Community Engagement Commission

CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Community Engagement Commission City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA July 20, 2026 at 6:30 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: B. ROLL CALL: Julie Ebbesen____ Denise King____ Sarah Caflisch____ Emily Schmall____ Emmett Fisher____ Signe Nestingen____ Caitlin Klaeui___ STAFF PRESENT: Megan Siddons___ COUNCIL LIAISON: Paula Mielke____ C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. WELCOME E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: • April 20, 2026 Community Engagement Commission Meeting Minutes F. AGENDA • Unfinished business 1. Reimagining of the Community Engagement Commission 2. Hosting Listening Session 3. Spring Together Recap 4. Every Meal Volunteering • New Business 5. Human Rights Day 2026 G. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENT 6. Report from Council Liaison H. ADJOURNMENT: Next Regular Meeting is on Monday, August 17 at 6:30 PM BLANK PAGE  CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS Community Engagement Commission City Hall 2077 West Larpenteur Avenue AGENDA April 20, 2026 at 6:30 P.M. A. CALL TO ORDER: 6:31 PM B. ROLL CALL: Julie Ebbesen___x_ Denise King__x__ Sarah Caflisch__x__ Emily Schmall__x__ Emmett Fisher____ Signe Nestingen__x__ Caitlin Klaeui_x__ STAFF PRESENT: Elke Johnson_x__ Ainsley Brown__x_ COUNCIL LIAISON: Paula Mielke___x_ C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA King moved “Welcome”to the front of agenda, Johnson noted that the next meeting date will be June 15, and that CEC members will connect at the Spring Together event. • Caflisch moved to approve, passed unanimously D. WELCOME E. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: • March 16, 2026 Community Engagement Commission Meeting Minutes o Ebbesen moved to approve, it passed unanimously. F. AGENDA • Unfinished business 1. Rebranding of Community Engagement Commission - Note that Mielke suggested “reimagine community engagement commission” rather than “rebrand.” a. King reviewed goals of the rebranding and gave context; asking for board to review mission and give feedback. b. Mielke offered amendment to the mission with reasoning that a mission statements should be actionable and stated that “fostering collaboration” might make it seem like there isn’t collaboration right now. c. Nestingen offered support for including engagement in the city as well as  community in the mission. d. Klauei suggested shortening and making the mission “come from the city itself. “ Changing to “mission is to create an inclusive community which empowers residents to advocate…” as suggested edit. Caflisch concurs that creating an “enabling environment,” should be the mission. e. Schmall was asking to tighten up and not include activities. Ebbesen suggested an edit to take out a section to make it higher-level f. Discussion ensued about mission, vision and values. King liked the wordsmithing and back and forth, and reminding us of the awareness that we serve the whole city (Caflisch expressed “Brava”) g. Mielke outlined activities like food drives, raising awareness on issues of renters, and other activities where residents engage in civic activities. h. Mielke opined that she wanted engagement out of the name. i. Schmall brought up that advocacy and engagement are different things. j. Ebbesen had “advocate for the needs of members” in her original statement, wanting to close the gap between city and residents. k. King brought up that ‘advocate” might be hot button word. Mission to connect neighbors to the city. l. Discussion ensued over the meaning of “collaboration” with the city. Klaeui reflected that there was a tension between “connecting neighbors to each other” and “connecting to the city.” Nestingen suggested “participate,” m. Ebbesen suggested that this is an invitation to participate in civic life. Offering a voice and platform for residents to speak out and connect outside of formal council meetings. Commission revisited Ebbeson draft. Discussion ensued over specific words, and reasons for why commissioners were involved in this commission. “ n. Draft discussed: “The mission of the Community Engagement Commission is to develop a diverse network of support throughout the city, and enhance the connection among residents and city officials, fostering an inclusive community.” o. A moment of reflection on draft was had, which was followed by a round robin of sharing out. p. Brown likes draft, but commented on flow and structure. q. Schmall asked for further reflection. r. Ebbesen commented “Masterpiece.” s. Mielke, Nestingen and Caflisch like the overall idea and what it conveys. t. Klaeui didn’t like some vague word choices. u. King agrees that connecting the residents and city should be more called out. And, to have a long and broad lens. v. King suggested we commit this to record and for each commissioner to send feedback and different versions of this same statement to choose from at the May meeting. 2. Hosting Listening Session - a. King thanked Johnson for making calls to find venues. Johnson reported her findings for neutral non-city venue. i. Cox insurance was available in May. b. King asked Johnson to contact Cox to see if there was morning and evening options for two listening sessions for accessibility. General agreement was voiced. King suggested an hour and a half timetable, including event set-up. c. Johnson asked for discussion on inviting people and walked through format and asked for every commissioner to invite one person. Identify who is reaching out to whom. Johnson suggested Caflisch and she would be present at the listening session. d. King suggested elevator pitch, “I’m on the commission and the goal is to inform the commission on how residents are connecting with the city or not, and how they would like to.” Klaeui offered, “To define what our commission will do to support residents.” e. Mielke’s invite focus would be new residents. King asked to include male- identified voices. f. Johnson suggested week of May 18, one at beginning of the day and one at night g. Schmall suggested that we get RSVPs before Spring