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Roseville Human Rights Commission Minutes —December 14, 2010 Page 6 of 8 Chair Singleton will contact Winona and Bloomington to see how it works in their cities. He plans to meet with the DHR to discuss this but expects this will be delayed until the new governor appoints a new commissioner. Commissioners raised several questions. Commissioners asked about the cost impact, data practices concerns and what the city would gain by doing this ourselves (and incurring costs) rather than having DHR conducting investigations. Commissioners asked about training, noting that the DHR has attorneys or professional staff to do investigations. Commissioners agreed that it is important for the HRC to know what types of complaints occur here and whether there are any trends. Commissioner Yates said she was unfamiliar with a citizen volunteer board doing investigations. Commissioner Jaeger wondered about the time commitment, would commissioners have to step out of their full time jobs to do investigations and would they be reimbursed for costs incurred. Commissioners suggested gauging the Council's interest before pursuing. Chair Singleton said he would find answers to the questions. He said it is important for the HRC to be informed of what is going on here so that we can respond appropriately. Chair Singleton said he will bring his recommendations for seven districts in which commissioners would be a contact for that area. Commissioner Grefenberg raised questions about whether dividing into geographic districts is the best way to divide the city, rather the commission could look at interests and what people bring to the table as a way to reach into the community. He said it can be difficult knowing what is going on in your own neighborhood, let alone a location further from your home. Commissioner Kennedy said she had proposed working on community groups through the Night to Unite efforts that are organized around neighborhoods. Chair Singleton explained his proposal to appoint special representatives to get more community involvement, including from schools, churches, businesses, police, HRA, GLBT and other groups to attend monthly meetings and give reports. Commissioner Kennedy said she preferred their attending once a year and giving a status report. Curti said the City Council would need to change City Code and appoint to the Commission. Chair Singleton clarified that his goal would be to get community members involved in the subcommittees, not commission. Chair Singleton said he contacted the Minnesota Council of Non Profits to identify foundations that provide grants to community groups. He will bring the information to a future meeting.