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Regular City Council Meeting Monday,July 13,2015 Page 22 Councilmember Willmus stated his reason for pressing this issue was his observa- tion of HRC meetings earlier in 2015 and essay contest discussions that provided conflicting information flowing back and forth. In addressing specific logistics if the HRC and CEC is combined, Mr. Groff ques- tioned how the HRC could get more done than currently being undertaken with constraints of time with a seven member commission of volunteers within a two hour timeframes. If that remains the expectation of a combined commission, Mr. Groff opined that was not a viable solution. If the City Council decides on the option for one combined commission, Ms. Christiansen asked that they ensure everyone would be heard, since there were a lot of expectations and a variety of goals; and the City Council would need to be very clear as to its expectations. Ms. Christiansen opined that, with the current size of the HRC, they need to not feel they'd been swallowed up by the CEC, or no longer had a voice in whatever commission was created. Whatever a 9-12 member commission was called, Ms. Christiansen opined it was important to have it even bigger with more volunteers (e.g. 12-15 people) to allow participation in a meaningful way, while recognizing the reality that volunteers also had family and other commitments; moved, or had other changes occurring; and their time and needs should be respected. As an example, Ms. Christiansen noted the hours she had spent, in cooperation with Mr. Bowman, in creating the essay contest packet. City Council Discussion Councilmember McGehee noted her change in direction with this issue after lis- tening to comment tonight. Councilmember McGehee opined that, if the City Council is serious about the civic engagement process, that process resided with the CEC. Councilmember McGehee expressed her personal value of the HRC in the annual essay contest, presenting ethnicity issues in the community as it con- tinued to become more diverse, and having a non-threatening place to go locally for concerns. In terms of cultural awareness, whether part of Rosefest or not, Councilmember McGehee opined that while they were important programs, eth- nic groups could volunteer to promote those important programs. Councilmem- ber McGehee opined that there were two components: a policy or process compo- nent, and a community component. Councilmember McGehee opined that the things the HRC has been working on were the community engagement compo- nent; and the civic engagement component is where the City Council helped in the process and evaluation. In conclusion, Councilmember McGehee spoke in support of retaining two commissions, or Option C. Councilmember Etten agreed that his view had shifted some; but opined these were not the only two commissions that should be under discussions; suggesting that maybe the HRC and Ethics Commission should be combined and meet quar- terly with their roles and goals clearly revised. Councilmember Etten expressed his appreciation in hearing the passion and relevant ideas of the HRC; and sug-