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, May 22, 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 Street on May 22, 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 Vice-Chair Aisha Ali Commissioner Chris Nanny Commissioner Michael Kihega Commissioner Michael Ridgeway Commissioner Stephen Machovic ABSENT Commission Chair Jackie Farley Commissioner Christopher Tall Bear (2 vacancies) STAFF PRESENT Maylon Wesley, Chief Diversity & Equity Officer Anthony Purinton, Assistant City Attorney Sarah Encinias, Legal Admin Tech OTHERS PRESENT John Scamehorn ROLL CALL A quorum was present. MINUTES 1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FOR THE APRIL 24, 2023, REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Commissioner Chris Nanny to approve the Minutes for the April 24, 2023, regular meeting and the motion was duly seconded by Commissioner Michael Ridgeway. A vote was taken with the following results: all approved, and none opposed. The Minutes were approved by unanimous vote. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, May 22, 2023 Page |1 ACTION ITEMS 2. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON PROCLAMATIONS Mr. Wesley said he has been in communication with the Mayor who said he would like to get with the councilmembers to establish a process. Ultimately it is the Mayor’s decision but Mr. Wesley said HRC Commissioners can compile a list pending the conclusion reached by the Mayor. Also, since this process includes the Deputy City Clerk and she will retire soon, they have to consider changes implemented for the new Deputy City Clerk as well. Commissioners held discussion about how to pick meaningful proclamations that have the best impact for the local community. 3. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY SUBCOMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS The sub-group continues discussion on this item but is not ready to present official findings at this time. Also, they are having to leave one member out at each sub-group meeting due to reaching new quorum limits resulting from having 2 vacancies on the HRC. This item will be on the next agenda for further discussion and updates. MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS Mr. Purinton told members who were reaching their membership end date to reach out to the mayor if they are interested in extending their term. Commissioner Nanny expressed disappointment in hearing news that the OU Motel might be demolished once a new owner acquires the property. She said this is one of the few buildings in Norman that offer affordable housing and it would be a detriment to this population. Members agreed to list this concern for discussion on the next HRC meeting agenda. Commissioner Ridgeway suggested the HRC perform outreach by holding community listening sessions instead of hosting speakers and he recommended the Kettering Foundation to provide training to HRC members. Commissioner Ridgeway volunteered to contact the foundation to inquire about this possibility. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING - Monday, May 22, 2023 Page |2