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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 06-12 HRC Minutes MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 12, 2012 Council Chambers, Maplewood City Hall 1830 County Road B East 1. CALL TO ORDER A meeting of the Commission was held in the City Hall Council Chambers and was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Chairperson Brandt. The Oath of Office for New Commission Members was administered by City Clerk Guilfoile. 2. ROLL CALL Jon Brandt, Chairperson Present Nathan Danielson Present Maurice Fortin Present Jeffrey Kringle, Commissioner Absent Teresa Manzella, Commissioner Present Arianne Maxwell, Commissioner Present July Xiong Present City Clerk Guilfoile was also present. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Manzella moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Maxwell Ayes – All The motion passed. 4. Approval of Minutes. Commissioner Maxwell moved to table the minutes to the July meeting to give the new members an opportunity to view the meeting on-line since there was not a quorum of members present at the June meeting. Seconded by Commission Fortin Ayes - All 5. NEW BUSINESS 1. The newly sworn in Commissioners introduced themselves and gave a brief explanation as to why they wanted to be on the Commission and what they hoped to accomplish during their tenure. 2. Chairperson Brandt read the following resolution into the record that the city council approved at the June 11, 2012 city council meeting: Resolution in Opposition to Proposed “Recognition of Marriage” Constitutional Amendment WHEREAS, in 2011 the Minnesota State Legislature voted to include the following question on the election ballot in November 2012: “Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to provide that only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota?” and WHEREAS, the proposed amendment would add a new Section 13 to the Minnesota Constitution stating: “Only a union of one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Minnesota"; and WHEREAS, constitutions historically have been designed and interpreted to protect minorities from the arbitrary imposition of unjust barriers by the majority; and WHEREAS, the proposed amendment would be contrary to the purpose of our State Constitution to protect the rights, privileges and freedom of conscience of all citizens by withholding from some individuals and families important legal rights and obligations; and WHEREAS, Maplewood’s commitment to equality for all residents and citizens is shown, in part, by its adaption and implementation of the Maplewood Domestic Partnership Registration Ordinance in 2010; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council for the City of Maplewood, hereby opposes the proposed constitutional amendment entitled “Recognition of Marriage Solely Between One Man and One Woman," and urges Minnesota citizens to vote “No" on Tuesday, November 6, 2012. 3. The Discussion on Human Rights and Civil Rights that Chairperson Brandt was to give will be given at the July meeting due to technical difficulties. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. Chairperson Brandt and Commissioner Maxwell gave a report on the progress of organizing for the educational forums on the Marriage Amendment and the Voter ID Amendment that are to be conducted in September and October. 7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS 1. Diana Longrie 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS 1. City Clerk Guilfoile gave the Commission members information on how the educational forums will be advertised. 2. City Clerk Guilfoile spoke with the Commission members about the Open Meeting Law and Communicating via email. 9. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Manzella moved to adjourn seconded by Commissioner Maxwell at 8:05 p.m.