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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.02.25 PacketMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION January 28, 2014 7:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Bigbee called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. II. ROLL CALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Arsenault, Bigbee, Cashmore, Davis, Haeg, Harrington, Lagerstrom, Seidman, Stanton, Winnick. Staff present: Scott Neal, City Manager; MJ Lamon, Staff Liaison and Annie Johnson, City Management Fellow. Commissioner Kingston arrived to the meeting at 7:02pm. VI. SPECIAL GUEST: Ric Dressen, Superintendent, Edina Public Schools. Chair Bigbee introduced Superintendent Dressen to the Commission. The Superintendent handed out the District's Mission and Core Values to each Commissioner and reported that the schools are taking steps to meet and improve the goals of the District and help students be successful. A majority of jobs that current students will hold in the future have not been invented yet. The Superintendent highlighted the necessity for partnerships with the whole community due to socio- economic status, opportunity, and access gaps in education. Chair Bigbee currently serves on the District's Equity Committee. Superintendent Dressen provided an overview of demographic statistics for the District. A Commissioner raised a concern that German Language courses were stopped at the Middle School level. The Superintendent reported this was due to low enrollment, but there is an opportunity to have multiple languages taught in an on-line format. The fastest growing language course enrollment is for Mandarin Chinese. Online courses are not currently offered to the public, but that is something the Superintendent is open to looking into. Superintendent Dressen was asked to provide information about the South View Middle School defacement. He reported that the District worked with law enforcement and determined that it was not a racial act based on the investigation, although the behavior was inappropriate. There has been a significant amount of consequence and learning for the students involved. The building has been cleaned and the behavior of the student offenders continues to be monitored. Some Commissioners raised concerns that the District had not been made aware of the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan and that by not determining the act to be a Hate Crime, the School District, Police Department, and City "covered up" the incident on behalf of the student offenders. There is a legal definition of Hate Crime defined in State Stature. There was no communication from the School District to the general public about the incident. The Superintendent indicated that due to expanded partnerships, situations such as this may be handled differently in the future. The District has a Safe Schools policy in place and they will be monitoring current legislation. Bullying is the most challenging in the middle school years. There is anti -bullying training starting in kindergarten for students. Chair Bigbee thanked the Superintendent for attending and called for an expanded partnership in the future. III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission Agenda Page 2 Motion was made by Commissioner Stanton to approve the meeting agenda of the January 28, 2014 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Arseneault. Motion carried. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Davis to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2013; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Winnick. Motion carried. Commissioners Kingston and Stanton abstained. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT Jean Sylvestre, 7520 Cahill Road Apt 116A, Edina MN 55439, spoke about his involvement in WWII, his friendship with Tom Oye, and his history with the Commission as the original consultant that assisted with the formation of the HRRC. Mr. Sylvestre commended the Commission on their work. Commissioners will follow up about involving him in the Days of Remembrance celebration and Tom Oye Award. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. 2014 Chair and Vice Chair Nominations Commissioner Winnick reported that he reached out to members of the Commission and recommended that Commission Seidman serve as Chair; Commissioner Cashmore serve as Vice Chair; and that Commissioner Arseneault serve as 2nd Vice Chair pending a bylaw change subject to approval by the City Council. The election of officers will take place at the February HRRC Meeting. Commissioner Cashmore rescinded his interest in serving as a Vice Chair. Commissioner Winnick moved the slate of candidates; seconded by Commissioner Kingston. Motion carried. B. Review 2013 Accomplishments Chair Bigbee reported that 2013 accomplishments were highlighted during the November televised meeting and captured in the minutes of that meeting. C. Review 2014 Schedule The City reviews the calendar in advance of publishing to ensure dates of official meetings do not conflict with religious holidays. Commissioners discussed that HRRC meetings in August, November and December tend to fall into holidays and are usually very inconvenient or end up being cancelled. There is usually lower attendance in the summer months. April is a month with multiple additional HRRC events. Chair Bigbee moved to change the April regular meeting to April 29th, cancel the December meeting, and move the November televised meeting to a date to be determined after November 27th; seconded by Commissioner Davis. Motion carried. D. Review 2014 Work Plan and Assign a Leader for Each Initiative Chair Bigbee indicated that each initiative on the 2014 Work Plan needed to have a Commissioner assigned. The following Commissioners volunteered to serve: • Anti -Bullying Initiative: Commissioner Lagerstrom • Community Outreach Initiative: Commissioners Bigbee and Davis • Special Needs Awareness Campaign: Commissioners Davis and Arseneault • Days of Remembrance Commissioners Seidman, Cashmore, and Winnick Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission Agenda Page 3 • Bias/Hate Crimes Response Plan: Commissioners Winnick and Cashmore • Tom Oye Award: Commissioner Winnick Chair Bigbee invited Commissioners departing the HRRC to continue their involvement on the initiatives as members of the public. Commissioners discussed partnering with the Edina Arts Board to have a Special Needs Awareness film featured at the Edina Film Festival. Plans for the three 2014 Days of Remembrance events are in motion. Residents have been reaching out to staff to get involved. Commissioner Winnick moved to remove Immigration Reform from the 2014 Work Plan; seconded by Commissioner Davis. The Commission discussed the relevance of keeping this item on the work plan. Commissioner Cashmore called the question; motion carried. Commissioners discussed adding a new 2014 initiative to the Work Plan involving relations between the HRRC and Edina School District. This will be added to the next meeting agenda. Commissioners raised questions regarding access to the City's Enterprise Facilities, specifically Edinborough Park for families and children that cannot afford the entrance fee, when there are no other parks in the area. Manager Neal reported that the City Council had directed staff to stop the annual facility loss of $400,000; last year the facility broke even. Similar issues exist at the pool, golf course, etc. Patron numbers are increasing. Residents at Edinborough pay fees to support the facility. Commissioners asked Manager Neal to find out how the facility tracks usage and disperses scholarships. E. Gender Stereotypes Letters were sent by Edina High School students in English 10; Commission would be open to recommendations for action. Commissioners discussed taking up Women in Leadership on a future year's work plan. Graffiti Incident Update Chair Bigbee referenced the reports included in the packet. Visits were made by HRRC Commissioners to leadership from different City departments. There had been past incidents of bias/hate crimes that had not been processed according to the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan. Concerns were raised that the City does not properly handle incidents of bias/hate crime. Commissioner Winnick reported that the recommendation is to have all City departments adopt the approach currently used by the Parks and Recreation Department and provide annual compiled reports about instances of bias/hate crimes to the City Manager, HRRC and City Council. Commissioners discussed the relevance of the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan and how to move forward. The Commission expressed dissatisfaction with how the Southview Middle School Graffiti Incident was handled. Additional concerns were raised about the role of the Police Department and Administration Department in determining the "victim" of a crime and the implications of not determining the community as a victim. Commissioners discussed modifying the recommendation for the Police Department. Commissioners noted that Police Chief Long resigned since the initial department visit, and that there will be an opportunity to work with the new Chief. In addition, Commissioners discussed the need to do additional training or engagement of Police Officers to ensure they are aware of the plan and the role of the HRRC, and implement the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan correctly. Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission Agenda Page 4 Commissioner Kingston moved to review the recommendations specifically related to the Police Department and bring back for HRRC consideration at the February meeting; motion was seconded by Commissioner Winnick. Motion carried. Commissioner Cashmore abstained. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS Included in the packet. VIII. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Commissioner Seidman clarified that the Tom Oye Award nominations would be coming to the Commission in February and that a decision would be made in March. Commissioner Winnick reported that applications are open until January 31, 2014 and that 4 applications had been received. Information was sent to every social service agency in South Hennepin County. Commissioner Lagerstrom reported that the Anti -Bullying event was planned for February 8th at 10:30am at the Edina Senior Center. Chair Bigbee responded to questions about a recent Sun Current letter to the editor included in the packet penned by 4 HRRC Commissioners. There was a letter of response sent to the City which is why the Commission was notified. The original Commissioners have since responded. Chair Bigbee will share a copy of the response letter with the Commission. Commissioners raised concerns that the letter appeared to represent the views of the HRRC as a whole, not the individual writers, because of how the paper printed the signatory line. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chair Bigbee declared the meeting adjourned at 9:32 PM. Respectfully submitted, Minutes approved by HRRC February 25, 2014 Annie Coyle, HRRC Staff Liaison Arnie Bigbee, HRRC Chair To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Approval of Meeting Agenda Agenda Item #: III. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the meeting agenda for the February 25th, 2014 regular meeting of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. Information / Background: Attachment: Meeting Agenda; 2014 Schedule City of Edina 4801 W. 50t� St. Edina, MN 55424 AGENDA CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM FEBRUARY 25, 2014 7:00 P.M. CALL TO ORDER (7:00) II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA IV. APPROVAL OF January 28, 2014 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES V. COMMUNITY COMMENT During "Community Comment" the Human Rights & Relations Commission will invite residents to share relevant issues or concerns. Individuals must limit their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and topic Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment Individuals should not expect the Chair or Commission Members to respond to their comments tonight Instead, the Commission might refer the matter to staff for consideration at a future meeting. VI. Special Guest: Kristin Aarsvold, Parks and Rec Department re: Edina Enterprise Facilities (7:05) VII. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Anti -bullying Event and Education — Edina Reads (Lagerstrom) (7:20) B. Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan/Graffiti Incident update (Winnick/Cashmore) (7:25) C. Conflict -Free Materials (Cashmore) (7:40) D. Tom Oye Award (Winnick) — VOTE TO OCCUR AT MEETING(7:50) E. General Work Plan Updates i. Monitoring Domestic Partner Legislation and the City Ordinance (Stanton/Arseneault) (8:15) ii. Community Outreach Working Group (Davis/Bigbee) (8:20) iii. Days of Remembrance (Seidman) (8:30) iv. Consider Black History Month 2015 (Bigbee) (8:40) F. Updates to the HRRC Resource File VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS (8:45) IX. CHAIR AND COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS X. STAFF COMMENTS XI. ELECT 2014 CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR (8:50) XII. THANK YOU FOR DEPARTING MEMBERS (8:55) XIII. ADJOURNMENT The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861 at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. HUMAN RIGHTS & � RELATIONS COMMISSION 2014 Meetings and Events Day Date Event Time Location Tues Jan -28 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Sat Feb -8 Edina Reads 10:30 a.m. Fireside Room (Senior Center) Tues Feb -25 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Thurs Mar -13 South View's 4th Annual Taste of South View 6:30 p.m. South View Middle School Mon Mar -17 Boards and Commission Recognition Event 5:00 p.m. Hughes Pavillion (Centennial Lakes) Tues Mar -25 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues April -8 Days of Remembrance: Play 7:00 p.m. Fireside Room (SeniorCenter) Thurs April -10 Genocide Awareness: Rwanda/Congo 7:00 p.m. City Hall Sun April -13 Holocaust Remembrance (Yom HaShoah) 2:00 p.m. City Hall Tues April -29 Volunteer Recognition Reception and HRRC Meeting 5:00 p.m. Braemar Clubhouse T+es A meetiER9 7iA� Tues May -20 Council Work Session 5:30pm Council Chambers Tues May -27 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues June -24 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues July -22 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues Aug -26 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues Sept -23 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues I Oct -28 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Twes NAw M Televised n4p„+,,5 74XH9-. .., Council Ch-.mb prr, Thurs Dec 11 Televised Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers des iia �1A eeg SAA-q-r� To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Adoption of Meeting Minutes Agenda Item #: IV. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the minutes for the January 28, 2014 meeting of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. Information / Background: Attachment: Draft meeting minutes from the January 28, 2014 HRRC meeting; Attendance Roster City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 4 Liaisons: Report attendance monthly and attach this report to the Commission minutes for the packet. Do not enter numbers into the last two columns. Meeting numbers & attendance percentages will calculate automatically. INSTRUCTIONS: Counted as Meeting Held (ON MEETINGS' LINE) Attendance Recorded (ON MEMBER'S LINE) Regular Meeting w/Quorum Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line. Type "l under the month for each attending member. HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line. NAME TERM J F M A M J I J A S O N D Work Session Work Session # of Mtgs. Attendance % Meetings/Work Sessions :: 1 1 Type "1" under the month for ALL members. Arseneault, Patrice 2/1/20151 1 1 1 100% Bigbee, Arnie 2/1/2015 1 1 100% Cashmore, John 2/1/2016 1 1 100% Davis, Laura 2/1/2015 1 1: 100% Kingston, Jessi 2/1/2014 1 1 100% Lagerstrom, Leslie 2/1/2014 1 1 100% Seidman, Jan 2/1/2016 1 1 100% Stanton, Russ 2/1/2014 1 1 100% Winnick, Steve 2/1/2016 1 1 100% Haeg, Molly student 1 1 100% Harrington, Paige student I 1 1 100% Liaisons: Report attendance monthly and attach this report to the Commission minutes for the packet. Do not enter numbers into the last two columns. Meeting numbers & attendance percentages will calculate automatically. INSTRUCTIONS: Counted as Meeting Held (ON MEETINGS' LINE) Attendance Recorded (ON MEMBER'S LINE) Regular Meeting w/Quorum Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line. Type "l under the month for each attending member. Regular Meeting w/o Quorum Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line. Type "l under the month for each attending member. Joint Work Session Type "1" under "Work Session" on the meetings' line. Type "l under "Work Session" for each attending member. Rescheduled Meeting* Type "l " under the month on the meetings' line. Type "1" under the month for each attending member. Cancelled Meeting Type "l " under the month on the meetings' line. Type "1" under the month for ALL members. Special Meeting There is no number typed on the meetings' line. There is no number typed on the