| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009
LOWER LEVEL, CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
57 E. FIRST STREET
6:00 P.M.
The Human Relations Advisory Board of the City of Mesa met in a Regular Human Relations Advisory Board Meeting in the Lower Level, City Council Chambers, 57 E. First Street, January 28, 2009, 6:00 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT MEMBERS ABSENT STAFF PRESENT GUESTS
Terry Benelli, Chair |
Lisa Hudson |
Mary Berumen |
Denise Heap |
James May, Vice chair |
Renee Coelho |
Denise Traves |
|
Ana Cadillo |
Jennifer Hedges |
||
Robert Carlston |
|||
Rory Gilbert |
|||
John Matthews |
|||
Mark Tompert |
|||
Everette Woods |
|||
1. Welcome and Introductions.
Chairperson Terry Benelli welcomed board members and introduced audience member Ms. Denise Heap, chair of the East Valley Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer’s (LGBTQ’s) for Change organization.
2. Approval of minutes from the October 22, 2008, board meeting.
Discussion took place regarding the minutes from October 22.
A motion was made by board member, Rory Gilbert to approve the minutes based on the content with revisions corrected at a later date. Board member, Mark Tompert seconded the motion and the board voted as follows: one yea, five nay and two abstentions.
A motion was made by board member, Mark Tompert to approve minutes as written, board member John Matthews seconded and the board voted as follows: six yea, one nay and two abstentions. The motion passed and minutes were approved as written.
Recommendations were made concerning future minutes. A decision was made to have minutes be sent to all board members for corrections and revisions at least a week in advance of the next meeting.
3. Approval of minutes from the November 19, 2008 Regional Human Relations Advisory Boards and Commissions meeting.
A motion was made by board vice chair, James May to approve the minutes with a correction. Board member, John Matthews seconded the motion and the minutes were approved unanimously.
4. Items from Citizens Present.
Ms. Denise Heap from the East Valley LGBTQ’s for Change spoke on the Domestic Partnership Registry proposal. Ms. Heap voiced concerns over the proposed registry and the potential safety issues for the community she represents. She stated that she was willing to assist in any capacity to educate and increase understanding of the LGBTQ community.
5. Discussion Item/Action Items.
a. Hear an update, discuss and take action on participating in the Unity Walk event February 7, 2009.
Information concerning the Unity Walk was included in the packets. Board members will encourage participating in this event and informing their communities. More information concerning the Unity Walk can be found at: http://www.tempe.gov/diversity/regionalunitywalk.htm
b. Hear an update, discuss and take action on items presented by the:
§ Ad Hoc Community and Education Project Team
o The project team will compile a summary of the emerging communities in Mesa and report on marketing strategies.
§ Ad Hoc Marketing Strategies Project Team
o The project team discussed the possibility of having a Web page on the city internet site. The board recommended that an action plan be drawn up explaining in detail what the Ad Hoc project team would like to see on the Web site before submitting a proposal to the city’s Public Information Office.
§ Ad Hoc Committee on Disabilities
o The project team discussed the information from Governor’s Office December 19, 2008 Veterans Employment & Training. The project team will further review the materials to determine how to proceed with a presentation.
6. Mesa Police Department Report – Community Partnership Coordinator, Denise Traves
a. Hear an update, discuss, and take action on items presented by Mesa Police Department’s, Denise Traves.
Ms. Traves reported that criminal activity in 2008 within the Mesa city limits was down 11%.
b. Hear an update, discuss and take action on items presented at the Police Chief’s Community Forums.
Ms. Traves informed the board that this year the Community Forums will be more active within the community they serve and conduct joint projects with other forums. More information concerning the Chief’s Community Forums can be found at: http://www.mesaaz.gov/police/forums/default.aspx
Ms. Traves reported on the Longfellow Elementary School holiday drive held in December. The school received an overwhelming supply of toys and gifts donated by the community. The success of this drive is leading the Senior Forum to hold a holiday drive for the senior community. Forums will also be holding a “Back to School” drive for the fall ’09 school year.
A round table discussion with Chief Gascon will be held for all the forums on February 24; more information will be forth coming.
7. Diversity Officer’s Report
a. Hear an update, discuss and take action on the Veterans Employment & Training.
Ms. Berumen informed the board that changes have occurred to the FMLA policy regarding Veterans; the City of Mesa has made changes to accommodate the revised policy.
b. Hear an update, discuss and take action on the Washington Park Activity Center area.
The Washington Park neighbors were informed of tentative secured funding for fiscal year 2009-2010 upon Mayor and Council approval. Alston House continues to progress with the second phase of bidding scheduled in March 2009.
c. Hear an update, discuss and take action on the Building Strong Neighborhood (BSN) events and activities.
Ms. Berumen reported on the status of District 3’s BSN neighborhood meeting that will take place on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at Adams Elementary School from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
District 6’s BSN neighborhood meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 5. 2009 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 p.m. at the LDS Church located at 1007 S 72nd Street.
Ms. Berumen asked for a future agenda item to hear an update, discuss and take action on the results from the BSN Initiatives.
8. Report on conferences and/or meetings attended.
Board member Everette Woods reported on the success of the MLK breakfast and other events. Mr. Woods also received an award from the MLK Committee, for all of his hard work in organizing the celebrations in Mesa.
Board member Rory Gilbert attended the Diversity Leadership Alliance (DLA) presentation on “Seeing the Abilities in Disabilities”. She stated that the presenter Nanette Bowles was phenomenal in teaching the audience about hidden disabilities.
9. Scheduling of meetings, future agenda items, and general information.
Ms. Berumen updated the board on the city’s budget cuts, the reductions in work force, and the implementation of a 4x10 work schedule for employees and city offices.
Ms. Traves announced a Domestic Violence Panel Discussion that includes dialogue on animal cruelty and its relationship to domestic violence. This discussion will take place on March 24, at the Mesa Public Schools, Student Services building located at 1025 N. Country Club.
Ms. Gilbert informed the board about the next Healing Racism series, the next session; “Race and the Criminal Justice System”, will be held on the evening of Tuesday, February 24, at Phoenix College.
Ms. Berumen announced that the Diversity Office along with the City of Mesa Housing and Community Revitalization Division will be hosting a “Fair Housing / Ability and Disability” Training on May 12 & 13, 2009. Ms. Nanette Bowles from the DLA conference will be one of the presenters.
Board chair, Terry Benelli asked that City of Mesa Attorney, Debbie Spinner be added to the next agenda to discuss Open Meeting Laws.
Board chair, Terry Benelli received a request from Councilmember Dennis Kavanaugh, to review a proposed Domestic Partner Registry for Mesa. She requested that the Ad Hoc Community and Education Project Team research and review the request. Rory Gilbert requested an agenda item be added to next month’s meeting.
Board vice chair, James May asked for a brief update regarding the ADA changes. Ms. Berumen will ask the writer of the national ADA law, Ken Jacuzzi, to speak to the board on what the board can do to support and recognize the ADA changes.
Mr. May announced the Mesa YMCA “Strong Kids” campaign which; focuses on raising funds for community members who could not afford to participate at a local YMCA, is looking for volunteers who can spend a few hours making calls on behalf of this campaign.
Adjournment.
Board Chair Terri Benelli adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:02 p.m.
The next regular meeting is on February 25, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Lower Level
Submitted By:
__________________
Mary Berumen,