Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for March 16, 2017 Public Safety Training Room Present: Jan Derry, Chair Kristen Cooper, Public Relations Billie Murray David Seville Matthew Miller, Secretary Don Spencer, Program Assistant Tim Hairston, Liaison to State HRC Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair, at 6:37 PM. The agenda was reviewed, with minor additions made to the “communications” section. Public Session: No members of the public were present. Minutes: The commissioners discussed the minutes of the February meeting. Billie Murray moved to accept the minutes, Dave Seville seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Communications:  Jan Derry discussed changes to the film Festival due to weather.  Jan Derry discussed the recent housing fair, noting that 45 families attended, mostly looking for lending options. She reported that the venue was great and that she looks forward to a bigger and better housing fair next time.  Don Spencer discussed Civil Liberties Day, providing a written report. Jan discussed hosting a Meditation for Peace, as well as possibility of becoming a sister city with a city in Sherwood Forest. Margaret Glen as mentioned as a resource. Commissioners wanted to hear input from Judith on these topics when she returns from her trip to the UN. Priority Items: Human Rights Ordinance: The Commissioners discussed whether Age should be included as a protected class, agreeing that it should. Matt Miller moved to approve the draft of the Human Rights Ordinance for review by the City Manager and/or the City Attorney. Kristen Cooper seconded the motion, and it carried unanimously. Welcome Statement/Resolution: Matt Miller discussed proposed modifications to the Welcome Statement which resulted from collaboration with members of the City Council, then Kristen Cooper made a Motion to Approve the Resolution as Edited. Dave Seville seconded the motion, which carried unanimously after Jan Derry called a vote. Immigration Resolution: Dave discussed edits to the immigration resolution. Billie Murray moved that the Commission approve the resolution as edited, and Kristen Cooper seconded the motion. Jan Derry called a vote and the motion carried unanimously. Universal Design Ordinance: Don provided information to the Commission, including a discussion of an incentive/rebate program used in Suffolk County, which would allow for rebates of certain fees if a developer complied with universal design standards. Progress Reports:  Don Spencer discussed contacint Bonnie Brown (Director of Native American Studies at WVU) regarding renaming Columbus Day “Indigenous People’s Day.”  Jan reported that there were no emails to the Commission email account. New Business:  Municipal Equality Index: Don Spencer discussed the need to prepare a response to the MEI survey. Matt Miller and Dave Seville agreed to help.  Annual Report: Jan Derry and Don Spencer reported ongoing work on the Commission’s Annual Report.  Establishing Priorities: Commissioners discussed their goals, compiling the following list: o Diversity Plan o Inclusive City Plan o HR Award o Welcoming City o HR Ordinance o Universal Design Ordinance o Welcome Statement Resolution o Immigration Resolution o Prepare for City to submit MEI response o Explore feasibility of becoming a “Compassionate City”  Jan discussed upcoming expirations of the terms of some members of the commission, and multiple commissioners expressed their desire to be re-appointed. Motion to adjourn was made by Matt Miller, and Chair Jan Derry adjourned the meeting at 8:11 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Matt Miller