HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/10/20 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - RegularCity of St. Louis Park
Human Rights Commission
Minutes – October 20, 2015
Westwood Room, City Hall
I. Call to Order
Chair Curtin called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Katherine Arnold, Savannah Curtin, DJ Hamm, Larry
Jones, Will Poulter (Youth non-voting) and Rhoda Quick
Staff: Breanna Erickson and Amy Stegora-Peterson
B. Approval of Agenda
It was moved by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Hamm, to
approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed 5-0.
C. Approval of Minutes
t was moved by Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Hamm, to
approve the minutes of August 18, 2015, as presented. The motion passed 5-0.
II. Commissioner and Committee Reports
A. Individual commissioner and staff reports
Commissioner Jones stated that World Mental Health Day was recently celebrated
and thought that could be something for the Commission to tie into in the future.
Ms. Freedman indicated there is a Health in the Park committee, which is citizen
driven but funded by BCBS that pushed for October 10th to be mental health day.
She noted in March there is a national nutrition day.
Commissioner Jones stated that recently a few cities had adopted hate crime laws
for Police Officers and suggested that might also be something to join in a
conversation about if it gets discussed in St. Louis Park.
Chair Curtin stated that Minneapolis Police would be presenting in front of the
Department of Justice and that also would be interesting to watch.
Commissioner Poulter reported that there had been some negative social media
comments about Islamics over the weekend and “Islamophobia” on the youth side
on social. He felt this was something the commission should be aware of.
Commissioner Hamm referred to an incident that had happened at Augsburg last
year, which was interesting because of how everyone came together and how the
school handled the situation.
Commissioner Poulter stated that is hadn’t spilled into school, although the school
did get involved, but nothing was done.
Ms. Freedman stated a situation could be reported to the school liaison regarding
comments on social media.
III. Board and Commission Annual Meeting with Council Program
Ms. Freedman administration sent an Email that City Council wants to meet with all
boards and commissions together every year at the beginning of the year. The
commission prepares a written report. They will have 20 minutes with City Council, 10
minutes for a presentation and 20 minutes for questions. The Chair generally presents.
She would start creating the 2015 report and they can discuss the 2016 work plan.
IV. 2015 Work Plan - Coffee and Cultural chat debrief
Commissioner Arnold thought it would have been nice to have more people, but with the
number of people it allowed for more participation.
Commissioner Poulter felt the size was good, but maybe it kept it more personal.
Commissioner Hamm believed this was sort of a “pilot” and people who showed up were
interested and could help recruit others and advise on next direction.
Commissioner Arnold noted that the age range was also narrow.
Chair Curtin thought it lacked ethnic and racial diversity. As facilitator, she didn’t stick
to a script and let conversation flow.
Commissioner Hamm stated one of the down sides was a very loud and opinionated
person, which might not happen as much in larger groups.
Chair Curtin believed that showcased what is in the community and people needed to see
it and be exposed.
Commissioner Hamm was a good move to let that person speak. It opened others to
respond that was good facilitation.
Commissioner Quick was glad that another person there stood up to that person.
Commissioner Hamm thought it was a draw for political candidates, but was
disappointed current elected didn’t show up, only those running.
Ms. Freedman the Police Chief and Lt. Harcey were happy to be at the event and enjoyed
it and thought it would be great to have more.
Commissioner Arnold suggested building on this by having City officials to attend and only listen.
They could also have ground rules, for example: No debate, be respectful, no interrupting, etc.
Commissioner Hamm suggested it be done as hand out at beginning.
Ms. Freedman noted rules could be posted on projector. The space wasn’t conducive,
they could do in a class room next time. They could also do at different locations, the
Rec center banquet room is good space.
Chair Curtin thought there was some religious diversity. They could reach out to Peggy
Flannigan and invite one of the meetings and also Louis Schoen.
Commissioner Hamm suggested possibly having a sub topic for each chat.
Chair Curtin stated they could also explore religion and possibly have a panel. Some of
the bad feedback included the suggestion about space not working well.
Commissioner Poulter suggested targeting younger and more diverse groups and reaching
out to high schoolers at the school, maybe at lunch.
Ms. Freedman stated that they would need to partner with the school and have them host.
They could also work with clubs.
Commissioner Poulter noted that the schools set aside time on multi cultural days, and
during black history month. There is an African Middle Eastern Studies group that
meets. They could also use an early release day and get a group of kids.
Chair Curtin felt the first chat went well and they learned a lot about space issues, flow of
the event, facilitators, and that being small was good for the engagement of everyone.
Some things are good to see played out. They need to have ground rules in the future.
VII. New Business -
Next meeting: 2015 Work Plan.
VIII. Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy L. Stegora-Peterson
Recording Secretary