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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.05.27 PacketMINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION April 29, 2014 7:15 pm Braemar Golf Clubhouse — Harry Cooper Lounge CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Arseneault called the meeting to order at 7:47pm. II. ROLL CALL Answering roll call were Commissioners Arsenault, Bigbee, Cashmore, Carter, Davis, Haeg, Harrington, Kennedy, Sanders, and Winnick. Staff present: MJ Lamon, Staff Liaison, and Annie Coyle, City Management Fellow. III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee to approve the meeting agenda of April 29, 2014. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Harrington. Motion carried. IV. ADOPTION OF MEETING MINUTES Motion was made by Commissioner Bigbee to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 25, 2014; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Carter. Motion carried. V. COMMUNITY COMMENT None. VI. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. 2014 Workplan Review i. Community Conversations Commissioner Bigbee provided a summary of the Community Conversations (formerly Community Outreach) working group. Commissioner Bigbee and Commissioner Davis are the co-chairs. Bigbee informed Commission that they have a working group meeting scheduled for April 30th, 6:OOpm at the library. The working group plans to hold their first event on May 13th at Southdale Library. Bigbee was in the process of getting advertising coordinated with City Staff. Next steps include active recruiting for participation from diverse neighborhoods to reach a goal of 20 in attendance. Chair Seidman arrived at 7:49pm. ii. Days of Remembrance Motion was made by Commissioner Davis to table the Days of Remembrance agenda item until the May meeting; the motion was second by Commissioner Arseneault. Motion carried. iii. Special Needs Awareness 5 Commissioner Sanders reported that the Minnesota Department of Health has funding from a recently settled court case to support developmentally disabled children. There is a possibility of trying to partner with that program to access TPT documentaries and embed them into our website and partner with the Arts and Culture Commission for the Edina Film Festival. Commissioner Sanders is willing to bring the Special Needs Awareness Campaign Initiative forward at the Council Work Session. Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore to have Commissioner Sanders work on the Special Needs Awareness initiative; the motion was second by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried. iv. Immigration Reform Commissioner Arseneault reported that the Immigration Bill was passed by the Senate, but still in the House. The HRRC adopted an Immigration Reform Resolution in Fall 2013. Arseneault will bring forward Immigration Reform at the City Council Work Session. B. Prep for May 20th City Council Work Session L Draft Agenda Review Chair Seidman opened discussion on topics to be presented to City Council during the work session. The group will first address current 2014 workplan initiatives. Commissioner Winnick will present a short summary on the 2013 Quasquicentennial. Commissioner Arseneault will address immigration reform. Commissioner Sanders will address the Special Needs Awareness. Chair Seidman will present summary on Anti -Bullying event and the Days of Remembrance and Genocide Awareness events. Commissioner Winnick will provide a progress report on Bias Offense Response Plan. The Bias Offense Committee has a final meeting May 6th and will share the draft changes to the plan with the commission before the Council Work Session. Commissioner Bigbee will provide a progress report about the Community Conversations Working Group. Motion was made by Commissioner Cashmore to have Commissioner Sanders address Black History Month at the Council Work Session as a possible new initiative; the motion was second by Commissioner Kennedy. Motion carried. Motion was made by Commissioner Arseneault to have Commissioner Bigbee bring up affordable housing at the Council Work Session to determine the Council's direction; motion was second by Commissioner Cashmore. Motion carried. Commissioner Sanders shared research she did on becoming a Human Rights City. Motion was made by Commissioner Kennedy to have Commissioner Sanders address the possible attainment of Human Rights City certification at the City Council Work Session; the motion was second by Commissioner Arseneault. VII ►y/III IX. X Motion carred. Motion was made by Commissioner Arseneault to appoint Commissioner Carter as the point: person for the shared Boards and Commissions blog "The Advisor" and to have lhim address the Blog at the Council Work Session; the motion was second by Commissioner Cashmore. Motion carved. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS None. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENTS A. Chair Comments Chair Seidman reminded commission of next regular meeting on May 27th, 2014. Commission discussed postponing Chief Nelson as a special guest speaker in May due to the large agenda. Chair Seidman reminded commissioners that they will also be identifying sub committees and working groups at the meeting. Staff will send out the draft subcommittee/working group document prior to the meeting. Commission Winnick also reported that the report from the Departmental Interview will also be on the agenda. B. Commissioner Comrinents Multiple Commissioners commented that the Days of Remembrance events were memorable. Concerhns were raised about the volume of new initiatives; the commission will review the new deas after the Council Work Session. Commissioner Kennedy provided a handout of Star Tribune article on Indigenous People's Day in Minneapolis with information about an event to be held on October 12th, 2014. It was noted that the daughter of the President of the School Board wrote a book about her grandparents who lived in the ghetto; the book may be good to feature at next year's Days of Remembrance. It was also noted that Native Americans have a separate Days of Remembrance. STAFF COMMENTS None. ADJOURNMENT Motion was made by Human Rights and Re Motion carried. Adjournment at 8:29 Respectfully submitted, missioner Bigbee to adjourn the April 29th, 2014 meeting of the is Commission; motion was second by Commissioner Arseneault. Minutes approved by HRRC May 27, 2014 MJ Lamon, HRRC Staff Liaison Jan Seidman, HRRC Chair 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 "V under the month on the meetings' line. Type "I" 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 "V under "Work Session" on the meetings' line. Type " 1" under "Work Session" for each attending member. Rescheduled Meeting` Type "1" under the month on the meetings' line. Type 1" under the month for each attending member. Cancelled Meeting Type "I" under the month on the meetings' line. Type "V 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 From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: May 27, 2014 Subject: Approval of Meeting Agenda Agenda Item #: III. