HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 09 Appointment of Members to the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB)
City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: May 16, 2023
Item #: 9
Contact Name: Melanie Sibbitt Department Director: Melanie Sibbitt
Contact Number: Ext. 1026 City Manager: Robert Frank
Subject: Appointment of Members to the Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB). (City
Clerk Sibbitt)
Background Summary: The Human Relations Diversity Board was created by Resolution in 2003, and on
January 17, 2023, the City Commission adopted Resolution No. 2023-01, which revised the Bylaws with the
following membership structure:
o The HRDB shall consist of no less than five (5) and no more than seven (7) voting members, and each
City Commissioner shall appoint one (1) person from the Commissioner’s district, and the Mayor shall
appoint one (1) person from any district to be an HRDB member.
o Two (2) additional at-large voting members will be appointed by the City Commission and may be from
any district, except that at no time shall both at-large members be from the same district.
o In order to stagger the terms of the members of the HRDB Board, members initially appointed from
District 1, District 3 and the first At-Large Member shall serve for an initial two (2) year term and
members appointed from District 2, District 4, Mayor's At-Large Member and the second At-Large
Member, serve for an initial three (3) year term. After these initial terms, all members will then serve
three (3) year terms.
At the May 2, 2023, Regular City Commission meeting,the City Commission appointed four (4) residents
(shown below); however, one (1) resident to be provided by the District 4 Commissioner, and two (2) at-large
voting members are still needed. Attached to this staff report are additional applications that were received
throughout the course of reestablishing this board.
District Appointed
Mayor William Maxwell
1 Hemraj Singh (Vinny)
2 Michelle Cummings
3 Josh Cease
4 Vacant
At-Large Vacant
At-Large Vacant
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City of Ocoee ▪ 1 N. Bluford Avenue ▪ Ocoee, Florida 34761
Phone: (407) 905-3100 ▪ www.ocoee.org
Issue:
Should the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners appoint one (1) resident provided by the District 4
Commissioner; and further, the City Commission as a whole appoint two (2) at-large voting members to the
HRDB?
Recommendations:
City staff recommends the Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners appoint one (1) resident provided by the
District 4 Commissioner; and further, the City Commission as a whole appoint two (2) at-large voting members
to the HRDB.
Attachments:
1. 2023-01 Resolution Relating to the HRDB and Bylaws
2. Application - Carr, Jay_District 2
3. Application - Mellen, Jason _District 4
4. Application - Milien, Johnny_District 3
5. Application - Moyer, Jim_District 4
6. Application - Riggins, Marcus_District 4
7. Application - Singh, Harry_District 1
Financial Impacts:
None
Type of Item: Regular
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RESOLUTION NO. 2023-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF OCOEE, FLORIDA,
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 2021-002 RELATING TO
THE HUMAN RELATIONS DIVERSITY BOARD BY
PROVIDING FOR A CHANGE IN MEMBERSHIP;
CLARIFYING OTHER REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS,Article II, Section C-8.0 of the Charter of the City of Ocoee,Florida,provides
that the City of Ocoee has the power to create boards, commissions and committees to advise and
assist the City in carrying out municipal functions; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission of the City of Ocoee adopted Resolution 2003-021 on
September 16, 2003 creating the Human Relations Diversity Board and adopting its Bylaws; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission subsequently modified Resolution 2003-021 through
the action of Resolutions 2004-011, 2010-010,2013-007, 2015-014. 2016-009 and 2021-002; and
WHEREAS, the City Commission believes it is in the best interest of the city and the
Board to amend the Membership and Bylaws of the Human Relations Diversity Board.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF OCOEE,FLORIDA:
SECTION 1. Authority. The City Commission of the City of Ocoee has the authority to
adopt this Resolution pursuant to Article VIII of the Constitution of the State of Florida, Article
II, Section C-8.0 of the Charter of the City of Ocoee, Florida and Chapter 166,Florida Statutes.
SECTION 2. Purpose. The language of the enabling legislation and Bylaws contained in
Resolution 2021-002 is hereby revised, as shown on Exhibit "A" to this Resolution. Deletions
from the original content are shown in strikethrough text; additions are shown in underlined text.
SECTION 3. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase or portion
of this Resolution is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision and such
holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion hereto.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon
passage and adoption.
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PASSED AND ADOPTED this 17 day of 2023.
