Human Relations Commission Minutes
Wednesday, February 07, 2007

MINUTES OF THE GILBERT HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2007 AT 7:00 P.M.
MUNICIPAL CENTER, ROOM 300
50 CIVIC CENTER DRIVE, GILBERT

MEMBERS PRESENT: Menyon Abraham-Scott, Marvina Baldwin, Julius Cherry, James Gibides, Jr., Michael Gulyas, Sr., Omar Hameed, Isabela Huin, Cheri Jarvis, William Jefferson, Patricia Krueger, Tami Smull, Iven Wooten.

MEMBERS ABSENT: Alysson Abe, Gilbert Honeycutt, Teresa Huang, and
P. J.Sessoms.

OTHERS PRESENT: Assistant Manager Skocypec, Vice Mayor Crozier, and Deputy Clerk Gilbertson.

1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER:

The meeting was called to order at 7: 05 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL

Deputy Clerk Gilbertson called roll and declared a quorum present.

3. PUBLIC COMMENT

None.

4. MINUTES – consider approval of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 3, 2007.

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Huin, seconded by Commissioner Jefferson, to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 3, 2007. Motion carried unanimously.

5. MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS – reading of the Mission and Vision Statements.

Commissioner Cherry read the Mission and Vision Statements.

6. PRESENTATION - presentation by Ryan Helton of “Not My Kid.”

Mr. Helton was unable to attend and the presentation will be re-scheduled. Chair Smull distributed a listing of programs offered by “Not My Kid.”

There was a brief discussion about creating new brochures for the Human Relations Commission, which would include, among other things, contact information for those interested in drug and alcohol awareness.
7. PRESENTATION - presentation by Lacey Cox, Counseling Manager for the Gilbert Police Department, regarding Police Department Counseling Programs and Activities.

Lacy Cox, Counseling Manager for the Gilbert Police Department, presented information on the Town’s Youth and Adult Resources. Services they provide include individual, group, and family counseling, domestic violence assessments, DUI screening and referrals, a youth diversion program, an adult diversion program, youth drug/alcohol assessment and counseling, and victim assistance. The Youth and Adult Resources program, established in 1983, receives referrals from the Police Department, schools, and the Gilbert Court System.

The Crisis Intervention operates twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Victim Assistance volunteers receive a complete background check and comprehensive training. Fees are based on ability to pay and they are often waived or are free if the client is unable to pay or is referred by a Gilbert Police Office. There were questions and answers, which prompted discussion on school programs and possible outreach by the Human Relations Commission to address drug and alcohol abuse. Chair Smull asked what the Commission could do to promote drug and alcohol awareness and possibly volunteer for intervention services. Ms. Cox said the Commission should continue doing what they are doing, which is encouraging discussion and awareness. She said that all substance abuse is serious but alcohol abuse is the most prevalent among adults and young people. Educating parents and making more services available to the young people would be a big help in fighting the war on drugs.

Suggestions by the Commissioners included holding a Health-Fair type of event in the schools and a mentoring program. Commissioners Cherry, Gulyas, and Krueger will work together to create a Human Relations Commission brochure listing resources and contact people within the Commission.

8. DIALOGUE CIRCLES - discussion regarding Gilbert History as the subject for the February 2007 Dialogue Circle Series.

The Dialogue Circles Series featuring history was postponed until May because the Month of March would be busy with Commissioner Jefferson’s Cultural/Linguistic Competency Workshop on March 3 and Commissioner Abe’s Genealogy Lecture on March 1. Both events will be held at the Southeast Regional Library. Assistant Manager Skocypec was asked to obtain and possibly re-broadcast the recording of the last Dialogue Circle held for possible use in advertising the planned Dialogue Circles.

9. SPECIAL EVENTS/ACTIVITIES – discussion on:
a) 2007 Martin Luther King Breakfast

Commissioner Abraham-Scott reported the Martin Luther King Breakfast was a success even though there was a problem with catering. It was well attended; many of the Commissioners volunteered, and Marvina Baldwin had obtained many student volunteers, so there was great participation. Commissioner Abraham-Scott said they still had certificates to present. Chair Smull commended Commissioner Abraham-Scott for her leadership and hard work in putting the event together.

b) 2007 Global Village Festival

Chair Smull reported they are still scheduling performances. There will be a graffiti wall contest and the judging will be unusual. The Australian Football event will perform this year. Flyers will be distributed next month.

c) 2007 Unity Walk

Commissioners reported the walk was excellent but said there should be additional advertising next year to draw more people. There was a brief discussion on ways to improve participation and a suggestion that Gilbert sponsor next year’s walk. The Commission discussed the possibility of hosting future walks. Assistant Manager Skocypec advised that the host community would be responsible for marketing as well as supporting the event. Marvina Baldwin volunteered to obtain information on requirements to host next year’s walk.

d) 2007 Healing Racism Forum

Have held some preliminary talks but not much happening.

e) 2007 Hispanic Heritage Recognition Event

Marvina Baldwin reported she has applied for grants and will be applying for one or two more. There are promises of radio advertising at no charge. Ms. Baldwin said there will be a Hispanic speaker, they will be working on literature for the event, and that $4,000 has been pledged to date, including a contribution from the Town.

f) Drug Awareness/Education Program

The Commission will address at the meeting of March 7, 2007.
10. ACTION PLANNING – discussion and update on Human Relations Commission action plan.

Chair Smull requested that the Commissioners review the Action Plan and attend the next meeting prepared to discuss the plan or determine that there is no need for further action.

11. REPORT ON POLICE ACTIVITIES

Gilbert Police Lieutenant Johnson reported that graffiti activity has increased and it appears that each event involved more than one person. Lieutenant Johnson said someone broke into a bowling center and covered a large area with graffiti. An incident involving an 18-year old male is under investigation. An incident involving a black doll hanging in a woman’s car at an apartment complex is almost resolved. Information will be available upon conclusion of the investigation.

12. REPORTS ON CURRENT EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

Commissioner Jefferson presented information on the Linguistic and Competency Workshop he will be conducting on March 3, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Southeast Regional Library. Commissioner Jefferson said he will need equipment for a PowerPoint Presentation and would like to serve food. He will provide information about the event to the Council at the next Council Meeting.

Chair Smull reported that the CAN meeting provided information about the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee plans for a teen dance.

Arizona State University President Crowe will be speaking at the Southeast Regional Library on February 23, 2007.

Assistant Manager Skocypec advised that Commissioners have an open invitation to tour Town facilities and attend fire station grand openings.

Commissioner Cherry reminded everyone to vote in the March Election.

13. REPORT FROM THE TOWN COUNCIL LIAISON

None.

14. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

Department of Peace
Human Relations Commission Action Plan
Drug Awareness in Schools

ADJOURNMENT

A MOTION was made by Commissioner Cherry, seconded by Commissioner Gulyas, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. Chair Smull adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m.

Tami Smull, Chair
ATTEST:

Patricia A. Gilbertson, CMC, Deputy Clerk

CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Gilbert Human Relations Commission held on the 7th day of February 2007. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present.

Dated this 7th day of March 2007.

Patricia A. Gilbertson, CMC, Deputy Clerk