Human Relations Commission - September 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, September 19, 2019.
The Human Relations Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Barry Nelson, Rachel Hoffman, Matuor Alier, Abdiwali Sharif-Abdinasir, Cheryl Schaefle, Laetitia Hellerud, Adam Martin, Hamida Dakane, Cody Severson
Absent: None
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Nelson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
New Human Relations Commission Members, Adam Martin and Cody Severson, were acknowledged and welcomed.
Members Hellerud and Dakane present.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda
Member Hoffman 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 Sharif-Abdinasir moved the minutes of the August 15, 2019 Human Relations Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Member Hellerud. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4. Presentation: High Plains Fair Housing, Angela Urlacher
Angela Urlacher, High Plains Fair Housing Specialist, and Michelle Rydz, High Plains Executive Director, provided a background of the services the High Plains Fair Housing Center provides to promote fair housing practices in North Dakota and strengthen communities. A folder of information was given to the Board Members.
Ms. Urlacher and Ms, Rydz shared that research has been conducted and there is evidence of housing discrimination in North Dakota. They highlighted research they conducted on LGBTQ housing and provided information on disparate treatment.
Ms. Rydz shared that HUD (US Housing and Urban Development) is accepting comments on recent changes regarding disparate treatment and encouraged the public and Board Members to visit www.defendcivilrights.org to submit their comments before October 18, 2019.
Ms. Rydz and Ms. Urlacher talked about the “secret shoppers” they use when conducting an inquiry into housing discrimination.
Discussion was held regarding the next steps when housing discrimination is found, the anonymous tip-line to report discrimination, and educating tenants and landlords.
Member Schaefle moved to move forward with drafting a response to HUD in response to recent changes. Second by Member Alier. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 5. Public Comment
No public comment was provided.
Item 6. Sponsorship Updates
Gadi Edward, Tudeako Group Executive Director, provided an overview of the Back to School Event the Human Relations Commission approved funding for. He shared his vision for the future and thanked the Board for their support.
Assistant Planner Catlyn Christie gave a brief recap of the ND HIV Awareness Walk that was held on September 10.
Item 7. Executive Committee Update & Elections
Planning and Development Director Nicole Crutchfield talked about developing consistency within the Planning Department boards and commissions, noting the importance of being intentional with time and purpose for staff and Board Members. She also stated the Human Relations Commission is currently without a Vice Chair, and recommended establishing a nominating committee to make a recommendation.
Ms. Crutchfield also presented the question of looking at the intention, purpose, and productivity of the executive committee.
Member Schaefle moved to table nominations and discussion on the executive committee to the next Human Relations Commission meeting. Second by Member Sharif-Abdinasir. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 8. Approve Bylaws
Ms. Christie and Ms. Crutchfield presented a draft of bylaws to the Board. They noted some changes are being proposed and there would be a City Ordinance update.
Board discussion was held regarding the need for more time to review the changes before taking action.
Item 9. Other Business
Member Schaefle moved to approve Member Hoffman as the Nomination Committee. Second by Member Alier. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
__Item 10. Staff Report __
Ms. Christie provided a handout to the Board regarding the history of the Human Relations Commission, its structure, and developing the 2020 work plan. She noted the key issue of narrowing down the priorities the Human Relations Commission would like to accomplish.
Item 11. Public Comment
Chair Nelson reminded the Board the LGBTQ+ Summit is upcoming in Mandan, ND, and those needing more information can contact him.
Member Hellerud noted that this is the time of the year when planning usually begins for the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day event.
Ms. Christie stated that talks have started with Reach Partners and that a planning committee will need to be formed.
Members Hellerud and Hoffman expressed interest in being on the committee.
Ms. Crutchfield shared that more information will be sent out to help Members gauge time commitments.
Member Hoffman noted that the Martin Luther King Jr. Day nomination forms would need to get out as soon as possible.
City Commissioner John Strand asked Member Dakane to share about her recent travels. Member Dakane shared that she had been in Kenya spending time with family, and traveling the country.
Member Sharif-Abdinasir noted that there is going to be a New Americans soccer tournament coming up and they are looking for referees. He stated those interested may contact him.
Member Sharif-Abdinasir also stated there is a new location for the Somali Community Development Center, and that an open house will be held on October 3, from 5-7 p.m. More information can be obtained by contacting him.
Item 12. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 1:13 p.m.