HRC notes $79,154 book purchase, plans Sept. 17 diversity event; Martin Library grant under consideration

The City of York Human Relations Commission reported June 15 that it has acquired an HRC library of materials on protected classes, with $79,154 charged to the books and subscriptions line in Fund 10 for children’s and adult editions, including bilingual titles.

The chair described outreach results from a recent "stop the violence" event, saying about "95% of the families I connected with had never heard of the HRC" and noting materials will be available for public checkout after processing. The chair also confirmed that the HRC has ordered bilingual materials and that QR codes on magnets and posters will link to translations in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Commissioners discussed an upcoming free community diversity event set for Sept. 17 from 5–9 p.m. at the Valencia Ballroom. The commission has submitted a $500 deposit requisition for the venue; the chair said that requisitions for advertising ($639) and printing ($52) have been submitted from Fund 26 but were pending mayoral approval, so funds had not been disbursed yet. The event will be funded from Fund 26 (downtown business/special projects) and will feature guest speaker J Alexander. RSVP will be required for attendance; donations may be accepted at reservation but no outside sponsorships are being solicited at this time.

Separately, the chair presented a request to use youth grant funds (Fund 21321) to support a Martin Library partnership and a fall program addressing human trafficking and teen well-being. Martin Library requested up to $5,000, matching last year’s allocation. The presenter stated they would not vote on that request because they are the director of Martin Library (recusal). The transcript does not record a clear final vote tally for that funding request.

Commissioners also reviewed a proposed magnetic name tag design for outreach (aluminum, brushed-silver with full-color logo) and decided to order 25 badges to support current commissioners and anticipated expansion.

Next steps recorded in the transcript: pending requisitions (mayoral approval needed) and the commission’s summer recess (no meetings in July and August; next meeting Sept. 21).