Human Relations Commission - December 19, 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, December 19, 2019.
The Human Relations Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Matuor Alier, Laetitia Hellerud, Adam Martin, Barry Nelson, Cody Severson, Abdiwali Sharif-Abdinasir
Absent: Cheryl Schaefle, Rachel Hoffman, 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 Alier moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented. Second by Member Sharif-Abdinasir. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Approve Minutes
Member Severson moved the minutes of the November 21, 2019 Human Relations Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Member Alier. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4. Public Comment
No public comment was provided.
Item 5. Presentation: Vince Kempf, Fargo Police Department
Cultural Liaison Officer Vince Kempf, Fargo Police Department, gave a presentation on the Community Engagement Team and the work they do in the Fargo community. He noted primary goals included building positive relationships with New Americans and cultural groups, helping people to succeed, and building trust between the community and law enforcement, especially with youth.
Officer Kempf provided an overview of some of the programs including survival swimming lessons for youth, adult art programs, a summer camp, and use of the Community Engagement Team gaming trailer and transportation bus. He also highlighted proposed programs to be held at the Fargo Police Department Community Engagement Center.
Member Hellerud present.
Item 6. Sponsorship Request: North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival
Sean Coffman, Director of The Human Family, gave a brief overview of the 3rd Annual North Dakota Human Rights Arts Festival. He noted that the event will run January 9-31 with 65 pieces of arts as a part of the festival held at the Plains Art Museum. He stated that a free public reception will be held January 22 from 6:00 -8:00 p.m.
Member Alier moved to approve the $500 sponsorship request. Second by Member Sharif-Abdinasir. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 7. Old Business
a. Cass County Refugee Resettlement – Statement of Support
Chair Nelson noted that a statement was included in the packet that was submitted to the Cass County Commission on behalf of the Human Relations Commission in support of allowing refugee resettlement in Cass County. He stated that the Cass County Commission voted unanimously to allow refugee resettlement in the county.
b. MLK Day Event Planning Update
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie reminded Board Members the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event will be held at the Fargo Theatre on January 20, 2020 starting at 6:30 p.m. She asked Members to arrive by 5:45 p.m. to assistant with the event and noted that posters are available for distribution.
Item 8. Staff Report
a. 2020 HRC Work Plan and Budget Update
Assistant Planner Karin Flom noted the plan to go into workshop following the adjournment of today’s meeting.
b. Call for 2020 Speaker Ideas
Ms. Flom updated the Board that in 2020 Board Members are being asked to take turns and have one Member speak each month regarding the work they do. She stated Member Sharif-Abdinasir will speak in February.
City Commissioner John Strand shared that he would like to further discuss ADA issues.
Item 9. Public Comment
Chair Nelson noted that a box of copies of the 2019 Municipal Equality Index are available for distribution. He shared that the findings show that much work is still needed.
Member Martin shared that an Opportunity Ball will be held January 17, 2020 at the Avalon Events Center to support the F5 project. He noted the event will include a silent auction, social, and speakers.
Member Sharif-Abdinasir shared that he recently attended a conference regarding the 2020 Census and stated the importance of raising awareness and that everyone counts.
Item 10. Next Meeting: February 20, 2020
Item 9. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 12:50 p.m.