06-03-2021 Minutes CITY OF OCOEE
Minutes of the Human Relations Diversity Board
Regular Meeting Held June 3,2021
I: CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chair Anderson-Robinson at 6:15 p.m. in the Commission Chambers of City
Hall located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive, Ocoee.
Chair Anderson-Robinson 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 a quorum present.
Present: Chair Anderson-Robinson, and Members Foster (arrived at 6:18 PM), Dawkins, Maxwell, Lori Hart, Carr,
Fontanez, Brown, and Ages Hart
Absent: Member(s) Moyer
Also Present: Commissioner Oliver,Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines, and Recording Clerk Sibbitt
Public Comments: Past-Chair Maxwell shared information on the funeral services for Nancy Dabbs,wife to former
Mayor and HRDB Member, Lester Dabbs.
II: BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION
A. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meetings held May 6, 2021:
Motion: Move to Approve the May 6, 2021, Minutes; Moved by Past Chair Maxwell, seconded by
Member Brown.
Member Carr asked for confirmation that $10,000 was put into the budget for the sculpture. Assistant
Support Services Director Doug Gaines answered in the affirmative, and shared the budget information
that will be presented before the City Commission.
After a brief discussion. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Fiesta de Colores:
Elise Smith, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando (HCCMO) Representative, provided a
PowerPoint with information on the Chambers and the benefits of being a member.The HCCMO services
the regional areas of Central Florida, and is one of the largest chambers in Central Florida. She further
highlighted some of the events of the HCCMO and shared they would like to partner with the HRDB Board
on their Fiesta de Colores event.Past-Chair Maxwell inquired what the correct term was when addressing
a person of Latino/Hispanic Heritage. Ms. Smith addressed his question and explained the difference in
the terminology of Hispanic and Latin. Past-Chair Maxwell asked Ms. Smith if she could share any tips on
what the Board can do to get actively involved with the Hispanic community, which is one of the largest
minority groups in Ocoee. Ms.Smith addressed his question,and shared that inviting and engaging with
a variety of cultural organizations can help bridge the Board with the Hispanic community. Further
discussion ensued.
Angel de la Portilla, Economic Consultant for the City, Resident, and Member of the HCCMO, shared that
Commissioner Oliver invited him this evening to brainstorm ideas on how the City can partner with the
HCCMO to consider bringing the Latin Food and Wine Festival to Ocoee. He shared that this type of event
will bring out a great amount of people to enjoy the lake, and has the ability to grow every year. Member
Foster inquired what business sector in Central Florida is most represented in the Chamber. Ms. Smith
addressed her question.
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HRDB Meeting
June 3, 2021
Commissioner Oliver inquired if any actions would be taken this evening to move forward with a
partnership with the HCCMO, or with Fiesta de Colores. Chair Anderson-Robinson shared at the last
meeting it was mentioned that a national car manufacturer was willing to sponsor the event.
Commissioner Oliver shared he has not heard back from the national manufacturer, but the HCCMO is
willing to partner with the Board on an event between the end of February and April. He further explained
why that time frame was selected.Chair Anderson-Robinson shared that the end of February is when the
Board in hosting the Black History Essay Contest, but inquired if any other City events are held March and
April. Brief discussion ensued. Member Carr shared they should definitely partner with the Chamber and
recommended that the Fiesta de Colores Subcommittee Chair meet with them to discuss details. Member
Dawkins said she would reach out to the Chamber to coordinate a meeting.Commissioner Oliver inquired
if prior to a meeting the Subcommittee Chair could be provided with a list of events the City has for the
months of February-April.Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines shared he could provide that
information.
C. Commemorative Plaque Update:
Past-Chair Maxwell shared that he has not been able to authenticate a list of descendants who would
want to receive a plaque; and further, asked for an extension. Assistant Support Services Director Doug
Gaines reminded Past-chair Maxwell that he will need to report back to the Commission once he has a
firm number.
Motion: Move to extend the Commemorative Plaque Project deadline until September 2nd. Moved by
Past-Chair Maxwell,seconded by Member Dawkins. Motion carried unanimously.
D. Sculptures Discussion
Past-Chair Maxwell shared he does not have any further input from the support group in Winter Park and
the artist. He further asked the Board to review the memorandum that the Recording Clerk sent out by
email last month so they can provide input at the next meeting. He shared the information that was
emailed provided insight on what the artist was trying to convey and the description of the sculpture.
Member Carr shared he saw the original presentation when the artist came before the Board about a year
ago and he liked what he presented. Past-Chair Maxwell said he would reach out to Mr. Owen to inquire
if he could provide the presentation again. Chair Anderson-Robinson shared this item can be tabled to
their next meeting.
Member Carr asked Past-Chair Maxwell if he found the information on the other sculpture that was
mentioned by Commissioner Oliver. Past-Chair Maxwell apologized as he could not locate the brochure
that Commissioner Oliver provided to him, but he will continue to search so he can also provide that
information at the next meeting. Brief discussion ensued.
III: Board and Staff Comments:
Member Dawkins inquired if there was going to be a July meeting. Assistant Support Services Director
Doug Gaines shared that historically the Board has cancelled that meeting, but it is at the discretion of
the Board. As there was no further discussion, or objections, Chair Anderson-Robinson announced the
next HRDB meeting will be in August.
Recording Clerk Sibbitt shared before them is an email from Member Moyer, who was not able to be
present this evening.She asked that the members please read his email,which was a request to assist the
Citizens Advisory Council for the Police Department (CACOPD) with their September 11th event. Chair
Anderson-Robinson shared that with so many other events going on in the surrounding area she felt the
HRDB may not want to take away from such a somber occasion. Member Brown agreed and shared that
the CACOPD, in partnership with the Advisory Board for the Fire Department, are looking to host a
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June 3, 2021
September 11th event. She explained that if any member of the HRDB is looking for additional volunteer
opportunities,the CACOPD welcomes them to provide their talents and ideas. Member Brown shared the
date,time, and location for the upcoming CACOPD Meeting.
Member Carr provided a brief summary, and shared a picture of the Forgotten Hero which is a portrait of
Julius "July" Perry, created by the artist Ali Bandele. Mr. Bandele is a student at East River High School in
Orlando.The artist hopes that the portrait will be displayed in a museum or cultural center.Commissioner
Oliver shared that Utilities Director Jaime Croteau is influential in the design process of the new City Hall,
and he informed her of the Board's desire to place historical artifacts somewhere within the new building.
He stated that Ms. Croteau is open to, and welcomed, the idea of working with a member of the HRDB.
Mr.Carr shared that a framed print copy of Mr. Bandele's artwork can be made available to be displayed
in the new City Hall.
IV:Set Next Agenda
A. Approval of Minutes for June 3, 2021 meeting
B. Fiesta de Colores
C. Update on Sculptures
Adjournment: meeting adjourned at 7:24 PM.
ATTESTED: APPROVED:
7/4ve. ii,a41._. _
Melanie Si bitt, Recording Clerk Chairperson
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