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the meeting agenda for the May 27, 2014 regular meeting of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. Information / Background: Attachment: Meeting Agenda; 2014 Schedule City of Edina • 4801 W. 50�h St. • Edina, MN 55424 1 AGENDA CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION EDINA CITY HALL COMMUNITY ROOM May 27, 2014 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER 11. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA IV. APPROVAL OF April 29, 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 some 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. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS A. Bias Offense Response & Prevention Plan (Winnick) i. Department Interview Report B. Days of Remembrance/Genocide Awareness - Summary (Seidman) C. Review chart of subcommittees and working groups (all commissioners) i. Responsibilities - provide brief written summary ii. Chair/ Members iii. Sustainability Plans for Continuation of group iv. Term D. Event/Meeting Commission Report (Seidman/Lamon) i. Monthly template for active working groups/sub committees ii. Summary of events at completion VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS VIII. CHAIR, COMMISSION MEMBER, AND STUDENT COMMENTS A. Next Meeting June 24, 2014 i. Guest Speaker ii. Review 2014 plans for year end initiatives and discuss 2015 preliminary work Plans B. Joint Work Session with City Council rescheduled to August 4th (Monday)at 6:00pm IX. STAFF COMMENTS X. 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. 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 4h' 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 Pavilion (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 (Senior Center) 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 Banquet Tom Oye Award 5:00 p.m. Braemar Clubhouse Ttfes Affil 22 laAee ing x-88 G9FAFAURity-Reef.4 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 Mon Aug -4 Council Work Session 6:00pm Community Room Tues Aug -26 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues Sept -23 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room Tues Oct -28 Meeting 7:00 p.m. Community Room �k+e549V 2 Toto„ so.� nn.,,,+4.,.. r„� �Acil Thurs Dec 11 Televised Meeting 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers +e6 3 MeethRg�:^fir To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: May 27, 2014 Subject: Adoption of Meeting Minutes Agenda Item #: IV. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the minutes for the April 29, 2014 meeting of the Human Rights and Relations Commission. Information / Background: Attachment: Draft meeting minutes from the April 29, 2014 HRRC meeting; Attendance Roster City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 4 Date: May 27, 2014 Subject: Bias Offense Response & Prevention Plan (Winnick) L Item #: VI. A. Action Discussion ❑ Information ❑ Action Requested: Approve the revised Bias Offense Response & Prevention Plan and adopt a set of recommendations from the Department Interview Reports Information / Background: The Bias Offense Response Plan Working Group has finished a revised draft of the Bias Offense Response Plan and will be bringing that forward for discussion. If approved, it needs to be sent to the City Council for adoption. Last fall, Commissioners Winnick, Bigbee and Seidman met with different City Departments to learn how they handle bias offenses. The group's reports and recommendations are attached. The HRRC must decide if you want to send any recommendations from the reports with the Bias Offense Response Plan to Council for review. Attachment: Draft Bias Offense Response & Prevention Plan; Department Interview Reports City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 9 e Blas Offense Response and Prevention Plan INTRODUCTION The Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan (the Plan) was first drafted by the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) in 1994. The Plan was proposed to the Edina City Council in March 1997 and adopted with some slight revisions on May 5, 1997. The HRRC is directed to review the Plan at least once per year and provide recommended amendments to the City Council for approval as needed. The Plan was updated in 2003, 2008, and most recently in 2011, and 2014. Minority population increases continue among the City's residents, workforce, and school population. Approximately 20% of the school population is identified as ethnic minority, according to School District information. With increasing diversity in the City and School populations, attention is called to the Plan in order that participants are prepared to deal with its provisions should incidents occur which would warrant its implementation. PURPOSES To establish a procedure for appropriate and timely local response to bias offenses thus showing strong community support for the victim and zero community tolerance for bias offenses that occur within the boundaries of the City of Edina; To raise awareness of this issue within the community; To establish a network of community resources that can be activated as needed. The Edina HRRC provides or coordinates support to victims of bias based offenses and leadership in the community in the prevention of such offenses through education and collaborative community action against prejudice and bigotry. It is not the role of the Edina HRRC, however, to investigate such crimes. BIAS OFFENSE DEFINED A bias offense is defined by Minnesota Statute Section 61 IA.79, a copy of which is included in Appendix A. PARTNERSHIP The Edina HRRC will partner with the citizens and organizations in the community in order to