HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023/03/21 - ADMIN - Agenda Packets - Human Rights Commission - Regular Human rights commission
March 21, 2023
7:00 pm
If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call (Michael Sund, 952.924.2122) or the
administration department at 952.924.2525.
Human rights commission
Members present: Andrea Barajas, Alicia Margalli, Paul Baudhuin, Katie Lawler Turnbull,
Saleta Sallet-Cobb
Members absent: Avi Olitzky, Jaime Chismar
Staff present: Civic engagement coordinator (Michael Sund)
Guests: Chief Bryan Kruelle, Deputy Chief Siar Nadem
1. Call to order
a. Chair Baudhuin called the commission to order at 7:05 p.m.
b. Chair called for introductions; commissioners and guests introduced themselves.
2. Approval of agenda
a. A motion was made by Commissioner Lawler Turnbull, seconded by
Commissioner Sallet-Cobb, to approve the agenda. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Approval of minutes
a. Human Rights Commission Meeting minutes of January 17, 2023
b. A motion was made by Katie Lawler Turnbull, seconded by Saleta Sallet-Cobb, to
approve the minutes as presented. Motion carried unanimously.
4. New Business
a. Welcome Alicia Margalli to the commission
i. Chair Baudhuin welcomed Commissioner Alicia Margalli to the
commission, and noted the other youth commissioner on the
commission.
b. Chief Bryan Kruelle and Deputy Chief Siar Nadem
i. Chair Baudhuin welcomed Chief Kruelle and Deputy Chief Nadem. Chief
Kruelle talked about some of the key aspects of the department,
introduced himself, and reviewed his background in accounting and
finance. He spoke about his history and career in the police force and
noted that SLP is unique for having a dispatch center. The chief noted
that while expectations of an internal selection for leader may imply
continuity he instead would highlight how innovation and change is core
to his philosophy. He noted how community engagement is an important
aspect to his vision for the department as well as equity and inclusion.
Deputy Chief Nadem reviewed his personal history as a refugee coming
to the United States. He reviewed his career and experiences as an
officer. He spoke about his connection to the community and his passion
for serving St. Louis Park.
Chair Baudhuin asked questions about the priorities for the department.
Chief Kruelle mentioned hiring on leadership staff and other staff is
difficult now, but he is working hard on it and refuses to lower standards
to find recruits. He also noted that mental health response is important.
Deputy Chief Nadem added on that collaboration was also key to their
success by keeping their standards high. Chief Kruelle also spoke about
the addition of a thoughtfully engineered K9 program coming soon and
his careful attention to rising crime rates in the country and area.
Deputy Chief Nadem noted that members of the commission are
encouraged to consider a ride along with the department to encourage
the relationship with community.
Commissioner Margalli spoke about their group SOAR which is a group of
students who come together to speak about topics in the news and
history including the history of racism in policing. The commissioner
stated that they were encouraged by the presentation. Commissioner
Margalli invited Chief Kruelle and Deputy Chief Nadem to a meeting of
the group.
Commisioner Lawler Turnbull asked about mental health response, and
how officers maintain their own mental health. The chief noted that it is
very difficult and is a challenge, however, they do focus on having a
robust wellness program in place. The chief brought up that normalizing
these conversations around mental health in everyday conversations is
important. Deputy Chief Nadem noted that the officers are CIT or Critical
Incident Trained, and that the dispatchers are also CIT trained.
Chair Baudhuin noted a personal story about emergency response and
praised local emergency management. Deputy Chief Nadem shared a
story about the success of dispatch diversion.
Chair Baudhuin asked about morale in the department, Deputy Chief
Nadem spoke about recent improvements on this aspect.
Commissioner Margalli asked about how they are working to mend the
relationship to the community. Deputy Chief Nadem noted that while
they do outreach to rebuild relationships, the most important aspect is to
maintain professionalism as an officer on duty.
c. 2023 community events
i. Chair Baudhuin noted that commisioner Chismar is not present and was
reviewing this aspect. He also noted that the commissioners wanted to
join Golden Valley Pride. Commissioner Sallet-Cobb spoke about a plan to
attend Juneteenth events and potentially table. She also noted that the
date this year is the 16th.
Chair Baudhuin noted that the commission was working to define itself,
and also noted that there was some visioning work done in 2019.
d. Kudos
5. Work group/subcommittee updates
a. Events subcommittee
i. Commissioner Lawler Turnbull spoke about a children’s first literature
festival which will be Aug 6 - Aug 12 this year. Commissioner Barajas
noted that an event supporting trans rights through a drag performance
might be appropriate.
Commissioner Margalli spoke about an idea to get resident feedback on
human rights and to give it to council.
b. Bias motivated crime subcommittee
i. Commissioner Lawler Turnbull spoke about the response times for bias
motivated crime. She noted that the time between meetings did not
allow for letters to be sent on time. She noted that a recent bias crime
occurred. Michael Sund state that this may be an item to bring forward to
council as an advisory body.
Commissioner Baudhuin stated that the consultant process could review
the relationship to the city council.
6. Chair and staff updates
a. Boards and commissions analysis update
i. Michael Sund reviewed the consultant process
ii. Chair Baudhuin announced that Mayor Spano will not seek another term
and spoke about the process to select Councilmember Farris and spoke
positively about her selection.
7. Other business
a. Commisioner Barajas noted that the commission should engage in a group
outing.
8. Future agenda planning
9. Adjournment
a. A motion was made by Commissioner Sallet-Cobb, seconded by Chair Baudhuin,
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Future meeting/event dates:
• April 18th
• May 16th
• June 20th
• July 18th