Together, on May 8. Thanks to Ebbeson for ensuring this date is in the notes. Klaeui suggested getting emails from participants to communicate with them. h. King thanked Johnson, Brown and others for their work. 3. Spring Together a. King reminded the commission that the event takes place at Curtiss Field. Excited for the Falcon Heights Orchestra performance. b. Event has been advertised in mailed newsletter and on social media channels. Organizations participating have confirmed. Brown is continuing outreach to community and nonprofit partners. c. Johnson said City Forester has seedlings to distribute, and may have goodies at Spring Together and will follow-up. d. Johnson asked how to gather feedback at the Fair. King suggested doing that after Spring Together. e. King suggested white board where people write “what do you like about “Falcon Heights” Idea was had to do “Write a Love Letter to Falcon Heights” on heart shaped post-its to put in cute box. <3 f. Johnson and Mielke will work to get flyers to residents who rent in Falcon Heights. g. Ebbeson offered use of her tents. G. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENT o Report from Council Liaison ● Johnson and Mielke reported great attendance at Sustainability Fair on April 18, 2026. ● Mielke said that the Police Chief from Saint Anthony will report at the council meeting. Residents can come and listen and then can  share at the Community Forum. ● Community Advisory Team members will be announced on Wednesday. H. ADJOURNMENT: Meeting was called to close at 7:58 p.m., • Ebbesen motioned, all agreed. Next Regular Meeting is on Monday, June 15 at 6:30 PM BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION Meeting Date July 20, 2026 Agenda Item F1 Attachment Mission Statements Submitted By Megan Siddons, Administrative & Communications Coordinator Item Reimagining of the Community Engagement Commission Description The Community Engagement Commission received direction from the City Council to rethink its mission and goals. In response, commissioners planned a work session where they reviewed similar communities' and cities’ commissions and advisory boards. The following Core Values were identified: • Welcoming • Engagement/ Engaging - Support community members/foster action to participate in the community & civic affairs • Community-led • Collaborative • Respect • Connectedness • Safety & Wellbeing for All • Responsive & Fluent Based on the discussion and the identified core values, commissioners and staff were tasked with creating their own mission statement for the Community Engagement Commission. Commissioners should review the final draft mission statement. Next steps the Commission could look at to continue its revamp process: 1. Finalize the mission statement 2. Gather community input a. Hosting listening sessions b. Gather feedback at Spring Together 3. Identify goals and develop a work plan a. Develop short-term and long-term goals and identify specific projects, events, or initiatives that the commission will focus on. 4. Evaluate the Commission name a. Does the current name still reflect the commission’s purpose? City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________  5. Prepare recommendations for the City Council Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) • Mission Statements Action(s) Staff recommends that commissioners continue to discuss the reimagining of Requested the Community Engagement Commission. Core Values • Welcoming • Engagement/ Engaging  Support community members/foster action to participate in the community & civic affairs • Community-led • Collaborative • Respect • Connectedness • Safety & Wellbeing for All • Responsive & Fluent Community Engagement Mission Statements Ainsley Brown: The Falcon Heights Community Engagement Commission will work to connect and collaborate with residents to create a welcoming and strong community. The Commission will have an active relationship with both residents and the City Council to create an environment that encourages resident involvement in civic life and that supports the well-being of everyone in Falcon Heights. Julie Ebbesen: The mission of the Falcon Heights Community Engagement Commission is to create an inclusive community to connect our neighbors and develop a diverse network of support throughout the city. Enhance the connection between residents and city officials to build trust while empowering and encouraging people to advocate for their needs and the needs of their neighbors. Jim Wassenberg: The Falcon Heights Community Engagement Commission works to promote mutual respect, caring, and belonging within the City and throughout the larger community by organizing residents to participate in civic, cultural, and charitable activities that contribute to the well-being of all. Elke Johnson: The mission of the Community Engagement Commission is to foster a welcoming, inclusive community, where residents are empowered to actively participate in civic life. We strive to connect, engage, and build strong connections that promote safety and well-being for all. Emily Schmall: The mission of the Community Engagement Commission is to support a welcoming and engaged community where residents are empowered to participate in civic affairs. Through community-led, collaborative efforts the Commission promotes respect, connectedness, equity, and the safety and wellbeing of all. The mission of the Community Engagement Commission is to support a welcoming city where community members are empowered to be engaged and participate in civic affairs. Updated Mission Statement The mission of the Falcon Heights Community Engagement Commission is to foster collaboration between the city and its residents to create an inclusive community that promotes respect connectedness, equity and the safety and well-being of all. The mission of the Community Engagement Commission is to create an inclusive community in which Falcon Heights residents are empowered to advocate for themselves, their neighbors and the city. The CEC will provide opportunities for residents to engage in civic activities that connect residents with city staff and council, and it will identify actionable