04-05-2016Members Present:
Guests:
Richfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
April 5, 2016
Mark Westergaard
Debbie Eng
Simon Trautmann
Jeff Wright
Kirsten Klosinski
Swopnil Shrestha
Mike Howard — City Council Liaison
Tom Fitzhenry — Richfield City Councilmember
Pam Dmytrenko — Richfield Assistant City Manager
Naaima Khan - Islamic Resource Group
Sara Gumke Chara Blanch
Logan Schultz Ben Sunderlin
Judith Dominguez
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Mark Westergaard at 6:30P.M.
2. Agenda approved. Motion Gumke/Second Wright.
3. Approved January (not February) 2016 minutes. Motion Schultz/Second Klosinski.
4. Open Public Comment:
Councilman Fitzhenry spoke to the commission regarding Richfield's Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program. The
program is dedicated to supporting military families and connecting them to community supports, training,
services, and resources. Councilman Fitzhenry is encouraging community groups and individuals to become
involved with Beyond the Yellow Ribbon activities and events.
Mike Howard asked the Richfield Assistant City Manager, Pam Dmytrenko, to speak to the RHRC on the
upcoming mid -year recruitment for Richfield Commissions and Boards. Given that RHRC completed an
Increasing Diversity on City Commissions report last year, Ms. Dmytrenko was seeking some ideas as to how to
reach out to a more diverse audience. Jeff will chair a subcommittee (Sara, Judith, Swopnil, and Ben) to develop
a reasonable list of suggestions based on our report. Given time restraints, Jeff will contact Pam with the list
prior to our next meeting.
5. Guest Speaker: Naaima Khan - Islamic Resource Group
Ms. Khan stated that the Islamic Resource Group is a non-profit group working to eliminate Muslim
stereotyping. The group provides a Speaker Bureau, traveling exhibits and other training to schools and
communities to shift the negative narrative by connecting with others through discussions and educational
opportunities. RHRC will be partnering with the Islamic Resource Group on May 4th, 6pm-7:30pm, at the United
Methodist Church of Richfield to provide a learning opportunity, called Islam 101, to our community.
6. Reports
a. Chair's Report
- Holocaust Survivor Event is now on hold.
Mark allotted his Chair's Report time for the discussion time with Assistant City Manager regarding
outreach ideas for increasing diversity on boards and commissions.
b. Treasurer's Report
- RHRC account balance is $137.00.
- There continues to be some difficulties regarding RHRC's bank account with the Richfield
Bloomington Credit Union. Issue will need to be resolved.
c. Secretary's Report
- Debbie will be working on Google Docs for the RHRC.
d. Vice Chair's Report
- Sara has the RHRC Property as of this meeting. There is a current inventory list available.
e. Liaison Reports
- City Council: Mike H. discussed the mid -year board and commission recruitment process;
interviews/meetings with City Council after 4th of July, appointments by mid-July with terms starting
August 1St. Mike has also been discussing with the City Council how people of color may be affected
by the redevelopment corridor on Cedar Ave. Mike also noted that there will be another housing
discussion on May 3rd
School Board: No report
City Liaison: No report
7. Unfinished Business
a. Changes to the RHRC by-laws — The commission reviewed proposed by-laws but tabled this item until next
month as by-laws will need to reflect City Council direction regarding the removal of Commissioners. Mike
Howard will provide commissioners with Council Memorandum No. 107 Staff Guidelines for Removing
Commissioners for inclusion in RHRC by-laws prior to next meeting.
b. Resolution in support of Muslims in our community — Jeff presented a draft resolution which was discussed
with suggested changes. Jeff will add agreed upon changes and bring forth the resolution at our May
meeting.
c. Tenants right session update — No new information.
d. Outstanding Citizen Award - Request for Nominations will be added to social media and Debbie will contact
the Richfield Sun Current for inclusion in their Community Notes Section. Nominations are due April 30tH
e. Changes to the RHRC webpage — Mark will provide city staff with the RHRC calendar to be included on the
website. Jeff will also talk with city staff regarding some items.
f. Islam 101 — RHRC will be co -sponsoring this event with the Islamic Resource Group and United Methodist
Church of Richfield on May 4th, 6pm, at Richfield United Methodist Church, 5835 Lyndale Ave South, Mpls,
MN. Thanks to Kirsten for finding space and co-sponsorship with the United Methodist Church.
g. League of Human Rights Commissions dues—tabled until next month.
8. New Business
a. Mark reports that Isela Gomez, Community Liaison Richfield Police Department, will attend the RHRC
meeting in May.
b. Holocaust Survivor Event — The RHRC has been unable to organize this event this spring. The commission
discussed rescheduling this event in the fall. Mark and Debbie will meet with the Richfield High School
Assistant Principal to discuss the feasibility of having the event at the RHS.
9. Open Forum and Announcements — None
10. Next meeting is May 3, 2016
11. Motion for Adjournment. Motion Gumke/Second Blanch. Meeting adjourned at 8:20.
Minutes Submitted by:
Debbie Eng
Secretary