Human Relations Commission - April 19, 2018 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Human Relations Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the City Commission Room at City Hall at 12:00 o’clock p.m., Thursday, April 19, 2018.
The Human Relations Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Rachel Hoffman, Abdiwali Sharif-Abdinasir, Cheryl Schaefle, Laetitia Hellerud, Timothy Stone, Paul Jensen, Barry Nelson
Absent: Hassan Lamba, David Lanpher
Also Present: John Strand (Fargo City Commissioner)
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Hoffman welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda and Minutes
Mr. Nelson moved the Order of Agenda and minutes of the March 15, 2018 Human Relations Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Mr. Jensen. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Member Sharif-Abdinasir present.
Item 3. How Art Creates Community: Dayna DeVal
Mr. Jensen introduced Dayna DeVal, President and CEO of The Arts Partnership, to the Board.
Ms. DeVal provided background on The Arts Partnership and shared information on the current strategic direction of working to ensure the accessibility and inclusivity of arts in the community. She shared that they are seeking partnerships and connections to reach more diverse populations.
Discussion was held regarding the Chalkfest and Welcome Week events and possible integration opportunities.
Member Hellerud present.
Planning Director Nicole Crutchfield spoke on ways the City could assist in connections through liaisons to other City Boards.
Item 4. H.R. 620: Keith Bjornson & Nate Aalgaard
Nate Aalgaard, Director of Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living, presented the background of H.R. 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act. He noted that it has passed the US House of Representatives.
Mr. Aalgaard and Keith Bjornson spoke in opposition to the Bill and shared their concerns regarding local ADA compliance issues.
Item 5. Public Comment
No public comments were made.
Item 6. Funding Requests
The following funding requests were reviewed as follows:
1) United Against Hunger – funding request for $400
Mr. Jensen moved to approve $200. Second by Ms. Schaefle. All members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 7. Planning Department Update: Nicole Crutchfield
Ms. Crutchfield gave an update of the Planning Department organization changes and distributed a handout to the Board Members regarding staff coverage and the 2018 work plan. She shared that the Planning Department will have the following four divisions in structure: Community Development, Long-Range Planning, Current Planning, and Urban Planning.
Ms. Crutchfield shared that the Community Development Coordinator position is currently open and advertised.
Item 8. Other Business
Mr. Jensen shared that the tour of the NDSCS facility went well and provided good information about their programs.
Commissioner Stand suggested an update on the resettlement programs for a future meeting agenda.
Mr. Nelson inquired on the status of the statement gathering from the women who spoke at the February Human Relations Commission meeting. Mr. Sharif-Abdinasir updated the Board that they are almost half-way through gathering and processing the statements.
Mr. Sharif-Abdinasir announced that he is running for a position on the Fargo School Board.
Mr. Nelson informed the Board that today, April 19, is Give OUT Day.
Item 9. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 1:00 p.m.