provide timely, meaningful support to victims of bias offenses. Community partners are identified on Appendix B. Key partners include: • Edina Police Chief • Edina City Manager • Edina Bias Offense Response Plan Community Resources Network, attached • Edina Mayor and City Council, if appropriate • Edina School Superintendent, if appropriate • Local media, if appropriate Other supporting partners, including professional mediation organizations, may be requested if appropriate. Last updated 5/6/20 A e Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan .J RESPONSE AND PREVENTION PLAN PROCESS: I ) Subject to the limitations in Mn. Stat. Chapter 13, Government Data Practices Act, the Edina Police Department will notify the City Manager and the HRRC Chair of a bias offense as soon as possible after a complaint has been investigated and determined to be valid. Together, the Police Chief, City Manager and HRRC Chair will determine the appropriate level of response including any necessary public statements. 2) The City Manager will notify the Mayor or City Council as appropriate. Upon receipt of a signed Data Practices Release Form from the victim, the HRRC Chair will promptly contact the victim(s) to offer support and determine what further response from the City or community the victim desires and may be appropriate; unless the Police Chief informs the Chair that the initial victim requests privacy and that no action be taken. 3) The HRRC Chair will call upon members of the Community Resources Network as needed respecting the privacy request of the initial victim. Community response options include: • Contact appropriate members of Community Resources Network to inform them of a bias/hate crime and request their support and participation in the response. • Notify the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, if needed. • Only where appropriate and after consultation with the initial victim(s) and the City Manager, the HRRC and/or network representatives may plan a community -wide response. 4) Follow-up contact with the victim(s) should be made in person or by telephone by the HRRC Chair or designated contact person. Check on any recurrences, other problems and offer continued support. 5) HRRC Chair or designee will initiate follow-up contact as appropriate. 6) After follow-up has occurred, the HRRC and network representatives involved shall meet as necessary to review the process of response and take action or make changes. 7) The HRRC will send letters of appreciation to network representatives involved. 8) In the event public property, including any building, structure or vehicle, is damaged or defaced as a result of an action that may constitute a bias offense under Minnesota law, the provisions of this Plan Process shall be implemented. The term "public property" in this context means property owned, leased or used within the City regardless of ownership of such public property. However, in the event the public property is owned or operated by a public body other than the City, such owner or operator shall be offered the opportunity to become a part of the plan 9) The HRRC Chair will provide a summary report of the response to the Edina City Council and Police Chief. 10) At least annually, the HRRC will review the overall process and recommend necessary amendments to the City Council and Police Chief. 1 1) The HRRC will periodically sponsor trainings to promote the understanding and prevention of bias offenses through collaborative community action. Last updated 5/6/20114 e Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan APPENDIX A 2013 Minnesota Statues: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=61 1a.79 61 IA.79 CIVIL DAMAGES FOR BIAS OFFENSES. Subdivision 1. Definition. For purposes of this section, "bias offense" means conduct that would constitute a crime and was committed because of the victim's or another's actual or perceived race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability as defined in section 363A.03, age, or national origin. Subd. 2. Cause of action; damages and fees injunction. A person who is damaged by a bias offense has a civil cause of action against the person who committed the offense. The plaintiff is entitled to recover the greater of: (1) $500; or (2) actual general and special damages, including damages for emotional distress. A plaintiff also may obtain punitive damages as provided in sections 549.191 and 549.20 or an injunction or other appropriate relief. Subd. 3. Relation to criminal proceeding; burden of proof. A person may bring an action under this section regardless of the existence or outcome of criminal proceedings involving the bias offense that is the basis for the action. The burden of proof in an action under this section is preponderance of the evidence. Subd. 4. Parental liability. Section 540.18 applies to actions under this section, except that: (1) the parent or guardian is liable for all types of damages awarded under this section in an amount not exceeding $5,000; and (2) the parent or guardian is not liable if the parent or guardian made reasonable efforts to exercise control over the minor's behavior. Subd. 5. Trial; limitation period. (a) The right to trial by jury is preserved in an action brought under this section. (b) An action under this section must be commenced not later than six years after the cause of action arises. Subd. 6. Other rights preserved. The remedies under this section do not affect any rights or remedies of the plaintiff under other law. History: 1996 c 468 s I Last updated 5/6/201 i APPENDIX B Bias Offense Response and Prevention Plan Community Resources Network ORGANIZATION CONTACT TELEPHONE Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission Staff Liaison 952-927-8861 Edina Police Department Chief of Police 952-826-1610 City of Edina City Manager 952-927-8861 Edina City Council Mayor 952-927-8861 Edina Public School District #273 Superintendent 952-848-4000 Richfield Public School District Superintendent 612-798-6000 Hopkins Public School District Superintendent 952-988-4000 Edina Chamber of Commerce Lori Syverson 952-806-9060 Hennepin County County Attorney 612-348-5550 Owner/operator of `public property' if not the City of Edina Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff Liaison for assistance 952-927-8861 Professional Mediation Organizations Call the Human Rights and Relations Staff Liaison for resource list 