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Home My WebLink About2012 HRRC MinutesMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION JANUARY 24, 2012 7:03 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. I/. ROLLCALL Answering rollcall were Commissioners Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Mayer, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick, and Chair Kingston. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager; and Susan Howl, administrative staff. Guests present: Members of Edina High School STAND Initiative, Ellen Kennedy, Rachael Pream Grenier and Suzanne Kerwin. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion by Commissioner Winnick and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore changing the STAND Initiative from Item VI. B. to Item VI. A. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Mayer, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. Motion by Commissioner Seidman and seconded by Commissioner Winnick approving the meeting agenda of January 24, 2012, as edited. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Mayer, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion by Commissioner Mayer and seconded by Commissioner Seidman approving the consent agenda as follows: IV.A. Approve the meeting minutes of November 22, 2011. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Mayer, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI.A. S.T.A.N.D. INITIATIVE REQUEST PRESENTED TO THE COMMISSION Four students from the High School STAND Initiative; Rachael Pream Grenier, Coordinator of Youth Serving Youth at Edina High School; and Ellen Kennedy, Executive Director of World Without Genocide, were introduced and welcomed. It was explained to the Commission that the Democratic Republic of the Congo employs armed groups to control the use over the country's mineral deposits as a source of funding. As a result, thousands of deaths occur each month from violence inflicted in order to maintain control of the mines and resources. The request brought before the Commission is for the City of Edina to partner with Edina High School to support the efforts of companies moving towards conflict -free products and to purchase products from electronics companies that are moving towards conflict -free sources of raw materials. It was explained that the City of Edina purchases its electronic materials through a State contract. This is not mandatory, but it is easy and cost effective. The Commissioners pointed out the Council's denial of a recommended procurement policy within the City's Domestic Partnership Ordinance regarding restricting contracts with the City when a contractor does not provide inclusive benefits. Motion was made by Commissioner Mayer and seconded by Commissioner Winnick that HRRC develop a general support statement for Council approval which would cover a variety of different issues and which would include a recommendation concerning a socially -responsible procurement policy. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Mayer, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. The Commissioners acknowledged that a subcommittee should revisit item #4 in the Domestic Partnership Ordinance. Commissioner Cashmore agreed to be in touch with Ellen Kennedy as a follow-up to the presentation and subsequent Commission action. VI.B. DRAFT POLICY RESTRICTING PUBLIC MEETINGS ON CERTAIN RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS DISCUSSED The Commission introduced and welcomed Assistant City Manager Kurt who shared a draft policy for City of Edina public meetings and religious holidays. She introduced Suzanne Kerwin, a member of the Edina League of Women Voters. The League had approached the City about developing a policy to strike a balance between City -held meetings and religious observances in order to ensure attendance and participation. Commission Members provided input: • Islam days of observance are not recognized in the policy. • Last day of Ramadan is missing. • First day of Lent should be included. • The policy is not adequately diversified. • In the Edina schools, there is an increase in Asian, East Indian and Somalian students. • The policy needs to be broader with the observances. • This policy should recognize religious observance days rather than holidays. • We must reach out to the Muslim and Hindu communities. • The public's ability to attend City meetings is as important a consideration as the ability of members to participate. Assistant Manager Kurt shared that the draft policy looks at the holidays which would have serious work restrictions. Absences by board and commission members due to religious observances would not be counted against them. The draft policy will be an agenda item for discussion at the City Council Workshop with the Commission on Monday, February 6th VI.C. ADMINISTRATION PROCESSES UPDATED Commissioner Mayer presented an Administration update regarding process, officers, key initiatives and meeting management. The Commissioners recommended that there be an election for each of the two positions—Chair and Vice Chair—rather than one election taking the most votes for Chair. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Winnick to approve the following for elections of officers to be held at the February Commission meeting: • The slate of recommended/interested candidates for the two positions will be presented. • Nominations will be accepted from the floor for each position. • Each individual interested in becoming an officer will make a five-minute presentation. • There will be a separate election for the position of Chair and the position of Vice Chair. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. Motion was made by Commissioner Mayer and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore to approve the remaining Administration recommendations: • The Administration process, recommendations and the role of the Administration Committee should be reviewed annually and confirmed. • The Chair and Staff Liaison will identify at least two meetings annually where a key topic is discussed for at least 60 minutes. • Meeting management, Roberts Rules of Order and respectful behavior will be exercised and modeled. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. VI.D. NEW ADMINISTRATION CHAIR SELECTED Commissioner Mayer was thanked for his faithful service, and the Commissioners wished him well and shared that he would be missed. Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Stanton to appoint Commissioner Winnick to the position of HRRC Administration Chair. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. Commissioner Seidman offered her assistance in the role of Administration Chair. VI.E. INITIATIVE ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2012 SHARED The Commissioners shared updates regarding the particular initiatives for 2012: • Monitor Domestic Partnership Ordinance regarding Section 4 — Commissioners Cashmore and Winnick will investigate opportunities to resume deliberation. • Initiate census research funding recommendation — Commissioner Stanton recommended that the Commission schedule time to discuss whether the analysis of the census data is adequate information or if there is a need to go deeper. HRRC needs to consider the implications drawn from the data in terms of human rights and activities. In an hour-long session, the group could develop a major strategic plan on which to focus energies, evaluate community engagement and collaborate with other groups. The Commission needs to de -brief to determine the next steps as a result of the data that was presented and to decide who could be engaged. • Update Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan — Commissioner Winnick reported that the Police Chief has assured him that the Plan has been communicated to the Department as a whole. The Deputy Chief and Public Information Officer have been charged to reach out into the community to educate and improve relations. Perhaps the Park and Recreation Department could be brought into the Plan's activities. • Participate in the April event regarding the Nazi persecution of homosexuals — Chair Kingston shared that the exhibit will be opening on Tuesday, April 10th. There will be a movie screening on April 25th or May 2"d, and the theater could partner with Outreach Minnesota. The event will also include a panel discussion. • Sponsor anti -bullying event and community education — Commissioner Finsness reported that the student members were assigned to this initiative and that there was no news to share. The Commission should continue to be a watchdog regarding bullying. PSA's with the Mayor and Police Chief would serve as an educational tool. Because more help is needed to create a community -wide event, it was suggested that community working groups be created and that volunteering be encouraged either through advertising or word of mouth. • Sponsor Marriage Amendment Forum — Commissioner Stanton shared that the League of Women Voters declined to collaborate with HRRC to provide education regarding the constitutional amendment to ban the legal recognition of same-sex relationships and unions. • Sponsor Diversity Awareness Event — Commissioner Cashmore will follow up with the Council Members. • Sponsor Days of Remembrance — Commissioner Seidman shared that this will be another opportunity for HRRCto educate the community. There will be a display in City Hall and a proclamation. Broadcasting the videos on Channel 16 regarding the Holocaust and the taping of Fred Baron's presentation will be investigated. • Coordinate Somali relief efforts — Commissioner Newell will update the Commissioners at a later date. VI.F. COMMISSIONERS REMINDED OF CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION The HRRC Work Session with the City Council will be on Monday, February 6th, and it is a mandatory meeting for the Commissioners. It will be an opportunity to discuss the League's resolution opposing the proposed amendment to the Constitution regarding legal recognition of marriage and the League of Women Voters' request to adopt a new calendar respecting religious observances. The Commissioners were encouraged to come prepared to discuss the initiatives for 2012. VI.G. DECEMBER 2011 HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE SHARING MOVED TO FEBRUARY At the February meeting, Commissioner Bigbee will provide information regarding the State's Human Rights Conference which was held in December of 2011. Vll. CORRESPONDENCE SHARED • A flyer provided by Council Member Bennett was shared with the Commission regarding a panel discussion on January 31St entitled "Civil Discourse: Beyond Grid -Lock." • There was an article in the Star Tribune regarding local human rights commissions losing status. Additionally, Politics in Edina (P.I.E.) on Facebook revealed an article about this issue and then targeted Edina HRRC about being focused too heavily on gay rights. Vlll. COMMISSION MEMBERS' COMMENTS • Commissioner Cashmore shared that there is an aging GLBT population in Hennepin County and that he had attended a focus group on this issue. IX. STAFF COMMENTS There were no comments. Xl. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Kingston declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC, February 28, 2012 Susan Howl, Administrative Staff Jessi Kingston, HRRC Chair MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION FEBRUARY 28, 2012 7:03 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:03 PM. 1l. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick, Chair Kingston and Student Member Nolan. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; and Susan Howl, administrative staff. New Commission Member, Ron Erhardt, was introduced and welcomed. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Seidman approving the meeting agenda of February 28, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee approving the consent agenda as follows: W.A. Approve the edited meeting minutes of January 24, 2012: Agenda Item VIII was corrected by rewriting the sentence to say that "he had attended a focus group on this issue" (aging GLBT population in Hennepin County). Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI.A. HRRC OFFICERS ELECTED FOR 2012 Chair of the Administration Team, Commissioner Winnick, presented the slate of candidates for HRRC Chair and opened the floor for additional nominations. There being none, the two Commissioners on the slate— Kingston and Finsness—each had the opportunity to share their hopes for HRRC and desires to serve as Chair. As the current Vice Chair of the Commission, Member Finsness shared that it has been a grooming role for the position of Chair. However, she said that she would be willing to withdraw her name as a candidate for Chair and hopefully continue in her current role. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee electing Commissioner Kingston Chair of HRRC in 2012, and therefore continuing in her current role. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. Two nominations were made from the floor for the position of Vice Chair: Commissioners Finsness and Seidman. Both Commissioners were given the opportunity to speak about serving in this capacity. The Commissioners then voted by written ballot and submitted the ballots to Student Member Nolan for tabulation. The results showed five votes for Commissioner Seidman and four votes for Commission Finsness. As a result, Commissioner Seidman was elected to the position of HRRC Vice Chair for 2012. VI.B. HRRC BYLAWS ADOPTED Human Resources Director Schaefer reported that the City's Assistant City Manager worked with representatives from the boards and commissions to develop standardized bylaws to initialize for each advisory group. Director Schaefer explained that HRRC could adopt more specific procedures if needed as long as they did not conflict with the bylaws. The bylaws were shared with the Commission for discussion. • Commissioner Cashmore suggested that due to poor attendance by the Student Members, student attendance requirements should be addressed. • Commissioner Finsness recommended that the Commission be more intentional with the student members and that the Vice Chair be a mentor for them. • Commissioner Bigbee shared that the Commission should structure student participation to become a learning experience for them and that they could occasionally chair meetings. • Student Member Nolan indicated that she thought students would have had a greater role to play and that she would like to become more involved. • Director Schaefer explained that attendance requirements are spelled out in the City Code and that she will talk to Assistant Manager Kurt about HRRC's concern. • Commissioner Winnick shared that he would like to see HRRC's previous mission statement placed in the new bylaws. Motion was made by Commissioner Newell and seconded by Commissioner Stanton to approve the newly - drafted 2012 bylaws for the Human Rights and Relations Commission. , Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. VI.C. RESOLUTION ENDORSED STATING OPPOSITION TO CHANGING MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO BAN THE LEGAL RECOGNITION OF SAME SEX MARRIAGE Chair Kingston shared the latest comments received from the Council Members regarding the Commission's draft resolution presented at the Council's February 6th Work Session and which was re -worked based on feedback that evening. • Overall, the Council Members preferred the St. Paul resolution. • Council Member Brindle offered a re -draft with edits from Council Member Bennett. The Commission will present a newly -drafted resolution to the City Council at its March 20th meeting. Motion was made by Commissioner Finsness and seconded by Commissioner Stanton to endorse St. Paul's resolution by changing words to fit Edina. Motion was edited by Commissioner Newell to endorse St. Paul's resolution with Edina wording, include Member Bennett's edits and omit the words "MN United for All Families." Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. Commissioner Bigbee volunteered to prepare the resolution for the March 20th Council Meeting. VI.D. TOM OYE AWARD NOMINATIONS AND PROCESS SHARED Commissioner Seidman handed out packets to the Commissioners with the six names, background material and the process for the 2012 Tom Oye Human Rights Award. • Each Commissioner will rank the nominees from first to third and submit the ballot to City Administration by March 12tH • Results will be shared at the March Commission meeting. • Comments/suggestions for changes to next year's process can be sent to Commissioner Winnick. VI.E. DATES SHARED AND RSVP'S REQUESTED FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING AND THE VOLUNTEER AWARDS RECEPTION City staff reminded the Commissioners of the two upcoming events and the need for RSVP's: • City Council's Annual Dinner Meeting for Boards and Commissions — March 19, 5 PM, Centennial Lakes • Volunteer Recognition Reception —April 23, 5 PM, Braemar Clubhouse —The Tom Oye Human Rights Award will be presented at this event. VI.F. DETAILS OF STATE'S 2011 ANNUAL HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE SHARED Commissioner Bigbee shared materials from the State's Annual Human Rights Conference held last December in St. Paul. Due to budget cuts, the event was on a much smaller scale. HRRC had a booth, and Commissioners Cashmore, Newell and Winnick attended with Commissioner Bigbee. Helpful information was provided by a number of presentations, providing insight for the 2012 Work Plan—i.e. groups partnering to provide citizen programs, the neighborhood engagement process and how to identify leaders in the ethnic communities. VI.G. PROJECT FUNDING & RESOURCES REQUEST PROCESS APPROVED Commissioners Finsness and Seidman presented the process to request project funding and resources and an accompanying request form. When requests are received for financial support, time or services, the process would be followed and the form completed. It was suggested that the materials be electronically accessible, and Commissioner Bigbee offered his assistance with the project. Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee to approve the 2012 Project Funding and Resources Request Process and Form. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick Motion carried. VI.H. CHANGING DEMOGRAPHICS IN EDINA DISCUSSED Commissioner Stanton reviewed the presentations made last November by Amber Cameron of the Edina Resource Center and Daryl Coppoletti of the Hennepin South Services Collaborative at the Commission's Annual Meeting in the Council Chambers. The Commissioners discussed the need for having updated demographic information and making a decision about a process and the means to get it accomplished. • Note the growing diverse populations in the southeast quadrant of Edina. • Look at a greater breakdown of the population in Edina to begin data interpretation. • How much information is needed to make decisions? • If we need to drill down deeper, should someone be hired to take on the project? It may be too time- consuming for a sub -committee. • The League of Women Voters of Edina undertakes various studies and could be considered a collaborative partner in an endeavor to conduct research and analysis. Students could be used to do the research. • Other entities, such as Hennepin County, are surely out there already doing the drill down. • HRRC should forge relationships with other groups in order to do a thorough job of drilling down. This should not involve City funding. • Where and in what format does demographic data exist at this time? • Because Edina is a changing community, it would be helpful to learn what people really need. • Our "jewel" in Edina is the schools. What effect on education occurs with different and changing population? Demographic flags attached to the lower income will affect the schools. • It will be expensive to purchase the raw data and best to gain information from manipulated data—i.e. take ethnicities and get in closer to the details. • Additional information would be helpful to support the increasing diversity in Edina. Who can provide the information and bring understanding? • A working group could be established consisting of representatives from HRRC, Park Board, Edina Housing Foundation, the Transportation Commission and the Police Department with the charge to get community solutions based on patterns and trends. There should be a wealth of knowledge already available in the community. • Questions to consider: What should HRRC focus on? What should HRRC do? What does HRRC want to accomplish with the data? • The role of HRRC is to be sure that our community members have equal rights and accessibility. HRRC should be able to identify community leaders who are being under -represented from a human rights perspective. New voices need to be represented. • Will the Commission be able to identify community leaders by drilling down into the data? • Because the demographics of Edina have changed, HRRC should look at ways to partner with the newer communities to get a better understanding of what is happening. • Val Burke at Edina Community Education would be a helpful source in identifying ethnic community leaders. She will be invited to attend the next HRRC meeting. • Low-income housing can be a source of woe for the growing diverse population. • It would be helpful to learn what the School District is doing to prepare for the growth in ethnicities. