HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-06 WORK SESSION0
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AGENDA — WORK SESSION
CITY COUNCIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION
CITY OF EDINA, MINNESOTA
COMMUNITY ROOM
FEBRUARY 6, 2012
S:30 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. RESOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS STATING OPPOSITION
TO CHANGING THE MINNESOTA CONSTITUTION IN ORDER TO BAN THE LEGAL RECOGNITION OF SAME
SEX RELATIONSHIPS AND UNIONS
IV. DRAFT PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE POLICY
V. HUMAN RIGHTS AND RELATIONS COMMISSION 2012 WORK PLAN
VI. 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 72 hours in advance of the meeting.
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING MEETINGS /DATES /EVENTS
Feb 6
Joint Work Session - HRRC
Feb 6
Regular Meeting
Feb 7
PRECINCT CAUCUSES
Feb 20
PRESIDENTS DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVED — City Hall Closed
Feb 21
Work Session — HRA
Feb 21
Joint Work Session - EEC
Feb 21
Regular Meeting
Feb 28
Joint Work Session With Pin Comm & Grandview Str. Com
Mar 6
Work Session - Redistricting
Mar 6
Regular Meeting
Mar 19
Annual Boards & Commissions Dinner Meeting
Mar 20
Work Session — Sports Dome Report
Mar 20
Regular Meeting
Apr 3
Work Session —
Apr 3
Regular Meeting
Apr 17
Work Session —TDB
Apr 17
Regular Meeting
Apr 23
Annual Volunteer Reception
May 1
Work Session — TDB
May 1
Regular Meeting
May 14
Work Session —TDB
May 14
Regular Meeting
May 28
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY OBSERVED — CITY Hall Closed
5:30 P.M. COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M. COUNCIL CHAMBERS
4:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
5:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
FIRESIDE RM — SENIOR CENTER
5:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:00 P.M.
HUGHES PV. CENTENNIAL LAKES
5:00 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:00 P.M.BRAMAR RM WARREN HYDE CLUB HS
5:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M.
COMMUNITY ROOM
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To: Mayor & Council Members
Agenda Item W. S. III.
From: Lisa Schaefer
❑ Action
HRRC Liaison
® Discussion
11 Information
Date: February 6, 2012
Subject: RESOLUTION OF THE LEAGUE OF MN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS
STATING OPPOSITION TO CHANGING THE MN CONSTITUTION IN
ORDER TO BAN THE LEGAL RECOGNITION OF SAME -SEX
RELATIONSHIPS AND UNIONS
INFORMATION:
Jessi Kingston, Chair of the Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission, has
attached a letter regarding the League's resolution, HRRC's endorsement of this
resolution and the hope that the City Council would also support this resolution
to oppose the Constitutional Amendment to ban the legal recognition of same -
sex relations and unions.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Letter from Jess! Kingston, Chair of HRRC
• Resolution of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions
To: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
Oil June 28, 2011, the Edina Human Rights and Relations unaniil101.1SI), endorsed a Resolution Iron file
League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions which publicly opposes changing the Minnesota
constitution to ban the legal recognition of same -sex relations and unions. We are urging the 13dina City
Council to join us in endorsing this Resolution and publicly oppose the constitutional amendment.
First of all, we oppose this marriage amendment as we have worked to create an inclusive and open
colllm1.lnity withill Edina where people are treated fairly. Edina took that first step by adopting a
Domestic Partnership Ordinance in June of2010. Since the passage ofthe Ordinance, eve have held 15
couples register as Domestic Partners. In addition, Edina FIRRC has consulted with other cities either in
public hearings or with other commissions in the area to help foster inclusion in Minnesota. Twelve other
cities have adopted similar ordinances since June of'2010, and Edina has been SCen as the catalyst towards
promoting equality. Not opposing the constitutional amendment may be seen as a step backwards from
what we have tried to create within ow• city. It fulfills 01.11' conllnunity commitment to be "upstanders ",
not "bystanders
Secondly, we oppose this marriage amendment, as "family" has never been defined in the constitution,
and it would permanently inscribe discrimination into Minnesota's constitution. Many years ago the US
Constitution included a form of'discrinlination by allowing slavery. in 1864, the Thirteenth Amendment
was passed by the Senate and was ratified on December 6, 1865, freeing all slaves. By passing this
marriage amendment, Minnesota will put discrimination into the constitution, preventing some 01-01,11-
citizens from having access to "life, liberty and the I)llr31,lit Of Ilapl)iI1CSS ".
Thirdly, the city councils, Human Rights Commissions or Civil Rights Departments of Minneapolis. tit.
Paul and Duluth have all affirmed their opposition to the marriage alilendnrrnt along with Temple Israel
and Bet Shalom. )n addition, E'dina's Conlnl1,nlity I.Altheran Chureh has been actively participating in
Marriage Equality.
