February MinutesRichfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2014
Members Present: Sean Hayford Oleary Jeff Wright Emilia Gonzalez Avalos
Todd Chase Teresa Kruse Ranee Skinner
Debbie Eng Mark Westergaard Elizabeth Wendt
Pat Elliott – City Council Liaison
Jay Henthorne – Richfield Staff Liaison
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Sean Hayford Oleary at 6:30P.M.
2. Amended Agenda approved unanimously– additional items added:
6.c.) Turn out Plan
6.d.) Logic Model and tally of other unfinished business items
7.c.) How to attract diverse members
3. Approval of January minutes tabled.
4. Richfield Chamber of Commerce Speaker Angie Schaefbauer.
- Discussed what both the Chamber and RHRC do, how to increase participation in events,
and opportunities for networking.
5. Welcomed new Commissioner Mark Westergaard.
6. Reports
a. Chair’s Report
- Jeff will continue as a RHRC representative to the League of Minnesota Human Rights
Commissions. Sean will ask Nancy if she is still interested to serve as RHRC’s other
representative. No other delegations needed at this time.
- Richfield commission member training to be held on March 12 (6:30 to 8pm). All
commissioners are encouraged to attend.
b. Treasurer’s Report
- $174.75
- Nancy and Elizabeth will be meeting this week to transfer duties (including bank signature
authority).
c. Secretary’s Report
- Teresa will email 2013 attendance report to commissioners.
- Sean, Elizabeth and Debbie are working on amendments to RHRC’s By-laws and will bring
recommendations to commissioners at the next meeting for discussion. A change to
Richfield City Code Section 305.01, Subd. 4 will be recommended. Jay will assist in pursuing
the change if recommendation is supported by the RHRC.
d. Vice Chair’s Report
- Richfield Middle School and Blessed Trinity principals have been contacted regarding the
League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions student essay contest. Each HR
commission may select one student essay to be submitted to the League by February 28th.
The commission approved unanimously to hold a special RHRC meeting to determine RHRC
essay to be submitted. Date: Monday, February 24, 2013 at 6:30PM, at City Hall. Debbie
will provide commissioners with submitted essays prior to special meeting.
- Please bring any RHRC property (banners, brochures, etc.) to next meeting for Vice Chair’s
inventory report.
e. Liaison Reports
- Council Liaison: The City Council seeks to fill current RHRC vacancies. The City may consider
providing Commissions, including the RHRC with stipends.
- Staff Liaison: The planning committee for the Unity in the Community event is being
created at this time. Jeff will serve as the RHRC representative.
7. Unfinished Business
a. Social Media Policy – Sean and Nancy met with Richfield City Manager regarding suggested changes
to the current staff policy on social media. The City Manager is unwilling to change the policy. Pat
suggested that RHRC bring discussion to a city council work session. Debbie and Sean volunteered
to create some discussion points and meet with the city council during a future work session.
b. Turn Out Plan – Commissioners with assignments will follow up this month and report to the
Commission in March.
c. Logic Model and other projects - It is recommended that RHRC create a list of all outstanding
projects that we are involved with for review and future planning.
8. New Business
a. Safe Schools/Outfront Minnesota - Jeff introduced a resolution to support the passage of safe
school legislation (Senate File 3 and House File 9). Motion tabled until next meeting. Jeff will
provide copies of SF3 and HF9 for commissioner review and obtain a speaker for next meeting to
discuss proposed legislation.
b. Discussed how to attract diverse members –Commission unanimously approved to have Sean (with
Emilia, Jeff or Debbie) attend the February 18th Richfield School Board meeting to discuss RHRC and
student involvement.
9. Meeting adjourned at 7:58pm.
Minutes Submitted by:
Secretary Elizabeth Wendt and Vice Chair Debbie Eng