The Human Relations Committee reviewed recent outreach activities and small expenditures, discussed volunteer recruitment shortfalls and confirmed upcoming community events where the committee will participate.

Committee members reported that the committee's Juneteenth table (held June 28) was well attended and generated community interest. Members said many visitors asked how to get involved and that the committee distributed cards and pamphlets; members noted that people were more likely to take a business card than a large pamphlet.

On volunteer recruitment, staff reported no new volunteer form submissions since the last list circulated. Committee members proposed meeting prospective volunteers individually to orient them to committee roles, and assigned a subcommittee to create a volunteer outreach plan and review the existing volunteer form.

Upcoming events discussed included the Buddy Walk in September (committee to coordinate volunteer tasks and preparation for team bags) and a speaking invitation to the Lions Club on Sept. 8 at noon; committee members discussed bringing flyers and QR codes so members know how to volunteer.

The committee reviewed recent purchases and current spending: stickers ($55.98), tote bags ($152.99), canopy weights ($35.99) and about 500 leftover notebooks (not reordered). Committee members reported roughly $300 for T-shirts and said the committee had spent about $2,072.51 so far this year. Members referenced an available committee budget of approximately $5,000 for the year in the discussion, but the exact carryover and formal budget status was not confirmed in the meeting transcript.

Committee members debated whether to provide a monetary donation or a non-cash gift to award recipients. Doug (city administrator) said he would consult fiscal staff about rules governing purchases or donations made with committee funds and whether providing gifts or direct donations to recipients is allowable under city policy because the committee uses public funds.

No formal votes altered the committee's budget authority at the meeting. The committee planned follow-up actions: staff to confirm budget rollover rules and fiscal constraints, a subcommittee to refine volunteer outreach and a volunteer-contact strategy to be used at upcoming events.