Lower Level, City Council Chambers

57 E. First Street

Board Members:	Terry Benelli, Chair	Lisa Hudson
	James May, Vice Chair	John Matthews
	Ana Cadillo	Mark Tompert
	Renee Coelho	Everette Woods, Sr.
	Rory Gilbert

1. Welcome and Introductions.

Chair welcomed board members, staff, and guests.

2. Approval of minutes from the February 25, 2009 board meeting.

Minutes were approved unanimously.

3. Items from Citizens Present. *

No items from citizens present.

4. Discussion Items/Action Items:

a. Discuss and take action on the presentation by Annica Benning. Author and photographer, Miss Annica Benning is fourteen years old and a freshman at Scottsdale Preparatory Academy. Her book entitled Arizona: Nations and Art showcases Native American culture.

• Discuss and take action on Miss Benning’s presentation on the Multicultural Youth Summit for Understanding.

No action was taken however, individual board members offered support to Miss Benning.

b. Discuss and take action on the presentation by Executive Director of The Foundation for Intercultural Dialogue (FID), Mustafa Gunozu. The FID will be holding the Second Annual Arizona Children’s Festival at the Mesa Arts Center on April 25, 2009.

Board member John Matthews made a motion that the Human Relations Advisory Board compose and send a press release in support of the Arizona Children’s Festival. Board member Mark Tompert seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.

The rest of the agenda was tabled for the next meeting.

c. Hear an update, discuss, and take action on items presented by the:

• Ad Hoc Community of Education Project Team

o Give a report on educating Mesa residents of the many hidden communities within the city limits.

o Give a report on the Domestic Partner Registry proposal.

• Ad Hoc Marketing Strategies Project Team

o Give a report on marketing strategies for the HRAB.

• Ad Hoc Committee on Disabilities

o Give a report on presentations by the Veteran’s Administration, Military veterans, and members of the aging communities.

d. Hear an update on the Regional Human Relations Committee meeting.

• Discuss and take action on the task given by the Regional Committee to develop a joint statement against hate crimes.

e. Discuss and take action on establishing a summer HRAB schedule.

5. Mesa Police Department Report – Community Partnership Coordinator, Denise Traves.

a. Hear an update on hate and bias crimes in Mesa.

b. Hear an update from the Chief’s Community Forums.

c. Hear an update on upcoming presentations and conferences:

• Domestic Violence presentation, March 24, 2009.

• East Valley Summit, April 4, 2009

6. Diversity Officer’s Report:

a. Hear an update on the Valley Metro, ADA paratransit (Dial-a-Ride) open house and public hearing.

b. Hear an update on the Fair Housing/Ability and Disability Conference in May.

c. Hear an update on the Diversity office and Community Outreach office activities.

7. Report on conferences and/or meeting attended.

8. Scheduling of meetings, future agenda items, and general information.

9. Adjourn

The next regular meeting is on April 22, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers, Lower Level

*Members of the audience may address the Board on any item.

State Statute prohibits the

Human Relations Advisory Board from discussing an item that is not on the agenda.