human rights commission agenda · 5.1renae clark, assistant director, parks and recreation...

1. CALL TO ORDER 1.1 Please see the bottom of this agenda for directions on how to attend the meeting via phone or other

electronic device. 2. PROCEDURAL MATTERS 2.1 Approval of Minutes - April 20, 2020 2.2 Adoption of Agenda 2.3 Announcements 3. ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS 3.1 Census 2020 Complete Count Committee update 3.2 Conversion Therapy Ordinance 3.3 Pride Month Planning 3.4 Re-cap Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation, May 4, 2020 City Council Meeting 3.5 Proclamation Centering Racial Equity in COVID-19 Response Efforts, May 18, 2020 City Council meeting 4. NEW BUSINESS 4.1 LGBTQIA Pride Month Proclamation 5. PROGRAM/SPEAKER 5.1 Renae Clark, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department

Topic: Parks Master Plan Update

Human Rights CommissionAGENDA

HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETINGMONDAY, MAY 18, 2020

VIRTUAL MEETINGBLOOMINGTON CIVIC PLAZA1800 W. OLD SHAKOPEE RD.BLOOMINGTON, MN 55431

5:30 PM

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6. ADDITIONAL HANDOUTS 6.1 Approved minutes from February 24, 2020 HRC meeting 7. ADJOURNMENT HOW TO JOIN WEBEX MEETING.HRC May 18, 2020 Virtual Meeting When

Monday, May 18, 2020 - 5:30 p.m.

The virtual meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. via WebEx. When it's time to join the WebEx meeting, use one of the methods listed below to connect to WebEx and theseaccess codes for this meeting. Join by phoneTo join the meeting by phone (audio only), call the following number and enter the meeting access code andpassword. A mobile phone is recommended to avoid a long-distance charge.

Meeting phone number: 312-535-8110

Meeting access code: 280 909 903

Meeting password: DPmqdqe3Z27

Join by computerTo join by computer, visit the meeting's WebEx webpage and enter the meeting access code and password.

Meeting access code: 280 909 903

Meeting password: DPmqdqe3Z27

BloomingtonMN.gov: A yearly meeting schedule, agendas, and the official minutes once approved are available. If you require areasonable accommodation, please call 952-563-8733 (MN Relay 711) as soon as possible, but no later than 9:00 a.m. one business daybefore the meeting day.

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Commission Agenda Item

Originator Human Rights Commission

Item Please see the bottom of this agenda for directions on how to attend themeeting via phone or other electronic device.

Agenda Section CALL TO ORDER

Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

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Item Approval of Minutes - April 20, 2020

Agenda Section PROCEDURAL MATTERS

Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Approve minutes from the April 20, 2020 HRC meeting.

Description:

Attachments:

Unapproved HRC Minutes from April 20, 2020

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https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/595871/Unapproved_HRC_4_20_20_min.pdf

UNAPPROVED MINUTES

Human Rights Commission

Monday, April 20, 20205:30 PM

VIRTUAL MEETINGBloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road

I. CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M.Present: Kari Barber, Mollie Bousu, Morgen Gray (phone-in), Ladu Gubek

(phone-in), Jared Leese, Maggie Mills, Katrina Moberg, Anita Smithson, Husein Yussuf

Absent: n/a

Staff: Melissa Wurst-Persaud, Manager, Community Outreach & Engagement Division

Heather Lambert, Office Support Specialist, Community Outreach & Engagement Division

Guest(s): Faith Jackson, Racial Equity Coordinator, City of Bloomington

Chairperson J. Leese called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. A quorum was present. M. Wurst-Persaud explained some guidelines to be used for the virtual meeting.

II. PROCEDURAL MATTERS – 5:35 P.M.2.1 Approval of Minutes –

February 24, 2020J. Leese stated as the March 16, 2020 HRC meeting was cancelled, Commissioners have been given the minutes from the February 24, 2020 HRC meeting. M/M. Gray, S/M. Bousu unanimously carried to approve the minutes ofthe February 24, 2020 HRC meeting as presented.

2.2 Adoption of Agenda M/H. Yussuf, S/K. Barber unanimously carried to approve the April 20, 2020agenda as presented.

2.3 Oaths of Office M. Bousu, A. Smithson, and H. Yussuf read their Oaths of Offices for terms ending February 28, 2023. The Oaths of Office will be signed via DocuSign and placed on file in the City Clerk’s office.

