Okay. All right. It is 5:00 PM on February 18th. We'll go ahead and get started with the human rights uh commission meeting. Can I please get a roll call? >> I bet Ellis >> present.
Anna Rajes samai here. Jennifer Cannon >> here. Jennifer Randa >> here. >> Titan Garretts and Sebastian McDougall
>> here. >> You'll now read the land acknowledgement. We, the Morehead Human Rights Commission, collectively and with gratitude, acknowledge the sacred land the city of Morhead is built upon. We acknowledge the people who have resided here for
generations and recognize that the spirit of the Dakota, Ojiway, Matei, and all indigenous communities permeates this land. The contribution of the indigenous people shall not be forgotten, nor will the success that is achieved by the people of this land. We will continue to educate, advocate,
honor, and unite for indigenous people of this land. Uh, attached is the January 21st, 2026 meeting minutes. Uh, if I could have you take a look at that and get a motion to approve.
>> Move to approve. >> Second. I'll >> second. Okay. >> All in favor? I I >> All oppose. Same sign. Okay, moving right along. We have uh Megan Krueger here tonight as our guest
speaker from the Morehead Library and we have a loop update and I'm super excited about this. >> Good evening and thank you for having me tonight. How do I >> Do I just have it on our screen here? If you want
to go back, it's on our screen. Oh, there we go. Little too excited there. All right, here we go. Again, thank you for having me. I'm going to give you an update of the loop, the home of the new Morhead Public Library. Um, before we get to that though, I do want to take just a
minute to talk about the current library, our library system, and how all of that works because a lot of people don't understand how it works. So, um, just out of curiosity, how many in this room have a library card from the
Perfect. Great. Um, so you probably noticed it says Lake Agassy Regional Library on that card, not Morehead Public Library. So, um, in Minnesota, with a few exceptions, public libraries belong to regional public library systems and those, uh, different library systems work together to provide library
services uh, across the state of Minnesota. We work together to offer things like reciprocal borrowing, uh, inter library loan, things of that nature. Uh Lake Agassy Regional Library serves seven counties in Minnesota. So we have locations in Becker, Clay, Clearwater,
Manomomen, Norman, Pulk, and Wilin counties. Uh we offer library service in 22 locations. This includes 13 branch libraries and nine link sites. Link sites took the place of our bookmobile service uh several years ago. And these
sites are very very small locations in communities like Twin Valley, Roth Hendrram. Uh and they include a small collection where people can browse but they can also request items in to that location instead of having to travel.
Uh those living within our service area are eligible for a Laurel library card and customers can use that library card at any one of our locations. Uh we are a consolidated library system. This means that we operate under one budget, one governing board, we share a
collection um and things of that nature. And we are supported by an administrative office uh who is in the Morehead Public Library and they will be moving with us into the loop. Uh actually next week they start moving. So
all coming up pretty quickly. Just a tish about what we do. I'm sure you all know this. Uh public libraries um provide um access to technology. So we bridge that digital divide. We offer public computers for use. Um free wireless internet, Wi-Fi hotspots for
checkout, printing, copying, faxing, including wireless printing. You can send a print job from home and pick it up later that day. I don't know why anybody owns a printer anymore. I sure don't. Uh virtual meeting tools um and technology assistance as well. That's a big part of what we do in public
libraries these days. Not everyone has the technology at home or knows how to use it. So staff will assist you um in learning how to uh do those things. Uh we build community. We provide community gathering space. Uh we offer events of our own, story time, book
clubs, things like that. Uh but we also offer space for community groups to come in and host their own events uh and use the space as well. Um, of course we offer access to information and resources. Uh, books, of course, we still offer print books. They're not
going away. Uh, digital books as well. And then just equal access to information like consumer reports, the latest issue of the New York Times, reputable health information, and that kind of thing. So, here's the current Morehead Public Library where I grew up going to story
time. Very nostalgic about this location. I'm going to miss it, but we're looking forward to the future. Um, the Morehead Library is the largest library in the Laurel region. We serve over one-third of our service population. Um, at this library, we see about 5 to 600 people each day,
sometimes more depending on if there's a large event going on. Uh, you know, heavy meeting room use, things like that that can drive up those numbers. Um, and again, as I said, I've had a lot of fond memories at this location, both just as a customer and as someone who's been able to work there for uh almost 20
years now. But we're looking forward to uh the future. Um, a little bit about how we got here. So, in 2021, a task force was created to explore the concept of a new library and community center. We didn't know exactly
what that looked like at that time. In January of 2022, the city council voted to place a halfent sales tax on the ballot for voters that fall. Of course, that fall, voters uh approved that sales tax uh with about 65% of
people voting yes. In June of 2024, a groundbreaking event was held and construction began that summer. And now we are looking at opening uh in hopefully just over a month. We're looking at an early April opening date. So, we have a pretty busy
uh several weeks ahead of us, but we're looking forward to it for sure. Um, so here's an uh image of the loop, an outside image. So, uh, if you're looking at the the building from this angle, you're standing on what will be
the green space outside of city hall when that is all finished. And so, you're looking south. Um, the loop nickname uh was derived from, of course, the walking loop in the building, but of course, if you visit the library, you will be in the loop. Uh, so it kind of
stuck and we've all been having fun with that. So that's where that name comes from. Uh the building will be home of the Morehead Public Library, of course, the Lake Agassy Regional Library Headquarters. Uh in addition to that, the Spark Center for Entrepreneurship, uh the walking track, an indoor play
space, meeting rooms, gathering spaces, and so much more. Uh I am pretty excited about everything else that's going on around where we are moving to. Um, we're not really by a lot of stuff right now. It's not a very busy
I mean, it is busy, but I guess I'm looking forward to being a part of an upand cominging neighborhood. A lot of stuff is happening there already, and a lot of stuff is still coming. Um, so we're looking forward to just being a part of a a new vibrant um downtown
neighborhood. Uh the next few slides are just kind of a tour of the inside of the building. These are renderings of course. Um this image is of what we are calling the living room. You will enter this area through either the north or the south
main entrance to the building. And this area will feature a variety of furnishings. some comfortable furniture, some tables and chairs to sit with a laptop, and then newspapers, magazines, our new book collection, and just some curated collections as well.
