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cities participated in that could hear complaints if an individual felt they were not being heard or <br />finding resolution from the Police Department. Commissioner McKenzie advised that, in the <br />past, the City provided training to provide mediation certification for HRC Commissioners; with <br />two neutrals appointed to listen to the complaint, with support of the Police Department in <br />resolving issues. <br />City Manager Malinen advised that he was not sure of current involvement by the City with <br />mediation services; but offered to research the issue and report back. <br />Commissioner Venters noted that he had been certified as a "qualified neutral" for the State of <br />MN, but was unsure if that same roster of neutrals was used in all instances. <br />Chair Delmore advised that she would take this information back to the complainant; and asked <br />that City Manager Malinen check on the mediation service. <br />Commissioner Singleton cautioned Chair Delmore in going back to the complainant, especially <br />about the video, opining that the HRC needed to be careful about any discussions with the <br />complainant if he chose to pursue litigation. <br />Commissioner Venters recommended that any contact by Chair Delmore with the complainant <br />be done via e -mail to provide a documented record, rather than via phone conversation without <br />documentation. Commissioners concurred <br />City Manager Malinen distributed a letter and flyer dated August 29, 2008 from area pastors to <br />of an forum scheduled for September 16, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Arlington Hills United Methodist <br />Church, to discuss immigration trends and building healthy communities. The other handout <br />was an article from the MN SUN newspaper, regarding the Blaine World Fest recently held and <br />embracing Blaine's cultural diversity. <br />Other <br />Chair Delmore requested an update from City Manager Malinen as to previous questions as to <br />why the HRC meetings are not videotaped. <br />City Manager Malinen said the only historical information he had was that the choice had been <br />made in the past not to do so, in conjunction with past HRC discussions as to the confidential <br />nature of some discussions, even within a public context. <br />Commissioner McKenzie noted an example in the case discussed tonight. <br />Chair Delmore opined that this was an open meeting; and noted that two residents were in <br />attendance tonight. <br />Commissioner Singleton advised that, while it was a public meeting, there may be occasions <br />when public hearings were heard about certain items, when a closed executive session minus <br />media or cameras would be advisable to protect identities as appropriate. <br />