2.4 Announcements COVID-19 Update M. Wurst-Persaud stated City staff has been sending out information about

COVID-19 and resources that are available to the business community, faith communities, multiunit properties, disability/group homes, non-profits, seniors, and other contacts in the community. The City has a strong focus on vulnerable populations, including immigrants and is making efforts to have COVID-19 related documents translated into other languages. Commissioners discussed the number of undocumented immigrants that have lost jobs and are not eligible to apply for benefits. M. Wurst-Persaud stated VEAP is offering housing assistance for undocumented immigrants. She stated the number of COVID-19 related cases in growing in Hennepin County.

K. Barber inquired if the City Council extended the city emergency declaration, with M. Wurst-Persaud confirming it was extended to June 30, 2020. M. Wurst-Persaud explained the declaration formally authorizes the City to implement its emergency operations plan which describes the basic strategies through which the City mobilizes resources and conducts activities to guide and support local emergency management efforts. 5

CITY OF BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA UNAPPROVED MINUTES

Page 2 of 4 May 18, 2020

H. Yussuf stated he has witnessed residents not following social distancing guidelines in parks, with groups of people gathering to play soccer or basketball. He asked if this is allowed. M. Wurst-Persaud stated the City has put together a Parks Response Team that is monitoring use of Bloomington’s parks, trails, and park amenities throughout the City and will respond to resident concerns and questions about their use on a daily basis. The phone number to reach the Parks Response Team will be shared with Commissioners via email.

III. PROGRAM/SPEAKER3.1 Discrimination

Statement for COVID 19 –Faith Jackson, Racial Equity Coordinator

J. Leese welcome Faith Jackson, Racial Equity Coordinator, City of Bloomington, to the meeting. He commented he saw F. Jackson present at the National Day of Racial Healing event in January at Creekside Community Center.

F. Jackson explained she is working with a group of racial equity leaders across the metro area to create a Joint Discrimination Statement. The purpose of theStatement is to reiterate the City’s commitment to racial equity. The Joint Discrimination Statement, in the form of a Proclamation in Bloomington, will address xenophobia (prejudice against people from other countries), disparities impacting the African American community, and resources for immigrants.

J. Leese asked if other cities are working on similar Proclamations. F. Jackson stated leaders throughout the Twin Cities are approaching racial equity in different ways. Some Mayors are making their own personal informal statements, some cities are drawing up Resolutions, Ramsey County has drafted a Statement, and Minneapolis and St. Paul have made Statements promoting racial equity. F. Jackson stated Bloomington plans to make a Statement at the same time as other cities, hoping for a wide-reaching ripple effect around the State of Minnesota with other communities joining in these efforts.

M. Bousu stated COVID-19 complications have taken a disproportionate toll on the African American community and asked if anything is being done to alleviate these COVID-19 health risks. F. Jackson stated the City is making a concerted effort to see resources are shared in the African American community.

M. Wurst-Persaud stated the Human Rights Commission would like to see the Proclamation once it is drafted and Commissioners may wish to make a motion in support of it. J. Leese stated he would like to invite F. Jackson back to a future HRC meeting. F. Jackson stated she is willing to provide regular updates on her work as the City’s’ Racial Equity Coordinator that could be included in Commissioner agenda packets.

IV. ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS4.1 Gender neutral single-

user restrooms updateM. Wurst-Persaud stated the gender neutral single-user restroom signage is posted in City buildings. This includes eight single-user restrooms located in City buildings that are open year round and an additional eight single-user restrooms located in buildings operated seasonally or available during limited hours, such as Creekside Community Center and the Bloomington Family Aquatic Center.

4.2 Census 2020 Complete Count Committee update

J. Leese stated the Census 2020 website has a map of self-response rates to the Census: https://2020census.gov/en/response-rates.html. This link will be shared with Commissioners. J. Leese stated the City of Bloomington self-response rate is 68.2% as of today. M. Wurst-Persaud stated the Federal offices for the Census are closed until June 1, 2020 and reported that June 1st is when field activities will resume. M. Wurst-Persaud added the deadline to respond to the Census has been extended to October 31, 2020.

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Page 3 of 4 May 18, 2020

J. Leese stated the Bloomington City Council recently approved an Ordinance which prevents property managers from denying Census Bureau employees access to residential housing structures.