Here is an image of the Spark Center for Entrepreneurs. This uh portion of the project was supported in part by a federal grant through the Small Business Administration. And this um area of the library will feature programming, office
hours, and uh general support for entrepreneurs and people looking for co-working space and things of that nature. This image is of the community loft. If you go up the main staircase, this is where you will land. Uh this area will
feature um seating options for people passing through the area. It is also how you enter the children's library to the left, the play space to the right, and then if you keep going straight, that's how you enter the walking track. And the walking track uh goes around the perimeter of the building.
So, here is the walking loop. It's all windows. We are very much looking forward to all the sunlight in the new building. I've been up there. The views are just beautiful. Today, I was in there and the snow was gorgeous through the windows. So, um, just I think people
are really going to enjoy the setting. Here's an image of the children's library. So, this section of the library will house books for um, birth through like middle school age kids. Uh, we'll host things like story time, baby bounce, and
stuff like that in this area as well. And it includes, you know, comfortable furniture for families to enjoy the space together, a quiet room for mothers or families who need to just take a moment to get away from the public. Um, it'll be a very comfortable space for families to enjoy.
Uh, here is an image of uh the presentation hall. So, our large meeting room. Um, this will serve as um a meeting space for the public as well as event space for the library. It can be split down the middle as needed to uh
accommodate two different groups at the same time if needed. Um, and we'll see a lot of use. We already have a lot of uh things booked in this space already uh starting day one. So, so our moving timeline,
uh, our administrative office moves next week into their office space. Uh, beginning March 2nd, we will, uh, operate under reduced hours. We'll just be closing two hours early while we move the books over to the new building. And
then for the rest of March, we will be open Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday so that we have the rest of the days of the week to be over in the new space getting everything settled, ready to go to welcome the public in in early April. Uh we will announce our official opening
date sometime in the middle of March when we know that we are going to be ready at that time. Uh so just kind of be on the lookout for that. Uh hopefully that first week in April, we'll be welcoming people in. So, >> thank you.
>> Uh, I have a quick question for that walking track. What is the length of it? >> So, you uh it's 1/8 of a mile. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I have a question. Um, so with the new space there, um, I know like especially like a lot of the younger folks and some
of the kids, they get on to a lot of like technology type stuff. uh in the children's area is do they have spaces for like you know uh maybe interactive type? >> Yeah, we have tablets that have age
appropriate games and activities for youth that will be in that area. We find most people are bringing in their own technology these days. So the building is equipped to accommodate that, you know, plugins and and things like that around the building as well.
>> One more question. Sorry. Um, so the old building, I don't know if you have an answer for that or not. Um, do you know what they're going to be doing with that? Is it going to be more of an extension to the library or >> the current? So, the city owns the current building and and the new building as well. The it is currently up
for sale. >> Um, that's the extent of my knowledge on that. Um, but I just know that it's for sale and that Goldmark Realy is handling the sale of the property. Hopefully something really cool goes in there. Yeah,
>> one more. Um, so like with your Spark Center. Yeah. Um, how uh where can people get more information about that for because you know we got a lot of different colleges, a lot of different businesses. >> Yeah, very soon there will be an online presence. It's not quite ready yet, but
it will be linked to the library website when it's ready to go. >> Thank you. Thank you so much for your service and >> that 20 years and yeah, >> thank you. >> I second that. Thank you. Um I I love
the library. It's also very nostalgic for me. Um just curious for the Spark Center. Um is that going to be uh where you sign up for a time slot type of a thing or is it just kind of self-s serve come first come first serve? There will be specific programs that are offered
like come learn how to how to start a business like that type of a thing. There will also be office hours with different community partners that aren't quite on the schedule yet, but we have a um someone working on that on behalf of the library. So, pretty soon all of that information again will be on the the
website. But yeah, a variety of services I should say. >> Okay. >> Awesome. Thank you Megan um for bringing this information and we as HRC the last couple of years were asked for a variety of when you had your planning we were
invited and it's really exciting to see this all come around and really um be tangible. So um and thank you for opening up the library to so many different community events even off hours. I'm hoping that it will still be
as accessible as this library for those things. And I noticed that you there are a couple of meeting rooms right now within the library. Now you have one that can be split into two >> in the new library. Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay, that's good to know.
>> Yeah. So more flexibility. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's good to know. Um Yeah. Other than that, uh it I mean obviously all the accessibility things were taken into account. Yep. >> For the new space. Um I know we talked a
lot about >> a lot of groups will be interested in using that space for events and hosting different things like you do now, but now with um a new amenity. So that's very exciting. um just really appreciate um yeah all the partnerships that the
library has done and we're very excited for this. So thank you. >> Yeah, thank you. >> I just want to say I'm really excited to see this dare I call it a cornerstone or a bookend for that whole new redevelopment of downtown >> and it's going to be kind of a a centerpiece for everything.
>> So it's really excited to see it and yeah, just speechless. It's one of the first buildings we've built for the community since uh 1986, which was this building we're in now. So, it's kind of a landmark.