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS No correspondence or petitions were received. Vlll. COMMISSION MEMBERS' COMMENTS • Student Member Nolan shared that she is willing to have greater participation of the Commission. Chair Kingston will schedule a time to meet with her. Member Nolan reported that "Young Eyes" art will be on display at the Edina Art Center, representing creativity of Edina High School students. IX. STAFF COMMENTS There were no comments. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Kingston declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC, March 27, 2012. Susan Howl, Administrative Staff Jessi Kingston, HRRC Chair MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION MARCH 27, 2012 7:00 PM I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. II. ROLL CALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Chair Kingston, and Student Members Aderhold and Nolan. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; and Susan Howl and Candy Fiedler, administrative staff. Guests present: Dana Lappin, Phil Johnson and Val Burke III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore approving the meeting agenda of March 27, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Seidman and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee approving the consent agenda as follows: W.A. Approve the meeting minutes of February 28, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI.A. ART CENTER BOARD PRESENTATION Dana Lappin, Art Center Board Member, and Phil Johnson, Media Studio Manager, were introduced and welcomed. They handed out informational packets about the Art Center and explained that they were on a speaking tour to encourage board and commission members to join the Art Center. Ms. Lappin recognized Student Member Nolan for winning 2nd Place at the Art Show. Photos of her winning art will be distributed to HRRC members. Commissioner Cashmore suggested changing the wording on the membership materials from "Spouse and Children's" names to "Household" names in order to be more welcoming and inclusive of all families. Chair Kingston and Ms. Lappin agreed to discuss how to modify this in light of the passage of the Domestic Partnership Ordinance. Mr. Johnson explained that one of the most popular features at the Art Center was the Peggy Kelly Media Arts Studio where people can transfer older forms of media to digitalized media such as CD's and DVDs. An appointment is necessary to use the facility. VI.B. DEMOGRAPHICS AND CENSUS DATA INFORMATION FROM EDINA RESOURCE CENTER Commissioner Stanton reported that one of the Commission's initiatives is to identify ways to reach out to new and emerging communities in Edina where assimilation may be an issue and help these residents feel welcome. The Commission introduced and welcomed Val Burke, the Director of Community Education Services for the School District, who was invited to share demographics and census data information. She shared the District's demographics and open enrollment figures, encouraging the Commission to look at areas where differences exist and visualize how to connect people to services. Ms. Burke reported that there are approximately 1400 students coming to Edina through open enrollment, which mirrors the population lost to private schools. There are 140 students from the "Choice Is Yours," which is a program giving low-income Minneapolis families opportunities to attend suburban schools. It was noted that 95% of the teachers in the Edina Schools are Caucasian, and the School District is striving to bring change by recruiting minorities. Ms. Burke noted that that the southeast corner of Edina has the largest immigrant population and that Cornelia Elementary School represents the greatest minority population among all the other schools. Edina's Asian, Somali and East Indian populations settle primarily in the southeast corner. The School District is trying to be proactive in more equally balancing the number of students of color to all of the elementary schools to comply with Federal enrollment regulations. Student Member Aderhold reported a misconception at the high school that people of color are bussed from Minneapolis. Student Member Nolan shared that the high school will be holding a multi -cultural event, and Ms. Burke said she would forward this information to the Commission. Commissioner Finsness indicated that the Commission should be proactive regarding the changing demographics and wondered where it could focus its attention. Ms. Burke reported that collaboration with the Southdale YMCA and Bloomington Public Health is helping to bridge the gap between a healthy/productive life and unmet needs. She gave an example of Edinborough Park or Centennial Lakes venturing into partnerships to provide on-site adult learning centers. Commissioner Finsness shared that a City-wide event could be planned that would appeal to new residents and bring people together. She remarked that the Commission would benefit from connecting with the City's ethnic leaders and that we could focus on planning activities with them. Ms. Burke suggested a number of possibilities for bringing residents together: ➢ Blue Cross Blue Shield's do.Town ➢ "Meet on the Sidewalk" event, held at 44`h & France ➢ The Farmer's Market at Centennial Lakes ➢ Open days at the Aquatic Center Ms. Burke shared that there is active minority representation within the advisory councils at Cornelia School and at the Parklawn Apartments, and she suggested that the Commission set up meetings with families at these locations. Commissioner Cashmore noted that people are reaching out on parallel paths and that one "bridge committee" is needed to harness resources to ensure we are actually heading in the same direction. He shared that there could be a concerted effort and collaboration among HRRC, the Park Department and the School District. Ms. Burke suggested a common meeting with Eden Prairie, Hopkins, and other neighboring communities to learn how they have addressed the changing demographics. VI.C. NEW BOARD MEMBER ORIENTATION Staff Liaison Lisa Schaefer presented a member orientation PowerPoint explaining the role of Edina's boards and commissions. Included in the presentation were: the mission statement, responsibilities of the Chair and Staff Liaison, what constitutes a quorum and voting, attendance, packets, agendas, the Open Meeting Law and reminders about respectful behavior. A handout of the presentation, a summary of Parliamentary Procedures and Edina's Code of Ethics were distributed. Commissioner Finsness questioned the appropriateness of a quote by Pope John Paul II and a photo of Al Franken with the Energy and Environment Commission being used in the presentation. VI.D. RESCHEDULE REGULAR MEETINGS It is necessary to reschedule two upcoming Commission meetings in order to respect religious observances and comply with the Public Meetings and Religious Observances Policy. The September 2152 meeting interferes with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper, and the December meeting falls on Christmas Day. Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Stanton to change the regularly- scheduled meeting of September 2152 to September 27th to respect the observance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kipper. Member Cashmore withdrew his motion upon learning that September 27th was within the days of observance. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness to change the September 25th meeting to September 20th Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. Motion was made by Commissioner Finsness and seconded by Commissioner Stanton to cancel the regularly -scheduled meeting in December. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. Staff Member Howl was requested to e-mail these changes to all HRRC members. VI.E. TOM OYE AWARD RECIPIENT Joyce Repya was elected to be the recipient of the Tom Oye Award for her volunteerism in the schools' classrooms sharing the history of racial exclusion in Edina and for working on Edina's website to bridge the gap between misinformation/lack of information and enlightenment. Commissioner Winnick will present the award to Ms. Repya at the Volunteer Recognition Reception on April 23`d. Staff Member Howl was asked to notify Ms. Repya. Vice Chair Seidman questioned the procedure for notifying the remaining nominees. Chair Kingston recommended talking with Commissioner Winnick and, at the request of Commissioner Finsness, scheduling a Tom Oye Award debrief at the April or May meeting. VI.F. WORK PLAN VI.F.1. Procurement Policy Commissioner Cashmore presented a handout of the thought process regarding Conflict Free Products and asked for feedback from the Commissioners through the Staff Liaison in order to prepare for an action item at the April meeting. VI.F.2. Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance Commissioner Cashmore requested that this be continued to a future meeting. VI.F.3. Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation Commissioner Stanton requested that this be continued to a future meeting. Chair Kingston requested that Commissioner Stanton take all the information we have reviewed over the past few months and present some recommendations on steps HRRC can take as it relates to the information learned on the Census data. VI.F.4. Update Bias/Hate Crimes Response Plan Commissioner Winnick was not present to provide an update. VI.F.S. Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals A flyer was distributed regarding the Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals Midwest Tour. Chair Kingston shared that there was going to be a private opening of the exhibit on April 10th and that HRRC Members could attend. She offered to send out an e-mail invitation for RSVP's. Communications and Technology Director Bennerotte will be contacted to publicize the exhibit and the films. VI.F.6. Anti -bullying Event and Education Commissioner Finsness suggested that the City's website and reader board publicize the film "BULLY" which will be opening in Minneapolis on April 13th at the Landmark Lagoon. She will share additional information at the April Commission meeting. Motion was made by Commissioner Newell and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee to request that the City's Communication Department publicize the film "BULLY" and that Commissioner Finsness share pertinent curriculum with the Edina schools. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. VI.F.7. Marriage Amendment Forum Chair Kingston reported that there is a press release being developed and that OutFront MN has been notified. Student Member Aderhold shared that a number of students' May -Term reports will be about the amendment. VI.F.B. Diversity Awareness Event Commissioner Cashmore requested that this item be continued to the April meeting. VI.F.9. Days of Remembrance A proclamation was handed out to members for review, and it was noted that it has been one year since the Days of Remembrance event. Student Member Nolan reported that the proclamation and supporting data will be shared at the high school and that the information will be considered historical and not religious. Commissioner Cashmore will provide Student Member Nolan with the materials from last year. Staff member Howl added that she has booklets from the event that can also be used, and Commissioner Bigbee indicated that his wife has numerous photos. Vice Chair Seidman indicated that the proclamation should be corrected to include all groups that were persecuted. Motion was made by Commissioner Seidman and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee to modify the first "Whereas" of the proclamation to include all persecuted groups and that the subcommittee will send the copy to Staff Member Howl to update prior to the April P Council meeting. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. VI.F.10. Somali Relief Efforts Commissioner Newell reported that she is trying to locate the person leading the efforts in Edina to facilitate and provide relief to relatives of the Somali population in their homeland. She indicated that HRRC would stand in supporting this currently -active group. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS No correspondence or petitions were received. VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Finsness suggested that the meetings be concluded by 9:10 PM. Chair Kingston noted that due to lengthy discussions and questions, the timing was difficult to control. IX. STAFF COMMENTS There were no comments. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Kingston declared the meeting adjourned at 9:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC, April 24, 2012 Candy Fiedler, Administrative Staff Jessi Kingston, HRRC Chair MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION APRIL 24, 2012 7:00 pm I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Seidman called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM. II. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, and Student Members Aderhold and Nolan. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; and Susan Howl and Candy Fiedler, administrative staff. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore approving the meeting agenda of April 24, 2012. Ayes: Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Winnick and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore approving the minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 27, 2012 with the following changes: VI.C. Commissioner Finsness requested to change Item VI.C. from "...a quote by Pope John Paul and a photo of Al Franken with the Energy and Environment Commission should not have been used in the presentation" to "Commissioner Finsness questioned the appropriateness of a quote by John Paul and photo of Al Franken with the Energy and Environment Commission being used." Ayes: Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick. Motion carried. VI.D. The motion made by Commissioner Stanton should have stated, "change the date of the September meeting from September 251h to September 201h". V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. A plaque and gift certificate were presented to Administrative Staff Representative Howl for appreciation of her years of service with the HRRC. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI.A. Conflict -Free Initiative (Procurement Policy) Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Winnick to send the Resolution Expressing Support for the Purchase of Products Containing only Conflict -Free Minerals to the City Council Staff Liaison Schaefer noted that a proposed resolution would normally be discussed at a joint HRRC— Council workshop. Since the council has not been briefed on this issue, staff will forward the information to the City Council to determine if it could go directly to a council meeting. Since it is not time sensitive, it will likely not be on the May 1St meeting. Commissioner Cashmore will notify Rachel Pream Grenier from the High School STAND Initiative of the progress with the Resolution. Motion was amended by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Winnick to approve the Resolution as amended by Commissioner Newell changing the word "whom" to "which" in Item 2 of the Resolution and forward the Resolution to City Council. Ayes: Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick. Motion carried. VI.B. Debrief Tom Oye Award Process Commissioner Winnick presented a recap of the Tom Oye Award which was given to City Staff Member Joyce Repya at the Volunteer Awards Reception, noting that it was a heart-warming event. He added that thanks to City Staff Member Bennerotte, the event was communicated to a number of sources, including Scott Neal's Blog, and the "About Town" publication, which added to the success of the event. Commissioner Winnick also suggested that for next year, posters and/or emails could go to Edina merchants along with the schools to possibly get more candidates nominated. Staff Member -Howl noted that the Volunteer Awards Reception had been videoed, and would be available for viewing on Edina's website by the end of next week. Commissioner Finsness questioned if the use of a rubric would be more helpful in the voting process. She had abstained from voting because it was difficult for her to make a decision based on the three selection criteria items from the Nomination Form. Commissioner Cashmore said he felt rubrics were not being used any longer and thought they were used in educational facilities years ago. Members Newell and Finsness stated that rubrics are used in situations where the number of applicants is greater than the number of available positions, and the applicants have varied experiences. Commissioner Stanton moved that Commissioner Finsness, with help from Commissioner Winnick, design a rubric and bring this back to the July meeting. Commissioner Newell seconded the motion. Ayes: Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick. Abstain: Cashmore. Motion carried. VI.C. Communication Procedures Staff Liaison Schaefer presented a handout, HRRC City Contact Information, and explained the best way to contact city staff. • She asked that all emails be sent to both her and Administrative Staff Member Fiedler. Staff Liaison Schaefer attempts to respond the same day when possible. The informational sheet also included instructions regarding media contacts and how to handle media requests. It was explained that once the council has taken action on a policy, the HRRC should generally refer media requests to the council unless asked by the City Council to respond. Commissioners should be clear as to whether they are representing the HRRC, or just stating their personal opinion. Commissioner Erhardt asked if there would be a penalty for not following the guidelines. Staff Liaison Schaefer explained it is not meant to be a legally binding document, just suggestions for best practices. Individuals have the right to voice their opinions to the media. However, speaking against the decision of the HRRC can undermine its credibility. Commissioner Erhard asked if this was a new policy of city management, and why is it being implemented now. Staff Liaison Schaefer said the document is just meant to be a "tips sheet" and was developed in response to the HRRC Commissioners requesting guidelines to follow if they were approached by media. It is not a formalized city policy. VI.D. Work Plan VI.D.1. Procurement Policy This item was discussed in VI.A. Conflict -Free Initiative (Procurement Policy) above. VI.D.2. Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance Commissioner Cashmore reported he was still working on Section 4 of the Ordinance and had no more information to report at this meeting. VI.D.3. Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation Commissioner Stanton reported he was "spinning wheels" on this. He said that Val Burke, Director of Community Education Services for the School District, had recommended he get in touch with the Southdale YMCA for information on new immigrant members of the community, find out who the leaders or spokespeople are, and talk with them to find out if there are issues that HRRC can help them resolve. Commissioner Stanton said he would contact the Southdale YMCA and Commissioner Newell added she would like to assist him with this item. Commissioner Cashmore said he would look at the NY Times website (which Commissioner Finsness had mentioned) to find out what data they could come up with and bring this information to the May meeting. The web site is http•//projects.nytimes.com/census/2010/map. VI.D.4. Update Bias/Hate Crimes Response Plan Commissioner Winnick reported he had met with Police Chief Long and was referred to talk with Staff Member Molly Anderson to coordinate efforts regarding this item. Commissioner Cashmore said that everyone present should make an effort to do a "Ride Along" with the Edina Police to see what crimes take place and what really happens in Edina. He added he has a whole new perspective on the Police Department. Staff Liaison Schaefer said she would talk to Chief Long to arrange this for those interested. VI.D.S. Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals Commissioner Seidman handed out some information on the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Traveling Exhibition regarding Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals, which was being held at the Elmer Anderson Library. Commissioner Cashmore reported that he, and Commissioners Seidman, Winnick and Kingston had attended the opening gala of the exhibit, it was an excellent event, and he encouraged everyone to see the exhibition. Also handed out was a copy of the April 19, 2012 Edina Sun- Current article regarding the event. Commissioner Finsness stated she had wanted to go but did not receive an email regarding this. Commissioner Cashmore suggested that future emails use "Event Notice — Response Required" in the subject line so these emails will standout from all other emails being distributed. Commissioner Cashmore stated that information for the event was noted in the previous month's minutes. This Work Plan is now completed. VI.D.6. Anti -bullying Event and Education Commissioner Finsness gave an update on The Bully Project movie which ran at the Lagoon Theater. It has completed its run at that theater, but there will be additional showings around the country. Student Member Nolan said that a multi -cultural event was held at the High School. Students representing different countries had displays including dance, music, magic, and poetry. Member Nolan along with Rachel Pream Grenier from STAND, had met with the Principal to see about exhibiting Days of Remembrance information in the display case. It was not available when requested but she has been meeting with history teachers to see what they can do. Member Nolan will bring to the next meeting a fuller picture of what it will look like. VI.D.7. Marriage Amendment Forum Commissioner Stanton had nothing new to report on this item. He said he has checked with the League of Women Voters and they were not interested in a joint effort, and added that more guidance was necessary from the City Attorney. Taxpayer dollars cannot be used to advocate a position. Commissioner Erhardt stated that personal contributions could be used and accepted. VI.D.B. Diversity Awareness Event This item is pending and will be discussed at the May meeting. VI.D.9. Days of Remembrance The proclamation for the Days of Remembrance was signed by the mayor. Posters were displayed at City Hall. Student Member Nolan will report on Days of Remembrance Activities at the High School at the May meeting. VI.D.10. Somali Relief Efforts Commissioner Newell reported that she was still waiting to hear from the American Refugee Committee volunteer representative who has promised to make introductions to the Edina Somali community. She explained the opportunity to accompany Member Stanton to the Southdale YMCA might provide another avenue. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS VII.A. Letter from Laird Beaver to Councilmember Swenson Staff Liaison Schaefer explained that the letter was referred to the HRRC from Councilmember Swenson to see if it was something that should be explored by the HRRC. The letter pertained to the right of corporations to speak politically through Political Action Committees. Commissioner Stanton thought this was a political issue, not something for this Commission to look into. Student Member Aderhold said his opinion was that this was something the Commission should look into. It has to do with individuals having the ability to express their voice at the Capitol and that it's not right that money gets people in the "fast line" to speak to politicians. Commissioner Newel supported Member Aderhold's view that this should be an issue for the HRRC. Commissioner Stanton thought the commission should remember their mission, and not to go looking for other issues. Commissioner Stanton thought issues such as Voter ID should be addressed. Commissioner Finsness will speak with the other cities mentioned in the letter to see who initiated the resolution in the cities listed in the letter from Beaver (was it forwarded as a human rights issue in those other cities) and will report back at either the May or June meeting. Staff Liaison Schaefer will send a note to Councilmember Swenson informing her of what is being done regarding the letter. VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Student Member Nolan discussed the lack of maintenance of the Jewish Cemetery on France Avenue and was wondering if this is something that the HRRC could help with by contacting either the owner or the City's Park Maintenance people to take care of. Commissioner Winnick said he would look into the issue as part of the Bias Crime Response Plan, speak with the Police Department, and visit with the adjacent cemetery leadership regarding preventing hate crime accessibility. Commissioner Finsness added that this could potentially be an Eagle Scout project or perhaps a letter to the editor could be written about the topic. Commissioner Winnick indicated he would like to speak with the police department before taking any further action. IX. STAFF COMMENTS Staff Liaison Schaefer said that, with new staff, it has been a little more challenging to capture the meeting minutes accurately. As previously requested, a draft of the minutes has been sent out the week following the meeting. She requested that Commissioners try to review the minutes at this time and notify staff if something is incorrect. Staff can make changes prior to including in the packet for the vote. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Vice Chair Seidman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC, May 22, 2012 Candy Fiedler, Administrative Staff Jan Seidman, HRRC Vice Chair MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION MAY 22, 2012 7:00 pm I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. II. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Winnick, Chair Kingston and Student Member Aderhold. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; and Candy Fiedler, administrative staff. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore approving the meeting agenda of May 22, 2012 with the following addition: III.A. Add Item 13, Community Council Meeting Report under the Work Plan. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, and Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee approving the consent agenda: IV.A. Approve the meeting minutes of April 24, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Newell, and Winnick. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS Chair Kingston said the Commission was to report on the Work Plan updates. For every item the commission should decide if it is done, not done but should be removed from the plan, or not done and remain on the plan. For items not done but remaining on the plan, action items need to be determined. VI.A. Work Plan — Strategic Review of Work Plan 1. Procurement Policy Commissioner Cashmore reported the City Council voted unanimously to approve the Procurement Policy with one small change. He added that the representative from STAND and Chair Kingston did a great job presenting this to Council and it can now be removed from the work plan. Chair Kingston said that information is being worked on for Channel 16 by staff member Denfeld, noting that Edina is the first city in Minnesota that has a Resolution adopted. Chair Kingston applauded members Cashmore and Winnick for their great work. 2. Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance Item #4 is to purchase items from companies owned by domestic partners when bids are taken. The Council requested this be revised to say if bids are tied, the bid from a domestic partner company will be favored. Member Cashmore will draft a revision this week and it will be forwarded to the members to discuss at the June meeting. Commissioner Bigbee brought up that he had met with Phil Duran, an attorney from Outfront Minnesota. Duran suggested that when public buildings are being built they should have unisex restrooms that do not designate gender, in order to be more sensitive to the transgender community. He asked if this is something the commission could look into. Commissioner Newell questioned if this should be a Resolution brought to City Council for public buildings, and will this be publicly funded. She asked if someone from the Commission should sit with Mr. Duran to see what exactly is wanted. Commissioner Erhardt mentioned that unisex bathrooms can be messy if they don't contain urinals. Commissioner Cashmore suggested the subcommittee working on the domestic partners will look into this. 12. Supreme Court Decision on Super PACs Chair Kingston asked that this work item be moved so Laird Beaver, who was at the meeting as a guest, could present his information. Mr. Beaver gave those present a handout, which included notes on "Citizens United" Supreme Court decision and "Corporate Personhood". He said there were many groups in town who want an amendment to overturn the ruling of the Supreme Court noting that corporations are not people. Huge amounts of money are flowing into elections and the law states that it does not need to be disclosed where the money is coming from. The money influences who gets elected and even who is selected to run. He would like to work with committees to create a Resolution from the City in support of the Constitutional Amendment that corporations are not people, and money is not speech. Mr. Beaver also handed out a sample Resolution which the City of Duluth used, an article from CommonDreams.org, and other documents from Move to Amend to use as examples. His request was to be consistent with the domestic partners issue and join the other organizations by having Edina create a Resolution similar to those he handed out. He said that Representative Keith Ellison is in favor of this also. Commissioner Newell asked if there were other groups in Edina and Mr. Beaver said he was working more with St. Paul people. Student Member Aderhold said he knew that active Democrats from Edina were against the ruling as well. Commissioner Finsness and Student Member Aderhold are going to research this further to determine whether or not the issue was appropriate for EHRRC. They will discuss at the June Meeting. 3. Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation Commissioner Newell reported she would prefer to wait until Commissioner Stanton has returned from Greece to go over this work plan item. She said he has been in contact with a person from the YMCA. Chair Kingston asked that the subcommittee come back with recommendations for the July meeting. Commissioner Erhardt noted to keep in mind that the Y's market area includes Richfield, South Minneapolis and Bloomington. Commissioner Winnick said the Edina Community Council was hiring from Community Outreach for the Oak Glen and Parklawn Neighborhoods. He has talked with the new director, Carrie Cabe and $20,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield's do.Town funds were available. These funds are available to seek and hire community organizers from the East Asian, Somali, and other minority communities, and to possibly arrange a community event. The Community Council meets nine times per year and the next meeting is scheduled for September 11th. Commissioners Newell and Stanton will look into partnering with them. Chair Kingston said there is money available from HRRC to possibly use for an event. Commissioner Cashmore questioned if Work Items 13, 3 and 8 could be joined to create one work item. Chair Kingston said the items should be separate and it will be clearer as updates are given. Commissioner Finsness questioned if some of these items should have been removed from the last meeting and Commissioner Newell said item 10, Somali Relief efforts was completed and could be removed. 4. Update Bias/Hate Crimes Response Plan Commissioner Winnick reported on Student Member Nolan's comments from the April meeting regarding the Jewish Cemetery. He met with representatives from the cemetery who found that the graves were located too near the street for a fence to be feasible and that plans were to erect boulders, trees, and hedges. Although this cemetery is not fenced, no vandalism crimes have been reported. He will meet again after Memorial Day. He will contact Student Member Nolan to discuss this with her. 5. Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals Student Member Aderhold said Student Member Nolan had more to report on this Work Item, but was not present to do so. He said there was information in some of the classrooms and that there were teachers who had the Holocaust in their curriculum. Commissioner Cashmore said this work item can now be removed from the 2012 Work Plan. 6. Anti -Bullying Event and Education Commissioner Finsness said she had nothing to report yet on this item. The Bully Project is done. Chair Kingston asked whether or not this item should be kept on the agenda. Commissioners Bigbee and Finsness along with the two new students this fall will continue working on this. Student Member Aderhold said there was a student who put together a documentary on bullying, which he is trying to have shown at the Edina Theater. It is currently available to view on YouTube. He will send Staff Liaison Schaefer and Staff Member Fiedler the date of the event to forward to those present. Commissioner Cashmore said he would be willing to work on this topic. Commissioner Winnick said it is important to not just think of schools with regard to bullying, and that the City, especially Parks and Recreation, and Community Council should be included. Commissioner Newell asked if there could be a paragraph on the Parent Release Forms against bullying. Staff Liaison Schaefer noted parents register online and yes, the City could do this with Council approval. Commissioner Winnick noted there is protocol and procedure in Parks and Recreation we are not empowered to do investigations, but can be an advisor to the City Council. Commissioner Bigbee asked if we should have another Resolution stating what kind of community we want to have and that it would be free of bullying behavior. Commissioner Finsness discussed Edina Reads, which is an event that includes everyone in the City. A book is selected for all to read within three months, then the author is invited to speak at a "meet and greet" event for all to come and hear. This is a non -threatening event which targets the entire city. Commissioner Newell referred to Nicholas Kristof's winning essay which is an eloquent story of a young girl who had been bullied adding that this would be good to get youth involved. Commissioner Erhardt stated that parents and all adults needed to correct their behavior as well. Student Member Aderhold said he had not heard of this before so it would be important to advertise it well. Commissioners Bigbee and Finsness will meet and look into the timing for this event and return in June with ideas. Commissioner Bigbee suggested advertising in the Sun Current and Edina Patch for the best sources to reach Edina residents. The subcommittee will come back with ideas for the June meeting. 7. Marriage Amendment Forum Commissioner Newell asked that Commissioner Stanton's request to consider addressing Voter ID also be addressed in addition to, not instead of the Marriage Amendment. Chair Kingston asked if the intent of the marriage amendment forum was for arguments for and against to be presented to the public to hear. Commissioner Bigbee said both points of view should be expressed, that way they wouldn't be "taking sides". Student member Aderhold said this was a controversial issue for some and we can't have bias towards either side. It would be best to have an organized panel, and structure both sides so there isn't a "free for all debate". Chair Kingston said with the Primary in August and the election in November, August, September or October would be the best time for this. Commissioner Cashmore questioned if the League of Women Voters might be interested. Commissioner Finsness said Commissioner Stanton has already asked them and they were not interested, because this was a not bipartisan issue. Staff Liaison Schaefer commented that the League of Women Voters declined to sponsor a forum, because they had already come out in opposition to the amendment. The City cannot spend funds for political campaigns, but could present a balanced statement of the facts. Since the City has already publicly stated its opposition to the amendment, it is in a similar position to the League of Women Voters. Commissioner Bigbee said there were lots of groups who would encourage people to vote no on the Marriage Amendment. Those groups speak with more freedom than the HRRC. Chair Kingston said she will speak with Commissioner Stanton to get an update on the topic. 8. Diversity Awareness Event Chair Kingston reported she had met with Student Member Nolan regarding celebrating the changing face of Edina in the 4th of July Parade next year. They thought a campaign selling tee shirts, bracelets, or bumper stickers showing we are changing in Edina would be a good way to advertise this and asked what the group thought. Commissioner Winnick said we should be sensitive and seek input from the Edina Resource Center and see what they think to be sure that certain groups would not be offended. Commissioner Finsness voiced concerns about the messaging and the objectives of the theme as presented by the Chair and supported Commissioner Winnick's statement about being sensitive to our community. Chair Kingston indicated the purpose of this discussion was to determine whether or not it was worth having a subcommittee research the idea, and not to discuss specifics of what should be done. After discussion, Commissioner Newell made the motion to separate the diversity in a parade idea and suggested celebrating diversity in an essay contest. There was no second. Commissioner Cashmore stated that no one was prepared this evening to present a plan at this meeting. He was hoping that a subcommittee could come back with recommendations. Commissioner Cashmore made the motion that a subcommittee looks into the idea and comes back with recommendations that can then be discussed. Commissioner Bigbee seconded. Motion carried. Commissioner Cashmore will update the Commission at the August meeting. 9. Days of Remembrance Chair Kingston asked if any other members were able to go to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Exhibition and the answer was no. The Days of Remembrance event is complete for this year, and can be removed from the work plan. 10. Somali Relief Efforts Commissioner Newell indicated this item should be removed. 