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The following members were present:
Elzia Sekou
Karen Nakandakare
Pete Roybal
Harry Cullis
Linda Bessinger
Nancy Murray
Chisato Arai
Mayor Steve Burkholder
Councilor Doug Anderson
City Employees - Ex-officio members present:
Ken Milano
Mike Becker
Margaret Sawyer
Bill Taylor
Therese Megargee
Absent:
Karen Kellen
Mark Skinner
Jaime diPaulo
Guadalupe Sisneros
Tony Wright
Carlos Cuellar
Councilor Sue King
Guests:
Roger Wadnal
Holly Boehm
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 6:01 p.m. by Chair Elzia Sekou.
I. PUBLIC COMMENT
Roger Wadnal, Manager and Holly Boehm, Planner, Comprehensive Planning and Research
Division, were introduced by Ken Milano. Roger and Holly gave a brief overview
of the City's planning projects. They advised that there are 140 registered
neighborhood organizations. Roger advised that neighborhoods should get involved
in the community so that they have a voice in City projects such as the light
rail, land use, traffic and park issues. They are expanding their communication
with the neighborhoods by developing and working with neighborhoods.
Holly handed out a draft of the Directory of City Resources for members to review. She anticipates that final distribution will be late May or early June. This directory is a great resource for citizens who don't want to get on the Internet and provides an overview of city and county services. Holly advised that they are planning a series of community forums in the fall with neighborhood organizations on networking as well as information about comprehensive planning and to educate citizens in the City.
Holly advised that the City's Resource Directory could be available on CD, and she will talk to Ron Ritschard about having it on the City's website.
Mayor Burkholder commended Roger and Holly for carrying heavy work loads despite the budgets cuts in their department.
Holly stated that the City would be having an Earth Day volunteer celebration on Saturday, April 21 at Bear Creek Lake Park. Holly handed out fliers to members. Volunteers are needed to clean and rejuvenate the park.
Another volunteer opportunity will be the Colfax Marathon. Amy Deknikker is
the volunteer coordinator and her extension is 7522. Lani Peterson's extension
in the police department is 7105. The Colfax Marathon will be held on Sunday,
May 20. Mike Becker advised that each City is taking an active role in coordinating
the volunteers. 150 volunteers are needed, and by signing up early, you can
select where you want to be located along West Colfax. Volunteers will be given
a t-shirt and a Police ball cap, so that police agents can identify who the
volunteers are. There will be a training session provided by the police department
prior to the event. Commissioners Bessinger, Nakandakare and Roybal stated they
would like to volunteer.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - February 7, 2007
A motion was made by Commissioner Nakandakare to approve the February 7, 2007
minutes and was seconded by Commissioner Roybal. With all present and voting
in favor, THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY WAS ADOPTED.
III. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Use of $5,000 Donation from Gay and Lesbian Fund
Members discussed the $5,000 donation and how to allocate the funds. First,
the fund name would be City of Lakewood Commission on Cultural Diversity and
Human Relations Fund. The Commission would send a letter to the Gay and Lesbian
Fund acknowledging the donation. A yearly report would be provided to the Gay
and Lesbian Fund. A motion by Commissioner Bessinger to accept the $5,000 donation
from the Gay and Lesbian Fund to be administered by Lakewood Legacy, and beginning
in 2007, $1,000 would be allocated per calendar year for the next five years
for the purpose of enhancing the activities of the Commission on Cultural Diversity
and Human Relations. This was seconded by Commissioner Roybal. Motion was passed.
Commission Name Change
The Commission's name change was discussed, and it was decided that the Commission
would vote on the name change this evening. Members suggested three name changes,
however, after further discussion, the "Commission for an Inclusive Community"
was unanimously selected. Since all members were not in attendance, Margaret
will send an e-mail to members requesting that each Commissioner indicate whether
they are in favor of changing the name to the "Commission for an Inclusive
Community" or if they are not in favor of the name change.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Events/Activities - Commissioners Cuellar and Roybal
No Report
Dialogue/Partnerships: - Commissioners Cuellar, Roybal, Nakandakare, Bessinger
and Sekou.
Copies of the proposed 2007 Initiatives were made available to Commission members.
Communication/Education: - Commissioners Wright, Skinner, Murray, Arai, and
diPaulo.
No report.
V. NEW BUSINESS
None at this time.
VI. AGENDA ITEMS TO HOLD OVER TO THE APRIL MEETING
The resolution will be tabled for April's meeting. Karen Kellen is reviewing
the resolutions from 1991 and 1994 and will present recommendations at the April
meeting. It was suggested that the resolution specify an inclusivity piece in
the resolution. The name change and the resolution change would go hand in hand
and be presented to City Council at the same time.
Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Fundraiser and challenge letter is tabled for April's meeting. Members are encouraged to be prepared to make a decision on this next month.
VII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Elzia, Karen and Linda are scheduled to make a presentation to City Council
on Monday, April 2 of the Commission's annual report for 2006 and plans for
2007.
Margaret advised that the Commission will get funding again for the Art Experience and most likely will receive more money than last year. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 20. If the Commission receives more money for the Art Experience, then Carlos and Commission members should offer suggestions on how to attract more artist participation or other artists the Commission might be interested in.
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Cullis
made a motion to adjourn and was seconded by Commissioner Roybal. The meeting
was adjourned at 7:28 p.m.
Margaret Sawyer, Staff Liaison
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