members' lines. *A rescheduled meeting occurs when members are notified of a new meeting date/time at a prior meeting. If shorter notice is given, the previously -scheduled meeting is considered to have been cancelled and replaced with a special meeting. To: HRRC Agenda Item M VI From: Annie Coyle Action ❑ Staff Liaison Discussion ❑ Date: February 25, 2014 Information Subject: Special Guest: Kristin Aarsvold, Parks and Recreation Department Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Kristin Aarsvold will give a short update on Edina Parks Enterprise Facilities, including access, scholarship opportunities, and family/youth engagement. Attachment: None. City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. Edina, MN 55424 10 O e may° CORPORA 1888 To: Human Rights and Relations Committee Agenda Item #: From: Kristin Aarsvold, Recreation Supervisor Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Date: February 25, 2014 Information Subject: Financial support for individuals and families Action Requested: Information / Background: The Edina Parks & Recreation Department is committed to ensuring access to all recreation programs and services. For individuals and families who cannot afford programs and/or services we offer a grant-in-aid program. The grant-in-aid program is funded by the the Edina Community Foundation. • On average 52 families received grants in the past four years • $4,400 in grants were distributed in 2010; in 2013 the total amount was roughly $6,000 • Almost $2,000* in funding supports youth in the Playground Program and Travelin Teens Program. • $3,500 in pool pass support was given to families in 2013 *In 2005, the Edina Parks & Recreation Department began discussions with school personnel at Cornelia Elementary School regarding barriers to summer program participation for students living in the southeast area of Edina. Barriers included financial constraints, lack of transportation and cultural barriers. The Van Valkenburg Children's Fund has removed the financial barrier. In 2011, the Edina Crime Prevention became the permanent funder of transportation costs. By making program sign up easy for families at school, cultural barriers have been removed. English Language Learner teachers provide registration assistance at conference time and collect forms. New this year: a parent/family summer resource meeting will be held at the school attended by Edina Parks and Recreation Staff, in addition Playground Leader supervision will bridge the gap between summer school in the a.m. to the playground program in the p.m. for two weeks • Past Program Highlights: Free Red Cross Babysitting Course; Red Cross Safety Mobile park aisits; Summer Reading Club coordination and weekly visits to the Cornelia School Media Center; Leader in Training volunteer program, one participant was hired as a Playground Leader in 2013. City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 REPORT / RECOMMENDATION We also work with the ELL teachers at Creek Valley on funding students in summer programs. Also, the Edina Challenge is working on making access to youth programs easier for families. The Edina Challenge is a collaboration of community organizations and grant -makers seeking to maximize collective effectiveness in enabling participation of youth in poverty in the community, educational, and recreational programs that lead to success in adult life. One of the initiatives is the "Ready -Set - Connect" card. The goal is to create a single point of entry for services which will, in turn, ensure dignity of access. Participants will be identified through the free and reduce lunch program which is administered by Sodexho, a card will be issued to verify a family's need for financial support. This card can then be used to access scholarships/grants in Edina youth programs (school, city, YMCA, Youth Athletic Associations). Page 2 Total Dollar Amount of Grants Given Grant -in -Aid Comparisons 1 2011 1 2012 1 2013 2010-2013 1 $4,398.75 1 $5,042.45 1 $5,478.24 1 $5,964.50 Individual pool pass na Families Applying for Grant -in -Aid 2010 2011 2012 2013 hrough Parks & Recreation 22 24 24 34 Through ESL 25 25 31 23 Total 47 49 55 57 Total Dollar Amount of Grants Given 2010 1 2011 1 2012 1 2013 Amount 1 $4,398.75 1 $5,042.45 1 $5,478.24 1 $5,964.50 Aquatic Center 2010 2011'c. ` 2012 , 2013 Total Amount Given $2,395.75 $2,957.45 $2,955.24 $3,457.50 Individual pool pass na 1 na na 2 people pool passes 3 2 2 5 3 people pool passes 8 11 13 11 4 people pool passes 5 7 5 7 5 people pool passes 1 na 1 2 Total Pool Passes 17 21 21 25 Edinborough Play Park Pass 2010 2011 2012 ;2013 Total Amount Given $235.00 $235.00 na $85.00 Individual Pass 1 1 na 1 2 person pass na 2 na na 3 person pass 1 na na na — tal Passes 4 3 na 1 Small Wonders Program 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Amount Given $67.00 na na na Total Participants 1 na na na Minihawks/Skyhawks •` 2010 2011:, 2012. 2013 Total Amount Given $99.00 $99.00 na $150.00 Total Participants 1 1 na 2 Travelin'Teens Program ` 2010 2011 2012 ` 2013 ` Total Amount Given $552.00 $736.00 $1,210.00 $900.00 Total Participants 6 8 14 12 Playground Program 2010 2011 2012 ''2013'" Total Amount Given $1,050.00 $1,015.00 $1,152.00 $1,008.00 Total Participants 30 29 30 28 Playground Extra'Program 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Amount Given na na $54.00 na Total Participants na na 6 na Fab"' dnd 5 Program 2010 2011 2012 2013 il Amount Given na na $47.00 na .—.al Participants na na 1 1 na Grant -in -Aid Comparisons 2010-2013 Ice Skating Lessons 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Amount Given na na $60.00 $200.00 Total Participants na na 1 2 "Community Garden Plot 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Amount Given na na na $50.00 Total Plots na na na 2 Edible Playground Camp 2010 2011. 2012 2013 Total Amount Given na na na $60.00 Total Plots na na na 1 Kid N Play Camp 2010 2011 2012 2013 Total Amount Given na na na $54.00 Total Plots na na na 1 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Anti -bullying Event and Education - Edina Reads Action Requested: None. Agenda Item M VILA. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information Information / Background: Commissioner Lagerstrom will provide an update on the 2014 event that took place on Saturday February 8th at the Edina Senior Center. Attachment: 2014 Event Summary. City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 2014 HRRC Anti -Bullying Event Nancy Carlson — Henry and The Bully February 8, 2014 Teaming with the Friends of the Edina Library, Edina Reads and the Children's Librarian — Tracy Hvezda-Hehtola, the HRRC hosted approximately 30 children — 60 people total with parents, grandparents and caregivers in attendance for this year's anti -bullying event. Nancy Carlson read from several of her children's books and led the kids in a discussion about being kind, what to do if you are bullied, and the importance of standing up for other students (not just being a bystander but strive to be an upstander). She concluded her presentation by teaching the kids how to draw some of her characters. Edina Friends of the Library provided refreshments for the audience upon the completion of the event. Children in attendance were ages 2 — 9 (grades PK — 3) and represented the following schools: Berry Patch Breck Calvin Christian Concord Highlands Lake Harriet Normandale Susan Lindgren Elementary, St. Louis Park Wooddale PK We gave each family a copy of Nancy's book, "Henry and the Bully," distributing a total of 25 books. Fifty books remain, which we should discuss distribution of at the February meeting. Recommendation for next year: While the event was publicized via the Edina Sun, the Star Tribune, the Edina Website, a press release from the City, and within the newsletter, Edina in the Know, the main marketing channel (posters in schools and information in school e -newsletters and backpacks) was not able to be fully utilized because approval was not obtained at the district level. I did not anticipate this issue given the fact the event was co-sponsored by Edina Reads, and Nancy Carlson is a frequent speaker within classrooms throughout our city. My recommendation for next year would be to include representatives from the school district early in the planning process to ensure the gatekeepers at the schools are willing and able to help us publicize our event. A HUGE thank -you to Commissioners Arseneault, Bigbee, Davis, Seidman and Winnick and City Staff Annie Coyle and MJ Lamon for being at the event! Your presence was appreciated! 12 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan/Graffiti Incident update Action Requested: Approve the draft recommendations. Agenda Item #: VII.B. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Information / Background: Commissioner Winnick will provide an update on the recommendations discussed at the January meeting and proposed changes to the recommendations for the Police Department. Attachment: None. City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 13 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Conflict -Free Materials Action Requested: None. A, o� Agenda Item #: VII.C. Information / Background: Commissioner Cashmore will provide an update on Conflict -Free Materials. Attachment: None. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 14 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Tom Oye Award Action Requested: Select 2014 Tom Oye Award Recipient Agenda Item #: V11 -D. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Information / Background: Five individuals have been nominated for the 2014 Tom Oye Award. Please review each application and come prepared to vote on the 2014 award recipient. The 2014 Nominees include: Andrea Knoll Gail Shore Kristin Aarsvold & Tom McKenzie Mamie Segall Jessi Kingston Attachment: 2014 Tom Oye Award applications. City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 15 NOMINATION FORM TOM OYE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission is seeking applications for its annual Tom Oye Human Rights Award. This award will honor the late Tom Oye and other members of the Edina community whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights. Submit one nominee perform. PLEASE ATTACH AN ESSAY, UP TO 500 WORDS, AND OTHER SUPPORTING INFORMATION AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME. Provide specific examples, including attachments if necessary. Selection Criteria Anyone who lives or works in Edina is eligible for this award. Nominees will be evaluated based on their efforts to: (1) foster respect and dignity for others (2) model courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights (3) demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights Who are you nominating? C c ,'Vlc a Vit". i ) et— Who makes this nomination? Name of Person or Group l aii' wr- U,J�t Contact name, if different than above Comments Regarding Nominee (up to 35 words) `j ct 6 j Words that will be printed inside the program if this nominee is selecte �Iyir''GC ki zvli-� b'y Yiryy�..}p) 6/15jC 11C� c << l EI� (I,YYI (yj L{L'c,O CC '; Submit Information � y��t �l.�r�E'GLG >`•S Gl !?!�� �') C��'� r`:v1r%�� 1'�1�,'��7 (h�-'� Applications must be received by January 15, 2013. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. The Commission may decline to make an award if in its view no nominee meets the criteria. The award will be presented in the spring of 2013 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Reception in the Warren C. Hyde Clubhouse at Braemar Golf Course. Mail the completed nomination form to: City of Edina, Human Rights and Relations Commission, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424. Questions? Contact Ari Klugman at (952) 826-0429 or aklugman@edinamn.gov. Edina HRRC Award 2013 16 Nomination of Andrea Knoll for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award My friend Andrea Knoll is one of the founders of Oasis for Youth, a drop-in center for homeless youth in Bloomington, Richfield and Edina. She currently serves as Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator for Oasis. Andrea meets the selection criteria for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award in many ways, but I am nominating her for her work at Oasis. In 2007, she was one of a group of seven women who began to have concerns about services for needy suburban youth. What started as a concern, grew into research, then needs assessment and finally in 2010 the opening of Oasis for Youth. By 2012, Oasis had hired its first part-time case manager. They are now seeking an Executive Director. Andrea's work specifically fosters respect and dignity, by providing the most basic of resources: clean clothes, food, help with finding a place to stay. Oasis sends a message to youth that they are worthy and valued, that they matter, at times when their own families might be sending them a different message. Oasis strives to meet the basic needs of youth within their own communities. By remaining close to home, Oasis recognizes the value in maintaining school, family and friend relationships. Homelessness is disruptive enough without having to navigate an unfamiliar city. Reaching out to youth not much older than her own children, Andrea's compassion for the clients of Oasis comes from her faith and also from a mom's perspective. At a summer fundraiser, she shared stories of clients happy to have toothbrushes, happy to have a place to do laundry. As a mom who is still reminding her own children to do these things, she is heartened at clients' appreciation of the basics. Also as a mother, she recognizes that many of these young people are the victims of their parents' troubles; they find themselves without a place to stay through no fault of their own. Suburban homelessness may seem an oxymoron. For an Edina mom to call attention to problems in our community that need to be addressed is a courageous undertaking. The needs of these youth were more important than the reputations of the communities. The founders of Oasis were not afraid to ask what was available, and not afraid to take it upon themselves to create a resource where one was needed. At the most basic level, a group of citizens came together to provide a needed service. I cannot tell you exactly what Andrea Knoll has contributed to the creation of Oasis for Youth. I know she was there from the beginning, she attended hours of meetings, she has been steadfast in her support of this endeavor. As her friend, she talks about Oasis for Youth as an inevitable end result, almost as if it grew organically from the concerns of seven women. We all know that these things take determination and hard work. That hard work is why I think she deserves the Tom Oye Human Rights Award. In lieu of an attachment, I would ask you to visit www.oasisfoiyquth.oj,,. Andrea Knoll's community involvement includes service to the Edina Ed Fund, Vote Yes Edina, to Concord, South View and Edina High Schools and support of local candidates who meet her criteria of helping the poorest among us. I am sure this is not all, she is very humble. 17 Nomination Form Tom Ove Human Rights Award Nominees: I am Nominating City of Edina Parks and Recreation Supervisor Kristen Aarsvold and Edina Police Detective Tom McKenzie as co -nominees for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award Edina City Hall: 4801 West 50th St. Edina MN 55424 Kristen Aarsvold Kaarsvold@EdinaMn.eov Thomas McKenzie Tmckenzie@EdinaMn.gov Nomination made by: Chief Jeff Long Police Chief; Edina Police Department Edina Police Department Jlong@EdinaMn.gov 952-826-1610 Nomination Statement: Edina Parks and Recreation Supervisor Kristen Aarsvold and Edina Police Detective Tom McKenzie have collaborated in making city programs and services available to many families who have experienced cultural, language, transportation, and financial barriers. Their efforts have modeled compassion, dignity, and respect for many families in the diverse Parklawn Neighborhood of Edina. 18 Nomination Essay Edina Parks and Recreation Supervisor Kristen Aarsvold and Edina Police Detective Tom McKenzie teamed up in 2010 after recognizing barriers faced by Somali Diaspora as well as other lower income families who have settled in this Edina neighborhood, known as Parklawn neighborhood, which is located in the southeast quadrant of Edina along West 76`h St and Parklawn Avenue. The duo had attended several Cornelia Elementary School Somali Parent Council meetings and learned that families who had settled in Edina faced barriers to city services and programs due to their language and cultural differences, as well their geographic location in Edina. They further explored this issue and found that the children in this entire neighborhood also had limited access to programs and services, and did not have a safe route to the local playground or school in the way of sidewalks or bike paths. McKenzie, who understands law enforcement issues experienced by Somali immigrants, and Aarsvold who is experienced in developing summer programs, pooled their talents and knowledge to assist families in overcoming barriers. Several unique programs that they brought to this neighborhood are: Collaboration with the American Red Cross and the management of Edina Park apartments to host a babysitting clinic for 11-15 year old Somali children in the building's community room. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund provided scholarships for the clinic fee, and each of the Somali children received certificates from me for successfully completing the clinic. 59 children were transported via school bus from seven locations to the Cornelia Playground for the 2012 Tuesday -Thursday Summer Program, up from 36 who had registered in 2011. Aarsvold utilized high school age program leaders to supervise the children in a variety of healthy activities. Detective McKenzie made visits with a squad car for kids to explore. The Red Cross Safety Mobile taught water safety, weather awareness, household safety, and other age appropriate safety lessons. The Edina Crime Prevention Fund financially supported the bus transportation and Safety Mobile. In 2012, Aarsvold initiated a Leader in Training program for a selected High School student. Aarsvold developed a Traveling Teens Summer Program that included field trips to various local attractions and the teens also participated in community service projects at Countryside Park and at the Edina Fire Station.. McKenzie initiated Police Department involvement in the annual Night to Unite party at the Edina Park apartment complex, visiting with residents, showing the residents a squad car and equipment, and answering questions. He collaborated with the Edina Target to bring school supplies to the party. Aarsvold taught large group lawn games to the children as well as promoted established programs to the residents. Parklawn Estates managers grilled food and provided refreshments. About 150 residents attend this party annually. 19 Aarsvold initiated a "Meet on the Sidewalk" event, which introduced Somali Parents, as well as others in this Parklawn neighborhood to City and School services, while McKenzie interacted with kids, letting them explore the squad car and get their photos taken. They invited the Chief of Police, the Director of the Park and Recreation Department, and City Counselors to attend. DO Town, Veap, and the Cornelia Elementary Reading Specialist also attended. This collaborative effort also brought to the attention of the City leaders the need for a safe route to connect the neighborhood to Cornelia School, and funding for a new bike path has now been approved by the City Council. Aarsvold and McKenzie have collaborated with the Edina Family Resource Center, Edina Community Foundation, American Red Cross, Bloomington Department of Health, Edina Public Schools, DO Town, VEAP, Target, and the Edina Crime Prevention Fund to support this neighborhood. Kristen and Tom's inter -department teamwork, has demonstrated a concerted effort to foster respect and dignity not only for the Somali residents, but for this entire neighborhood, and have demonstrated leadership by example for improving and advancing human rights in Edina. 20 1.,,,rnelia School Playground Progra. 2011 Highlights . 36 children registered for transportation provided by Edina Crime Prevention Fund (the bus made 7 stops on it's way to the program, mainly in the Parklawn Area) 27 families with kids ages 6-14 were served Over $1,700 Grant in Aid given to families Van Valkenburg Children's Fund/Edina Community Foundation 12 Field Trips for Traveling Teens (ages 11-14) including Service Project at ARC in Richfield 4 visits from Red Cross Safety Mobile Topics include: Water Safety, Prevention of Common Injuries, Summer Weather Safety and Chemical Safety First ever Red Cross Babysitting Course held at Edina Park Apartments Special Visits from Detective Tom McKenzie 2012 Hwt enings NEW Volunteer opportunity forages 13-16 to learn leadership and job skills as a Leader in Training Potential summer reading program with Cornelia Elementary School Media Specialist, open library time & book clubs Partnership with Edina Community Education to offer programs and services PHOTOGRAPHS BY KRISTEN AARSVOLD Cornelia School Playground Program oe UJ 0. \ ORM "Meet on the Street" event held at Lake Edina Park prior to the program start to share resources, summer program information with FREE books!! 59 children registered for transportation provided by the Edina Crime Prevention Fund to and from Cornelia School Park tt, Over 40 families with kids ages 6-14 were served ♦ $1,800 Graft in Aid given to families (Van Valkenburg Children's Fund/Edina Community Foundation) 12 Field Trips for Traveling Teens (ages 11-14) including service project at Countryside Park One volunteer participated in the new Leader in Training program, program will continue in 2013 NEW partnership with Cornelia Elementary School Media/Reading Specialists for a Summer Book Club, participants received free books Participants visited the school media center every 2 weeks to check out books Visits from Detective Tom McKenzie ♦ Night to Unite Event at Parklawn Apartments wrapped up the summer in ,August 0 ¢aQo Al 12 Field Trips for Traveling Teens (ages 11-14) including service project at Countryside Park One volunteer participated in the new Leader in Training program, program will continue in 2013 NEW partnership with Cornelia Elementary School Media/Reading Specialists for a Summer Book Club, participants received free books Participants visited the school media center every 2 weeks to check out books Visits from Detective Tom McKenzie ♦ Night to Unite Event at Parklawn Apartments wrapped up the summer in ,August 0 NOMINATION FORM TOM OYE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission is seeking applications for its annual Tom Oye Human Rights Award. This award will honor the late Tom Oye and other members of the Edina community whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights. Submit one nominee per form. PLEASE ATTACH AN ESSAY, UP TO 500 WORDS, AND OTHER SUPPORTING INFORMATION AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME. Provide specific examples, including attachments if necessary. Selection Criteria Anyone who lives or works in Edina is eligible for this award. Nominees will be evaluated based on their efforts to: (I) foster respect and dignity for others (2) model courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights (3) demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights Who are you nominating? Name l 7 t►YLi e --5� r a // Occu ationF°r17/ e-- a r Home address s 713 Work address Sang Email m s e va Talenhonenumhers 9S2 - eZ/;'- .5'd 63 6,-) '7- 2rZ- /j Who makes this nomination? Comments Regarding Nominee (up to 35 words) Words that will be printed inside the program if this nominee is selected I ;41o91au �eVa// CAWred' 724Irl>'.�a C'l�ai/e��F�/ -Te-ax- _ �cPad,ry /4-- 6fP-)wft6,kt 44-�r3Vl� o� its ��1 a C�l�aas-a �p Plvtcsr� tw �fh��b�� �21n1.a.. 1'I�h�s aric rty C {� a 11 tz %� 6 y 1� off, C> ly Submission Information: i� y-�7c, , a �!, ,n e_�n� ry��t r�Q Applications must be received by January 31, 2014. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. The Commission may decline to make an award if in its view no nominee meets the criteria. The award will be presented in the spring of 2014 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Reception in the Warren C. Hyde Clubhouse at Braemar Golf Course. Mail the completed nomination form to: City of Edina, Human Rights and Relations Commission, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424. Questions? Contact Annie Coyle at (952) 826-0429 or acoyle@edinamn.gov. Edina HRRC Award 2014 24 S T R E N GTN EN ING OUR COM M U N ITY City of Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission 4801 West 50`1i Street BOARD OF DIRECTORS Edina, MN 55424 December 31, 2013 SAN ASATO RE: Tom Oye Iluman Rights Award BRAD BEARD Dear Commission members: BERNIE BEAVER I write in support of the attached nomination for this Award of Mamie Segall, who made a PETER DAH L singular contribution to the welfare of financially challenged youth in the Edina community in RON I:RHARDT 2013 by serving as volunteer chair of the Edina Challenge "Team. SCOT HOUSII This Team was organized by the Edina Community Foundation to ensure that Edina youth ZANIES HOVLAND living in poverty or near -poverty can more fully participate in the community, educational and recreational programs that will allow them to develop as healthy, productive adults. Its STEVEN McDONALD mission was to minimize the discrimination and lack of opportunity that is often experienced U1, MOOTY by such youth in their access to such programs, either by the lack of a focused effort to include them or by the lack of resources available to meet their need. The Foundation and RICHARD OLSON Team were thus committed to a collaborative effort to improve the hunnan rights of these BRENDA QUAYE youth by reducing the barriers to their full participation in the life of our community. M A M I E S E G A I_ I The Edina Challenge Team consists of representatives of 14 grant