June 15, 2023 Minutes

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES

Regular Meeting: Thursday, June 15, 2023

The Regular Meeting of the Human Rights Commission of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2023.

The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:

Present: Cody Severson, Sarah Boonstoppel, Jacqueline Dotzenrod, Barry Nelson, Hon. Carolyn Becraft, Sekou Sirleaf.

Absent: Hamida Dakane, Matuor Alier, Nancy Boyle, Cheryl Schaefle,

Item 1. Welcome and Introductions
Chair Severson welcomed Members to the meeting and introductions were made.

Item 2. Approve Order of Agenda
Member Becraft moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented, second by member Sirleaf. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 3. Approve Order of Minutes
Member Nelson moved the minutes of the May 18 Human Rights Commission meeting be approved as presented. Second by Member Boonstoppel. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

Item 4. Housing Accessibility presentation, by Xavier Welty
Xavier Welty provided an overview of accessibility and equitable housing opportunities. Welty discussed homeownership and housing accessibility for underserved residents.

Item 5. High Plains Fair Housing presentation, by Michelle Rydz
Michelle Rydz provided an overview of High Plains Fair Housing Center. Rydz shared main focuses of the organization, which includes- Education and Outreach, Enforcement of Fair Housing Act and Advocacy.

Item 6. Legislation Updates
Member Nelson provided an overview of the Legislature session and Bills signed.

Item 7. Committee Updates
Member Sirleaf provided briefing of the May 24th speaker session and panels at the public library on Human Rights subjects. Committee will plan to host another panel discussion focusing on Housing discrimination in July.

Item 8. Staff Updates
DEI Coordinator Shiil acknowledged and thanked outgoing members, Nelson, Boonstoppel and Alier for their time of service.

Item 9. Chair Updates on Expiring Terms and Vacant Seats
Chair Severson announced due date of the HRC application and encouraged resident to apply.

Item 10. Announcements
Members Nelson and Boonstoppel expressed his gratitude to serving on the HRC.
Chair Severson announced cancelation of July HRC meeting.

Item 11. Public Comment
Reverend Karen Van Fossan thanked the commission members for their concern for housing issues and public for advocacy. Reverend Karen Van Fossan spoke about Shane Netterville.

Christopher Coen spoke about housing issues.

Item 12. Adjourn
The time at adjournment was 1:00p.m.