Human Rights Commission
Regular MeetingMorgantown, WV · February 20, 2020
Minutes
City of Morgantown
Human Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes for February 20, 2020
Present: Jacob Powers, Chair
Kate Levine-Freedman, Vice Chair
Kristen Cooper, Secretary
Drew Bucy
Jena Martin
Don Spencer (Program Associate)
Judith Wilkinson (Volunteer)
Dee Dee McIntosh (PFLAG Liaison)
Ash Cutright (Morgantown Pride Liaison)
Rozzy Lauderback (Morgantown Pride Liaison)
Meeting called to order by Jacob Powers, Chair, at 6:34 P.M.
The agenda was distributed, there were no changes to the agenda, and it was approved.
Public Session:
No one from the public was in attendance at the meeting.
Minutes:
The January 2020 minutes were reviewed. One change was requested. Kate Levine-Freedman moved
that the minutes be approved as with the change; Drew Bucy seconded the motion. The minutes where
approved unanimously.
Communications:
There has been no recent activity with the Commission’s social media, email or phone line.
Tim Hairston was not present to report the State HRC.
Judith Wilkinson reported that the foliage has been cut back from the Compassionate City sign, but the
sign itself is not in good shape and should be changed. There was a brief discussion about what entity
would be responsible for funding a replacement sign.
Jena Martin announced that her pastor is endeavoring to create a “Wall of Awareness” in recognition of
April being Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The Wall(s) will display words of encouragement and
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other messages. The Wall(s) will be on the WVU Campus. The HRC will do a social media push in
support of the program and will also add it to the agenda and minutes. Jena Martin will be reaching out
to other groups for support and will notify the HRC of the date, time and location of the Wall(s).
Priority Items:
The HRC budget was on the agenda, however Jan Derry was not in attendance to make a report on that
topic.
In regards to the HRC Annual Report, Jacob Powers is checking with Ramsey Kinsella to confirm that the
copies of the report were placed in the mailboxes of each City Council member.
Ash Cutright distributed copies of draft versions of job descriptions for the LGBTQ+ City of Morgantown
Liaison position and the Morgantown Police Officer Liaison position. Upon reviewing the job
descriptions there was a discussion about additions and changes that should be made. Ash Cutright
distributed the documents via Google Docs so that all Commissioners could make any necessary
changes. Ash Cutright expressed a desire to get these job descriptions to the City Council prior to the
Committee of the Whole meeting on March 25th. The documents will be reviewed again at the next HRC
meeting on March 19th to finalize them prior to the Committee of the Whole meeting.
Don Spencer distributed information about the Minority Liaison Coordinating Council and the proposed
procedural guidelines. The information covers the purpose, duties, membership, meetings, Officer,
committees, and finances. The information was written to be in line with other existing city groups. The
document was a first draft, and a second draft will be reviewed at the next HRC meeting and make a
motion for its approval. It was agreed that we should put forth this document in conjunction with the
job descriptions for the liaisons for the LGBTQ+ position and the police department so they can all go
before the City Council at the Committee of the Whole meeting in March.
The DEI plan was briefly discussed. It was noted that the only change was to the heading.
In regards to the Minority Liaison Coordinating Council, nominees from the various groups were
reviewed. Some of the positions need to be filled (e.g., HealthRight, PFLAG, Disabilities, Veterans) and
an effort will be made to find appropriate candidates.
Jacob Powers will contact Ryan Simonton, City Attorney, to schedule a time for him to make a
presentation of the Membership Orientation information. It was suggested that the meeting take place
prior to a regularly scheduled HRC monthly meeting.
Don Spencer and Dee Dee McIntosh recently met with John Bihun who is the head of HR for the City.
They explained and encouraged action on the topics of insurance and domestic partnerships.
New Business:
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In regards to the Complaint Process, Jena Martin suggested that someone from the City be designated
to keep the process moving along when a complaint is filed. It was suggested that the addition of “Send
a Copy to the City Attorney” be added to the form and the website instructions. Jacob Powers will reach
out to the City Attorney to inquire about the steps necessary to make this change.
Ongoing Projects:
Ryan Simonton, City Attorney, had a discussion with the Open to All organization. Jacob Powers will get
an update about the conversation and rep ort to the HRC at the next meeting.
Don Spencer is working towards contacting the appropriate people at the WVU Humanities Center to
discuss the Community Film Series.
