Human Rights Commission

Traverse City Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Monday, July 13, 2026 5:30 pm 2nd Floor Committee Room, Governmental Center 400 Boardman Avenue Traverse City, Michigan 49684 Posted: The City of Traverse City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in, its programs or activities. City Manager's Office, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan 49684, phone 231- 922-4440, TDD/TTY 231-922-4412, VRS 231-421-7008, has been designated to coordinate compliance with the non-discrimination requirements contained in Section 35.107 of the Department of Justice regulations. Information concerning the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the rights provided thereunder, are available from the ADA Coordinator. If you are planning to attend and you have a disability requiring any special assistance at the meeting and/or if you have any concerns, please immediately notify the ADA Coordinator. The City of Traverse City is committed to a dialog that is constructive, respectful and civil. We ask that all individuals interacting verbally or in writing with the Commission honor these values. Human Rights Commission: c/o Kristine Bosley, Human Resource Director (231) 922-4481 Email: citypers@traversecitymi.gov Web: www.traversecitymi.gov 400 Boardman Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684 Page 1 of 19  Welcome to the Human Rights Commission meeting! Agenda Page 1. ROLL CALL A. Chairperson Loup - Vice Chairperson LaSusa - Commissioner Erby Weber - Commissioner Miller - Commissioner Goodman - Commissioner Morris - Commissioner Taylor - Commissioner Rattner - 2. LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT We would like to begin our meeting by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the territory of the Ottawa and Chippewa Peoples, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. Thank you for your strength and resilience in protecting this land and inspiring us to uphold our responsibilities to do the same. 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A. Approval of the 8 June 2026 Meeting Minutes 5-8 Human Rights Commission - 08 Jun 2026 - Minutes - Pdf 4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A. Approval of 13 July 2026 Agenda 5. PUBLIC COMMENT 6. OLD BUSINESS A. Discussion Regarding Complaint Form 9- 11 tchrc_complaint_form 7.8.2026 B. Possible HRC Strategic Planning Session C. Human Rights Commission Brochure 13 - 14 HRC Brochure Updated D. Housing & Homelessness Task Force Report Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - CityofTC - www.traversecitymi.gov Page 2 of 19 7. NEW BUSINESS 8. 2ND PUBLIC COMMENT 9. CHAIR REPORT 10. REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND CORRESPONDENCE A. HRC Budget 15 7.8.2026 HRC Budget B. Yearly Calendar 17 - 19 HRC Yearly Planning - 7.8.2026 11. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 12. ADJOURNMENT Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram - CityofTC - www.traversecitymi.gov Page 3 of 19 Page 4 of 19  Minutes of the Human Rights Commission for the City of Traverse City Regular Meeting Monday, June 8, 2026 A regular meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Traverse City was called to order at the Commission Chambers, Governmental Center, 400 Boardman Avenue, Traverse City, Michigan, at 5:30 p.m. Chairperson Loup presided at the meeting. (a) ROLL CALL (1) Chairperson Loup - Vice Chairperson LaSusa - Commissioner Erby Weber - Commissioner Miller - Commissioner Goodman - Commissioner Morris - Commissioner Taylor - Commissioner Rattner - Chairperson Loup, Vice Chairperson LaSusa, Commissioner Erby Weber, Commissioner Miller, and Commissioner Goodman were present. Commissioners Morris, Taylor, and Rattner were absent. A quorum was present. (b) LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT We would like to begin our meeting by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the territory of the Ottawa and Chippewa Peoples, who have stewarded this land throughout the generations. Thank you for your strength and resilience in protecting this land and inspiring us to uphold our responsibilities to do the same. (1) Vice Chairperson LaSusa read the land acknowledgment. (c) APPROVAL OF MINUTES (1) Approval of the 11 May 2026 Meeting Minutes Motion by Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Goodman, to approve the May 11, 2026 meeting minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Page 1 of 4 Page 5 of 19 (d) APPROVAL OF AGENDA (1) Approval of 8 June 2026 Agenda Motion by Commissioner Erby Weber, seconded by Vice chairperson LaSusa, to approve the June 8, 2026 agenda as presented. Motion carried unanimously. (e) PUBLIC COMMENT (f) OLD BUSINESS (1) Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award & Humanitarian Business/Organization Awards Chairperson Loup stated that the awards event appeared to be successful and requested feedback regarding the event and potential improvements for future years. Discussion included establishing a permanent date for the event, with support expressed for holding the event on the third Monday in June. Chairperson Loup also questioned the scoring rubric, particularly the weighting assigned to the number of nominations received and the subjective nature of the scoring scale. Additional comments included providing clearer guidance for evaluators, the value of nominee presentations when application information is limited, and exploring opportunities to increase media attendance and coverage. Commissioner Miller stated that the event went well and supported reviewing