952-927-8861 Last updated 5/6/2011 9 Edina Police Department Informed Consent to Release Private Information Pursuant To Minnesota Statute 13.05, Subd. 4 Data Practices Act On (DATE) the Edina Police Department responded to a (type of call) at (address or location). After investigating the incident it was determined that this incident could be considered a bias crime. The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) provides support to victims of bias crimes and maintains a zero -tolerance for bias crimes within the City of Edina. As you are listed as the victim and victim information is considered private data, the Edina Police Department has not and will not release your contact information to the HRRC without your informed consent. The Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) would like to offer its services to you regarding the above incident. Please indicate below whether or not you would like to be contacted the HRRC to assess whether you would like to avail yourself of their services, and return the form in the self-addressed envelope within 10 days. No, I do not want any personal information released to the HRRC regarding this incident. (Signature) Date Yes, I would like to be contacted by the HRRC for support services and I authorize the Edina Police Department to release my contact information including my name, address, and telephone number. (Signature) Date Edina Police Department Administration 952-826-1610 4801 W. 50th Street FAX 952-826-1607 Edina MN 55424-1394 TDD 952-826-1630 14 Communications & Technology Services Department Phone 952-826-0359 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov MEMO To: Chief Long, Interim Chief Todd, Director Kattreh, Director Olson, Assistant Manager Kurt cc: Human Rights and Relations Chair, Arnie Bigbee From: Scott Neal, City Manager Date: October 2nd, 2013 Subject: Human Rights and Relations City Departmental Survey The Human Rights and Relations Commission (HRRC) seeks to work with City Departments to discourage incidents such as occurred on Aug 11, when the South View Middle School building exterior was defaced by vandals. The defacement included names of school officials, graffiti and two hateful words. The HRRC believes that a survey of City Departments should be undertaken to determine if other events or actions of this type have occurred or hateful words used in or during interactions with the Public. Based on findings of this information gathering, the HRRC may recommend the City pursue other initiatives. The goal is to gather information from staff in your Departments having interactions with the Public. Information gathered from these conversations may form the basis of HRRC recommendations designed to reduce or eliminate such hateful occurrences in the future. Members of the HRRC will interview selected staff of your Departments together with a review of reporting forms, statistics, procedures and notes which may show: (i) incidents of human rights intrusions, insensitive behavior patterns or violations of policies or law within City Departments (ii) whether City staff interacting with the Public have encountered hateful actions or behavior or human rights intrusions in the course of performing their duties (iii) whether further information or action should be recommended to City staff and/or the Mayor and Council. Further information gathering may include outreach to the School District for further cooperative programs with student and parent organizations. Note: This review will not require disclosure of non-public information obtained by City Officials under applicable IawPrivate data should be deleted from any written information shared with HRRC representatives. Arnie Bigbee and Steve Winnick of the HRRC will be contacting you soon to arrange conversations with you and director -selected staff members. I appreciate your full cooperation with Steve and Arnie in this task. City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 15 HRRC MEETING REPORT PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT Date: October 24, 2013 Attendees: Arnie Bigbee, Chair and Steve Winnick, Member, HRRC Ann Kattreh, Director and Kristin Aarsvold, Recreation Supervisor At the request of the Mayor and City Manager, this meeting was held for the purpose of determining whether hateful or otherwise inappropriate behavior has been observed or experienced within City Departments. Meetings with each Department head and key management personnel will focus on both staff to staff experiences and staff interaction with the public. These meetings are intended to provide the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and HRRC with current data on these issues from the City's perspective following the August 11 defacement of South View Middle School. Internal Department Experience No hateful or otherwise inappropriate experience was reported involving City employees' behavior toward one another. Interactions with Public Ms. Aarsvold began by stating that the Department employs approximately 50 part-time staff to work with various program, primarily in the summer. She described the training she and other staff provide for these part-time employees including: • City of Edina Park and Recreation Bullying Policy and bullying report form • Behavior Management and Reporting incident/accident log • Youth Sports Core Values and Community Strategy • Edina Youth Sports Code of Conduct brochure All of these policies/documents are communicated to youth and adult program participants, coaches and parents and sponsoring organizations, if any. The expectation is positive with staff being coached to model respect and fun in a game environment that is often competitive. The practice is to encourage mutual support to the extent that participants are discouraged from being "bystanders" (those who observe a person being bullied or otherwise mistreated but do nothing to intervene). Followup with parents is recommended in recurring cases. Ms. Aarsvold said there have been no reports of bullying since the policy was implemented. In Youth sports organizations which reserve Park and Recreation facilities receive a copy of the Bullying Policy and Code of Conduct brochure. Ms. Aarsvold also stated that there are two Edina sports facilities which are co -owned by the City and the Edina School District, both of which are in school buildings. Reservations and conditions of facility use are the responsibility of the School District. It is not know what information/guidance/expectations are provided to the user groups arranging use of those two facilities. