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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,August 12, 2013 Page 20 rectly with that student body with the HRC relying on their leadership. Chair Grefenberg stated that the HRC was open to other programs and ideas; however, anything currently in process was too premature to address at this point. In response to Councilmember Willmus, Chair Grefenberg advised that the col- laboration of the HRC was primarily through school staff rather than the school board and involving those responsible in programming, along with a liberal sprin- kling of residents. As an example, Chair Grefenberg advised that he served on the school's Communications Task Force; but was leery of getting too involved with the beau racy of the school board itself. Another example was provided by HRC Members Brisbois and Groff, and their involvement in the interview for a new youth commissioner, who will be starting in September of 2013. Member Brisbois, with concurrence from Member Groff, spoke to their favorable impressions with the experience of this High School Jun- ior student who had been instrumental in planning and outreach of a run/walk for community members over the last three (3) years. One of the reasons for their se- lection of this candidate was her ability to involve and engage youth in the com- munity versus simply through the format of a forum. Member Brisbois provided another example she experienced in April/May of 2013 through involvement with the Shoreview HRC and panel of youth and elder- ly individuals attending. Member Brisbois spoke of the thoughtful comments from a nine-year old on that panel and what they provided about interacting with different generations. Member Brisbois stated that this caused her to reconsider the tradition of working with the teenage population and the need to involve younger children as well, since they had a lot to add. Chair Grefenberg noted that a lot more could be done by the HRC in utilizing var- ious age groups,but reiterated that the HRC could not do everything. Councilmember Willmus expressed his appreciation of the HRC's proactive work with the Karen community; and suggested that the HRC consider other areas to expand that outreach portion of their work plan and initiatives, as well as contin- ued and expanded collaboration with District 623. Councilmember Etten also personally thanked the HRC for the tremendous amount of work accomplished over the last year; and thanked each for their time and efforts. Councilmember Etten sought additional information on any cultural events occurring at the high school level at this time. Youth Commission Dao advised that, to her knowledge, there was not anything occurring at this point; but noting that the new youth commissioners will both be High School Seniors, their efforts could be expanded.