October 17, 2024 Minutes

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, October 17, 2024.

The Human Rights Commissioners present or absent were as follows:

Present: Sekou Sirleaf, Nancy Boyle, Courtney Kronback, Ritchell Aboah, Kristin Nelson,
Cody Severson, Carolyn Becraft, Zoe Absey, Xavier Welty.

Absent: Tambah Saah, Aaron Kawreh.

Other attendees: Michael Redlinger and Brenda Derrig, City Administration, Ahmed Shiil, DEI Coordinator, John Strand, City Commissioner.

Item 1. Welcome and Introductions:
o The meeting was called to order by Cody Severson.
o Attendees introduced themselves and their roles.

Item 2. Approve or amend agenda:
o The agenda was approved by motion by Ritchell and seconded by Kristin. Approved unanimously.

Item 3. Approval of September 19, 2024 meeting minutes:
o The minutes were approved by motion by Ritchell and seconded by Kristin. Approved unanimously.

Item 4. Collaborative Reorganization Discussion:
o Michael discussed the transition of administrative support for the HRC.
o He emphasized their commitment to working collaboratively with the commission.
o The commission members expressed concerns about the loss of the DEI department and the impact on their work.

Item 5. Administrative update:
o Michael and Brenda discussed transition of administrative support for the HRC.
o Discussed website updates and process of complaints.
o Questions raised about data collection, information sharing and future planning.
o The need for clear communication and collaboration between the commission and City Administration was highlighted.

Item 6. Outgoing Chair/Incoming Chair Comments:
o Cody and Sekou spoke.

Item 7. Announcements:
o Trans Day of Remembrance
o Homeless winter discussion
o Pangea-Cultivate our Cultures
o Arbors discussion
o Meals on wheels drivers needed
o National Day of Action (Today) – Domestic Violence
o Conflict Resolution Day (Today)
o Antislavery Day – October 18
o Trans Day of Visibility – November 20
o Fargo Youth Initiative - Impact October 29
o Election Day – November 5
o InclusiveFargoND.com - Website

Item 8. Sub-committee updates:
o Cease meeting at this time, continue work on strategic planning.

Item. 9. Public comment:
o Eric Ness raised concerns about FLOCK software utilized by Police Department.
o Cheryl Schaefle, a former commissioner, expressed gratitude for her time on the commission and emphasized the importance of the HRC's work.

Item 10. Adjourn:
o The meeting was adjourned at 1:04pm.

Next meeting:
o Thursday, November 21, 2024 at noon.