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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025/12/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - Regular Human rights commission meeting December 16, 2025 6:00pm These minutes were created with the assistance of a generative AI transcript service, then edited and finalized by a staff person. 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, Otoha Masaki, Isabel Anderson, Catherine Lawler Turnbull, Cynthia Tlaiye, Akilah Anderson, Jackie Kay Members absent: Akilah Anderson Guest: Jason Loewe, Executive Director of Human Resources SLP, Mary Kay Sauter and Joel Edwards 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 Kay, seconded by Commissioner Alvarez, to approve the agenda of the December 16, 2025 meeting. Motion carried 3. Approval of minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Alvarez, seconded by Commissioner Kay, to approve the meeting minutes of the November 18, 2025 meeting. Motion carried 4. Old business a. Workplan Updates Mr. Coleman presented the updated work plan template which all commissions now use. For the guest in the space, he explained how initiatives are categorized and tracked, showing the structure that includes initiative type, origin, committees, descriptions, and strategic priorities. Mr. Coleman outlined four proposed initiatives for the Human Rights Commission work plan: 1. Human Rights Award - The HRC will lead the human rights award by setting guidelines, sharing information, reviewing entries, and presenting the award with city staff support. 2. Support REI-related Projects and Initiatives - The HRC will support city staff by reviewing projects and policies to ensure successful outcomes. This includes forthcoming Title 6 policy, language access policy, and potentially supporting community members affected by ICE activities. 3. Golden Valley Pride Festival Partnership - The HRC will continue to support Golden Valley's ongoing pride event efforts. Human rights commission meeting 4. Community Awareness and Connection - Initially discussed as a book club, this evolved into a broader initiative to increase commission visibility and community connections. Commissioners discussed various options including tabling at events, participating in the city parade, and improving promotional materials rather than hosting a formal book club which might invite complaints rather than productive discussion. The commission discussed leaving the fifth available initiative slot open and asking City Council if they have specific requests for the HRC to pursue. Mr. Coleman explained the next steps would include finalizing the work plan at the January meeting, submitting it to City Council via the advisory communication form, and receiving approval in early 2026. 5. New business a. Officer Election December 2025 Mr. Coleman facilitated the election of officers for the upcoming year. Commissioner Anderson expressed interest in serving as Chair. Motion to elect Commissioner Isabelle as Chair of the Human Rights Commission. Moved and seconded, motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Isabelle stated she wanted to serve as Chair because of the difficult times ahead, particularly regarding ICE activities and federal policies, noting that local government is where a real difference can be made. Commissioner Alvarez volunteered to continue serving as Vice Chair. Motion to elect Commissioner Alvarez as Vice Chair of the Human Rights Commission. Moved and seconded, motion carried unanimously. 6. Chair and staff updates a. Vision 4.0 Updates Mr. Coleman distributed the Vision 4.0 report that was presented to City Council on December 8th. He highlighted key engagement metrics, noting that over 2,300 residents participated through mobile pop-ups, an online survey, and community conversations - nearly triple the participation of the previous visioning process. 1. Five key themes emerged from the engagement process: a. Safety - Creating a community where all people are and feel safe b. Infrastructure - Building a connected, reliable, and people- first public realm c. Sustainability - Responsible stewardship of natural and financial resources Human rights commission meeting d. Community and belonging - Fostering a vibrant, inclusive community e. Housing and affordability - Addressing concerns about housing costs Mr. Coleman explained the next steps: a new consultant will be hired by the end of December to work with City Council on shaping strategic priorities, with approval expected by March 2026. b. Federal administration communication Mr. Coleman shared an email sent to trusted messengers throughout the city regarding resources for residents concerned about immigration enforcement. The email includes links to the police department's position on immigration enforcement and various community resources. The city is continuing to explore ways to support and protect residents, and Mr. Coleman has requested that the Human Rights Commission be involved in these efforts moving forward. Mr. Coleman also mentioned the upcoming Neighborhood Leader Meeting on January 18, 2026, which will bring together organized neighborhoods and block captains to share information and foster collaboration. 7. Adjournment – 7:14 p.m.