>> Yeah, >> it's it's a legacy building, legacy project in my mind. So, yeah, it's fantastic. >> We're excited to be a part of it for sure. >> Definitely. >> Thank you, Megan. Um the library is so important right now and uh the old
library building holds a very special place in my heart. So um >> you have built community, welcomed all sorts of folks into the library which I think >> shows that we are pretty inclusive. Um
the Morehead Library has always been. For those who aren't familiar with Morehead, I saw the map, but are there landmarks or something that you can say this is where the new building is? >> The new building I I always say it's
where Tyorgid used to be. I don't know if everyone's going to know that. Uh the site of the the the Morehead Center Mall uh across from Shields. Yeah. Down the street from Swing Barrel.
depending on your point of reference. Yep. >> I just have one last question. Uh before the official date is announced when it's open, can we expect a bag sale? >> The there is one going on right now. Yes. >> Okay. I
>> is in the uh the non-fiction shelving in the current library. The last row is a bag sale right now. the the friends of the library are trying to uh get rid of their inventory and start fresh in the new building. So, >> yeah, there are a lot of books for sale
right now. >> Awesome. >> And we'll continue that sale during our open hours until we move. >> Thank you so much, Megan. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Uh, do we have uh any community partners or citizens to be heard
tonight? >> I don't know if I'm a citizen. I mean, I am a citizen, but I'm also a commissioner, so >> I'm not sure where to put this. Sure. >> So, I can take the time now. >> Why not? >> Okay. Thank you. I want to take a moment to acknowledge
that this is Black History Month. As a human rights commission, it feels important that we say that out loud, that we pause to recognize the role black leaders and communities have played in expanding human rights in this country and in our own community. Black
History Month is not separate from our human rights work. The expansion of civil rights in this country has always been led by black communities, affirming that our dignity, safety, and humanity be recognized. We sit in a unique place
in a metro that can feel rural in mindset in a region where human rights structures are shifting. I think it matters that we're clear about who we are as a human rights commission and what we stand for. Recognizing Black
History Month is not about partisanship. It's about affirming that human rights apply fully, locally, and consistently in the present socopolitical landscape. When other communities are reconsidering their commitment to human rights
infrastructure, I believe it's especially important that we be intentional about ours. I'd like our acknowledgement to be reflected in the record. And I'd welcome us to collectively explore how we can continue
moving from performative recognition towards meaningful relationship and accountability in our community. Thank you um for that statement. I think that is very important to make um especially during this time and this
month to acknowledge that the history the history of American history is black history and the civil movements that have happened within black culture. I'll just add this Saturday there will be a presentation
by the historical society here at hosted by the historical and cultural society of Klay County to reflect on that. Um it's called Jesus went to jail too how nostalgia distorts memory presented by Dr. Madison Clark and to really reflect
on that and the civil rights movement. Thank you for that. >> You for sharing that. Um I want to ask um you said Saturday is I just want to make sure we have the details. Do you know what time
>> Saturday? I'm looking at this on um 21st in the oak room. to right here. Uh, it says 12:00 a.m., but I think we can get a clarification. Um, probably 12:00 p.m. I'm not
um >> Okay, >> seeing anything. Let's see. 12:00 p.m. is right. 12 p.m. is on the poster. So, um, it is going to reflect on the letters of, uh, Dr. King from Bir the Birmingham Birmingham jail and the way
his message is remembered today. And I'm not to jump ahead um but the in the work plan um yeah I don't see anything as far as um other than electing and voting for chair and vice
chair. I don't see anything on here that we have um as far as speakers or any kind of anything. So that might be um so I'll just I'll move on then to regular business. Um subsection A is the 2026
work plan which is what I'm looking at here. And Tanya had uh went through our comments. Um and if you look
on the third page um under education and awareness, we have added that every other month for commissioners to rotate hosting a coffee with a commissioner event. That was added.
Um the next page um under local partnerships and community outreach we have strengthen communication and identify common goals with others in the community by hosting a panel discussion or listening sessions. So that would be likely separate from
the coffee with a commissioner. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And then if you're looking at the monthly uh focus area and activities, this is where I was highlighting like if you look in February, we all we h we do have it noted that it's Black History
Month, but we don't have anything under um like events or anything that we would want to do um or could do. So definitely open to discussion if there's we have some ideas or >> Yeah, I think we're black all year. So,
um, we could have anything happen throughout the year during one of the listening sessions or outreach or Yeah. And if speakers can be invited all year to your point, anything that is um comes
to your mind, just have them be added um to our agenda with Tanya. So, that's a >> and I didn't mean that we could only do it in February. I just was looking at the >> I know but you know I got to make a point when I can.
>> Yes, of course. Of course. Um okay. So I do just quickly and I mean obviously it's open for discussion but I just want to um highlight the some of the changes so you kind of know where to where to look. Um the in May uh an addition for
law enforcement presentation in June the um the a speaker for culturally specific victim services for the black community was added. And am I missing any Tanya or anyone else
that sees any? Oh, I did add uh to potentially ask CCRI to come speak in July um for uh disability independence day, which is July 26th.
I should ask, did everyone have a chance to read over the draft and add in notes or things like that? I I just added um for the June stuff, I didn't want to like um because I think we have quite a few different community partners that um provide services
throughout um the city. And so I didn't want to like just put like sweatto in there for February and then also June, but because June is like Junth um to just to be specific around that time frame as far as like victim support and
services as it relates to like um maybe some of the different areas that maybe haven't been in community. Um, but I think it is a call to other other organizations that maybe are providing services whether you know ju just you
know just in general so that way we can get more people involved. Yeah, I just want to add that a lot has developed since we've looked at this in the last week and um our you know our city council met on Tuesday regarding
having a committee on ICE activity in the area. I'm not sure where the planning is for that, but I certainly think that would be an important role that the human rights commission would play. Um if there is a committee to uh just review ICE activity, it is
happening here. There were um there was there have been individuals that have been taken in at night from their families and um just I think yeah if there's there's a there's a request from
the public that that be reviewed and you know where wherever that lands I feel like anyone from our human rights commission um would be well to serve on that committee if it is formed.