11. Tom Oye Award Criteria Commissioner Finsness and Commissioner Winnick will present a draft of a rubric at the July meeting for consideration 12. Supreme Court Decision on Super PACs This item was previously discussed. 13. Community Council Meeting Report Commissioner Winnick handed out a brochure on an event he had attended at St. Patrick's Church, Edina Health & Wellness Expo, which he wanted to share with the Commission. He said it was an event attended by senior citizens from the area where they get together to find out about resources in the community. He thought it would be good to have a booth or display letting people learn about the HRRC. Commissioner Bigbee thought this would be good to explore for 2013 and Commissioner Winnick will work with him to explore the possibility. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS No correspondence or petitions were received. VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Bigbee discussed a gap in transportation access that should be dealt with on next year's work plan. The topic came up at last Tuesday's City Council meeting regarding sidewalks on France and Hazelton. Chair Kingston said she was approached by the Mayor regarding signing a Senate bill on Violence Against Women. There was not enough time to discuss this before the HRRC meeting. After discussion, the Mayor along with 60 mayors signed a petition for the Senate bill supporting the Violence Against Women's Act. IX. STAFF COMMENTS Staff Liaison Schaefer questioned if it would be helpful to have two lists of the Work Plan, one from the minutes and one in a monthly calendar format. It was decided to try this for the next meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Chair Kingston declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Candy Fiedler, Administrative Staff Minutes approved by HRRC, June 26, 2012 Jessi Kingston, HRRC Chair . MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION JUNE 26, 2012 7:00 PM 1. CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM. I/. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Seidman, Stanton and Chair Kingston, and Student Members Aderhold and Nolan. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; Susan Howl, administrative staff; and Ari Klugman, administrative intern. /it. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee approving the meeting agenda of June 26, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion #1 was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness revising the meeting minutes: N.A. Under Item #4 within VI.A. Work Plan, delete the word "and" from the second line and replace it with the word "who." Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. Motion #2 was made by Commissioner Finsness and seconded by Commissioner Stanton approving the meeting minutes with the following change: N.A. Approve the meeting minutes of May 22, 2012, with the following edits: Under Item #8 within VI.A. Work Plan, replace the fourth sentence with Commissioner Finsness voiced concerns about the messaging and the objectives of the theme as presented by the Chair and supported Commissioner Winnick' s statement about being sensitive to our community" and replace the word "divorce" in the sixth sentence with the word "separate." Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Seidman and Stanton Nay: Kingston Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI.A. SELECT REPRESENTATIVE FOR HUMAN SERVICES TASK FORCE Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Seidman that Commissioner Stanton serve as the appointed HRRC representative on the 2012 Human Services Task Force. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Seidman and Stanton. Motion carried. The Task Force will meet three times in October and present a recommendation for 2013 human services funding to the City Council in November. VI. B. 2013 ANNUAL WORK PLAN CALENDAR Director Schaefer reported that the City Council has requested that boards and commissions follow a more formalized process with regard to annual work plans. It was noted that HRRC was one of the few commissions with a work plan previously in place. The Council's goal is to meet with commission chairs on September 19th to hear the potential work plan items for 2013. This input will be used during the City's overall planning and budgeting process and for the approval of the annual work plan in January. Director Schaefer and Chair Kingston will begin a draft of the HRRC's 2013 work plan to bring to the July meeting for discussion. The work plan should be approved by the HRRC in August, so that the Chair can present it at the City Council work session with commission chairs on September 19. Director Schaefer described the ways in which the Commission work plan can be changed or modified during the year, and noted that a simple deadline change does not require modification of the plan. Questions and comments: • How do new student members fit comfortably into the work plan? • How do student members see themselves involved and adequately informed? • An orientation for incoming student members is being looked at by the City's Board and Commission Task Force. • Could student members have input when meeting agendas are created? • It was suggested that new student members begin their terms in August. • Could graduating student members return to serve on commissions while attending local colleges? • Questions and/or concerns should be forwarded to Commissioner Winnick, who is representing HRRC on the City's Board and Commission Task Force. VI. C. 2012 WORK PLAN UPDATE 1. Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance With Commissioner Cashmore being absent, Chair Kingston will check with him to see if this item can be discussed at the August Commission meeting. 2. Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation Commissioner Stanton reemphasized the importance of current census data and the value of establishing outreach to new members of the community. Turning Val Burke's recommendation into action, Commissioner Stanton met with Greg Hanks, Director of the Southdale YMCA, to see how they are tapping into the community and what is working well. The Y is in a partnership with Edina Rotary and Cornelia during the school year, providing round-trip transportation for students to participate in programs after school. During the summer, Rotary also provides scholarships for 20 children to experience Camp Kid Yapi. Director Hanks indicated that the Y would be willing to partner with HRRC for "Listen and Learn" sessions. When asked about locating community leaders among the various populations, he reported that the Y does not keep this kind of information. The Commissioners discussed various ways to partner with the Y to engage the community in a diversity event: • Try hosting a meeting for one ethnicity at a time. Think of each community as being different and unique, and use different strategies in each community. This would be a way to identify meaningful issues and provide a learning experience. • Could a "meet and greet" event be planned with the Y later this fall? It could be a "mixer" in order to get to know each other. • HRRC could become a vehicle for recommendations as a result of the community gatherings. Events of this type could take up to one year, creating opportunities to do a number of things together. HRRC would be able to listen and learn from each community. • There should be two phases. Phase I: Identify people from ethnic groups for a focus group activity of six months to one year. Phase II: The next step could be a community -wide event. • Listening to community concerns could become problematic for HRRC if there are expectations that HRRC will be able to solve all concerns. How can the Commission be a partner and help various ethnic groups learn about Edina? • It is important for the Commission to start small in a non -threatening way as a partner with the Y. • HRRC does not have to be the problem -solver. The emphasis should be on the changing demographics and giving groups the opportunity to be heard. The Commission could take opinions into consideration for the City. • Commissioners Stanton and Newell will continue discussions with the Y and Cornelia School staff, bringing back information about ways to partner with new diverse groups. 3. Anti -Bullying Event and Education Commissioner Finsness and Student Member Nolan shared information about the upcoming event on June 29th at the Edina Theater. It is a 45 -minute documentary entitled "Minnesota Nice? A Documentary on Bullying in Minnesota Public Schools." The documentary was created by graduating Edina senior Alec Fischer. With a focus on students' stories of being bullied, Alec took on the seven- month project of interviewing, editing and filming. Commissioner Finsness reported that "Edina Reads" is receptive about having a community -wide event around the subject of bullying with HRRC being the host during a specific time from December to February. The Commission should consider books for readers from 6th grade through adults that have a community perspective and would provide momentum for a City-wide discussion. There are discretionary funds in HRRC's operational budget that perhaps could be used to lend some support. Commissioners were asked to contact Commissioner Finsness with ideas for books. (At 8:15 PM, Chair Kingston left the meeting, and Vice Chair Seidman assumed the role of Chair.) 4. Marriage Amendment Forum Because of HRRC's position against the marriage amendment, Commissioner Stanton has been investigating the legality of the Commission's involvement in a community -wide educational event/forum. The commissions of the cities of Shoreview and Roseville are hosting an activity on October 4th about Project 515—a focus on the 515 laws that are discriminatory against Minnesotans and how to look at creating fairness for all Minnesotans. Because the expenditure of funds could be a legal issue, Commissioner Stanton provided options for the Commission to consider: 1) Do nothing; 2) Host a neutral forum; 3) Host a free event, advocating the City's position, using a speaker and publicizing it; 4) Bring in a speaker to talk to HRRC and invite the media; 5) Have a co -host pay for advertising and boldly advocate the City's position; 6) Develop a guest editorial for the local media; and 7) Combination of options. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness to approve writing a guest editorial as identified in option #6, which will increase visibility, put Edina at the fore- front and cause more people to jump on the band wagon. Amendment to the motion was made by Commissioner Finsness and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee to state that HRRC and the City Council will co-sign a letter for the media that addresses the impact the amendment has on Edina. Concern was raised that the City Council Members may not wish to do this. Nevertheless, a letter from HRRC would have more impact if it was co-signed by the Council. It was suggested that the Council Members be queried about this co -endorsement. Commissioner Stanton withdrew his original motion and stated that he would bring back a draft letter for discussion and that the Commission could decide whether to invite the City Council to participate. Commissioner Finsness withdrew her previous amendment to the motion. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness to bring a draft editorial to the next meeting for approval and then approach the Council Members about co-signing it before it is submitted to the newspaper. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. Commissioner Stanton will send the draft editorial to Director Schaefer to be forwarded to HRRC Members. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness to also create a subcommittee to explore option #S—finding a co -host to sponsor an Edina social event for taking an advocacy position and without spending any money. Ayes: Erhardt, Finsness, Seidman and Stanton Nay: Bigbee Motion carried. Commissioners Stanton and Cashmore and Student Member Aderhold will comprise a sub -committee for handling this effort. Director Schaefer stated we should have the attorney review any agreement with a co-sponsor. 5. Diversity Awareness Event Prior to leaving the meeting, Chair Kingston announced the subcommittee decided to cancel this event and pulled it off the Commission 2012 Work Plan. 6. Tom Oye Award Criteria This item was carried over to the July meeting due to the absence of Commissioner Winnick. 7. Supreme Court Decision on Super PAC's Commissioner Finsness reported that a number of states and counties have voted to approve a resolution calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment overturning the Citizens United ruling and for in-state disclosure laws to give voters information about the sources and amounts of corporate spending. The Commissioners agreed that HRRC should take a stand and bring a resolution to the City Council. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness that a proposed resolution be drafted by Commissioner Finsness and brought to the July Commission meeting for approval. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Seidman and Stanton Motion carried. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Prior to leaving the meeting, Chair Kingston stated (i) HRRC was all copied on an email from Laird Beaver and she would respond to him; (ii) She had sent out resolutions from other cities for the subcommittee to review VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioners Erhardt, Bigbee and Stanton discussed the photo ID issue and the fact that it is still under review in the courts. The HRRC should continue to monitor how this proceeds through the courts. Student Member Nolan reported that this would be her last HRRC meeting. She will be concentrating on her Native American interests through Habitat for Humanity at the Rosebud reservation in July. Student Member Aderhold plans to return to the Commission in August before beginning his first year in college at the U of M. Commissioner Finsness requested that the Diversity Awareness Event be on the agenda for the next Commission meeting so that an explanation could be given for why it was determined to remove from the work plan at this time. IX. STAFF COMMENTS Director Schaefer shared that Candy Fiedler will not prepare minutes for the Commission for the foreseeable future. Administrative Intern Ari Klugman will take on this role for close to the next year. While Director Schaefer is on maternity leave, Assistant City Manager Kurt will assist as the interim Commission liaison. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Vice Chair Seidman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC, July 24, 2012 Susan Howl, Administrative Staff Jan Seidman, HRRC Vice Chair MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION JULY 24, 2012 7:00 PM L CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. IL ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Chair Kingston, Commissioners Bigbee, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager; and Ari Klugman, City Manager Intern. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Seidman approving the meeting agenda of July 24, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Seidman to approve the June 26, 2012 minutes with the following changes: IV.A. Turning Val Burke's recommendation into action, Commissioners -Stanton and 14ewell met with Greg Hanks, Director of the Southdale YMCA, to see how they are tapping into the community and what is working well. IV. B. Delete "This event was pulled off the Commission 2012 Work Plan" and replace with "Prior to leaving the meeting, Chair Kingston announced the subcommittee decided to cancel this event and pulled it off the Commission 2012 Work Plan. IV. C. Delete "No correspondence or petitions were received." and replace with "Prior to leaving the meeting, Chair Kingston stated (i) HRRC was all copied on an email from Laird Beaver and she would respond to him; (ii) She had sent out resolutions from other cities for the subcommittee to review". Ayes: Bigbee, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VLA. Boards and Commissions Survey Results Assistant City Manager Karen Kurt presented the results of the Boards and Commissions Survey. o Staff Liaison Schaefer noted she will send out an electronic copy of the survey that will be easier to read. Assistant City Manager Kurt noted: • Joel Stegner volunteered as the survey coordinator and helped the City evaluate the Boards and Commissions survey staff conducted earlier this year. • Strong response rate from the HRRC and all Boards and Commissions. • The average tenure of an HRRC member was 2.6 years, about average for all Boards and Commissions. Depicts a trend of relatively new members serving their first term on a Board or Commission. • There were some clear areas where improvement was needed across all boards. o The interview and applicationprocess- Staff is planning to work on improving this process, hopefully offering testimonials from current members about what it is like to be a member and the type of work the Board and Commission does. Staff also hopes to make short videos people can watch to learn about the Boards and Commissions. ■ Chair Kingston suggested putting together standard job descriptions and explanations of what is expected of a member of that board. ■ Assistant City Manager Kurt responded that is a possibility as part of the application, so people are aware from the very beginning what they are applying to be part of. o Orientationrp ocess ■ Commissioner Seidman asked when the new members joined the Boards and Commissions and if the City was currently looking for new members? ■ Assistant City Manager Kurt replied in January we will begin accepting new applications. Right now the council just finished looking at Student Applications. o Traininiz- Staff will be working on this area, particularly training for chairs. The HRRC was fairly average in activities but there were several notably lower areas: o Topics discussed; o Effective use of time; o Public Participation; o Communication of results. In regards to time members spend outside of the meeting working on HRRC materials, the HRRC is a little higher than average. The survey asked a follow up question about how people felt about the time commitment; overall the comments were positive from HRRC members about the time being appropriate. o Commissioner Seidman asked if the Boards are lower, what the Council/Staff plans to do to raise the results. o Assistant City Manager Kurt stated the City is focusing on common overall areas of concern across all boards, some of the individual board or commission items the group will need to.focus on. This could be done by group conversations about the areas that are lower and internally working to improve/resolve those items. ■ All comments associated with the responses are in the back of the power point. Work plan: o The HRRC was ahead when it came to the development and use of a Board and Commission work plan. o The Council, Staff and Boards and Commissions all agreed work plans would be valuable. The first draft of the formalized work plan for all of the Boards and Commissions is due in September and will be communicated on at the September 19'', work session with the council. • Council providing direction to Boards and Commissions_; o The development of work plans and the joint work session between the Council and Boards and Commission Chairs on September 19"' will be an opportunity for direction to be given by the Council to Boards and Commissions. • Recommend serving on a Board or Commission to others: o HRRC members felt they would recommend service to others. • Recommendations Slide was put together by Joel Stegner, the volunteer coordinator and the recommendations are based off his analysis. o Opportunity for