HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.11.17 HRRC MinutesDraft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 12/10/2015
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Human Rights and Relations Commission
City Hall, Community Room
November 17, 2015 at 7:00pm
I. Call To Order
Chair Arseneault called the November 17th, 2015 Human Rights and Relations Commission meeting
to order at 7:01 PM.
II. Roll Call
Answering roll call were Chair Arseneault, Commissioners Burza, Kennedy, Rinn, Seidman, Tian,
Vecchio-Smith, and Student Commissioners Kearney and Ramesh. Staff present: HRRC Staff Liaison
MJ Lamon and City Management Fellow Devin Massopust.
Absent Members: Commissioner Winnick
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Motion by Kennedy to approve the November 17, 2015 Human Rights and Relations
Commission meeting agenda. Motion seconded by Seidman. Motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
Motion by Rinn to approve the October 27, 2015 minutes. Motion seconded by Seidman.
Motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
A. Arnie Bigbee, Community Conversations Report
Arnie Bigbee gave a presentation to the Commission about the history of the Community
Conversations project and the recent conclusion of the listening sessions. He noted it was a
great experience and that the results will hopefully allow the community to develop and
mature.
VI. Community Comment
None.
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. City Council Work Session Recap
The Commission discussed their recent work session with the Edina City Council and
follow up action for the commission based upon the meeting, including the Mayor’s
suggestion regarding an event about cultural understanding in light of recent events in Paris.
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 12/10/2015
Motion by Seidman to add a new event to the 2016 Work Plan tentatively titled “Sharing
Values and Sharing Communities”. Motion seconded by Tian. Motion carried.
B. 2015 Work Plan Updates
1. Human Services Funding Task Force
Commissioner Rinn updated the Commission on the status of the Human Services Funding
Task Force and that the City Council reviewed the Task Force’s recommendation and will
approve it at the following City Council meeting.
2. League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions
Commissioner Kennedy reported on the annual meeting of the League of Minnesota Human
Rights Commissions on November 7, 2015. A new President (David Singleton) was elected.
3. Human Rights City Designation
Commissioner Kennedy let the Commission know that there are five confirmed dates so far
for presentations regarding the Human Rights City Designation on November 24th, January
28th, February 11th and 13t h and March 7.
C. Preparation for December Televised Meeting
The Commission reviewed what would be taking place at the December 10th televised
meeting; the commission will follow our regular meeting agenda, beginning with a special
presentation by guest speaker Government Affairs Consultant Sarah Walker. About 35
minutes is estimated for Ms. Walker’s presentation (20-25 minutes presentation with up to
10 minutes for questions).
VIII. Correspondence and Petitions
None.
IX. Chair and Member Comments
Commissioner Seidman let the Commission know that their work is being noticed in the
community, especially as it relates to the Days of Remembrance Event and that people in
the public want to know when the next event is being held.
Commissioner Burza shared that she thought the work session with the City Council went
well and was pleased by the meeting.
Commissioner Kearney stated that the events in Paris bring to light the important work that
is being done at the local level by the Commission.
Commissioner Rhamesh noted that he is looking forward to seeing the report that is
produced from the Community Conversations events.
Chair Arseneault told the Commission that the Bias Offense Response team convened on
November 9th about an incident that occurred at Wooddale Park and the response protocol
was being followed.
X. Staff Comments
Draft Minutes☐
Approved Minutes☒
Approved Date: 12/10/2015
Staff Liaison Lamon stated that on December 1st applications for commissioner reappointments will
be sent out.
XI. Calendar of Events
XII. Adjournment
Motion by Kennedy to adjourn the November 17th HRRC meeting at 8:37 PM. Motion
seconded by Seidman. Motion carried.