A est: 2 Y OF OCOEE, FLORIDA
Jva
Melanie Sibbitt, City Clerk- Rusty John ij5ayor
SEAL) OPTEDADOPTED THIS /9 DAY OF
ciMitAti 2023,UNDER
AGENDA ITEM NO.
FOR USE AND RELIANCE ONLY BY
THE CITY OF OCOEE. APPROVED AS
TO FORM AND LEGALITY THIS
nni DAY OF TA---N) • ,2023.
SHUFFIELD, LOWMAN & WILSON,
P.A.
BY:
Sc s City Attom
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EXHIBIT "A"
I. Mission:
The general mission of the Human Relations Diversity Board ("HRDB") is to promote
understanding, respect, goodwill, and equality among all citizens and businesses of the City of
Ocoee. In no event shall the HRDB by itself possess any decision-making authority or be
authorized to bind the City of Ocoee.
II. Objectives:
A. Foster mutual understanding and respect among all persons emphasizing the
positive impact that diversity brings to the City of Ocoee;
B. Facilitate communication between the City Commission and citizen groups,
individuals, and businesses;
C. Assist the City Commission in educating the community through projects devoted
to the elimination of prejudice, racial tension, intolerance, or discrimination;
D. Provide suggestions and encouraging equality of treatment for, and preventing
discrimination against, any persons or businesses by Ocoee City government;
E. Serve as an informational conduit to the community at large; and
F. Make recommendations to the City Commission and staff on HRDB related
matters, as needed.
III. Membership:
A. The HRDB shall consist of no less than five (5) and no more than seven (7) voting
members. The City Commission shall designate one member of the City Commission, and the
City Manager shall designate one member of staff, both of whom will serve as liaisons (non-
voting) members. The duties of the liaisons appointed by the Commission and City Manager are
to assist the HRDB in attaining the HRDB objectives and report the HRDB's progress to the
Commission and City Manager periodically - not to provide direction or directives to HRDB
members or the HRDB in general unless the City Commission has authorized same. In addition,
from time to time, the City Commission may designate one (1) member representing an
organization with operations in the City (such as a church or other civic organization) to serve as
a liaison(non-voting)member for a term determined by the City Commission. For the initial five
5) voting members, each City Commissioner shall appoint one (1) person from the
Commissioner's district to be an HRDB member. The Mayor shall appoint one (1) person from
any district to be an HRDB member. Two (2) additional at-large voting HRDB members will be
appointed by the City Commission from a list of interested and eligible persons who have
completed an Application for Serving on City Boards available from the City Clerk, and who are
representative of the diversity of the community, including race, sex, age, religion, disability,
sexual orientation, and ethnic group. The two (2) at-large members may be from any district,
except that at no time shall both at-large members be from the same district. Members are expected
to attend Board meetings and participate in a minimum of one Board-sponsored event per calendar
year. Applicants for membership should anticipate that participation will require considerable
devotion of personal time. Effective January 1, 2023, the member appointed from District 1, the
member appointed from District 3, and the first of the two (2) at-large members shall serve a two
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2) year term and the member appointed from District 2, the member appointed from District 4,
the member appointed by the Mayor and the second of the two (2) at-large members shall serve a
three(3)year term. Once the terms of an original appointed member expires,subsequent,members
shall serve a three (3) year term and may be reappointed, irrespective of the number of terms
previously served. In the event of a vacancy in a member appointed by a City Commissioner,the
applicable City Commissioner shall appoint the new member from that Commissioner's district.
In the event of a vacancy in a member appointed by the Mayor, the Mayor shall appoint the new
member from any district. In the event of a vacancy in an at-large member, the City Commission
shall appoint the new member from any district other than the district of any current at-large
member. Subsequent at-large members shall meet the same requirements as the initial at-large
members. Vacancies shall remain vacant until appointed as provided herein.
B. Only those persons who reside in Ocoee shall be eligible for membership. Persons
who were convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude are ineligible.
C. Members of the HRDB shall meet as determined by, and in accordance with, the
provisions of the Bylaws for the HRDB and/or at such other times as may be called by the Chair
thereof Notice of each meeting shall be provided to all members of the HRDB within a reasonable
time prior to the meeting. All meetings of the HRDB will be open to the public with notice of the
place, day, and hour of the meeting posted at Ocoee City Hall at least forty-eight (48) hours in
advance of any such meeting.