4.3 Re-cap 2020 HRC Workplan to City Council, Monday, February 24, 2020

J. Leese reported the City Council approved the 2020 HRC Workplan at its Monday, February 24, 2020 meeting. He referred Commissioners to the approved 2020 HRC Workplan located in the agenda packets.

4.4 Re-cap Block Captain’s Workshop, March 7, 2020

M. Wurst-Persaud stated she was at the Block Captain’s Workshop with two (2) volunteers to distribute 2020 Census information. She stated the attendees liked the giveaways and took 2020 Census flyers and information to share with their neighbors. Attendance at the Block Captain’s Workshop was smaller this year, due to people practicing social distancing.

4.5 Re-cap Indoor Farmer’s Market, Saturday, March 14, 2020

K. Barber stated the Indoor Farmer’s Market on Saturday, March 14, 2020 was cancelled.

4.6 Conversion Therapy Ordinance/Domestic Partner Registry

M. Wurst-Persaud shared a PowerPoint presentation on conversion therapy. OutFront Minnesota defines “Conversion Therapy,” (also referred to as“reparative therapy,” “ex-gay therapy,” or “sexual orientation change efforts,”) asa range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation, or efforts to change a person’s gender identity or expression. M. Wurst-Persaud stated conversion therapy is not an accepted medical practice by The American Psychology Association, The American Medical Association, and The American Academy of Pediatrics.

M. Wurst-Persaud stated there are currently at least 18 statewide bans and 53 municipal and county bans on conversion therapy. In Minnesota, Duluth and Minneapolis have Ordinances banning conversion therapy on minors. In addition, there are at least 11 cities and counties in the United States that have non-binding Resolutions or Proclamations banning conversion therapy. The City of Golden Valley, MN accepted a Proclamation opposing the practice of conversion therapy at its March 4, 2020 City Council meeting.

J. Leese explained the difference between creating an Ordinance or a Proclamation covering conversion therapy and asked Commissioners how they would like to proceed. M. Gray stated an Ordinance would make a stronger statement against conversion therapy and commented he would like the HRC to do all in their power to protect minors.

J. Leese asked Commissioners their thoughts on drafting a Proclamation or Ordinance banning Conversion Therapy for all people, or if it should specificallybe directed to minors. H. Yussuf stated that adults are free to make their owndecisions about wanting to engage in any kind of therapy, including conversion therapy, and would prefer any statement made by the HRC be for minors only.

M. Wurst-Persaud stated drafting an Ordinance for City Council approval would be an involved process requiring a legal document being written and a public hearing take place. She explained a Proclamation would be a more informal process.

M. Bousu asked if conversion therapy is occurring in Bloomington. M. Wurst-Persaud stated OutFront Minnesota believes there are two (2) locations in Bloomington offering conversion therapy. M. Wurst-Persaud suggested inviting a speaker from OutFront Minnesota to come to present at a future HRC meeting.

J. Leese proposed drafting a Proclamation opposing conversion therapy for all for a June City Council meeting, with the understanding an Ordinance banning

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Page 4 of 4 May 18, 2020

conversion therapy for all will be worked on and presented later this year. A. Smithson concurred.

K. Barber clarified that an Ordinance banning conversion therapy for all would not apply to clergy. L. Gubek asked if an Ordinance is adopted by City Council, would there be punishment if a resident is found to be practicing conversion therapy. J. Leese stated there would be a fine. M. Wurst-Persaud stated it depends on how the ordinance is written and provided the Census workers ordinance as an example.

M/ L. Gubek, S/M. Gray carried to approve drafting a Conversion Therapy Ban Proclamation to be presented at a June City Council meeting. There was consensus among Commissioners they will work on drafting an Ordinance banning conversion therapy for all residents of Bloomington.

4.7 Pride Month Planning M. Wurst-Persaud stated Community Outreach and Engagement Coordinators T. Smith and A. Crombie have assembled a group of City of Bloomington employees and Bloomington residents to work on a celebration for Pride Month. This group has identified a desire to have a community celebration on the local level, such as hosting a picnic. The picnic will take place sometime in the fall due to social distancing requirements. M. Wurst-Persaud stated that while the Twin Cities Pride Festival has been cancelled for 2020, Pride flags will still be flown at Bloomington Civic Plaza and a Pride Proclamation will be presented at a City Council meeting in June. M. Wurst-Persaud stated Artistry will feature art by LGBTQIA in the Gallery at the Bloomington Center for the Arts in June 2021.