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is a major user of the facilities. Training of their coaches in bullying and behavior management, along with reporting, when using Edina Park and Recreation facilities, is not known. Ms. Kattreh noted that there have been incidences of abuse of Park and Recreation properties, but none that have risen to the level of being biased or hateful. Recommendation We recommend a city wide departmental report form be used similar to that developed by the Parks and Recreation Department and that an annual tabulation of incidents be given to the City Manager for transmission to the HRRC, Mayor and City Council. 17 HRRC MEETING REPORT POLICE DEPARTMENT Date: October 28, 2013 Attendees: Arnie Bigbee, Chair and Jan Seidman, Vice -Chair, HRRC Internal Affairs Officer: Mike Nibbe At the request of the Mayor and City Manager, this meeting was held for the purpose of determining whether hateful or otherwise inappropriate behavior has been observed or experienced within City Departments. Meetings with each Department head and key management personnel focus on both staff to staff experiences and staff interaction with the public. These meetings are intended to provide the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and HRRC with current data on these issues from the City's perspective following the August 11, defacement of South View Middle School. Internal Department Experience Officer Nibbe indicated that he has forwarded a copy of the Bias/Hate Crimes Process to all officers of the Edina Police Force on October 28, 2013. This will ensure that each officer is up to date in their awareness of this process. He indicated that an informal inquiry of several individual officers indicated that they were aware of the current process. He indicated that, like the Fire Department staff, the force is primarily caucasian. He could not recall any incidents of staff -to -staff expressions of bias or hateful words or actions. He also referenced the current City of Edina Values training for all employees which emphasizes Integrity, Quality and Service (IQS). Interactions With the Public Having been with the department for over three decades, Officer Nibbe said he could only recall one incidence of an individual claiming that their interaction with the department was biased because of race. This was over a decade ago and the claim was found to be without merit. He also noted that in 2010 there were two incidences of a swastika being placed in Edina, one "keyed" on the side of an automobile and the other being painted graffiti on public property. In this regard, an incident which includes swastikas (a well known symbol of hate against Jews, gays and people of color) was not just vandalism. An incident like this should have been reported immediately to invoke the Bias/Hate crimes process, engaging the HRRC and others in Edina for conversations, actions and resolution. 18 Recommendation We recommend a city wide departmental report form be used similar to that developed by the Parks and Recreation Department and that an annual tabulation of incidents be given to the City Manager for transmission to the HRRC, Mayor and City Council. FROM STEVE The August South View Middle School graffiti/vandalism incident was the focus of a recent Police Department internal communication reminding officers of City's Bias - Hate Crime Policy Plan and procedure. The Department determined that the "victim" of that incident was the School District and not the public generally. This finding should be reviewed whenever an incident under the Plan occurs. 19 HRRC MEETING REPORT DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION Date: October 29, 2013 Attendees: Arnie Bigbee, Chair and Jan Seidman, Vice -Chair of HRRC Karen Kurt, Vice -Chair of Administration, Steven Grausam, Director of Liquor Operations At the request of the Mayor and City Manager, this meeting was held for the purpose of determining whether hateful or otherwise inappropriate behavior has been observed or experienced within City Departments. Meetings with each Department head and key management personnel focus on both staff to staff experiences and staff interaction with the public. These meetings are intended to provide the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and HRRC with current data on these issues from the City's perspective following the August 11, defacement of South View Middle School. Internal Department Experience During this conversation, there was no recollection of any staff -to -staff complaints of a bias/hateful nature. The Department follows a policy of employees directed to access their supervisors director if there is an issue about which they are concerned. Most often, issues which do arise are dealt with between the supervisor and the employee or with the participation of the HR Director. This is established protocol for all City employees. Interactions With the Public In the Department, most interactions with the public occur in the office of the City Clerk and in the Edina City Liquor Stores. The City Clerks Office has not had any records indicating biased or hateful interactions between staff and the public. Mr. Grausam of the Liquor Store Operations noted that the mandatory ID checking of customers judged to be under 40 years of age can cause negative reactions from customers at times. If a customer who is judged to be under age 40 is asked for their ID and cannot produce it, they will not be able to make their purchase. If the customer is a member of a protected class (race, sexual orientation, ADA, etc.) they may on rare occasions allege that the reason for being denied a purchase is something other than their age. Mr. Grausam indicated that the most frequent problem at the Southdale store had been attempted thefts of alcohol. Since the store was remodeled in 2011 (with an effort to design 20 spaces and aisles easily visible to the staff) the incidence of attempted thefts has decreased dramatically, from 6/year in 2011 to 1/year in 2012. Recommendation We recommend a city wide departmental report form be used similar to that developed by the Parks and Recreation Department and that an annual tabulation of incidents be given to the City Manager for transmission to the HRRC, Mayor