Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-02-2021 Minutes CITY OF OCOEE Minutes of the Human Relations Diversity Board Regular Meeting Held September 2, 2021 I: CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Elect Lori Hart at 6:23 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee. Member Ages Hart 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 quorum present. Present: Chair Anderson-Robinson (arrived at 6:25 PM), and Members: Lori Hart, Fontanez, Carr, Moyer,Ages Hart, and Middleton Absent: Member(s) Foster, Dawkins, Maxwell, and Brown Also Present: Commissioner Oliver,Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines, and Recording Clerk Sibbitt Public Comments: Heard out of Agenda Order under Board and Staff Comments. II: BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION A. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meetings held June 3, 2021: Motion:Move to Approve the June 3,2021, Minutes;Moved by Member Ages Hart,seconded by Member Carr. Motion carried unanimously. B. Fiesta de Colores: Support Services Director Gaines reported that Member Dawkins, who is absent from the meeting, selected the date of May 14, 2022, to present to the Board. Also, Bill Breeze Park is available for that date and is tentatively reserved for the Board. He advised he is not aware if Member Dawkins has informed the Hispanic Chamber of that date. C. Update on Sculptures Recording Clerk Sibbitt provided Commissioner Oliver with a copy of a catalog she found online and asked if that information was from the sculpture artist he met at the National League of Cities. From the catalog, he discovered the sculptures he was seeking and asked if details could be brought back to the next HRDB Meeting. Member Carr inquired if the plan was to present the sculptures this year. He further inquired, in addition to the sculptures, what was the plan for the Ocoee 1920 Election Day Massacre Remembrance Day. He also shared that he received a call from a representative of the Buffalo Soldiers group who shared the organization is interested in partnering with the HRDB for the upcoming 1920 Ocoee Election Day Massacre Remembrance Event in any capacity that the Board can utilize them.Chair Anderson-Robinson briefly explained about the Buffalo Soldiers' civic organization. III: Board and Staff Comments: Member Moyer announced the September 11th event being held at the Withers-Maguire House and encouraged Members to attend and show their support. Support Services Director Gaines shared the event is being hosted by the Citizens Advisory Council for the Ocoee Police Department. Member Carr inquired if a discussion with City staff occurred with regard to placing the portrait of July Perry in the new City Hall.Chair Anderson-Robinson shared she did speak with Utilities Director Croteau who stated there will be a location in City Hall that will allow for rotating exhibits. 1 HRDB Meeting September 2, 2021 Public Comments: Freddie Hinson, a member of Buffalo Soldiers, shared the group has an interest in doing an honor ride to remember the history of Ocoee. He will reach out to other local chapters to participate and stand in solidarity with the Board in acknowledging the Ocoee Massacre.Mr.Hinson explained the Buffalo Soldiers,and the history of this civic group. The proposed honor ride route is the road dedicated as Julius "July" Perry Highway. Member Ages Hart comments supported having the Buffalo Soldiers at their event as he felt it set an appropriate example. Member Carr asked, since they have one more meeting before November, if it would be possible to share Mr. Hinson's contact information with Police Chief Plasensia to coordinate the honor ride route. It was answered in the affirmative, and Mr. Hinson was asked to fill out a speaker form with his contact information. Member Carr commented that he realized this year's event will be scaled down, and recommended a one-day event with food trucks in addition to the honor ride. He proposed Saturday, November 6tn,for the reservation of Bill Breeze Park. Commissioner Oliver inquired if any type of budget has been established for the November event,and if the Board would support coordinating with Highpoint Church to host a memorial type service. Support Service Director Gaines shared there is$7000 allocated in the budget for this event. Member Middleton,who is a pastor at Highpoint Church,shared the church would be happy to assist. Member Moyer suggested to also inform Community Relations Manager Joy Wright of the upcoming event so she may also assist with a press release. Commissioner Oliver inquired if a Subcommittee would be formed to begin outlining the event details.Chair Anderson-Robinson shared she thought they were no longer utilizing Subcommittees. Recording Clerk Sibbitt explained to the Board the purpose of a Subcommittee is for fact-findings purposes, and would still need to report back to the HRDB Board for finalization and approval. She further explained the option of holding a workshop, or special session, should they need to have additional meetings prior to their event. She advised all the mentioned methods would need to be noticed and open to the public. Brief discussion ensued about Subcommittees and event planning. Member Middleton reiterated that Highpoint Church is willing to assist with the planning of the November event as they have staff experienced in event planning. Member Carr shared he would be willing to coordinate the meeting with the Police Chief, and the Buffalo Soldiers ride. Recording Clerk Sibbitt confirmed that Member Middleton and Member Carr were the two assigned Members to independently work on their assigned tasks and report back to the HRDB Board at the next scheduled meeting. Further discussion ensued about the need for a special meeting after October 7th. Support Service Director Gaines shared that he will contact the Parks and Recreation Department to reserve Bill Breeze Park for November 6tn Member Moyer inquired if there is any precedent for the HRDB Board to state that they are in support of Hispanic Heritage Month.Support Service Director Gaines shared the City overall supports Hispanic Heritage Month. Member Ages Hart briefly introduced himself to the Board. IV:Set Next Agenda A. Approval of Minutes for September 2, 2021 meeting B. Fiesta de Colores C. Update on Sculptures D. Discussion of Ocoee 1920 Election Day Massacre Remembrance Event—November 6th Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 7:10 PM ATTESTED: APPROVED: Melanie Sibbitt, Recording Clerk Chairperson Page 12