01-05-2012 CITY OF OCOEE
MINUTES OF HUMAN RELATIONS /DIVERSITY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 5, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman Maxwell called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Commission
Chambers of City Hall, 150 North Lakeshore Drive. Member Boudokhane gave
the invocation and Member Turner led the pledge of allegiance. The clerk
called roll and determined there was a quorum present.
PRESENT: Chairman Maxwell, Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins, Member Turner,
Member Boudokhane, and Member Anjum
ALSO PRESENT: Recording Clerk Williams, Liaison Wright and Commissioner Hood
ABSENT: Member Joseph (A /E), Member Snytkin (A /E), Member Rangaswamy,
and Member Cornell (A /E)
BUSINESS FOR DISCUSSION
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
December 1, 2011
Member Boudokhane, seconded by Member Turner, moved to approve the
December 1, 2011 minutes with a correction to cost for Lucas Boyce to show
$1,000 discount given for his services. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Maxwell advised the board of a new member, Ms. Patricia Cornell
who was recently appointed, but could not make it due to a previous
obligation.
OPERATIONS PLAN
Lt. Dreasher went over the order of operation for the parade set -up and event
throughout the day. Further discussion ensued regarding arrival times, road
closures and event set -up. Lt. Dreasher confirmed that Officer Duane Hunt will
deliver the national anthem and lead the parade processional.
ORDER OF PROGRAM
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins extended an invitation to former Member Berwyn
Oltman and Pastor Stamper to deliver the invocation and benediction, but both
declined to be involved in the event. Mr. Oltman suggested contacting Pastor
Post of Ocoee Oaks Church. Commissioner Hood suggested Pastor Howell from
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January 5, 2012
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Glad Tidings Community Church. Further discussion ensued regarding the order
of the program.
ADVERTISING
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins suggested using the Orlando Family Magazine for
advertising again, but suggested advertising in the January edition instead of
the December edition.
Member Anjum asked if the board agreed to run advertisements in all the local
newspapers: West Orange Times, Orlando Times, and Orlando Family Magazine.
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins stated the advertisements were approved at the
November 3, 2011 meeting.
Chairman Maxwell inquired about the videography and editing. Member
Boudokhane stated that Mr. William Floyd volunteered to have the Ocoee High
School students edit the video at no cost.
Chairman Maxwell stated he continues to work with Dr. Castellanos in regards to
the publication of a podcast.
REFRESHMENTS
Member Turner informed the board that Sobik's has volunteered to donate five
cases of water.
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins asked Member Anjum if he has made any progress
in securing food donations. Member Anjum stated that he waits until about a
week prior to the event to solicit food donations.
PARADE
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins asked Liaison Wright for a copy of the list of parade
participants.
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins has not confirmed that Mayor Jacobs will be the
grand marshal, but will follow up in the morning to finalize. If she does not have a
confirmation of Mayor Jacobs in the morning, she will move forward in
contacting Lester Dabbs.
FLAGS
Chairman Maxwell asked the board their opinion in regards to having the flags
used for Fiesta de Colores prominently displayed at the MLK event and
celebration. Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins, Member Anjum and Member
Boudokhane, said that they did not think the display of Hispanic flags would be
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January 5, 2012
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appropriate at this event. Chairman Maxwell stated they are part of this
community and Dr. King represented equality for all. Commissioner Hood stated
flags would need to be purchased for the other nationalities of individuals within
the community. Member Boudokhane stated that displaying the Hispanic flags
would be welcoming to the Hispanic population, but would be exclusive to
other nationalities. Chairman Maxwell stated he wanted the objections of the
board. Member Anjum stated he has made his objection, and would be
offended. Chairman Maxwell stated the American flag would represent the
other nationalities. Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins stated this event is in conjunction
with an American holiday to celebrate the life of Dr. King, not a specific
segment of the population; whereas Fiesta de Colores is a celebration in
conjunction with Hispanic Heritage Month, a time targeting a specific group of
individuals. Member Turner suggested using pictures that had a more general
representation of world culture. Chairman Maxwell stated the dissention of the
board is not a representation of unity.
