The Troy Human Rights Commission discussed recruiting new Human Rights Commission members and the process for term renewals during its meeting. Commissioners noted that appointment notifications come from the city director’s office and that Mayor Oda chooses appointees after receipt of applications.

Speaker 4 (chair) said the process for recruiting HRC members is to send an email request to Mayor Oda; the chair noted that the city director's office monitors terms and sends notices, often through Abby Bixler. Speaker 1 (staff) confirmed that communications about renewals typically come from the city director's office rather than the commission itself.

Commissioners suggested specific outreach targets to broaden representation on the commission, including asking Kim Rupert (who runs the community center) to represent youth perspectives; Nick Steinerman (runs the soup kitchen/food shelter) as a possible appointee; and seeking a principal, school counselor or a youth representative to increase diversity. The chair emphasized wanting HRC membership to reflect the city of Troy’s diversity and suggested inviting advocates for mental health, the elderly, and transportation.

Speaker 3 proposed forming a subcommittee to meet with pastors and churches ahead of the next HRC meeting; Speaker 3 said Mister Lewis and Mister Major would lead that subcommittee, and several commissioners agreed to help. The chair said the commission will look for an update at the next meeting.

Commissioners also reviewed upcoming appointment expirations: multiple members' terms are scheduled to end on Dec. 31 (year referenced in the minutes). Staff said members will receive outreach from the city director's office about renewal or reappointment; no formal votes were taken on appointments during this meeting.