Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for February 23, 2017 Public Safety Training Room Present: Jan Derry, Chair Kristen Cooper, Public Relations Billie Murray David Seville Judith Wilkinson Matthew Miller, Secretary Don Spencer, Program Assistant Tim Hairston, Liaison to State HRC Chief Ed Preston, MPD Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair, at 6:30 PM. The agenda was reviewed. Public Session: No members of the public were present. Minutes: The commissioners discussed the minutes of the January 19, 2017 meeting. Judith Wilkinson moved to accept the minutes, Billie Murray seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Communications:  Police Chief Ed Preston was present and gave a report to and took questions from the Commission on law enforcement items of general interest to the Commission. This presentation was thorough and lengthy, leading to truncation of the remaining agenda.  Don Spencer reported that he had attended a meeting in Fairmont with parties interested in reviving their City Human Rights Commission, and that the work was ongoing.  Don Spencer also attended the PSALM reception at the MAC on February 10th and described it to the Commission.  Don Spencer handed out posters advertising the Human Rights Film Festival, and all members were encouraged to attend.  Jan Derry handed out flyers promoting the upcoming Housing Fair, and Commission involvement was discussed. Matt Miller moved that the Commission authorize Jan Derry to spend up to $500 from our funds to support the Housing Fair, and Billie Murray Seconded. The motion carried unanimously. Priority Items: Human Rights Ordinance: Commissioners provided Don Spencer with recommended edits for the draft of the ordinance, and Don reported that he would polish it. Welcome Statement: Don Spencer presented a final version of the Welcome Statement, and it was unanimously applauded. After discussion, it was agreed that Matt Miller would put the Welcome Statement into a resolution format for approval at the next meeting. Immigration Resolution: Drafts were presented, but it was determined that a working meeting was needed and Commissioners agreed to meet at Jan Derry’s office at 1 PM on Monday March 6th. New Business:  The Commission discussed inviting Dr. Samuel Lopez, WVU’s Assistant Vice President for Diversity Initiatives and agreed to discuss the issue further. Regular Meeting Items:  Due to time constraints, review of both the annual calendar and the annual plan were tabled. Motion to adjourn was made by Matt Miller, and Chair Jan Derry adjourned the meeting at 9:00 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Matt Miller, 3/16/2017