2012-05-10_HRC_minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Human Rights Commission Special Meeting Minutes May 10, 2012 Commissioners Present: Jill Brisbois, Kristin Doneen, Chair Gary Grefenberg, Wayne Groff, Vice Chair David Singleton, Kaying Thao (arrived at 7:OOpm) Youth Commissioners: Marie Siliciano, Joan Dao Absent: Kayo Kadir (excused), Thelma McKenzie Staff: Bill Malinen Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Chair Gary Grefenberg, City Manager Bill Malinen called the roll. There being a quorum present, the Chair convened the special Commission meeting which had been advertised as a Public Forum to take public testimony on the proposed constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriages in Minnesota, and whether the Human Rights Commission should take a position against this ballot initiative. Approve Agenda Commissioner David Singleton moved and Commissioner Jill Brisbois seconded motion to approve the agenda. Motion passed unanimously. Explanation of Purpose, Procedures, & Rules Chair Gary Grefenberg relinquished the Chair to Vice -Chair David Singleton and proceeded to the speaker's podium to review the Forum's purpose, procedures, and format. He referenced an information sheet available at the room's entrance and encouraged the audience to review this listing of the Forum's rules and procedure. Using an overhead projector Grefenberg reviewed the Forum's purpose and rules. He also noted that the Commission would accept additional written comments up to 2:00 pm on May 16, the date of the Commission's regular meeting at which it would consider taking a public position on the marriage amendment. Chair Grefenberg reviewed the language of the constitutional amendment as it would appear on the November ballot, and explained the impact of a yes or a no vote. A copy of the ballot language and explanation of the impact of a Yes or No vote impact was also available for the audience, he added. Questions &Clarifications as to Format from Commissioners and the Public With the permission of the presiding chair, Grefenberg asked if there were any questions from the Commission. There were none.