makers and service providers in our community who met throughout 2013. MAXINE WALLIN City of Edina Park & Recreation Department EXECUTIVE DIRFcrOR Connecting With Kids Edina Community Foundation nlcl caacl:ETT Edina Community Lutheran Church Edina Education Fund DEVELOPMENT OFFICER EdinaGiveAndGo Edina Morningside Rotary Club MARSHA Buclic7h Edina Public Schools Edina Public Schools Community Education Services Edina Resource Center Oasis for Youth Questscope/One2One Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church Southdale YMCA 5280 GRANDVIEW SQUARE , EDINA, MINNESOTA 55436 • (952) 833-9573 • FAX: (952) 833-9575 edfoundation@ci.edina-mn.us www.edinacommunityfoundation.org 25 Mamie's effective leadership of this Team led to their consensus identification of the top five priorities for serving the youth who qualified for Free and Reduced Price Meals in Edina --Mentoring, Transportation, Tutoring, Extracurricular Engagement, and Housing. The Team also reviewed a broad range of proposed programs to meet those needs, endorsed five of those programs for community support, and recommended three of those for funding by the Edina Community Foundation: One2One, a community-based mentoring program in collaboration with Southdale YMCA that will serve some 20 middle school youth in need; Oasis for Youth, an organization providing substantial support services to homeless youth in Edina and the surrounding area; and The Last Mile, a program of the Edina Resource Center to assist youth in need after their high school graduation succeed in their goal of enrolling in college In recognition of the solid work of Mamie and the Edina Challenge Team, the Edina Community Foundation Board of Directors approved all of these funding recommendations and $31,000 in grants for the first six months of 2014. Throughout this year of effort, Mamie's volunteer work and leadership clearly reflected the selection criteria for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award: 1. foster respect and dignity for others 2. model courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights 3. demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights For these reasons, I am delighted to nominate Mamie Segall for the Tom Oye Human Rights Award. Respectfully submitted, Dick Crockett Executive Director 26 NOMINATION FORM TOM OYE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission is seeking applications for its annual Tom Oye Human Rights Award. This award will honor the late Tom Oye and other members of the Edina community whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights. Submit one nominee per form. PLEASE ATTACH AN ESSAY, UP TO 500 WORDS, AND OTHER SUPPORTING INFORMATION AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME. Provide specific examples, including attachments if necessary. (ATTACHED) Selection Criteria Anyone who lives or works in Edina is eligible for this award. Nominees will be evaluated based on their efforts to: (1) foster respect and dignity for others (2) model courage and/or compassion in the advancement of human rights (3) demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights Who are you nominating? Name: Occupation: Home and Work address: Email: Telephone numbers: Who makes this nomination? Name of Person or Group: Email: Telephone number: Relationship to Nominee: Gail Shore Executive Director, Cultural Jambalaya 6059 Blake Ridge Rd., Edina, MN 55436 gshore(dwinternet. com 952-925-6102 (hometwork); 612-770-4106 (cell) Kristi Rudelius-Palmer, Co -Director, Human Rights Center, University of Minnesota Law School krpumn.edu 612-626-7794 friend and colleague Comments Regarding Nominee (up to 35 words) Words that will be printed inside the program if this nominee is selected (ATTACHED) Submit Information Applications must be received by January 31, 2014. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. The Commission may decline to make an award if in its view no nominee meets the criteria. The award will be presented in the spring of 2014 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Reception in the Warren C. Hyde Clubhouse at Braemar Golf Course. Mail the completed nomination form to: City of Edina, Human Rights and Relations Commission, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424. 27 NOMINATION FORM TOM OYE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD 500 -word essay There are few culturally unique places on the planet that longtime Edina resident Gail Shore hasn't visited. For four decades, the globe trekker and photographer has embarked on self-funded solo treks to faraway places. Her work focuses on people and the traditions, rituals and religions that enrich fragile cultures around the world. At the core of Gail's work and mission is human rights. Through her photography, we are inspired to fight discrimination and promote human rights by simply respecting all people. She believes that photography is an effective medium to illustrate the diverse cultural backgrounds that continue to make up more of America's rich mosaic. To begin to break down cultural barriers, she asks us to admire and value each other's similarities as well as our differences, because the more we know about each other's background, history and religion, the more respectful we can become of one another. For years, Gail has presented her unique images and stories to nonprofits and civic organizations, and has exhibited her work at galleries and art fairs, including the Edina Art Fair. But over the years, friends and colleagues encouraged her to take her large library of photos and accompanying experiences to a new level to engage others. Finally in 2005, Gail founded Cultural Jambalaya, an Edina -based 501(c)(3) nonprofit that uses international photography to promote understanding and respect for all people. Along with a board of directors and advisors (that includes a remarkable roster of accomplished Twin Cities professionals), Gail and Cultural Jambalaya set out to produce creative programs that would benefit schools, charitable organizations as well as businesses that advance diversity, human rights and social justice. With in-kind support from its board and financial contributions from like- minded corporations, the volunteer -based nonprofit began to create one -of -a -kind educational videos for teachers. Produced by Twin Cities -based Tremendous! Entertainment, creator and producer of Travel Channel's hit series, "Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern," Cultural Jambalaya's "Windows and Mirrors" educational series features images collected during Gail's more than 40 years of travels to distant regions, including North Korea, Syria, Myanmar, Mali, Bhutan, Namibia, New Guinea, Rwanda and Tibet, among others. The "Windows and Mirrors" series is a creative teaching tool for educators in the classroom. Supported by an online study guide, the videos are a resource for middle school and high school teachers and aim to promote cultural understanding and acceptance through a variety of subjects, including social studies, geography, history, diversity and language. The complimentary study guide, available at www.CulturaiJam.org, includes instructional exercises designed to spark students' imagination and to encourage them to think broadly as they learn about the new cultures and individuals in the programs. Cultural Jambalaya has already produced four videos in its educational series, including programs on the Middle East, Asia and Africa. The nonprofit is currently in production of its next video on Latin America. Gail's work has already earned four national Telly Awards for excellence in cultural education. In addition to Tremendous! Entertainment, Cultural Jambalaya has also received key support from Colle + McVoy, which created the nonprofiit's brand and manages its website. Generous sponsors include Delta Air Lines, Carlson Companies, Comcast, Great Clips, Robins, Kaplan Miller & Ciresi, Verizon, Video Guidance, Wells Fargo, Wells Fargo Advisors, Hi-Fly'n Productions, Kraus -Anderson Companies, D'Amico Catering, Tom & Marlene Kayser, and others. 28 Further information Gail's work has been recently featured in the following: M/NNPOST - by Education Reporter Beth Hawkins: April 23, 2012 http://www.niinnpost com/learning-curve/2012/04/gait-shore%E2%80%99s-photos-offer-minnesota- students-world-view?utm source= Minn Post+e-mail+newsletters&utm campaign=771187477e- 4 23 2012 Daily Newsletter4 23 2012&utm medium=email Edina Magazine - by Eric Larson: September 2012 http //edinamaq. coin/article/arts/photographer-aarl-shore -shares-travel-uhotos?oaae=0.0 Further information about Cultural Jambalaya is available at www,CulturalJpMorg, Comments Renardina Nominee (up to 35 words) Words that will be printed inside the program if this nominee is selected Gail Shore is the founder and executive director of Cultural Jambalaya, an Edina -based nonprofit that uses global photography to promote human rights by inspiring others to respect our cultural similarities as well as our differences. 