Human Relations Commission - November 19, 2020 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Human Relations Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held virtually in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, November 19, 2020.
The Human Relations Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Abdiwali Sharif-Abdinasir, Cheryl Schaefle, Matuor Alier, Laetitia Hellerud, Barry Nelson, Hamida Dakane, Ahmed Shiil, Carolyn Becraft
Absent: Cody Severson
Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Alier welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.
Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda
Member Nelson moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented. Second by Member Becraft. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 3. Approve Order of Minutes
Member Becraft moved the minutes of the October 15, 2020 Human Relations Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Member Sharif-Abdinasir. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item 4. Public Comment
Jamie Garvey, Fargo Fire Department, shared that the Fargo Fire Department is accepting applications for new firefighters and the application deadline is December 4. He reviewed basic the requirements and encouraged Board Members to share this information in the community. Additional information can be found at www.fargofire.com.
Member Schaefle present.
Item 5. Old Business
a. Statement on Racial Covenants
Member Nelson provided a background and history of the racial covenant concern previously brought before the Human Relations Commission.
Michelle Rydz, Executive Director of the High Plains Fair Housing Center, read a prepared statement and noted that fair housing is a right that is protected.
Discussion was held on if covenants are listed in title opinions, and what the breakdown of homeownership for African Americans is in Fargo.
Member Nelson presented the Board with a Statement. Member Becraft moved to approve the statement as proposed by Member Nelson. Second by Member Schaefle. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
b. MLK Day Planning Update
Assistant Planner Karin Flom stated that Reach Partners is being contracted with for the event, and the plan is to have a fully virtual event in January. She noted a planning call scheduled for November 20 and that the nomination period will open soon.
c. Update from HRC Work Plan Work Groups
No update was provided from the three work groups. Chair Alier requested the groups to meet before the next meeting.
d. Meeting Frequency & Structure Discussion
Ms. Flom provided an overview of the Human Relations Commission work plan and the three goals set out in it. She presented a summary of three possible meeting frequency options, and stated input on the options can be submitted to Planning staff.
Brief discussion was held by the Board on the three options.
e. HRC Liaison Positions Discussion
Ms. Flom noted an overview of the liaison positions discussion is included in the meeting packet.
Item 6. Staff Report
Ms. Flom stated a staff update is included in the packet and provided a brief overview.
Planning Coordinator Tia Braseth provided an overview of the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and HOME funds. She stated a public comment period will be held in January.
Item 7. Announcements
Member Becraft extended congratulations to Member Alier on his new position with Moorhead Public Schools.
Members Hellerud and Dakane were recognized for their recent campaigns for North Dakota legislature.
Item 8. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 1:04 p.m.