D. Members shall be subject to the Florida Sunshine Law and Robert's Rules or Order.
E. The members of the HRDB may not vote upon a matter at a meeting unless 50%
plus one of the members (a quorum) is present. Liaison members,because they are non-voting, are
not to be included in a count of the members for the purpose of deteiiiiining whether a quorum is
present.
F. All members serve at the pleasure of the City Commission and may be removed for
cause at any time. In no event will the HRDB have the authority to remove any member. Any
member who misses three consecutive regular meetings or five regular-meetings in a 12-month
period or does not participate in one board-sponsored event shall be deemed to have resigned by
the HRDB.Any member submitting a voluntary resignation must do so in writing to the City Clerk.
G. Each member shall attend and complete diversity training and ethics training within
twelve(12)months of being appointed. Such training will be paid for by the City and directed by
the City Clerk.
IV.Bylaws:
The Bylaws for the HRDB shall be as set forth below, which are attached hereto and
incorporated herein by reference.
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CITY OF OCOEE HUMAN RELATIONS/DIVERSITY BOARD
BYLAWS
ARTICLE 1
Name of Organization)
The official name of this organization shall be the City Of Ocoee Human Relations Diversity
Board("HRDB").
ARTICLE 2
Purpose and Objectives)
1.Mission. The general mission of the HRDB is to promote understanding, respect,
goodwill, and equality among all citizens and businesses of the City of Ocoee. In no event shall
the HRDB by itself possess any decision-making authority or be authorized to bind the City of
Ocoee.
2.Objectives. The objectives of the HRDB are:
A. Foster mutual understanding and respect among all persons, emphasizing
the positive impact that diversity brings to the City of Ocoee;
B. Facilitate communication between the City Commission and citizen groups,
individuals, and businesses;
C. Assist the City Commission in educating the community through projects
devoted to eliminating prejudice, racial tension, intolerance, or discrimination;
D. Provide suggestions and encourage equality of treatment for, and prevent
discrimination against, any persons or businesses by Ocoee City government;
E. Serve as an infoiiiiational conduit to the community at large; and
F. Make recommendations to the City Commission and staff on HRDB related
matters, as needed.
ARTICLE 3
Officers)
1. The HRDB shall be governed by three officers: Chair, Chair-Elect, and Past-Chair.
The HRDB shall elect from among its members a Chair-Elect and any such other officers and
assistant officers as may be deemed necessary by affiuciiative vote of a majority of the members
present at a meeting at which a quorum is present. At the end of his or her term as Chair-Elect,
the incumbent shall become Chair and the former Chair shall become the Past-Chair. The City
Clerk shall assign a person to serve as recording clerk of the HRDB. Said person is not a member
of the HRDB. There is no specific teuii for this office; the City Clerk may appoint a new person
to fulfill this role as the need arises.
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2. Elected HRDB officers shall each serve for a term of one (1) year or until their
successors are elected. Officers shall not be limited in the number of terms they serve. At each
election, the members may vote to retain the current slate of officers in their present positions
rather than allow the progression of officers to occur. Vacancies which occur among the officers
of the HRDB during the term of service may be filled by the HRDB at its next regular meeting,
provided that there is at least one week's notice of the election prior to the meeting.
ARTICLE 4
Duties of Officers)
1.Duties of the Chair. The Chair shall in general supervise and control the affairs of
the HRDB and perform all other duties incident to the office of Chair. The Chair shall preside at
all meetings of the HRDB and shall hold ex-officio membership on all subcommittees. The Chair
shall perform all other duties ordinarily pertaining to the office and shall appoint all
subcommittees.
2.Duties of the Chair-Elect. The Chair-Elect shall perform the duties of the Chair in
the absence of the Chair, chair one or more subcommittees, or undertake additional duties assigned
by the Chair.
3.Duties of the Past-Chair. The Past-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the
absence of the Chair and Chair-Elect, chair one or more subcommittees, or undertake additional
duties assigned by the Chair.
4. Duties of the Recording Clerk. The Recording Clerk shall ensure that the meetings
are recorded and shall have the duty of preparing minutes of each motion made and vote taken
during each regular or special meeting of the HRDB, preparing correspondence, and making and
posting announcements of HRDB and subcommittee meetings.
