CC_Minutes_2017_0424 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Regular City Council Meeting Monday,April 24, 2017 Page 21 Humanities Center and the YMCA Humanities organization, neither of whom an- ticipated the strife or comments heard in tonight's comments. Councilmember Laliberte further reported that "equity" and "inclusion" are considered go-forward names to keep local and state government accountable; while "human rights" as acknowledged-in the past is now better understood as enfolded in the words "eq- uity" and "inclusion." Just to make sure everyone understood the additional input sought from outside sources, Councilmember Laliberte noted the recognition of "human rights" in the shortened draft title. Mayor Roe spoke in support of the motion, stating that in his work on the Task Force, he was leaning toward "human rights" and "engagement," but stated that he found the word "inclusion"more intriguing since it encapsulated the communi- ty aspirations as referenced in the preamble when talking about being inclusive, welcoming and respectful. While supporting the motion as presented, Mayor Roe offered an opportunity for amendments from his colleagues As to the wordiness of the proposed title, Councilmember Etten noted other commissions (e.g. Public Works, Environment, and Transportation Commission), stating he would be open to any suggestions to make the title more succinct, but stated the clear community directive for"human rights" as part of the title. When considering the ordinance and work of both the current HRC and CEC, as well as how the community has changed over the years and things it was striving to accomplish, Councilmember Willmus noted the things the community has cho- sen to celebrate, including Roseville area schools. In celebrating its diversity, Councilmember Willmus noted the main question for him became how the city could reach out and engage new members of the community by not only under- standing their perspective, but also by bringing them into the mix and creating a place for them in their local government (engagement and inclusion). Coun- cilmember Willmus stated that he saw the three as tied together and important to acknowledge; while also recognizing his personal struggle throughout the process with the term "human rights" and this commission's role in hearing human rights cases or solving human rights grievances. While his perspective may be flawed, Councilmember Willmus stated that he looked to some of those things in practice; and suggested the title "Diversity, Engagement and Inclusion Commission." Councilmember McGehee opined that "inclusion" was the same as "engage- ment:" with Councilmember Willmus agreeing that they were somewhat similar. Councilmember McGehee opined that the overall goal was to include people; therefore, "Human Rights and Inclusion Commission" seemed less wordy and more concise to her. Councilmember Laliberte stated that she didn't see "inclusion" and "engagement" to be the same, but considered inclusion as one group doing its part and another group not encouraged to reciprocate. While Councilmember Willmus' proposed