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LGBTQ Advisory Board Minutes - 3-10-20 LGBTQ Advisory Committee Committee Chair, Robin Schwartz Meeting Minutes Tuesday, March 10, 2020 Members in attendance – Cindy Brown, Craig Garmendia, Daniel Diaz, Elizabeth Schwartz, Edward Pascoe, Gayle Durham, Mark Wylie, Paul Thomas, Robin Schwartz, Sunny Weber Others in attendance- Dan Rios, GMCVB, Amadeus Huff, Commissioner Meiner’s Aide, Luis Callejas, Commissioner Richardson’s Aide Called to order at 1:00 p.m. Ongoing Business: A. Approval of the February 11, 2020 minutes- motion: Craig, second: Mark B. MBPD Updates – None C. GMCVB / Marketing updates – Dan Rios provided some updates. Rolling out an email drop on 4/1/2020 featuring Gaypril events, working on the Spring issue of the LGBTQ Travel Inside, which will feature stories on William Lane and his work on South Pointe Park, Customer Service training on LGBTQ Diversity and Inclusion continues at the Bass. They are also working closely with Steve and Scott at the Chamber who operate GoGayMiami.com, a site targeted to LGBTQ visitors. Discussion was held on Wynwood event. New Business: A. Visit from Amadeus, Commissioner Meiner’s Aide- Paul mentioned that Commissioner Meiner still wants to come and visit the Committee another time even though he could not come today. Amadeus introduced himself and explained Commission Meiner could not attend because of the Jewish holiday, Purim. He explained they are very supportive of the Committee and if anything is needed to reach out to Amadeus or Commissioner Meiner. B. Referral from the Commission: call to artists for work by LGBTQ artists for the meaning of “pride park” with preference for Miami Beach residents (previously discussed at AiPP)- discussion was held. There is no money for a piece of art. Discussion was also held regarding the monument the Visibility/Marketing/Tourism Subcommittee has been working on. C. Discussion on Unsung Hero Awards- Ed explained the item. He said that Commissioner Richardson went to the event called Women worth knowing that was sponsored by Miami Beach Commission for Women, he said there were women worth knowing and then women that were named unsung heroes. The idea is to honor Miami Beach residents who have given a lot to the community but have not ever been honored. Discussion was held. The Committee really likes the idea. Ed said that Commissioner Richardson would like the Committee to vote to support this idea and Committee Members Cindy Brown Craig Garmendia Daniel Diaz Edward Pascoe Elizabeth Schwartz Gayle Durham Herb Sosa Jamie Guirola Mark Wylie Michael Bath Paul Thomas Riki Wilchins Sunny Weber then he would put it on the March 18th Commission agenda for discussion. Luis said it will come back to this Committee for further discussion. Cindy made a motion to support Commissioner Richardson’s initiative to have an unsung hero award event for LGBTQ people. Ed seconded the motion. All in favor. Robin asked that the date be run by the Committee before it is set. D. Luis Callejas introduced himself as Commissioner Richardson’s Aide and mentioned Ed Pascoe will be speaking on the Unsung Hero Awards item. He also mentioned Commissioner Richardson will be bringing up an item on LGBTQ businesses, to help with contractors and the procurement process. Discussion was held. Robin mentioned Mayor Gelber wants something similar also. She is working on this with Alex Denis. Danny Diaz, Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, spoke and mentioned they are working with Economic Development Department at the City to help businesses and make the process easier to open. Discussion was held at how difficult it is to open a business in Miami Beach. There is a guide to opening a business on the City website. E. Sunny brought up an item- she spoke about the New World Symphony event for Gay pride to honor the LGBTQ conductors and composers. It is on April 3rd, the same night as one of the other Pride events. They didn’t coordinate with Pride. Discussion was held. Subcommittees Reports and Next Actions: 1) HRC Rating (Cindy, Liz, Herb, Sunny)- Cindy proposed the subcommittee to meet before or after next month’s meeting to see what documents they have or are missing. Cindy asked about meeting virtually due to the Coronavirus. Luis said the Commissioners are working on getting clearance from the governor’s office. 2) LGBTQ Visibility/Marketing/ Tourism (Gayle, Mark, Paul, Sunny)- Gayle spoke about the marker program that was started on Ocean Drive. They said they will have more updates next time. Craig asked if Pride had any contingency plans for Pride since most things are not taking place because of the coronavirus. Paul said as of now they are having Pride. Discussion was held about coronavirus. Discussion was held on what precautions Pride is doing to keep people safe during the event. Put Danny back on this subcommittee. 3) Health and Wellness (Ricki, Jamie, Craig, Paul)- on hold because of the coronavirus. 4) Senior Housing (Cindy, Robin, Ed)- Cindy would like to change the name to LGBTQ+ housing because she thinks they have bee talking about housing that is all inclusive, she thinks they are more likely to get it off the ground if there is something more inclusive. It is easier to get funding. Discussion was held. Not all members like that idea. Subcommittee will have a conversation separately about it. 5) LGBTQ Municipal Funding (Gayle, Paul, Robin)- Robin said they made that motion and put together an LTC for $150,000 for LGBTQ initiatives. This subcommittee can be taken off now. Luis mentioned that he thinks the item is going to be brought forward soon on the Commission agenda. Meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.