Meeting in recess 8:04 p.m.
CaII to order 8:07 p.m.
Chairman Maxwell stated the dissention of the board is a matter that will be
dealt with at a later time.
PARADE (discussion continued....)
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins stated the items that will be needed for vendors and
when the risers, podium, stage, port -o -lets and banner will be picked up and
delivered.
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins asked Chairman Maxwell if he will secure the flowers
for the stage and dinner reception.
DINNER RECEPTION
Chairman Maxwell inquired if the number of reception attendees had been
confirmed; is there a list of individuals who have been sent invitations. Vice -
Chairwoman Hopkins stated there is a list, but not a well - printed list. Member
Anjum suggested setting ten tables for attendees. Chairman Maxwell stated in
addition to the ten tables there will be three additional tables for drinks, buffet
and name tags. Chairman Maxwell suggested having wine available. Member
Anjum suggested at this time we should be finalizing the details of the event.
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January 5, 2012
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Member Anium, seconded by Member Boudokhane, made a motion to decline
serving alcohol at the reception dinner. Motion carried 3 -2 with Chairman
Maxwell and Member Turner opposing.
Member Boudokhane and Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins volunteered to assist in
set -up at the Ocoee Women's Club on the day of the event.
Chairman Maxwell stated he believes the Ocoee High School Marching Band
honorarium should be increased.
Member Anjum, seconded by Member Boudokhane, motioned to increase the
honorarium to the Ocoee High School Band from $200 to S400. Motion carried
unanimously.
BUDGET
Chairman Maxwell stated there is no accountability for managing the funds
awarded to the Human Relations Diversity Board. Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins
suggested creating a treasurer position.
Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins inquired if the honorariums awarded to AIIie Braswell
and Jeffrey Redding should be increased from $200. Chairman Maxwell stated
he did not see the need to increase the honorarium to the speakers, but would
consider an increase to the Garden Community Choir. Vice- Chairwoman
Hopkins stated they would need to allocate more funds if they increased the
honorarium. Chairman Maxwell stated that is a consideration for next time.
Chairman Maxwell stated there should be an Orange County flag displayed in
recognition of Mayor Jacobs. Commissioner Hood stated he can give contact
information for her personal escort. Chairman Maxwell stated we need to
ensure the following flags are on display at the event: American, Florida State,
Orange County and City of Ocoee flag.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH "ESSAY CONTEST"
Member Boudokhane discussed the deadline for the submittal of essays. Vice -
Chairwoman Hopkins asked if emails have been sent to the schools informing
them of the criteria for the essays. Chairman Maxwell inquired about the
location of the essay ceremony. Member Boudokhane stated it will be held in
the commission chambers.
Chairman Maxwell stated the judging criteria cannot be uniform for all grade
levels. Member Boudokhane stated she will develop a judging criteria based
upon grade level.
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January 5, 2012
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Chairman Maxwell informed Member Boudokhane she will need to secure a
master of ceremonies for the event. Vice - Chairwoman Hopkins suggested
Principal Floyd. Member Boudokhane will contact Principal Floyd and extend
him the invitation to be the master of ceremony. Chairman Maxwell asked that
Member Boudokhane be prepared to present to the board at the February
meeting the judging criteria, awards and confirmation of master of ceremony.
Chairman Maxwell tabled the creation of a sub - committee for Fiesta de
Colores.
NEXT AGENDA - February 2, 2012
Recommendation for Master of Ceremony for essay contest ceremony.
MLK Debrief and after action report on expenditures
QUESTIONS /COMMENTS
Chairman Maxwell stated he is disappointed with the negativity he
encountered when he attempted to discuss bringing other elements to the MLK,
Jr. event and celebration.
ADJOURN
Adjourned at 8:59 p.m.
e '7 X,
Tisha Williams, Recording Clerk William Maxwell, Chairman `,