So, I don't know if we need a motion for that or anything or just add it to the work plan. >> Yeah. wouldn't we need like more of a motion and especially like the logistics behind it because it could be potentially something like legal type
stuff or I I just would like to know a little bit more about what that looks like or you know just just our portion as commissioners. Um what specifically would we be doing? Is it just reviewing
an incident that has been brought to us or is it something where you know like we have community that you know community members that come and and share stuff with the commission. I would like to know specifically what that
obligation looks like on our part just to make sure that we could be doing things like the right way. Not saying that we shouldn't be doing it, but at the same time like what are our parameters >> with this like is any anybody coming in
>> or is it you know >> I I wasn't at the meeting on Tuesday so I don't know where the planning stages of it is. I just know that there was a discussion within the city council and then also during the workshop for city council. So, it's for sure this task
force is for sure being put together. >> According to the article in the forum, yes, >> it was it was just talked about so far. We haven't, as far as I'm aware, I haven't gone any further with it yet. And I know we're trying to have another meeting set up to talk about more uh responses and things that can be done or
should be done. Um, and I haven't had anything set in stone yet. >> Is it a little uh premature then for >> I would say so, but that's just me. >> So, just maybe Oh, sorry. I I I'm I'm sorry. This Cam, you kind of hit on something that's been gnawing at me a little bit, and that is this meeting
that happened um with this uh city council. Um because what it tells me once again and reaffirms is that we're just a symbolic commu uh commission. That's why we're here. We are to be um the resident experts in human rights.
And the fact that there wasn't a call to us to say, "What are some thoughts? what are some things that you're thinking about even to gain our own um thoughts just floores me and and actually makes me saddened because this is a communitywide event and once again no
offense to Sebastian and the other leaders but they're trying to make the decisions and leaving out the commissions that are here to help them with those decisions and that bothers me. I joined this comm uh this commission to not be part of a symbolic commission, but really to be
part of one that's going to have action and a functioning committee that has impact. And I struggle, this is not the first time for those that have been around that you're going to hear me say this. I struggle to find out what our impact has been outside of hearing some
speakers. And I don't think that's what we want. At least I hope that's not what we want. And that bothers me. There is so much we could be doing to help the council and the staff. I would be more than happy to go and research stuff to
find out what the best resources are, what other communities have done, help provide, you know, based on the research we've done, all those things. But once again, we choose not to utilize the resources we have in the talent of our people that want to serve. And that
bothers me. real real quick. Um just to elaborate more on that, uh the mayor did bring up the HRC to be part of that and it was more of um there was a more strong sense to just put an ordinance out to deal
with ICE as opposed to pushing it off to anything else. So it wasn't that it wasn't addressed. It was to a certain degree shot down I guess is the easiest way to describe it because that's kind of how things were. Mayor said, "Hey, this is sounds like more like an HRC issue and something that they could take care of." and a lot of in the room said,
"No, we want the ordinance instead." >> Which thank you, Sebastian, for that context. I appreciate that. Happy to hear that we were mentioned. >> That then just again reaffirms we're symbolic. >> What I'm what I'm trying to add too is, you know, just for the first time
hearing the information. I know I'm not everywhere all the time, but you know, like an email or just like, hey, this is a hot topic for HRC. Um, maybe we would want to have a presence so that way we could be more informed about things like
that because when it's just thrown out there, it's like, oh, I got to process this information and I got to figure out um is like what are the other parameters behind it? So maybe looking at what that communication looks like and like you
said um how the HRC can um support those areas and it does sound like this is a new thing that's going on and so I would say like the human rights commissioners would like to be informed
a little bit just a little bit more so that way we can be a little bit more active in involved in whatever way. Um if if the leaders can take that into consideration so that way we could just support.
That's it. And that was just it just to open that conversation that this discussion is happening um and we'd like to be informed and possibly present if that is formed and uh you know continue with those discussions because we've had the
discussion of immigration for over two years constantly and it is here and it is in front of us and we are aware there are children at school that are scared. There are families not leaving their homes. There are all kinds of activities
happening and they might not be in the news every day and you might not be aware of it but it is certainly happening. Um just want to open up that that is that you know we we want to be a part of those discussions if there is any action taken. And then I will just
add so sorry is that it goes beyond just this sit this thing that's going on like with ICE or whatever anything that falls under the parameters of the human rights commission those areas that we supporting whether it be like something
going on with uh disability you know I've heard some things about um housing where they're talking about 40 hours of training that you know indiv individuals will need to do or to comply with prior to um getting being able to meet the
requirements to be housed. Those could be some areas that I think we could kind of maybe weigh in or try to support in different areas, but it there's so much under the umbrella of the human rights commission and we're here, you know, um
and so like when we do have those opportunities like the every other month cookies with commissioners, I highly encourage community to show up and or other individuals that have hot topics that they want to bring to bring to us
or even if there's some hot topics that are high up and they need to weigh in in our areas. I think it's important because we are here and I feel that we are we have the capacity to be more engaging on our level
>> one more time I 100% agree with that but I do struggle to ask this question what is the purpose of these listening sessions we have no control no power of anything which is okay but the only thing we can tell people when they come
is we'll take that note down and pass it up to the council or you need to call uh Minnesota state and go through go through that. That's all we can do. So again, I come back to to our city leadership to say you have people that
want to be involved, not just in this commission, but all commissions, right, that want to do something, be seen, be heard, be, you know, be part of the solution, right? But once again, we're potentially left out. And I'm again just using human rights. Maybe some other commissions can say that as well where
we're left out. And that's why we joined was to help make a difference. Their strength in numbers, their strength in in in leadership coming to other commissions and asking for their help and to do some due diligence and to do some back work.
Great leaders know where they can find the answer. They don't have all the answers. And I see it routinely, not just in the Human Rights Commission. And I'm sorry I'm going on a soap box. We don't ask for our commission's help.
Very rarely, at least as I see. Those that are more informed, you might have a better answer, Sebastian, and I hope you do. But that's my takeaway. And that again hurts me because we all want to make our community better than and leave it better than we found it.
