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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/11/18 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - Regular Human rights commission meeting November 18, 2025 6:00pm If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call (Pat Coleman 952-924-2518) or the administration department at 952.924.2525. Meeting minutes Human rights commission Members present: Andrea Alvarez, Lee Conlife, Daniel Bashore, Otoha Masaki, Isabel Anderson, Catherine Lawler Turnbull, Cynthia Tlaiye, Akilah Anderson Members absent: Jackie Kay Guest: Jason Loewe, Executive Directo of Human Resources SLP, Becca Asheim Keller and Clarence Meadows, representatives from Unidos Staff present: Pat Coleman, community engagement coordinator 1. Call to order – roll call – 6:02pm 2. Approval of agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Alvarez, seconded by Commissioner Bashore, to approve the agenda of the November 18, 2025 meeting. Motion carried 3. Approval of minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Lawler Turnbull, seconded by Commissioner Bashore, to approve the meeting minutes of the October 28, 2025 meeting. Motion carried 4. Old business a. Workplan Updates Commissioner Lawler Turnbull reviewed the current Human Rights Commission workplan for guests in attendance. She also highlighted new initiatives under consideration, including a book club, continuation of the Human Rights Award, and hosting community conversations. The commission discussed concerns related to ICE activity in St. Louis Park and brainstormed potential ways the commission could support the city’s efforts to protect residents. Mr. Coleman informed members that city leadership is developing a plan to communicate the city’s plan and outline next steps to support residents affected by the current political climate. He will report back once direction is finalized and a clear role for the HRC is identified. The commission agreed to continue advancing workplan items and new ideas, with the next step being formal communication of these proposals to the City Council for approval. b. Community Resource Flyer Human rights commission meeting Catherine Lawler Mr. Coleman presented the finalized version of the community resources flyer, which now includes information on food insecurity. The flyer has been translated into Somali and Spanish to ensure accessibility. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the full range of resources available to residents of St. Louis Park. The commission discussed potential distribution sites for the flyer. Consensus was reached that copies should be made available at libraries, community centers, and private businesses that provide space for community information. 5. New business a. Officer Election December 2025 Commissioner Lawler Turnbull announced that the officer election process will take place in December 2025. She noted that she has served as chair for an extended period and expressed her hope that another commissioner would be willing to assume the role and lead the commission in collaboration with city staff. 6. Kudos Commissioner Lawler Turnbull offered kudos to Commissioner Bashore for his hard work during his city council campaign. Commissioners acknowledged that campaigning requires significant effort and expressed appreciation for Daniel’s investment in the community and his commitment to making the city a great place. Commissioner Lawler Turnbull also recognized commissioner Conlife for receiving the Evergreen Award. The Evergreen Awards, presented annually by the City of St. Louis Park, honor properties with uniquely designed and well-maintained landscapes. 7. Chair and staff updates Mr. Coleman informed commissioners that the engagement process has concluded and staff are collaborating on the final report for presentation to the City Council. He noted that the report will be presented during a special study session on December 8, 2025. Mr. Coleman also reported that stipend payments for board and commission members are currently being processed and are expected to reach commissioners by the end of December. He assured the group that any changes to this timeline will be communicated promptly. 8. Adjournment – 7:14 p.m. Human rights commission meeting Catherine Lawler