V. NEW BUSINESS5.1 Asian Pacific American

Heritage Month Proclamation, May 4, 2020 City Council meeting

J. Leese read the draft Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation. A. Smithson asked in the 4th paragraph to change the wording “…that are found in the United States” to “…that reside in the united States.” M/K. Barber, S/H. Yussuf unanimously carried to approve the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation as amended. M. Wurst-Persaud stated the Proclamation will be accepted at the May 4, 2020 City Council meeting. As it is likely the May 4, 2020 City Council will meet virtually, a Commissioner will not be able to accept the Proclamation in person. Therefore, M. Wurst-Persaud will include information about the work the HRC has done in the past in the agenda item.

5.2 Discrimination Complaint Referral – 1st

Quarter

M. Wurst-Persaud stated one individual has submitted a housing complaint/inquiry in the first quarter of 2020. The individual was encouraged to contact the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and HOME Line.

Final Thoughts M. Wurst-Persaud welcomed A. Smithson to the Bloomington Human Rights Commission. A. Smithson responded that she is excited and honored to be part of the group.

VI. ADJOURMENTM/K. Barber, S/L. Gubek unanimously carried to adjourn the virtual meeting at 6:47 p.m.

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Item Adoption of Agenda


Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Adopt the agenda.

Description:

Attachments:

May 18, 2020 HRC meeting agenda

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https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/593916/051820hrca.pdf

BLOOMINGTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING – MONDAY, MAY 18, 2020

BLOOMINGTON CIVIC PLAZA - 5:30 P.M. 1800 W. Old Shakopee Rd.

VIRTUAL MEETING

If for any reason you are unable to attend this meeting, or are going to be late, please contact Heather Lambert, 952-563-4959, by noon on Monday, May 18, 2020.

I. CALL TO ORDER - 5:30 P.M

II. PROCEDURAL MATTERS – 5:35 P.M. 2.1 Approval of Minutes – April 20, 2020 2.2 Adoption of Agenda 2.3 Announcements

• COVID-19 Update – M. Wurst Persaud • Motor Vehicle and Community Center Survey – M. Wurst-Persaud

III. ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS 3.1 Census 2020 Complete Count Committee update 3.2 Conversion Therapy Ordinance 3.3 Pride Month Planning 3.4 Re-cap Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation, May 4, 2020 City Council

meeting 3.5 Proclamation Centering Racial Equity in COVID-19 Response Efforts, May 18, 2020 City

Council meeting IV. NEW BUSINESS

4.1 LGBTQIA Pride Month Proclamation, June 1, 2020

V. PROGRAM/SPEAKER – 6:30 P.M. 5.1 Renae Clark, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation Department

Topic: Parks Master Plan Update VI. ADDITIONAL HANDOUTS

6.1 Approved minutes from February 24, 2020 HRC Meeting VII. ADJOURNMENT – 7:00 P.M.

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Item Announcements


Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

COVID-19 Update - M. Wurst-Persaud

Motor Vehicle and Community Center Survey - M. Wurst-Persaud

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Item Census 2020 Complete Count Committee update

Agenda Section ORGANIZATIONAL BUSINESS

Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

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Item Conversion Therapy Ordinance


Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

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Item Pride Month Planning


Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

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Item Re-cap Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Proclamation, May 4,2020 City Council Meeting


Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

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Item Proclamation Centering Racial Equity in COVID-19 Response Efforts, May18, 2020 City Council meeting


Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

Attachments:

Proclamation Centering Racial Equity in COVID-19 Response.docx

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https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/593920/Proclamation_Centering_Racial_Equity_in_COVID-19_Response.pdf

PROCLAMATION

CENTERING RACIAL EQUITY IN COVID-19 RESPONSE EFFORTS

WHEREAS, The City of Bloomington is committed to acting courageously to advance racial equity and create a vibrant, safe, and healthy community where people of all races thrive; and

WHEREAS, emerging COVID-19 infection and mortality data illuminates a disturbing, disproportionate impact on Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, most specifically African American communities; and

WHEREAS, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are more likely to be low-wage, essential frontline workers, such as service workers and health care workers, and thus at higher risk of exposure; and

