April 15, 2008
6:00 P.M.

In Attendance:                                 Absent:

Dave Freese                                       Ray Lester       

Patrick Burch                                     Terry Bryant                

Art Manse                                                                                               

John Hoffmann                                                

Sue Williams

Walter Smith

Council Liaison: Paul Ward                              

Staff Liaison: Georgia Ragland

Call to Order

Dave Freese called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.

Approval of Minutes

Walter Smith made a motion to approve the minutes of March 18, 2008. John Hoffmann seconded the motion. All were in favor.

Citizen Comments

Guests present introduced themselves. They included Nancy Price, Ann Christmas, Carl Jones, Chris Barge, Phil Duvall, Charles Howard, Elsweth Caviness, Michael Moore, Ken Gordon, and mayor-elect Art McDonnell.

Chairman Dave Freese asked the commission members, and they concurred, to waive the agenda so that guests and commission members could participate in a dialogue.

There was a lengthy discussion about the commission’s purpose, membership, future, and the ordinance that established it. Issues raised that guests hoped the commission could help with included inequality in academic achievement; mediation of individual complaints; and heightened awareness of the need to address race relations within the city. Paul Ward pointed out that the Department of Justice community service representative may have recommendations for the city council, and the Community for Unity and Healing dialogues may similarly result in recommendations. It would be a good idea to allow those recommendations to be made and be a part of any review by the council and the HRAAC concerning suggested changes to the duties and responsibilities of the commission.

Old Business

Members received in their packets, as requested, a copy of Chapter 12 of the city’s Code of Ordinances that covers the duties of the HRAAC. Sue Williams asked how they could be changed. Staff explained that the council makes changes in the Code of Ordinances by passing an ordinance. Walter Smith said that he would like a higher profile for the HRAAC. Other members agreed. Art Manse suggested that members be given a name badge that they could wear at events such as Greentree so citizens would be able to identify them and ask about issues. Staff reported that a Greentree booth application had been received and inquired if members would like to again participate in a city Board and Commission booth at Greentree. Members were willing. Patrick Burch made a motion which Walter Smith seconded to ask staff to investigate training for the commission. All were in favor. 

New Business

Dave Freese stated that he and at least one other member were due to come off the commission soon. He suggested that members think about the specific qualities/qualifications that might be needed with new members and to be prepared to talk about that at the next meeting. He believes the mayor and council would welcome the input.

Adjournment

Art Manse moved to adjourn. Patrick Burch seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.  

The next meeting date was set for May 20, 2008.