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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024/12/17 - ADMIN - Minutes - Human Rights Commission - Regular Human rights commission meeting December 17, 2024 6:00pm If you need special accommodations or have questions about the meeting, please call (Pat Coleman 952-924-2518) or the administration department at 952.924.2525. Official minutes Human rights commission Members present: Andrea Alvarez, Katie Lawler Turnball, Celia Anderson, Abby Bauer, Lee Conlife, Jackie Kay, Daniel Bashore, Otoha Masaki, Isabel Anderson Members absent: None Staff present: Pat Coleman, community engagement coordinator and Jocelyn I. Hernandez Guitron, racial equity and inclusion specialist Guests: None 1. Call to order – roll call – 6:05pm 2. Approval of agenda A motion was made by Commissioner Lawler Turnbull, seconded by Commissioner Alvarez, to approve the meeting agenda. Motion carried 3. Approval of minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Lawler Turnbull, seconded by Commissioner Alvarez, to approve the meeting minutes of the November 19th, 2024 meeting. Motion carried 4. Old business 2025 Work Plan Update Commissioner Turnball presented the most recently completed Human rights commission workplan to the commission to inform the commission on the direction they planned to take in 2024 and seek approval from the new commission members on the final workplan product. Each member approved of the workplan items presented. Mr. Coleman then informed the commission that now that their workplan had been approved by the commission, the next step was for the city council to approve the workplan at the beginning of 2025. HRC Awards Update Commissioner Turnball gave an update to new commission members Human rights commission meeting Catherine Lawler regarding the work the commission has done around reimplementing the Human Rights Commissions Award. Mr. Coleman informed staff that the application would be open to the public to submit nominations in early January and that promotional efforts would begin in early January as well. a. Response to hate crimes Commissioner Turnball gave background information on the Human Rights Commission’s current aspiring role in responding to bias/hate crimes. 5. New business New Member Greetings New members of the Human rights commission were appointed by city council on November 18, 2024 with an effective start date of December 1, 2024. The new members include Isabel Anderson, Jackie Kay, Daniel Bashore, Lee Conlife, Otoha Masaki, Katie Lawler Turnball (reappointed) and Abby Bauer (reappointed) Neighborhood Revitalization Program – REIA Analysis City staff Pat Coleman, community engagement coordinator and Jocelyn I. Hernandez Guitron, racial equity and inclusion specialist conducted a racial equity and inclusion analysis (REIA) of the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant Program. This analysis was driven by an internal equity analysis of the program, where data was gathered to explore any inequities present. The goal of this analysis was to allow space for the HRC members to brainstorm answers to the following questions: 1. Who benefits from this process? HRC members stated that individuals more likely to utilize the process include those who are financially capable, tech-savvy, fluent in English, homeowners, white-collar professionals who work from home, and those with fewer daycare responsibilities. Long-term residents and those feeling secure in St. Louis Park, with personal transportation and bank accounts, are also more likely. Additionally, white individuals from similar-race neighborhoods may feel more comfortable participating. 2. Who is burdened by this process? HRC members stated that individuals less likely to participate include those with limited time, isolated from their Human rights commission meeting Catherine Lawler neighborhood, persons of color in predominantly white communities, low-income households, those facing literacy challenges, limited tech access, non-English speakers, lack of personal transportation, health issues (including mental health), and disabilities. 3. What are possible unintended consequences of this process on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and other marginalized communities? HRC members stated that exclusion is felt by renters of lower socioeconomic status, perpetuating inequality by not being able to request neighborhood funds. People of color often work challenging jobs with long, irregular hours and may find organizing stressful in predominantly white neighborhoods. Lengthy organization processes can be discouraging. Roles like secretary or treasurer, and demographic questions can feel unwelcoming and intimidating, reflecting white culture. Not tracking demographics misses crucial data for informed decisions, while mandatory demographic information could lead to hesitancy due to potential discrimination. 4. What are the community needs that this process meets? HRC members stated that, while there is some effective community building, there may be a need to make the application process more stringent to benefit the city. Neighborhood events encourage residents to stay in St. Louis Park and act on ideas that benefit the community. 5. Are there any community needs that this process leaves unaddressed? HRC members stated that accessibility involves knowing events exist, their locations, and the activities they offer. It's important to consider whether these events are accessible by location and activity, and if they include the entire neighborhood or just a few blocks. This could be addressed in the application. Staff informed the HRC members that their input will be utilized in the REIA summary and ultimately when the program was taken to council for further authorization in early 2025. 6. Kudos Human rights commission meeting Catherine Lawler Commissioner Turnball gave kudos to all new members congratulating them on being recently appointed and able to join the HRC for their first meeting as a full body. 7. Work group/subcommittee updates a. Events subcommittee No updates b. Bias Motivated crime subcommittee No updates 8. Chair and staff updates Mr. Coleman informed commission members that registration for the St. Louis Park National Night Out event was available online. 9. Other business a. None 10. Future agenda planning 11. Adjournment – 7:53 p.m. ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Pat Coleman, liaison Catherine Lawler, chair member