cross-pollination between different boards and commissions, will hopefully be discussed and worked on by having all of the Chairs present at the September 19th meeting sharing their work plans. • The last slide is what the City has done to improve the process already. o Commissioner Newell suggested a more interactive training process. o Commissioner Winnick asked about the new website and about the content for the HRRC page being new? o Assistant City Manager Kurt responded the content has only been migrated for now, Staff does plan on updating the information though. o Commissioner Seidman asked about Student interviews. o Assistant City Manager Kurt stated the Council just wrapped up the interview process. Commissioner Erhardt arrived at 7:20 PM. VI.B. 2012 WORKPLAN UPDATE i. Draft of Domestic Partnership Ordinance Revisions Commissioner Cashmore is working on a draft of the Domestic Partnership Ordinance, but was unable to attend the July meeting; the board should receive the draft at the August meeting. ii. Draft of Editorial Regarding the Impact of Marriage Amendment on Edina Commissioner Stanton presented a draft for consideration by the HRRC. Suggestions: o Listing Edina Businesses who have come out against the marriage amendment. o Listing Edina/local churches that have come out against the marriage amendment. o Looking at Outfront Minnesota to see what companies offer domestic partner benefits in Edina as a means to help identify those who have come out against the marriage amendment. o Specific businesses to investigate: United Healthcare, Cargill and Best Buy. o Looking at which Universities have come out against the amendment: ■ University of Minnesota ■ Minnesota State Colleges ■ Private schools o Suggested political leaders, like Arnie Carlson. Winnick stated some of the reason the opposition hasn't been very loud is because a lot of the "yes" people are working quietly behind closed doors. It might be good to use some of these really well written quotations. o Concern for the length of the editorial. o Referencing some of the big names might draw people in. o Chair Kingston complemented the use of the City Code, stating using the code really exemplifies this is not just words, Edina stands for this. o Changing the word tolerance to inclusiveness and moving the section to the top, because of its Edina focused rhetoric. o Still want editorial to end on a powerful statement. Suggestion to move the economic competiveness to the end and put a focus on Edina Companies in the economic competiveness section could provide the Edina focus at the end as well. • Commissioner Newell suggested possibly cutting of the section on Constitutional Inflexibility, because it is a focus on structure and how we govern ourselves rather than the immediate decision. Commissioner Winnick stated at first he had the same impression, but after re -reading the section he believes it would be a good reminder and could inform those who are not aware of the permanent nature of an amendment versus a statute. Chair Kingston commented she likes the section being included because it talks about what it really means to change the constitution. Commissioner Kingston suggested leaving the Constitutional inflexibility unless the editorial needed to be cut. • Commissioner Stanton brought back up the section on adding political leaders to clarify. Commissioner Seidman suggested it would be good to have supporters on both political parties. • Investigating if any athletes or sports figures had come out against the amendment. Motion was made by Commissioner Winnick and seconded by Commissioner Seidman to have Commissioner Stanton revise the draft with the direction given and work with Communications and Technology Director Jennifer Bennerotte to format the editorial. Ayes: Unanimous- Bigbee, Newell, Stanton, Seidman, Kingston, Winnick, Erhardt Motion carried. iii. Draft Resolution Related to Super PACs Commissioner Kingston introduced a draft resolution on Super PACs titled supporting a United States Constitutional Amendment to Regulate Corporate Political Spending and Campaign Financing, on behalf of Commissioner Finsness who was unable to attend the meeting. • Correct mistake in the fifth whereas, the word Minneapolis needs to be replaced with Edina. • Commissioner Stanton commented he believes the Supreme Court's ruling was a bad decision, but is straining to relate the issue to human rights. • Commissioner Winnick stated we deal in human issues this could be a start of a slippery slope. Where does the human rights line fall? Commissioner Newell responded she does not think the issue is a stretch, the decision dilutes human value and warps the system. 4 • Need to identify Edina Connection and tie decision directly to its impact on Edina. Are there corporations influencing Edina? Possible political contributions in Edina's legislative races? For instance, In Edina we want fair elections without corporations influencing Edina voters. • Commissioner Bigbee stated you cannot see the contributions, because it is anonymous. Think of big companies influencing Minnesota Mines or buying property in Edina. • Suggestion to insert "including the ability to impact elections and government activities within the City of Edina'' to the eighth whereas section. • Concerns over the timing of the release. The board just presented an editorial that talks against using constitutional amendments and now is suggesting one by resolution. o Commissioner Stanton points out for this issue a constitutional amendment is the only method available. o Commissioner Newell asks what the urgency was. Chair Kingston explains there is a resident actively pursuing this issue. o Commissioner Seidman points out by the time bring back this resolution with the changes in August and then move it to Council the timing will not be as big of a problem. o Commissioner Winnick suggests tabling the issue until Commissioner Finsness is present to answer questions. • Commissioner Stanton brings up the voter ID amendment having more urgent implications than the Super PAC resolution. o Commissioner Erhardt told the group the State Courts will not have a decision until August, which does not leave us a lot of time if they decide to uphold the amendment. Saint Louis Park has already passed a resolution. Commissioner Erhardt also presented some numbers of disenfranchised voters from the Secretary of States office. o Commissioner Bigbee questioned if a resolution is the best method of handling this? Is another method better for getting notice? o Chair Kingston commented some of the other resolutions have had activity of the facebook page, Politics in Edina. The resolutions have created some discussions in various forums, and gotten some other cities to follow suite passing similar resolutions. • Commissioner Stanton pointed out this issue is more difficult than the marriage amendment in Edina. A lot of people believe voter fraud is a big problem, despite there being no known case of voter fraud related to voter ID. o Chair Kingston suggested bringing the issue back to Edina Residents, talking to the City Clerk. Numbers should be found on how many disenfranchised voters in Edina will be affected, for instance new, students, elderly, moved, recently married, etc. The focus should be on what really will happen if the amendment is passed. The City has not seen any voter fraud, but X% of residents will not be able to register each year. Seniors living in new facilities who haven't gotten new ID's, we will be taking away their rights to vote. • Commissioner Newell will work with the City Clerk and Communications and Technology Director Jennifer Bennerotte on a Q&A article about the subject to get Edina focused information, Commissioner Bigbee will assist in editing the article. • Commissioner Stanton and Commissioner Erhardt will form a sub -committee to draft a resolution for August. o Commissioner Erhardt suggests including the costs of the voter ID in the article. o Chair Kingston points out a lot of people are unaware the amendment will take away same day registration for everyone, even if you do have proper identification. If there was a problem at the DMV there will be no way to fix the situation in time for the person to vote. o Commissioner Erhardt points out many seniors who do not drive will not have a means to validate themselves as residents. • Chair Kingston states next month we will come back to this issue with the drafted resolution and Q&A information and we will decide what we want to do. iv. General Updates on Work Plan Work Teams gave updates according to the 2012 HRRC Work Plan i. Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance (Cashmore & Winnick) • Chair Kingston states Commissioner Cashmore will bring this information to the August meeting. ii. Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation (Stanton & Newell) • No update for this month. iii. Anti -bullying Event and Education (Finsness & Bigbee) • Chair Kingston states book suggestions were due to Commissioner Finsness. • Commissioner Bigbee explains his understanding is the book group will be selecting the books, we were just making suggestions. The target date for the event is early 2013. The current focus for anti -bullying is primarily on Edina Reads for now. Margage Amendment FenHn (St t p F • No update. V. Diversity Awareness Event (Cashmore & Kingston) • Chair Kingston said that at the June meeting an explanation was requested for why the event was dropped from the plan. At the May meeting there was a lot of disagreement about this event and it did not seem worth pursuing. The subcommittee would focus on other issues. vi. Tom Oye Award Criteria (Finsness & Winnick) • Commissioner Winnick states this has been put off until the August meeting at Commissioner Finsness' request. vii. Supreme Court Decision on Super PACs (Finsness) • Notes to be sent to Commissioner Finsness and edited resolution should be presented in August. C VL C. 2013 WORK PLAN Staff Liaison Schaefer explained the 2013 draft work plan needs to be completed and submitted to Assistant Manager Kurt by September 7, 2012. The HRRC will need to discuss strategies for the 2013 work plan to prepare for approval by the HRRC at the August meeting. The Chairs present at the September 19th work session but the work plans won't be approved by the Council until around January. Tom Ove Award: Commisioner Winnick suggested considering moving the Tom Oye award off of an annual award to a more occasional award as qualified candidates are presented. o Chair Kingston stated we still want to keep the award, either way on our radar as an annual duty. If we are going to change the award to a non -annual event, we need to know by our August or September meeting so we can pull it from About Town. Broader focus: Commissioner Bigbee suggested the work plan could have a focus on the broader human rights in Edina next year when we are not so busy with election items. For instance, transportation needs. There are no sidewalks on France leading to that bus stop. The City has been working on this, but items like this that we see could be a good venue to bring them up. For instance, housing needs, economic development and public policy influence on the residents of Edina. We could work on setting a direction for the future of human rights in Edina. Look at the Community, evaluate broadly how we are doing with human rights in Edina. One particular area is with the increase in diversity. Chair Kingston stated Commissioner Stanton and Newell are working with the Y on some of these issues but we could work to get out more in the community to n find areas. • Domestic Violence: Commissioner Newell stated she would like to work more with domestic violence victim's support. • Commissioner Bigbee suggested having a session dedicated to what we want to do in the future. • Edina's Wikipedia Commissioner Newell suggested changing the Edina Wikipedia page to mention some of the policy work. • Health Care: Commissioner Newell also suggested getting some informational presentations on the health care act, maybe working with the Community Health Committee or medical providers in the area. o Chair Kingston questioned whether the Community Health Committee is meeting more than four times a year, Staff Liaison Schaefer will check on their meeting status. o Commissioner Erhardt agreed about working on Health Act information, stating there is not a lot of clear unbiased knowledge. o Commissioner Bigbee questioned whether the HRRC is the best group to focus on this issue. o Commissioner Newell stated healthcare is a human right. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS No correspondence or petitions were received. VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS • Chair Kingston shared Edina Magazine is going to publish an article on the conflict free materials resolution. • Chair Kingston reminded the committee to please get all information, action items and handouts in a week before the meeting so Staff can include the infonnation in the packet. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Commissioner Stanton made and Commissioner Seidman seconded a motion to declared the meeting adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ariel Klugman, City Manager Intern Minutes approved by HRRC, July 24, 2012 Jessica Kingston, HRRC Chair 91 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION August 28, 2012 7:00 PM L CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM. II. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Chair Kingston, Commissioners Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Newell, Stanton and Winnick. Staff present: Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director and Staff Liaison; and Ari Klugman, City Manager Intern. Commissioner Finsness entered the meeting at 8:05 PM. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Stanton approving the meeting agenda of August 28, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Newell, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Stanton to approve the July 24, 2012 minutes. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Newell, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTSIRECOMMENDATIONS A. 2012-2013 New Student Members Chair Kingston shared the names of the 2012-2013 student members and reviewed the names of those who volunteered to mentor the new students. Commissioner Winnick, Bigbee and Finsness have all volunteered. Chair Kingston suggested choosing one primary mentor for the each student. The Commission discussed student membership options and decided the two primaries would be Arnie Bigbee and Lisa Finsness with Commissioner Winnick helping out as needed. Commissioner Cashmore asked why there were two female students and suggested it is nice to have both genders. Commissioner Newell explained her concerns with picking students based on gender, stating there are many students that would prefer not to self -declare a gender and she wouldn't want to put that expectation on the students. She suggested going with the best candidate regardless. Commissioner Cashmore expanded on his concern stating he fears the commission could become cast as a female thing, and believes human rights are for all. Staff shared there were fewer male student members interested across all of the boards and commissions overall. Commissioner Cashmore suggested expanding outreach for student members to increase the pool of applicants. Commissioner Bigbee will talk to Commissioner Finsness and decide who will be assigned to each mentor. They will ask Commissioner Winnick to help as needed. VI.B. 2013 WORKPLAN The Commission reviewed the draft of the 2013 work plan to be presented to Council at the September 19th work session. • Anti -bullying event or education- Edina Reads The commission decided on Edina Reads as the Anti -bullying event for 2013. Chair Kingston asked about what resources would be needed for the event. Commissioner Bigbee was unsure of the expectation. They decided to hold discussion until Commissioner Finsness arrived. Commissioner Newell suggested the doing some anti -bullying efforts regarding bullying in civil discourse, especially in an election year. Commissioner Winnick suggested possibly adding that to the 2012 work plan, not the 2013. • Event or actions related to census research/demographics Commissioner Stanton shared the current status of this item with the YMCA. Commissioner Stanton then asked the commissioners how attached they were to this direction. Commissioner Bigbee stated his interest is to find a means where the commission can make a difference and overcome disparities in access. Commissioner Erhardt shared an interaction he had. The Somali woman he spoked to seem to have an interest in helping penetrate the Somali community. He suggested she may be an opportunity for the commission. Commissioner Newell spoke of her experience hearing Fartun Weli, director of Isuroon, a Somali organization speak on women's health issues in the Somali communty. Commissioner Newell has invited Weli to come to the HRRC's September meeting. Commissioner Winnick said he recently heard an argument for the preservation of Human Rights panels. Hopkins was mentioned as one of the cities that has recently ended their panel. Winnick also shared that Carrie Cabe from the Edina Resource Center currently has a grant she obtained through do.town for $20,000 a portion of that funding has been targeted towards reaching out to Somali and Asian populations. Carrie has chosen to try to reach out to Community organizers. Commissioner Kingston explained Carrie's approach is currently different than the HRRC's. She asked if the Commission would want to partner with Edina Resource Center. Commissioner Stanton suggested partnering with the YMCA as well, and asking the community what their interests are. The Y has said they are willing to host an event. Commissioner Cashmore explained he appreciated finding need and then allocating resources. One option is to talk to Chief Long about issues and identify leaders within the community and have informal forums. The Resource Center is a good resource, because it is their job to make those connections. The best involvement is often what is brought to us by the Citizens themselves. Chair Kingston stated the group will then reframe and focus on developing cross organizational partnerships to understand community needs related to the census demographics. This will allow the group to develop resources and expertise. Chair Kingston then asked about the financial resources. Commissioner Stanton suggested $1,500. Commissioner Bigbee suggested Parks and Recreation could be a great opportunity to reach out as well. For instance in Bloomington does two to three hour events for various communities to hear about issues. Chair Kingston stated similarities may emerge. She suggested focusing the November televised meeting on the issue. Commissioner Newell suggested inviting Weli to the meeting. Commissioner Winnick will talk to Chief Long on the issue generally. Commissioner Cashmore stated a community outreach program to understand and develop contacts within the city could be helpful. Commissioner Newell explained the west metro, has similar and different issues that cross the city boundaries. The league may be a good resource on the broader issue. Commissioner Stanton explained the police used to be brought in to talk to the commission about discrimination. • Days of Remembrance Chair Kingston shared with the group an opportunity to get Janet Horvath, a Minnesota Orchestra Cellist, to perforin her piece related to the Holocaust and Bullying. There is potential to tie into anti -bullying with the High School. This could be tied to an event for Days of Remembrance. Commissioner Cashmore stated he felt the Commission had lost momentum by not having a larger event last year. • Victims of Domestic Violence Commissioner Newell explained her suggestion of doing something related to domestic violence. Commissioner Bigbee suggested a possible tie ins with Cornerstone, who the City already provides funding to. Commissioner Cashmore suggested Tubman too, stating the City decided not to fund them last year. They could still be a viable resource. Commissioner Stanton suggested doing something earlier in the year. The Commissioners agreed to plan an event in early 2013. Commissioner Finsness arrived at 8:05 pm • Healthcare Act The Commission Newell suggested having some type of event to inform citizens about the health care act. Commissioner Bigbee suggested the topic be sent to the health committee. They have resources and people there who would be better off explaining the topic. Commissioner Finsness emphasized educating people before the election, so they can understand and vote. Commissioner Bigbee stated he doesn't think this topic can be covered without sounding politically motivated. Commissioner Newell stated they should be stewards of information before being partisan. Commissioner Kingston suggested removing the item and leaving it up to the community health board. The commission agreed. • Evaluate current status of Human Rights in Edina and make recommendations on opportunities for improvement. For example, possibly working with transportation commission on issues affect human condition in Edina. Commissioner Bigbee stated this item is to give us the opportunity to identify if we are missing anything. Are there respected members or geographic problems we are missing. Commissioner Finsness stated we don't know if we don't ask. She suggested a possible survey, blog or private way for people to share information we may be missing. Commissioner Bigbee shared his experience working with do.town on a walking survey. Bigbee expressed concern for items like the bus stops on France with no sidewalks. Commissioner Kingston suggested incorporating this and the transportation issue into the broader goals of the commission and not having separate items. ■ Tom Oye Edina Reads Commissioner Finsness stated she had still not been able to get down specifics regarding the event but hoped to do so in the next week. Chair Kingston asked her to estimate what a budget amount may be and if there was any staff support needed? Commissioner Finsness stated there would probably be a contribution if the group was trying to get the Author to come to the event, and funds would be need to buy extra copies of the books. The commission estimated a $2,000 budget. Commissioner Finsness also stated video would probably be needed for the event. Commissioner Finsness agreed to get this information to staff before the September 7th deadline. VI. C. 2012 WORK PLAN i. Draft Resolution on Voter ID Amendment Commissioner Stanton presented a draft resolution on the Voter ID Amendment. Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Cashmore, to recommend to the City Council that they approve the resolution opposing the Voter ID Constitutional Amendment. Discussion: ■ Commissioner Stanton shared the financial costs of Voter ID are from the Humphrey Institute Voter ID Analysis. ■ Chair Kingston asked for the resolution to incorporate the specific impacts on Edina. ■ Commissioner Newell explained some of the research she had gotten from City Clerk Mangen. She stated Mangen only knew of one case of voter fraud in her tenure and the case was unintentional and involved absentee voting and was caught before it affected the results. Statistically, the amount of voter fraud is incredibly low nationwide. ■ Commissioner Finsness suggested including the impacts on students, since Edina is a college oriented city. ■ Chair Kingston asked commissioner Newell to include her statistics on same day voter registrants in Edina. ■ Commissioner Stanton suggested sending the information to the September 192'' Council meeting. Which would give the commission time if the council had comments or wanted changes. ■ Staff Liaison Schaefer clarified the Commission may send on information, but the Council will get to decide when and if it goes on the agenda. Since this item has not yet been discussed with the council, we don't know what their position will be. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Finsness, Newell, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. Commissioner Winnick asked to send his edits to Stanton. Chair Kingston informed Winnick the motion had already passed as is. Commissioner Winnick stated he was confused because the group was talking about incorporating changes to focus the resolution on the City of Edina. Commissioner Stanton moved to reconsider the previous motion, the motion was seconded by Commissioner Cashmore. Commissioner Winnick moved to adopt the resolution on voter ID with the following modifications. 1. On page two of the resolution, the word Minnesota should be changed to Edina. 2. In the last preamble where is states "as a sacred tool" it be changed to but instead. 3. Following the sentence saying eligible ... it state insert citizenship documents. Chair Kingston asked if Winnick would accept a friendly amendment. Commissioner Winnick agreed to insert "Eligible Edina Center" to the resolution. 4. Insert the words at New York University law school, following Brennan Center. Vote to approve as amended: Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Finsness, Newell, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. ii. Update on Editorial Regarding the Impact of Marriage Amendment on Edina Commissioner Stanton presented the press release on the Marriage Amendment and updated the group on the media coverage. Commissioner Stanton shared with the group that the City would like to consider including a family on the webpage in the section called Edina is for Everyone. If any of the commissioners know of a diverse family who would like to be featured please communicate with them and then send their information to staff. Draft Resolution Related to Super PACs Commissioner Finsness shared with the group her finalized draft resolution related to Super PACS and suggested sending the item to the September 19'b Council meeting. Staff Liaison Schaefer stated the Commission could suggest but the Council will have the discretion over when this goes on the agenda. This item was also, not on the work plan. So we don't know what the City Councils position will be. Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore to approve the resolution to be sent to the City Council for approval. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Finsness. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Finsness, Newell, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. iv. Draft of Domestic Partnership Ordinance Revisions Commissioner Cashmore presented the draft revisions of the Domestic Partnership Ordinance. The revisions involved the fourth point that was left out when the resolution was approved by council. Chair Kingston suggested including the item in a work session with the Council in early 2013. The revisions were tabled to next meeting. Staff will send out the full Domestic Partnership Ordinance. V. Tom Oye Award Rubric Commissioner Finsness asked for the item to be tabled until next month, because she did not have time to draft the rubric. Commissioner Winnick suggested instead of moving back the Tom Oye process another month for the rubric, that the commission stay with the current criteria for 2013 and any proposed changes are dealt with in February, if necessary. Commissioner Finsness stated she did not believe the rubric would affect the criteria being currently used; instead the changes would appear in the commission's process for choosing the person. Commissioner Winnick expressed concern, stating he has not seen the rubric yet so he is unaware of how it will affect the process and he wants to be sure applicants know what they are being evaluated on. Member Newell stated she did not feel the rubric would affect the current process. Commissioner Bigbee moved the Commission continue with the current process and review next year and make any changes necessary. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Cashmore. Commissioner Finsness stated she would still like an alternative selection process. Commissioner Newell gave examples of how the rubric would work. For instance, the committee could include items like, Impact on Edina. The intention is for these items to help the commission to select the candidate. ■ Motion was made to table previous motion by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Finsness. Ayes: Finsness, Newell, Stanton. 7 Nays: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Winnick. Motion: Defeated Vote on original motion: Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Kingston, Stanton, Winnick. Nays: Finsness, Newell Motion carried. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Two letters have been included in the packet on the marriage amendment, one in favor and one in opposition to the HRRC editorial. Commissioner Finsness left at 9:35 pm VIII. Chair and Commission member comments: Chair Kingston reminded the commission to look at the attendance records and be aware of how many absences they have. IX. Staff Comments Staff Liaison Schaefer shared City Manager Neal will be the Staff Liaison for the HRRC while she is on leave, not Assistant City Manager Kurt. Assistant City Manager Kurt will be taking on other duties for Schaefer as HR Director. Staff Liaison Schaefer reminded the commission that emails regarding HRRC business are generally public. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Commissioner Winnick made and Commissioner Cashmore seconded a motion to declared the meeting adjourned at 9:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ariel Klugman, City Manager Intern Minutes approved by HRRC, September 20, 2012 Jessica Kingston, HRRC Chair 8 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION September 20, 2012 7:00 PM L CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. II. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Chair Kingston, Commissioners Bigbee, Finsness Cashmore, Newell, Seidman, Stanton and Winnick, Student members Maggie Stang and Tara Mohtadi. Staff present: Scott Neal, City Manager and temporary Staff Liaison; and Ari Klugman, City Manager Intern. Commissioner Erhardt entered the meeting at 8:09 PM. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Winnick approving the meeting agenda of September 20, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Seidman to approve the August 28, 2012 minutes. Commissioner Cashmore presented the following change to the minutes. Under item VI. B. Victims of Domestic Violence, correct the error replacing the term "commissioner" to "City" in the second half of the third paragraph. Commissioner Finsness presented the following changes to the minutes. Under item III. Roll Call remove Commissioner Seidman. Under item III. Roll Call after the first paragraph insert the following, "Finsness entered the meeting at 8:O5" Under VI. B. 2013 Work Plan under Tom Oye remove "Commissioner Finsness stated she did not have time to get to the rubric this month and would like to table it until the September meeting" and "Commissioner Winnick stated the commission is talking about the 2013 plan now and will get to that in the 2012 update." Commissioner Stanton made a motion and Commissioner Winnick seconded the motion to approve the revisions to the minutes. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. (Return to original motion to approve the meeting minutes) Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTSIRECOMMENDATIONS A. Carrie Cabe, Edina Resource Center Commissioner Winnick introduced Carrie Cabe director of the Edina Resource Center. Cabe also works with the Community Council. Commissioner Winnick invited Cabe to introduce herself and to go over potential opportunities for the Commission's Work Plan. Cabe introduced herself and talked about the demographics of clients the Resource Center is currently serving and spoke about her efforts to reach out to the Parklawn area. Commissioner Cashmore asked for clarification of the Parklawn area. Cabe said she would return to park lawn in a moment after she finished explaining her role. Cabe then explained she works on behalf of the City and School to reach out to residents about what resources are available and who is able to help with what. In the past year, the number of emails received has increased and hopefully the new website will continue to help. Cabe explained Parklawn is by Gallagher and Parklawn Avenue across France near Southdale. The Edina Resource Center has received a grant from B1ueCross B1ueShield, to go towards community organizing. Cabe will be targeting the grant money to move it towards outreach at the school because this has been the most effective form of outreach. This past summer, there was a small event at Lake Edina Park. They found the small event reached out to a broader group. Cabe has also been walking bus stops meeting parents. The parents then told their neighbors, who told their neighbors. Cabe has heard some concerns from residents. There is no place for many of the kids in these areas to play in their neighborhoods. So the Kids run around the apartment itself. During Night to Unite, Police Officer Tom McKenzie and Kristin Aarsvold, from Parks and Recreation and Cabe went out to the area. This seemed to work out really well. Cabe has learned a lot during this process about bridges out of poverty and generational poverty. Cabe found the resource directory to be helpful for families. Paper has seemed to work the best with outreach, both flyers in the laundry rooms and sliding flyers under doors. Commissioner Winnick stated Valerie Burke from Edina Public Schools has provided some demographic information in the area schools. Around 18% of total enrollments are minorities and there is a large East Asian Population. 2 Commissioner Stanton asked if the school district extends into the Southeast area. Cabe explained some of the area is in Richfield, but those students aren't in the Parklawn neighborhood. A lot of families try to move into Edina for the Schools, but then realize they are not in the Edina School District and have to open enroll. Commissioner Newell asked if Cabe knew if those families are normally successful. Cabe explained, they try to fit them in, but the schools are full. There has been a problem with some of the apartments saying they are within Edina Schools, until the lease is signed. When they are actually in the Richfield school district Commissioner Newell asked if there is anything the HRRC could do, since the apartments are in Edina, to help disclose that information. Commissioner Winnick explained there are a lot of people that would have to be trained at each of the apartments. Winnick then asked City Manager Neal, if the Council is aware of this? Commissioner Stanton explained the school district makes adjustments all the time and asked if there are any changes at the State level. There are websites you can go to see the adjustments. Manager Neal said he is not sure how aware of this issue the city is, but the Council has met with the School Districts and they did talk briefly about these school district lines. Commissioner Newell stated it seems like the city council may have the authority to say when you give a lease you have to provide a link or information to make it known to people. Commissioner Cashmore stated this might not be the right time but this sounds like something the HRRC would draft and send an ordinance to the council, if so I would like to move that we do that. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Bigbee. Commissioner Stanton asked Manager Neal if the City has the authority to do this under statute. Manager Neal responded saying he is not sure, but I could find out. Chair Kingston suggested tabling the motion until the November meeting when more information is available. Commissioner Stanton moved to table the issue until the November meeting. Commissioner Seidman seconded the motion. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. Commissioner Finsness pointed out to Cabe one item the HRRC has been watching is changing demographics. Finsness explained the HRRC is interested in joining forces and can identify events or bring various committees together to help. Cabe explained she has had more success going to communities then expecting them to come to her. For instance, she has done a Red Cross babysitter training course in their apartment building. Cabe explained the more exposure they have to me, the more they use me as a resource. Another issue is transportation related, for couples where there is only one car they are not able to make it to the library or school unless they are walking. They don't have the ability to spontaneously go to an event Commissioner Stanton asked Cabe if she worked on a population analysis at all. Cabe explained this is one of the jobs she has, and she is meeting with Joyce Repya about demographics this week. Commissioner Stanton explained the YMCA partners with Rotary to provide rides to events. They could be a really good resource. Cabe explained some demographics are hard to reach at the Y. For instance, Somali women don't work out at the Y because both genders are present. Whereas, the East Indian population is easier to reach out to, they are actively trying to enroll students early in school and are very aware of the resources offered. Another aspect of Cabe's position is working with the Edina Community Council. Hope Melton is very active in advocating for seniors in the community and student member Lauren Taylor is a junior and is very good about helping to reach out in the schools. We also have a police officer in the Community Council and are trying to find someone from these communities to represent as well. Commissioner Bigbee stated he felt this was very important because they are all Edina residents. Every Commission should have an opportunity to interact, for instance, the HRRC could have our meeting at an apartment building near Southdale. Cabe suggested Edina Park's party room. Commisisoner Bigbee stated that is a great opportunity. Commissioner Winnick reminded the group there is a bookmark in the 2013 work plan for this. Chair Kingston had the Commission introduce themselves to the new Student Commissioners. The two new student members then introduced themselves to the Commissioners. B. Discuss outcome of September 19 Council meeting. Chair Kingston shared that the Voter ID Resolution was sent to the Council. Council Member Bennett had some changes. Both Commissioner Stanton and I were in agreement with the changes. She added some implications to the City; a lot of this infonnation is unknown because the resolution is an amendment not legislation. The Council passed the Voter ID resolution unanimously. I will be meeting with Scott Denfeld for a sound bite next week. Commissioner Stanton asked about press coverage, stating the goal is to educate, when can we? Manager Neal stated he did an interview on the Voter ID resolution this morning and I shared it with a group of City Managers today. 