But we're not being given that opportunity. So, as much as I'd love to have a listening session, I can sit there and listen. Believe it or not, I can be quiet for an hour. I I can sit there and listen, but I have nothing to offer because I can't offer anything because
we've been told not to. I think sometimes like we um a lot of people approach situations differently and I don't think like a listening session is like the one thing that as a human rights commission that is going to
like tackle everything but I would not want to discount that because what it could do is open up an opportunity you know so I wouldn't suggest that we not do that um but look
at look at those gaps when we are like if that is taking place but also not not allow that to be the only thing that we're doing as a commission um to make sure that people's voices are heard or that we're participating or we're just
being available that people know like when we're when I'm out in the community or talking to somebody and they're like, "Oh, what what do y'all do?" and you know I'll shoot them the little YouTube video or you know just different things or just help them find the link about the different things that are there. But
um I think it's really important for people to know that they have a resource but also that they can get things answered and it takes all parts to kind of come together and because it seems like information comes and then it falls
and then it's like the privileged individual is the one that gets this information and everybody else is kind of out and I feel like I'm doing a run more of a runoff when in sharing this but um I'm not privileged to all all things that are going on everywhere. I
can only project or put out the information that comes to me in hopes that it's timely enough that our community can benefit from that information. So, >> please do not misunderstand. I'm not against the listening sessions. I'm just
asking the question of what is that goal and what does that look like? Because and if it is just to listen and pass it on, that's fine. I have no problem with that. Um but I just Again, coming back to that whole symbolic idea of of a commission, I again I want to help and and maybe
this is just a me thing, right? I but but I I joined again to make a difference and I'll listen and I'll help do that. I'll I'll sign up. I'll do those things. That's not what I'm saying. >> I think it's just kind of a way to kind of shift priorities sometimes because
there's things that are happening behind me that I don't know anything about and it just creates an opportunity. Um but yeah, those things on those higher levels, I think it's important that um we're being told about those things. But I mean, there's a lot that we can do and
I support what you're what you're sharing and I totally agree with you. Um but we all have a lot of different perspectives and strong areas that we're really good at and that we enjoy doing. So, you know, I'm like, "Yeah, I'll go
hand out candy and cookies and talk to kids and, you know, talk to folks about different things." Somebody else may be um at some public event where they're like the main speaker and just highlighting stuff. I mean, we all have our our area. We have educators. We have
a lot of people from a lot of different backgrounds that can really push out information different ways. um just saying like if we can dig deeper but especially like I would say like the thing regarding ICE presence I think it's important for us that it would it
would be nice but I know sometimes people show up and they bring something up and then you just kind of have to fly so I can understand that aspect of leadership and I do appreciate Sebastian for sharing that information and perspective because it helps me to know like oh wow this is something that's
going on you know I've been in the air all week, so I haven't had an opportunity to tune in to a lot of different things, but I'm here. Um, a email does suffice sometimes. So, so I have a couple thoughts. Thank you
for sharing that. Um, we did, I think, raise this question in the fall and I think it's an important question to revisit, not just the listening sessions, but what are we doing here?
Um, that ties into the onus being on the city council to involve us. Um, I'm not going to mince words.
We're here to support. If you look at I don't know. Um, it's in your package. Yeah, the ordinance. It is second page of the ordinance. No, is it the second page? Yes. Yes, it is. Uh,
number four. We are here to advise. Now maybe it's my English undergrad, but advise can mean many things. Advise can be very passive or advise can be active.
I would rather have the latter. I am appalled that city council did not reach out and invite folks. I don't think it's too early. I think is just right
because we have someone who says, you know what, we need foundations of research and evidence-based. I totally get that because we are doing something the city council to make things better to address issues
that really affect our community. H exactly what we do. So, you know, at this point, I'm not sure if people want to continue to wishy-washy or if they want to say, "Hey,
I make a motion that we connect with city council and we tell them that we are interested in serving at the beginning and supporting. That's what we're here
for. I think we have a lot of latitude depending on on how much we want to do and how much we want to exercise our ability to make changes within the
human rights arena. It's all in this ordinance. We do have some power, but it's up to us to exercise it. So, thinking of talking to presenting to,
however you want to say it, to city council about our involvement, about letting us know about things, about us being a part in the beginning. Um, our I know we have Sebastian as an avenue. What other avenues do we have to
do something um to be heard to have that conversation? I'm not sure of the avenues um but I think it would be important to understand what those are um and then go from there. I I would suggest this. Um I I think we're probably and if I'm wrong, please
tell me, but I think we're in agreement that we would all be willing to help with how to handle ICE and that kind of stuff and do some work on the behalf of the city council or others. I would am I wrong in that? If if not, I I don't
think that we actually need a motion. I think what we could just ask simply is Sebast if Sebastian could bring that back to the council and let them know that we are ready to serve and help in any way we possibly can and please look to us for guidance. Um because we're here we're here to help support you. I
don't know if that's going to be enough, but I also don't want to, lack of better words, start creating a a bigger issue here. Um time is somewhat of the essence with with the ICE stuff as well. And so I don't want to muck it up, but it's just another great example of how I I think this could have been an
opportunity for us to be um viewed and and use our expertise and our knowledge uh to be able to help craft something with the city that makes sense. So I that that's how I would uh move forward personally just because time is of the
essence if we do the MO and then they have to vote if they want to allow us in and all that kind of stuff. I I I just think it's it's easier if we just say, "Hey, we're here to help and and we want and we want to be part of that solution." >> If I'm misspeaking for you, please say so now because
>> I'd make that motion. >> Um >> Yes. >> So, we make a motion. >> Yeah. >> For Sebastian because I want something on the books. That's why I want a motion. That's it. I I will make a motion that we uh that Sebastian contacts city council uh to let them
know that the intention of the human rights commission is to be part of these conversations and to help provide uh expertise and guidance as they're drafting their ICE response. >> Either way, what I was going to say before even planning, >> sorry, >> I emailed Dan or was going to contact
Dan, city manager Molly right away after the after this meeting letting him be aware of this. So, I don't know if you necessarily need to make the motion um as opposed to what the meetings were talked about yesterday and all that stuff. All that's published on the city pages with the packets of what's being
um talked about. So, everyone's more than welcome to come to those meetings at any point in time. It's they're not announced anywhere specifically besides posted on the website and then you have to go look at the packet. So, you got to know when the council meeting, the workshops are and stuff like that. But you can certainly do that. If there's a
better way of communicating that directly to commissions, maybe that's something Tanya or even I could even ask Dan what what avenues there are for that, if that can even be something that can be uh um move be done moving forward.
