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Home and Garden Fair Commissioner Wagner reported that he staffed the Human Rights Commission booth at the Home and Garden Fair. The booth was in the west side of th.e building away &om the exhibitors sa did not see a lot of foot traffic. He also raised the question about whether fairgoers are interested in learning about Hutnan Rights issues. The Commission will review whether it is worth our time to participate in next year's fair. HRC Procedures to Respond to Complaints Caralyn Curti distributed a letter from City Attomey Jay Squires that responded to the Commission's request for information about procedures that police foltow when someone files a complaint. Commissioner Delmore asked for clarification about state statute and City Codes. Commissioner Steve Smith explained that statutes pertaining to Human Rights Commissions are pennissive language giving a city the option to do certain things, but it is up to the City Council to direct the Commission to take specific actions. That direction is spelled out in the City Code. The Commission can propose changes to the City Council if the Commission wants to amend the Humai� Rights Comrnission's charge. Commissioner De�more asked for further explanation for minutes from June 2001 in which the City Attorney said that the Commission should not apologize for an incident due to liability concerns. Commissioner Smith also explained that there is a difference between apologizing for a bias incident and apalogizing for what the City has done. The Commission is a part of the City and an apology may be perceived as an admission of guilt which may prevent the City andlor victim from receiving a fair hearing. Chair McKenzie gave examples about how the Commission responded when human rights viotations allegations were filed in the past. Commissioners discussed the Bias Hate Crime Response Plan. Some Corximissioners felt that it needs to be updated. Carolyn Curti will send the document to Commissioners ta review and update, if needed. Carolyn Curti discussed the Minnesota Department of Human Rights report of the types of complaints filed in Roseville in 2Q02 and 2003. The majority of complaints were in the area of employment. Curti suggested that the Commission may want to revisit the issue of working with businesses to understand Human Rights Act. Councrl, Department Head, Commission Chair Meeting Chair McKenzie said she attended a goal selting meeting with Council members, Department Heads and Commission Chairs. Some of the issues of interest to the Cornrnission included getting people of color to purchase homes in the community and meeting needs for a diverse population. She said the group also discussed perrnanent ways to address the budget reduction. Adjournment Phil Crump moved and Mark Chapin seconded the motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned af 5:10 p.m. 2