5.The duties of any office created by the HRDB shall be those assigned in the motion
creating the office but cannot conflict with the duties assigned to any office established by these
Bylaws.
ARTICLE 5
Subcommittees)
1.The HRDB may create such subcommittees as may be required to attain its
objectives, as set forth in Article 2. Subcommittee Chair shall be selected by the members of each
subcommittee.
2.Subcommittee Meetings. Subcommittees may meet with such frequency as they
deem appropriate for the assigned task. Notification of all subcommittee meetings shall be
provided to all members no less than five (5) days prior to each meeting. All meetings of any
subcommittee shall be open to the public with notice of the date, place, and time posted at Ocoee
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City Hall at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of any such meeting. Subcommittee meetings
shall be conducted in the same manner as a regular meeting but shall be limited to the conduct of
business according to the scope of the subcommittee. Subcommittee meetings need not be recorded
or attended by the Recording Clerk.
ARTICLE 6
HRDB Meetings)
1. Regular Meetings. Regularly scheduled meetings shall be held throughout the year.
The frequency and specific calendar shall be determined by consensus at the first meeting of the
year and shall include a first meeting date for the following calendar year. Notification of all
regular meetings shall be provided to all members no less than seven(7)days prior to each meeting.
All meetings of the HRDB shall be open to the public with notice of the date, place, and time
posted at Ocoee City Hall at least forty-eight (48) hours in advance of any such meeting. The
Recording Clerk shall prepare minutes of each motion made and vote taken during each regular
meeting.
2.Special Meetings. Special meetings may be called by the Chair or the Chair-Elect
or by a majority of the HRDB members. Notification of all special meetings shall be posted in the
same manner as regular meetings,but with not less than five(5)days prior notice. Special meetings
shall be conducted in the same manner as a regular meeting but shall be limited to the conduct of
business specifically set forth in the notice. The Recording Clerk shall prepare minutes of each of
each motion made and vote taken during each special meeting.
3. Meeting Set-Up. Regular meetings shall be held in the Commission Chambers at
City Hall, or such other location as determined by the Recording Clerk if the Commission
Chambers are unavailable. The Recording Clerk shall sit on the dais or other area with access to
recording equipment. Voting members shall sit around a table with the liaison members and
members of the public seated in the audience chairs.
ARTICLE 7
Quorum and Voting)
1.Quorum. For the purpose of conducting the regular business of the organization,
50% plus one of the total of all current members shall constitute a quorum. Liaison members
cannot be counted when determining the presence of a quorum.
2. Voting. Voting shall be done by voice vote or by show of hands at the discretion of
the Chair. Votes may only be taken at a properly noticed meeting at which a quorum is present.
Unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws,the passage of any item shall require a simple majority
vote of those in attendance. Each duly qualified member in attendance, including officers, shall be
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entitled to one vote. Voting by proxy, absentee ballot, electronic mail, or by telephone shall not be
permitted.
ARTICLE 8
Parliamentary Authority)
The parliamentary procedural rules found in the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order
shall govern HRDB meetings and actions in all cases where they are not in conflict with these
Bylaws.
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APPLICATION FOR SERVING ON CITY BOARDS
Please use this form to apply for appointment to a citizen advisory or quasi-judicial board.
Completed applications must be signed and submitted to the Office of the City Clerk, 1 N. Bluford
Ave., Ocoee, FL 34761 or emailed to ccdl@ocoee.org. Applications are valid for one (1) year from
the date of submission. Please direct any questions to the Office of the City Clerk, 407-905-3105.
All submitted applications are public records under Chapter 119, Florida Statutes, and are open
to inspection by all persons.
Name (please print) Dr. James Michael Moyer, Sr. (Jim) E-mail Address jimmoyer1956@gmail.com
Home Address 1811 Southern Red Oak Court (Arden Park)
Phone 754 367 4174 City Resident at Least 6 Months? [X ] Yes [ ] No City District # 4
When possible, equal representation for all districts shall be maintained on all advisory boards, and the City Commission
shall consider the demographic makeup of the board upon making their appointment.
Place of Work Retired Position
Business Address
US Citizen? [ X] Yes [ ] No Registered Voter? [X ] Yes [ ] No City Employee? [ ] Yes [ X ] No Dept.
Presently Serve on Quasi-judicial Board? [ ] Yes [ X ] No If yes, please describe
State law prohibits service on more than one quasi-judicial board or elected/appointed office.
