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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-05-13CITY OF OCOEE MINUTES OF HUMAN RELATIONS /DIVERSITY BOARD SPECIAL MEETING HELD DECEMBER 5, 2013 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Hopkins called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. in Room 109 of City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive. Following a moment of personal reflection, the board pledged allegiance to the flag. The clerk called roll and determined there was - not a quorum present. PRESENT: Chairman Hopkins, and Members Boudokhane and Curry ALSO PRESENT: Staff - Liaison Wright, Recording Clerk Turner and guest Phillip Van Der Straeten ABSENT: Chair -Elect Dawkins (A /E), Past Chairman Maxwell (A /E), and Members Calloway (A /E), Foster (A /U), Freeman (A /E), McKenzie (A /U) and Singh (A /U) BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION Chairman Hopkins explained that as a quorum was not declared present, the meeting could only serve as a workshop. The Chairman provided a brief update of the Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law for the present members. WELCOME GUEST The board formally recognized and welcomed guest Phillip Van Der Straeten, the brother of Member Boudokhane. APPROVAL OF MINUTES November 7, 2013 Tabled to the next meeting COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/ PUBLIC None BUDGET REPORT Staff - Liaison Wright informed the board that the HRDB account balance is $5,627.76; however, the balance does not reflect the City's pending deposit of $7,000 for the new fiscal year. Member Curry inquired regarding the board's sponsorship forms. Staff - Liaison Wright explained that general and event sponsorship forms may be picked up from the receptionist at City Hall. SPRING FLING Chairman Hopkins informed the board that the Spring Fling is a family event with a focus on safety. She explained that it is an opportunity for the board to have a booth at the event, solicit board membership, and to help support the City. She continued by saying if the board chooses to have a booth at the Spring Fling event, members will need to commit to attending the event. Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes December 5, 2013 Page 2 of 3 Staff- Liaison Wright stated that the event is scheduled for March, and she will provide the board with the date at the January meeting. Chairman Hopkins informed the board that the City's Tree Lighting Celebration will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2013, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. The event will offer activities such as: • Tree lighting ceremony • Horse and carriage rides • Fire pit with s' mores • Food trucks • Pony rides • Face painting Member Curry stated that he was approached regarding a Gay Pride event. Chairman Hopkins stated that the public can approach the board for event support, but board sponsorship is riot required. She continued by saying they can also approach the City for event sponsorship. Staff - Liaison Wright stated she will bring event information at the January meeting. Members Boudokhane and Curry volunteered to assist with the event if the board chooses to participate. MLK UNITY PARADE AND CELEBRATION Staff - Liaison Wright informed the board that all items are on task. Event flyers have been posted, and the parade information has been updated on the City's website and the board's webpage. The press release will be issued upon confirmation from Judge Perry's Office. She continued by saying that she e- mailed last year's participants and has received a confirmed registration from The King's Daughters. Chairman Hopkins confirmed the attendance of the Ocoee High School Band. Member Boudokhane inquired if bottled water will be available at the event. Staff - Liaison Wright stated that bottled water cannot be offered at the event as the West Oaks Mall will not allow product competition. Member Curry suggested sponsoring a West Oaks Mall vendor in order to provide bottled water. Board discussion ensued regarding the board's pole flags. Staff -Liaison Wright explained that the City's Public Works Department has not had the opportunity to examine the banners; however, she will ensure that this matter is tended to. She continued by saying that she has a local vendor that will be able to print more banners in the event that some of the board's existing banners are damaged or lost. Staff - Liaison Wright was directed to invite Lt. Dreasher of the Ocoee Police Department to the January meeting to discuss the event's operations plans. The board asked Staff - Liaison Wright to contact Judge Belvin Perry and offer him the opportunity to provide the public with a meet - and - greet, and to discuss any requirements for special security. Staff - Liaison Wright informed the board that Judge Perry will tailor his remarks around the event's theme, "The Color of Freedom and Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes December 5, 2013 Page 3 of 3 Justice ". Chairman Hopkins asked that Staff- Liaison Wright update the judge's Facebook fan -page to reflect his speaking engagement at the MLK Unity Parade. Member Curry asked if he could receive a replacement HRDB shirt. Staff - Liaison Wright stated that she will order the member's shirt at no cost to him. BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST Chairman Hopkins stated that at the October meeting, it was moved and passed to separate the themes for the MLK Unity Parade and Celebration and the Black History Month Essay Contest. She continued by saying that as there is not a quorum, the board cannot select a theme for the Black History Month Essay Contest. She informed the present members of some of the considered themes: • The Color of Freedom and .Justice • .lust Be • Living the Dream • What are YOU doing Now • What does Freedom and Justice Mean to You? • Create your Dream Chairman Hopkins informed the board that the essay contest is open to students in the fifth grade thro(.igh high school. The chairman asked Staff - Liaison Wright to e -mail the local schools to inform them that the essay contest is approaching. She continued by saying that direction should be given to the students to not write biographies. After board discussion, Staff - Liaison Wright was directed to reserve the Commission Chambers of City Hall for the essay contest award presentation for February 26, 2014. NEXT AGENDA - January 2, 2013 Cornrnents from Citizens /Public Budget Report MLK Unity Parade and Celebration Black History Month Essay Contest Spring Fling Set Next Agenda QUESTIONS /COMMENTS ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 8 :00 p.m. Tana Turner, Recording Clerk nnifer opkins, Chairman