2020-05 minutesRichfield Human Rights Commission
Monthly Meeting Minutes
May 5, 2020
Members Present: Brett Stursa, Katie Goodemote, Heather Eastlund, Carrie Chillman,
Michele Thompson, Kris Anderson, Todd Diede, Mara Glubka
Public Safety Liaison: Mike Flaherty
City Council Liaison: Mary Supple
School Board Liaison: none
Note: meeting held via WebEx
1. Meeting called to order by Chair Brett Stursa at 6:36pm.
2. Motion to approve Agenda: Thompson/seconded Eastlund, motion carried.
3. Motion to approve March Minutes (April Meeting was canceled due to COVID-19
Pandemic): Thompson/seconded Glubka, motion carried.
4. Open Public comment: None
5. Reports:
a. Chair’s report: MN has launched a Community Resiliency and Recovery
Workgroup in response to COVID-19. MN HRC head is chairing it. State has also
set up a discrimination helpline to assist the Asian-American community who
may be experiencing discrimination.
b. Vice Chair’s report: None
c. Secretary’s report: None
d. School Board Liaison report: None
e. City Council Liaison report: Trust fund has been set up to provide rental
assistance for Richfield residents that will be administered by VEAP. Initially,
$30,000 has been appropriated, but more may be needed. Economic
Development Authority has set up a program for small businesses in Richfield
that were unable to secure assistance from Federal programs.
f. Public Safety Liaison report: Thanks to council member Supple for
acknowledging the work the police department is doing. The department is well-
stocked with PPE to protect its officers.
6. New Business
a. LGBTQIA proclamation: Glubka suggested a change in wording. Thompson
moved to approve with the change, Glubka seconded, motion carried. Stursa
asked whether a member of the HRC could virtually attend the council meeting at
which the proclamation would be approved. Council member Supple suggested
checking with city staff. Stursa will follow up.
b. Update on racial covenants series: Unfortunately, events have been postponed
indefinitely due to COVID-19. There is still interest in holding the events at some
point.
c. Regroup on Outstanding Citizen Award: One nomination has been received to
date. Stursa asked whether the HRC wanted to extend the submission deadline
or cancel the award this year. Anderson suggested extending the deadline until
September or October. Thompson suggested canceling the award this year and
returning to it in 2021. Eastlund also suggested canceling for 2020. Deputy Chief
Flaherty agreed. Motion to cancel the award for 2020 made by
Thompson/seconded by Chillman, motion carried. Susie Kalmi will contact the
submitter of the nomination and let them know the award will not be given in
2020 but will return in 2021.
d. Update work plan:
Census: No information received from the city recently regarding census efforts.
Council member Supple will check on city’s revised census plan.
Housing committee: plans on hold due to COVID-19. May need to look for a
different use for the Richfield Foundation grant.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration: No plans to cancel yet, but if it does not
happen in 2020, will plan for 2021.
Naturalization ceremony: no plans yet.
Proclamations: will continue as previously planned.
Penn Fest: still scheduled to take place as of now.
Partnerships: work is still proceeding. This may be an area that can expand as
other portions of the work plan consume less time and resources.
Stursa suggested that the work plan could be amended given the current
circumstances.
e. Annual report: Deputy Chief Flaherty will check on when the report is due to be
presented to the city council.
7. Unfinished Business
a. Census: updated given previously.
b. Partnerships: updated given previously.
c. Housing committee: updated given previously.
8. Announcements/Open Forum: Thompson mentioned that Hennepin County Library has
begun an alphabet scavenger hunt via their Facebook page.
Council member Supple mentioned that the Richfield Foundation is offering grants to
local businesses and non-profits that are impacted by COVID-19.
9. Adjourn, next meeting June 2, 2020 (likely via WebEx)
10. Motion for adjournment: Thompson/Glubka seconded, motion carried. Meeting
adjourned at 7:39 pm.
Submitted by Todd Diede 5/8/2020