The replacement Welcome Banners arrived and one has been placed in the City Hall. Don Spencer asked
for assistance with the installation of the banners at the Marriott, Airport, and Alumni Center, and Dee
Dee McIntosh offered to assist.
The Indigenous Peoples Day resolution will be put on the agenda for discussion at the next HRC meeting.
Don Spencer did some research and found that a designation as a “Constitutional City” is probably not
right for Morgantown, but suggested we should pursue designation as a “Human Rights City.”
April’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month was added to the HRC calendar.
Jena Martin attended the “I Belong” meeting and it has been requested that the HRC have a table at the
upcoming event on February 22 at the WVU Coliseum. Don Spencer volunteered to man the table.
The OLLI presentations were discussed. Dee Dee McIntosh reported that they were well attended and
the audience was receptive to the information. There are plans to recreate the presentations and
panels for the general public.
Announcements:
The next meeting of the Human Rights Commission will take place on March 19, 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Submitted by Kristen Cooper
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Agenda
City of Morgantown
Human Rights Commission
Thursday, February 20, 2020
Regular Meeting at City Public Safety Building – 6:30 p.m.
Sixty Fourth Regular Meeting Agenda
1. Commission Membership: Approval of Agenda; Personnel Update
Commissioners: - Jacob Powers, Chair
- Kate Levine-Freedman, Vice Chair
- Kristen Cooper, Secretary
- Drew Bucy
- Jan Derry
- Jena Martin
- Ramsey Kinsella
Liaison with State HRC: Tim Hairston
Liaison with WVU Law School: Anne Marie Lofaso
HRC Program Associate: Don Spencer
Volunteers: Judith Wilkinson
Liaisons: Diana (DeeDee) McIntosh, PFLAG
Ash Cutright, Morgantown Pride
Rosalyn Lauderback (Rozzy), Morgantown Pride
2. Call to Order and Approval of Agenda – Jacob Powers, Chair
Welcome and Introductions
3.Public Session
4. Minutes: January 16, 2020
5. Communications:
• Commissioner Updates
• City Council Meeting update
• Social Media/email/ phone line updates
• State Human Rights Commission Update-Tim
7. Priority Items:
• HRC Budget
• Annual Reports to Council
• Anti-Bullying Policy Development at BOPARC, Library, and Woodburn
• Minority Liaison Coordinating Council – Job Descriptions/Recommendations
• DEI Plan To City Council Feb 27 at 7pm
• Orientation of Membership
9. New Business:
• Update Complaint Process
• Census Project
10. On Going Projects:
• Open To All
• WVU-Community Film Series Status
• Welcome Banner Replacement
• Indigenous Peoples Day
• Constitutional City Designation
• Annual HRC Calendar
• Implicit Bias and Confronting Bigotry Training
• Gun Violence Resolution
• Law Enforcement training
• Hate Crime Prevention Forum
• Legislative Docket Update
• Inclusivity Mural
11. Looking Ahead: HRC Annual Calendar
• Observances Calendar for March
11. Announcements:
• Next Meeting: March 19, 2020
• WVU Law Diversity and Inclusion Day - February 22; Open House 9:30 - 1:00
• Report on OLLI Panel Presentations: February 5 and 12
• I Belong Tabling Event: Women's BB Game on February 22 at 4 p.m. at
Coliseum
• MEI February 27 Webinar on Municipality as Employer (3 - 3:45): Non-
Discrimination for City Employees, Transgender Health Care Benefits, City
Contractor Non-Discrimination Ordinance, Inclusive Workplace, City Employee
Domestic Partner Benefits
• Star City Non-Discrimination Ordinance COW: February 25; 7 p.m.
• EMPTY BOWLS Once-a-Year Fund Raiser for Area Food Banks, Meal
Programs: Saturday, February 29th, at Mylan Park Center, lunch and bowl ($20)
11-2:30 p.m.
• PRIDE Parade (10-12) and Block Party (1 p.m. ff) on April 18 in Greenmont
• NAACP Father/Daughter Ball Fund Raiser on June 12 to enable area youth
representatives to attend National NAACP Convention: in Boston, July 25-29.
