Human Rights Commission

HRC Minutes Supplement for February 18, 2021 Questions for League of Women Voters, PFLAG (et al) Forum on March 24: The Commission reviewed the discussions submitted to the League for the April 2019 Forum. The first two questions - pertaining to the need for SAFE, affordable and accessible housing and to advocating for protection for persons of diverse gender identities and sexual orientations being added to the State Code – were approved for possible continued submission. It was agreed that the question relating to racism needed to be updated. The question relating to climate justice can be continued. The question relating to inclusivity needs to be sharpened and possibly related to concepts in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan. The Commission members were asked to draft questions and to send them to Amy Chandler, who will edit and prepare a list for submission to the League President, Vicki Connors. Amy will forward the list to Chair Ash Orr who will make the submission on behalf of the Commission. WV Legislative Bill Status: It was noted that the House of Delegates has restricted public participation in committee hearings. There will be no “lobby days” during the session. Amy Chandler offered to keep in touch with the WV HUB to monitor bill status. Sit was noted that SB 13 has been at least temporarily stopped. It was noted that Fairness WV is also an important resource for bill monitoring. Meetings with City Manager: While it was agreed that an invitation needs to again be extended to Kim Haws to attend the next meeting, it was also agreed that a meeting needs to be held with the new city manager to share orientation materials, the annual report, and the importance of the DEI program and its implementation. Legislative Docket and the Project Status Profiles: The review and up-date of the HRC Legislative Docket and the status of projects was moved forward to the March HRC meeting agenda. HRC Budget: In as much as the City reports that the Commission has unexpended carry-over funds available to it, it was agreed that proposed budget reviewed at the January meeting will be used as a spending plan for the HRC during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021. HRC Storage: Don Spencer reported that the HRC exhibit materials, film programs items, tabling banners and materials and need survey items have been moved to the basement of the new City Administrative Building on Spruce Street next to the open-air market. Jan Derry reported that past meeting records will be moved to the storage space whenever the COVID conditions allow. Secretary Vacancy: On a motion made by Jan Derry and seconded by Don Spencer, the Commission voted unanimously to express appreciation and commendation to Kristen Cooper for her excellent services as Secretary September 2016 through January 2021. She joined the Commission in August 2016 and contributed to the work of the DEI Committee, the MEI Committee and chaired the MEI in the preparation of the City MEI for its submission to the Human Rights Campaign national Municipal Equality Index program for 2020. The letters which she prepared on behalf of the Commission were excellent. It has been reported that Kristen is willing to continue as an ad hoc HRC volunteer in the future. Open to All Program and Inclusivity Mural: These two items have encountered serious current road blocks. It was agreed that both items need to be removed from future agenda for the immediate future. The next regular meeting will be held on March 18, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting was adjourned by the Vice-Chair Jan Derry at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Don Spencer