Fourth, this alllelldlllellt will have a Chilling impact oil GI..,BT employees and prospective employees.
entrepreneurs and employers with GLBT friendly employment policies, discouraging them front wanting
to live and work in Edina and Minnesota. The final negative impact will be on our business base, when
131.,1.3"1- customers and their allies consider where to shop and conduct business. Marilyn Carlson Nelson
said this simply and clearly in a guest editorial ill the Minneapolis "Tribune on January 14, 2012.
The Edina I-IRRC firmly endorses the I...eagues' Resolution, and we hope that the City COLII1Cil will join us
in opposing the Constitutional Amendment to ban the legal recognition of same -sex relations and unions.
Sincerely,
Jessi Kingston
Chair, L:dina I-Illlllan Rights and Relations Commission
RESOLUTION OF TH.E
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS
May 22, 2011
Be It Resolved That...
Whereas, states have an interest in promoting family units as a means toward achieving
social stability, private economic interdependence, and healthier environments in which
both children and adults may prosper, and
. Whereas, the U.S. Census for 2010 indicated that families headed by or consisting of
same -sex couples reside in every county in Minnesota, and
• Whereas, the United States Supreme Court and others have noted that the dimensions of
"family" have expanded considerably in recent years, and
Whereas, an amendment to the Minnesota Constitution has been proposed that would
ban the legal recognition of same -sex relationships within the state of Minnesota, auncf
Whereas, such an amendment \ vould frustrate the State's goal o1'promoting families, by
withholding from some families important legal rights and obligations, and
Whereas, constitutions historically have been designed to protect minorities fi-om the
arbitrary imposition of unjust barriers by the majority, and
Whereas, this legislation, if approved, would have a direct, negative impact Oil
Minnesota's GLBT community in particular, by denying equal protection of the law and
relegating famlhes headed by or consisting of same -Sex couples to a permanent second -
class citizenship status, and
Whereas, the League ofMin.nesota Human. Rights Commissions recognizes that our
society benefits in proportion to its efforts to ensure cultural diversity and maintain an
environment in which all feel welcome and safe, and
Whereas, such discriminatory legislation effectively devalues cultural diversity and
promotes an environment in which discrimination against GLf3'1 citizens is not only
encouraged but mandated, .resulting in a community that is neither welcome nor safe,
Therefore be it resolved that the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions hereby
states publicly its opposition to changing the Minnesota constitution in order to ban the legal
recognition of same -sex relationships and unions, and
Be it furthermore resolved that this document will be presented to members of the press, in
addition to our membership.
REPORT /RECOMMENDATION
To:
Mayor & Council Members
Agenda Item W. S. IV.
From:
Karen Kurt
Assistant City Manager
❑ Action
® Discussion
Information
Date: February 6, 2012
Subject:
DRAFT PUBLIC MEETINGS & RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE POLICY
INFORMATION:
The Edina League of Women Voters approached the City Administration
Department regarding developing a policy restricting public meetings on days of
religious observance. In response to this request, a policy was drafted and
feedback was solicited from the Human Rights and Relations Commission
(HRRC). HRRC recommended that the policy be modified to include an additional
Jewish holiday, as well as significant Muslim and Hindu holidays.
With the expanded holiday list proposed by HRRC, City staff would recommend
that the highlighted section regarding board and commission attendance be
removed.
ATTACHMENTS:
• Edited policy reflecting HRRC's input
• Calendar showing the potential impact of the change on the 2012 Council
and Board /Commission calendar
2012 City of Edina Council , Advisory Brds, Corns. & Comms. Meetings, Holidays, Payroll & Election Dates
Holidays . City Council Nite to Unite F-1 Pln Comm HP Brd 1-1Trns Com F--] Park Brd
MIndicates a religious holiday's observance
Elect Day Health
JANUARY
S M T W T F S
1
2 4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
29
30
1 31
29
30
31
APRIL
S M T W T F S
1
2
4
4
5
7
7
8
9
10 11
1 18
12
13
14
15
16
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
31
27
28
27
28
29
30
JULY
S M T W T F S
1
2
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
17
11
12
13
14
15
16
18
19
20
21
22
23
24 25
26
27
28
29
30
31
31
27
28
27
28
29
30
OCTOBER
S M T W T F S
E& E Comm
1 3
4
5
6
7
8
9 10
11
12
13
14
15'
17
18
19
20
21
22
_4
19
28
27
28
29
30
31
30
31
27
28
27
28
29
30
Hum RR Com
I 1
E& E Comm
FEBRUARY
S M T W T F S
4
11
5
12
1
2
3
4
5
7
$ ,
9
10
11
12
14 15
t27
16
17
18
19
28
23
24
25
26
29
30
31
27
MAY
S M T W T F S
2
3
10'
4
11
5
12
6
7
1 a
9
13
14 16
17
18
19
20
21
23
24
25
26
27
28
2g
30
31
27 28
29
30
31
27
28
27
28
29
AUGUST
S M T W T F S
1
2
3
4
5
7
13 14
8
9
10
11
12
15
16
17
AR
19
20
22
23
24
25
26
27 28
29
30
31
27
28
27
28
29
30
NOVEMBER
S M T W T F S
1
1
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
10
12
13 114
18
19
21
18
19 21
t 22
23
24
25
26 20
29
30
23
24
27
28
27
28
29
Art Cnt Brd
MARCH
S M T W T F S
1
2
3
4
5
7
8
15
9
16
10
17
11
12
13 114
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
28
29
30
31
23
24
27
28
27
28
JUNE
S M T W T F S
1
2
3
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
i 1 s 12
13
13
14
15
16
17
19
J25
20
21
22
23
24
27
28
27
28
29
30
SEPTEMBER
S M T W T F S
1
2
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
i 1 s 12
13
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
-26
27
28
29
30
DECEMBER
S M T W T F S
1
2
3
5
6
7
9
10
-i 1 12
14
15
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
25
26
27
1 28
29
30 "1
Draft Meeting Schedule for 2012. Dates Subject to Change Revised. 2/2/2012
CITY OF EDINA
r e y PUBLIC MEETINGS AND RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCE H^'., ' YS POLICY
Purpose
It is the policy of the City of Edina to encourage public engagement during decision - making processes.
