Laserfiche WebLink
Regular City Council Meeting <br /> Monday,August 13, 2012 <br /> Page 12 <br /> resentatives on a personal level, specifically from his work with them as a former <br /> resident and HRC Commissioner in Falcon Heights, it took time to build those rela- <br /> tionships over a period of three (3) to five (5) years, and was in the Roseville <br /> HRC's plans. <br /> Chair Grefenberg admitted that the HRC realized that they hadn't done enough; <br /> however, he noted that the HRC had limited staff support, as well as limited per- <br /> sonal time and energy to accomplish everything. Chair Grefenberg noted that, once <br /> elections were over, their focus could be adjusted to those other areas brought for- <br /> ward. <br /> Member Doneen noted that, while the HRC may have program parameters, part of <br /> the civic engagement process was to encourage participation among the community <br /> and encourage conversations without the support or prompting of the HRC as an <br /> organization. <br /> Mayor Roe noted that the youth commissioners were taking a step in the right direc- <br /> tion, and provided a great starting point. <br /> Councilmember McGehee suggested interest groups partnering with leaders of <br /> these ethnic groups with the City through hosting celebrations to celebrate and <br /> showcase their diversity. Councilmember McGehee opined that the HRC could <br /> serve as the initial contact to find leaders, with the City then participating and/or fa- <br /> cilitating such celebrations and making funding and resources available to them. <br /> Councilmember Willmus noted that this topic was briefly touched upon at the joint <br /> School District No. 623/City Council meeting. <br /> Member Thao noted that this had been spoken of previously,but had yet to happen. <br /> Chair Grefenberg noted the need for the HRC to prioritize its focus points; and <br /> spoke in support of the HRC laying the groundwork with organization being up to <br /> the City or HRA. As an example, Chair Grefenberg suggested that the City Council <br /> or HRC hold a regular meeting at another site (e.g. Sienna Green Apartments) to <br /> encourage more interaction and involvement. As part of that consideration, Chair <br /> Grefenberg noted that Vice Chair Singleton had begun the process of reviewing the <br /> HRC's by-laws and requirements of the body in compliance with City Ordinance, <br /> as well as addressing open meeting laws. <br /> Vice Chair Singleton noted that the current HRC by-laws, without revision since <br /> 1985, were found to be vague; and not in line with the current and increased charge <br /> by the City Council to the HRC. Vice Chair Singleton noted that, due to the Com- <br /> mission's work load, it had been operating under a committee structure, with the <br /> full HRC referring other matters to committees for advice and review, and serving <br /> as an executive committee, as a standing or operations committee. Vice Chair Sin- <br />