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6:30 p.m. November 2, 2005
The following members were present:
Elzia Sekou
Calvin Hardwick
Carlos Cuellar
Rick Lopez
Harry Cullis
Pete Roybal
Guadalupe Sisneros
Karen Kellen
Mark Skinner
Mayor Steve Burkholder
Councilor Barbara Green-Martin
City Employees - Ex-officio members present:
Ken Milano
Bill Taylor
Therese Megargee
Olga Mikhailova
Mike Becker
Guests:
Martha Dwyer, Westgate Homeowners Association
Daoud Hadee, President of Chemicals Unlimited in Lakewood
Absent:
Karen Nakandakare
Vanita Bellen
Margaret Sawyer
Councilor Debbie Koop
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 6:35 p.m. by 1st Vice-Chair Elzia Sekou.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Introductions were made at this time by guests in attendance and by Commission
members.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - October 5, 2005
A motion was made by Commissioner Roybal to approve the October 5, 2005 minutes
and was seconded by Commissioner Lopez. With all present and voting in favor,
THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR OCTOBER WAS ADOPTED.
III. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Partnerships: Commissioner Karen Kellen
Karen plans on gathering all the information that has been provided to her and
re-assess the partnerships. Karen plans on presenting the information at the
planning session in January.
Events: Commissioner Elzia Sekou
The letters were mailed out to the schools on October 19. A theme has been selected
for the Martin Luther King Day event. The plan is to judge the entries at the
January 7th planning session.
Awareness Through Media Tools: Commissioner Harry Cullis
Commissioner Cullis did not have a report, however, he stated that he would
wait until the planning session in January to discuss this topic with Commission
members and the direction to take.
Red Rocks Community College Liaison: Commissioners Cuellar and Roybal
Commissioners Cuellar and Roybal did not attend the Red Rocks Diversity Council
meeting last month. The Commission would like Red Rocks to consider a larger
room for the MLK Breakfast. It is not known if the community leader or keynote
speaker has been selected. Mayor Burkholder advised that he has been asked to
make the concluding remarks at the breakfast.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Commissioner Survey
Members are requested that they return their Commissioner survey to Rick Lopez
as soon as possible.
Cherry Creek Diversity Conference
Joni Inman has approved the conference fee for the Cherry Creek Diversity Conference.
The registration fee will cover from 1-8 adults and students. Elzia stated that
Kit Botkins will contact the Youth Commission to provide an opportunity for
them to attend. Calvin Hardwick plans on attending the conference.
December Holiday Dinner
Members discussed the different locations for the holiday dinner. The responses
were in favor of going to Lucky Strike at Belmar. Commissioner Cuellar advised
that it is $45.00 per lane for two-hours and would cost $3.00 for shoes and
bowling ball. A suggestion to have dinner at the Elephant Bar was suggested.
Commission Roybal made a motion to have dinner at the Elephant Bar from 6:00
- 8:00 p.m. and after dinner, everyone can go to Lucky Strike. Commissioner
Karen Kellen seconded the motion. With all present and the majority voting in
favor of this suggestion, the motion was approved.
V. NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Hardwick expressed a concern about the management company at Maplewood
Apartments. His concern about the late fees and the security deposits were discussed.
Ken Milano advised that he contact the Housing Authority and speak to Tami Fischer.
Mayor Burkholder asked Calvin to contact him at his office, and Mayor Burkholder
would assist him with this issue.
Calvin also stated that he attempted to start a Neighborhood Watch program at the Maplewood Apartment complex, however, the Housing Authority did not approve this. Mike Becker advised him that Maplewood Apartments is participating in the crime free housing program which is somewhat better than a Neighborhood Watch program. The crime free housing program requires that apartment managers sign a contract stating they will screen the applicants by doing a background check prior to renting to them.
Calvin also asked who in the City reviews and handles contracts. Ken Milano stated all City contracts are reviewed by the City Attorney's Office.
Mayor Burkholder thanked Calvin for bringing these community issues to the meeting and attempting to find solutions.
VI. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Councilor Green-Martin advised that her church is hosting a program called North
American Spiritualism this Friday evening at 7:00 p.m. at 1st and Carr Streets.
She will e-mail the information to Margaret Sawyer, so Margaret can e-mail the
details to Commission members.
Carlos Juarez, former Commission member, would like to attend a Commission meeting. Margaret has made attempts to contact him, however, has not heard from him at this time.
There will not be a December meeting in lieu of the holiday dinner on Wednesday, December 7, 2005 at 6:00 p.m.
The Commission will have their annual planning session on Saturday, January 7, 2006 beginning at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mary Masini has advised that she will not be able to facilitate the planning session next year. Commissioner Kellen offered to locate a facilitator for that day.
Mayor Burkholder advised that he attended the Brownsfield Conference in Denver this week. He advised that one of the speakers there stated that successful cities follow the three T's, technical, talent and tolerance.
Commissioner Kellen commented that she was at one of the sessions at the Brownsfield Conference and stated that Mayor Burkholder received positive comments and that Belmar is receiving national attention.
Martha Dwyer asked if the Commission had positive citizen response by holding Commission meetings in different Ward locations. She also wanted to know if the Commission had any success with the school survey. Members gave her a brief overview of the results.
Mayor Burkholder and members discussed the election results. Mayor Burkholder stated that the City would do their best to provide public awareness, reach out to the public and provide better communication to them.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Commission, a motion was made by
Commissioner Roybal to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Cuellar. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:40 p.m.
Margaret Sawyer, Staff Liaison
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