Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Working Session Minutes for December 21, 2017 Present: Jan Derry, Chair Kristen Cooper, Secretary Marlene Robinson Tim Hariston (Liaison with State HRC) Don Spencer (Program Assistant) Meeting called to order by Jan Derry, Chair, at 6:30 PM. The agenda was distributed. There no additions requested. Pubic Session: Two Morgantown residents, Nina Forrest and Dawn Forrest attended the meeting as concerned citizens. Nina discussed some matters of importance to her such as Morgantown’s lower income housing situation as well as the Church of the Redeemer situation where the landlord is requiring the congregation to pay $200,000 to buy the building. Additionally, the pastor of the church was arrested under a rape allegation. Nina also mentioned that her daughter, Fawn, is having a problem living in Morgantown from a social and medical perspective. The group viewed a short film entitled “The Story of Human Rights” in honor of International Human Rights Day. Minutes: The minutes for November 2017 were distributed and reviewed with no changes. Because there was no quorum, the voting to accept the minutes will be postponed until the January 2018 meeting. Communications: The Annual Human Rights Day Awards and reception took place on December 19. There was a general discussion of the event. Marlene Robinson mentioned that she saw a growth from the first ceremony (in 2016). It was agreed that the Rabbi Joe Hample did a great job with his keynote speech. It was also agreed that next year we need to make more people aware of the event to increase attendance. Tim Hairston, on behalf of the State Human Rights Commission, congratulated the Commission on the awards and the positive impression they make on the community. 1 Priority Items: The Annual Report was reviewed. Jan Derry suggested that we include a more detailed description of the Human Rights Ordinance. Marlene Robinson suggested that we add a description such as “over 100 people were present to support the adoption of the ordinance.” Another change that needs to be addressed is whether or not Jacob Powers is a WVU student or a WVU employee. Don Spencer asked that any additional changes be sent to him before the next Commission meeting when we will vote to approve the report. The line items on the proposed budget for 2018 were reviewed. The total amount we are requesting is $6,650.00. Jan Derry and Kristen Cooper will work on a letter to the City Manager (with a copy to the mayor) to go along with the requested funds. The group discussed our ability to maintain a quorum during the 3 months that Dave Saville will be volunteering in Puerto Rico. It was suggested that Billie Murray be asked to become a volunteer if she is not able to attend future meetings. It was agreed that Commissioners need to faithfully report when they plan to be absent from a meeting. A discussion followed about finding candidates for the Commission that reflect the city’s diversity. Progress Reports: It was agreed that we need to make sure the email and hot line for human rights are working properly. Don Spencer offered to look into that matter. The Commission will have a table at the MLK event in February. Jan volunteered to work at the table, and Judith Wilkinson will be asked to work as well. It was suggested that we have application forms for Human Rights Commissioners available for distribution to interested parties. Regarding the Commission membership, Marlene Robinson asked if we need to explore having more people on the Commission to ensure a quorum as well as the vitality of the Commission. It was agreed we need to look at the barriers that are preventing attendance. It was suggested that we consider participation via conference calls and ask the other Commissioners if they would participate in that manner. New Business: The Public Housing Resolution was distributed and discussed. It was mentioned that John Martis retired from the Fairmont-Morgantown Housing Council. The Human Rights Commission is promoting a resolution that will set up a separate Housing Authority for Morgantown that would make fair, safe housing a priority for the city. Don Spencer reported that he talked to a couple City Council members and the Mayor about resolution and at least one of them was very hesitant to deal with a resolution at 2 this time. It was suggested that we start with a “study” and work up to a resolution. It was agreed that the Commission would make this a priority item for the January 2018 meeting. “New to Morgantown,” a welcoming endeavor was briefly discussed and will require further discussion and action. Don Spencer reported that last year Nancy Ganz, a former member of the Sister City Commission, gave out honorary citizenship pins to foreign students graduating from WVU. Don Spencer asked if we should extend honorary citizenship to foreigners who contribute to the human rights of the city. Don will inquire and report back with more information. It was also proposed that someone from the Sister City Commission come speak at a future meeting. The Diversity Committee changed their upcoming meeting date to January 16th at 4:45 pm at Jan Derry’s office. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. Submitted by Kristen Cooper 3