29 NOMINATION FORM TOM OYE HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission is seeking applications for its annual Tom Oye Human Rights Award. This award will honor the late Tom Oye and other members of the Edina community whose good works promote human relations and advance human rights. Submit one nominee perform. PLEASE ATTACH AN ESSAY, UP TO 500 WORDS, AND OTHER SUPPORTING INFORMATION AND INCLUDE YOUR NAME. Provide specific examples, including attachments if necessary. Selection Criteria Anyone who lives orworks in Edina is eligible for this award. Nominees will be evaluated based on their efforts to: (1) foster respect and dignity for others (2) model courage and/or compassion In the advancement of human rights (3) demonstrate leadership by example for improving human relations and/or advancing human rights Who are you nominating? Home address r Who makes this nomination? Name of Person or Group Zo #W GA-Sii.M ®g—£ Comments Regarcfing Nominee (up to 35 words) Words that will be printed inside the program if this nominee is selected PA SsJa N ,�o,e Subm /�- eso NS IAI ova �� i)v v � r nfor tion A.la*rs 4 C-PYAL <,- Ca AJo,X r C OF Cr. 6#1/4- o01"V � m gP P �t. c2#1i OAJ k1 1*0,c.vslaA1 e Ol"' Appllcations must be received by January 31, 2014. Applications will be reviewed by members of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. The Commission may decline to make an award if in its view no nominee meets the criteria. The award will be presented in the spring of 2014 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Reception in the Warren C. Hyde Clubhouse at Braemar Golf Course. Mail the completed nomination form to: City of Edina, Human Rights and Relations Commission, 4801 West 50th Street, Edina, MN 55424. Questions? Contact Anne Coyle at (952) 826-0429 or acoyle@edinamn.gov. Edina HRRC Award 2013 30 Jessi Kingston Tom Oye Award nomination Application 2014 While working at General Electric Jessi assisted in creating a diverse supplier network for vehicle deliveries and maintenance services. This included working with manufacturers and researching various companies to identify potential suppliers who qualified as either a Woman Owned or Minority Owned supplier. Once identification was made, Jessi worked with the supplier to understand their qualifications and validate their certification status. Jessi set up a tracking and reporting process for the business that could help drive business for clients who had specific requests to use Woman and/or Minority Owned suppliers. While working at Digital River, they moved its corporate headquarters from Eden Prairie to Minnetonka in August 2011. As part of the move, Jessi analyzed current vendor relationships and looked at future needs for the company as it continued to grow. A challenge within the technology industry is identifying Women and/or Minority Owned businesses who can supply services to Digital River. Also while at Digital River, Jessi was able to work with and develop a relationship with an office and promotional item supply vendor who was not only local to Minnesota and could support all the Digital River offices within the United States, but also qualified as a certified Women Owned business. Jessi has been a member of the Twin Cities Women's Council which was created by and managed by the University of St. Catherine's Leadership Institute for more than seven years. While at ING and currently at Digital River, Jessi worked with St. Catherine's team to provide training and networking opportunities for women in both companies. Over the past five years, Digital River has been a four -time sponsor of the St. Kate's Leadership Challenge, an all day conference with more than 300 women in attendance. As part of that sponsorship, Jessi worked to get Digital River's name in the community and represent the business in a way that would excite people to want to learn more about the company and possibly seek employment at Digital River. Jessi has been fortunate to meet women of various ethnic backgrounds who are dedicated to the advancement of women and minorities, and has been able to form connections to help assist others, either through coaching or networking, in providing opportunities for professional advancement. 01 When Jessi was first appointed to the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission, one of the first projects the Commission worked on was a Request for Proposal for funding human services organizations that served the residents of Edina. The process included working with city staff to update and send out the Request for Proposal, receiving and reviewing responses, visiting potential recipients, working with other commissioners to develop a recommendation on which service providers would receive funding and how much, and then presenting the recommendation to the City Council for approval. The second project Jessi worked on as a commissioner was the creation of the Domestic Partnership Ordinance for the City. At the time, there were only three cities within Minnesota who had a Domestic Partnership Ordinance. A resident of Edina asked that the City consider an Ordinance and Jessi became the lead commissioner to work on the Ordinance. Jessi worked with another commissioner in gathering information about Domestic Partnership Ordinances from different cities and states. We determined we needed additional assistance and engaged an attorney from OutFront MN to provide guidance on what a city could and could not provide residents or workers within the City due to Federal Laws. With assistance from another commissioner and OutFront MN, Jessi created the first draft of the Ordinance and presented it at an Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission meeting for review. As the members on the commission were fairly new, there was a significant amount of discussion around the construction of the Ordinance, how far as a commission should we be creating an Ordinance around domestic partners, how do we separate this from marriage rights, and are we in a position to mandate benefits from companies. Over several months the commission tackled these issues and received feedback from the City Attorney, the City Manager and OutFront MN. Jessi encouraged members of the public who had reached out to her and those that she knew to express their feelings about the Ordinance at a public hearing and/or send in letters to the City Council. An initial draft was presented to the City Council for review. While there was overwhelming support for the Ordinance, there was a question about whether the City needed to offer a registry in order to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Ordinance and were we 32 presenting something that was in essence another way of pushing for marriage for the GLBT community. After the work session with the City Council, Jessi worked with other commissioners on how to create a better message about the importance of a registry for couples in a committed relationship, such as hospital visitation rights. The Ordinance was updated and presented to the City Council for a first reading. A couple of letters were received were discussed during the meeting. However, no one chose to speak, either in favor or against the Ordinance, during the Public Hearing, and the Ordinance unanimously passed both the first and second reading. Other activities Jessi was involved with as a Commissioner included: Key Achievements: • Served two 1 -year terms as HRRC Commission Chair • Managed the adoption of a resolution opposing the marriage amendment by the city council in March 2012 • Provided feedback on the Public Meetings and Religious Observance Policy; adopted March 2012 • Led Edina HRRC participation in the National Holocaust Museum, traveling Persecution of Homosexuals in Nazi Germany exhibit, 2012. • Organized the passage of the Days of Remembrance Proclamation and celebration in conjunction with the national celebration of Yom Hashoa • Presented the resolution Expressing Support for the Purchase of Products Containing Only Conflict -Free Minerals; adopted May 2012 • Participated in the creation of the community -wide anti -bullying event; April 2011 Jessi is currently the Director of the Department of Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity at City of Saint Paul where she continues her efforts in providing the platform in the City of St. Paul for all minority groups and individuals to advance economically and socially as they desire. Throughout her career and life, Jessi has worked on developing her skills in order to help create processes that mirror her passion for diversity, equality and inclusion of all perspectives. She exemplifies the true meaning and purpose of the Tom Oye Award. 