goals intended to improve the well-being of all residents. Final Draft Mission Statement from April 20 The mission of the Community Engagement Commission is to develop a diverse network of support throughout the city, and enhance the connection among residents and city officials, fostering an inclusive community. BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION Meeting Date July 20, 2026 Agenda Item F2 Attachment N/A Submitted By Megan Siddons, Administrative & Communications Coordinator Item Hosting Listening Session Description The Commission identified wanting to host listening sessions to learn more from residents about their take on community engagement. Hosting a pilot community listening session will help better understand how residents currently engage with the City of Falcon Heights, how they would like to engage in the future, and what barriers may prevent participation. The pilot will allow the Commission to test a small-group format (6–10 participants) before hosting broader community sessions. 2 pilot sessions were scheduled at Cox Insurance for Monday, May 18, in the evening and Wednesday, May 20, in the early afternoon. Staff received 3 sign- ups in total for both listening sessions and decided to cancel the sessions. This is an opportunity for the Commission to discuss if they want to try planning another pilot listening session, a broader listening session that’s open to the general public, or find another way to collect feedback. Suggestions • Online engagement through a short survey • Table at an upcoming community event Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) N/A Action(s) Staff recommend that commissioners continue to discuss hosting listening Requested sessions. City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION Meeting Date July 20, 2026 Agenda Item F3 Attachment N/A Submitted By Megan Siddons, Administrative & Communications Coordinator Item Spring Together Recap Description This is an opportunity for the Community Engagement Commission to recap the Spring Together event that was held on Saturday, May 16 at Curtiss Field Park. Staff estimate 250 people attended. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) N/A Action(s) Staff recommends recapping the Spring Together Event. Requested City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION Meeting Date July 20, 2026 Agenda Item F4 Attachment N/A Submitted By Megan Siddons, Administrative & Communications Coordinator Item Every Meal Volunteering Description Earlier this year, the Community Engagement Commission provided direction to sign up for a team packing event at Every Meal located 2723 Patton Road, Roseville, MN 55113. The event didn’t occur due to scheduling conflicts and program availability. Since then, staff have revisited the Every Meal volunteer shift schedule and there is availability for the months of August, September, and October. The commission should also discuss opening the volunteer opportunity to the entire city and advertising it in city communications. This would be a great opportunity to engage with our community while helping those who are in need. The City can make volunteering opportunities more accessible to residents by creating group events and coordinating the logistics. Every Meal Shift Schedule: August Availability Friday, August 14th 1:00-3:00 pm 10 open spots Monday, August 31st 1:00-3:00 pm 12 open spots September Availability Monday, September 14th 1:00-3:00 pm 19 open spots Wednesday, September 16th 9:00-11:00 am 10 open spots October Availability Friday, October 2nd 1:00-3:00 pm 15 open spots What to Expect: Every volunteer joining the team and participating in the packing event will need to register and sign a release form through Every Meal Website. More on what to expect when you volunteer with Every Meal here. Special note that close-toed shoes are required. City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________  Additional Information: Volunteer teams can have up to 25 members per shift. Volunteers are required to be ages 8 and older. Volunteer shifts are family friendly, not outdoors, and wheelchair accessible. Budget Impact N/A Attachment(s) N/A Action(s) Staff recommend that commissioners continue to discuss hosting a volunteer Requested event and how to invite residents. BLANK PAGE  REQUEST FOR ACTION Meeting Date July 20, 2026 Agenda Item F5 Attachment N/A Submitted By Megan Siddons. Administrative & Communications Coordinator Item Human Rights Day 2026 Description Human Rights Day is observed by the international community every year on December 10th. It commemorates the day in 1948 the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Community Engagement Commission (CEC) was created by merging the Human Rights Day Commission and Neighborhood Liaison Commission in 2015. Since then, the CEC has organized a Human Rights Day Event every year. The CEC should start conversations on potential dates, location and themes for this year. Last year, the Human Rights Day event was cancelled due to inclement weather, and some commissioners recalled having weather issues for each Human Rights Day event since 2021. The CEC should take this into consideration when choosing a date and explore Zoom or hybrid options for this year’s event as a preventative measure. Past themes: • 2025: Food Insecurity Presentations and Donation/Food Drive • 2024: Discharge of Racial Covenants Workshop with Just Deeds • 2023: Cancelled • 2022: Resource Fair and Winter Coat/Canned Food Drive • 2021: Presentations from Just Deeds and Mapping Prejudice • 2020: Stories of Courage: New Americans & Expanding Our Work to be a Welcoming City with The International Institute of MN • 2019: Food Security & Child Hunger, School Lunch Debt • 2018: Discrimination in Housing/Fair Housing Rights • 2017: Introduction to Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking • 2016: Screening of Eyes on The Prize, America’s Civil Rights Years • 2015: Screening of Trail of Tears documentary Budget Impact N/A City of Falcon Heights, Minnesota __________________________ Attachment(s) N/A Action(s) Staff recommends starting discussions for the Human Rights Day Event. Requested