HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-03-2020 Minutes CITY OF OCOEE
Minutes of the Human Relations Diversity Board
Regular Meeting Held September 3,2020
I:CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Maxwell at 6:18 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 150
North Lakeshore Drive,Ocoee.
Chair Maxwell made the following announcement: All interested parties are invited to be heard during the public
comments portion of the meeting. Due to the current State of Emergency regarding COVID-19, City Hall is closed to the
public; however, the City requests the public to call or email comments and/or questions to 407-554-7118 or
citizens@ocoee.org. City staff will be standing by to ensure that your questions/comments come before the Human
Relations Diversity Board during that portion of the meeting.
Chair Maxwell led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of personal reflection.
Recording Clerk Sibbitt performed roll call and declared a quorum not present. At 6:22 p.m. a quorum was established
with the arrival of Member Porter-Smith.
Present: Chair Maxwell, and Members Crown, Carr, Hart (arrived at 6:30 p.m.), Anderson-Robinson, Dorsey, Fontanez,
and Porter-Smith (arrived at 6:22 p.m.). Member(s)who attended via WebEx: Member Dawkins.
Absent: Member(s) Foster,Calloway, Daily, and Bonzil-Juste
Guest:Commissioner Oliver and Members of HighPoint Church—College Campus Minister Nikka Warner,Associate Pastor
Ross Middleton, and Senior Pastor Keith Tower.
Also Present: Mayor Johnson,Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines, and Recording Clerk Sibbitt
II: BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION
A. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meetings held August 6,2020: Motion made by Past Chair Crown,seconded
by Member Porter-Smith,and unanimously passed to approve the minutes. This item was heard and voted on
out of agenda order once a quorum was present.
B. Public Comments: No phone calls or emails were received.
C. Memorial Dedication Ceremony Program:
Chair Maxwell presented a PowerPoint which detailed the purpose of the 100-Year Memorial Ceremony, the
rendering of the commemorative coin,outreach to descendants,list of invitees,financial support requests,budget
projections, and current problems he has identified. He further summarized the proposed program outline for
each day for the week of November 15t-8th
Key points from the presentation were:
• Contact information for descendants
• Contacting dignitaries
• Sending letters out for financial support requests
• Location for placement of the marker
• Audio/Visual support
Past Chair Crown briefed the board on the proposed art contest for 2nd and 3rd graders with the theme "Let Us
Vote"which she advised they could host on November 2nd before Election Day. She further shared and provided
details on a proposed essay contest for 11th and 12th graders; however, a date has not been selected.
HRDB Meeting
September 3, 2020
Chair Maxwell shared he has spoken to several ministers in the area about the possibility of having neighborhood
churches participate in ringing of the bells on the actual day of the massacre, in recognition of that tragic event.
He inquired if Member Dorsey would take the lead on this project, and confirm with the neighboring churches if
they would be willing to participate.
Chair Maxwell shared the possibility of HRDB members educating voters on the Ocoee Massacre on Election Day
by setting up a booth that would be set up in compliance with the polling location rules.
Member Fontanez inquired if this was a 7-day event, and further shared his concerns with the board only having
two months until the event date.Additionally,with the current pandemic he asked how are they going to maintain
the social distancing.
Member Porter-Smith echoed Member Fontanez stating that an event of this magnitude warrants a professional
event planner;therefore,she has concerns with the short time frame.
Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines inquired about the budget and if a proposal would be brought
before the City Commission.Chair Maxwell answered in the affirmative and inquired about the next Commission
meeting date.
Mayor Johnson commented that he has confidence the board will be able accommodate this event,and does not
believe it has to be for the full week, but rather a few days within the week since many citizens work. He further
suggested to the Chair that in lieu of a PowerPoint presentation he create a booklet which includes the program
budget to provide to the Elected Officials before the next City Commission.
Commissioner Oliver commented that he understands 8 weeks is a short time, but has seen things move forward
in a short time when people come together for a cause. He further shared that his hopes are that the board will
engage everyone that wants to participate.
Member Porter-Smith shared it is very critical and important for everyone to come together while also being
inclusive of everyone's thoughts and ideas,so they may truly honor all those who lost their lives.She clarified that
her comment earlier was not to imply that it could not be done, but that it would be challenging.
D. Voter Registration Initiative:
Member Porter-Smith shared at the last meeting she brought up the idea of the voter registration initiative with
this particular event. She reached out to the NAACP as well as the League of Woman Voters so the board could
align with the events that are already established instead of the board creating their own event.She is requesting
permission from the board to speak on their behalf to coordinate these events as a permanent part of the work
the HRDB would participate in.She advised she would bring back more information so they may vote to approve
this as an annual event. Past Chair Crown inquired what events are planned so far for the organizations
mentioned. Member Porter-Smith advised they have a number of community events, and felt it was too late for
the HRDB board to partner with them on those events. Chair Maxwell inquired if either organization would be
willing to volunteer one evening during the week of their program to educate on voter registration. Consensus
of the board was to have Member Porter-Smith proceed with contacting the NAACP as well as the
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HRDB Meeting
September 3, 2020
League of Woman Voters regarding coordinating events as well as inquiring if they could
participate the week of their memorial program.
E. Election of Chair-Elect:
The floor was open for nomination(s)for Chair-Elect.
Past Chair Crown nominated Member Anderson-Robinson.
Member Anderson-Robinson inquired about the scope of the position and time commitment. Chair Maxwell
addressed her questions.
Member Carr nominated Member Porter-Smith.
Member Porter-Smith respectfully declined the appointment.
Motion made by Past Chair Crown,seconded by Member Dawkins,and unanimously passed to appoint Rhonda
Anderson-Robinson as Chair-Elect; and further, will assume the duties and responsibilities of Chair once Chair
Maxwell's term is completed.
III: Board and Staff Comments:
Chair Maxwell thanked the visitors of HighPoint Church for attending this evening.
Discussion ensued with regard to scheduling a sub-committee meeting. Decision was made to proceed with
September 10th for a sub-committee meeting with September 17th being a tentative meeting date.
IV:Set Next Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes for September 3, 2020 meeting
B. Public Comments
C. Update from Sub-Committee on Memorial Dedication Program Details
D. Update on Voter Registration Initiative
Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.
ATTESTED: APPROVE and DATED:
Melanie Sibbitt, Recording Clerk Chairperson
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