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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012 08-16 HRC Minutes MINUTES CITY OF MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION 7:00 p.m., Thursday, August 16, 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 7:02 p.m. by Chairperson Brandt. 2. ROLL CALL Jon Brandt, Chairperson Present Nathan Danielson, Commissioner Absent Maurice Fortin , Commissioner Present Jeffrey Kringle, Commissioner Present Teresa Manzella, Commissioner Absent Arianne Maxwell, Commissioner Absent Julie Xiong, Commissioner Present Human Resource Attorney Bethel was also present. Chairperson Brandt announced that Commissioner Maxwell has resigned from the Commission. 3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Fortin moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Kringle Ayes – All The motion passed. 4. Approval of Minutes. Commissioner Kringle moved to approve the minutes of July 10, 2012 as submitted. Seconded by Commission Fortin Ayes – All The motion passed. 5. NEW BUSINESS 1. The History of Gay Rights – Presentation by Commissioners Commissioner Fortin gave a presentation on information that he gathered on the history of gay rights. Commissioner Xiong presented historical information on same sex marriage in Minnesota. Commissioner Brandt gave a presentation on sexual orientation. “Is it a choice?” 2. Video Presentation A video documentary was shown entitled, “It Could Happen To You.” The YouTube video was made by a California-based gay man that marked the one-year anniversary of his boyfriend's untimely death with a video that's both a poignant memorial and a testimony to the lack of rights provided to same-sex couples barred from getting married under current laws. The YouTube video went viral in the spring of 2012. 3. Commission Discussion on Student Essay Event A brief discussion was held regarding sponsoring an essay contest for the Maplewood, North St. Paul and Oakdale schools regarding Human Rights. An ad hoc committee will be established to set processes and procedures to organize the student essay event. Commissioner Xiong indicated that she would like to be on the committee. 4. Review/Update on Upcoming Forums/Report on Forums or Meetings Attended or Other Related HR Issues (This item is on the agenda to give the Commissioners an opportunity to announce upcoming meetings or give a report on meetings or forums that they have attended.) Chairperson Brandt announced that the first marriage amendment forum to be held on September 11, 2012 has been cancelled. The forum scheduled for October 23rd to be held at the Maplewood Community Center is still on. Commissioner Fortin indicated that he would like to be on the ad hoc committee to assist in getting the event organized. Chairperson Brandt indicated that Commissioners Danielson and Manzella will be on the ad hoc committee for the marriage amendment forum. Commissioner Xiong indicated that she would be pleased to assist with the Voter ID forum along with Commissioner Fortin. 6. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None 7. VISITOR PRESENTATIONS None 8. STAFF PRESENTATIONS None 9. ADJOURNMENT Fortin motioned to adjourn and it was seconded by Commissioner Kringle at 8:00 p.m.