4 Chair Kingston asked Commissioner Newell about her work on this previously and whether her article could work for something like this. Commissioner Newell shared the purpose of what I wrote was informational but could lead a reader in a direction, but was not intentional. My article is also much more than 500 words; I am not sure what to do with that. I am reluctant to cut is down to an opinion; I am under the mindset that all is need. Commissioner Finsness asked if the 500 word limit is for a guest editorial or column. Chair Kingston explained her understanding is the paper doesn't accept more than 500 words. Commissioner Finsness asked for clarification if it is a paper requirement for all submissions Manager Neal asked for clarification as well, is the 500 word limit is imposed by Communications and Technology Director Bennerotte or the Sun Current? City Manager Intern Klugman responded Director Bennerotte stated my understanding is the Sun Current will cut the 500 words or the Commission can, but they will not run more than 500 words. Commissioner Stanton clarified a letter to the editor is even less approximately 300 words. Commissioner Stanton advised the HRRC should cut the article because the paper may focus on a different aspect. Commissioner Winnick suggested sending out the drafted article for everyone to work on. Commissioner Newell explained the article is written from the perspective that she came in to see Clerk Mangen steeped in the process, and the article comes off more of a feature explaining the back office of elections rather than on Voter ID. Chair Kingston asked the commission if their preference is for a factual informational article or in light of the resolution being passed, a persuasive editorial similar to the Marriage Amendment editorial. Commissioner Stanton suggested a persuasive and to use Commissioner Newell's as a basis to write letters to the editor. He suggested a shorter article would be more widely read. Commissioner Bigbee asked why the commission is only submitting to the Sun Current and not the Star Tribune or other sources. Commissioner Stanton clarified the last editorial went to all. Commissioner Seidman suggested in light of the Council voting in favor of the resolution that the commission have a persuasive, assertive article. Commissioner Newell shared that there area couple of paragraphs at the top that can be cut already because they referenced the Supreme Court case. Commissioner Finsness shared the Joe Nathan Article is about 500 words. She suggested a guest column and maybe some letters to the editor. Commissioner Newell stated she would like some help. Commissioner Cashmore asked if it is Jennifer's job to prepare press releases. Commissioner Erhardt arrived at 8:09 PM. Chair Kingston suggested coming back to the editorial in October to approve. Commissioner Stanton suggested cutting the editorial for right before the election and have Jennifer do a press release now. Chair Kingston shared with the group that the Council didn't see the Super PAC resolutions connection to the City and voted to table the resolution indefinitely unless they see Edina impact. Then she asked Commissioner Finsness how she felt as the last member to work on the resolution. Commissioner Finsness stated she will leave it up to the commission. Commissioner Stanton shared he listened to the Council's comments and they tabled it so they didn't have to vote it down. Commissioner Erhardt stated it seems to me, the Council doesn't see the impact. Chair Kingston explained the issue is they didn't see the City of Edina connection, not that they didn't think it was a problem. Commissioner Cashmore shared that he monitors the Politics in Edina (PIE) Facebook page, and some of the residents are coming out and pushing back on some of the stuff coming out of the HRRC. I think there is a safe move here. Chair Kingston stated the Council said the other issues were timely. So we will leave this then. C. Discuss outcome of Work session with Council on the 2013 Work plan. Chair Kingston shared the results of the joint work session with the Boards and Commissions. The Council seemed happy about the Edina Reads project. Mayor Hovland suggested possibly working with Alec Fischer's movie, Minnesota Nice. The Mayor also said lie has a contact in the Chinese American community for us and suggested we visit the Hindu Temple. Commissioner Newell asked where the Temple is located. Chair Kingston explained off of Highway 100 and 77th. Commissioner Newell suggested the HRRC go as a group. Manager Neal stated he has been there before and could arrange a time. 0 Commissioner Seidman suggested they come here to. Chair Kingston shared the Council had a primary interest in Cornerstone, because the City provided funding to them last year, but they want us to work with Tubman too. In relation to the health information meeting, Council Member Brindle suggested looking into the work Saint Pats has done on Social Justice. Commissioner Stanton stated the Catholic Church isn't necessarily neutral on the healthcare plan. Chair Kingston clarified these are just comments. She also shared Council Member Sprague wanted all of the Boards and Commissions to think about Living Streets. Living Streets is about building an infrastructure looking at all aspects of the public sphere and how we can best use our space, instead of centering on cars as the only frame. The Edina Transportation Commission is the primary on the policy. There was no one from the Edina Transportation Commission there, so I am not sure how they want to handle cross functional aspect. Manager Neal stated he is not sure how that will happen, but one thing they are interested in is bus stops. Commissioner Bigbee thanked manager Neal for the segue and said there were 10 to 12 inch gaps between the sidewalk and the driveway over in his neighborhood. I documented them while on a survey for do.town. I was very impressed because public works crews filled them today. I think we need to look at sidewalks and bus stops, by my house and France Avenue there are none. These are our people. Commissioner Newell stated this has a major effect on people in motorized wheelchairs who ride the bus. Commissioner Bigbee stated the Promenade is fabulous, for having wide paths. Chair Kingston stated the Council will provide more feedback to us on the 2013 work plan. Commissioner Bigbee asked Manager Neal to pass along a thank you to the city crew. D. Draft Revisions of Domestic Partnership Ordinance Commissioner Winnick shared draft revisions of the domestic partner ordinance, to include a revised version of number four; which was previously not included in the approved ordinance. Commissioner Stanton stated number three has not been made. I looked up the City Code and in the personal policy 150.10, it is not included. City Manager Intern Klugman clarified the personnel policy is no longer in the City Code. But instead is a policy. City Manager Neal stated yes, we took it our but the personnel policy still exists. Commissioner Stanton said the section is still listed online. Manager Neal said he would look at that tomorrow with Lisa before she went on leave. Commissioner Cashmore made a motion to adopt the language and Commissioner Finsness seconded the motion. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. Chair Kingston stated the item will be discussed in the joint council work session this spring. E. October and November meeting updates Chair Kingston shared Jeff Holman from the MN Dept. of Human Rights wanted to have a two hour public forum. But since we have already taken a position on the Marriage Amendment and Voter ID, which I am not sure he was aware of. I told him we have limitations. What they want to do is not necessarily what we wanted to do with them. I told him we will discuss this after the November Election. Commissioner Finsness asked for clarification if they will be at the October meeting. Chair Kingston stated they will not be. Commissioner Newell shared she has two people for the October meeting and asked when she can talk about this. Commissioner Finsness responded Commissioner Comments. Chair Kingston then shared with the commission that the annual televised meeting will be in November, and that she would like to dedicate a portion of the October meeting to plarming. She then asked how much time the commission would like to dedicate. Commissioner Stanton suggested thirty minutes. Commissioner Finsness agreed. F. General Work Plan updates Commissioner Stanton shared there is nothing new involving the Census Research Funding Recommendation, but would like to meet with Carrie Cabe from the Edina Resource Center. Commissioner Finsness shared with the group about Edina reads. The group working on it found the book to be absolutely doable. She met with Dick from the Community Foundation and some of the Librarians. The date will be April 22"d, not February. We are still working to see if the Author can come, but if he can't be there possibly a representative. She reminded the group the book is called, A Thinking Man's Bully and is made up of around 15 short stories. Commissioner Stang asked if the Edina Reads is something people sign up in advance for and for more information about how Edina Reads work. Commissioner Finsness shared Edina Reads is a foundation with a board. All the public is invited. For this Edina Reads, there will be more publicity. The goal is to keep bullying on the forefront. One option could be to see if Alec Fischer could possibly come, if the author can't. Commissioner Stang shared that the Schools showed Alec's video this past week. Chair Kingston mentioned Yom Hashoua is also in April, so we may have two events around that time. Commissioner Stanton shared there is nothing new with the Marriage Amendment forum, since the resolution has already passed and the editorial is written. City Manager Intern Klugman asked if the Commission wants to keep it on the timeline. Commissioner Stanton said until the editorial comes out I would like to, but we can rename it editorial and not forum. Commisisoner Winnick shared his goal to develop a comprehensive communications plan for the Tom Oye Award. He would like each of the Commissioners to share one or two nominees. An email with the information will come out. Commissioner Cashmore shared Alec Fishers non-profit was charged $1,500 for the Edina theatre; as an aside, because we talked about renting at one point. Commissioner Winnick shared Rachel Corner from Edina HS will share with faculty that we are seeking nominees. We would like to increase quality names and nominees. Chair Kingston asked if there is a deadline for nominees. Commissioner Winnick shared January. I would like to get it set up by November. City Manager Intern Klugman shared that the City is planning to have a portal for online nominations. She will check with Director Bennerotte on the status. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Chair Kingston asked Manager Neal if the HRRC could get a copy of the letter the Council received about the Voter ID Amendment. Manager Neal stated that is a good idea, I should have brought it. For those of you who don't know. The Council doesn't allow community comment on items on the agenda, which are not public hearings, because it would turn into a de facto public hearing. The letter was focused on the Brennan information in the resolution, but that information had been edited out of the draft resolution. Chair Kingston stated there seemed to be some problem with the last preamble clause. The author of the comment talked to a reporter after the meeting, but I am not sure what source. So if you see anything let the commission know. VIII. Chair and Commission member comments: Commissioner Cashmore expressed concern over the theft of signs. Some reports have been made to Edina police, he is unsure if that is something the commission would take on. Manager Neal stated theft of signs is very common around election time. In some cases, the police are actually removing it from the right of way. If that is the case, they keep the signs out on the back of the building by the dumpsters. Commissioner Erhardt stated that must be new, they have been putting signs in the right of way for several years. Commissioner Newell shared Furton Weli, could not make the September meeting and so Commissioner Newell had Karmit Bulman, from the Conflict Resolution Center, as a substitute lined up but never received anything back. Commissioner Newell would like to put them both on the agenda. Commissioner Newell also asked about how the city disburses grants. Chair Kingston said grants are handled through the Human Services funding Commissioner Newell asked about groups that didn't get funding. Commissioner Bigbee said the Commission used to fund, but now the boards and commission wide group makes the decision. Manager Neal clarified City Governments are prohibited from contributing public funds to charitable organizations. So now, the grant funds are actually service contracts. The Human Services group is made up of a volunteer from each board and commission. They received, interview and grant the applications. The HRRC doesn't distribute funds, the Human Services Taskforce does. Commissioner Stanton shared the deadline has passed. Commissioner Newell explained the Conflict Resolution Center used to receive a letter, so Bulman has assumed she did not get renewed. Chair Kingston in the past we had asked Susan to send out a letter to previous recipients. Commissioner Stanton stated they have submitted an application for $5,000. Commissioner Newell stated she would like to have them come in and talk to the Commission. Commissioner Bigbee asked what part of the work plan they would relate to. Commissioner Newell stated they would like to talk about conflict resolution. Commissioner Bigbee stated perhaps he is being selfish about the time, but what part of the work plan does the conversation link to. The Commission needs to stay focused. 10 Commissioner Finsness asked if everything needs to be tied to the work plan or can some of the items be for professional development. Chair Kingston suggested making a decision about that next meeting. Chair Kingston asked how much time Commissioner Newell thinks would be needed for Fartun Weli at the October meeting. Commissioner Newell said thirty minutes. Commissioner Winnick apologized for his behavior last meeting. He met with Commissioner Finsness for coffee and apologized to Commissioner Finsness personally. Chair Kingston shared she is in the process of changing jobs and her Digital River email address will no longer work instead send messages via her Comcast email or call her home phone. Her cell phone is being switched as well and might not work. IX. Staff Comments City Manager Intem Klugman shared student orientation will be next week on Tuesday. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Commissioner Winnick made and Commissioner Cashmore seconded a motion to declared the meeting adjourned at 9:15 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC, October 23, 2012 Ariel Klugman, City Manager Intern Jessica Kingston, HRRC Chair 11 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION October 23, 2012 7:00 PM L CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:09 PM. IL ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick and Chair Kingston, and Student Members Mohtadi. Staff present: Scott Neal, City Manager and temporary Staff Liaison; and Ari Klugman, City Manager Intern. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Seidman approving the meeting agenda of June 26, 2012. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED IV. A. September 20, 2012 Minutes Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore and seconded by Commissioner Finsness to approve the September 20, 2012 minutes with the following revisions submitted by Commissioner Newell prior to the meeting. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. Under II. ROLLCALL Add Commissioner Finsness and Student Members Maggie Stang and Tara Mohtadi to roll call. Under VI. Reports and Recommendations A. Carrie Cabe, Edina Resource Center Replace "is also in charge of with "also works with." Under VI. Reports and Recommendations A. Carrie Cabe, Edina Resource Center Revise: The Edina Resource Center has received a grant from B1ueCross B1ueShield, to go towards community organizing. Cabe may be reframing the grant money to move it towards outreach at the school because they have not gotten many responses when they walk the area or call and talk to apartment managers. To: The Edina Resource Center has received a grant from B1ueCross B1ueShield, to go towards community organizing. Cabe will be targeting the grant money to move it towards outreach at the school because this has been the most effective form of outreach. Under VI. Reports and Recommendations A. Carrie Cabe, Edina Resource Center Remove: Under VI. Reports and Recommendations A. Carrie Cabe, Edina Resource Center Revise: Manager Neal said he is not sure how aware of the Unite 273 issue the commission is, but the Council has meet with the School Districts and they did talk briefly about these school district lines. To: Manager Neal said he is not sure how aware of this issue the city is, but the Council has met with the School Districts and they did talk briefly about these school district lines. IV. A. August 28, 2012 Minutes City Manager Intern Klugman explained, Commissioner Erhardt was left out of the August 28, 2012 minutes. Staff submitted a revision to the minutes adding Commissioner Erhardt throughout. Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee and seconded by Commissioner Winnick to approve the August 28, 2012 minutes with the revisions submitted by Staff. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS VI. A. Fartun Weli Commissioner Newell introduced our speaker Far -tun Weli, the founder and present director of Isuroon, an initiative created to serve the estimated 1 in 3 Somali -born immigrant women struggling with infertility, a disorder considered a "failure of womanhood" in traditional Somali culture and guest John Ford, Equity and Inclusion Specialist for the Edina School District. Weli provided background information on Somalia. Somalia is a long, narrow country that wraps around the Horn of Africa. It has the longest coast of any African nation, bordering on both the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Mogadishu is the capital and largest city. Unlike many African nations, Somalia is composed of a single, homogeneous ethnic group. Although Somalis may differ in nuances of local lifestyle, they share a uniform language, religion, and culture, and trace their heritage to a common ancestor. Weli explained the role of respect in Somali culture. The person must have a strong character ( trust worthy, are able to lead, are educated, are wealthy, are able to communicate with everyone, and have knowledge of the Qur'an, tribal and family history. Children and elders share mutual respect. When addressing another family member or friend, words for "aunt," "uncle," "brother," "sister," and "cousin" are used depending on the person's age relative to the speaker. Men are usually the head of the household. Women manage the finances and take care of the children. It is considered culturally unacceptable for a man to not be perceived as being in charge of his home. At the wedding ceremony, the groom is told by the elder/sheik/father/father-in-law that he is responsible for feeding his family and respecting his wife. Weli provided some suggestions on how to engage new American's and create community ownership in the process. The process Weli suggested is called MAPP, which stands for Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships. MAPP emphasizes a community -driven and community–owned approach — because the community's strengths, needs, and. desires drive the process, MAPP provides the framework for creating a truly community -driven initiative. This creates stronger connections throughout the community and provides access to the collective wisdom necessary to addressing community concerns. Weli proposed the following process: Phasel • Find Somali Edina residences • Identify those who are active and may be leaders • Form Somali committee Phase 2 • Develop questionnaires for quick needs assessment to identify Somali resident needs • Survey questions for Edina residents to find • What they know about Somali community? • What they need to know/concerns Phase 3: • Meeting to share the needs assessments and survey. Phase 4: • Form a coalition between Somali community and leaders. • Share the needs assessment information and the survey • Agree on strategy to address the needs of both groups. Weli then took questions from Commissioners. Commissioner Bigbee asked if there are members of the community that cannot read either English or Somali, and how can they be engaged. Weli responded saying by training and finding community leaders who can meet and read the survey to the members. She pointed out a lot of times this is better than just having a yes or no