Good evening and welcome to the CHASA Human Rights Commission meeting for Thursday, February 26th, 2026. First up on our agenda is our roll call. So Elise, would you be so kind? >> Commissioner McCcluskey.
>> Commissioner Duffy >> here. >> Commissioner Hubard >> here. Commissioner Han >> here. >> Commissioner me >> here. >> Commissioner Hega, Commissioner Sanderson, Chair Carlson >> here. >> Uh we've all received the agenda. Um are
there um any additions? If not, may I have a motion to adopt the agenda for this evening? So good. >> Thank you, Kevin. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Brit. And we've remembered our new switch. Um,
if there's no questions, um, all in favor of adopting the agenda, signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed. >> Eyes carry. Um, Elise, did you want to introduce our new speaker or our new commission members?
>> Uh, sure. Chair and commissioners. Um, as you know, every January the uh council reviews uh what seats are open for different boards and commissions as folks terms are rolling off or people choose not to renew. So, we have two new
commissioners at this point in time. Uh the first one is Katie. Uh she is a local business owner in Chesa. I won't do too much more. I will let you introduce yourself. We also have Sean Hagga who will be our youth representative. Uh our two alternates
are not filled at this time. Council is soliciting additional applications and we have two folks who are interested. We just need to finish going through the process with them. So hopefully by the March meeting we'll have our two additional alternates. But >> uh Katie, you'd like to introduce
yourself? >> Sure. >> I'm Katie. I am there you go. Hi, I'm Katie. I'm a Chaska resident and I in downtown Chaza. Um kind of by Jones Coffee. Um and we've been there for
about five years and I've lived in Chaska all my life. >> Um it's called Mantra Creative Beauty. So at the end of the block, do you remember there's that Surfro sign that's been there forever? >> It's in that building. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Well, great. Really glad you're with us. >> Yeah, I'm glad to be here. >> Excellent. Um well, first thing on our agenda or one of the first things beginning this year um as
in every first of the meeting of our year, we uh recommend chairs and vice chairs. So I'll turn that over to Elise for um her to initiate that process. >> Uh certainly. Yeah. as um Chair Carlson,
she's still the current chair under this year until we elect um uh till we go through this process tonight. What you're doing tonight is making a recommendation to the city council which will go at their next meeting on March 16th. Uh so with that recommend a chair
and vice chair and uh we will take that and then moving forward that's who will be um on I guess acting as your leadership for the commission. So uh we need a nomination and a second for each one of
those and then we'll vote on them as well. So with that I am looking for um nominations for chair. Let's start there. I'm going to be selfish and throw my name in there.
>> Do I have a second for that? >> I'll second that. >> Guess it was my second choice. >> Um, is there anybody else who would like to nominate somebody or nominate themselves? All right. So, we have a motion and a
second for um Commissioner Hubard as chair. All those in favor say I. >> I. Oh, >> I >> I >> I. >> All those opposed. All right. Congratulations,
Commissioner. Now, Chair Hubard, >> would you like to move with the vice chair then? Um, I would still like her to finish out this meeting. >> Okay. And so move forward at the March. >> I say that because I have the utmost respect for her. I just wanted her to
Sorry, but I wanted her to kind of relax this year because she's been going strong for at least five years. >> Longer than that as chair. So I want to respect this. >> If I could, you don't mind.
No, but normally the new chair >> I know >> opens the floor for vice chair. >> Oh, I see. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Well, let's open up the floor then for vice chair, please. >> Any Am I supposed to keep going? Any nominations?
>> You're doing a great job. I'll nominate Sarah go to that roll. >> Sure. Okay. >> I'll second that. >> Anymore anymore? I was waiting for her. She did it for you. How come she can't do it for me? >> No, that's because as far as as chair,
you do it. >> My goodness. You all have to have a sense of humor. Uh, any other any other nominations? Anyone else? >> No. >> No. All right. What's the next? All in favor?
