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Roseville Human Rights Commission <br />August 15, 2012 <br />Page 2 of 6 <br />Chair Grefenberg reviewed information provided by the League of Minnesota Cities, which said <br />that cities can adopt resolutions in support or opposition to a constitutional amendment; could, in <br />certain circumstances, expend public funds to support or oppose a constitutional amendment; city <br />officials can orally advocate for or against passage of an amendment; and provide factual <br />infotmation regarding the potential impact an amendment may have on residents. <br />Commissioners discussed what constituted an expenditure of public funds, including providing <br />meeting space or sending emails to lists that the HRC has accumulated over the years. <br />Commissioners asked staff to review what types of support the HRC could give to Minnesota <br />United. <br />Dan Johnson-Powers introduced himself. He is a Roseville resident and thanked the HRC for their <br />work. He was glad the HRC asked whether the question whether this is a human rights issue. <br />Carole Rust introduced herself She is a Roseville resident who raised three children, one who is <br />bisexual. She said opposing the amendment is the right thing to do for all residents, and encouraged <br />the city council to take a vote. She said her church located in Roseville joined the coalition opposed <br />the proposed constitutional amendment. <br />David Gottfried then spoke, saying that he had grown up in Roseville. He said the HRC is doing the <br />right thing, and the City needs to have the conversation about this topic. <br />Chair Grefenberg said the Council would receive the HRC resolution at its August 27 meeting. He <br />urged everyone to attend the meeting. <br />Mr. Delventhal said that Minnesota United is a non-profit. They host approximately five events <br />every week and are looking for volunteers to help. <br />Commissioner Marie Siliciano said the youth group discussed the topic and several are <br />volunteering. <br />Mr. Delventhal encouraged anyone to call him directly at 651-447-0519 if they wanted to get <br />involved. Youth under 18 would need a signed parental consent form to volunteer. <br />Attendees agreed to help by promoting each other's events and keeping lines of communication <br />open. <br />Commissioner Thao asked what Minnesota United was doing to reach the Asian American <br />community and other people of color. Mr. Delventhal said he was not specifically addressing this <br />group but other organizers were directing efforts to reach communities of color. <br />Commissioners discussed how much the HRC could do to support efforts to defeat the proposed <br />constitutional amendment. <br />Chair's Report <br />