• WVU Diversity Week: October 11 - 17
Legislature:
• HB2419 -Bail Reform
• HB4432 -Expanding expungement eligibility
• HB2683 - Bill of rights for children in foster care
• HB2032 - Permitting campus carry of firearms
• HB2066 - Bail reform
• HB2733, HB2741, HB4201, HB4399, HB4948, SB211, SB212, SB270 - Adding
sexual orientation and gender identity to Human Rights Act and Fair Housing Act
• HB2817, HB 4160 Make illegal conversion therapy for minors
• HB3124 - Protects against hate crimes for sexual orientation and gender identity
*Designates agenda items added after public posting
City of Morgantown
Human Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes for January 16, 2019
Present: Jacob Powers, Chair
Kristen Cooper, Secretary
Jan Derry
Ramsey Kinsella
Tim Hairston (Liaison with State HRC)
Don Spencer (Program Associate)
Judith Wilkinson (Volunteer)
DeeDee McIntosh (PFLAG Liaison)
Rozzi Lauderback (Morgantown Pride Liaison)
Meeting called to order by Jacob Powers, Chair, at 6:33 P.M.
The agenda was distributed and there was one addition regarding the upcoming Lobby Day in
Charleston. The agenda was approved with that change.
Public Session:
No one from the public was in attendance at the meeting.
Minutes:
The November 2019 and December 2019 minutes were reviewed. One change was requested to the
December minutes. Jan Derry moved that the minutes be approved as with the change; Ramsey
Kinsella seconded the motion. The minutes where approved unanimously.
Communications:
There has been no recent activity with the Commission’s social media, email or phone line.
Tim Hairston reported the State HRC has not had a meeting recently and, therefore had nothing formal
to report. The State’s Executive Director told Tim that he would like to hold a state-wide HRC meeting in
Morgantown this year. Tim will follow-up and get more information at the State’s meeting next week.
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An article appeared in the Dominion Post regarding an Immigration Resolution. Jan Derry read the
article which stated that Morgantown will continue to accept resettling refugees. Don Spencer noted
that the Commission had a statement approved in 2017 that was similar to the current resolution.
Priority Items:
The MLK Jr. Day celebration will take place on January 20th. The HRC will have a table at the event and
distribute information. Jan Derry, Don Spencer and Judith Wilkinson will be in attendance to represent
the Commission.
The Human Rights Award ceremony was discussed. The commissioners agreed that there was a great
turn-out and that it was a successful event.
The DEI Plan was discussed. Don Spencer reported that meetings had been held with the mayor, deputy
mayor and Cris Mayo of the WVU LGTBQ Center. The need for a “certified” training program was
addressed, and it was suggested that the WVU LGBTQ Center could carry-out the training classes free of
charge. This would allow for ongoing training to take place more conveniently and would add greater
exposure to the DEI efforts. Copies of Section 5 of the DEI Plan were distributed. It was agreed that the
HRC should distribute this updated section to the City Council before their Committee of the Whole
meeting on February 25th. Commissioners were encouraged to be present at that Council meeting to
show support for the plan. Jan Derry moved to accept the DEI Section 5 Plan as revised. The motion
was seconded by Ramsey Kinsella. The motion passed unanimously.
The 2019 MEI score was brought up by Don Spencer. He made the following points: 1) Morgantown did
not make the submission deadline and therefore did not receive credits for some new programs such as
the Anti-Bullying Ordinance. 2) To get credit for having an LGBTQ Liaison, the position and the name of
the liaison needs to appear on the City’s website, and that could earn us 5 points in future, 3) the main
information for the MEI needs to be emailed to the Human Rights Campaign in advance of the paper
submission, 4) Any points we hoped to gain via the Open to All program come from a category where
the city already has earned the maximum number of points. Don Spencer talked to the program
director at the MEI and was able to get 5 points added to our score for the Anti-Bullying Ordinance. To
gain points for a liaison, it was suggested that we find a representative who is part of the LGBTQ
population and appoint them as a liaison to the City Manager (with that information posted to the City’s
website). This would be done prior to or alongside of the Minority Liaison program that we are
currently forming. Rozzi Lauderback volunteered to take the liaison position as long as she is supported
by the HRC in regards to legal matters. Rozzi will work with Morgantown Pride to get the appointment
approved by the organization. Separately, it was noted that the Mayor is seeking job descriptions for
the posts on the Minority Liaison Council.
A revised version of the HRC 2019 Annual Report was distributed (including goals for 2020). It was
noted that a copy of the Report needs to be submitted to the City Clerk with a request that a copy go
into each Councilperson’s mailbox. Ramsey Kinsella or Jan Derry plan to attend the next City Council
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meeting on January 28th to present the report in person. Kristen Cooper moved to approve the Annual
Report as revised. The motion was seconded by Ramsey Kinsella. The motion passed unanimously.
