Human Rights Commission

City of Morgantown Human Rights Commission Thursday, April 14th, 2022 Minutes Notes taken by Secretary Rozzy Lauderback Don Spencer’s Notes and Ideas on the Future of the HRC. Commission Operations Calendar Don Suggested it needs to be a single paper, for simplicity. The calendar should focus on what to expect each year, how to schedule and it gives a sense of direction for the city commissioners and may lead to more tolerance and persuasion when needed. HRC Digital Orientation- Don mentioned the importance of orientation packet and how it is critical to getting everyone on the same page. Ash was working on digitizing all HRC documents that could pertain to orientation so a digital orientation can take place if in person isn't an option. Legislation docket- Don suggested we keep this document separate. Don spoke highly of the importance of sharing this information with the commission and keeping everyone on the same page. Indigeous People Day- Don suggested that we look into the National league of Cities- in Philly dealing with Indegious People’s Day. The commission needs to rework the document. He says working with people's concerns is important. Evan Hansen is wanting the document to be updated as well. They think there is a way to make it beneficial for funding. DEI- Don and Jan met with Kim Haws and discussed the MEI and they're having profiles made in June for us to review and comment on in the August HRC meeting and update the City Council in the meeting of the whole following that meeting. Minority Liaison Coordinating Council- Don mentioned the importance of guidelines and what roles the liaison roles would be and that they could use more definition. He also mentioned he had more to say about this and you can find the info in the Orientation Packet that he had attached to the meeting info. New Business Creating a readiness task force for the Refugees for the current war efforts in Ukraine is important. We need to know resources and more information. Don suggested a welcome statement and worked on getting identification for Refugees. We need support with the city to help get accessible i.ds. Statewide HRC-Racism group on Mondays Statewide groups working together. THe proposal #29 Don would love to see that happen. Website- Don sent Andrew update info on the website but could use more updates. Don has made some recommendations for our out-of-date website such as additional resources. Warming Shelter- On top of the work the Homelessness task force is working on Don suggested they continue working on a center- legal aid, health, services screenings, this was an original envision. Racial Equality Plan- Racism paper is about to be 15 pages long, Don really wishes it could be a book. He said he would be interested in helping the HRC continue to work on it. He described an outside resource and said he would make the link available to the commission. Establish a communication on the MEI- DOn made a list of organizations in and around WV and has included it in his notes. Gun Management- liability insurance? Voting Rights- Minority Liaison Meetings- Need to be varied on times said Ash. Access has been an issue for those who work. They need orientation as well. Don highlighted that water, air, noise are also all human rights. COMMISSIONER UPDATES Ash did a great job presenting information at the Fair Housing Expo. Tim said it was really well done and the state would be in support in backing their efforts. Danny mentioned working with Zoom Conference for Latino Immigrants and will give information for HRC to help in future projects. Bonnie- Anti-Racism Act- It’s not a law but wanted to address the sub-meetings. Bonnie said it was nice to recognize Jan for her efforts at the HRC for the City Council meeting and will be doing one for Don on May 17th Ash- Noted the information of the Fair Housing info. Suggested not 8 am on a Saturday in the future. Discussed current and future efforts being made on addressing ongoing unsheltered issues. BOnnie will take over the sub committee meetings for the Native American Resolution or Proclamation group. Bonnie attended an event at WCY for a Native American Poet/writer and it was very well attended. Another example why this is so important to the community. Advisor for the Police Review- No appointments but interviews are going on. We need to replace Jan as our recommendation now that she has retired. Preservation of HRC- Don insists we keep all documents and hopefully will work towards a more role heavy commissioner to preserve our history. Municipal Equality insect. We planned a work meeting on the 11th of May at 6:30 Monitor the liaison Council- Not consistent on meetings and mot consistent timing has made for a lack of attendance with the community. Something Ash and Brian are trying to work on. Planning- Implementation of google Doc, digital packets- Ash is planning on scanning all items and Bonnie suggested we add a copy of Robert’s rule of order book as well. Posters- We will be looking into this at a later time. Pride Aug 27th-28th- ANnual Block Party and HRC Will be hosting a table. Film Festival- Don updated about the HRC being only part of the film festival WE could support the film program with endowments- Don suggested. Don said he would reach out to Renee and follow up about the panel. Bonnie will contact businesses about a Welcome to Morgantown Packet. Picture ID for Morgantown- Don envisions things working with papers that are in his closing documents he attached. It would work with taking pictures and confirming their residence. This should even work if their papers are expired so we can get them to build a basic ID. Education Materials- Don has items that will go to the city administration. Connie mentioned she went to a historic convention that week and suggested digital documents. National Day of Healing- Maybe work together the day after Martin Luther king Day and possibly host the film day then and roll out the Racial Equality plan. Human Rights City Visibility- HRC we need a mailing list and the Secretary role is really important. Don would like the secretary role to do more collecting newspaper clippings. Secretary Assistant Position- Don and Ash have a work meeting plan to make the roles for the suggested postiosion. Budget for the HRC for a stipend would be money for travel and possibly rooms for the State HRC meeting. The $1,500 budget recommendation is for representatives to travel to a state human rights conference and meetings and National League of Cities - not just for state municipal league meetings NEW BUSINESS Don’s retirement meeting is May 17th. Ash is speaking for him. Don requested transition for coal workers- Ash will add projects to the list and will be on May Agenda. Formation committee for strategic planning- Voting would take place in May. Brian’s Commissioner update- Right to food-Miami School of law. Brian Suggested community outreach, continued grants, human rights on the UN level. Brian suggested to appoint Ash to Stay on the Commission- We are encouraged to write a formal letter to the City COuncil to share our passion to keep Ash on the board. Don MEtionton the concern for Bitcoin, the green committee ruining the quality of air and noise is an equal right. May 17th City COuncil were Don will be regonized Ash Adjourns meeting at 9:21 and Bonnie Seconds. All in favor.