Author: Etna HRC

Meeting Location:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/82697370196?pwd=UE3R0kquV06EmI91SWq8Ar104bagQT.1

Agenda 

1. Review of complaints and requests received since last meeting 
2. Proposal / discussion of any educational materials, events, or community engagement 
3. Commission member comments and reports 
4. Public Comment 

Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 7:02p

Members In Attendance: Maura Bainbridge, Lindsay Huff, Brice Lynn

Absent: Dena Stanley, Allison Butka

1. The Commission reviewed the status of two complaints:
   • A complaint was submitted by a community member regarding the accessibility of a handicapped parking space on Butler Street.
     • Brice Lynn forwarded the information to the Borough Manager and Chief of Police.
     • Public works will move a trash can that is currently blocking van accessibility to the space once weather permits.
     • We provided the community member with information on how to contact Etna police if a non-placard car is in the spot.
   • A complaint was submitted regarding harassment of a community member leaving the Etna pool in 2024.
     • The complaint was submitted anonymously.
     • All complaints to the HRC must be received within 180 days of the incident to take action.
     • Although there was harassment, there was no discrimination as determined by the Etna Non-Discrimination Ordinance.
     • Brice Lynn will attempt to contact the community member who submitted the complaint to acknowledge receipt.
2. The Commission discussed posting of educational materials pertinent to the scope of the organization.
   • The PA HRC does not currently provide resources for individuals facing immigration enforcement.
   • Commission members will send relevant educational materials to Brice Lynn to be posted on the HRC website.
3. Maura noted the success of the recent community potluck and that future events will be organized. HRC will help to promote.
4. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20p.

Wednesday, July 18, 2025
7p – 8p
Etna Borough Building

Members in Attendance: Allison Butka, Brice Lynn, Lindsay Huff, Maura Bainbridge

1. Expression of interest from community member Annie Kisak
   • Annie Kisak expressed her interest in joining the commission. Her work and background brings expertise and interest in accessibility and disabilities.
   • All commission members present voted to recommend to Borough Council that Annie be appointed to the commission.
   • Brice Lynn will work with Council President to confirm.
2. Review of submitted complaints.
   • No complaints were received since the last meeting.
3. Discussion of providing educational materials
   • Brice explained to the group that Borough staff has expressed interest in HRC providing more educational materials for residents and that the new website allows the Commission to easily post and share materials.
   • Allison noted that they were excited to hear that the Borough was interested in HRC providing this information as this is a change from when the HRC was initially formed.
   • Maura suggested that we use existing resources that are publicly available from the Pennsylvania HRC as well as local community organizations. She also suggested that HRC can provide information on Heritage months throughout the year.
   • Allison and Lindsay agreed that HRC should leverage community organizations information and HRC should direct residents to those organizations for more information as appropriate.
   • The group agreed that we can and should leverage the calendar feature on the website to share community events.
   • The group agreed to a monthly cadence of posting new educational materials to slowly and sustainably build a repository.
4. Newsletter and Flyer
   • The group agreed we should continue to work to raise awareness and visibility of the HRC.
   • Brice will create a color flyer to include in the Borough newsletter for August.
   • The group agreed to also include a paragraph in the newsletter reminding the community of our presence and what we can support.
5. Presence at Community Events
   • Members of the HRC will volunteer to table at Etna Community Days on August 2.
   • Brice will work with council members to contact ENA.
6. Quarterly Goals
   • The group discussed achievable goals to accomplish before the next quarterly meeting. This includes:
   • Flyer and newsletter
   • Etna Community Day
   • Posting one educational resource per month
7. Future Events
   • The group discussed future community events to participate in, including Haunted Garden and Light the Night.
   • The group set an agenda item for the next meeting to discuss interest and capacity for planning Commission events, potentially including the return of game night and partnering with a local business for a trivia night.
8. Meeting was adjourned at 8pm.