and City Council. a HRRC MEETING REPORT DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS Date: October 22, 2013 Attendees: Arnie Bigbee, Chair and Steve Winnick, Member HRRC Brian Olson, Dir, Dave Goergen, Bob Prestrud, and John Scheerer, Edina Dept. of Public Works. At the request of the Mayor and City Manager, this meeting was held for the purpose of determining whether hateful or otherwise inappropriate behavior has been observed or experienced within City Departments. Meetings with each Department head and key management personnel focus on both staff to staff experiences and staff interaction with the public. These meetings are intended to provide the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and HRRC with current data on these issues from the City's perspective following the August 11 defacement of South View Middle School. Internal Department Experience No hateful or otherwise inappropriate experience was reported involving City employees' behavior toward one another. Interactions with Public Because of the nature of the work of the Department, occasional inappropriate comments or angry outbursts are directed to City staff. Nothing "out of the ordinary" has been noted. Very occasionally, frustrated citizens objecting to street closures, detours or temporary obstructions will express themselves inappropriately. Staff is prepared for this, according to Director Olson. He stated that "this goes with the job". No statistics are kept or reporting systems used to track this behavior. 22 Significant Behavior Director Olson noted that graffiti painted on Park buildings, benches and under bridges has increased to about "twelve or so" this year to date; from 8 in 2012 and 3 incidents in 2011. Total costs to the City for cleanup has been approximately $13,000 year to date. The words spray painted include: "NOS", "HERR", and "SPOOR". In past years the "N" and "F" words have been seen (no actual number of incidences are compiled). Photos of graffiti appearing this year are attached. The principal locations for spray painting are: the 50t" and France area, under railroad and highway bridges, on railroad property and on public park and playground properties (for which the Public Works Department now has the responsibility of maintaining). Recommendation We recommend a city wide departmental report form be used similar to that developed by the Parks and Recreation Department and that an annual tabulation of incidents be given to the City Manager for transmission to the HRRC, Mayor and City Council. 23 HRRC MEETING REPORT FIRE DEPT. Date: October 25, 2013 Attendees: Arnie Bigbee, Chair and Steve Winnick, Member HRRC Interim Fire Chief Darrell Todd At the request of the Mayor and City Manager, this meeting was held for the purpose of determining whether hateful or otherwise inappropriate behavior has been observed or experienced within City Departments. Meetings with each Department head and key management personnel focus on both staff to staff experiences and staff interaction with the public. These meetings are intended to provide the Mayor, City Council, City Manager and HRRC with current data on these issues from the City's perspective following the August 11, defacement of South View Middle School. Internal Department Experience No hateful or otherwise inappropriate experience was reported involving City employees' behavior toward one another. It was noted that the Department consists of all white males, with exception of one "on call" EMT, who is female. All full time Edina firefighters are certified Emergency Medical Technicians. Interactions with Public Because of the nature of the work of the Department, occasional inappropriate comments or angry outbursts are directed to Fire Department Emergency Medical personnel. With one exception, nothing "out of the ordinary" has been noted. No statistics are kept or reporting systems used to track this behavior. However all 24 complaints are logged into the Chief s computer. The majority of complaints received are for the cost of the EMT service, which is passed on to the patient or his/her insurer(including Medicare). Significant Behavior A customer service complaint was related that occurred a year or so earlier in which an EMT allegedly kicked or nudged a patient with his foot to determine if the patient was conscious. A lawsuit against the City ensued which was resolved and included the requirement of internal staff training and discipline to the EMT. The citizen making the complaint included reference to disparate treatment because of sexual orientation. No further action was reported; the individual EMT continues to be employed in this position. Recommendation We recommend a city wide departmental report form be used similar to that developed by the Park and Recreation Dept. and that an annual tabulation of incidents be given to the City Manager for transmission to the HRRC, Mayor and City Council. 25 Subject: Days of Remembrance - Summary (Seidman) Action Requested: None. L Item M VI. B. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ nformation Information / Background: Chair Seidman will provide a report of the 2014 Days of Remembrance activities. Attachment: Days of Remembrance 2014 Report City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 26 Days of Remembrance and Genocide Awareness 2014 City of Edina - April 8, 10 and 13. To mark National Days of Remembrance and Genocide Awareness month, the Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission in partnership with World Without Genocide hosted a series of human rights events in April to remember the victims and honor the survivors and liberators of the Holocaust during WWII and other genocides around the world. Why the City of Edina and Edina Human Rights and Relations hosts these events: • In 2007, Edina became the third City in the country to pass anti -genocide legislation. • In 2012, Edina supported a resolution against using "conflict minerals" from the Congo. • In 2012, the City of Edina approved a proclamation indicating the City of Edina would annually acknowledge National Days of Remembrance (to coincide within the month of the National Holocaust Museum's observation). We encourage our community members to continue to reflect on the need for respect for all people. • In 2013, Governor Dayton signed into law a bill that designated every April to be Genocide Awareness and Prevention Month. The bill