CITY OF SPOKANE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING: September 25, 2012
Commissioners present: Barbara Ann Bonner, Jim Mohr, Jimmy Pierce, Greg Terhaar (Vice Chair), and
Lisa Rosier,( Chair) (quorum present).
Commissioners absent: Mandeep Kaundal
Also present: Jennifer Westfall, substituting for Catherine Gallaher, Liaison to the Mayor’s Office;
Melissa Nystrom, Liaison to the Police Ombudsman’s office; Deputy Mark Gregory, Spokane County
Sheriff’s Dept.
Minutes Recorder: Mary Terhaar,
Meeting opened: 5.35pm
Minutes from July 24, 2012 reviewed, motion to accept minutes (Commissioner Bonner) seconded
(Commissioner Mohr) and approved by unanimous vote. There was no August meeting.
Condolences were extended to Barbara Ann Bonner at the passing of her mother.
Colleen Gardner has resigned from the SHRC. The group thanked Colleen for her work and commitment
to the tasks she was involved in. Lisa and Jim sent thank you emails to her. Two applicants were
interviewed for a position on the SHRC by Mandeep and Greg. Applicant Alec Studdard was
submitted to the Mayor by Lisa for his approval in appointing Alec to the SHRC. Applicant representing
District 3, Kitara McClure will be interviewed by Lisa
Report by Mandeep to be deferred to next meeting in October.
Youth Leadership Forum, report by Greg Terhaar. This was a weeklong gathering in July on the Western
Washington University campus. It was sponsored by the Governor’s Office on Disabilities, to promote
leadership skills and connections among high school age young adults with disabilities. Melissa Nystrom
also attended. Applications for the 2013 YLF are available, but funding is in question. The funding
comes from the Governor’s office, from donations, and from families.
Northwest Coalition update, report by Jim Mohr. The steering committee, which includes Jim and Lisa,
is developing bylaws for that group. The point of view is to value the diversity of ways to promote social
justice and human rights. The coalition strives to avoid politics but serves to network among groups,
sharing experience and perspective. All are welcome to attend the next meeting in Moscow, Oct 20.
Contact Jim or Lisa for particulars.
Take Action Against Hate Banquet, report by Jim Mohr. The Eva Lassman Take Action Against Hate
Awards are going to Rev. Happy Watkins and to the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.
The keynote speaker is Ven. Geshe Thupten Phelgye, founder of the Universal Compassion Movement
and Scholar-in-Residence at GU. The SHRC has reserved a table, thanks to City Council President
Stuckart for the funding. The event is at GU Cataldo Hall, Tuesday Oct 16, doors open at 5:45, dinner at
6:30, and program at 7. This is the first time that the SHRC has received funding to attend events and is
greatly appreciated by all Commissioners and attendees to Council President Stuckart for sponsoring a
table at this important event. Commissioner’s attending will be: Lisa, Greg, Jimmie, Barbara and
Mandeep. Guests at table include, Jennifer Westfall, Melissa Nystrom and Catherine Callaher. Jim Mohr
is unavailable to attend due to other commitments.
Bylaws committee update, document presented by Jim Mohr. The goal was to align the bylaws with the
ordinance, and with experience gained since the bylaws were written. This revision was distributed by
email. Major items under consideration for change include: the wording regarding investigation of
complaints; selection of officers and term limits; whether Commissioners have training in conciliation or
mediation, and how to refer such issues to outside agencies if needed; how quorum is determined;
changes in recruitment for commissioners; revised committees. The document will be forwarded to
Legal for review. A motion to approve the changes as written, with the understanding that more
revisions are coming was moved by Barbara seconded by Jimmie, and approved by unanimous vote.
Lisa asked that each Commissioner think about which committee they would like to participate in based
on the approved bylaws. Each Commissioner will need to participate on at least one committee and let
Lisa know by the next meeting.
New commissioner characteristics committee, report by Jim Mohr. An email outlining suggestions for
characteristics for SHRC members was distributed. Discussions included background, experience in
multicultural relations and government. Lisa added that passion and personal experience will also be
essential components to ensure that the SHRC is a true representation of the community who want to
make a difference not just someone using the SHRC for a resume. This would be the responsibilities of
the membership committee. This will be on the October agenda.
Unity in the Community, report by Barbara Ann Bonner and Greg Terhaar. Thanks to Melissa Nystrom
and the Office of the Ombudsman for another successful collaboration.
Kootenai County Task Force for Human Relations update, report by Lisa Rosier. Tony Stewart has had
several articles published. She will distribute them to members The KCTFHR is sponsoring an expert to
visit the Coeur d’Alene schools to address bullying issues, and to return several times to work on
changing the culture in schools.
Governor’s Council on Disabilities update, report by Lisa Rosier. Nominations for awards have been
submitted with 3-4 from Spokane. Recipients should know results by October/November.
Hillyard Festival Meeting, report by Barbara Ann Bonner. The festival is hoping to improve participation
next summer. Could the SHRC do a booth, perhaps with the Ombudsman office? Barbara Ann will get
more information.
Interpreter Services Grant: Catherine sent an email on an application from the Comstock Neighborhood
Council. The motion for approval of the application for the Comstock Neighborhood Council was moved
by Barbara Ann and seconded by Jim Mohr and passed by unanimous vote. Lisa Rosier will notify them.
The new fiscal year begins Jan 1, so the grant needs to be renewed for 2013. SHRC will re-vote in time
for the Comstock funds to continue for 2013, but the application does not need to be re-submitted. Lisa
will work with Jennifer or Catherine to roll over the grant funds for 2013. Lisa asked for a financial
report on the grant for each meeting. There was discussion on responsibilities for the funding and
tracking. For the October SHRC meeting, a protocol needs to be developed to track the money.
Office of the Police Ombudsman update, report by Melissa Nystrom. The midyear report comparing
statistics from 2011 to 2012 is online, at www.spdombudsman.org.
Mayor’s Office update: Commissioner Buttons are available, see Catherine to get one.
Meeting closed: 6:51pm
Upcoming events:
International Women’s Day breakfast, March 8, 2013, one of SHRC’s signature events.
Discussion for next meeting agenda.
Gonzaga University Conference, April 18-20, 2013. Co-sponsored by the Institute for Hate
Studies and the School of Law: “The Pursuit of Justice: Understanding Hatred, Confronting
Intolerance, Eliminating Inequity”. The deadline for submission of presentations or papers is
December 1.
ITEMS TO CONSIDER FOR NEXT MEETING:
-Report on items submitted to Legal
-Bylaws committee update
-New member recruitment and characteristics
-Subcommittee membership
-Interpreter Services grant, funding update
-Upcoming events planning: International
Women’s Day breakfast as a SHRC sponsored
event.
Banquet and NWCHR updates
-Will there be a meeting in December?
NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday October 23rd 2012, 5:30-7:00 pm, City Council Briefing Center, Lower Level City Hall.