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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,August 12,2013 Page 16 Member Becker prepared a brief outreach presentation of the HRC's recent activi- ties and accomplishments since last meeting jointly with the City Council; and their 2013-2014 Work Plan and issues they wished to discuss with the City Coun- cil at tonight's meeting. Activities Items included the "Culture Fest" spearheaded by Youth Commissioner Joan Dao who provided a synopsis of the event in making the community more aware of di- versity with its various ethnic populations; and taking advantage of Rosefest to highlight those cultures present in Roseville. Member Becker reviewed collaborative events between the Roseville HRC and the Cities of Maplewood and Shoreview HRC's. Another highlight of the year was the New American Forums co-sponsored and co-hosted by the HRC and the Roseville Police Department. From his perspective, Chair Grefenberg stated that the Karen Forums were for him the most fulfilling programs in which he had ever participated; opining that those doing the most learning were not the Karen community participants, but him as the HRC Chair, and representatives of the City's Police and Fire Depart- ments. Even though there were challenges, Chair Grefenberg opined that the abil- ity to connect with this group was evident and stressed the important of making them feel a valid part of the community. Chair Grefenberg noted that his desire was to follow-up with additional meetings with the Karen community to find ad- ditional ways to achieve their full participation in the community. Member Becker highlighted the annual Student Essay Contest that had been reas- sessed and procedures/scoring revised this year, with over 190 essays being turned in. Member Becker recognized his personal pride and that of the HRC in the activi- ties and involvement of HRC Youth Commissioners at Roseville High School; and noted the HRC's involvement in the annual Rosefest Parade, participation in various task forces, including the Civic Engagement Task Force and formal presentation of those results to the City Council last fall, with subsequent in- volvement with the City's Website Redesign Consultant Selection Committee. Accomplishments Of the accomplishments listed in their written report, Chair Grefenberg opined that outreach remained the most significant issue. Chair Grefenberg recognized that the HRC's visibility had been improving throughout the community with var- ious outreach efforts, as duly noted in the number of applicants for the last two openings on the HRC. Chair Grefenberg noted opportunities provided through the efforts of Roseville resident Megan Dushin for grant funds to create a safe and