>> I >> for >> I >> Any opposed? All right. She is our vice chair. >> Well, thank you, Chair Hubard. I'll be honored to finish out tonight's meeting
with your guidance. >> Thank you very Thank you very much. Appreciate it. >> Um, so generally our first meeting of the year, we do not have an open forum or a guest presentation. So I'll just go
directly to the approval of the minutes. Um you'll recall that this was our last meeting um in December. Um and a copy of those minutes have been sent out to each
of you. Are there any uh changes, suggestions, deletions um or that we need to make to the minutes? >> I don't see any. Seeing none, uh, may I have a motion to
approve the minutes then? >> Motion so moved. >> Second. >> So, a motion's been made and seconded for the adoption of the minutes. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> I. >> Opposed? Eyes carry. Thank you. Um our
treasures report is next and um for our new member this is um our treasurer happens to be Elise and so she keeps excellent records for us. So Elise I'll ask you to go over our budget and um where we stand as of today.
>> Uh certainly chair and commissioners uh it's really easy at the beginning of the year. There's not a lot of expenses, but expenses that came through from the MLK day event are shown. Um, first I want to draw your attention. You have a $7,000
um, uh, budget for this coming year. So, as you think about the different events you want to plan, um, keep that in mind and we will update this as the year goes on. Uh, so you can see in January we spent
um just over $1,000 for the MLK Day event. Back in November, $2,800 was um the budgeted amount. $800 of that was to come from the 2025 budget, which was used to pay for the books and the event
center rental. And then $2,000 was available um to the subcommittee um in the 26 budget. Uh the subcommittee did a great job of um really watching that budget and so came out with just
spending just over um $1,000. So that puts $921 that went back into the balance for the remainder of the year. So right now uh your balance sits at $5,92152. Are there any questions? If not, may I have a motion to approve
the treasures report? >> I move to approve the treasures report. >> Second. >> Motion made by Brent and seconded by Kevin. If there's no further questions or are there any questions?
If not, all in favor of approving the February 26, 2026 uh treasures report signify by saying I. I. >> I. opposed. Eyes carry. Thank you, Elise.
Under our old business, we have the human rights celebration. Um, this is in conjunction with Dr. King. And um well, first of all, I I want to thank
the subcommittee of Hana um Ki of course um and our outside person Stacy Kumar Nelson for working with me and the staff of the city to to do a very successful
and I think a very meaningful event um in in January. the city staff of Christa, Michelle, Kevin, and of course Elise um really
were helped us do all the things that we don't necessarily see and um and could not do without their support and their help. I want to especially thank Kichi for her contribution. Uh she was our
host for this uh year's event. Um, very much appreciated. I hope that you enjoyed the experience. Um, and we didn't put too much pressure on you. >> No pressure. >> The having the script available through,
um, Stacy Kumar Nelson's work, um, I think kind of helps smooth that process. But, um, I think that was good. Um, we did continue the art contest this year and um I'm awaiting um
the voting of the art contest winners. I've got the poster all lined up on my dining room table. I've got everything glued to the poster that so far that I have. So, I just need to finish that up
and then in February, um, Chair Martin and commissioners, I'll have that here and, um, for inclusion in our lobby of the city hall. Um, I believe that we also have some prizes to give out.
And so, um, once, uh, Kichi and Hana have a chance to vote on their on the art submissions, then we'll contact them and ask them if they'd like to come in. If you would like to do that, if not, uh, we can just arrange to have the
um the gift certificates um, awarded to to the winners of the art contest. Um, and also today I want I wanted wanted to share with you after each event we do an evaluation, a kind of a followup, a
wrap-up, just kind of just say this worked really well. Hey, let's not do that again or whatever our feedback is. And so today I I wrapped up the information that I had received so far and submitted it to the subcommittee
members. Um I would say overall and I would ask I guess Ki you were there um what kind of feedback we you received from the event um and um and any general comments
you have about the Dr. King celebration. >> Um the overall comments that I received is they thought it was timely and the message was very poignant and necessary along with the singing. So, everyone felt very moved and felt the energy of
the spirit of Martin Luther King, which is about peace and unity. And Ethel, the keynote speaker, especially said, and I want to put this in quotes, and maybe I'll ask her to, that Chaza has the nicest people. >> That's great. >> So, she really enjoyed speaking and she
really enjoyed talking to people afterwards and just seeing how much they were really engaged and really wanted to and are making a difference in in the community. So >> that's wonderful. >> So yeah, I think it was it went went very well. Only feedback or but is that people I posted on my Facebook page and
Instagram and there's people in within Chaza they're like I didn't know what was happening or else I would have been there. >> So um and that's probably that's on me because I could have posted on my own Facebook or Instagram but just getting more of a reach out so more of the
community knows about it. >> Well again thank you Ki and And a shout out to Crayola for donating the color wonder. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. Um and really those crayons will be used at
other events through the human rights commission either another Dr. King celebration or at our summertime events. So thank you for submitting that request to Crayola. Um so um
new business Um well >> before we move on to new business >> I want to comment >> before we move on to new business I want to comment on the MLK I wasn't able to be there but I was able to watch um it
live um and I enjoyed it it I had to work but um I was able to go back come back so I think it being televised um it's very helpful it's good experience I was still able to experience a lot of what was going on um so I just want to throw those two cents
it comes up next year, we make sure that we keep it on TV because I won't be there. I'll have to be at work. >> Well, that's part of our thinking about what it is that we would want to do in 2026.
