02-06-2018Richfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
February 6th, 2018
Members Present: Mark Westergaard, Debbie Eng, Carrie Chillman, Brett Stursa, Cathy
Stephens, Heather Eastland, Husniyah Dent Bradley, Will Ruckel, Grace Verbrugge.
Mike Koob - Public Safety Liaison
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Mark Westergaard at 6:31pm.
2. Motion to approve agenda Ruckel/seconded Verbrugge; motion carried.
3. Motion to approve 1/18 minutes Eng/seconded Verbrugge; motion carried.
4. Open Public comment: Alana from Eagan was present to observe, she is a nursing
student who is interested in learning about the RHRC.
5. Welcome New HRC Commissioners! Mark welcomed and introduced our new
members, Brett Stursa, Cathy Stephens, Heather Eastland, and Husniyah Dent Bradley.
6. Reports
a. Chair’s report: Mark discussed the HRC Mission and how meetings are
organized; he reminded group and encouraged attendance to the new
commissioner orientation 2/28/18 at 6:30pm.
b. Secretary’s report: Carrie announced to new members they were sent a link to
access Google Docs, Carrie will resend to those who did not get it.
c. Vice Chair’s report: Deb announced the “I am Somali” exhibit at the MIA running
thru the end of May, and the play “A Pickle” at the Sabes Jewish Community
center on 2/26/18; she passed out ACLU and “Know Your Rights” cards that she
has for events, asked Will to share on social media.
d. Liaison reports: None from Mike Koob, no other liaisons in attendance.
7. New Business
a. 2018 Planning Calendar: Mark handed out a calendar/work plan outlining the
events and activities for the year, solicited ideas, and agreed to discuss further at
the next meeting.
8. Unfinished Business
a. Genocide Awareness exhibit has been changed from tents to banners for ease of
usage and will be available August or earlier, Grace will continue to follow-up.
b. Update on Planned Parenthood partnership: Jeff was not in attendance but it is
expected that PP will come to next meeting.
c. PMAC partnership: Mark opened this up to anyone in the group to join, Carrie
volunteered and will send in application.
d. Naturalization Event: Mark gave update, no new info as everything is in place,
Debbie made a motion to request $100 for refreshments/Heather seconded,
motion carried; Carrie will contact Mike Koob for approval. Event is on 2/20 at
10:00, all are encouraged to attend.
9. Committee/Project Reports
a. Community Engagement Committee
i. Commissions demographic survey: this had been on hold to include the
new members of the commissions, Mark would like those who
volunteered to bring them to the other commissions to be filled out to do
so this month; the info will be presented by Mark at the City Council
meeting in March.
10. Reports from liaisons to other Commissions
a. Grace was not able to attend her meeting, no other liaisons were present to
make reports; agreed as a group to discuss further the role of these liaisons.
11. Announcements/Open Forum
a. Brett announced an event hosted by the Bloomington HRC, Erica Armstrong
Dunbar will discuss her book on 2/13 at the Bloomington Civic Plaza.
12. Next meeting: Tuesday, March 6th at 6:30pm.
13. Motion for adjournment, Eng/seconded Verbrugge, motion carried. Meeting adjourned
at 7:55pm.