Auburn Human Rights Commission
Members: Present (P) Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Dir. E Fred Richardson, Comm.; P Zan Liebowitz, Sec.; _P_
Judah Rodriguez-Sierra; _P__ Fr. Stephen Mack; _P_ Lebertus van der Werff (pend.); P_
Gwendolyn M. Jones; _E_ Kent Brandstetter; _A _ Anthony DeCaro P_
(Youth Member) Shawntee Barr _E__
Members Present: _6_ Members Absent: __1 Members Excused: 2_
Auburn Human Rights Commission – April Minutes
Meeting Called to Order at 5:05 pm
Approval of last month’s Minutes moved/second by Fr. Mack/B. van der Werff
Commission Members Discussed the Director’s Report as follows:
· Monthly intakes for March (59) consisting of questions and complaints dealing with orientation, housing matters, employment, and general questions concerning issues surrounding human rights.
· Monthly Budget: Members please see monthly activity report attached.
Note: Retail Advertising costs are now the responsibility of the HR budget, as per City Clerk’s office. They were responsible in the past for advertising costs but cannot pay our invoices at this time. Unfortunately, this information arrived too late for our 2004-2005 budget proposal and wasn’t taken into consideration during the current budget. This presents a major strain on our current budget as the advertising expense was unexpected. It’s suggested that HR contact B. O’Hora, City Comptroller, and state need for/request additional funding ($1400 annually) for retail advertising human rights awareness ads. Comptroller stated that she would forward this information to the City Manager.
Budget 2004-2005 Budget Review Session UPDATE: Attended second budget meeting. Line appropriation 8040.46 was reduced by $200. HR noted that the funds from this line are often transferred to other line appropriations in order to meet budgetary needs. Manager noted our request for reinstatement for these funds. HR followed the meeting with a memo requesting reinstatement.
Human Rights Scholarship: On-going. Public Service Announcement. Applications have been forwarded by Auburn High School Guidance Department for HR review and selection (taking place at the next Commission meeting on Wednesday, May 5th.) Deadline for applications is May 1, 2004.
· Attended United Way community fundraiser. Members present are A. DeCaro, Z. Liebowitz, HR Director, and guest G. Godishala. Thank you to all participants for this worthy community cause and representing the Commission.
· Human Rights Awareness Advertising Campaign: On-going.
· Annual Report – On-going
· Juneteenth Day UPDATE: Ongoing. HR spoke with Jed Snead, Professional Storyteller and confirmed information. He will forward contract via Donna Patton. Awaiting response from Wegmans on sponsorship. Media pieces due in early May. REMINDER TO MEMBERS: JUNETEENTH DAY PROGRAM IS ON TUES., JUNE 15TH.
· Women’s History Month Program at Casey Park Elementary School experienced a successful Aunt Helen’s Closet. Two sessions included both grade 2 and 3 students with their teachers. Students learned about a strong woman role model and her encounters with various cultures around the world. This hands-on museum approach to education stresses respect and finding the common thread among all people.
· New Business
· Members discuss a new movement in human rights. A new organization is being formed for the Latino community. Members discuss various church site for potential meetings.
· REMINDER: NAACP Freedom Fund Program and Dinner is May 7th at Springside Inn.
· SAVE THE DATE: THURS., MAY 27th at 4:00 pm Dedication of the Harriet Tubman Building at the Auburn School District’s school administration building (Thorton Ave.)
· Old Business: None
· Motion to Adjourn/Seconded by T. DeCaro/B. van der werff at 6:00 pm
Next COMMISSION MEETING
Wed. May 5, 2004 at 5 pm * Please call 255-4122 if you cannot attend. (We’ll review HR Scholarship Applications) Please Bring your HR Schol. Raffle Sales to tally donations.
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