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Roseville Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes August 14, 2007 Page 2 of 6 Discussion prompted by Commissioner Venters included how the form worked, how "user friendly" this form was or if it was intimidating for some citizens, whether it was more prudent to have a central location for a repository rather than going through the Police Department and connotations for following that process, need for those to identify themselves for follow -up, rather than expending staff time and energy on anonymous incidents or events, role of the HRC and definition of its focus and mission and visibility in the community. Specific discussion ensued regarding the HRC's charge and their role in community problem solving, information access, City staff (i.e., Police Department) internal investigations of complaints and whether the City Manager was made aware of those investigations during the process. City Manager Malinen noted the need for the HRC to review their charge as an advisory body to the City Council, to ensure all were on the same page and the City Council- defined role of the HRC in providing education and creating programs and /or projects that heighten awareness of human rights and diversity in the community. Additional discussion included the need for a trust level with government officials and intimidation of some immigrant communities based on past experiences in their countries of origin and various cultural issues; the need for the HRC to reach out to those members of the community and to become a channel for them to access appropriate resources to achieve resolution of issues. Councilmember Roe concurred with the role of the HRC in answering questions of the public and facilitating their access to forms or staff resources and how to proceed toward resolution. Further discussion included past healthy relationships between the HRC and City Police Department; past development of a "Bias Hate Response Plan" by the HRC and Police Department staff, and the department's sensitivity training. Commissioner Bosch noted her informal discussion with Police Chief Carol Sletner immediately following her attendance and written comments to the City Council at their August 6, 2007 Council meeting and Chief Sletner's receptiveness to building a positive relationship. Commissioner Bosch recognized there may have been sufficient turnover in the department to warrant revisiting sensitivity training for officers. Commissioner McKenzie noted how well this would fit in with the "Facing the Race" diversity program and opined that Roseville was a good City. Further discussion included brainstorming ideas on how to meet young community citizens; past practice in "Welcome" packets prepared for new teachers and residents; annual Essay Contest; building and maintaining partnerships; revitalizing past tools and ideas that worked to keep them fresh; perceptions by some citizens that the HRC is an activist group; resources available through the State Human Rights League and the Bremer Foundation; and examples for pursuing difficult conversations to promote various viewpoints.