09-06-2016Richfield Human Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes - September 6, 2016
Present - Mark, Jeff, Swopnil, Will, Michael Howard, Sara, Kristen, Chara, Simon
Guests - 4 guests (misplaced sign -in sheet, unable to capture all names)
6:32 - approval of agenda and previous minutes
6:34
Grace broguggie - +3 associates (need names entered into record)
• Presented on Convention on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
(CEDAW) and asked for the city of Richfield to consider adoption as Minneapolis, St.
Paul, and Edina have.
o Adopted in 1979 by the U.N. it has 30 articles that define discrimination against
women and specific ways to ensure women are not discriminated against.
6:46 -
Saciido Shaie - Cofounder - Ooma Project
• Discussed her history as an immigrant and some of the challenges she faced and her
community continues to face as a Somali immigrant - language barriers, job
opportunities, Somali kids in jail missing basic human rights... These are just a few items
that the Ooma project is working on to improve the twin cities community for Somali
youths
• The ooma project is focused on creating a new recreation center in the Twin Cities. It
has been planned and scoped but is looking for a site - including in Richfield.
7:22 -
Chairs report - Mark Westergaard
• Described a forming partnership with Hennepin County Libraries - Jackie Tessman
• Future events may be
o book readings with authors
o read-a-thons
o Read -a -book see -a -movie
• He has obtained a list of churches from the MN Council of Churches in our area that we
might be able to reach out to to inquire about future partnerships for events
Treasurers report - Jeff Wright
• Have a small amount of money in bank account but can't access it to spend
• Mike Howard will follow up with Pam to find out how we access
Vice President - Sara Gumke
• No report (see below)
7:34
City Council Liason - Michael Howard
• City council is looking into establishing HRA or economic development authority
7:38
Black lives matter resolution - Chara Blanch, Jeff Wright
• The draft resolution was read and tabled
o Discussed concerns with moving forward and how to help ensure passage by the
city council.
• Requested that the committee schedule a follow-up meeting with Mike Koob to review
and discuss what the police are doing to address areas of concern.
8:02
Penn fest - Sara Gumke
• September 18, 2016; 11am-4:30pm.
• The city has reserved space for booths to represent all city commissions in one space.
We'II be paired with Arts, Transportation, and Health.
o We are planning on distributing a flyer advertising recruitment for commissions.
• She is following up with group members via email
8:12 motion to adjourn