HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016/12/13 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - Regular
City of St. Louis Park
Human Rights Commission
Minutes – December 13, 2016
Westwood Room, City Hall
I. Call to Order
Chair Arnold called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.
A. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Michelle Kornblit, Bob Griggs, Katherine Arnold, Margaret Rog
and DJ Hamm.
Staff Present: Lt. Mike Harcey
B. Approval of Agenda
Chair Arnold made a motion to approve the meeting agenda. Commissioners motioned to
add a discussion of email communications. The motion passed 4-0. The agenda was
motioned to approve. The motion passed 4-0.
C. Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Commissioner Kornblit to approve the November 15, 2016 meeting
minutes. The motion passed 4-0.
II. Bias/Hate Crime Reports
A. Report 1:
Nov. 12th property damage to vehicle. Scratches in the paint spelling “jew”, and also
previously reported damage to a secondary vehicle.
1. Discussion about prior reports and conversations had during past Human Rights
Commission meetings.
2. Further discussion about reaching out with a letter to the individual targeted.
Suggestion to have the City Manager and/or Community Relations reach out to to
the individual and other tenants to start a conversation.
B. Report 2:
There was a swastika “etched” into the basketball hoop at the city park.
C. Report 3:
Nov. 16th, a physical altercation between two juveniles. When the altercation was broken-up, one
of the participants stated “I’ll get your black ass tomorrow.” The attending officer reported this as
a hate crime due to the nature of the comments reported during the incident.
1. A discussion followed. Commissioners agreed to flag this report, and have a
further discussion about it once the investigation is finalized.
D. General Discussion:
Discussion about if this becomes a “trend” in the community. Further discussion about
informing the community about how to report hate crimes to the city’s police department, such
as city promotion via social media, PSA’s, and possibly other marketing materials. A designated
member of the Commission will work with the city’s communications director to draft language.
E. Other:
Discussion about open meeting laws and communication between meetings. Katherine will have
Breanna share information with the Commission about open meeting laws to provide guidance
and further clarification.
III. Police Department Body Cameras Discussion
A. Lt. Harcey provided a summary of a discussion that was had with City Council
about the police body camera project and the department’s report on use of them in St.
Louis Park.
B. Discussion about providing the City Council report to the Commission.
IV. Task Force Updates
A. An update about the planning of the Feb. 1st showing of the Netflix documentary
13th was given, noting that the planning is well under way, with marketing drafted,
movie confirmed, and that some of the minor details need to be ironed out in regards to
facilitators and format of the evening.
V. Meeting with Tom Harmening and Nancy Deno
A. Commissioner Arnold provided an update about a meeting with Mayor Spano,
City Manager Harmening and Human Resources Director Deno. The meeting included
discussions about past “listening sessions” and future meeting between the HRC, MAC,
and City Council.
B. General discussion: The Commission will invite city council and staff.
VI. Writing and letters publicly
A. Commissioner Arnold discussed Commission members communicating to the
public and city council. It was determined that as private citizens, Commission members
are able to communicate freely as they wish, not implicating Commission members.
Commissioners motioned to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.