Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015/12/15 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - RegularCity of St. Louis Park Human Rights Commission Minutes – December 15, 2015 Westwood Room, City Hall I. Call to Order Chair Curtin called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. A. Roll Call Commissioners Present: Katherine Arnold, Savannah Curtin, DJ Hamm, Brian Johnson, Will Poulter (Youth non-voting) 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 agenda as presented. The motion passed 5-0. C. Approval of Minutes It was moved by Commissioner Arnold, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the minutes of November 17, 2015, as presented. The motion passed 5-0. II. Commissioner and Committee Reports A. Individual commissioner and staff reports - None III. Human Rights Award 2015 Chair Curtin noted that they reached out to people to get a few nominations for the award. Commissioner Johnson spoke with the High School Principal and Vice Principal and asked for organizations or groups that should be nominated. Reaching out to the schools was a good idea because they are at the forefront. It was exciting to get a good response. Chair Curtin suggested reaching out to PAC or MAC to see if they had anyone to recommend for future awards. Commissioner Hamm asked if they should consider organizations or individuals? Non- profits in the community have been supporting people. STEP came to mind and there were probably others. Ms. Freedman stated two nominations were received, one from the High School and one from Aquila. The recipient will be recognized at a Council meeting in January or February. Commissioners discussed the nominations and the possibility of a small reception for the award recipient. They also discussed recommending the other nominee for an outstanding citizen award. It was moved by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Arnold, to recommend that the High School group SOAR receive the 2015 Human Rights Award. The motion passed 5-0. Ms. Freedman stated she would have the award presentation put on a City Council meeting agenda in February and would confirm with the commission. Commissioners discussed cancelling the January 19th HRC meeting. IV. Joint Meeting with Police Advisory Commission & Multicultural Advisory Committee Ms. Freedman noted the meeting is scheduled for January 6th and she would confirm the meeting times and send more information. They will hear from each group about their goals and missions for 2016. Chair Curtin suggested they determine role clarity between HRC and MAC specifically to make sure they weren’t duplicating efforts. What can they co-sponsor? What is PAC doing around race relations and how high is it on the priority list? Commissioner Arnold stated she would like to know what was done in 2015 and what the groups would change in the upcoming year. Chair Curtin also asked what ways they MAC and HRC could collaborate and support the PAC? What does the Chief of Police feel about the HRC role? Ms. Freedman stated there was some work they could do together. This meting will be helpful to determine that. Chair Curtin suggested involving these committee in the next Coffee Chat and possibly partner on the discussions. V. Coffee and Cultural Chats Chair Curtin stated the sub committee would be meeting. They had gotten great feedback and will set another date and find a venue. They will also discuss what it should look like. They should be in good place in January. Commissioner Poulter suggested holding a chat during school hours and incorporating it into the school day. Chair Curtin stated they should ask the school how they could plan one. Ms. Freedman suggested doing a session in the fall with the schools. VI. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 8:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Amy L. Stegora-Peterson Recording Secretary