02-11-20 Rising TIDES Minutes
Rising TIDES Task Force
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 5:21 pm by Chair Allen.
Roll Call
Members present: Joelle Allen, Ajani Woodson, Ruth Paradise, Melissa Johnson, and Amber
Alexander
Members absent: Brad Taylor-White, Sam Powers, and Sheri Hixon
Staff present: Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director
Approval of Agenda
MOTION by Member Paradise to approve the agenda. Seconded by Member Woodson.
Motion carried 5-0.
Approval of Minutes
MOTION by Member Paradise to approve the January 14, 2020 meeting minutes. Seconded
by Member Alexander. Motion carried 5-0.
Announcements
Staff Member Santelices updated the task force that the three openings may be filled very soon, as
the Council is scheduled for interviews on February 11 and 18 to fill the spots. Santelices also shared
an opportunity for the Task Force to participate in a survey created by the City’s HRA consultant. This
survey gives the members an opportunity to provide feedback on the strategic housing priorities for
the next 10-15 years. Staff will send the survey to the members directly.
Staff Santelices presented the task force with a sweet potato pie on behalf of Hennepin County
Commissioner Irene Fernando and her group members at the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie event on
January 19, 2020.
The Task Force then discussed the election of a Vice Chair. Member Alexander shared interest.
Member Johnson nominated Member Alexander, seconded by Member Paradise. No other
nominations, unanimous vote.
Open Forum Planning
The group discussed ways to get more people involved in the work of the task force, including letting
people know that they can get involved as much or as little as they wish, and do not need to make a
full commitment in order to give their feedback or input. Discussed including language on materials
like the agenda that says “all are welcome to attend.”
January 14, 2020 – 5:15 pm
Council Conference Room
Golden Valley City Hall
7800 Golden Valley Road
MEETING MINUTES – Rising TIDES Task Force
February 11, 2020
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The task force also discussed the traditional set-up of meetings and how interactions with the public
take place at meetings. Member Paradise suggested that the task force consider changing the
meeting format to give 10 minutes of each meeting to the public for an open forum. Members
agreed to continue balancing existing protocols with examining opportunities for new protocols.
The task force discussed the topics of the upcoming open forum and the format of the event. Chair
Allen recommended some way to update the community on the status of the task force’s work since
the last open forum. Vice Chair Alexander suggested creating a handout that addresses some of the
parking lot issues that were not addressed at the last open forum. Chair Allen asked the group if
there were other ways to be more engaging during the open forum. Suggestions included: using large
post-it notes; having the task force members as facilitators rather than participants; asking each table
to focus on different topics, then report out; providing the public a list of questions rather than the
suggestions that the task force has already prepared; allowing the public to self-select the topics they
feel more passionate about; hosting a parking lot again.
Staff Santelices asked if the group would like to conduct an online survey, and if so, what would they
like to include? Additionally, Santelices asked if the group would like to livestream the event. The
group discussed ways to include more people like livestreaming, Web Ex, etc. The group agreed that
this may eliminate some barriers to participation, but it is important to maintain strong facilitation so
that the individuals who are not physically in attendance can still fully participate. Vice Chair
Alexander volunteered to research and determine, with the subcommittee) the best option for the
open forum. Staff will put Vice Chair Alexander in touch with the communications team. Chair Allen
stated that surveys are a good way to allow participation for those who are not comfortable sharing
verbally.
Member Paradise shared an editorial from a newspaper about how people navigate tough
conversations on equity. The group agreed that this appeared to be a 201 forum opportunity, to
include building shared acumen. Chair Allen will also add to the presentation on Mar 11 a slide on the
role and responsibilities of Council, the Task Force, and community members in this important work.
Topic Discussion: Ensuring Equity in City Programming, Services, and Facilities
Members Paradise and Johnson recapped some of the topic conversation from the January meeting,
including a focus on the limited affordable and accessible community facilities. Member Alexander asked
if there were grants the City could apply for to pay for increased access of facilities. The group also
intends to discuss catering options and the use of preferred caterers at Brookview. The topic will be
discussed again at the March meeting.
Adjournment
MOTION by Member Johnson. Seconded by Member Paradise. Meeting adjourned at
6:16 pm.
MEETING MINUTES – Rising TIDES Task Force
February 11, 2020
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_______________________________
Joelle Allen, Chair
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Kirsten Santelices, Human Resources Director