Please indicate the board(s) for which you seek appointment by the City Commission. Financial disclosure
and/or background checks are required for certain citizen board members; see footnotes.
Citizen Advisory Council for Fire Dept.2 Parks & Recreation Advisory Board2
Citizen Advisory Council for Police Dept.2 Planning & Zoning Commission1
Code Enforcement Board1 Personnel Board
General Employees’ Retirement Trust
Fund Board of Trustees1
Police Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement Trust
Fund Board of Trustees1
X Human Relations Diversity Board2
1 Financial disclosure forms must be submitted after appointment to a quasi-judicial board.
2 Background checks are required before a member may participate in public-contact events.
Is this for Reappointment? [ ] Yes [X ] No Previously resigned due to possible relocation that never happened
Have Attended at Least 1 Meeting of Requested Board(s)? [X] Yes [ ] No
You are strongly encouraged to attend at least one meeting of any board for which you seek appointment
prior to submitting your application.
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List any education, experience, and/or skill or civic involvement that would be relevant to serving on a board.
Is there an attachment? [X] Yes [ ] No
Education: Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership, 2019; Masters in Business Administration,
2011; Certified Public Accountant (licensed in PA), 1986; Certified Internal Auditor, 1988
See attached addendum for more detail
Experience: Served five years on the Harrisburg, PA Human Relations Commission (1998-2003); Served on
the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB) for about 1 1/2 years before I tendered my written
resignation because of my plans to move to Pennsylvania but my plans fell through. I have attended several
HRDB meetings after resigning. See attached addendum for more detail
Special Knowledge or Skills: See attached addendum for details
Community/Civic Organizations & Involvement: Ocoee American Legion Post 109, West Orange Seniors
Hobbies or Special Interests: Meet new people and learn about their ancestry/country/culture; Ocoee
volunteer; eat out at local Ocoee restaurants; swim; acupuncture; reiki
ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Check Below):
X I understand that in accordance with the Florida Sunshine Law, this information will be available for
public review and I waive any objections to such publication.
X If appointed, I agree to faithfully and fully perform the duties of the Board, make every endeavor to serve
my full term, and will comply with all laws or Ordinances of the City, County, and State of Florida.
X I understand, if appointed, an updated application must be submitted to seek appointment to another
advisory board.
I understand that Financial disclosure forms must be submitted after appointment to a quasi-judicial
board.
STATE REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
Section 760.80, F.S., requires the City submit a report annually to the Secretary of State disclosing race,
gender, and physical disabilities of board and committee members. Please check the appropriate boxes below:
Race Gender Disability
African-American X Male
Asian- American Female
Hispanic-American
Native American
X Caucasian
X Physically Disabled
By my signature below, I attest that the information provided herein is true and correct, and I acknowledge
and agree that a background check will be required when my duties include contact with the public.
Signature Dr. James Michael Moyer, Sr. Date December 16, 2022
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Dr. James Michael Moyer, Sr. December 19, 2022
Application for serving on the ADDENDUM
Human Relations Diversity Board (HRDB)
Prefix: I recently became a 100% totally and permanently disabled veteran which I was not when I
previously served on this board. Therefore, I am submitting my application to this board not
only as a member of the veteran community but also as a member of the disabled community.
Education: The final dissertation topic during my Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership
program was Asian American stereotypes. This program including researching and writing
the dissertation took me a total of seven years. During the first two years or more,
however my research included both Hispanic American stereotypes and Asian American
stereotypes because I intended to do a comparison. Unfortunately, I was informed that
this type of comparative dissertation topic at my particular school was not allowable.
Experience: Being a diversity board I would think that the personal experience with diversity of the
applicant would be the primary consideration. Therefore, I am presenting the city with
an overview of my personal experiences with diversity.
Extent of Interaction
Extensive Moderate Limited
Cultures
Caucasian X
African American X
Asian American X
Hispanic American X
Native American X
Religions
Christianity X
Muslim X
Buddhism X
Taoism X
Hindi X
Judiasm X
Baha’i X
Special knowledge or skills: As an auditor and accountant by profession, I have been trained in
objectivity and independence which is required, in my humble opinion, to
have an inclusive mindset, embrace diversity and equality; and fulfill the
mission of the Ocoee Human Relations Diversity Board.
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