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6:00 p.m. April 5, 2006
The following members were present:
Karen Nakandakare
Carlos Cuellar
Karen Kellen
Harry Cullis
Pete Roybal
Linda Bessinger
Cathleen Jones-Gooding
Tony Wright
Mayor Steve Burkholder
Councilor Sue King
Councilor Doug Anderson
City Employees - Ex-officio members present:
Ken Milano
Bill Taylor
Therese Megargee
Margaret Sawyer
Absent:
Elzia Sekou
Rick Lopez
Eveline Yang
Guadalupe Sisneros
Mark Skinner
Jaime diPaulo
Mike Becker
Olga Mikhailova
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 5:58 p.m. by Chair Karen Nakandakare.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
No Public Comment
II. MAYOR BURKHOLDER, NLC Partnership for Working Toward Inclusive Communities
Mayor Burkholder advised that at the last City Council meeting, a proclamation
recognizing and committing to the partnership for working toward inclusive communities
program was approved. The proclamation and a copy of the Mayor's editorial comments
in Looking at Lakewood were sent to Jim Hunt, president of the National League
of Cities.
The Mayor stated that he has received many positive comments from his last
editorial in Looking at Lakewood regarding diversity and inclusiveness in Lakewood.
The Mayor provided a copy of a letter sent to him from the Spring Institute
expressing their appreciation to the Mayor for his proactive approach.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - March 1, 2006
A motion was made by Commissioner Kellen to approve the March 1, 2006 minutes
and was seconded by Commissioner Cullis. With all present and voting in favor,
THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR MARCH WAS ADOPTED.
IV. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER
At this time, Tony Wright was introduced and gave a brief biography.. Introductions
by Commission members and City staff were given.
V. COMMISSIONER REPORTS
Partnerships
At present, Commissioner Karen Kellen is attempting to book main stage acts.
She is soliciting information from Commission members on variety of ethnic entertainment
for the main stage and smaller stage acts.
Events
Margaret distributed the Recap of the 2005 Art Experience memo dated September
20, 2005. Lakewood on Parade Board has budgeted an additional $2,000 for a total
of $5,000 for the Art Experience event this year. Margaret would like input
from Commission members on Art Experience ideas for Lakewood on Parade for 2007.
Commission members are encouraged to get more involved with Lakewood on Parade's
Art Experience.
Red Rocks Community College Liaison
The minutes from the last meeting, 03/28/06, provided information about Holocaust
Awareness Week scheduled for Wednesday, April 26 at the Lakewood campus. Alan
Moraweic will be in the Mount Evans Room. Alan's father lived in the town of
Kobryn, Poland and is one of two surviving Jews. Alan's father will also be
present on April 26.
The Red Rocks Community College Diversity Conference will be held on Friday, April 21 from 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
"Lakewood…A Community Portrait" Update
Commissioner Bessinger distributed the detailed notes of the Senior/Youth Commission
Focus Group meeting held on Tuesday, March 14 and the overall points of interest
to everyone in attendance. She also handed out a revised focus group agenda.
Linda felt that even though there were only three members from the Senior and Youth Commissions, the input they provided was powerful.
Commission members discussed the word "diversity", "inclusiveness" and "multi-faceted". Some members felt that multi-faceted was a stronger and more friendly term and that inclusiveness had the same connotation as diversity. It was felt that once a word is decided on, they feared that the term would become jaded and wanted to avoid "the word of the year". Each member commented on why the Commission should or should not go forward with the focus group project. A concern about what question should be asked that would provide the most useful information to City government was discussed. Another question could be "what do we do to build a better community?" By continuing with the focus groups, it promotes awareness on how we treat each other in the City as well as in the community.
Mayor Burkholder offered his suggestion of, "let's get comfortable with being uncomfortable" and to be prepared to go to the next level.
It was decided that the committee would move forward with a series of pilot projects and refine and modify them as they go. After each session, the Commission would regroup and reassess the session and make a decision whether they should continue with the next focus group or not. The expectation from each focus group is that it would generate or evolve into another focus group.
Linda will make some minor changes to the questions so that the focus groups
will naturally interact and some dialogue will take place in a more relaxed
way.
Chair Nakandakare stated she was concerned with members who were not in favor
of continuing with the focus groups. If someone is not comfortable with voicing
their opinions this evening, Karen stated that they should have no hesitation
in contacting herself, Margaret or Linda by e-mail or telephone.
Chair Nakandakare thanked Linda for all her analytical work and effort on this project.
Colfax Marathon Volunteer Team
Commissioners Bessinger, diPaulo, Jones-Gooding and Cuellar have volunteered
to assist at this event.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
None.
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
None.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Commission, a motion was made by
Commissioner Cullis to adjourn and seconded by Commissioner Kellen. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:44 p.m.
Margaret Sawyer, Staff Liaison
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