answer. The committee would have to be formed. Commissioner Stanton asked about finding leaders and whether they would have to live in Edina. Weli stated the point would be to engage new Somali's in Edina. There are other more active communities that can be used as resources to help reach out, but the goal is to transfer the skills to the Edina community. Commissioner Bigbee asked about how we identify and if there are other groups in Edina besides Somalis. John Ford responded there is a large East African population in the Parklawn area. Commissioner Bigbee suggested doing something besides just identifying but something to interact. Weli agreed that interaction is important. The more a community is isolated the more religious the group can become. Sometimes that produces more hostile interactions. Commissioner Winnick pointed out the Hopkins group already exists and asked how different agencies are interacting, for instance the City or School District. Weli explained in Hopkins there is a huge educational gap between the school district and the Somali population. For instance, the group has told the school district we need help with reading, writing and math in kindergarten through seventh grade, but the school wants to focus on preparing high school students for college. Commissioner Cashmore suggested using any involvement we already have in the communities, for instance the Police department. Weli pointed out that at times the police department is not the best to make the first interactions because of the position of authority. Commissioner Finsness asked Student Member Mohtadi about how the interaction works in the school. Student Member Mohtadi stated it is not terrible, but they could do a better job reaching out. She suggested including student members in any potential committee. Carrie Cabe is going to connect with Weli by email to talk about some next steps. VI. B. Plan for November's Annual Televised Meeting Chair Kingston reminded the commission the Chair and Vice Chair elections process will take place in January. Commissioner Winnick will be in charge of the process since he is administrative chair. Since the December meeting of the HRRC is cancelled, any proposed changes or comments will need to be submitted at the November meeting for discussion. Commissioner Seidman asked if the plan to bring in different guests for the November meeting had been finalized. Chair Kingston stated the issue was unresolved and was moved to be decided upon tonight. Chair Kingston asked Commissioner Newell to remind the group of her proposed guest. Commissioner Newell explained, she wanted to set aside a period of time for Karmit Bulman from the Conflict Resolution Center (CRC) to come in as a guest and speak about their services. Commissioner Seidman asked Commissioner Newell to explain what the CRC does and how it relates to the goals and objectives of the HRRC. Commissioner Newell explained they offer mediation for stuff like dog bites, family custody issues and have trained mediators available for groups. City Manager Neal explained the City uses them to handle issues through police or neighborhood disputes. Commissioner Finsness explained they could offer an explanation of services for the City and suggested making the annual televised meeting informative. For instance, last year we had the census person come in and explain their relation to the Commission. Commissioner Stanton asked why the group would be coming to speak to the HRRC; there is a Human Services Taskforce that now makes the decisions related to which service groups to fund. Commissioner Bigbee suggested focusing the meeting on the issues, how can the HRRC make a difference and link with other City objectives. For instance the new Economic Development initiative, there will be Human impacts on proposed projects. Commissioner Winnick asked for a decision on the CRC speaking at the November meeting and suggested Karmit be prepared to focus the presentation on Human Rights, if she speaks. Commissioner Cashmore suggested focusing the meeting on encouraging public comment. This could be done by putting the meeting on PIE, City Hall's front sign, etc. Commissioner Newell stated Karmit would only need 15 to 20 minutes. Chair Kingston asked the Commission if they wanted to focus on organizations providing services or how the HRRC gets into the community. Commissioner Seidman suggested using the meeting to highlight what they have done over the past year, and what they are working on. Commissioner Stanton made and Commissioner Winnick seconded a motion to limit mediation to 10 minutes with 10 minutes for discussion. Commissioner Seidman asked to amend the motion for the presentation to follow the HRRC year in review. Commissioner Finsness stated the Commission should be more respectful of the CRC's time. Commissioner Cashmore suggested a power point presentation to add texture to the presentation. The Commission voted on the original motion. Ayes: Bigbee, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Abstain: Cashmore Motion carried. The Commission then discussed what to include in their PowerPoint. The following events were suggested: resolutions, events, sponsorship, religious observance policy. City Manager Intern Klugman will put together the PowerPoint with Chair Kingston. Commissioner Cashmore suggested publicizing the annual meeting. VI. A. Voter ID Guest Editorial Commissioner Winnick moved to submit the Voter ID editorial to the Sun Current. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. VI. B. General Work Plan Updates I. Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance This item will be continued at the Commission's joint meeting with the Council. IL Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation. Commission Stanton stated there are no further updates, we will stay close for opportunities with the Somali Community. Commissioner Winnick shared he plans to share the Work Plan with the Community Council to help promote. III. Anti -Bullying Event and Education Commissioner Finsness and Commissioner Bigbee met with Dick Crocket and Emilie Kastner about an April feature on Edina Reads. The Commissioners would also like Student Members Mohtadi and Stang to help them with the event. Chair Kingston mentioned the books for the event could possibly be bought out of this year's budget. Commissioner Newell suggested leaving the books after they were read in a public location to be shared Commissioner Cashmore moved to buy as many book as possible with this years budget. Commissioner Bigbee seconded the motion. The Commission would like to put some logo or endorsement on the books from the Author or City to distinguish them. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. IV. Marriage Amendment Editorial Commissioner Stanton shared the Sun Current ran their own feature. The item can be removed after the election results can be shared at our next meeting. V. Tom Oye Awad Commissioner Winnick shared the About Town article information with the Commission and asked the Commission to think of ways to reach out to potential nominees or nominators. The information has been sent to the school district to include in their newsletters. The deadline for the process is going to be moved to January 15"' to allow time for the Commission to look at submissions in January. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS There was no correspondence or petitions. VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Cashmore shared he had spoken with Council Member Brindle about a Human Trafficking meeting that was held in Edina. He suggested possibly looking at this issue in 2013. Commissioner Newell shared the YWCA had an event called It's time to talk dialogue on race. At the event she met Roxanne Giben's the chair of the African American Museum of Minnesota. Giben's told her about an African American family who was among the founders of Edina, called the Yancey's. The information came from a book by Debrah Morris -Kahn on the History of Edina. Perhaps in 2013 the Commission could do something to create or fundraise for an exhibit at the History Museum. Commissioner Stanton shared Marilynn Carlson spoke at the Carlson School on the Marriage Amendment and made a very good business case for voting no. Commissioner Finsness shared this year marks the 10"' anniversary of Senator Wellstone's death. Finsness also mentioned at the MEA Conference Senator Klobuchar spoke against both amendments and against Citizen's United. Commissioner Bigbee shared information about a non-profit theatre called morphology Pangea World Theatre, who is doing a piece on forced prostitution. Bigbee also shared 2013 is the 125"' anniversary of Edina and they are working to get groups together to help celebrate. Commissioner Bigbee and Student Member Mohtadi are gohig to work to come up with something the HRRC can do. Commissioner Winnick asked about the SE corner where the school district is different and what the city can do to create an ordinance to notify apartment owners notify about the school district. Manager Neal said they can do some consumer protection but at most it is a misdemeanor and enforcement is light. Neal shared the Council is to discuss rental housing on November 20. Commissioner Winnick and Newell are going to go to the worksession to discuss and give input about rental housing. Chair Kingston reminded the group to start thinking about Chair and Vice Chair positions. The election will be in February. IX. STAFF COMMENTS Manager Neal shared November 5t' the Human Services Taskforce will present their recommendation to Council. On November 13`h the Mayor has invited the HRRC to Diwali at 7pm at the Temple. Manager Neal also announced starting in January the HRRC meetings will be recorded. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Commissioner Bigbee moved and Commissioner Winnick seconded adjournment of the meeting. Ayes: Bigbee, Cashmore, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. Chair Kingston declared the meeting adjourned at 9:33 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ari Klugman, City Manager Intern Minutes approved by HRRC, November 27, 2012 Jessi Kingston, HRRC Chair MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION November 27, 2012 7:00 PM L CALL TO ORDER Chair Kingston called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM. II. ROLLCALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick and Chair Kingston, and Student Members Mohtadi and Stang. Staff present: Scott Neal, City Manager and temporary Staff Liaison; and Ari Klugman, City Manager Intem, Kaylin Martin, Communications Coordinator. III. MEETING AGENDA APPROVED Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton to approve the meeting agenda of the November 27, 2012 meeting with the addition of domestic partners statute revision. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Seidman. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. IV. CONSENT AGENDA ADOPTED IV. A. October 23, 2012 Minutes Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton and seconded by Commissioner Bigbee to approve the October 23, 2012 minutes with the revisions submitted by Commissioner Kingston prior to the meeting. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT There were no community comments. VI. REPORTSIRECOMMENDATIONS VI. A. Karmit Bulman, Conflict Resolution Center - Commissioner Newell introduced our speaker Karmit Bulman Executive Director of the Conflict Resolution Center. Bulman presented the following information: They recently changed their name from Minneapolis Mediation program to Conflict Resolution Center (CRC). The CRC aims to bring people together to have a facilitated dialogue and solve conflict. Impartial party brings people together to solve disputes in an agreeable manner. Mediation is neutral. Mediation needs to be voluntary, confidential and respectful. They offer mediation services for neighborhoods, businesses, relationship/family, landlord- tenant conflict. Working with the Edina Resource Center to do outreach, has served as many as 90 Edina Residents at any time. There is a fee, but if people cannot afford the fee it's waived. Training in mediation: under Minnesota Law to be a qualified neutral you go through 30 hours of training bylaw. A little over 30 hours, includes an observation period. The CRC also works with schools, and is trying to work with the Edina Schools but right now they are not in the school. VI. B. Year in Review Presentation The Commissioners presented a PowerPoint highlighting their work throughout the year Chair Kingston shared information about Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals. The Edina HRRC was one of seven organizations to help bring this to the University of Minnesota Campus. The exhibit took place from April 2°d to May 11. Commissioner Seidman shared information about the City's Religious Observance Policy. Policy was approved in the Spring. The policy was to make every effort to not hold public meetings on significant days of Religious Observance. Right now, the City has eight holidays they recognize. Commissioner Bigbee shared as a result of the policy; the Hindu community reached out to the City and invited them to their Diwali celebration. Commissioner Bigbee and Student Commissioner Mohtadi shared information about the Conflict — Free Initiative and resolution. The Conflict free initiative was led by our Students. Conflict Free Initiative regarded the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The resolution recommended the City of Edina support companies that traced their supply chains and not include conflict minerals in their production. Chair Kingston shared there is a wonderful article about the Conflict free Resolution and our student member Tara Mohtadi in Edina Magazine. Commissioner gave an update on the Tom Oye award and encouraged applications. The award is given annual to individuals who live and work in Edina and who promote and advance human relations and rights. Applications are due by January 15. Commissioner Stanton gave an update of the marriage amendment. In February, the Commission recommended a resolution to the City Council opposing the Minnesota Constitutional amendment on Marriage. The City Council was the first suburban City to take a view on the issue. The amendment was voted down by the state on November 6, 2012. Edina voted down the margin by almost 2 to 1, 34%. Every precinct in Edina voted against the amendment. Minnesota was the first state to defeat the amendment, 32 other states had passed it. Commissioner Stanton gave an update of the voter id amendment. The amendment was voted down by the state, defeated by a bigger margin than the marriage amendment statewide. Commissioner Seidman shared information about Days of Remembrance. This was the second year we celebrated Days of Remembrance. To remember the 17 million people who were killed during the Holocaust. The proclamation that was signed this year automatically recognizes the Days of Remembrance annually. Commissioner Finsness and Student Commissioner Stang shared information about Edina Read's anti - bullying event. April 22, 2013 from 7- 8:30 p.m. at the Fireside room at the Edina Senior Center. The book is called, A Thinking Man's Bully by Michael Adelberg. Commissioner Winnick shared information about the City's Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan. The City has established a response plan to be administered by this Commission. This year to date there has not been a hate crime. We have established a network of community resources that can be activated if a response is needed. VI. C. Appoint Nominating Committee Commissioner Winnick explained the bylaws indicate the need for a nominating committee to elect two positions, Chair and Vice Chair. Both positions will serve one year. The Election will take place in February. Manager Neal informed the Commission that although ballots are allowed, they need to be signed in order to conform to open meeting laws. VI. D. General Work Plan Updates I. Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation Commissioner Stanton stated there is no other news to report. II. Anti -bullying Event and Education Commissioner Finsness stated there is no other news to report. Commissioner Bigbee stated the HRRC is interested in input from residents about other forms of bullying. III. Marriage Amendment Commissioner Stanton stated we can remove this from the work plan. IV. Voter ID Amendment Commissioner Stanton stated we can remove this from the work plan. V. Tom Oye Award Developed press release and a mailing piece has been sent out to over 50 letters to a variety of civic leaders. I would encourage the commissioners to continue to think of nominees or nominators. Applications must be received by January 15. Award will be presented in April. Information is available on the City's website. VI. E. Domestic Partner Statute Revisions Commissioner Stanton passed out a copy of a resolution the HRRC recommended a couple years ago and the City Council passed. The City of Minneapolis more than a decade ago had domestic partner benefits for employees. It was challenged in court and the City lost and struck down the ordinance. The Minnesota Statute 471.61 defined dependents, which prohibited domestic partners. In 2008, the legislature tried to change the statue by adding a phrase stating and others as defined by governmental units at their discretion. The legislation had both bipartisan representation, one of the republicans was then Representative Erhardt. It passed overwhelmingly in both the house and the senate but Governor Pawlenty vetoed it. Last session it was reintroduced, but it went nowhere. The view of the populous has changed, and this section is going to have to be changed anyway because the state law is in conflict of the federal affordable care act which allows persons under 26 to be on their parents insurance. Commissioner Stanton asked if they need to have the City Council reaffirm this. City Manager Neal recommended sending the resolution to the Council. Commissioner Stanton moved to re -pass the resolution and recommend it to the Council. It would no longer be Minnesota Statutes 2009, it would be 2012. Remove the word minor and dependent students under the age of 25. Resolution recommended to the Council should read: Be it Resolved: The Edina City Council urges the Minnesota Legislature and Governor to amend M. S. 471.6 1, Subdivision la as follows: Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 471.61, subdivision la is amended to read: Subd. la. Dependents. Notwithstanding the provisions of Minnesota Statues 1969, section 471.61, as amended by Laws 1971, chapter 451, section 1 the word "dependents" as used therein shall mean spouse and unmarried children under the age of 26 years, and others as defined by governmental units at their discretion. Commissioner Stanton moved that the City Council adopt the recommended resolution or a similar resolution. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Finsness. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS There was no correspondence or petitions. VII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Finsness urged citizens to participate in the Edina Read's event by reading a Thinking Man's Bully and attending the event on April 22"d at 7pm at the Senior Center. Chair Kingston reminded the group there is no December meeting and the January meeting will be on the 22"d. VIII. STAFF COMMENTS Manager Neal shared this will be his last meeting with the HRRC, Staff Liaison Schaefer will be returning in January. IX. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business on the Commission Agenda, Commissioner Stanton moved and Commissioner Winnick seconded adjournment of the meeting. Ayes: Bigbee, Erhardt, Finsness, Kingston, Newell, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Motion carried. Chair Kingston declared the meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ari Klugman, City Manager Intern Minutes approved by HRRC, November 27, 2012 Jessi Kingston, HRRC Chair