WHEREAS, we recognize that risks and burdens are often borne disproportionately by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and low-income communities; and

WHEREAS, we recognize the unequal allocation of power and resources as a root cause of racial health inequities; and

WHEREAS, our city commits to lifting up the medical and social needs of the most marginalized members of our communities, and sharing examples of how centering their needs can ensure that we are all safe and healthy; and

WHEREAS, our city is committed to providing target healthcare education and resource information to African American communities who are realizing significant adverse health and socioeconomic impacts; and

WHEREAS, our city commits to standing in solidarity against xenophobic and racist attacks on Asian Americans; and

WHEREAS, our city commits to providing immigrants and refugees with equitable access tosupportive recourses; and

WHEREAS, our city will work side-by-side with community partners to identify and address the ways that this infection may exacerbate existing inequities in our communities; and

WHEREAS, this moment is an opportunity for our City to better understand how we are allaffected when some of us lack the unequal access to resources and opportunities.

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM BUSSE, Mayor of the city of Bloomington, Minnesota, do herby proudly affirm the City of Bloomington’s commitment to centering racial equity in our community’s responses to the COVID-19 global pandemic and in partnership with surrounding cities like Richfield, Edina.

Dated this 18th day of May 2020.

_______________________________

Time Busse, Mayor

City of Bloomington, Minnesota

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Item LGBTQIA Pride Month Proclamation

Agenda Section NEW BUSINESS

Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Approve the LGBTQIA Pride Month Proclamation

Description:

Attachments:

LGBTQIA Pride Month Proclamation.docx

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https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/593929/Pride_Month_Proclamation.pdf

LGBTQIA PRIDE MonthJune 1 – 30, 2020

WHEREAS, June 2020, Pride Month, is the positive stance against discrimination and violence toward individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA) and to promote their self-affirmation, dignity, equal rights, increase their visibility as a social group, build community, and celebrate sexual identity diversity and gender variance; and

WHEREAS, LGBTQIA people have made, and continue to make, great and lasting contributions that continue to strengthen the fabric of American society; and

WHEREAS, the LGBTQIA rights movement has achieved great progress, but there is more work to be done. Youth should feel safe to learn without the fear of harassment, and families and seniors should be allowed to live their lives with dignity and respect; and

WHEREAS, the City of Bloomington Council includes equity and inclusion as one of its seven strategic priorities, and the Bloomington Human Rights Commission calls upon the community to work together to promote equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity;

THEREFORE be it resolved that I, Tim Busse, Mayor of the City of Bloomington, Minnesota do hereby proclaim June 2020 as LGBTQIA Pride Month and call upon the people of Bloomington to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.

Dated this 1st day of June, 2020. ___________________________________Tim Busse, MayorCity of Bloomington

Proclamation

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Item Renae Clark, Assistant Director, Parks and Recreation DepartmentTopic: Parks Master Plan Update

Agenda Section PROGRAM/SPEAKER

Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

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Item Approved minutes from February 24, 2020 HRC meeting

Agenda Section ADDITIONAL HANDOUTS

Date May 18, 2020

Requested Action:

Description:

Attachments:

February 24, 2020 HRC Meeting Minutes

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https://legistarweb-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/attachment/pdf/593416/022420hrcm.pdf

APPROVED MINUTES

Human Rights Commission

Monday, February 24, 2020 5:30 PM

Dakota Conference Room 1800 West Old Shakopee Road

I. CALL TO ORDER – 5:30 P.M. Present: Kari Barber, Mollie Bousu, Ladu Gubek, Jared Leese, Husein Yusssuf

Absent: Morgen Gray, Maggie Mills, Katrina Moberg, Alex Phasy Staff: Melissa Wurst-Persaud, Manager, Community Outreach & Engagement

Division Heather Lambert, Office Support Specialist, Community Outreach &

Engagement Division Guest(s): Mat Kvidera, IT Systems Administrator II, City of Bloomington Chairperson J. Leese called the meeting to order at 5:43 p.m. A quorum was present.

II. PROCEDURAL MATTERS – 5:35 P.M. 2.1

Approval of Minutes – January 27, 2020

M/H. Yussuf, S/K. Barber unanimously carried to approve the minutes of the January 27, 2020 HRC meeting as presented.

2.2

Adoption of Agenda M/L. Gubek, S/K. Barber unanimously carried to approve the February 24, 2020 agenda as presented.