>> Um to come back, the reason why there's a motion is so there's a record of it of it happening. that that's totally >> but but just in the comment phase before I guess we Oh, actually we need a second before we can have comments. So I can I'm jumping ahead. >> A second.
>> Motion approved. >> Okay. >> Well, no, not not yet. >> Just kidding. You have questions. I'm getting all into that. >> Sorry. I know. I know. And and I'm you know it. >> Sorry. >> There's but but I want to be clear though. Uh Sebastian, there's a difference between push and pull
notifications. I want to be involved. I really do. We've known each other for many years. I want to leave this community better than I found it. But that doesn't mean I actively go to the website to see what workshop and everything else I could join every day. But if I was told, "Hey,
there's an ICE thing coming up. Let me be aware." Uh um I would have been there as a human rights uh commissioner. I would have been there to see what was going on. But I have to search and find that information. >> Yeah. Yeah, I don't know how that comes
about cuz all that information was discussed in our city council meeting. That's what the workshop was going to be about. So, it was public knowledge before the the council had the workshop on it. So, it was that way as opposed to how that would be communicated out,
right? But but again, we're asking all of our represent or all of our commissions and all of our residents to be on top of all that stuff and no in the air, right? I mean, I would just relook at that um as as a
as an idea. I mean, that's a bigger thing than this human or smaller thing this human rights stuff that we're talking about, but and we can talk offline about it um as well. Just kind of some thoughts I have about it, but I I do want to come back to this work plan. Just a couple things I I did want to mention in here. I just do have a couple. Some of them are formatting and
some of them are just a quick question. I one of my comments that I had is why don't we list what the human rights are? We list discrimination and discrimination believe it or not in of itself is not
is does not um break a human right. Now, most human rights are broken on discrimination, but in of itself, discrimination is not a human right. And so, 30 there's there's 30 human rights as as defined by the universal uh
doctrine. We don't talk about any of those. We have a right to be married, right? You have a life, you know, right to housing. You have a right to all these things. We don't define what the human rights even are. We define discrimination, but not what our human rights are. So that that'd be something
I would ask is if there's a way that we could put what our human rights are in here. I think that would also help um focus some of our topics and guest speakers. I mean, I think it'd be real easy, not real easy, but I think it would be something to strive for to have 30 different uh weeks of of 30 different
human rights, you know, that people talk about this in in their area. So So that's one of my comments. The other comment I have, um, this is kind of a silly comment, I'll admit that, but underneath equity and equality, we talk about Indigenous People's Day and and all these other events that we're going
to participate in. And then we separate Pangia and Junth out why why is that why why isn't that underneath the equity and equality? that just seems like if that's where we're going to list that we're going to
participate in these other events that just seems like a right spot for me instead of having its own separate but that's again a minor thing. I'm just bringing that to attention. The the other thing that I would that that I would couple two more things I
would ask real quick is one um I think we need to have some measurables in here to find out what our impact is and and and I don't know how we would define what our success looks like. But as I also think about some of the issues that we're having and what is it that we say we're doing it's because we don't have
any real goals or real things to be measured against to say yes we're doing great things or even better yet to measure that impact. What does it mean for us to be participating at a Junth event as an example? How did that move the needle? How do we measure that? How do we know that we're having that
impact? It's really easy for us to say we are, but how can we measure that would be one thing. And then the other thing I would ask is this, again, a dumb thing. I admit it. This is just me being over um complicated probably, but if we
change officers in February, instead of this being a January through plan, I would say this should go February to January. So that way the new person coming or actually April 1st I think is when this happens, right? That's when this goes into effect or we have to have
it we have to have it approved by council by April 1st or somewhere around in there. Correct. April 1st. Can you confirm? I don't I don't know the answer to that. >> It It was in the packet. It's April. I I think it's April 1st. But um we should this this calendar should start from
April 1st and then go to March 2027 and then that's your new cycle year. Or you could do it in February when you do um changes. That way the new chair would have their calendar or you know they've worked with the current chair to have the the calendar. just a small
suggestion, but if if this isn't being approved until April and we've already gone through the first quarter of the year, it just doesn't make sense to me. >> It is kind of silly. Uh I did make a suggestion as far as metrics um and
looking at where we can plug in some, you know, recordkeeping type of thing to to be able to speak to some numbers. Um, but like you said, I'm not exactly sure how that would look. Um, but it's it's definitely easy to say we've made an
impact. Um, but I think I think having um measurables would would definitely help us um tell our story, show our impact. Um, and then obviously it would down the road help with things like being more
involved in city council stuff. Um, so definitely agree with that that piece of what you're saying. Um, as far as changing the calendar or like you know when that really doesn't
or would that fall on the education and outreach subcommittee? Yeah, because would we need to just um submit it earlier to get it approved for the next year. So that way if we look at
this in maybe October, then it could be done by January. Then that way we're not really throwing off the whole year. But this will just be a off year because I think if we stick with the calendar that maybe
that would be my proposed suggestion if we for the following one look at uh October uh having all that in and we make whatever changes that or updates that would need to be done. We could vote on
that then so by January we'll be starting out fresh for a whole calendar year. I don't know if that's enough time because we're making changes now and then we may not need to be making a lot of dramatic changes. Um, but we could be
talking like every month I think something new may pop up and then we may want to revisit it. So, it seems like um something doable. Just a suggestion. >> I think it makes sense. Um, I'm not sure
if we need a vote on it or if the subcommittee can. >> Yeah, maybe. I'm not sure. >> Wouldn't we just need to present it at that time for that meeting >> in October?