This includes attending or participating in City Council and board /commission meetings. The purpose of
this policy is to provide a framework for avoiding significant days of religious observance belidays -that
may preclude participation. At the same time, the City acknowledges that it is not possible to recognize
all days of religious observance holidays without severely restricting participation due to a lack of
available meeting times.
Holiday Restrictions for Public Meetings Due to Religious Observances
In addition to the holidays on which city offices are closed, City Council and board /commission meetings
will not be scheduled on the following S'gRifl:c Us of religious observance holidays:
• Good Friday (Christian)
• Christmas Eve (Christian)
• First night of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish)
• First night of Yom Kippur (Jewish)
• First night of Passover (Jewish)
• First night of Hanukah (Jewish)
• Eid al Fitr (Muslim)
• Eid al Adha (Muslim)
• Diwali (Hindu)
Special meetings called for emergency purposes would be exempt from this restriction. City staff and
committee /working group chairs are also encouraged to avoid scheduling public meetings or other
forums on these dates.
Setting Meeting Schedules
Prior to the start of a new year, the City Clerk will develop a calendar with the restricted dates of the
Feligieus hel -days noted above and identify any conflicts with regularly - scheduled meetings. When a
conflict exists, the City Council and boards /commissions will be asked to identify an alternative date
prior to the calendar being published at the beginning of the year. When setting the calendar, boards
and commissions have the option of rescheduling additional meetings at the request of individual
members due to conflicts with days of religious observance holidays not included in the list above.
Religious Holidays and Attendance Requirements
If a board /commission member will be absent for a day of *^ ^ "s° ^•^ FeeegRiized religious observance
heliday not included in the list above and during which a meeting has been scheduled, he or she should
notify the board /commission chair and the city staff liaison at the beginning of the year. The absence
will not be recorded for the purpose of the attendance requirements.
Edina Human Rights and Relations Commission
2012 Work Plan
Major areas:
➢ Administration
• Nominating /election of officers
• Tom Oye award
• Commission administration
➢ 2012 Commission Initiatives
• Monitor Domestic Partner Ordinance - Cashmore & Winnick
• Initiate census research funding recommendation - Stanton
• Update Bias /Hate Crimes Response Plan - Winnick
• Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals - Cashmore & Kingston
• Anti - Bullying event and education - Aderhold and Nolan
• Marriage Amendment Forum - Stanton and Aderhold
• Diversity Awareness Event - Cashmore
• Days of Remembrance - Seidman
• Somali Relief Efforts - Newell
Calendar:
January
➢ Assess 2011 Commission work
➢ Adopt Final 2012 Work Plan
➢ Appoint leaders for each Commission initiative
February
➢ Elect officers
➢ Review 2012 draft Work Plans from each team
March
➢ Complete update of Bias /Hate Crimes response plan
➢ Select recipient of the Tom Oye Award
➢ Annual meeting of boards and commissions with the City Council
➢ Updates from teams
October 25, 2011
April
➢ Edina Volunteer Recognition Reception /Tom Oye Award
➢ Updates from teams
May
➢ Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals
Strategic review of initiatives
➢ Updates from teams
June
➢ Updates from teams
July
Updates from teams
August
➢ Review preliminary Work Plan for 2013
September
Updates from teams
Adjust work plan for balance of 2012 as necessary
October
Prepare process for the Tom Oye Award for 2013
➢ Focus on the initiatives and discuss evident /emerging issues in the
community
➢ Update from teams
November
Appoint nominating committee
Update from teams
December
Final planning for 2013 - goals, teams, initiatives, etc.
October 25, 2011