New Business:
The WVU Community Film Series is now disconnected from the WVU Division of DEI. Don Spencer
contacted a faculty member in the Humanities Department at WVU to make inquiries but did not
receive a reply. Jacob Powers will investigate the name of the appropriate contact person.
New Welcome Banners have arrived and include the changes regarding veteran status and blindness.
The HRC is in need of copies of the Welcome Statement cards, and Don Spencer reported that Signs Plus
can print 500 copies of the cards for $125. It was agreed that HRC contact information should appear on
the back of the cards. Don will have Andrew Stacy approve the contact information before printing.
Judith Wilkinson brought up two events that are taking place soon. The first is Lobby Day in Charleston.
Dee Dee McIntosh reported that a group has already organized a car pool which will be leaving from the
First Presbyterian Church. Judith also provided information about an OLLI information series with an
LGBTQ focus will be taking place in January and February. Jacob Powers agreed to add this information
to the HRC’s Facebook page.
For the Anti-Bullying Ordinance, the HRC is supposed to provide implementation information to
BOPARC, the library, and Woodburn Center. Jan Derry offered to contact the groups and steer them
towards a very comprehensive website (stopbullying.org) which they can use as their resource.
Jacob Powers will drive past the Inclusive City sign to see if the foliage has been cut back to reveal the
sign. Don Spencer suggested that he wants to get new and additional signs to place around the city.
The Minority Liaison Coordinating Council was discussed again. The goal is to have a complete list by the
next meeting to put alongside of job descriptions for the various positions on the Council. It was
suggested to include a copy of the resolution along with the job descriptions.
There was a discussion about the National HRC calendar and how it should be posted on our website. It
was suggested that a Google calendar with pertinent holidays would be a good option.
It was agreed that Jacob Powers would send out a doodle poll in an effort to find a good meeting time
for a Commission orientation meeting.
Ongoing Projects:
The Indigenous Peoples Day resolution is written and ready to go, but we have not found anyone from
the Native American community to speak on its behalf. It was agreed that we should make an effort as
soon as possible to get the resolution approved by the City Council. Initially we will speak with the
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Mayor and Deputy Mayor to get a reading on the possibilities of the resolution passing. There was a
brief discussion as to whether to group the Land Acknowledgement statement with the Indigenous
Peoples Day resolution.
Announcements:
Don Spencer announced that Jan Derry will be receiving the MLK Jr. Award on Monday for her efforts on
behalf of human rights. Jan was congratulated on this extraordinary honor. The ceremony will take
place in the Mountainlair Ballroom.
The next meeting of the Human Rights Commission will take place on February 20, 2020.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 pm.
Submitted by Kristen Cooper
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City of Morgantown
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
Annual Calendar
January Annual Report Due
Budget Applications Due for City
Martin Luther King Jr. Observances:
MLK Sunday P.M. Service at AME Church;
MLK Award Breakfast at Lair;
MLK Event by CCSJ at Met
(State Legislature Sessions Begin)
February (Annual Meeting of State HRC)
Lobby Day for Human Rights at Legislature
WVU I Belong Day
Empty Bowls
March
April Housing Month – Fair Housing Fair
Morgantown PRIDE Parade and Block Party
May Municipal Equality Index (MEI) Report Preparations
June Nominating Committee Appointed
Close of City Fiscal Year
Annual Review of Bylaws
July Annual HRC Elections
MEI Report Due
August (West Virginia Municipal League Summer Conference Meeting)
September Planning Begins for Awards on Human Rights Day 12/10
Planning Begins for Setting City Legislative Priorities, MLK Day
October Legislative Priorities Due to City Council
WVU Diversity Week
November Annual Report Planned for City Administration/City Council
City Council’s State Legislative Priorities Adopted by City Council
(Annual National League of Cities Congress)
Friendsgiving
December International Human Rights Day – December 10
Annual Report Completed/Approved by HRC
Convene for Budget Planning for Next Fiscal Year of HRC
