Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes for May 18, 2017 Public Safety Training Room Present: Marlene Robinson, Vice Chair Kristen Cooper, Public Relations Billie Murray David Seville Judith Wilkinson Matthew Miller, Secretary Don Spencer, Program Assistant Tim Hairston, Liaison to State HRC Meeting called to order by Marlene Robinson, Vice Chair, at 6:35 PM. The agenda was reviewed. Public Session: No member of the public were present. Minutes: The commissioners discussed the minutes of the April 2017 meeting. Minor corrections were suggested, and so approval of the April Minutes was tabled. Communications:  Don Spencer noted that the Film Festival was not as successful this year as it was last year. The Commission discussed possible ideas for changes to be made to future Film Festivals, including potentially changing the format to a film series rather than a festival, which could be coordinated with the Huan Rights Observances throughout the year as well as potentially moving the timing of the Festival to coincide with Diversity Week. Commissioners were encouraged to bring more ideas to future meetings.  Judith Wilkinson discussed the Greater Morgantown Interfaith Coalition, describing how it meets the 1st Sunday afternoon of each month and mentioned that attendees are primarily Christian, Muslim and Jewish.  The Commission reflected on the success of its Resolutions recently approved by the City Council. Priority Items: Resolution Recognizing Indigenous People: Don Spencer distributed material, including the first Chapter of Zinn’s “A People’s History of the United States.” Commissioners discussed ways to involve representatives of local indigenous communities in the process, and agreed to look further into that with a soft goal of submitting something to the City Council for consideration by July 25. Human Rights Ordinance: The Commissioners discussed that the commission should pass a resolution and/or letter asking the City Council to adopt the Human Rights Ordinance. A draft was to be prepared by Matt Miller. Progress Reports:  Diversity Plan Development: The Commission plans to take up the Diversity Plan as top priority after completion of the Human Rights Ordinance.  Inclusive City Planning: The Commission plans to take up Inclusive City Planning as top priority after the completion of the Diversity Plan.  Municipal Equality Index: Commissioners agreed to meet on Friday June 16th at 11:30 at Panera to discuss the preparation of the MEI response for submittal by the Mayor. New Business:  Inclusionary Housing Ordinance: Don Spencer discussed the idea of an ordinance which would grant developers reduced permit fees if they complied with Universal Design/Inclusionary Housing standards, but noted that there may be a need to raise the fees for this incentive to be useful because the fees are currently very low. Commissioners were encouraged to research the fees charged in other municipalities.  Election Process: It was suggested that that HRC could promulgate a questionnaire/survey to be distributed to city council candidates prior to future elections. Commissioners agreed to discuss this further. Motion to adjourn was made by Kristen Cooper, seconded by Billie Murray and agreed to unanimously and Vice Chair Marlene Robinson adjourned the meeting at 8:30 PM. Respectfully Submitted, Matt Miller, 7/20/2017