06-07-2016Members Present:
Richfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
June 7, 2016
Mark Westergaard
Debbie Eng
Swopnil Shrestha
Mike Koob - City Liaison
Jeff Wright
Logan Schultz
Judith Dominguez
Sara Gumke
Simon Trautmann
Guests: John Woods, Director, New Perspectives Behavioral Health Systems
Ray Evans, Clinical Supervisor, New Perspectives Behavioral Health Systems
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Mark Westergaard at 6:32P.M.
2. Agenda approved. Motion Wright/Second Gumke.
3. Approved Amended May 2016 minutes (Correct numbering of RHRC's RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF OUR MUSLIM SISTERS
AND BROTHERS, should be Resolution 2016-2). Motion Eng /Second Trautmann.
4. Open Public Comment
None.
5. Guest Speakers: John Woods and Ray Evans, New Perspectives Behavioral Health Systems
Mr. Woods spoke to the commissioners about the numerous programs available at New Perspectives - Culturally Specific
Program, Multicultural Program, Outpatient Treatment with lodging, Mental Health Services, DWI Classes, Job Readiness,
Life and Job Skills. Mr. Wood also spoke about New Perspectives Opiate two week program and issues of withdrawal.
Transportation for clients is also provided.
6. Reports
a. Chair's Report
Congratulations to Judith, Richfield High School Class of 2016!!!
RHRC is planning to partner with Richfield's Joint Community Police Partnership to provide a Tenants Rights
workshop.
Islam 101 went well with 34-40 people attending the session. Good questions, good speakers, timed -well, and
the location was good.
Next year's Naturalization Ceremony, sponsored by RHRC, will be at the Richfield High School on February 21,
2017. We will be planning for about 200 prospective citizens. RHS will have some of their classes attending.
We also hope to have the RHS choir participate (Swopnil may be able to help us with this).
b. Treasurer's Report
RHRC account balance is $160.77 (Checking $134.02 and Savings 26.75).
Continuing difficulties regarding RHRC's bank account with the Richfield Bloomington Credit Union. Issue will
need to be resolved.
c. Secretary's Report
- No report under Secretary's Report as items will be discussed under Unfinished Business.
d. Vice Chair's Report
No report under Vice Chair's Report as items will be discussed under Unfinished Business.
e. Liaison Reports
City Council: No Report
School Board: No report
City Liaison: Mike reports that a room has been reserved for the Outstanding Citizen reception to be held on
June 28, 2016 prior to the City Council meeting and the cake had been ordered. The City will also handle
payment for RHRC's Fourth of July registration via invoice.
7. Unfinished Business
a. There will be a 6:OOpm reception on June 28th for our Citizen of the Year at City Hall, followed by the presentation of
Citizen of the Year to the City Council (Mark will introduce). Mark will also present RHRC's Annual Report to the
Council. Debbie will notify Andrew Wig, Richfield Sun Current, regarding reception and presentation of Citizen of the
Year.
b. 4th of July Parade Update - Debbie has sent an email to the Richfield's Fourth of July Committee's as the registration
process does not allow us to register prior to providing personal financial information. She is waiting to hear from them
as how to proceed. The City will be handing the registration cost via invoice. The sub -committee will be meeting to
handle details for the parade. It is recommended that we request to be located by Urban Refuge and the City Council.
c. Update on commissions recruiting team — Jeff met with Pam Dmytrenko regarding a fillable on-line application (it
cannot currently be saved). Applications and appointment process will be 2 times per year. Sara reports that Paula has
translated the recruitment flyer so that information can be presented in both English and Spanish. This information
could be printed on a card to be handed out at the parade with candy attached.
d. July and August RHRC meetings have been rescheduled for July 11th (Monday) and August 16th (Tuesday).
e. Penn Fest — Penn Fest will be held on September 18, 2016. Sara will chair a sub -committee regarding RHRC's
participation in this event. Mark, Logan, Debbie, Swopnil, and Jeff (?) have volunteered to help.
f. Holocaust Survivor Event — To be reconsidered....possibly next April?
g. Trafficking Event — To be held at the Richfield High School late fall (in-between fall /winter sports).
8. New/Future Business (items tabled from May meeting)
a. Ben Sandin from House of Prayer may be July's guest speaker - not yet confirmed
b. Guest Speakers for October 4 meeting tentatively Senta Leff, Executive Director of the Minnesota Coalition for the
Homeless and Dan Kitzberger, Policy Director at the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless. Dan is also on the Richfield
Planning Commission.
c. Possible guest speaker for a future meeting: Leah Marks with University of Minnesota Human Rights Library
9. Open Forum and Announcements
None
10. Next meeting is August 16, 2016
11. Motion for Adjournment. Motion Wright/Second Gumke. Meeting adjourned at 8:14.
Minutes Submitted by:
Debbie Eng
Secretary