2.3

Announcements M. Wurst-Persaud stated the 2020 State of the City: A Bridge to the Future: Building a Community of Choice is on Wednesday, March 18, 2020 at the Radisson Blu Mall of America. Registration and networking is 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch and the program from 11:30 a.m. – 1:15 p.m. She explained the State of the City is an opportunity for Mayor Tim Busse and City Manager Jamie Verbrugge to talk about this past year’s accomplishments and to take a look at what is to come in the future. M. Bousu, M. Gray, and K. Barber are registered to attend. L. Gubek requested to be registered, too. J. Leese stated the City Manager will come to a future HRC meeting to give an overview of the State of the City. M. Wurst-Persaud stated another overview of the State of the City will take place at a Town Hall Forum at Civic Plaza on Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 7:00 p.m. M. Wurst-Persaud stated Adult Commissioner terms run from March – February, and reminded Commissioners they are allowed only four (4) absences per year. If a Commissioner has more than four (4) absences, they will be terminated from the Commission. M. Wurst-Persaud referred Commissioners to the 2020 HRC meeting dates calendar, found in Commissioner agenda packets. M. Wurst-Persaud stated Alex Phasy’s term on the HRC expires on February 29, 2020 and he has decided not to seek reappointment. A new Commissioner to fill this opening is expected to be made at the February 24, 2020 City Council meeting. M. Wurst-Persaud referred Commissioners to the “2020 Work Plan Program” calendar and stated the program and information contained in it is subject to change. M. Wurst-Persaud stated Eric Johnson, Community Development Director, will not be presenting on Affordable Housing Efforts this evening, as he submitted his resignation to the City of Bloomington and will be leaving the City

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CITY OF BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA APPROVED MINUTES

Page 2 of 4 April 22, 2020

for a position in Dallas, TX. She stated once a new Community Development Director is hired, along with a new HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) Administrator, they will be invited to an HRC meeting to give Commissioners an update on affordable housing. M. Wurst-Persaud stated a reception for Census 2020 volunteers will take place on Monday, April 20, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., in honor of the hard work they are performing. As this is a normal HRC meeting night, Commissioners will have a short meeting from 5:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., so they can attend the reception afterwards.

2.4

Speaker M. Kvidera explained that Commissioners are being given City of Bloomington email addresses. He directed Commissioners to go to mail.BloomingtonMN.gov to set up and log in to their new City email address. M. Kvidera stated the City is now using a new agenda management system, iLegislate. This is a new app that has been placed on Commissioner iPads. The iLegislate site URL is blmmn.granicus.com. He explained eight different Boards and Commissions in the City, including the HRC, will use iLegislate to access their agenda packets. M. Kvidera demonstrated how to view agenda packets. M. Kvidera stated there is a YouTube tutorial on Commissioner iPads on how to use iLegislate. M. Kvidera mentioned that he is now able to remotely access Commissioner’s iPads, meaning Commissioners will no longer have to meet Mat in person to solve issues with their iPads.

III. CONTINUING BUSINESS 3.1

Gender neutral single-user restrooms update

M. Wurst-Persaud reported gender neutral single-user signage has been received by the City and was given to the Public Works Department for installation. She stated this signage will be put up at 16 different single-user restrooms throughout City facilities.

3.2

Census 2020 Complete Count Committee Update

J. Leese stated a Census 2020 Complete Count Committee meeting took place on Thursday, February 13, 2020 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Haeg Conference Room at Bloomington Civic Plaza. He stated the meeting was well attended and volunteers signed up to assist with various initiatives. M. Wurst-Persaud thanked M. Bousu, K. Barber, and J. Leese for attending the meeting. M. Wurst-Persaud stated another opportunity to promote the 2020 Census is on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Book Fair at Oak Grove Middle School from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. M. Bousu stated she may be available to bring Census 2020 materials to this event. M. Wurst-Persaud stated she met with School District staff last week to discuss Census 2020 efforts. She shared information packets with them. School District staff will try to share Census 2020 information with students the week before spring break.

3.3

Recap Home Improvement Fair

K. Barber stated she and M. Bousu passed out Census 2020 information at the Home Improvement Fair at Bloomington Civic Plaza on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. She stated many people stopped by their table with questions about the Census. M. Bousu stated they handed out promotional items as a way to promote the Census.

