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Roseville Human Rights Commission <br />Meeting Minutes – April 14, 2009 <br />Page 3 of 7 <br /> <br />Chair Singleton clarified that th e proposed ordinance language was not attempting to change the <br />HRC’s name or eliminate its responsibility for hu man rights; but to add to or expand the HRC’s <br />purpose, and sought consen sus among Commissioners. <br /> <br />Commissioner Oftelie expressed concern with how ge neral the program statement was (Section <br />204.05 Duties, F.3), and whether more definition was needed related to programs. <br /> <br />Commissioner McKenzie requested that previous document be provided to new Commissioners <br />to ensure that the HRC was not replaced by a Neighborhood and Divers ity Commission, and if <br />that was the intent that it be a separate body. Commissioner McKe nzie said she was not against <br />reinvigorating the HRC and adding to its role; however, she expressed concern that the HRC <br />would become the body to plan and carry out comm unity cultural festivals and lose sight of their <br />original purpose. <br /> <br />Discussion included identifying the proposed changes; clarification of the proposed expansion of <br />the HRC; interpretation of diversity as a va luable asset for the community; perceived and <br />invisibility of portions of the community; need to remove fear in the community and treat all <br />equally; community values and their relationship to the role and purpose of the HRC; how to <br />engage the 73% of the community to treat all fairly and equitably a nd correct or improve <br />understandings; and comparative end goals and implementation. <br /> <br />Commissioner Grefenberg spoke in support of br oadening and expanding the role of the HRC; <br />however, he concurred with Comm issioner McKenzie that the orig inal role and intent of the <br />HRC should remain a watchdog for huma n rights issues and situations. <br /> <br />Chair Singleton clarified that the proposed broadening would not minimize the human rights <br />purpose of the HRC. <br /> <br />Discussion included the value of cu ltural festivals as a first step in welcoming diversity groups <br />within the community and to promote growth; partnership opportunitie s to promote the HRC <br />mission and focus; and a review of proposed language changes in the Ordinance. <br /> <br />Ordinance and HRC objectives were elaborated upon; specific languag e was debated with <br />Commissioners agreeing that human rights was not proposed to be eliminated but that diversity <br />was under the human rights umbrella. <br /> <br />Commissioner Kennedy offered to send a copy of the Roseville Area School District’s <br />inclusionary document to Ms. Cu rti to distribute to the HRC. <br /> <br />Motion - Member Oftelie moved, seconded by Member Kennedy to recommend to the City <br />Council retention of th e “Human Rights Commission;” and to not change or expand upon the <br />name. Motion carried: 7/0/0. <br /> <br />Further discussion related to the HRC Purpose Statement. <br />