Certainly having a communication opportunity at at every level that we can possibly think of I think is really important for um our activities and um any events that we host. So um that's
something that I'm sure that you'll want to put some focus on and some attention on in 2026. Um, so let's talk a little bit about what it is that we want to do in 2026 in
terms of our events. You may recall for those of us who've been on the commission, each year the chair and vice chair get together towards the end of the year and work on a strategic plan for 2026. Um, and
being consistent, Jennifer and I did meet and um, talked with Elise um, about the kinds of things that we thought could possibly impact 2026 and and the commission.
U, and certainly one of those pieces of that discussion was um core events that we wanted to to host in 2026. Sadly, because we had a major winter storm, we were not able to gather um to
talk about the the uh strategic plan. But um I but that certainly is something that um Chair Hubard would can choose to do. Um, I would suggest as a group we might want
to do that in a work session environment. Um, as opposed to doing that during the course of a our usual activity or business meetings. Um, and I'd be happy to s send you the information or at least will send you
the information that Jennifer and I had come up with. Um, so I think probably what we need to talk about is what kind of core events do we want to have? And I would throw that out. In the years past, we've we've done basically four or five.
Certainly Dr. King um human rights celebration in January. Typically or historically, we've had our pride event during the month of June. Um in September we've participated with the
city parks and recreation department um and others sometimes by having a booth at the Latin music and food festival. Um the past few years we've also held a cultural
um awareness um a celebration in November. So those have been key activities over the years. We've talked about doing other things in those interim months. Um but as you all know,
we are all volunteers and we have jobs and lives and other things that we do during the course of our day. And so that might be enough of the activities that we want to do. Um certainly it's up for discussion.
What are you thinking for 2026 activities? >> Um I looked so she's on page five of six and we can't I think chairperson Carlson because that's when it's going to come out. I had to think about what I was going to call you
before. um she met with a previous commissioner and they developed a plan and over the years we kept going through that plan and I think we've kind of narrowed it down to what looks like about six items so far and I think we've
had a lot of a lot of events we wanted to do and now we've narrowed it down and I think narrowing it down to something that's we can put a lot of effort into and a lot of time into and make it a great event um it's better than having a long list laundry list things and we can
with a smaller list we can I think partner with the city um whether it's parks or Rex or whatever and and and make it a great event. So that's my two cents. So, I'm looking at the six um event on
pages on the last two pages for the um pride art exhibit with the arts consortium. I met with um I'm drawing a blank on our name back but back around the holidays. So, we like we wouldn't be
necessarily like taking on this event. It would just be more of like if we know like people who want to do something within the LGBTQ community and art related directing directing them to
hers to coordinate it all to coordinate it all. Um or sorry she can plan like getting all the art and everything. Um, so just be more like assisting them in once everything's set, like know helping spread the word for it or like directing
people to her u or to them. I got them connected with um Carver County Pride to help promote it and make a call for artists. Um, for those who who don't know, I work at a treatment facility and it used to be
an LG LGBTQ treatment facility and I work with the alumni there. So I I made a call out to them and got some of the alumni from the treatment facility who are artists connected with her. >> Great. >> Um so we wouldn't be like taking this on
head on. It would just be more of playing an assisting role in it. So um but yeah, that was that on when I was looking at this. It would just be more helping out and less of us doing it as a commission.
