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6:30 p.m. August 3, 2005
The following members were present:
Karen Nakandakare
Elzia Sekou
Calvin Hardwick
Vanita Bellen
Carlos Cuellar
Guadalupe Sisneros
Councilor Debbie Koop
Councilor Barbara Green-Martin
City Employees - Ex-officio members present:
Mike Becker
Bill Taylor
Therese Megargee
Olga Mikhailova
Margaret Sawyer
Ken Milano
Absent:
Rick Lopez
Harry Cullis
Bruce Smith
Pete Roybal
Karen Kellen
Mark Skinner
Mayor Steve Burkholder
Guests:
Joni Inman
Bernie and Susan Goldman
Full and timely notice of this Commission meeting had been given.
The meeting of the Commission on Cultural Diversity and Human Relations was called to order at 6:34 p.m. by Co-Chair Karen Nakandakare.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Joni Inman, Director of the Mayor and City Manager's Office, was in attendance
to advise the Commission on how to proceed in presenting a resolution to Lakewood's
City Council endorsing a sales tax increase question to be placed on the November
ballot. Joni advised that a public hearing and final City Council vote to put
the question on the November 1 ballot will be conducted during the August regular
City Council meeting this Monday night.
Joni handed out Campaign Do's and Don'ts for City employees and reviewed them with Commission members.
Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in Colorado was presented by Ken Milano. Ken gave a handout "Equality in Health Initiative" to Commission members and explained the concept. He stated that Colorado Trust will request a grant to advance the attainment of more equal access to health care for racial and ethnic minority populations, mainly in the Latino community. The partners will be Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, St.. Anthony's Hospital, the Cities of Denver, Edgewater and Lakewood.
Ken requested that two Commission members partner with St Anthony's in the first year to actively select 15 participants to sit on a panel, who will then address barriers, secure community resources and partners, develop outreach strategies, recruit participants, work with program partners to develop and deliver programs and services to address the specific health disparities.
At this time, Commissioners Cuellar and Sisneros volunteered to assist with this project. Commissioner Sisneros made a motion that the Commission support this project and the motion was seconded by Commissioner Cuellar. This was voted in favor by Commission members to support this project.
Bernard and Susan Goldman, residents of Ward 1 were in attendance. Mr. Goldman stated they were in attendance because of the letter inviting Ward 1 residents to this meeting.
He advised that he and Susan have established a non-profit organization to raise money for the JCRS Isaac Solomon Historic Synagogue Foundation and restoring it as a living history museum.
Both he and Susan welcomed the Commission to a tour of the campus and offered a conference room for one of our monthly meetings.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - July 6, 2005
A motion was made by Commissioner Sekou to approve the July 6, 2005 minutes
and was seconded by Commissioner Sisneros. With all present and voting in favor,
THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR JULY WAS ADOPTED.
III. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Partnerships: Commissioner Karen Kellen
Elzia gave information from a meeting that he, Karen Kellen, Rick and Harry
had. They would like to present five partners to the Commission and then the
Commission can select one or two partners and develop a partnership with them.
Elzia advised that at the next Commission meeting, more details will be provided.
Events: Commissioner Elzia Sekou
The Commission does not have a float at this time. After further discussion
about participation at Lakewood on Parade, the Commission decided they will
not participate in walking in the parade, rather the Art Experience will be
the main focus this year for members.
Awareness Through Media Tools: Commissioner Harry Cullis
No report.
Red Rocks Community College Liaison: Commissioners Cuellar and Roybal
No report.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Hispanic Heritage Celebration - Update by Commissioner Sisneros - Commissioner
Sisneros advised that the Hispanic Heritage Celebration is scheduled for next
September 2006. He advised that consideration to hold the event this year was
examined, however, not everything was in place, so the plan is to have the event
in 2006.
Parent Survey
No report
Commissioner Survey
No report
V. NEW BUSINESS
Nominating Committee - The nominating committee has selected Karen Nakandakare
for the position of Chair and Elzia Sekou as 1st Vice-Chair. Election of officers
will be held at the September meeting.
Resolution for Tax Increase - Members decided that verbiage from Commissioner Cuellar would be sent to Margaret to be typed in a resolution format. Commissioner Bellen made a motion to develop the correct verbiage to endorse the sales tax increase. This was seconded by Commissioner Sekou and members voted in favor to approve the resolution. Chair Nakandakare will attend the Monday night City Council meeting at 7:00 p.m. and read the Commission's Resolution to support placing the sales tax question on the November Ballot.
Monthly Meeting Schedule - Commissioner Sisneros made a motion to table this item for the September meeting and was seconded by Commissioner Sekou. Members were in agreement to discuss this at the next monthly meeting.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
The American GI Forum will present an immigration forum on Thursday, August
25 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at 1717 Federal Boulevard.
The Lakewood Arts Festival will be held this weekend at the Heritage Center.
The last concert of the summer series will be held Thursday night.
The Dragon Boat Festival was a huge success with approximately 80,000 people in attendance.
The September meeting will be in Ward 4 at the Green Mountain Recreation Center, 13198 West Green Mountain Drive, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Commission, a motion was made by
Commissioner Sekou to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Sisneros. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:54 p.m.
Margaret Sawyer, Staff Liaison
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