Meeting Agenda
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Call to Order
Approval of Minutes
A. Director’s Monthly Report Includes:
-Monthly Intake
-Monthly Budget Activity
- Programs
- Misc. Connective Activities
B. Old Business
C. New Business
Adjournment
Auburn Human Rights Commission - Minutes
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 _e _
Gwendolyn M. Jones _ e_ _Kent Brandstetter__ p___ Anthony DeCaro _ p ___
Yolanda Rivera _ e_ __
Members Present: __ 5__ Members Absent: __0 ___ Members Excused: __3 __
NOTE:
January 2007 meeting cancelled
February meeting ensued around the Black History Month Program
Call to order:__ 5:00__ _pm
Minutes approved/seconded by: ___Brandstetter/Mack___
Members discussed the following items on the agenda:
Director’s Report March
Monthly Intake for December (28), January (52), February (62). Complaints consisted of concerns for housing/eviction, housing complaints, employment/termination, truth in heating, disability, and general information. Also included: information for upcoming educational programs. Also discussed an illegal immigration issue/deportation.
Monthly Budget: Members please see monthly activity reports attached.
Note: $240 credit is due to HR budget. Billing error is a result of the overcharge. Update: Comptrollers Dept. states that HR receives credit when we utilize beyond $240 at Wegmans. At present, the credit remains and cannot be returned to our budget because the MUNIS system cannot handle such a transaction. Members pursue a refund check to HR budget. Forthcoming.
Budget Meetings: Fiscal year 2007-2008 is underway. Met with Interim City Manager Mike Long (prior to the hiring of Mark Palesh). HR proposes a similar budget of last year, including the expansion of the office staff with a part-time paralegal/investigator. (See budget folder)
Black History Month 2007 program planning (press work, work review, posting of work, media coverage, etc.) culminated with HR Annual Black History Month Program & Reception. This year’s program expanded to include visual arts in conjunction with poetry and written essay work. Nearly 400 students participated from the Auburn School District. City Council Chambers attendance grew beyond capacity on the eve of the program, honoring student work. Program is designed to foster respect for others and at the same time finding the common thread that binds us together. (See published tear sheets)
Extended Black History Month Program at Genesee Elementary School. Due to a time conflict, GES requested a short program in order to honor student work efforts. HR provided with media coverage. (See published tear sheet)
HR Women’s History Month Program will take place at Owasco Elementary School. AHC will present for the same fee, two separate sessions for grades two and three on March 19 (Monday).
Juneteenth Day Program planning continues with BSL being this year’s Presenter. At this point, HR has a verbal and e-contract agreeing on fee, time and place. BTW agrees to offer their building for the program.
Annual Report - underway
Auburn Human Rights Scholarship: efforts are ongoing with mailers sent during late fall, early spring, and mid summer.
Misc. HR connective activities:
ML King Program – sponsored by the Auburn NAACP, honoring area citizens
Congressman Arcuri Reception – HR welcomed the Congressman to Auburn and encouraged his support in our programs. He inquired about the programs and offered his support via his local office.
Homsite Board Meeting – housing issues
Salvation Army Board Meeting – operation/fundraising issues
Black History at East Middle School – good program with former Senator Nancy Lorraine Hoffman and students on the civil rights trail. Members also note Cindy Richardson as a Speaker.
Motion to accept Director’s Report/Second:
New Business: HR Women’s History Month Program will take place at Owasco Elementary School. Presenter Ellen Mnich with Aunt Helen’s Closet – interactive museum approach to education. This fosters respect for other cultures and brings strong female role models to the forefront.
Old Business: none
Motion to accept/second old/new business:
Motion to adjourn/second: Brandstetter/Rodriguez Time 6:00 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Anthony DeCaro, Commission Secretary
Next Commission Meeting: Wednesday, April 4, 2007
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