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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/11/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - Regular City of St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission Minutes – November 15, 2016 Westwood Room, City Hall I. Call to Order Chair Arnold called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm. A. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Michelle Kornblit, Katherine Arnold, Margaret Rog and Bob Griggs. Staff Present: Staff Liaison Breanna Freedman and Lt. Mike Harcey Guests: Justin Grays and Justin Pierre B. Approval of Agenda Chair Arnold made a motion to adjust the meeting agenda, adding item “C, City Council Meeting” under Recap of other community meetings, and item “A, Sun Sailor Letter to the Editor” under Coffee and Culture Chat recap. Commissioner Rog motioned to approve the agenda with the additions. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Kornblit. The motion passed 4-0. C. Approval of Minutes It was moved by Commissioner Kornblit to approve the October 18, 2016 meeting minutes. It was seconded by Commissioner Griggs. The motion passed 4-0. II. Human Rights Award Staff liaison Breanna Freedman stated the Human Rights Award is typically open for nominations in November and into December. It was also shared that the Human Rights Award nominations can be discussed at the January meeting, then presented to the award winners by city council in late January, early February. Chair Arnold shared the importance of encouraging nominations by community members, as Commissioner are not allowed to nominate individuals or groups for the award. Commissioner Rog noted to share with others in the community. Commissioner Rog also suggests the idea of opening up the award ceremony to the public, have a community reception near the time of the award ceremony, allowing the opportunity for community members to get to know the HRC and the recipients of the award. The Commission discussed the different options for having a reception around the time of the award ceremony; all were in favor of the idea. III. Recap of the other community meetings A. Edina HRC Chair Arnold, Commissioner Rog, and Commissioner Hamm attended the Edina Human Rights Commission meeting in October. Chair Arnold commented that there weren’t as many public attendees as expected, and also noticed the structure of having more task forces. Commissioner Rog noted that Edina has an ambitious work plan, and that it is good to see what other commissions in our area are doing. B. Multicultural Advisory Committee Meeting Commissioner Rog, Commissioner Gidden and Commissioner Griggs attended the Multicultural Advisory Committee meeting in October. Commissioner Rog commented that there were no significant action steps recommended. Commissioner Griggs mentioned that it was a good opportunity to get to know the Multicultural Advisory Committee. C. City Council Meeting on Monday, November 14 Chair Arnold suggests a letter to city council to address feedback after the meeting. The commission discussed moments of tension during the meeting, and frustration with misunderstandings. The commission will request specific feedback from the council in a report. IV. Coffee and Culture Chat Recap Chair Arnold noted that the schedule was not communicated well to attendees, that many were confused by the networking time in the beginning of the event. The Commission discussed the desire from attendees to continue hosting these conversations The Commission commented on the room and for future Coffee and Culture chats to be held in rooms with more space for breaking out and better acoustics. A. Letter to the Editor in the Sun Sailor Chair Arnold asked the Commission if they would like to respond to the Letter to the Editor in the Sun Sailor regarding the Coffee and Culture Chat event. The Commission discussed writing a response and decided unanimously to write a response. Commissioner Rog will draft a letter to the editor, and Commissioner Kornblit will follow up with edits. V. Task Forces A. Programming/Partnership with Community Education Chair Arnold initiated a discussion about having task forces to accomplish Commission goals. One event the commission would like to host in the near future is a screening of the Netflix documentary, 13th. The Commission discussed this event being held on Wednesday, February 1, 2017. It was also discussed that this event would be held in collaboration with Community Ed, and that Angie Martinez Grande would facilitate a discussion after the showing of the film. Commissioner Hamm spoke with Chair Arnold prior to this meeting about being the chair of this task force. Commissioner Kornblit offered to join this task force. The Commission discussed the next Coffee and Culture chat being held in March, and also the desire to have another one in December or January. B. City Relations Task Force The Commission discussed this task force being formed to build and maintain a relationship with city council and other city departments. VI. Next Meeting The Commission decided to have a meeting in December on Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. in the Westwood room of city hall, rather than the third Tuesday of the month, December 20. The Commissioners discussed next meeting agenda items, that will include drafting a statement from the Human Rights Commission to the community, or the Human Rights Commission would give guidance to City Council to make a statement that reinforces the city’s stance on Human Rights. Lt. Harcey asked the Human Rights Commission to discuss and give feedback to police officers wearing body cameras. This will be an agenda item for the December meeting. Commissioner Griggs motioned to adjourn Commissioner Kornblit seconded the motion The meeting was adjourned at 8:29 p.m.