Human Relations Committee

Laconia Human Relations Committee July 8, 2025 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 3:30p. II. ATTENDANCE Present – Chair Patrick Wood, Patricia Okinedo, Heather Stanley, Carol Pierce, David Osman, Rev. Judith Wright, Scott Ringer, Matt Soza, Faith Pakasuk, Carrie Chandler Excused – Mayor Andrew Hosmer, Kay Anderson, Richard Littlefield, Seifu Ragassa Guest – Jane Wood III. OLD BUSINESS Minutes Approval – Motion was made by Matt Soza, seconded by David Osman to accept the minutes of the June 9, 2025 meeting as written; with no further discussion the motion passed unanimously. Sub-Committee Work: Martin Luther King Jr Celebration (Rev. Judith Wright)  January 18, 2026 at 2p  No meeting this month – Judith and Faith will meet to write scripts  Considering a meal after the event – soup and bread with an RSVP  Grant funding would apply if conversation around trust building is encouraged via table topics Multicultural Festival (Rev. Judith Wright)  Keene Festival emailed the Board asking about protocols if ICE shows up. Patrick provided a response. There was no response.  Need an understanding with the Sheriff before the next festival event  The city seems to want this. The Laconia Police will work with us.  Carrie & Becky will reach out to meet with the city. Homelessness (Pat Wood)  Pat attended a meeting; provided a memo of issues to be tackled  God Pod Squad wishes to meet with Pat to view draft presentation  God Pods are a strong idea. Perhaps a building. Maybe both ideas.  If God Pods – per state statutes a campground is the only way 1   Stakeholders need to be heard  Foster community discussion about the homeless Endowment for Health Grant (Patrick Wood)  Nothing new to report. Mingle Café (David Osman)  Second event had a better turnout.  Consider changing venues – ie. Laconia High School, Laconia Senior Center  Next event will be at the Belknap Mill on August 30 th at 10 am  Theme: to be decided – David, Faith & Carrie will meet  Advertise  At next Café ask “what topics would be interesting to you?”  Carrie will email the Mill regarding invoice Pride Banner Proposal (Patrick Wood)  Budget process underway; followed by city election – this is on the back burner. Rally/Sign (Matt Soza)  Encouraged to explore the idea of positive messages across localities (Masons, etc) ie. “Welcome Bikers,” opening of Summer, Ski Season, etc. IV. NEW BUSINESS  October - Diary of Anne Frank, Power House Theatre  Homeless - cooling station – Kenzo is passing out water  Potential Community discussion o “Know Your Government” Program – we could sponsor, grant related. Pat will explore Basic Civics o “What it means to be an Immigrant” – find an immigration lawyer – who is in and who is out; immigration law understanding; employment policies  Perhaps a newspaper column – regarding how immigrants strengthen our community  We need a training - Southern Poverty Law Center is a resource  ICE - anyone in Laconia – we should have a Team available to them  Patricia shared that all immigrants are being asked to verify documentation at her place of work 2   Pat and Patricia to brainstorm further – need to avoid risk within our community V. PUBLIC COMMENTS There was opportunity, but no public comments. VI. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting was adjourned by the chair at 4:59 pm. The next meeting (available via zoom) is scheduled for Tuesday , September 9, 2025, room 200A, at 3:00 pm to view Special Presentation from the Homelessness Sub-Committee. Respectfully Submitted, Carrie Chandler, Secretary 3