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6:30 p.m. September 7, 2005
The following members were present:
Rick Lopez
Karen Nakandakare
Calvin Hardwick
Harry Cullis
Carlos Cuellar
Guadalupe Sisneros
Pete Roybal
Mark Skinner
Mayor Steve Burkholder
Councilor Debbie Koop
Councilor Barbara Green-Martin
City Employees - Ex-officio members present:
Bill Taylor
Therese Megargee
Margaret Sawyer
Absent:
Elzia Sekou
Vanita Bellen
Bruce Smith
Karen Kellen
Ken Milano
Mike Becker
Olga Mikhailova
Guests:
Susan Lythgoe, Executive Director - The Learning Source for Adults and Families
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 6:39 p.m. by Chair Rick Lopez.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Chair Lopez introduced Susan Lythgoe, Executive Director at The Learning Source
to the Commission, as well as introductions by the Commission. Susan stated
that the Lakewood office is celebrating their 5th anniversary this year. The
Learning Source is a non-profit organization that has been in existence since
1964 and operates 21 literacy programs at 13 locations throughout the Denver
metro area. Susan advised that students are 65% Hispanic, 12-14% Asian and 11-12%
are Black/White. Their funding comes from the federal government and foundations.
She stated that her agency is always looking for volunteers.
Susan also talked about the assistance that the Learning Source and many volunteers are providing to evacuees from the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Mayor Burkholder commented that the Commission should consider partnering with The Learning Source.
Chair Lopez thanked Susan and The Learning Source for their assistance with the parent survey.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - August 3, 2005
A motion was made by Commissioner Nakandakare to approve the August 3, 2005
minutes and was seconded by Commissioner Sisneros. With all present and voting
in favor, THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR AUGUST WAS ADOPTED.
III. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Partnerships: Commissioner Karen Kellen
No report.
Events: Commissioner Elzia Sekou
Recap of Lakewood on Parade Art Experience. Liaison Margaret Sawyer recapped
the August 27th Art Experience at Lakewood on Parade. The event was very successful
with over 300 children participating in the activities. Thanks to all the volunteers
and hard working artists.
Awareness Through Media Tools: Commissioner Harry Cullis
No report.
Red Rocks Community College Liaison: Commissioners Cuellar and Roybal
No report.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Equality in Health Initiative: Commissioners Sisneros and Cuellar
It was advised that this initiative did not receive funds, however, there is
still interest in this.
Commissioner Survey
Rick Lopez handed out the survey to everyone in attendance.
Monthly Meeting Schedule
Chair Lopez stated that the Commission is required to meet six times per year.
The planning session in January and the appreciation dinner in December are
not included as regular meetings. He requested that members think about reducing
the number of meetings the Commission has and to e-mail Karen Nakandakare and
Margaret Sawyer the two months they would prefer not to meet.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Election of Officers:
The nominating committee selected Karen Nakandakare for the position of Chair
and Elzia Sekou as 1st Vice-Chair. Election of officers was held with the majority
voting for Karen Nakandakare for Chair and Elzia Sekou as 1st Vice-Chair.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Burkholder announced that Mike Becker has been promoted to commander and
will be in charge of the north sector of the City.
Mayor Burkholder stated that the Governor's Office has sent out donation and assistance guidelines regarding the hurricane issues.
Mayor Burkholder also thanked the commission for their support on the sales tax increase issue.
Guadalupe Sisneros has been elected president of the Hispanic Bar Association.
Rick Lopez advised that Bruce Smith has submitted a letter of resignation from the Commission.
Commissioner Calvin Hardwick has been volunteering with the American Red Cross at Lowry with the hurricane relief. He has been assisting evacuees with housing and transportation needs. Mayor Burkholder advised that Calvin should contact Susan Lythgoe at the Learning Source because that agency is also offering assistance at Lowry. Mayor Burkholder will attempt to contact Cenikor for possible housing, and he will contact Calvin with information that may be helpful to him.
The next monthly meeting will be held Wednesday, October 5, at 6:00 p.m. at the City of Lakewood in the Cabinet Room.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Commission, a motion was made by
Commissioner Sisneros to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Roybal. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Margaret Sawyer, Staff Liaison
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