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Councilmember McGehee concurred with the comments of Mayor Roe regarding immigration <br />reform; and suggested an educational forum by other members of the community, not necessarily <br />put on by the HRC, but with the HRC possibly providing or finding a meeting venue for such an <br />educational program. <br />Specific to Councilmember Etten's comments on those outline items falling under the auspices of a <br />Civic Engagement Task Force versus the HRC, Councilmember McGehee stated that she did not <br />support a separate Civic Engagement Commission at this time. Councilmember McGehee opined <br />that it was the job of all residents and city government to perform those civic engagement efforts; <br />since the job was better accomplished when people are drawn together by a common thread. <br />Councilmember McGehee opined that the efforts of the Civic Engagement Task Force were very <br />useful and had brought many things forward, some of which had already been implemented and <br />others in the process; and had brought out the need for more methods for community outreach <br />necessary for all commissioners in their respective commissions, as well as on the part of staff and <br />the City Council. As part of the proposed Administration Department reorganization and review <br />and reconsideration of all commissions and a recommendation by the Subcommittee, <br />Councilmember McGehee suggested that engagement of different aspects of the community be a <br />goal of the entire community and residents, not just commissioners. <br />Councilmember McGehee suggested that more community involvement and fewer commissions <br />was her preference, while recognizing that the City had a good base of Commissions; and <br />expressed her appreciation and respect of their respective efforts. Councilmember McGehee <br />reiterated her appreciation of the initial work of the Civic Engagement Task Force and their formal <br />report that already initiated some things, and led the way to improved community outreach. <br />Councilmember McGehee also seconded Mayor Roe's comment on the need to celebrate all of the <br />City's various ethnic groups. <br />Mayor Roe advised that he would defer his comments on his personal preferences related to a Civic <br />Engagement Commission until he heard the recommendations of the Subcommittee; admitting that <br />he was uncommitted at this time. Mayor Roe stated that while he saw some merit to having two <br />commissions, he remained unsure of their specific workloads or tasks. <br />Mayor Roe thanked the HRC for their attendance tonight and the good discussion; and for the <br />benefit of the public, Chair Grefenberg provided contact information for the HRC. <br />0 <br />