Auburn Human Rights Commission
Minutes from meeting April 2, 2003
Members: Present (P; Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Dir. P Fred Richardson, Comm.; P
Zan Liebowitz, Sec.; P Judah Rodriguez-Sierra; P
Fr. Stephen Mack; E Loretta Snell; E
Gwendolyn M. Jones; P Valerie Bauhofer; E
Kent Brandstetter; P Anthony DeCaro; E
Members Present: 5 ; Members Absent: 0; Members Excused: 4
Meeting called to order at 5:15 p.m. Last month’s Board minutes approved. motion/second by: K. Brandstetter/J. Rodriguez
Director’s Report:
· March Monthly Intakes (40) on various issues including: racial problem at area school, renting and housing matters/code violations, legal aide, employment/termination (Family Medical Leave Act, disability, VESID), etc. from individuals contacting the office in person or via the telephone.
· Comments: Members discuss the racial problem existing within one of the school districts located in the County. Complainant has been given information and HR Complaint form.
*Revisions to the 2003-2004 (see attachment) are as follows with a ten percent reduction on line appropriation .46 minus $100 from last year. Also line .44 had its increase at $1900 reduced to its original $350 for outreach programs. $1900 is the actual amount the Commission spent for various programs last year and needed to transfer monies from one line appropriation to the next in order to be able to afford programs for the community. Additionally, the proposed Para-Legal/Investigator position at $12,OOO annually was cut for the third year in a row. It is a service to the community to have such a position created and will be continually sought for greater service to residents.
· Discussion. Commission states that funds for community programs are a top priority. If money for program(s) are lacking due to budget cuts, he will speak to the City Manager.
· Ward DeWitt, President of the Harriet Tubman Board of Directors has informed the Commission that there is limited seating space for the Juneteenth Day program due to the expansion of their exhibit room. We’ve discussed alternate seating arrangements with use of tent rental with the concern for inclement weather. BTW was also mentioned but lacks historical significance and acoustics are poor for the presenter. Mr. DeWitt state that the Tubman Home is willing to work with the Commission in order to have our program at their site.
· Comments: Discussion ensued. Commissioner is concerned for the high cost of tent rental. Also, and alternative indoor site would need to be reserved. This would complicate matters. Commissioner Brandstetter reminds the Board that the Salvation Army has an available gymnasium. Again, gymnasiums do not have the best acoustics and BTW has more of a connection to Juneteenth Day than the Salvation Army site. Commissioner Richardson will check the Tubman site and its seating capacity.
· Human Rights Scholarship – UPDATE…471 bulk mail pieces to a specific city mail route are mailed plus first class mailing to service organizations, banks, etc. Over 500 pieces mailed in addition to retail advertising, cable channel 4 announcements, newspaper public service announcements, etc. should generated donated funds for the scholarship. Fundraiser raffles are still available for sale as we hover around the halfway point for funds. General Scholarship applications have also been mailed to Booker T. Washington Community Center and various churches for posting of the information on scholarship applications.
· Comments: Members discuss return percentage on mail campaign as well as in-house fundraiser raffle.
· Attended the Homsite monthly board meeting. Discussion of various housing issues.
· Women’s History Month: UPDATE – the Commission sponsored Aunt Helen’s Closet – Multicultural presentation to nearly 100 third grade students at Seward Elementary School. Students were very receptive to the program and learned while enjoying the various stories on travels to countries around the world, modeling of materials, and interacting with the presenter. HR provided a student questionnaire about the program in order to have “feed back” on the program. Their responses were good.
· Comments: Members discuss program and are pleased with the student responses.
· Auburn Enlarged School District invited the HR Director to a Staff Development Day meeting at eh Auburn High School to share and discuss ideas concerning the district’s Character Education Program with emphasis on reaching the adult population. Various community organizations/members were invited to “brainstorm” with teachers, principals, and administrators on numerous ideas on reinforcing character education outside the classroom and into the community where it can be lived everyday. HR Director has offered to be available in this endeavor as needed.
· Comments: Members discuss and are very pleased to have our Commission invited for input on this important matter. Members support the idea of high visibility through advertising and the use of all media to heighten awareness.
· HR Commission Members attended the United Way 10th Annual Fundraiser Indoor Golf Tournament. The fundraiser attracted a large participating audience while providing visibility to our group as well (always a plus!) All in all their fundraiser was a success.
* Comments: Members discuss participation during next year’s fundraiser.
New Business: Monthly budget (see attached) Discussion concerning budget.
Also discussed: HR Commission meetings will meet temporarily at the A.M.E. Zion Church until further notice due to construction at City Hall.
Old Business: None
Adjournment: Motion/Second by G. Jones/J. Rodriguez Time: 6:15 pm
Minutes submitted by: Zan Liebowitz, Human Rights Secretary
Note: NEXT COMMISSION MEETING: WED., MAY 7 AT 5 PM
AT A.M.E. Zion Church – 69 Wall St., Auburn (Due to City Hall construction)
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