03-10-2016Members Present:
Guests:
Richfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
March 10, 2016
Mark Westergaard
Debbie Eng
Simon Trautmann
Jeff Wright Sara Gumke
Kirsten Klosinski Logan Schultz
Swopnil Shrestha Judith Dominguez
Mike Howard — City Council Liaison
Mike Koob — Richfield Staff Liaison
Michelle Garnett McKenzie — Advocates for Human Rights
Taylor Lawson — Student — University of Wisconsin -Madison
Mary Mitley — Student — University of Wisconsin -Madison
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Mark Westergaard at 6:30P.M.
Chara Blanch
Ben Sunderlin
2. Amended Agenda approved — additional items added:
9d. Discussion of Ben Sandin's survey regarding perceptions of residents of the Richfield community.
3. Approved February 2016 minutes.
4. Open Public Comment. None
5. Welcome new RHRC commissioners Logan Schultz and Ben Sunderlin.
6. Guest Speaker: Michelle Garnett McKenzie, Deputy Director - The Advocates for Human Rights.
Michelle provided commissioners with information regarding immigration and refugees issues from a
local, state, national, and global level.
7. Reports
a. Chair's Report
Mark informed members that Commissioner Mike Kuehn has resigned from the Richfield
Human Rights Commission. His resignation leaves the RHRC Secretary position open. This
will be addressed under today's meeting agenda item 8a. Unfinished Business — Officer
voting.
The Naturalization Ceremony held at City Hall on February 16th was a huge success with 36
people from 18 countries becoming US citizens. It is recommended that this ceremony
become an annual RHRC event. Discussions for a 2017 event have been initiated with the
US District Court representatives.
- Mark reported that some of the offensive artwork at the Minnesota capital will be moved.
- RHRC's involvement with the "Tracks in the Snow" project will be put on hold at this time.
b. Treasurer's Report
- RHRC account balance is $160.77.
- There continues to be some difficulties regarding RHRC's bank account with the Richfield
Bloomington Credit Union. Jeff and Debbie will look into this prior to the next meeting.
Mike Koob also agreed to check into matters.
c. Secretary's Report
- No report due to resignation.
d. Vice Chair's Report
Gave some background on proposed by-laws changes. See agenda item 8c.
Asked Mike Howard about the progress on the recommendations made in RHRC's Diversity
on City Commissions July 2015 Report. See Liaison Reports.
e. Liaison Reports
City Council: Mike H. reported that the City Council recently completed an January
appointment process for Richfield's commissions/boards and that city staff are working on
an action plan which will take into account RHRC's recommendations regarding Diversity on
City Commissions. Mike also reported that the City Council passed a resolution regarding
Paid Parental Leave for eligible city employees.
City Liaison: Mike K. stated that the City Attorney would like revised commission by-laws
by mid-April.
8. Unfinished Business
a. Officer voting — Debbie resigned as RHRC Vice -Chair and was nominated as new 2016 RHRC
Secretary to fill Mike Kuehn's vacancy. Sara agreed to serve as the 2016 RHRC Vice -chair. Motion
made and seconded. Sara was elected as Vice -chair and Debbie was elected as Secretary.
b. Resolution in support of Muslims in our community — Simon asked that this item be tabled until the
April meeting.
c. Changes to the RHRC by-laws — Commission discussed City Council changes needing to be
incorporated in all Richfield commissions/boards by-laws. The electronic version sent to RHRC
commissioners was confusing and difficult to find the language. Commissioners asked if they could
receive language which tracks the changes for the April meeting. Debbie will put this together.
d. Tenants right session update - Debbie discussed doing this session in June at the Assumption
Church. She will contact the housing attorneys and church regarding a date. Logan, Ben, Kirsten
and Sara agreed to assist with this event. A sub -committee meeting will be held in the future to
begin planning.
e. Holocaust survivor event update - Chara reports that she, Debbie, and Mark will be meeting
regarding this project this coming week and will have more information available at the April
meeting.
f. Changes to the RHRC webpage — Commissioners reviewed the 2016 RHRC Calendar/Workplan and
discussed additions to the Richfield's webpage. Jeff and Mike K. will talk to city staff regarding
adding some items.
9. New Business
a. Mark reports that a speaker from the Islamic Resource Group will attend the RHRC meeting in
April.
b. Mark recommends that the RHRC organize an Islam 101 event for Richfield citizens. Commissioners
were supportive of sponsoring this type of event.
c. Outstanding Citizen Award — Commissioners discussed the upcoming process for the Jacobson
Outstanding Citizen Award. Sara has agreed to be the point person on nominations (nominations
will be sent to her). Debbie suggested using the Community Conversation Logo on the
announcement flyers. Members discussed using more social media to get the word out. Process
timeline is: Announcements in April, Selection at May RHRC meeting, City Council presentation and
reception in June, parade on July 4th
d. Survey - Debbie shared a Richfield Sun Current article from February 25th regarding Pastor Ben
Sandin at House of Prayer Lutheran Church who is leading a project that asks residents about their
perceptions of the Richfield Community. Mark will contact him regarding speaking to the RHRC
sometime in the future.
10. Open Forum and Announcements — None
11. Next meeting is April 5, 2016
12. Motion for Adjournment made and seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:05.
Minutes Submitted by:
Debbie Eng
Secretary