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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-06-2014CITY OF OCOEE MINUTES OF HUMAN RELATIONS /DIVERSITY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD MARCH 6, 2014 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Hopkins called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in Room 109 of City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive. Following a moment of personal reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, a quorum was declared present. PRESENT: Chairman Hopkins, Chair -Elect Dawkins, Past Chairman Maxwell, and Members Boudokhane, Calloway, Curry, Foster, Freeman, McKenzie, and Singh ALSO PRESENT: Commissioner Grogan, Former Mayor Lester Dabbs, Director of Support Services Al Butler, and Recording Clerk Westberry ABSENT: None BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 6, 2014 Minutes of the February 6 2014 meeting were accepted as written. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS/ PUBLIC None Chairman Hopkins informed the board that she was going to rearrange the agenda and move the African - American Cemetery to the top of list for consideration of Commissioner Grogan, so that he would not have to stay for the entire meeting. AFRICAN AMERICAN CEMETERY This item was heard out of Agenda order. Commissioner Grogan began discussion with an update of the African - American Cemetery, stating that the Gazebo has been approved and paid for. He continued by saying that Support Services Director Butler will explain the history of this property. Currently the City does not own the cemetery and the Gazebo will not be mounted at this time. Lester Dabbs asked Commissioner Grogan to confirm that this property is not the physical cemetery. Commissioner Grogan confirmed. That it is not believed to be the physical cemetery. He continued by saying the City may have to come up with another location for the cemetery. Mr. Butler will give you some facts on the property. Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes March 6, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Support Services Director Butler stated that what caused the City to look at the ownership of the property was a question raised by the Orange County Property Assessor, due to properties that had inconsistences in their records, especially as they dealt with storm -water management fees. The property had the name of the City of Ocoee as the owner but showed the mailing address in Maitland, and found this is a remnant owned by Bluford Sims' daughter, Lena Brannon. Member Singh arrived to the meeting at 7:12 p.m. Mr. Butler continued by explaining history of cemetery. Board discussion ensued regarding the research conducted concerning the African - American Cemetery. Mr. Dabbs explained the history he knew of the cemetery. Mr. Butler stated that there is no evidence that anyone ever conveyed this property to the City of Ocoee. Board discussion continued concerning the African - American settlement regarded as, North - Quarter and South - Quarter. Mr. Dabbs continued talking of his knowledge of the events. Commissioner Grogan informed the board that legal issues have to be resolved, and the City wants to carry on the history as proper as we can. Member Curry arrived to the meeting at 7:38 p.m. Past Chairman Maxwell noted that he has concerns and there is a deep moral issue concerning the souls of those buried there. Commissioner Grogan said the City is not abandoning this topic. Past Chairman Maxwell shared his concerns, and lengthy board discussion ensued. Chairman Hopkins summarized the discussion and shared that the board's goal is to have a proper respectful memorial. She directed the board members to discuss with Mr. Butler any ideas or actions they may have. Member Boudokhane arrived to the meeting at 7:44 p.m. The board members thanked Commission Grogan, Mr. Dabbs, and Mr. Butler for their research and information. Commissioner Grogan and Mr. Dabbs left the meeting at 7:45 p.m. BUDGET REPORT Chairman Hopkins noted that Staff - Liaison Wright was not able to attend the meeting; however, provided copies of the most recent expenditures. (Exhibit A) Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes March 6, 2014 Page 3 of 6 BLACK HISTORY MONTH ESSAY CONTEST DEBRIEF Chairman Hopkins expressed that the kids had a great time, and the board members agreed. Chair -Elect Dawkins commented that the kids were very excited, but felt that Past Chairman Maxwell's speech, even though it was good, went over the children's heads. Chairman Hopkins suggested for the next essay contest, that the board members meet with the kids before the ceremony to explain what will take place. She also suggested a quick sound check since some of the kids were hard to hear, and they tend to look down. Member Curry suggested holding a rehearsal. Chair -Elect Dawkins suggested that five minutes with the children before the ceremony would help, so that they understand the flow of the ceremony. Mr. Butler suggested to the board to make a note for next year that each school receive a photo of the students for their newsletter. Chairman Hopkins mentioned the feedback she received from teachers was very positive. Discussion ensued about the number of schools that are located within the City. Chairman Maxwell noted that the entry amount was down this year and schools responded that they did not receive enough notice. He suggested having an HRDB member go to the schools to talk to principals and teachers to promote the essay contest. Member Freeman commented that it was my first year reading the essays and felt that there were so many options for the children to choose from. This made it hard to judge all these options while reading their papers. The board needs to convey one specific thing for the kids to write about. Chairman Hopkins noted that the kids need a more narrow focus. Past Chairman Maxwell briefly read from the guidelines that were e- mailed to the schools. Chairman Hopkins stated that the board needs a better definition of what is expected. Mr. Butler suggested talking to a curriculum coordinator at the school board to help come up with a strategy concerning the essay contest. Discussion ensued about how to go about Mr. Butler's suggestion Past Chairman Maxwell felt that someone should go to the schools to promote essay contest. Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes March 6, 2014 Page 4 of 6 Chairman Hopkins noted that she would love to be able to communicate more with the children and engage the students to be more interested. Chair Elect Dawkins seconded by Member Freeman moved to form a committee to come together to suggest ways of promoting the Black History Month Essay Co ntest by setting up appointments meetings and outreach Motion carried unan imously. Chairman Hopkins stated the board will set the members of the committee according to the by -laws at the next meeting. SPRING FLING Chairman Hopkins stated she has everything in her car that Staff - Liaison Wright provided to the board. She continued by saying that she and Member Curry will set -up from 9:00 to 11:00 Member Freeman volunteered for the entire event. Member McKenzie could not commit. Member Foster can arrive by 1:00 p.m. Member Singh and Member Boudokhane volunteered from 11:00 to 1:00. Chair -Elect Dawkins can make it for the last hour. SET -UP COMMITTEES FOR EVENTS AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER Chairman Hopkins noted that at the last meeting the board voted to set -up committees for events and the keynote speaker for MLK Event. Chairman Hopkins asked for volunteers for the MLK Keynote Speaker Committee or chair it. Member Freeman volunteered to be on the committee. Member Boudokhane volunteered to serve as the committee's chairperson. Member Foster volunteered to serve on the committee. Chairman Hopkins asked for volunteers to serve on the Fiesta de Colores Committee or chair it. Member Calloway volunteered to serve as chairperson. Members Boudokhane and Morgan, and Chair -Elect Dawkins volunteered to be on the committee. ASIAN HERITAGE EVENT PRESENTATION BY MEMBER SINGH Chairman Hopkins asked Member Singh if he had a presentation ready. Member Singh stated that he did not reserve Bill Breeze Park for May 3rd because the price was raised from $300 to $1200 to rent, but he is still interested in planning a presentation. Chair -Elect Dawkins asked Member Singh what he was trying to accomplish. Member Singh explained that he wants to bring together the Asian Community and bring tourists into Ocoee. Member Freeman stated she was confused about what Member Singh wanted to do, and asked was Member Singh going to do this event on his behalf or bring it to the board to sponsor it. Member Singh answered that it would be good if the board sponsored it. Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes March 6, 2014 Page 5 of 6 Mr. Butler noted that the City Commission suggested the board broaden the scope of Fiesta de Colores and call it the International Festival. Member Singh stated that the International Festival was to bring every community into a weekend program to have all communities come and bring tourist into Ocoee. Member Singh stated he was doing this at the Citrus Bowl and Lake Eola. Member Hopkins stated that the board needs to remember that they are City events, not a local business event. INTERNATIONAL CULTURAL DAY Chairman Hopkins suggested converting Fiesta de Colores into International Day rather than have an additional event. Board discussion ensued concerning the direction to take for International Day. Past Chairman Maxwell spoke about ways to high -light Ocoee and form committees, but noting that it would probably require about nine months of intense planning and using Fiesta de Colores as a platform. Mr. Butler stated the City would rather put forces behind a larger event instead of several small events, and explained that the City of Ocoee is part of a Tri -City Group. Board discussion ensued regarding more interest in forming an International Day and bringing communities together. Board Discussion Chairman Hopkins stated that at the next meeting, the board will need to set -up committees and start planning. Chairman Hopkins stated that she wanted to discuss the board shirts.. She continued by saying that Staff - Liaison Wright has provided the board with options on colors. Board discussion ensued regarding the shirts and color each member preferred. Color selection included shades of blue, black or charcoal. Member Boudokhane seconded by Member Freeman moved to vote on a color. Motion carried unanimously. Board consensus was to select shirts in the color Pacific Blue. Chairman Hopkins entertained a motion to expend money for everyone to have a shirt up to $350. Mr. Butler suggested to authorize the expenditure of $30 per shirt to include new members and postage. Human Relations Diversity Board Minutes March 6, 2014 Page 6 of 6 Board discussion ensued regarding the amount. Chairman Hopkins entertained a motion to expend no more than $35 per shirt. Me mber Calloway, seconded by Member Singh moved to vote to spen no m ore than $35 for each present member and new member. Motion carried una nimously. NEXT AGENDA - APRIL 3, 2014 Comments from Citizens /Public Budget Report Cemetery Options Fiesta de Colores International Cultural Day Set Next Agenda QUESTIONS /COMMENTS ADJOURN The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m. S Carla Westberry, Recording Cler ennif r op ins, Chairman Exhibit A HRDB Budget Report A B C D E 1 EVENT PURCHASE DATE COMPANY ITEM AMOUNT 2 FY 2013 -2014 HRDB EXPENSES 3 OCTOBER 4 Fiesta de Colores 10/2/2013 West Orange Times -- 1/4 Display Ad Fiesta De Colores27( $270.00 5 - HRDB 1 0/25/2013 - - - Pride Enterprises 3 member bus iness cards $49.50 6 - -- - -- — — — — - - - - - -- 7 -- DECEMBER 8 MLK P arade 12/23/2013 The Sign Factory — (2) 64 x 40 ba nners for MLK $213.82 9 -- - - - --- -- JANUARY 10 MLK Parade 1/9/2014 Abbott Communicati Gro up MLK Pa rade Flyers — $ 692.88 11 jMLK Parade 1/16/2014 West Orange Times MLK Parade display ad $270.00 12 MLK Parade 1/16/2014 Orlando Times _ MLK Parade display ad $287.50 13 MLK Parade __ _ 1/13/2014 SunDance Marketing PO MLK Parade Street Signs /Posters $1,300.00 14 MLK Parade 1/17/2014 Sun Dance Marketing PO _ 5 Diversity Banners /Grap Desig $1,195.00 15 MLK Parade 1/20/2014 Dunkin Donuts MLK Refreshments $74.95 16 MLK Parade 1/21/2014 Gary Faller Enginee PO Audio services for MLK Parade $900.00 17 MLK Parade 1/23/2014 Jennifer Roper -- - - - - -- Photography MILK Parade - -- $200.00 — 18 MILK Parade 1/21/2014 -- -- -- - -- ------- Kirby rentals, LLc Chair re ntal for MLK Pa rade — 526.70 19 February — - -- - - —— - - -- 20 2/28/2014 Performa Concepts - - -- Tote bags — 21 — -- — $1,500.00 22 — TOTAL $5,980.35