HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/10/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - Regular
St. Louis Park City Hall • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouispark.org • Phone: 952.924.2500 • TTY: 952.924.2518
Human Rights Commission
Minutes – October 17, 2017
Westwood Room, City Hall
I. Call to Order
Chair Arnold called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
A. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Katherine Arnold, Zaylore Stout, Michelle Kornblit, Margaret
Rog, and Sara Wilhelm Garbers (by conference call).
Staff Present: Sgt. Williams, Staff Liaison Breanna Freedman, and Police Intern Nick Hicks
B. Approval of Agenda
Commissioner Kornblit made a motion to add another agenda meeting item (under item
under 5). Commissioner Rog to move approval of tonight’s agenda. Commissioner
Arnold seconded. 5-0 approve.
C. Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Commissioner Stout, seconded by Commissioner Rog to approve the
September 26, 2017 meeting minutes. The motion passed 5-0.
II. Human Rights Award
The HRC discussed the Human Rights Award and standards of the award and if there is a
timeline that should be taken into consideration.
The HRC discussed how they could promote it, and divided contacts amongst the
commission.
Staff Liaison Freedman will update the dates on the forms and will send to the
commission for final approval.
St. Louis Park City Hall • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouispark.org • Phone: 952.924.2500 • TTY: 952.924.2518
III. Human Rights Conference
Commissioner Rog attended the MN Department of Human Rights conference in early
October and reported back to the commission what she learned and shared material
from other city’s commissions. Commissioner Rog also brought some ideas from other
city’s commissions.
IV. Partnership with Community Ed
Sara shared with the commission what she learned after meeting with staff from
Community Ed., specifically how the HRC and Community Ed.
Commissioner Kornblit suggests creating a marketing plan and/or checklist for where
the event will be promoted.
Commissioner Stout will create an additional list in conjunction with the assistance from
communications list as a master plan for communicating and sending out HRC
information and event materials.
Commissioner Arnold mentioned the workshops that Community Ed. Is hosting several
programs that the HRC can’t offer, but how the HRC can help promote the programs
and events.
Chair Wilhem-Garbers said that Community Ed. will include HRC events in their
publications if enough time is given.
V. Work plan/ HRC mission
Chair Wilheim Garbers shared thoughts on what the advisory role to the city council
actually looks like.
Vice Chair Kornblit shared the draft of the letter intended to be sent to the city council.
The HRC discussed the letter as it is being prepared to being sent to city council.
The HRC discussed the six community sessions and how the HRC should respond.
The HRC discussed wanted to serve more an advisory role to the city council, and what
that would all entail, including reviewing the city council agendas to potentially attend
more meetings.
St. Louis Park City Hall • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouispark.org • Phone: 952.924.2500 • TTY: 952.924.2518
Chair Wilheim Garbers mentioned being intentional about how the HRC can serve in an
advisory role and how we could better partake in that role, supporting the city council.
Vice Chair Kornblit brought up the meeting earlier in the year with city council and the
memo that was sent to city council, which had the intention of sending a message to
city council of the advisory role that the HRC would like to have to city council.
The HRC discussed this communication to city council is intended to continue to keep on
the city council’s radar and to continue to pursue a better relationship with city council.
The HRC wants to know when the council will be discussing specific issues that the HRC
could share information regarding those issues.
The HRC is specifically requesting that the city council attend an HRC meeting.
With changes to the date of the subject. Commissioner Rog motioned to approve the
sending of the letter to city council with those changes. Commissioner Arnold seconded.
Vote passed 5-0.
The HRC will pause on further discussing the HRC’s work plan, or if the HRC would prefer
to be more reactive to community events.
VI. Follow up to City Council Communications: Race Equity Work
Commissioner Stout motion to approve thank you letter to Chief, Lt. and Sgt. Barnes.
Commissioner Arnold seconded. Vote 5-0.
Commissioner motioned to adjourn.