or removing the weighting assigned to the number of nominations. Commissioner Miller requested clarification regarding the scoring scale, discussed the importance of local impact and how evaluation criteria are reflected in the application, expressed interest in increasing media coverage of the awards, and noted that presenting multiple awards together creates a more festive atmosphere and may increase attendance. Vice chairperson LaSusa discussed attendance at the event and suggested opening nominations earlier in the year, potentially in February rather than March. Additional comments included that weighting years of service may disadvantage newer nominees, whether recipients should remain eligible after receiving the award, placing greater emphasis on humanitarian impact within Traverse City, reviewing the application and scoring rubric together, and appreciation for the reception held prior to the event. Commissioner Goodman supported removing the nomination weighting, and maintaining the current voting system while using total scores as a complementary tool. Commissioner Erby Weber asked whether the award should be considered a lifetime achievement award moving forward. (2) Discussion Regarding Complaint Form Vice Chairperson LaSusa reported that an updated complaint form will be presented at the next meeting. Page 2 of 4 Page 6 of 19  (3) Possible HRC Strategic Planning Session Chairperson Loup reported making contact with a facilitator who recommended several alternative approaches. Chairperson Loup anticipates holding two to three additional conversations in the near future. (4) Human Rights Commission Brochure Commissioner Miller presented an updated brochure design. Commissioner Erby Weber suggested revising gendered language and stated support for the overall design. (g) NEW BUSINESS (h) 2ND PUBLIC COMMENT (i) CHAIR REPORT (1) Chairperson Loup encouraged commissioners to invite community members and organizations to provide brief presentations during future meetings. Chairperson Loup also reported that the Historical Society recently installed a marker near the Murchie Bridge area along the Parkway using more inclusive language. (j) REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS, AND CORRESPONDENCE (1) HRC Budget Commissioner Goodman asked whether the budget resets at the end of June. (2) Yearly Calendar Vice Chairperson LaSusa reported that award dates will be added to the yearly calendar. Discussion included potential nomination timelines, support for community events, and ways to share partner organization event calendars. Chairperson Loup noted that award planning timelines may depend on meeting schedules and suggested closing nominations approximately two weeks before the awards event. Commissioner Miller commented on the importance of providing award recipients adequate notice so they can invite guests and noted that Juneteenth celebrations are approaching. Commissioner Goodman noted an upcoming E3 event. Commissioner Erby Weber asked whether the commission would be requesting a table at the September Pride event. Page 3 of 4 Page 7 of 19 (k) COMMISSIONER COMMENTS (l) ADJOURNMENT Page 4 of 4 Page 8 of 19  TRAVERSE CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 400 Boardman Avenue Traverse City, MI 49684 COMPLAINT FORM Anyone in the Traverse City area who believes they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity may file a written report of discrimination with the Human Rights Commission. We also encourage you to submit a complaint to the appropriate local, state or federal agency. Please be aware that a statute of limitation may apply to your complaint, which will not be satisfied by the filing of a complaint with the Human Rights Commission. The filing of a complaint with the Human Rights Commission has no effect on the statute of limitations for filing a complaint or any other requirements of any court or administrative agency. You must file a complaint with the appropriate court or agency within the appropriate time frame of the alleged discriminatory action. Please consult an attorney for any legal questions as this body does not provide legal advise. Please note that as a government body, we are bound by the Freedom of Information Act to allow public access to this information upon request. All meetings of the Human Rights Commission are open to the public. Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m at 400 Boardman Ave, Traverse City, MI 49684. You can find the most up to date information including agendas on the City of Traverse City website. If you need assistance in completing this form, please call the Human Resources Director for the City of Traverse City at (231) 922-4407. Next Steps: Your complaint will be received by Human Resources staff for the City of Traverse City. It will also be shared with the Human Rights Commission. A representative of the Human Rights Commission will reach out to you regarding your complaint. All complaints that are not related to the City of Traverse City or outside its jurisdiction will be directed to the appropriate jurisdiction. Adopted: 07-XX-2026 DRAFT Page 9 of 19 File a Complaint: Contact Information: Are you filing for yourself or on behalf of someone else? ☐ Yes ☐ No If yes, please explain relationship to complainant: ___________________________________________________________________________ Complainant Name: Date: Address:________________________________________________________________________ City, State and Zip Code:________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________Email: ________________________________________ Complaint Details: Information on person, employer, or organization whom your are complaining against: Name of Person/Organization:_______________________________________________________ Address:________________________________________________________________________ City, State and Zip Code:________________________________________________________ Telephone: ____________________Email: ________________________________________ Date(s) of incident(s): _____________________________________________________________ Location of the incident: ___________________________________________________________ Details of the discriminatory action(s): (if additional space required, attach extra sheets) Adopted: 07-XX-2026 DRAFT Page 10 of 19 How do you think the City of Traverse City Human Rights Commission can assist you? (if additional space required, attach extra sheets) Are the any attachments or additional documents included this complaint? ☐ Yes ☐ No Your Signature: I declare and affirm that I have read this complaint (including any attachments) and that it is true and correct to the best of my recollection. Signature:______________________________________________________________________ Print Name:_______________________________________________ Date:________________ Please reach out to Human Resources Director for the City of Traverse City at (231) 922-4407 with any questions. Adopted: 07-XX-2026 DRAFT Page 11 of 19 Page 12 of 19 CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION Mission & Purpose The Traverse City Human Rights Commission fosters understanding of human rights in our community and advocates for human rights to advance dignity for all. WHAT WE DO Advocacy for Human Rights Community Education Collaborate with Community Groups Humanitarian Awards The Human Rights Commission awards the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award and the Business/Organization Humanitarian Efforts Award each year. Page 13 of 19  CITY OF TRAVERSE CITY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION File a Complaint/Learn More Anyone in the Traverse City area who believes they have been discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, height, weight, marital status, physical or mental disability, family status, sexual orientation, or gender identity may file a written report of discrimination with the Human Rights Commission. traversecitymi.gov/humanrightscommission.html Page 14 of 19  07/08/2026 GL ACTIVITY REPORT FOR TRAVERSE CITY FROM 101-272-880.001 TO 101-272-880.001 TRANSACTIONS FROM 07/01/2026 TO 07/31/2026 Date JNL Type AMT BALANCE AVAILABLE Fund 101 GENERAL FUND 07/01/2026 101-272-880.001 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BEG. BALANCE 0.00 2,000.00 07/31/2026 101-272-880.001 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION END BALANCE 0.00 2,000.00 Page 15 of 19 Page 16 of 19  Traverse City Human Rights Commission - Holiday/Recognition Tracker Month Holiday Date Notes JANUARY World Religon Day 1/18/2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (3rd Monday in Jan) 1/19/2026 International Holocaust Rememberance Day 1/27/2026 FEBRUARY Black History Month Feb National Senior Independence Month Feb President's day (3rd Monday in Feb) 2/16/2026 MARCH Women’s History Month March International Women’s Day 3/8/2026 APRIL Child Abuse Prevention Month April Sexual Assault Awareness Month April Earth Day 4/22/2026 MAY Youth Mental Health Month (HRC 2022 Resolution) May National Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month May National Nurses Day 5/6/2026 National Teacher Appreciation Day 5/7/2026 JUNE LGBTQIA+ Pride Month June Juneteenth (June 19th Annually) 6/19/2026 Recognition of the American with Disabilities Act JULY Signed (July 26 Annually) 7/26/2026 AUGUST SEPTEMBER Hispanic Heritage Month Sep Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Sep OCTOBER Domestic Violence Awareness Month Oct Indigenous Peoples Day 10/12/2026 National Migrant Day 10/28/2026 NOVEMBER National Native American Heritage Month Nov Homelessness Awareness Month in Michigan Nov DECEMBER International Day of the Disabled Person 12/3/2026 Bill of Rights Day (Dec 15 Annually) 12/15/2026 International Migrants Day (Dec 18 Annually) 12/18/2026 Page 17 of 19  Traverse City Human Rights Commission - Yearly Event Calendar Month Event Date Attendance Partners Notes JANUARY Elections of Officers (Chair/Vice-Chair) All Organizational Award Nominations Due Sara Hardy Award Nominations Due FEBRUARY HRC Budget Request Due to City Manager Advertise for Organization Award Nominations Sara Hardy and Organization Awards MARCH - Organizational Award Reception? (end of month?) HRC Meeting to vote on Sara Hardy Accept Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award Nominations APRIL Event with FLOW? Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award Reception MAY Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award Reception? (if not in April) Review HRC Commissioner Term Dates JUNE Up North Pride - Rainbow Run 6/20/26 JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER Up North Pride OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER Page 18 of 19 Community Partner Contact Name Contact Phone Contact Email Address Zonta Club, Impact 100 FLOW Childrens Advocacy Center Womens Resource Center UpNorthPride E3 Disability Network Michigan Rehab Services NAMI Northern Lakes CMH North Ed Migrant Ed Samaritas Women's Resource Center GTB Migrant Resource Council Spanish Catholic Church Gladys Munoz Goodwill Inn/Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness Tart (Earth Day) Page 19 of 19