Loading...
11-04-2021 Minutes CITY OF OCOEE Minutes of the Human Relations Diversity Board Regular Meeting Held November 4,2021 I: CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chair Elect Lori Hart at 6:18 PM in the Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 150 North Lakeshore Drive,Ocoee. Member Moyer 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 quorum present. Present: Chair Anderson-Robinson (arrived at 6:28 PM), and Members: Lori Hart, Maxwell, Brown, Dawkins, Carr, Moyer, Ages Hart, and Middleton Absent: Member(s) Foster and Fontanez Also Present: Commissioner Oliver,Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines, and Recording Clerk Sibbitt Public Comments: None II: BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION A. Approval of Minutes for the HRDB meetings held October 7, 2021 Motion: Move to Approve the October 7, 2021, Minutes; Moved by Member Dawkins, seconded by Member Ages Hart.Motion carried unanimously. B. Update on Sculptures Past Chair Maxwell briefed the Board on the Alliance for Truth and Justice (ATJ) organization that developed a monument that depicts the event of the Ocoee Massacre and was to be commissioned by sculptor Brian Owens. He shared he recently received information that there was a change in plans, as the members of the ATJ met and the grant funding proposal had been denied. He asked the Board to allow him the opportunity to explore the information he received from ATJ and report back.General discussion ensued regarding ATJ's absence of meetings due to COVID. Chair Elect Lori Hart asked for confirmation there was $10,000 in the budget for sculptures. Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines answered that was correct.Commissioner Oliver shared that he did some research on the sculptures and art work that were donated to the Dr. Phillips Cultural Art Center; and further, received the list of supporters and visionaries that helped make Dr. Phillips Center possible. He further inquired if the Board would consider sending out aletter to ask for support that would include the City's vision and reason for the sculpture(s)to some of the same supporters. Past Chair Maxwell shared his contentment with the news,and said he would work with any other member(s)to review the list and draft a letter. Motion: Move to form a Subcommittee who will draft and send a letter of support from the HRDB to sponsors on the list provided by Commissioner Oliver; and further,continue to maintain a relationship with ATJ; Moved by Member Ages Hart,seconded by Member Brown. Motion carried unanimously. C. Update on Program Details of Ocoee 1920 Election Day Massacre Remembrance Events—Nov. 6th&7th Member Carr shared that the number has increased for the Honor Ride, as several organizations have asked to ride behind the group. He further asked if the Police Chief could be informed of the increase of participants. He also shared he will not be able to attend Saturday's event due to a work-related obligation, but has provided route details to the event coordinator.Member Carr advised that the Buffalo Soldiers Orlando Chapter President shared that their organization is open to participate in an Honor Ride annually. Member Moyer asked for a thorough 1 HRDB Meeting November 4, 2021 explanation ofXhe event details,as budgetary funds were requested from the City Commission for this event more than once.Commissioner Oliver briefed the Board on the event and budget details; and further,shared there was. a communication breakdown. Member Moyer voiced his concern with the cancellation of the Special Session. Commissioner Oliver shared the production company that was hired for this year's event would like to work on a blueprint for next year's event to include a sponsorship package to assist with funding. He further discussed the planning for scheduling dates in advance for the event program and location. Jennifer Yon, Jennifer Yon Agency, introduced herself and shared her background experience with community events. She shared she also has a business in Ocoee which is why she wanted to be involved with the event. She explained that moving forward with next year's event as soon as this year's event ends will help as she'll have more time to reach contacts for sponsorship. Member Carr inquired about the program details for the upcoming weekend. Recording Clerk Sibbitt shared that Saturday's event schedule was sent to the Board by Executive Assistant Sherry Seaver, and a tentative schedule for Sunday's event was provided to the Board members at the last meeting.The current program details are on the website and will be sent out to the Board. Chair Anderson- Robinson asked about the breakdown of costs for the$7500 for Sunday night's event.Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines addressed her question. General discussion ensued about the program budget being a public record available through the City Clerk's Office. Member Dawkins voiced her understanding of the unknowns of the program details, as this event was put together in a short time.She shared that moving forward they should not have any repeat of the mishaps they encountered. Member Carr thanked High Point Church and Jennifer Yon Agency for putting together a great program in such a short time. Discussion ensued with regard to forming a Subcommittee for next year's Remembrance Event. Recording Clerk Sibbitt briefed the Board on notice requirements, selection of members, and location accessibility requirements for Subcommittee meetings. Motion: Move to create the Ocoee Election Day Massacre Remembrance Day Subcommittee to discuss November 2022 event; Moved by Member Carr,seconded by Member Brown. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Anderson-Robinson, Members Carr and Middleton volunteered to be members of the Subcommittee. Jennifer Yon announced, as she would be meeting with the Subcommittee to discuss next year's event, she was willing to host the Subcommittee at her restaurant Bar 5 Lounge which is located at 9401 W. Colonial Drive, Ste. 546, Ocoee, FL.After a brief discussion, it was decided that Wednesday, November 17th at 6:00 PM,would be the first Subcommittee meeting. Member Dawkins asked Commissioner Oliver if he had any updates from the Chambers for the Fiesta de Colores event. Commissioner Oliver shared at this time he did not, but as soon as the Remembrance Event is completed he would circle back and contact the Chambers for an update. D. MLK Discussion Member Dawkins shared her recommendation to not hold the MLK Parade event in 2022, but instead to post a tribute video on the website as was done last year.She voiced her concern with time restraints for the 2022 event, and felt postponing it would be in the best interest of the Board. She further shared she would like to continue with the essay contest. Kenneth Thompson, Ocoee Massacre descendant, was present in the audience and was asked to introduce himself. He briefly addressed the Board and thanked them for all they do. III: Board and Staff Comments: Member Moyer suggested that before letters of support are sent out to individual sponsors, that the members research those sponsors to be sure their circumstances have not changed. Member Carr shared he has a portrait of Lt. Debra Clayton, an officer killed in the line of duty, which he would like to temporarily display in the exhibit area of the new City Hall. Page 12 HRDB Meeting November 4, 2021 Chair Elect Lori Hart shared she has had several citizens inquire about the banners displayed on Clarke Road in January for celebrating Cultural Diversity, and why they do not recognize the celebrating of Black History Month. She further asked if the banners could be replaced in February to recognize Black History Month. General discussion ensued about the banners,locations,and displaying information of the Ocoee Massacre Remembrance event on the billboard in November. Assistant Support Services Director Doug Gaines shared with the Board that his parents, who live in Cincinnati, Ohio, shared an article with him from the Cincinnati Enquirer that mentioned the Ocoee Massacre. IV:Set Next Agenda A. Approval of Minutes for November 4, 2021, meeting B. Sponsorship Letter Discussion C. Update of Ocoee Election Day Massacre Remembrance Events- November 6th and 7th D. Ocoee Election Day Massacre Remembrance Subcommittee Report E. Black History Month Essay Contest Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 7:36 PM ATTEST: APPROVED: Ait-} tte Melanie Sibbitt, Recording Clerk Chairperson Page 13