputies to ICE training regarding immigration  Pat met with Sherrif Wright regarding concern about due process; everyone is entitled per our Constitution  Sherriff Wright stated they will not be doing any investigation by ICE; but will follow a judges warrant and will transport so ICE can take it from there Plastic Recycling – on April 26th 11-1 pm at UU church. Chairperson is unavailable to attend next scheduled meeting. A motion was made by Carol Piece, seconded by Richard Littlefield , to reschedule the May 13 th Laconia Human Relations Committee meeting to May 20 th; with no further discussion, the motion passed unanimously. VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was opportunity, but no public comments. VII. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting was adjourned by the chair at 4:58 pm. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday , May 20 th, 2024, room 200A, at 3:30 pm also via Zoom. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Secretary