2011_10_11_HRC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Chair Singleton asked three times for nominations for chair. Commissioner Brisbois nominated Gary Grefenberg. Commissioner McKenzie nominated Thelma McKenzie. Nominations were closed. One vote for Thelma McKenzie (McKenzie). Five votes for Gary Grefenberg (Brisbois, Doneen, Grefenberg, Groff, Thao). Commissioner Grefenberg was declared the chair- elect. Chair Singleton asked three times for nominations for vice chair. Commissioner Doneen nominated David Singleton. Commissioners Groff and McKenzie declined the nomination. Nominations were closed. Four votes for Singleton (Doneen, Grefenberg, Groff, Singleton). Chair Singleton was declared vice chair- elect. Staff Report Carolyn Curti reviewed the essay contest process, noting that in previous years first place winners received $50; second place $30 and third place $20, while honorable mentions received $10. The HRC also gave participating schools a $25 gift card to Barnes and Nobles. She noted that one year the Commission gave all teachers a gift card, but the Commission found that was cumbersome to determine which teachers participated, and it was costly to give gift cards to all teachers, teacher aides or counselors who helped students. Curti said the Commission honors students in February by having the three winners read their essays at a Council meeting and inviting them and their families and teachers to a reception. Commissioners noted that the deadline for youth commissioner applications is October 14. Chair Singleton asked the Outreach Committee (Commissioners Brisbois, Groff and McKenzie) to coordinate interviews of the Youth Commission applicants. Commissioner Grefenberg also volunteered to serve on the interview committee. Commissioner McKenzie said the LMHRC is hosting a workshop on October 22 to help teach local human rights commissions how to run a essay contest. Facebook — Carolyn Curti told Commissioners that if they wanted to create a Facebook page, the commission would need to create a communications plan. Youth Commissioner Marie Siliciano said she had created a draft Facebook page. She would work with Carolyn Curti to draft a communications plan and present at the next meeting. League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions — Commissioners agreed consider the dues for membership to the LMHRC. Future Agenda Items Commissioners suggested items for the next meeting including open meetings laws, appointing youth commissioner, essay contest prizes, constitutional amendments on same sex marriage and requiring photo IDs to vote.