Human Relations Commission - April 18, 2019 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Human Relations Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, April 18, 2019.
The Human Relations Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Rachel Hoffman, Cheryl Schaefle, Laetitia Hellerud, Matuor Alier, Paul Jensen, Barry Nelson
Absent: Abdiwali Sharif-Abdinasir, David Lanpher, Hamida Dakane
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Nelson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda
Member Hoffman moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented. Second by Member Alier. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Approve Minutes
Member Hoffman moved the minutes of the March 21, 2019 Human Relations Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Member Jensen. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4. RMCEP Inclusion Planning Presentation: Craig Nathan, Janelle Klinke, and Laetitia Hellerud
Craig Nathan, Director of Regional Initiatives for RMCEP (Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program), and Laetitia Hellerud, UBUNTO Consulting, gave a presentation on behalf of the Community Inclusion Committee regarding barriers and opportunities to provide employment opportunities for New Americans.
Mr. Nathan and Ms. Hellerud noted a New American study was conducted in September 2017 and key findings were trends in housing, childcare, transportation, and education. They shared that work is being done on a second phase of the study which will work towards better-integrated communities, validating findings from the 2017 study, and outlining strategies for consistent practices. They stated focus is on four key areas: business engagement, building inclusive workplaces, employer designated programs, and partnerships.
Discussion was held on the process and timeline to expand into the metro area, developing partnerships, including a broader outreach beyond New Americans, and funding and collaboration.
Item 5. Public Comment- Citizens to be heard
Precious Dweh, Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Initiative Network of Liberia in Fargo, thanked the Human Relations Commission for their past sponsorship. She gave a brief update noting that office space has been obtained, and credibility is being gained in the community from other donors.
Fargo resident Alma Cipranic spoke to the Board regarding a discrimination incident that occurred over the weekend. She noted that her family no longer feels safe, and that since no hate crime legislation exists she wanted to bring attention to the incident.
City Commissioner John Strand encouraged Ms. Cipranic to file a police report, which she stated she had already done.
The Board commended Ms. Cipranic on sharing this incident with the Board.
Item 6. Addictions Committee Note of Update
Member Schaefle shared the Addictions Committee held a meeting on March 22. She noted that arrangements have been made with the downtown Fargo Public Library to hold a standing meeting on the 3rd Friday of each month. She noted that Frank Hunkler and his colleague have put together a program, and she will meet with them next week to receive a presentation on the program.
Member Jensen noted that the Committee is working on identifying partner agencies in the community.
Item 7. Strategic Planning Update
Assistant Planner Kara Gloe stated that the May 7th Strategic Planning session has been postponed and will be rescheduled.
Item 8. Sponsorship Applications
Chair Nelson noted that a sponsorship application was received for the PRIDE in the Park event requesting $500. He noted that the Executive Committee recommended $200.
Member Hellerud moved to approve $200 for the PRIDE in the Park event. Second by Member Jensen. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 9. Welcoming America Membership
Chair Nelson stated that the Human Relations Commission has been a part of Welcoming America for a number of years and the membership renewal is coming due. He noted that the Executive Committee recommended to continue membership and suggested a $200 membership level.
Member Jensen moved to approve $200 for the Welcoming America Membership. Second by Member Schaefle. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 10. Term Expirations
Ms. Gloe noted that Members Jensen, Hellerud, and Sharif-Abdinasir terms on the Human Relations Commission will expire on July 1. She stated that each member should contact staff regarding interest in extending their term.
Item 11. Attendance Policy
Chair Nelson reviewed the attendance policy and emphasized the importance of timely responses to ensure a meeting quorum is obtained.
Item 12. Other Business
Member Hoffman inquired about the Human Relations Commission participating in the Fargo Police Picnic this year. Ms. Gloe stated she will look into more information regarding the event.
Item 13. Staff Reports
No staff reports were provided.
Item 14. Public Comment – Continued if needed
No public comment was provided.
Chair Nelson shared that the Building Bridges event was a good event.
Item 15. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 1:04 p.m.