33 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: General Workplan Updates (As Needed) Action Requested: Agenda Item #: VILE. Action ❑ Discussion Information ❑ Information / Background: Teams will give updates on items that have not been discussed on previous agenda items. i. Monitoring Domestic Partner Legislation and the City Ordinance (Stanton/Arseneault) iii. Community Outreach Working Group (Bigbee and Davis) iv. Days of Remembrance 2014 ( Seidman) 1. Transgender Days of Remembrance Consider Black History Month 2015 (Bigbee) Attachment: 2014 Work Plan by month; 2014 Work Plan by Topic. vi. City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 34 December 2013 35 HUMAN RIGHTS & r\ RELATIONS COMMISSION 2014 Work Plan Topics by Month January • Review 2013 Commission Work Accomplished • Review Final 2014 Work Plan • Appoint leaders for each Commission initiative • Present Chair and Vice Chair Nominees • Complete update of Bias/Hate Crimes response plan 2013 February • Present/Select Tom Oye Award Recipient • Elect Officers • Review' `2014 draft work plans from .each team • Edina Reads February 8 March • Updates from teams • Review 2014 draft work plans from each team • Plan for Special Needs Awareness Campaign • Check in on Immigration Reform April • Edina Volunteer Recognition Reception/Tom Oye Award April 29 • _ Updates from teams • Days of Remembrance April 8, 10, 13 May • Strategic review of initiatives • Updates from teams • Annual meeting of boards and commissions with the City Council June • '' Updates from teams • Check in on Immigration Reform July • Updates from teams August • Complete update of Bias/Hate Crimes response plan 201`4 • Review preliminary Work Plan for 2014 September . Finalize 2015 Work Plan to submit to Council for Oct. I st work session • Updates from teams • Adjust work plan for balance of 2014, as necessary • Draft plan and presentation for annual televised meeting • Check in on Immigration Reform October • Finalize plan and presentation for annual televised meeting • Prepare process for the Tom Oye Award for 2015 • Special Needs Awareness Campaign • Focus on the initiatives and discuss evident/emerging issues in the community 0 Update from teams November . Annual Televised Meeting • Appoint nominating committee • Update from teams December • Finalize planning for 2015 — goals, teams, initiatives,etc • Check in on Immigration Reform December 2013 35 2014 HRRC Work Plan Status by Topic Revised Feb 2014 36 Work Plan Item Commissioners Assigned Current Status Next Action and Due Date Monitoring Domestic Stanton ON -HOLD Need to assign new Commissioner/determine if this will be pursued. February Partner Legislation and the City Ordinance. Update Bias/Hate Winnick, On -hold On hold until dept. report has been completed. February Crimes Response Plan Cashmore Community Outreach Bigbee and Davis IN -PROGRESS Have been holding meetings with subgroup; identified potential dates February Efforts (Including for trainings Community Listening Sessions.) Tom Oye Award Winnick In progress HRRC received 5 nominations for the 2014 award; recipient will be February selected at February meeting. Special Needs Davis/Arseneault Not yet started Awareness Campaign Days of Remembrance Seidman/Cashmo In progress Currently publicizing the three events for 2014 in April. February 2014 re/Davis Anti -bullying Event and "Lagerstrom Completed Event held February 81at the Senior Center. February Education -;Edina Reads Revised Feb 2014 36 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Recent Updates to the Resource File Action Requested: None. Agenda Item M VII.F. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information Information / Background: The HRRC Liaison keeps a resource file at City Hall with relevant information available to HRRC Commissioners. The file is updated on an on-going basis and a report of new materials included in the file will be included in each month's packet. Attachment: List of recent updates to the HRRC Resource File. City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 37 HRRC Resources: New Materials Date 1/28/2014 2/25/2014 Type Book Book Book Periodical Event Program Periodical News Article Report Blog Periodical Periodical Periodical Report Periodical Periodical Book Periodical Report News Article News Article Report Author/Publisher Smith, Denny Gold, Rachel Shurtleff, Mark L. Southern Poverty Law Center MDHR ACLU Edina Sun Current City of Edina Conservative Cravings Human Rights Campaign Southern Poverty Law Center World Without Genocide U of M Office for Equity and Diversity Lavender Teaching Tolerance Morris Dees with Steve Fiffer World Without Genocide Advocates for Human Rights Star Tribune Edina Sun Current Minnesota Dept of Human Rights Title God Did Make Adam & Steve Being Emily Am I Not A Man? The Dred Scott Story Intelligence Report Human Rights Symposium STAND (Inaugural Issue) Edina Group Tackling Gay Rights Issues 2010 Census Data Edina Human Rights Commission Equality SPLC Report World View 2013 Annual Report Issue 478 Issue 45 A Lawyer's Journey: The Morris Dees Story World View 30 Years of Working for Dignity and Justice Red Wing Considers Rededicating Columbus Day Edina Fourth Graders Win Human Rights Contest Racial Disparities Edition Winter 2013 2013 Winter 2014 11 -Mar -10 Late Fall 2013 Winter 2013 Spring/Summer 2013 9/18-10/2,2013 Fall 2013 Winter 2014 5 -Feb -14 30 -Jan -14 38 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Correspondence and Petitions Action Requested: None. Information / Background: Attachment: Official correspondence received since the last HRRC Meeting. Agenda Item #: VIII. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 39 000,in %,S DEFINING EXCELLENCE February 4, 2014 Chair Arnie Bigbee Human Rights and Relations Commission c/o City of Edina 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 Dear Chair Bigbee, ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 5701 Normandale Road Edina, MN 55424 (952) 848-3900 www.edina.k12.mn.us I want to take this opportunity to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to meet with the Human Rights and Relations Commission on January 28th. I appreciated the opportunity to share information about the work Edina Public Schools is doing to support our mission of serving all students. Also, I appreciated our follow-up discussion and benefited from the insights shared. I look forward to our school district maintaining an ongoing relationship with the Commission. Further, I realize the importance of keeping the City and this Commission informed when we are addressing opportunities and challenges related to your charge. Again, thank you, and I look forward to growing our partnership. cc: Scott Neal, City Manager WE CARE T WE DARE V WE SHARE 40 N:\Communications\Thank You\Human Rights & Relations.docx Ell -n I. Kennedy, Ph.D, 7220 Cornelia Uriv(, 17din, . NdN 554.iS Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission Edina City Hall 4801 W. 50th Street Edina, MN 55424 February 10, 2014 Dear Commissioners, Thank you for the opportunity to speak with many of you, members of the Edina City Council, and Mayor Hovland last week. It has been a privilege to be involved in some of the past work of the EHRCC and a real honor to have received the Tom Oye award. I would appreciate the opportunity to work more directly on the Commission and it would be an honor to be appointed to serve. I look forward to hearing from the committee in the near future. With best regards, Ellen J. Kennedy, Ph.D. 41 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Elect 2014 Chair and Vice Chair Action Requested: Elect Chairperson and Vice Chairperson by majority vote. Agenda Item #: X1. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Information / Background: The HRRC Nominating Committee has recommended that the HRRC elect Jan Seidman as the 2014 Chairperson and Pat Arseneault as the Vice Chairperson. Terms will run for one year beginning in March 2014. Attachment: None. City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. Edina, MN 55424 42 To: HRRC From: Annie Coyle Staff Liaison Date: February 25, 2014 Subject: Thank you for Departing Members Action Requested: None. Agenda Item #: XII• Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information X Information / Background: A HUGE thank you from the HRRC to departing Commissioners: Russ Stanton, Jessi Kingston, and Leslie Lagerstrom. Attachment: None. City of Edina 4801 W. 501h St. Edina, MN 55424 43