2012-05-16_HRC_minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Human Rights Commission Special Meeting Minutes May 16, 2012 Commissioners Present: Jill Brisbois, Kristin Doneen, Chair Gary Grefenberg, Wayne Groff, Thelma McKenzie Vice Chair David Singleton Youth Commissioners: Joan Dao, Marie Siliciano Excused Absence: Kayo Kadir Absent: Kaying Thao (excused Staff: Bill Malinen and Carolyn Curti Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. Rather than calling the roll, Chair Gary Grefenberg asked commissioners and staff to introduce themselves. Public Comment There being no one present wishing to speak to the Commission on an item not on the agenda, the chair moved to the next agenda item. Approve Agenda Commissioner Wayne Groff moved and Commissioner Jill Brisbois seconded motion to approve the agenda as distributed. Motion passed unanimously. Chair's Report Chair Gary Grefenberg said the HRC's work load had been intense over the past few weeks. He expressed appreciation to the Commission and staff for their work, and summarized the Commission's involvement on the Marriage Amendment issue, beginning with the City Attorney's opinion that the Commission had the authority to take a position on the marriage amendment. (Commissioner Thelma McKenzie arrived at this time.) Chair Grefenberg reviewed the previous week's public forum, noting that about 80 people attended and 37 people gave public testimony. Thirty spoke in support of the HRC taking a position opposing the amendment. Six opposed it, and one disputed the process. He noted that of the written comments received before last week's public forum, 21 favored the HRC taking a position opposing the amendment while three opposed 4-the Commission taking a position. Chair Grefenberg reviewed each written comment received by the Commission after the public meeting concerning the proposed marriage amendment. Commissioner Kristin Doneen moved and Commissioner Groff seconded motion to accept these written comments for the record. Motion prevailed unanimously.