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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-03-2021 Minutes CITY OF OCOEE Minutes of the Human Relations Diversity Board Regular Meeting Held June 3,2021 I: CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Anderson-Robinson at 6:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. Chair Anderson-Robinson 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 present. Present: Chair Anderson-Robinson, and Members Foster (arrived at 6:18 PM), Dawkins, Maxwell, Lori Hart, Carr, Fontanez, Brown, and Ages Hart Absent: Member(s) Moyer Also Present: Commissioner Oliver,Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines, and Recording Clerk Sibbitt Public Comments: Past-Chair Maxwell shared information on the funeral services for Nancy Dabbs,wife to former Mayor and HRDB Member, Lester Dabbs. II: BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION A. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meetings held May 6, 2021: Motion: Move to Approve the May 6, 2021, Minutes; Moved by Past Chair Maxwell, seconded by Member Brown. Member Carr asked for confirmation that $10,000 was put into the budget for the sculpture. Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines answered in the affirmative, and shared the budget information that will be presented before the City Commission. After a brief discussion. Motion carried unanimously. B. Fiesta de Colores: Elise Smith, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando (HCCMO) Representative, provided a PowerPoint with information on the Chambers and the benefits of being a member.The HCCMO services the regional areas of Central Florida, and is one of the largest chambers in Central Florida. She further highlighted some of the events of the HCCMO and shared they would like to partner with the HRDB Board on their Fiesta de Colores event.Past-Chair Maxwell inquired what the correct term was when addressing a person of Latino/Hispanic Heritage. Ms. Smith addressed his question and explained the difference in the terminology of Hispanic and Latin. Past-Chair Maxwell asked Ms. Smith if she could share any tips on what the Board can do to get actively involved with the Hispanic community, which is one of the largest minority groups in Ocoee. Ms.Smith addressed his question,and shared that inviting and engaging with a variety of cultural organizations can help bridge the Board with the Hispanic community. Further discussion ensued. Angel de la Portilla, Economic Consultant for the City, Resident, and Member of the HCCMO, shared that Commissioner Oliver invited him this evening to brainstorm ideas on how the City can partner with the HCCMO to consider bringing the Latin Food and Wine Festival to Ocoee. He shared that this type of event will bring out a great amount of people to enjoy the lake, and has the ability to grow every year. Member Foster inquired what business sector in Central Florida is most represented in the Chamber. Ms. Smith addressed her question. 1 HRDB Meeting June 3, 2021 Commissioner Oliver inquired if any actions would be taken this evening to move forward with a partnership with the HCCMO, or with Fiesta de Colores. Chair Anderson-Robinson shared at the last meeting it was mentioned that a national car manufacturer was willing to sponsor the event. Commissioner Oliver shared he has not heard back from the national manufacturer, but the HCCMO is willing to partner with the Board on an event between the end of February and April. He further explained why that time frame was selected.Chair Anderson-Robinson shared that the end of February is when the Board in hosting the Black History Essay Contest, but inquired if any other City events are held March and April. Brief discussion ensued. Member Carr shared they should definitely partner with the Chamber and recommended that the Fiesta de Colores Subcommittee Chair meet with them to discuss details. Member Dawkins said she would reach out to the Chamber to coordinate a meeting.Commissioner Oliver inquired if prior to a meeting the Subcommittee Chair could be provided with a list of events the City has for the months of February-April.Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines shared he could provide that information. C. Commemorative Plaque Update: Past-Chair Maxwell shared that he has not been able to authenticate a list of descendants who would want to receive a plaque; and further, asked for an extension. Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines reminded Past-chair Maxwell that he will need to report back to the Commission once he has a firm number. Motion: Move to extend the Commemorative Plaque Project deadline until September 2nd. Moved by Past-Chair Maxwell,seconded by Member Dawkins. Motion carried unanimously. D. Sculptures Discussion Past-Chair Maxwell shared he does not have any further input from the support group in Winter Park and the artist. He further asked the Board to review the memorandum that the Recording Clerk sent out by email last month so they can provide input at the next meeting. He shared the information that was emailed provided insight on what the artist was trying to convey and the description of the sculpture. Member Carr shared he saw the original presentation when the artist came before the Board about a year ago and he liked what he presented. Past-Chair Maxwell said he would reach out to Mr. Owen to inquire if he could provide the presentation again. Chair Anderson-Robinson shared this item can be tabled to their next meeting. Member Carr asked Past-Chair Maxwell if he found the information on the other sculpture that was mentioned by Commissioner Oliver. Past-Chair Maxwell apologized as he could not locate the brochure that Commissioner Oliver provided to him, but he will continue to search so he can also provide that information at the next meeting. Brief discussion ensued. III: Board and Staff Comments: Member Dawkins inquired if there was going to be a July meeting. Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines shared that historically the Board has cancelled that meeting, but it is at the discretion of the Board. As there was no further discussion, or objections, Chair Anderson-Robinson announced the next HRDB meeting will be in August. Recording Clerk Sibbitt shared before them is an email from Member Moyer, who was not able to be present this evening.She asked that the members please read his email,which was a request to assist the Citizens Advisory Council for the Police Department (CACOPD) with their September 11th event. Chair Anderson-Robinson shared that with so many other events going on in the surrounding area she felt the HRDB may not want to take away from such a somber occasion. Member Brown agreed and shared that the CACOPD, in partnership with the Advisory Board for the Fire Department, are looking to host a Page 12 HRDB Meeting June 3, 2021 September 11th event. She explained that if any member of the HRDB is looking for additional volunteer opportunities,the CACOPD welcomes them to provide their talents and ideas. Member Brown shared the date,time, and location for the upcoming CACOPD Meeting. Member Carr provided a brief summary, and shared a picture of the Forgotten Hero which is a portrait of Julius "July" Perry, created by the artist Ali Bandele. Mr. Bandele is a student at East River High School in Orlando.The artist hopes that the portrait will be displayed in a museum or cultural center.Commissioner Oliver shared that Utilities Director Jaime Croteau is influential in the design process of the new City Hall, and he informed her of the Board's desire to place historical artifacts somewhere within the new building. He stated that Ms. Croteau is open to, and welcomed, the idea of working with a member of the HRDB. Mr.Carr shared that a framed print copy of Mr. Bandele's artwork can be made available to be displayed in the new City Hall. IV:Set Next Agenda A. Approval of Minutes for June 3, 2021 meeting B. Fiesta de Colores C. Update on Sculptures Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM. ATTESTED: APPROVED: 7/4ve. ii,a41._. _ Melanie Si bitt, Recording Clerk Chairperson Page 13