HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/01/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - RegularCity of St. Louis Park
Human Rights Commission
Minutes – January 17, 2017
Westwood Room, City Hall
I. Call to Order
Chair Arnold called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm.
A. Roll Call
Commissioners Present: Michelle Kornblit, Bob Griggs, Katherine Arnold, Margaret Rog
Will Poulter and Greg Gidden.
Staff Present: Staff liaison Breanna Freedman
Guest: Rick Gravrock
B. Approval of Agenda
Chair Arnold made a motion to approve the meeting agenda. Guest Rick Gravrock asked
to modify the agenda to add a discussion about “Challenge Day.” Commissioners
motioned to add the discussion item. The motion passed 5-0. The agenda was motioned
to approve by Commissioner Gidden, seconded by Commissioner Rog. The motion
passed 5-0.
C. Approval of Minutes
It was moved by Chair Arnold, seconded by Commissioner Gidden to approve the
December 13, 2016 meeting minutes. The motion passed 5-0.
II. Challenge Day
The commission welcomed guest Rick Gravrock to speak about “Challenge Day.” This is
a day program put on by the organization for high school students. Rick brought this to
the HRC to see if they would be interested in hosting a “Challenge Day.”
III. Human Rights Award Nomination Review
The commission discussed the two nominations for the 2016 Human Rights Award.
Commissioner Gidden suggested potentially revising the award guidelines for next year’s
award, providing clarity and also broadening,
The commission voted to award Chana Shagalow as the 2016 human rights award
recipient.
IV. Police Body Cameras
Commissioner Kornblit researched legislation and policies of body cameras and reported
her findings to the commission
Commissioner Rog inquired if this technology is necessary in the St. Louis Park
community.
Commissioner Gidden added to this inquiry, asking if the funding for this technology is
worth the investment.
The commission discussed that there was need for further discussion and research into
body cameras for police officers.
The commission decided that additional information is needed and clarification for what
is being asked of the commission.
V. Open Meeting Laws
The commission discussed the open meeting laws document shared with the commission
and asked if commissioners are required to make their social media accounts public.
VI. Task Force Updates
A. PSA
The commission discussed having a definition of bias/hate crime on the city
website, specifically on the police department page.
Commissioner Gidden commented that the commission should be mindful of who
this information is intended for, and have a communication strategy.
The commission discussed including the Multicultural Advisory Committee
review the PSA and wording of the material, as well as provide feedback on the
most effective communication tools for reaching the broader community.
The commission voted on moving forward with the PSA for communication to
approve. The vote passed 6-0.
B. February 1 event: Showing of “13th”
The commission discussed continuing to promote the event.
VII. Meeting with City Council
Chair Arnold clarified the intent and purpose of the meeting that will take place with city
council on January 23.
The commission discussed this meeting being an opportunity for the Human Rights
Commission to voice their thoughts and concerns.
Chair Arnold stated that a facilitator will lead the discussion.
Commissioners motioned to adjourn.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m.