04-04-2017
Richfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
April 4, 2017
Members Present: Sara Gumke, Jeff Wright, Carrie Chillman, Sarah Musgrave,
Swopnil Shrestha, Mark Westergaard, Will Rukel, Chara Blanch,
Yamiilez Ordonez
Mike Howard – City Council Liaison
Mike Koob – Public Saftely Liaison
1. Meeting Called to order by Chair Sara Gumke at 6:30pm.
2. Agenda approved, motion Westergaard, second Wright.
3. March minutes approved, motion Rukel, second Westergaard.
4. No open public comment.
5. Reports:
a. Chair’s report:
Sara G. announced a comprehensive plan meeting later in April, will share date
when it’s known. Sara was also able to secure city contact for social media posts.
b. Secretary’s report:
Mayor Elliott’s contact info is incorrect on Google Doc, Carrie will send out separate
email with updated info.
c. Vice Chair’s report:
none
d. Liaison Report
-City Council Liaison: Mike Howard gave HRA meeting update; work session on
economic development authority was held, discussion to increase levy to fund
development resources with flexibility to invest in Kids at Home program and funds
for landlords for redevelopment was positively received and plan will be presented
to city council.
- Public Safety Liaison: none
-School Board Liaison: not in attendance
6. Committee Reports:
a. Black Lives Matter: committee has been on hold, will revisit at the next meeting.
b. Islam 101 event: Mark will follow up on document with details for event promotion,
other details have been completed and committee is ready for event.
c. Community engagement/outreach/recruitment committees will now be combined:
Sara G.recapped meeting with Maria Regan Gonzalez: they had a discussion of
diversification of commissions and accessibility and interfacing with community
members. Regan Gonzalez suggested taking a meet the community where they are
at approach by attending “meet & greets” with her and reaching out to community
leaders to attend their existing events; Sara will find out the dates of these and
would like HRC members to attend to hear needs/concerns and learn how the
commission can be supportive. Also discussed; compiling a list of action items that
the HRC can do, having translators available as needed at events.
d. CEDAW resolution update: Mark reported that the presentation to the city council
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went well and expects it to be voted on at the April 11 meeting; Mike H suggested
HRC members attend and urge the council to pass.
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e. 4 of July: Jeff was able to submit application in without knowing vehicle info.
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Meeting to discuss further on May 6, 2:00pm, Lakewinds.
7. Unfinished Business:
a. Reminders of Upcoming events, encouragement of attendance by HRC members,
Will will send info to the city and commission members for social media posting.
-All at Augsburg Park Library: Sabina Zimering’s read-in from her book “Hiding in the
Open: a Holocaust Memoir” on 4/24; Irene Colston photography presentation “The
Other Voices of Auschwitz” on 4/27; University of MN’s Center for Holocaust and
Genocide Studies discussion on how the media plays a role in the coverage of
genocide and human atrocities on 4/26; Fred Amram speech “We’re in America
Now: a Survivor’s Story” on 4/29.
b. Jacobson Award Nominations: The criteria were reviewed, clarification of what is
looked for in a nominee, call for nominations will be sent out via Facebook and other
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social media outlets with a deadline of April 28. Voting will take place at the May
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2 meeting, winner will be notified and it will be publicly announced before the
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June 6th ceremony; winner will also be invited to participate in the July 4 parade.
8. New Business/Announcements/Open Forum
a. Concern over what the HRC can do about housing development/preserving
affordable housing in Richfield; discussion followed – Jeff expressed importance of
staying current of issues as they arise and being proactive by connecting with area
experts to work together for tenant rights. Mike H encouraged
participation/attendance at the HRA open meetings and the Comprehensive Plan
advisory committee. This was tied into the earlier discussion of community
engagement and will be addressed further in that subcommittee. It was decided
that the HRC would strengthen partnerships with other commissions to work
together on these issues; Sarah M. will attend the Transportation Commission,
Chara the Community Services Commission, Sara G. the Comprehensive Plan
Advisory Committee, Jeff will monitor the city’s community calendar for related
events/mtgs. and all will report back. Chara advocated for the
attendance/participation of the Richfield Social Justice Community.
b. Google Docs Training: will be discussed at the next meeting.
c. Jeff suggested supporting Planned Parenthood, will gather more information and
will discuss further at a later date.
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9. Next meeting is May 2, 2017. Sara G is unable to attend, Jeff will act in her place.
10. Motion for Adjournment. Motion Blanch/Second Wright; meeting adjourned at
7:40pm.