2013 Annual Report-April minutesRichfield Human Rights Commission
2013 Annual Report
The purpose of the Commission is to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in employment, housing, public
accommodations, public services and education, and full participation in the affairs of the community and to
take appropriate action consistent with the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The Commission shall also advise
the City Council on long range programs to improve human relations in the City.
Richfield City Code Section 305.01, Sub.3
2013 Officers 2013 Liaisons
Chair – Nancy Roberts City Council Liaison - Pat Elliot
Vice – Todd Chase Richfield Staff Liaison - Deputy Chief Jay Henthorne
Secretary – Teresa Kruse Richfield School Board Liaison - vacant
Treasurer – Elizabeth Wendt
RHRC representatives to the League of Human Rights Commissions - Jeff Wright and Nancy Roberts
2013 Community Events and Outreach
• Community Conversations. Partnered with Advocates for Human Rights on One Voice Minnesota
project on how welcoming Richfield is to all residents (project included training, summer community
conversation, fall parent conversation). April 2013 to present. Future events to be determined.
• Housing Tenant/Landlord Clinics. Sponsored a clinic with Hennepin County Housing attorneys on
housing laws and legal rights.
• Unity in the Community. Event held at Veterans Park in May 2013. Participated in planning and
RHRC Booth.
• Gene and Mary Jacobson Award. An annual award given to a person or organization in Richfield that
exemplifies the fostering and advancement of human rights whether through outstanding community
service or leadership in the commitment to human rights. Awarded in June, presented at a City Council
meeting, participate in 4th of July parade.
• Mother Baby Fair. Co-sponsored community event in August 2013.
• PennFest. September 2013 – RHRC booth for 2nd annual community event.
2013 Routine Business Activities
• Election of 2013 RHRC Officers. January meeting. Chair Nancy Roberts, Vice-chair Todd Chase,
Secretary Teresa Kruse, Treasurer Elizabeth Wendt
• Appointment of new RHRC members. January City Council appointment/first commission meeting
February 2013.
• League of Human Rights Commissions Annual Student Essay Contest. January 2013 - No
entries this year.
• League of Human Rights Commissions Special Members Meeting. League members met with
State Human Rights Commissioner. March 2013.
• Annual Commission Report to City Council. June 2013
• Guest RHRC Speakers – Professional parliamentarian, American Cancer Society Relay for Life,
Advocacy for Human Rights, Bloomington Public Health, Joint Community Police Partnership, Mother
Baby Fair, Hennepin County Housing Attorneys, MIRA.