So, do we want to keep this? I mean I mean it's not like all these are set in stone. So, is it something that we want to do? It's something you want to do. >> Yeah, I can like still help like help out. Um but like as I told her when I met with her
like we're all volunteers and I like I'll do what we can but like they're taking the lead on it and we're just >> So, let me rephrase that. >> Okay. Is it, how do I put this? Is it something that you want to do? Doesn't necessarily mean that you're going to be the lead on it, but is it something that
you would like to see us as a group do >> for 2026? >> At least help promote it. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Gotcha. >> Short answer, yes. >> Gotcha. >> Are there any other items on the list we want to keep and keep working with or is
there something we want to add? Something we want to subtract? I know we talked about River City Days, which is on page six. You talked about cutting it, talked about joining the city and standing at their booth, keep it.
I wasn't able to make River City Days in 2025. Um, how did it go? Was it comparable to prior years? >> Uh, Martin was there, Chi-Chi was there. Um,
Yeah, >> River City Days is the hottest weekend of the year, no matter >> where where it is. Um, I would say that we probably um we had water bottles as
part of our swag last year. I think we still have some of those left. >> Um, they were very popular >> because of course the temperature we had. Um uh we did not play the Jeopardy kind of game but we had Jenga was that
yeah >> but I don't remember any during my shifts I don't remember anybody playing that so and we bought swag for this year um of pens if my memory is correct right >> so I would say um
by my suggestion would be is that of course I think we could join with the city and be in their in their space with a table. I don't think it's necessary in my mind to
um have planned games or activities um but just be available to talk with folks about what it is that we that we do and that we promote. Do you think I think this year I mean this might be diving too specifically
but it might be helpful to advertise our events at River City Days >> as a way even just to get it on people's radar. you know, if we don't have set dates or or whatnot, but um perhaps consider
having like pictures on a poster of past events and saying this year it's scheduled approximately for like November or you know, MLK Junior celebration is always on this weekend in January. And >> um that's an event that a lot of
community members come to and it would be a way to get knowledge out to maybe people we can't otherwise reach. Uh Martin has been very generous in allowing us to have his um screen and
we've had a series of of images roll through the screen. It is dependent a lot on um electricity being current, >> no pun intended. And um when there has been um issues with the electricity,
then we don't always have that because I think a screen um I always I thought I've thought since we've had that has drawn people in because it's a screen and there's images and they want to see what's on it. Um, and I don't know if we
would want to continue to do that, but that that's been, you know, our promotion kind of piece. Um, >> but yeah, >> I think we can do it if we still partnered with the city. You know, they have a bigger booth. We just take a
corner of it, take a TV at each event we have during the year, we take a little bit of video and by the time we get to River City days, splice it together, throw it on the TV, it plays. even if we don't have anyone to and that are part of the booth for that time it's running
and so have something to say too >> so I think it's a great idea >> I also want to throw this in there um we're talking about advertising >> I think we should advertise for the next event I also think we should plan our events through next quarter the first
quarter of 2027 >> that way we're planning ahead does that make sense so we're not just planning >> MLK Okay, for January, we're going to figure out what we did, what we're going to do in February and March. So, you know, previous years we wanted to celebrate women in March, but it was
always end of February, beginning of March when we decided to do it, it was too late. But I think we should plan ahead. Does that make sense? >> And kind of figure out what we're going to spend, how we're going to do it, and then the more time we take planning, the less effort will be for us. Does that
make sense? And in the past, have we had like a QR code that people can scan so they can follow us on Facebook or Instagram? >> Sounds familiar. >> We can certainly create one. That's easy enough to do. And you can have small
little handouts or whatever. Are there other events that we want to uh support or continue? Um we have reserved the facility um
for the pride celebration for June 21st, 2026. Um, so last year, um, I think Kevin, you and Hana and I had talked about potentially doing outreach to the schools in the
community and that did not come to fruition. Um, I think we were all, it was just a busy year, but that is something I would like to explore. Maybe not right this second because the
idea just popped into my head, but um just thinking about maybe outreach with the community that's not eventbased specifically. Um and I think
especially, you know, we mentioned this last year, reaching out to the youth of the community and the people who are going to grow up in the community and help define it. Um, it feels like a really kind of good place to start. >> Does it have
>> Sometimes when I talk I just talk to you talking, so bear with me. Does it have to be a pride celebration thing? >> Oh, this would be unrelated to pride. >> And I guess I'm throwing out there. Is it an all year thing? Is it 365 days? Is
it to keep going beyond just this? >> Yes. Yeah. It was I think the thought was I Um, do you remember more specifically what we talked about last year? >> Not in depth. Not like in real depth, but it was just more of like
the the thought was, you know, people tend to live in the communities that they grew up in. And so engaging like the youth in the generations behind us. So that way they feel more involved in the communities and have a vested interest
>> in doing community based things. and being just overall being engaged in different events and then because kids know how to work that social media stuff.
