HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-06 Wk Session MINUTES
OF THE JOINT WORK SESSION OF THE
EDINA CITY COUNCIL AND
EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION
HELD AT CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 6,2012
5:35 P.M.
Mayor Hovland called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. in the Community Room of City Hall. Answering
rollcall were Members Bennett, Brindle, Sprague, Swenson and Mayor Hovland. Members of the Human
Rights and Relations Commission attending the meeting included: Arnold Bigbee, John Cashmore, Lisa
Finsness, Chair Jessica Kingston, Meg Grace Newell, Janet Seidman, Russell Stanton who entered at 5:45
p.m. and Stephen Winnick.
Staff attending the meeting: Jennifer Bennerotte, Communications & Marketing Director; Susan Howl,
Administrative Assistant; Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager; Debra Mangen, City Clerk; Scott Neal, City
Manager and Lisa Schaefer, Human Resources Director.
Mayor Hovland explained the purpose of the meeting was to discuss issues of mutual concern.
REVIEWED RESOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION STATING
OPPOSITION TO CHANGING THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO BAN THE LEGAL RECOGNITION
OF SAME SEX RELATIONSHIPS AND UNIONS
Chair Kingston referred to her letter requesting the City Council to join the HRRC in endorsing the
Minnesota League of Human Rights Commission's opposition to the Constitutional Amendment. HRRC
Members and the City Council discussed the reasons to join the resolution. Council directed the HRRC to
craft a resolution for consideration on their March 20, 2012 Agenda.
DRAFT PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE POLICY
Assistant City Manager Kurt reviewed the draft policy regarding public meetings and religious observances.
Following further research, an updated list will be brought forward for Council's review. Consensus was
reached that board and commission members will not be exempted from attendance requirements on days
of religious observance not included in the policy.
HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION 2012 WORK PLAN
The Commission reviewed with the City Council their proposed work plan which included the following
initiatives: Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance, Initiate Census Research Funding Recommendation,
Update Bias/Hate Crimes Response Plan, Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals, Anti-Bullying Event and
Education, Marriage Amendment Forum, Diversity Awareness Event, Days of Remembrance, and Somali
Relief Efforts.They also reviewed their administrative and calendar events.
The Council thanked the Commission for their work.
Mayor Hovland declared the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
e r . Mangen,4Citylerk
Minutes approved by Edina City Council, February 21, 2012.
James B. Hovland, Mayor
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