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We got a lot of stuff going on. >> Vote on it then? >> No, in October is when we start um >> getting uh award nominations. So really it's only the award sub subcommittee that's busy at that time. >> So we so it wouldn't be a problem
because we'll be working on those committees too. So >> good time. >> Okay. We'll plan to revisit that in October then. >> Yeah. And then I I would suggest like Tanya did before we could send out that that plan again. And if people have
other thoughts or questions, we could they could input that if especially like new projects come up or new different uh opportunities, we can adjust it and then consolidate or not separate or you know, whatever we need to look at to make sure
that we're covering all that, covering all of the areas. And then I like the idea about really uh focusing on what are the human rights and just like embedding that into the basically the information pieces so
that way we could specifically find area like folks that could kind of talk on those basis. >> And I just want to make a comment. I know when you were discussing about measurables for what we do and how to have it on record um for our agenda.
That's why I include that underneath the um subcommittee reports that I thought that would be a good time that if each subcommittee for um would have a report of what they've done or what they've maybe attended in the community over the past month that that would be a good way
to uh record in the minutes of what events that they attended either just as on their own or on behalf of the HRC. >> Okay, I like that. Then also the attendance too, like how many people were present for not not
that we're going to be excuse me, I need some water, food, everything. But um maybe we you know like say if this this event had a large turnout and we know we've made contact with at least 50% of the participants there, then we can highlight that and like oh this at this
event they had 500 people. we came in contact with at least 200 of those individuals, you know, talk. We gave out 200 pamphlets or something or whatever. Um just just a way to kind of help look at um what that impact is because I
think if we are able to talk to one person and inform them, that's some we impacted that one individual. And so I mean not big on the the numbers everywhere, but I think it does say something to the work. So if we haven't
had any contact or we're not out in community, we're not doing anything for months on end, we don't have anybody engaging, then yeah, that does show that we're not really engaging. But to have uh you know like oh we met with a group of individuals cuz we had a table at
such and such event and you know all we had about six bags of candy and it's gone. You know something like that that it shows that we've had some engagement. So how to track all the numbers? We have to be maybe strategic about it, but
there's a way. May not be uniform at every event or whatever, but yeah, I don't want to like keep going on and on and I know we got to probably move on with some stuff. Um Tanya, can I ask that you put a note or a reminder that
next September um that we'll begin discussing the 2027 plan um and then at and then in October we can do the voting on it. But I'm thinking September so that it's sent out early like kind of like we did this
time. So before this is approved, can we add in then the universal um human rights that you so kindly put together? Um and may I think we need to start
thinking about goals. I mean I'm all for PBLO, but at the same time we can't evaluate if we don't know what we're evaluating. So I think goals might might be a next stepping stone and maybe that needs to be part of the work plan
is that each month or whatever get a goal. Yeah, I >> think you know there are your to your point to have the universal human rights in the work plan and each every month has one or two or several human rights
that are highlighted whether it's on a national scale or an international scale and that could be one thing we could do and that is really what the education and outreach committee tried to do with input from the commissioners and so and
then attaching a goal to that. Is it engaging with that? Uh is it re, you know, assessing how we are in the community when it comes to this specific human right? That could be something. So
what we want to add then to this for 2026 is the September which I mentioned previously and then adding in a section about what are human rights. Okay. So is that something that we vote on now
or do we we need to figure out how that's going to look first? Right. Yeah. Can you add that in then for next time and then we'll >> So just to be clear to add it in and then to redistribute and we vote next
month or are we voting on the assumption that I'm adding in those two items? >> No, I I still think this is an incomplete work plan. So, can you add it in and then add in the September reminder and the October new review
date? That's what we talked about a little while ago. Add that in. Then add in a section dedicated to literally what are human rights. Um, and if if you I mean need help or anything like coming up with that, let me know. Um, and then
if you could please send that out to all the commissioners and then next month we can vote on it. How does that sound? I think it would be a good idea for at least one week prior to us meeting that
folks have their stuff in so that way we can look at that finalized draft so we're not doing we're not having um another discussion and then >> moving it to the next month. >> Yeah, >> if that's doable. I know I have a short month next month. That's a lot of
pressure on me. But I just think if we at least a month prior to our next human rights commission meeting um at le a week prior to >> then >> everyone commit to having in their feedback within a week before the next meeting.
>> And is this just to clarify is this us uh discussing the goals or coming up with those goals in there? >> That was not included. >> No, not included. >> That was not >> It doesn't Yeah. >> Oh, no. No. I was just wondering. I just wanted to make sure >> it was just the two pieces. The change
in the timeline. >> Yeah. >> Um and then adding in the what are the human rights. >> I think setting the goals is going to be probably a bigger conversation. >> Yeah. That's what I was trying to figure out. I was like uh are we expected to have that? >> I think it's something conversation. >> I think everyone in this room is in
agreement with that. >> Maybe we start some kind of Google doc and start brainstorming and we could see those live changes. Yep. Sounds good. And then if we Sorry, put >> Sorry for putting putting all all this
extra work. Um but I I think Yeah, cuz then that way we can go in and we be input and stuff and it's not so difficult and then >> was the way was the way that I had sent it out a week ago like two weeks ago to have it
done by the 12th the way was everybody able to access and look at that? That's the way we're gonna do it for this next month. Okay. Just want to make sure that was >> Thank you, Tanya, for your um patience. I know we've been working on trying to get everyone actively involved in the
work plan, and I highly encourage everyone to do that, or March, please. And then it might make sense, Tanya, to make it a little easier on you. Um, so you're really just adding two additional things into the calendar. And then when
you're writing out the human rights, maybe have that be a separate doc just for editing purposes because if we're going to align goals, it makes sense to have those aligned goals in alignment with what our human rights. So that could be just one simple document that you send out. You don't even need to
resend this out. I mean, unless anyone wants to relook at the calendar. Um, but that might make it easier as far as editing goes and understanding where what's what and thank you Tanya. >> Yes, no problem. Thanks.