>> Yeah. I think I don't think it was so much about any one event in particular, but about engaging kids within maybe within the schools. I think it the thought initially was going to be that it would be a school year-based thing.
um maybe periodic in some capacity. Uh where you know we're going into a classroom or a school and helping teach maybe that at a high level kind of the
concept of human rights and empathy and you know looking out for your fellow community members. Is it like a program >> maybe >> something? Yeah. I I realize I'm just kind of >> Yeah. Yeah. I can look at my notes from last year. I did not bring them. So, >> you're fine.
>> Yeah. >> So, what I'm hearing so far, just to speed this up because it's like 77. No, I'm just kidding. Um, we want to keep the MLK event. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> We want to keep the Pride event. >> Yes.
We want to start a youth I'm just going to say youth program whatever that ends up being in 2026 2027 >> we want to participate in River City Days >> with the city >> in some way.
>> Um we didn't talk about the cultural heritage month really want to keep that. I think we've had a lot of success with that event um the last well from my knowledge last two years in particular but I think even three years ago it was
also successful. So I think that would be a good core event for I saw posts on some of the chess community pages people like calling out last year saying how how fun it was and people actually felt represented.
Um, so I think we should keep it because I thought that was cool. I was doom scrolling >> the cinco de Mayo >> event >> that's something that the chaska rotary um approached
um our liaison Elise saying would would the human rights commission like to help the Chaza Rotary in celebrating Cinco de Mayo that's been something that Rotary has done um several years uh in in a row. Um I I
I don't think that they're planning to have that event, but perhaps you know more at least. Uh, chair and commissioners, I I checked in um with a Rotary member Rotarian uh
last week as I was putting this together and there is still interest is my understanding if the human rights commission is interested in getting a group together to help um put it on. So, I think it's up to this group to determine if if you would like to help
with it. The funds would come from the Rotary. we would not have to spend funds, but it's really the time that it would take to put it together. >> Did they say how they envisioned that help or what that help would look like >> that you would be putting on like doing
the coordination for the event just like we do for all these other events? >> Is there a venue selected yet? >> I believe they do at the event center every year. >> Okay. >> And I can get more details on how they've done it, what their expectations are, that sort of thing. That's um this
is what's been communicated to me at this time. >> I think considering the current climate um is something that we should probably think about. Um uh
last year um I had reached out to I'm sorry I do not recall the person's name but I had reached out to a an organization who offered to come and um be at a one of our cultural events.
um and I have that information in the file. So that's it was a contact made um and and saying well hey you know if you have uh specific events that uh we would want to have their influence or their
leadership um or them as a guest speaker um they they put their hat in the ring so to speak. So I can certainly get that information if you want to you >> think we should move.
>> Any other ads? Good list now. We should see >> I would be willing to help for a single. I just wanted to >> Oh, we knew that was happening. But anyway, uh does everyone want to sign up for what
event you'd like to help organize, design, lead? >> I'd like to help with Pride. >> Okay, >> same. I'll help with that one, too. >> We have two. We need one more pride if any you can think about this.
>> Okay, >> three. >> Great. And just remember, we have a couple commissioners who are not here and maybe a few more who will come on as well. So don't feel like this whole group has to fill everything. >> MLK celebration.