encourages organizations to sponsor events in April to educate the public and to remember those whose lives and cultures have changed forever. EHRRC April Human Rights Events The first part of the series on April 8, included two interactive play: 1)"Upstanders: Ten who Dared". This play describes individuals from around the world who stood up to genocide: including rescuer Oskar Schindler during the Holocaust, Betty Bigombe from Uganda and, General Romeo Dallaire, commander of the United Nations troops in Rwanda during the genocide; 2) "the Line" - the story of Sophie Scholl, a young German who was influential in White Rose, a youth resistance movement during WWII. Also included in the evening was resistance music from the holocaust and a candle that was lit to honor victims of genocide around the world. The second part of the human rights events on Thursday, April 8 featured Dr. Ellen Kennedy. Twenty years ago, more than 800,000 people were killed in a genocide that lasted only a hundred days. Ellen discussed the Rwandan genocide on its 20th anniversary and spoke about current situations in Congo. The event also included a guest appearance from a native of Congo who presented a poem about her experiences both in Congo and here in Minnesota. The third part of the series on Sunday, April 13 featured guest speaker Fred Amram, retired emeritus professor from University of Minnesota and holocaust survivor. Fred spoke about the atrocities of the Holocaust during WWII and other genocides around the world: Darfur, Congo, Rwanda, North Korea. He brought to life the stories of the Holocaust and genocide victims, heroes and liberators and the impact of the Holocaust on his family. During his presentation, Fred also explained the difference of Upstander vs. Bystanders and the effects of bystanders throughout history. Attendance and Marketing: • Over 100 people attended the Days of Remembrance and Genocide Awareness events. In the audience were both survivors and liberators of genocide events. • Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission partnered with World Without Genocide. • Starbuck's at Edina Galleria donated coffee urns, cups and accessories for all three events. • Jerry's In Edina donated cookies for all events. • Mayor Hovland spoke at two of the events, opening and closing our human rights April series. • With Annie and MJ's support, we worked with Jennifer Bennerotte and her staff, Krystal Caron, Scott Denfeld and Dietrich Nissen to market the events using several types of media: 27 1. Posters were designed and posted throughout Edina, e.g. coffee shops and libraries. 2. Teachers in Edina High School and Valley View Middle school were approached and offered to put posters up in their classrooms and offer extra credit for showing up at our events. 3. Programs and agendas were designed by our communications department and provided during the day of the events. 4. A PSA announcement describing the Days of Remembrance and Genocide Awareness events was videotaped, with Commissioners Seidman and Winnick — which showed throughout the month of April 5. A WWII veteran and liberator, Gene Sylvestre was videotaped and shown on Channel 16 6. Five Holocaust survivor videos are showing on Channel 16 throughout the month of April 7. On our April 13 event, several Holocaust survivors were interviewed. Our goal is to put together a video of their stories for posterity. The most recent event has already appeared on Channel 16. 8. Marketing of our events were posted on: Edina's Facebook; written up in "Edina" magazine and "About Town" as well as in the Sun Current. 28 To: HRRC A, rr1 �e Vt o 0 IHcSH Agenda Item #: VI. C. From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Date: May 27, 2014 Information Subject: Review chart of subcommittees and working groups (all commissioners) Action Requested: None. Information / Background: A chart listing the HRRC subcommittees and working groups has been created. This list will better assist City Staff in record keeping, help new members understand standing groups, and help prepare HRRC leadership at term changes. i. Responsibilities - provide brief written summary ii. Chair / Members iii. Sustainability Plans for Continuation of group iv. Term Attachment: Draft SubCommittee and Working Group Chart; Working Group/Sub Committee definitions City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. . Edina, MN 55424 29 HRRC Committees and Working Groups (From HRRC Bylaws, Section 7: Committees and Working Groups) Committees and Working Groups work at the discretion of the HRRC. HRRC has final and sole authority over the work of Committees and Working Groups, and defines their scope and duration. Committees or Working Groups may be designated as standing (ongoing) or temporary in nature. Groups will be automatically disbanded if no member of the HRRC is available to serve as chair, or appropriate membership is not established. Definitions Committee: A group of two or more HRRC members only. Working Group: A group of two or more individuals, one of which must be a HRRC member and serve as the Chairperson. Formation A majority vote of the HRRC is required to: • Establish a Committee or Working Group. • Appoint the Chair (or Co -Chairs) of a Committee or Working Group. • Appoint members of a Committee or Working Group. • Remove a member of a Committee or Working Group. • Disband a Committee or Working Group. The public must be notified of the opportunity to apply for a Working Group via at least one press release. There must be a 14 day window to apply before members are selected. Membership Committee and Working Group participants may not include enough voting HRRC members to constitute a quorum for the HRRC. Committees: The HRRC Chairperson will ask for volunteers from the HRRC membership. The Committee will elect its own chair and notify the HRRC Chairperson. Working Groups: The Working Group Chair will recommend other Working Group members. By definition, those members will include individuals outside of the HRRC. The Chair may also nominate a co-chair who is not a HRRC member. A Committee or Working Group member may voluntarily resign by submitting his or her written resignation to the Chair of the Committee or Working Group. Duties of the Committee or Working Group Chair: • Report on the Committee or Working Group's activities at each regular HRRC meeting. • Recommend members to the HRRC and notify HRRC of