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Roseville Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes -April 14, 2009 Page 3 of 7 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 Chair Singleton clarified that the proposed ordinance language was not attempting to change the HRC's name or eliminate its responsibility for human rights; but to add to or expand the HRC's purpose, and sought consensus among Commissioners. Commissioner Oftelie expressed concern with how general the program statement was (Section 204.05 Duties, F.3), and whether more definition was needed related to programs. Commissioner McKenzie requested that previous document be provided to new Commissioners to ensure that the HRC was not replaced by a Neighborhood and Diversity Commission, and if that was the intent that it be a separate body. Commissioner McKenzie said she was not against reinvigorating the HRC and adding to its role; however, she expressed concern that the HRC would become the body to plan and carry out community cultural festivals and lose sight of their original purpose. Discussion included identifying the proposed changes; clarification of the proposed expansion of the HRC; interpretation of diversity as a valuable asset for the community; perceived and invisibility of portions of the community; need to remove fear in the community and treat all equally; community values and their relationship to the role and purpose of the HRC; how to engage the 73% of the community to treat all fairly and equitably and correct or improve understandings; and comparative end goals and implementation. Commissioner Grefenberg spoke in support of broadening and expanding the role of the HRC; however, he concurred with Commissioner McKenzie that the original role and intent of the HRC remain to be a watchdog for human rights issues and situations. Chair Singleton clarified that the proposed broadening would not minimize the human rights purpose of the HRC. Discussion included the value of cultural festivals as a first step in welcoming diversity groups within the community and to promote growth; partnership opportunities to promote the HRC mission and focus; and a review of proposed language changes in the Ordinance. Ordinance and HRC objectives were elaborated upon; specific language was debated with Commissioners agreeing that human rights was not proposed to be eliminated but that diversity was under the human rights umbrella. Commissioner Kennedy offered to send a copy of the Roseville Area School District's inclusionary document to Ms. Curti to distribute to the HRC. Motion -Member Oftelie moved, seconded by Member Kennedy to recommend to the City Council retention of the "Human Rights Commission;" and to not change or expand upon the name. Motion carried: 7/0/0. Further discussion related to the HRC Purpose Statement.