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Human Rights Commission Valley
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES December 17,201renceRpm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 6:56 pm by Chair Mitchell.
Roll Call
Commissioners present: Maurice Harris, Chris Mitchell, Teresa Martin, Jonathan Burris, Carrie Yeager,
Leah Persky, Kyle Scott, Destiny Nathan, and Eve Clarkson
Staff present: Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director/Staff Liaison
Commission took moment to recognize and thank Commissioner Harris for his service on the commission
and congratulations on his election to the City Council. Staff Santelices shared a few administrative
updates.
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Commissioner Burris to reorder new business items, switching A. Land
Acknowledgement Discussion and item B. Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights,
seconded by Commissioner Martin. Approved 9-0.
MOTION by Commissioner Harris to approve amended agenda, seconded by Commissioner
Burris. Approved 9-0.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Commissioner Burris to approve November 26, 2019 meeting minutes as
submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Scott. Motion Carried 9-0.
MLK Literary Contest
Staff shared that there have not been any submissions yet. Commission discussed reposting the contest
details with their networks and reminding everyone of the deadline. The Commission also discussed
whether or not to lower the age requirement on the contest and/or build a strong relationship with a
specific school. The Commission agreed to consider both items for next year. Staff will send the rubric to
the judges after January 3, and the Chair of the subcommittee will contact the winner. Commissioner
Martin shared that if there isn't a contest winner there may be more time for the Commission to conduct
a presentation at the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie event on Sunday, January 19.
Impact of Climate Change on Human Rights
Commissioner Persky shared with the Commission some information on the cities of St. Paul and
Minneapolis who received grants for their work on climate change and joining the initiatives set forth by
Mayor Bloomberg. The Commission discussed the types of work that the City can do to support these
efforts. Commissioner Persky shared some specific ideas, including initiatives to lower gas emissions,
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City of Golden Valley Human Rights Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Dec 17, 2019 — 6:30 pm
introducing community gardens, etc. The Commission discussed ideas like partnering with the
Environmental Commission or Spirt of Hope Church who have started work on climate justice.
Staff shared with the Commission a discussion with the City's Environmental Resources Supervisor about
the work of the Environmental Commission, specifically related to the Resiliency and Sustainability
chapter of the 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Staff will share the link to that chapter with the Commission.
The group shared their interest in learning about the work the Environmental Commission is doing, and
the possibility of co -sponsoring an educational event or program. The Commission asked how the City
will decide to spend the funds that the City Council budgeted for environmental initiatives. Staff will find
out more and report back to the Commission.
The Commission continued to discuss opportunities like hosting events, inviting speakers, working with
schools, etc. Other ideas included exploring the impact of climate change on transportation, working
with the University of Minnesota, particularly Mark Seely and Ken Blumenfeld, using photos to spread
the messages, and hosting question and answer sessions.
The Commission discussed next steps, including reaching out to the Environmental Commission.
MOTION by Commissioner Burris to ask the City's Environmental Resources Supervisor to
attend the next HRC meeting and share with the Commission. Seconded by Commissioner
Harris with the amendment to include a member of the Commission. Motion Carried 9-0.
Staff will also add this topic to the 2020 Work Plan discussion in January.
The Commission also discussed briefly the 2020 Work Plan and staff suggested that the Commissioners
email any ideas Wednesday prior to the January meeting.
Land Acknowledgement
Commissioner Martin shared background on the topic of Land Acknowledgement, which is done to
recognize the Native persons who were here first. Commissioner Martin asked if the Commission is
interested in looking into this further. The Commission asked about the details of a land
acknowledgement. Commissioner Martin shared that she reached out to a Tribal Historical Preservation
Officer for the Lower Sioux, Cheyanne St. John, who advised that the Commission approach this topic
cautiously. Staff will add "Research Land Acknowledgement" to the work plan.
Adjourn
MOTION by Commissioner Scott to adjourn at 8:00 pm. Motion carried by unanimous
consent. /J /, 4,
Chris Mitchell, Chair
J I>
Kirs n Santelices, Staff Liaison