Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, September 6, 2006
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes
A. Director’s Monthly Report Includes:
-Monthly Intake
-Monthly Budget Activity
B. New Business
- TomatoFest
- Selection of Awardees
C. Old Business
- Annual Report
Auburn Human Rights Commission
Members: Present (P) Absent, (A); Excused (E)
Karen Sheftic-Burns, Ex.Director _P_ Fred Richardson, Commissioner __P_ __
Judah Rodriguez-Sierra _ P__ Fr. Stephen Mack _ P__ Lebertus van der Werff _P _
Gwendolyn M. Jones _P_ _Kent Brandstetter__ P___ Anthony DeCaro _P ___
Yolanda Rivera _E_ __
Members Present: __7__ Members Absent: __0___ Members Excused: __1__
Call to order:___5:00___pm
Minutes approved/seconded by: __Fr. Mack/Jones___________
Members Discuss the following from the Agenda:
Director’s Report: Note – June Meeting in conjunction with Juneteenth Program
Monthly Intake for July (42) and August (27). Complainants consisted of concerns for housing/eviction, police complaints, harassment, employment/termination, legal requests, and general information.
Monthly Budget: Members please see monthly activity report attached.
Annual Human Rights Recognition Awards Fundraiser Program & Reception is scheduled for Wednesday, October 4 from 6-8 pm in Council Chambers, City Hall. On-going media efforts include Call for Nominations began in early June with publicity slated through early October. Keynote Speaker is Guy Cosentino, Executive Director of Options for Independence. Congratulatory remarks will include Auburn City Mayor Tim Lattimore. Congressman Boehlert’s office has a time conflict and may attend if the time conflict is resolved. Tickets are $10 with 100% of proceeds benefiting the Auburn Human Rights Scholarship Program.
HR and Interim City Manager, Michael Long, met briefly and discussed various topics. HR provided a copy of our Annual Report, providing information on intakes, complaints, educational programs, and goals for the future. Topics also included the Network to Freedom Underground Railroad reception at the Seward House, September 11 at 6:00 pm. Additionally, on November 18, there will be a panel discussion around the Martha Wright Women’s Project. Wright, an Auburnian, was instrumental in the early women’s movement. More details to follow.
Auburn Enlarged City School District requested input from HR as well as additional organizations in regards to equity in education for all children. The District began a series of meetings, beginning at the Booker T. Washington Community Center, addressing issues facing children in our community throughout the years. There is a group consensus on creating a “core of individuals to be visible in the high school” during the ’06-’07 school year. Some issues include, but are not limited to, creating a stronger home-school partnership, establishing a welcoming environment, student motivation, and mentoring leadership roles for students. HR Commissioner attended the first meeting along with Commission Member Jones, discussing equity in education. HR Director attending second
and third meetings during September/October.
TomatoFest 2006 is underway and set for Sept. 9&10 at Emerson Park. HR reserved tables and chairs for our Informational Booth located inside the Pavilion. HR will provide informational materials, free of charge, to the public. “Freebies” will include multicultural items, (i.e. pencils, bookmarks, etc.) as well as fundraiser materials (tee shirts, hats, books, HR Award Program tickets, etc.) Commission Members note the sign-up sheet for time slots to operate the information booth. Members chose time slots to cover information table for both days.
Commission Members reviewed, discussed nominations for Annual HR Award Program. Members unanimously voted for the following individuals (first three Community Award; fourth Honoree receives Youth Award):
- Rick Emanuel, Publisher of The Citizen
- Penny Lupo, Teacher at Neighborhood House
- Kathleen Bennett, Oncology Nurse
- Reagan Cuddy, Auburn High School Senior
Program planning and press work to follow.
HR Scholarship Fundraiser: Mailer sent in early summer with ongoing efforts throughout the year.
Advertising Campaign/Public Awareness: ongoing.
HR exploring grant opportunities as they arise via the Human Services Coalition email announcements.
Oasis Reader Program: HR invited as Guest during their summer reading/academic program for students. The Program provides children with extra time on task throughout the summer vacation months.
Motion to accept Director’s Report/Second: Brandstetter/Jones
New Business:
Old Business: Members please review Annual Report. See attached.
Motion to adjourn/second: Time _6:05_ pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Anthony DeCaro, Commission Secretary
Next Commission Meeting:
Wednesday, October 4 includes
HR Recognition Awards Fundraiser
Program & Reception Call 255-4122 if you cannot attend the meeting.
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