Morgantown Human Rights Commission Project Status Profiles 10/17/19
ANNUAL Program Commitments Month Resource (Person) KEY________________
Human Rights Day Observance and Awards – December – HRC Checklist Assignments # = 2018/2019 Priority
Annual Report – December – Chair, Secretary ^ = Initiated
WVU Community Film Series w/ WVU DEI – Fall/Spring Semesters - Don S, Judith W * = Completed
Housing Fair Sponsorship – March -June - Jan D na = Not Applicable
Municipal Equality Index for Human Rights Campaign – July - Kristen C, Kristen J, Don S
Orientation of New Commissioners – August – File, Jan D
Minutes/News Releases – Kristen C 24/7 Contact Line/ Email – Jan D Facebook/Twitter – Jake P Website – Andrew S
CURRENT Project Adopted Drafted Approved Council Implemented Current Lead Person(s)
1. Welcome to Morgantown Resolution/Banners * * * * ^ Judith W, Don S
2. Welcome to Immigrants, Refuges and Asylees * * * * HRC
3. State Employment, Housing Non-D Support * * * * ^ Jan D
4. Human Rights Observances Calendar on Web * * * na * HRC
5. Housing Code Enforcement Resolution * * * * ^ HRC
6. # Non-D Ord: Commission Complaint Procedures * * * na ^ Jena Martin
7. # Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan for City * * * Jan D, Drew B, Don S
8. # Housing Authority Access Resolution ^ * ^ Jan D, Don S
9. # Indigenous Peoples Day Resolution * * ^ HRC
10. # Universal Design Incentive Ordinance ^ * HRC, Don S
11. # Gun Violence Legislation Resolution ^ * ^ HRC, Don S, Council, Delegates
12. # Inclusionary Housing/Zoning Resolution * * * Councilor Ron D, Jan D, Don S
13. # “New to Morgantown” Web Information ^ ^ na Kate L-F
14. # “Open to All” Campaign (MEI) * * * * Jake P. Drew B, Mayor
15. # Anti-Bullying for City Services Ordinance (MEI) * * * * Jena M, Don S
16. # Minority Liaison Coordinating Council (MEI) * * * * Don S
17. Land Acknowledgment Resolution * * * Don S, Jake P
18. HRC Violent Protest/Rally/Riot Protocol ^ ^ ^ na Jan D, Don S
19. Dept. of Justice Interagency Training na Jan D
20. National Day of Racial Healing Don S
21. Immigration Information and Referral Guide ^ ^ na Ramsey K
22. ID Card Program for Refugees, Immigrants ^ HRC
23. Census Promotion ^ Jan D
24. “Human Rights City” Viability ^ HRC. Don S
Other Actions
PowerPoint Presentation on Commission at Met MLK Jr. Day, 2012
Established Materials for City Web Site 2013
Exit Interview with City Manager 2013
Commission Logo Adopted Contributed by Eve Faulkes 2013
Employment and Housing Non-Discrimination Resolution Adopted by City Council February 2014
Equality in Marriage Resolution Adopted by City Council February 2014
Commission Adopted Operating Procedures/Bylaws 2014
Raised Endowment for Film Series 2014
Human Rights Need Survey (657 Participants) 2014 Priorities: Housing, Livable Wages, Transportation, M. Health/Addictions
First Municipal Equality Index Submission 2014
Participation in ACLU/Fairness Lobby Day at Capital 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Observances Calendar Completed 2015
Received Gibson Smith Award from Fairness West Virginia 2015
City Council Adopts EHNDA as Legislative Priority 2015
Town Hall Meeting at Marilla (60 Attendees) 2015 Resolutions and Report (Intended Inclusive City Plan not Completed)
Meetings with Chief of Police 2015, 2017
First International Human Rights Day Observance 2015
Questions Prepared for Election/Selection Candidates 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Contact Phone Line and Email Established 2015
DOE Transgender Policy Recommendations to City 2016
Development of Commissioner Orientation Procedures 2016
Resolution Advocating for State Changes in Title XIX 2016 (not submitted to City Council)
Displays at NAACP Banquets, Downtown Conferences 2016, 2017, 2019. Also Pride display in 2019
Multi-family Housing Accessibility Resolution Adopted by City Council in 2016
Just Transition for Coal Workers Resolution Adopted by Council w/ Letters to Congressional and Legislative Leaders 2016
Presentation to Fairmont HR Committee 2017 (Beckley 2019)
Municipal League Conference Display 2017
City Welcome Statement Resolution Adopted by City Council May 2, 2017
Welcome to Immigrants, Refugees, Asylees Resolution Adopted by City Council May 2, 2017
Organized Non-Discrimination Ordinance and Support Adopted by City Council, October 17, 2017
Face Book Page Established 2018
Compassionate City Designation Resolution Withdrawn – 2019
“Open to All” Logo (Withdrawn) Contributed by Eve Faulkes 2019
Poster, Sign and Banner Displays On-going
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