Human Rights Commission

Owatonna Human Rights Commission – Minutes The Owatonna Human Rights Commission (OHRC) met on Tuesday, November 9, 2021, in the Second Floor Conference Room at City Hall. At 5:30 p.m. Chairman Gunderson called the meeting to order. Present were Commissioners Cords, Emanuelson, Vanoosbree and Gunderson; and City Administrator Busse. Commissioner Gillespie was attending via TEAMS; Commissioners Effertz and Worden were unable to attend this meeting. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Minutes of the October 12, 2021 OHRC Meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Cords made a motion to approve the minutes as presented, Commissioner Emanuelson seconded the motion, and all members present voted aye for approval. During Items of Discussion, Commissioner Vanoosbree gave summary of Commissioner Worden’s message with update on the mural project. He continues to pursue grant opportunities and the Girl Scouts recently applied for a Lowe’s paint grant. The project is planned to begin next spring and the commissioners agreed grant opportunities may be more favorable with applications now including information with the project design, artist, and involvement of the Girl Scouts. City Administrator Busse advised she contacted OHS Superintendent Elstad about their plans for MLK Day. She requested he ask their speaker to offer a breakout session at the OHRC MLK Breakfast and is waiting for response. She encouraged promoting MLK Day as a Day of Service within the community, President Carter began promoting this as “Day On” and not as a “Day Off”. Commissioner Vanoosbree said she wasn’t able to attend the October Alliance for Greater Equity (AGE) Meeting, their November meeting is tomorrow, and she will request consideration of collaborating on an activity for the 2022 Welcoming Week in September. Commissioner Cords commented he met with Commissioner Emanuelson and contacted the MN Human Rights Office for ideas; they recommended collaborating with other non-profit agencies to create a community event. Commissioner Cords suggested a street fair to allow vendor participation at a fee which could offset expenses. Commissioner Emanuelson commented Welcoming America, requires membership to participate with their organization and offer three levels of membership. He will contact them for additional information about membership options and confirm what is offered at each level. Commissioner Cords will contact Olmsted County, City of Austin, and the Southern MN Initiative Foundation about their previous experiences with this organization. Commissioner Chairman Gunderson asked they present follow-ups during the December OHRC Meeting. During Commissioner Comments a message from Commissioner Effertz advised she will be preparing the next OHRC Newsletter later this month. Commissioner Chairman Gunderson said he was contacted by an individual regarding a potential workplace discrimination. He referred to the state office for this concern to be properly addressed. City Administrator Busse commented Deanna Sheely, Communications Manager just started a general City Facebook page and suggested using this social media to promote the OHRC MLK Breakfast. Commissioner Cords commented this would provide good free promotion for this event; City Administrator Busse agreed saying a LED billboard advertisement would cost $1,000 per year. At 5:55 p.m., Commissioner Cords made motion to adjourn, Commissioner Emanuelson seconded this motion, with no objections, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be Tuesday, Dec 14th at 5:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted as prepared from recording of the meeting, Jeanette Clawson, Administrative Specialist