Human Rights Commission Meeting

CITY OF NORMAN, OK HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING Municipal Building, Executive Conference Room 201 West Gray St., Norman, OK 73069 Monday, February 27, 2023 at 5:30 PM MINUTES The Human Rights Commission of the City of Norman, Cleveland County, State of Oklahoma, met in the Municipal Complex located at 201 West Gray St. on February 27, 2023, at 5:30 p.m., and notice and agenda of the meeting were duly posted 24 hours prior to the beginning of the meeting. PRESENT Commission Chair Jackie Farley Commission Vice-Chair Aisha Ali Commissioner Chris Nanny Commissioner Michael Kihega Commissioner Christopher Tallbear Commissioner Michael Ridgeway ABSENT Commissioner Samuel Woodfork Commissioner Dr. Binbin Weng Commissioner Stephen Machovic PRESENT Anthony Purinton, Assistant City Attorney Sarah Encinias, Legal Admin Tech ROLL CALL A quorum was present. MINUTES 1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE NOVEMBER 28, 2022, REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Commissioner Ridgeway to approve the Minutes for the November 28, 2022, regular meeting and the motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Ali. A vote was taken with the following results: all approved, and none opposed. The Minutes were approved by unanimous vote. ACTION ITEMS 2. ANNUAL ELECTION FOR CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, February 27, 2023 Page |1  Chair Farley and Vice-Chair Ali agreed to continue serving in their current capacity and motions were made as such with the following votes: all approved and none opposed. Votes for both motions were approved by unanimous vote. Vice-Chair Ali asked questions to understand the role of Vice-Chair. She also asked to clarify how items can be put on HRC meeting agendas. Mr. Purinton said the Vice-Chair serves as a substitute when the Chair is unavailable for meetings or the planning of meetings. Also, that items are placed on agendas at the direction of the Chair or when at least 3 HRC members request an item be addressed. 3. DISCUSSION AND DEBRIEF OF 2023 MLK DAY OF SERVICE Mr. Purinton explained why the Mayor’s Interfaith Breakfast changed to a Day of Service. Initially, plans were made to reserve space at McFarlin Church to hold the Breakfast. However, after confirmation from McFarlin’s confirmation of the venue, McFarlin Church informed City staff that they would not longer be able to accommodate the event, due to the event space now serving as a temporary food pantry. Mr. Purinton then contacted the Mayor and HRC Chair Farley to inform them of the news and to discuss options. Immediately after this, an email was sent out to HRC members to update everyone as to the Mayor’s final decision. The Commissioners also discussed the privately organized MLK breakfast, which was held the same day. The Commissioners who attended described the event. Further discussion and suggestions were made regarding the confusion that the two separate events created in the community. Commissioners requested to start planning the 2024 Breakfast event sooner and Commissioner Tallbear suggested that a back-up contingency plan also be pursued to help with any unforeseen emergencies that may arise in the future. 4. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS Vice-Chair Ali asked that this item be added to today’s agenda to address what still needs to be done with items remaining on the list of recommendations. She suggested that a working list be created to show goals that have been attained and goals that need further work, along with tracking the progress made on pending goals. Vice-Chair Ali and Commissioners Nanny, Tallbear and Ridgeway agreed to work together on compiling the information for discussion at future HRC meetings which will include the new Chief Diversity & Equity Officer. Vice-Chair Ali also mentioned how few people in the community are aware of the many programs that the City police department are involved in. She suggested commissioners think of ways to help increase community awareness of these programs. MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS Additionally, Mr. Purinton updated the Commission to inform them that the previously outstanding HRC complaint was resolved to the mutual satisfaction of both parties after a mediation and would not need to be heard at a later meeting. Chair Farley would like to have a HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, February 27, 2023 Page |2 brief review and summary of what specifically the HRC is responsible for under City code, and Mr. Purinton said he would prepare a presentation for the April meeting. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, February 27, 2023 Page |3