changes in membership. • Set the meeting schedule and, if required, notify the City Staff Liaison for public notification. • Prepare and distribute a written meeting agenda, if required. • Lead the meeting in accordance with the agenda and facilitate discussion on agenda items. • Ensure that HRRC bylaws and HRRC directives are followed. • Maintain meeting decorum, • Communicate to the Committee or Working Group any directives, questions or input from the HRRC. 30 Subcommittee, Working Group, Event, Rep to External Committee Responsibilities Commissioners Term Notes Annually submit press release; Process starts in October and ends at Sub - Update nomination form; Provide Steve Winnick ' Volunteer Award Ceremony; Ensure we committee Tom Oye Award summary to commission; Update Jan Seidman Renew Annually have awards, if not order more; Have letters to nominees and nominators; Gene Oye PSA run on Channel 16 in Marketing involved April Sub- EHRRC Nominating Call Commissioners in December or committee Committee Steve Winnick January Renew Annually Create agenda and decide on Holocaust survivor presenter; Have holocaust videos run on Channel 16 Jan Seidman Process usually starts in October and ub- National Observance of throughout month of April; Market Pat Arseneault ends in April to coincide with National ,mmittee Days of Remembrance the event, work with John Cashmore Renew Annually Holocaust Museum Days of Communications Department for Ellen Kennedy Remembrance I poster design and brochures; Send thank you notes to all involved This is shared among several Sub- Work with commission members to commissions; therefore, timing of BC Blog Liaison provide content to city blog on a Derek Carter Renew Annually committee regular (TBA) basis publications depends on the number of participants Sub- HRRC Website Annual review of website for content committee ,Administration accuracy; Work with Staff Liaison as Derek Carter Renew Annually needed on changes or updates Sub- To be completed by Special Needs Awareness iTo be assigned committee December 2014 Subcommittee, Working Group, Responsibilities Commissioners Term Notes Event, Rep to External Committee Annually review Bias Offense Steve Winnick Working Bias Offense Response Response Plan; Work with City John Cashmore Renew Annually Group Plan Manager and Chief Nelson HRRC Chair Recruit June 2014; Training Sessions Assign commission Community member involvement; If July & Aug 2014; Conduct 5 sessions members to create, working group project is to be Working Edina Community beginning Sept 2014 [projected] Arnie Bigbee implement & continued beyond December 2014, Group Conversations through May 2015; Interim Report Laura Davis [projected] HRRC must adopt working group December 2014; Tentative: Finalize completion by June project as 2015 goal with new chair Report June 2015 2015 HRRC Rep to Meets Tuesday of each month at 7:30 External Edina Community Center Steve Winnick Renew Annually Committee a.m. HRRC Rep to School District Equity Provide communication between External Arnie Bigbee Renew Annually Advisory Council HRRC and Edina Public School System Committee Review requests for funding Taskforce comprised of a rep of HRRC, proposals from human service Arts & Culture Commission, Heritage HRRC Rep to Human Services providers who serve Edina Preservation Board, and Park Board; External Taskforce Committee populations in need; Make Pat Arseneault Renew Annually Meets 4 times in Oct/early Nov to Committee recommendation to Council on the consider requests; Meets with Council city's annual funding to providers to make recommendation HRRC Rep to Includes Sidewalks; Mobility devices; External Living Streets Provide regular updates to HRRC Arnie Bigbee Project complete by Transit; Removing seasonal barriers; Committee June 2014 Parking To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: May 27, 2014 Subject: Event/Meeting Commission Report (Seidman/Lamon) Action Requested: None. Agenda Item #: VI. D. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information Information / Background: In an attempt to standerize, Staff Lamon has created templates available to all Board and Commissions. The templates can be utilized by Commissioners to provide advance reports to be submitted to staff liaisons and inlcuded in packets. Additionally, reports and summaries will assist with better record keeping. I Template 1: Monthly template for active working groups/sub committees Template 2: Summary of events upon completion Templates will be provided by staff at the meeting. Attachment: None. City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424 33 To: HRRC From: MJ Lamon Staff Liaison Date: May 27, 2014 Subject: Chair, Commission Member, and Student Comments Action Requested: None. Information / Background: A. Next Meeting June 24, 2014 i. Guest Speaker Agenda Item #: VII. Action ❑ Discussion ❑ Information ii. Review 2014 plans for year end initiatives and discuss 2015 preliminary work Plans B. Joint Work Session with City Council rescheduled to August 4th (Monday) 6:00pm Attachment: None. City of Edina • 4801 W. 501h St. • Edina, MN 55424 34 Resolutions of the Edina HRRC Re: Bias Offenses Response Plan RESOLVED, That the 2014 Amended Bias Offense and Response Plan be adopted by the Human Rights & Relations Commission and be transmitted to the City Council; together with the Recommendation that it be adopted by the Council as the City's Plan and Procedural Process should Bias Offenses under Minnesota Law occur within the City or upon public property owned, leased or used by other public bodies located within the City. Re: Reporting of Bias by City Departments RESOLVED, That the City Manager, subject if necessary to City Council approval establish Periodic Reporting Procedures, including written formats tailored to each City Department regarding the reporting of incidents of bias under Minnesota Law occurring within City Departments or observed by City employees while interacting with the public in the course of performing their duties. RESOLVED FURTHER, That Reporting Forms substantially similar to those developed by the Parks & Recreation Department be utilized by each City Department; and that an annual tabulation of bias incidents occurring within each Department or observed in interactions with the public be provided to the City Manager for transmission to the HRRC, Mayor and City Council on a regular basis. May 27, 2014