07-25-2017 HRC Agenda PacketAGENDA
Human Rights Commission
City of Golden Valley
7800 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN 55427
JULY 25, 2017
6:30 pm
Council Conference Room
I. Call to Order
II. Introductions
III. Approval of Agenda
IV. Approval of June 27, 2017 Meeting Minutes
V. Old Business
A. ACLU Discussion
B. Request to Co-sponsor PTSD Event
C. Comprehensive Plan Recommendation
VI. New Business
VII. Adjourn
Human Rights Commission June 27, 2017
Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 3
MINUTES
Human Rights Commission (HRC)
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, Minnesota 55427
Council Conference Room
June 27, 2017
Commissioners present:Jonathan Burris, Co-Chair
Gloria Peck
Kyle Pettersen-Scott
Maurice Harris
Commissioners absent:Adam Buttress, Co-Chair
Teresa Martin
Staff:Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director
The meeting was convened at 6:35 pm by Co-Chair Burris. Reported absence of two
commissioners.
Introductions
Commissioners, including new Commissioner Harris, and Staff introduced themselves. Guest
Citizen introduced herself as Kathy Vaaler.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Petersen-Scott motioned to change the order of Old Business items on the agenda
from A, B, C, to C, B, A.
APPROVAL OF May 23, 2017 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Motion by Commissioner Burris to approve minutes with updated reflect correct date. Second
Petersen-Scott.
OLD BUSINESS
2017 Pride Festival Update
Peck gave a brief recap of the festival. Burris shared some details about the festival. Staff
Santelices offered to share a link of photos from the festival. Burris shared the City Pages article on
the Pride festival.
Comprehensive Plan
Petersen-Scott requested further instructions on responsibilities with the Comprehensive Plan.
Burris confirmed statement by City Manager that HRC can provide feedback and make a statement
on the Comprehensive Plan by the end of the year. Commissioners all agreed not prepared to do
so today. Peck recommended that Commissioners to review comprehensive plan, found on the City
website. Burris agreed, and postponed conversation to following meeting.
ACLU Model State and Local Law Enforcement Policies and Rules
Burris stated at the May HRC meeting there was a presentation from the Golden Valley Police Chief
in response to the proposed ACLU policies. Petersen-Scott stated the HRC is being requested to
Human Rights Commission June 27, 2017
Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 3
review the topic and make a recommendation to the City Council at the August Council/Manager
meeting. Sturgis emailed the Police Policy Manual and Impartial Policing Policy to Commissioners
for review. Peck stated most relevant Police policy is Impartial Policing policy.
Citizen Vaaler requested to speak, granted permission by Co-Chair Burris. Vaaler provided history
of discussion for Commissioner Harris, including People Power request for the City to adopt nine
ACLU policies. Vaaler stated Impartial Policing was “right on, for some of the things,” but would like
to see cities adopt nine model policies on immigration, specifically cooperation with ICE. Would like
to limit the police departments’ ability to cooperate with ICE. Vaaler gave an example of ICE
request for local department to detain someone without a judicial warrant. Co-Chair Burris stated
current police policies negate that ability.
Vaaler shared comments from individual meeting with City Manager and Police Chief and reiterated
concern that current policies do not reflect requirement of judicial warrant. Vaaler continued to
share opinion of advocacy group. Burris agreed that Vaaler should speak on August 8
th at the
Council/Manager meeting.
Burris stated August 8
th meeting was open for commissioners, and encouraged to attend. Burris
shared the brief history of the HRC, and the recent changes within the administration. Proposed all
members to be in attendance. Petersen-Scott recommended all Commissioners read through the
nine policies and compare to the policing policy. Burris seconded
Santelices stated intention of representing HRC at the Aug 8 meeting with recommendation (if any)
from HRC.
Vaaler stated policies one and two are the most important, and others are not as important,
including number six.
Santelices shared recommendation of HRC education and outreach, including opportunities for
citizens to understand what our police do.
Petersen-Scott asked Vaaler if other cities have adopted any of the nine policies. Vaaler responded
“no.” Petersen-Scott requested to know this information to help make a decision. Burris stated that
in the past the HRC has set up forums for community conversations. Burris further stated that the
HRC mission is to enlighten, not to necessarily recommend actions/policy changes.
Santelices shared intention for City to take part in ongoing Respect in the Workplace, and
Unconscious Bias trainings – and continue having these trainings through the Police department.
Vaaler stated that she has faith in Chief Sturgis and his leadership.
The HRC will continue the discussion at the July HRC meeting.
Per Petersen-Scott’s request Commissioner Harris shared experiences as a Commissioner in
Columbia, OH, including advising and giving recommendations on policies.
Commission Officers
Burris moved to electing the officers, to which Petersen-Scott requested the guidelines on this
process. Burris explained previous process, and referenced By-Laws. Burris motioned for recess to
examine by-laws. Motion carried 4-0.
Terms of office reviewed in By-Laws. Peck nominated Petersen-Scott for Chair. Petersen-Scott
accepted nomination. Motion carried 4-0. Burris nominated Commissioner Harris for Vice Chair.
Harris accepted. Motion carried 4-0.
Human Rights Commission June 27, 2017
Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 3
Co-Sponsor PTSD Event
Peck shared request of Crystal/New Hope League of Women Voters to co-sponsor a program on
post-traumatic stress disorder, showing the film “Buried above Ground,” with discussion after.
Request HRC to distribute materials, no need to contribute funds. Petersen-Scott asked if anyone
had seen the film, and requested to view the film prior to answering the request. Petersen-Scott and
Harris committed to watching the film and reporting back.
The HRC will continue the conversation at the July HRC meeting.
OLD BUSINESS
July Agenda Topics
Comprehensive Plan Discussion
ACLU
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Event
ADJOURN
Motion by Commissioner Petersen-Scott, second by Commissioner Harris to adjourn the
meeting at 8:00 pm. Motion carried 4-0.
_______________________________
Jonathan Burris, Co-Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Judy Nally, Administrative Assistant
Approved by HRC: June 27, 2017