HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/06/16 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - RegularCity of St. Louis Park
Human Rights Commission
Minutes – June 16, 2015
Westwood Room, City Hall
I. Call to Order
Chair Curtin called the meeting to order at 7:25 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Katherine Arnold (via phone), Savannah Curtin, Brian
Johnson, Larry Jones and Rhoda Quick
Staff: Breanna Freedman and Amy Stegora-Peterson
B. Approval of Agenda
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Quick, to
approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 5-0.
C. Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Quick, to
approve the minutes of April 21, 2015, as presented. The motion passed 5-0.
II. Commissioner and Committee Reports - None
III. 2015 Work Plan
A. Multi-f the World-
Event
1. September 2015 Planning Committee
Chair Curtin indicated the first event would be held at the High School on
either September 17th or 24th. Other events could be held at the middle
school, City Hall or the Rec. Center. They will be general and open and
not culturally specific.
Commissioner Johnson researched what Brooklyn Park had recently done
for community engagement and their formats. They suggested using small
tables vs. holding it a large auditorium. Another thing they do is to
highlight a different group each month on their web site. This could be a
good idea for them to do in year two.
Another community event Brooklyn Park recently held was the topic of
healing police and community relations on April 7th. This could help them
craft dialogue, but they should be prepared for some specific questions and
be prepared to redirect them.
Chair Curtin suggested Lt. Harcey try to attend or to have representation
from the Police Department. It was important to hear the conversation and
respond or bring back information to the department.
Commissioner Johnson got the Brooklyn Park community engagement
initiative packet to reference. It is available on their web site.
Chair Curtin stated that Commissioner Jones did a great job putting
together conversation 10 starter questions and Commissioner Beaton was
going to put together ten more.
Commissioner Arnold emailed someone at the YWCA to get information
on the sessions they held on race, but hadn’t gotten a response yet.
Chair Curtin suggested having the events in the evening and starting
around 6:00 or 6:30, when school activities were done and that they be
open to all ages. They need to determine marketing and maybe get a flier
from City staff. Commissioner Jones volunteered to draft one. They could
have coffee, water and cookies.
Commissioner Johnson noted that Brooklyn Park used the following:
“Addressing public policy to achieve social equity.”
Chair Curtin St. Paul had a community garden and it was really cute (near
Concordia College). They should try to do that in a few places and HRC
could sponsor a garden. They could also hand out seeds at upcoming
events. Have an “invitation to grow” or “we’re growing together.” This
could be something to launch in spring.
Ms. Freedman could talk to Jim Vaughn in community gardens. There
was an interest for more gardens, but they aren’t doing anymore right now
and there is a waiting list. Some are neighborhood run.
Commissioner Jones noted that Hamilton has garden space, but they
would need to talk to the Housing Authority.
Chair Curtin suggested trying to host three coffee talks in 2015/2016.
Commissioner Quick suggested Central Community Center as a possible location.
Commissioner Jones stated a second one could be at the middle school to
spread it out a bit.
Chair Curtin stated they could discuss holding a second one in mid-
November and another one in March. They can have small group
discussions and then go to a larger group.
Ways to get the word out: Send fliers home with kids, inform block
captains, hand out at National Night Out, get out at the High School, reach
out to apartment complexes, advertise on Facebook, hang fliers and put in
the Sun Sailor calendar of events.
Commissioner Quick volunteered to create a Facebook event page and
blast it out.
It was also suggested that they have group facilitators and note takers and
also have comment cards to help form the discussion.
Commissioner Arnold agreed to put together a comment card/feedback
sheet (what didn’t get talked about? What would you like to talk about?
How was the facilitator?).
The Goal is to have 50-100 participants.
IV. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy L. Stegora-Peterson
Recording Secretary