>> I'll help with that again. >> I'll help with that. I'll be happy to help. >> I've been wanting to do this forever. Can I add something to our list? Can we do something out this year? Next year, 2027. Can we do something for
March Women's Month or Women's History? whatever you want to call it. That way we have a year to plan instead of two days. >> Yes. Yeah, I agree. >> No, I think I'd like to help with that. >> But anyone for River City days?
>> Did I get my own air conditioner? >> What is What is that? >> Do I get my own air conditioning unit? >> Can you arrange that? >> Yes, >> I can. Yes, I can arrange a fan. I can get you some popsicles. I can get you freezer. I'll take care of you. I got
you. >> I will help. Anyone else for that? Or any other events? I can help with things. Is that too >> a cultural heritage month? I know I held
a a bit this year, but I was sad I had to miss it because I started my new job. So, >> we had a great time. >> We did. >> Well, probably >> that was really fun event. >> We had a lot of help from community
members, too, which was um exciting to have that kind of Yeah. input. Absolutely. >> Was great. >> And will the focus stay the same or >> TVD? >> TVD. >> Yeah, >> I was going to say, you know, I think it can be whatever we we want to
coordinate. I think we've had success in celebrating Africa >> and then doing two takes on u the many contributions of our Indian uh community members. Um but absolutely um when we
first started talking about having a cultural heritage activity, we we had lots of grandiose ideas. Um but not grandiose, I would say we identified various cultures that we thought that we
could elevate and celebrate. Um and I think we did a good job with celebrate Africa with East African countries. Um and our two Indian celebrations um have been just incredible.
>> Um I I I think it bears uh weight to maybe continue that kind of a celebration, but certainly the committee would make that decision. >> I enjoyed helping. I would help again. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> It was lots of fun. >> Yeah. You have three names for that one. >> Two for >> I have two. But again, remember you have a four other commissioners. >> I nominate Commissioner Heg is not here. >> Oh, I'm I'm serious. Oh, I'm serious.
>> I will put him down. >> What about Commissioner Sanderson? >> I know what her schedule's like. His schedule he's a high school student. He just needs to be told what to do. >> Okay. All righty. Well, Elise, what Elise does is she puts
it in a tour chart format and she'll send that all out to us. We have a chance to take a look and say, "Oh, Ray, hey, I really didn't say yes to that committee." Um, or yeah, hey, I really do want to sign on. And then that will give our other two members and future uh commission members the opportunity to
say yes, I want to do. >> Okay. Anything else about planned activities or core events? >> We need a DJ for any of the events. I I know a person. Um, we generally have a DJ at the Pride
event. Just saying. >> Noted. >> Um, let's see. Um, anything else? >> If we're going to uh help plan the Cinco de Mayo thing with the Rotary Club, I can help do help plan that.
Wait, how soon can you get the details? >> Monday. >> Okay. >> Um Oh, I have one question. Sure. >> I know last year at least we had talked about getting banners. >> Where are we at with that?
still needs to be done. >> Okay. All right. So, we don't they're not hiding in a closet somewhere. >> They're not hiding in a closet. No. Um >> if that's something this commission would like to continue to do, um I would probably look for some help in
designing and that sort of thing. So, if somebody was willing to work with me to do that. >> Not a ton of not a ton of work. just need to >> do some ideas back and forth. >> What we want.
>> Okay. >> We also have the the information that we did a year ago on banners and what we and we got prices and what we were looking for in terms of vertical versus horizontal,
those kinds of things. So, I have that history as does I'm sure Elise has it in the files. >> I saved it as well. and you saved it as well. So, >> you're also organized. >> Um, >> if you have
dates and times in which you think your event is going to happen, if you can email that to lease and put on a banner or banners to move around, doesn't have to be permanent. >> I know. We had also um talked about the
idea kind of related to banners in the sense that we're acquiring product material for the commission, but getting like a sandwich board that we could then uh we could print posters for. um sort of reusable sandwich board
that we could put posters on when we're approaching events and then perhaps place it in hightraic areas of the city. So like Chesa Commons would be a place where we could potentially put up some
sort of sandwich board so that community members would know about events that are coming up. >> It's a good question. two three >> depends on how expensive they are. >> Well, if we bought one this if if we say okay we want three expensive one this
year and next year the second one at least we're planning ahead in the future. >> I think three would be a good start. Yeah, >> you can always find >> true. >> Oops. >> I'm sorry.
