09-10-19 Rising TIDES Minutes7800 Golden Valley Road I Golden Valley, MN 55427 city 0
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Rising TIDES Task Force
September 10, 2019 — 5:15 pm
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:22 pm by Vice Chair Harris.
Roll Call
Members present: Joelle Allen, Sheri Hixon, Ajani Woodson, Ruth Paradise, and Maurice Harris
Members absent: Sam Powers, Melissa Johnson, and Amber Alexander
Staff present: Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director and Jason Sturgis, Chief of
Police
Guests: Stephanie Steinwedel, Hennepin County Library
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Member Paradise to approve agenda. Seconded by Member Woodson. Motion
carried 5-0.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Member Paradise to approve the August 13, 2019 regular meeting minutes as
submitted. Seconded by Member Woodson. Motion carried 5-0.
Recommendations: Increasing Diversity and Inclusion on Boards, Commissions, and Advisory Groups
Vice Chair Harris presented the written recommendations, most of which were recommended as steps
to consider implementing immediately. Santelices shared that some of the items required considerations
that would make them less immediate. Including, bringing laptops to events, and translating all of the
board and commission documents into different languages. Member Paradise recommended adding
"review advertisements' prior to posting openings. Chair Allen stated that the Task Force can refer to
the recommendations made about "communicating equity with the community."
MOTION by Member Woodson to approve the draft recommendations with minor
amendments. Seconded by Member Paradise. Motion carried 5-0.
New Topic: Community Outreach and Education Initiatives
Staff gave an overview of the topic and reviewed the City's current programs and initiatives, as well as
the communication efforts.
Member Paradise shared that a few individuals from the City visited the Equity Innovation Center and
discussed opportunities to build relationships and trust with community members. Member Paradise
also stated that a lot of community programs appear to be "top-down" and it would be nice to see more
"grass roots efforts." Chair Allen stated that the open forum may provide more insight. The events that
the City offers may meet the needs of the community, but communication efforts may need to be
altered so that these communities feel that these efforts were designed with them in mind. For example,
the City should ensure that topics of safety aren't only tailored to or shared with communities of color.
MEETING MINUTES — Rising TIDES Task Force 2
September 10, 2019
Member Paradise shared that a program like "Concerts in the Parks" appear to only bring in "white
people" and the City should consider looking at alternative programs.
Chief Sturgis was asked to share an opinion on the topic. Chief shared that the City uses community
outreach as education opportunities because the public safety department believes that if people
understand what the City does, they can build stronger relationships with people in every community.
The City also works to be organic with messaging, using current events including crime statistics as to
develop messages. Chief shared that sometimes this can make people uncomfortable, but the
department continues to look for ways to improve and consider other opportunities. Often, advertising
on-site is successful.
Member Paradise shared that the neighborhoods used to be more welcoming, and that the City would
bring a welcome package. The Task Force discussed opportunities to re -introduce this for new
homeowners and renters.
The Task Force discussed other opportunities for programming and events to engage diverse
communities. Vice Chair Harris shared some of the programs and events that the Human Rights
Commission has promoted. Member Paradise shared that there are many more education initiatives that
are important within the city, including tenant -landlord responsibilities and protections, and helpful
information for new residents who are immigrants. Vice Chair Harris brought up a recent discussion topic
at an HRC meeting on Racially Restrictive Covenants. Guest, Stephanie Steinwedel from the Hennepin
County Library shared that the library is interested in partnering with the City on this topic.
Santelices referenced the community gathering opportunities that member Paradise shared earlier as a
result of the visit to the Equity Innovation Center, and asked the Task Force if these efforts should be led
by the City or more grassroots. The Task Force agreed that the open forum is a start and that beginning
at the City level is great, as it shows that the City is interested in lifting up the community and giving all
members a voice. The group agreed that the Task Force should start planning and advertising for the
open forum on October 23, 2019. A subcommittee was formed. Subcommittee members include:
Member Hixon and Chair Allen. Santelices will email the remaining members to gauge interest.
Member Paradise suggested reviewing the Rising TIDES brochure at a future meeting.
Adjournment
MOTION to adjourn by Member Woodson, seconded by Member Paradise. Motion
Carried. Meeting adjourned at 6:16 pm.
//V
Maurice Harris, Vice Chair
A -
Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director