3.4

Volunteer Opportunity, Block Captain’s Workshop

M. Wurst-Persaud stated she, along with two (2) volunteers, will be at the Block Captain’s Workshop on Saturday, March 7, 2020 from 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. to promote the Census 2020.

3.5

Volunteer Opportunity, Indoor Farmer’s Market

M. Wurst-Persaud stated K. Moberg, along with other Census 2020 Complete Count Committee volunteers, will be at the Indoor Farmer’s Market on Saturday, March 13, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. to promote the Census 2020.

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3.6

2020 HRC Workplan to City Council

J. Leese stated immediately following tonight’s meeting, he is going to the City Council meeting to present an overview of the HRC’s work in 2019 and he will be seeking Council approval of the 2020 HRC Work Plan.

IV. NEW BUSINESS 4.1

Egg Hunt

J. Leese inquired if there was interest in having a booth at the Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 11, 2020. K. Barber and H. Yussuf attended the Egg Hunt last year and encouraged HRC participation in 2020. They stated it is a fun event with a variety of people in attendance. J. Leese stated this is another opportunity to promote the Census 2020, as the last day to complete the Census is not until July 31, 2020.

4.2 Conversion Therapy Presentation

J. Leese stated Councilmember Coulter contacted him to see if the HRC would be willing to research the topic of Conversion Therapy. Councilmember Coulter discovered the City of Bloomington currently has two (2) practitioners of Conversion Therapy. J. Leese reminded Commissioners of the HRC’s role in advising the City Council on human rights matters. J. Leese stated other cities, such as Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth, have already enacted bans on this kind of therapy. M. Wurst-Persaud shared a PowerPoint presentation on a Conversion “Therapy” Ban used by the City of Minneapolis. In it, conversion therapy is “referred to as reparative therapy, ex-gay therapy, or sexual orientation change efforts, includes a range of dangerous and discredited practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation, or efforts to change a person’s gender identity or expression.” The presentation states that conversion therapy has been denounced as “treatment” by The American Psychological Association, The American Medical Association, and The American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition, the United Nations has classified these practices as torture. M. Wurst-Persaud stated the Ordinance banning conversion therapy in Minneapolis, as well as other cities, does not include members of the clergy who are acting in their roles as clergy or pastoral counselors and providing religious counseling to congregants. J. Leese stated some communities ban conversion therapy only against minors, as minors are not able to give consent due to their age. K. Barber inquired about the basis of the HRC pursuing a conversion therapy ban ordinance, and asked how conversion therapy can be banned if a consenting adult is actively seeking this therapy out for themselves. M. Wurst-Persaud stated the City of Minneapolis has in-depth reports on this topic on their website that she will share with Commissioners. She also proposed inviting someone from OutFront Minnesota to present on this topic at a future HRC meeting. J. Leese asked Commissioners to review the materials they receive on conversion therapy, do research on their own, and come to March’s HRC meeting ready to discuss this further. M. Wurst-Persaud stated a subcommittee of Commissioners could be appointed at the March HRC meeting to meet separately on this topic. M. Wurst-Persaud stated before the Marriage Amendment passed, the City of Bloomington and the Human Rights Commission looked at formulating a Domestic Partner Registry (DPR) ordinance. She explained a DPR allows for a declaration of two people who are in a committed relationship that they are in a committed relationship. M. Wurst-Peraud shared paper copies with Commissioners of the Domestic Partner Registry Bloomington Human Rights Commission Report and Recommendation, dated June 25, 2012, and the

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Domestic Partner Registry Bloomington Human Rights Commission Second Supplemental Report and Recommendation, dated June 4, 2013. M. Wurst-Persaud stated the City of Bloomington is looking at increasing their score on the Human Rights Equality Index, as assigned by the Human Rights Campaign. She stated she will share the Index report the City of Bloomington received from the Human Rights Campaign with Commissioners. M. Wurst-Persaud asked if the Commissioners would like to revisit enacting a DPR ordinance as a way to increase the City of Bloomington’s score on the Human Rights Equality Index. There was consensus among Commissioners they wish to research this topic more and will have a future discussion to determine how they wish to proceed.

Final Thoughts

There were no final thoughts.

V. ADJOURMENT M/L. Gubek, S/M. Bousu unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting at 6:43

p.m.

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human rights commission agenda · 5.1renae clark, assistant director, parks and recreation...

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