Why didn't you say two years ago. >> I was so new. >> I will also check and see if we just happen to have anything in our coffers already. I don't I don't know, but I'll look and see if nobody's claimed it.
>> Okay. Okay. Um, anything else? Well, then there's a couple of things I guess I'm going to say. Um, so, um, we were unable to say goodbye to our, uh,
former commission member, Jennifer Welliver, who served, um, on the commission, I think, for nine years. And so, if she's watching, um, thank you, Jennifer. Um some announcements uh that we generally
have in the month of January include the tax preparation um that's going ongoing through the AARP Foundation. Um, and there is a telephone number that uh
we can share. I thought I had it very handy right in front of me, but I don't. Um, and there are other several community events that are going ongoing. I would think that um
u any time that we can share the announcements with our viewing audience and maybe members of our audience here live um that's helpful to them so that they can kind of look ahead and say, "Wow, that's an event that that
I'd want to participate in." Um let's see. Um, are there any other announcements? Well, then I wanted to share with you that last year I initiated a belonging moment and I will not be doing that this
year. Um, not unless you just insist and you say, "Sarah, I really really thought that that was important." Um, I had hoped that belonging moments would be a kind of a platform for discussion and
sadly we weren't ever able to get that ball rolling. Um, my suggestion to our commission would be that as we plan perhaps guest speakers throughout the year, we could have them timed with a belonging activity,
something that would remind us that we are all community members here and that um to hold each other up and to support each other is is one of the things that we can do as a commission. Um, so if you're gr if you're looking to me to do
belonging moments, unless you tell me, perhaps we can just incorporate them into discussions during the course of the year. >> I thought they were belonging statements and they were lovely. >> Oh, >> yeah. Really appreciated them. >> Um, actually, I I did find one for
tonight's meeting. Uh, but then I thought, well, maybe we wouldn't continue that. So, if you want it or I can I'll just shoot them to you, Martin, and you can say, "Nope, that's good or whatever you'd like." Um,
as a member of the Human Rights Commission, you should be getting the Minnesota Department of Human Rights newsletter. If you don't get this, you are welcome to sign up for it and you would go to the Minnesota Department of Human
Rights. They have a newsletter. Um, and I'll just read you real quickly something that um, the commissioner for human rights uh, wrote and I think it's very timely. Immigrant communities are
confronting cruel and dehum dehum dehuman I'm sorry I cannot say that word tonight. We will use every tool that is the department of human rights available under state law to hold
businesses accountable and protect fundamental civil rights for motans and that's by Rebecca Lucera who is the commissioner. Um, and this month's, uh, newsletter talks about, uh, Minnesota's
law clearly prohibiting discrimination, um, and particularly addresses the issue of immigration status. So, if you have nothing else to do when you sign on to your computer next, you might want to check that out. Um,
anything else? Any announcements, Kevin? Okay. Brit. No. >> Kchi. No. Mer. >> Katie. >> I don't know if it's worth mentioning, but I can get families at cost and
potentially at no cost. So, >> how delightful. >> And possibly sandwich boards. I've never asked about them, but I'm sure probably get those across, too. >> Yeah. Okay, if there's no other business to come
before us this evening, >> I will just mention I was just informed that all the tax preparation appointments have already been filled. >> Okay. >> So, is there a standby list? >> There is not. >> Okay.
>> Figure out where people should go. So, we're trying to get that information. We know. We'll make sure we share it. >> Okay. All right. Well, having heard that there's no other business, I would in um Excuse me. Martin, are there any final
comments that you would like to have? >> No, ma'am. You're so reminating. Go ahead. >> Okay. Um if there's no other further comments or any other business to come before us this evening, I would entertain a motion to
end our meeting. >> I move to adjourn the meeting. I believe we'll all say yes. >> Is that second? >> Yes. >> Thank you and good night everyone.