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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-05-2023 MinutesHUMAN RELATIONS DIVERSITY BOARD 1 N. Bluford Avenue Ocoee, Florida W-11XIIII11FUSINTOMIT4_0 M-1141givil The meeting was called to order by Chair Moyer at 6:21 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 1 N. Bluford Avenue, Ocoee. Chair Moyer led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of personal • Recording Clerk Torres performed •l call and declared a quorum present. Present: Chair Moyer, Members Singh, Cease, and Mellen Absent: Vice Chair Maxwell and Member Cummings Also Present: Commissioner Hart, Community Relations Manager Wright and Recording Clerk Torres 1. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meetings held September 7,2023: ArivM7111lik �Miydsla=h bV Member Singh. Motion carried unanimousIV. 0 OLD BUISNESS Chair Moyer noted that, following the previous meeting, the recommendation was made to temporarily close McKey Street for use in upcoming events. However, it was clarified that due to ongoing construction, only city -sponsored events would be permitted until the project's completion. Subsequently, Member Mellen proceeded to read the Mission Statement. Chair Moyer reported significant strides in promoting Veterans Day, having presented before the City Commission and at an American Legion event. The Winter Garden American Legion has expressed interest in endorsing the City of Ocoee's Veterans Day event, and in return, they've requested support for their event, named "Challenge 22," also scheduled for Veterans Day. Chair Moyer advised he will take the initiative to gather additional details and ensure the board stays informed. 1. Restructure of Mission Statement Chair Moyer asked if Recording Clerk Torres knew what this item entailed, to which Recording Clerk Torres responded that the mission statement was set by the Commission and was not to be altered. Chair Moyer expressed his desire for improved attendance at HRDB meetings and proposed the development of a strategic plan as a board to address this concern. Members concurred with the Chair and emphasized the importance of HRDB members attending City Commission meetings to provide HRDB Meeting September 7, 2023 recommendations. Further discussion ensued on various ideas for promoting the meetings and securing guest speakers. Commissioner Hart recommended that members attend Commission meetings to voice any issues they encounter and suggest potential solutions. Member Mellen sought clarification from Chair Moyer regarding the changes he had in mind. Chair Moyer explained that he had consulted with the Director of Support Services and the City Clerk to clarify the board's role. He raised questions about whether the board should serve as ambassadors, suggesting community preferences to the Commission, or if their primary focus should be promoting City events predetermined by the City. Member Cease referred to specific sections in the Bylaws (D and F) related to the board's objectives, highlighting the need to make suggestions and promote equal treatment and nondiscrimination by the City government. He argued that these objectives already encompassed what Chair Moyer was proposing. Discussion ensued on invng guests to participate in holiday or special events before Commission meetings on designated days. It was encouraged that board members engage with various communities and ethnic groups to ensure that the board represents all ethnicities, as it is th-e board's responsibility to proactively seek out these communities. Member Cease recommended using the city's Facebook page to promote HRDB actives and generate interest, a suggestion that received support from Community Relations Manager Wright, who offered to assist with creating a post for the HRDB board. anc��� Chair Moyer inquired about the budget from Community Relations Manager Wright, who reported it to be $2000. Chair Moyer then proposed allocating a portion of the budget for purchasing a tent. Member Mellen suggested that the HRDB consider collaborating with another board to avoid the expense of acquiring a new tent, and instead, redirect the funds for a different purpose. Commissioner Hart volunteered to utilize his discretionary fund to purchase the tent if the board decided against partnering with another board. Chair Moyer inquired whether pamphlets could b(,-r- distributed, and Commissioner Hart confirmed that they could be handed out during City events. He emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere to engage the public with the HRDB board. Effl-Wiffl-10:0. 111114 011211: "M IMAM M-1 M-M1111 on a 0 RON"@ biall 01 PE) .91191allt b 1111bblifill. UPAL-H. Lit Crahaj contact the board. Commissioner Hart expressed his desire to distribute these pamphlets to small businesses catering to minorities and various local places in order to reach all cultures within the community. HRDB Meeting September 7, 2023 Chair Moyer informed the board that during his meeting, City Clerk Sibbitt mentioned that Sunshine training and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) training would soon be scheduled for the board. He also mentioned meeting with Commissioner Kennedy upon the Commissioner's request, and the meeting had been productive. Chair Moyer shared that he had proposed a rebranding of the board as the "IDEAS" board during a Commission meeting, with Commissioner Kennedy's support. He explained that "IDEAS" stood for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Sustainabty. However, Commissioner Hart mentioned that this proposal had been rejected by several members of the Commission, and the board would remain the HRDB board. Member Cease expressed his interest in getting to work as a board and not focusing on the name, while Member Mellen commended the board's evolution into an informative and dynamic entity filled with innovative ideas. I N Ulyr-g a I I Lit IN I I 17-19.1r.,19161y I a I I JiLe I r.-I I I I 1$Air-a I kv; I I Le MIT-ARTOT smog Commissioner Hart commended the board for its excellent performance and expressed a strong desire for the board to undergo a relaunch, actively engage in their intended activities, and carry out their mission. He extended his gratitude to the board members and conveyed his enthusiastic anticipation of the forthcoming work. @1UMU23N=- F."I a 9:019:4 Recording Clerk -- 0 APPROVED and DATED: A Chairperson Page 13