Okay, are we okay to move on? Okay, let's jump down to I guess not jumping but we are going to hold to our uh schedule for now um and do our
voting for the new chair and new vice chair. Um and I'm not entirely sure how this works. When I was voted in, I was um in Miami, I think, on the computer. So, um I don't know. Do
>> I think someone's got to put a nomination in? >> Okay. I have a nomination. I'd like to nominate a vet for chair. >> I'll go ahead. >> I'd second that. >> To be fair, Evette, would you accept the
position if it was if you're voted in? Um I I'll respectfully accept that if voted. >> I did ask her before I nominated >> last year. Last year last year would have been a no. >> This is the meeting everybody should show up to or you end up being the
chair. So um >> yeah. So >> yes, >> I think and we just ask discussion and we just >> Okay. >> Anyone um anyone have any questions or or are not
comfortable with Iette being chair? Okay. All those in favor say I. >> I. >> All those opposed same sign. Congratulations. >> Yay. >> Now we need a co-chair. >> Vice chair.
>> Sorry. Vice chair. >> I would like to nominate Anna as vice chair. >> I second. I I I was gonna I'm not trying to be like uh nothing or whatever, but I was going to nom I was actually going to nominate Seham for vice chair.
That is very flattering. Um it is my last year on the human rights commission as is Commissioner Canons. Um I have in the past been vice chair and chair. Um and I would love to see opportunity given to everyone else. So thank you so
much. Um, I'm flattered >> and I'll resend. >> I'm full support. >> I'll second. Do we need a motion? Um, or >> there was a first and a second. >> Okay. Okay. >> So, all of those in favor for Anna being
uh vice chair say I. >> I. >> All those opposed, same sign. >> Congratulations. Our new co uh vice chair. Congratulations. I don't know why I keep saying co-chair. Sorry, it's been a long day. >> Yeah, >> we'll be calling >> say ma madam chair quick question with
you and seam both leaving then is those two vacant spots so >> come March is it us four or >> I believe there will be people appointed that have um applied and have shown
interest >> or shown interest from their respective full wards. So, Ward One and Ward two, I believe Commissioner Cannon is W two. >> Ward two. >> Yes. And so that if anyone knows anyone that's interested, have them apply.
>> Perfect. >> Um to be on the >> Just was curious how long we were going to be >> down to people. >> No, it should be a pretty smooth process. Okay. Should be. >> So, does Tanya like do you know like who's coming in next or Okay. Just
wondering what that process was. I'm not aware of um I think that gets decided and um Sebastian do you have an idea is it the >> or is that maybe I'm thinking of at large positions >> so what happens is um find individuals
that do you think in appropriate wards that uh would like to be on serve and be on the commissions submit the application and and then the city council members of that ward pick and ask who they would uh like to be on that spot on for that commission.
>> Okay. For folks who might not know where those applications are, can you share? >> Yeah, they're online. They're all on our website. So, and I know Gez, when is our website changing? It's going to be more user friendly and better than what it currently is now. I just the date. Yeah,
but I forgot the date. Do you remember, Tanya? I don't want to say and be wrong, but I know >> going live is going to be happening within this week. I don't have it in front of me of the specific date, but it
will be. But as of right now, if you go to the city of Morhead website and you click on commissions, um on that page there, it's like a button and it says interested in being a part of a commission, that's where you click. Um it's pretty straightforward application
process. You just fill it in, submit it. I know when I submitted mine, um I didn't hear anything for like a long time, so there's not like a I don't even think you get a thank you email after you apply. Um but if it says it sent, it's sent. But I'm looking
forward to the new website. That's very exciting. >> I'm going to put a plug in there with the commissions and applications. The citizens academy is open um through the city of Morehead to learn more and it's open to anybody that's on commissions
and councils too. So if you want to learn more about the process, apply to be on in the citizens academy which starts soon. Anyway, just a just a thought. Do we still have a police liaison?
>> Um, that actually was changed to I think it is. Tanya, correct me if I'm wrong, but I do see that in May we have a law enforcement presentation and I understand that we're not going to have an ongoing police liaison.
>> Correct. the police liaison that was that was um a part of the commission monthly um is not going to um it's not it's not going to be that we're not going to have presence of a of a police officer. Whenever we want to have um
questions answered or um have a presentation from um the police department, they will be more than willing to come. they just did not have the capability of devoting um every month for a liaison. Um but there I mean
whenever the commission would like to have um questions answered feels that that month's appropriate or h um would like to see presence that that can be um requested and fulfilled. So, >> I wonder if they could do something
maybe quarterly um or at least have them on have them on like at least get maybe some updates. Um so, I understand monthly might be just a bit much, but at least if there's stuff
that's going on that community should be aware of, um at least so that way we have something built in our calendar. Um, especially maybe around maybe more busy times where there's a lot of community stuff going on where there's more of a a local law enforcement
presence or whatever, like different events. Um, maybe they could kind of talk about maybe some things to kind of look out for or just programs that are going on. Um, or I don't know. I'm just thinking that I think it's helpful
especially when we're piggybacking different things that are going on to get that feedback from, you know, the law enforcement as far as like what's going on. But I do understand like the month-to-month commitment, but I think it's also important to have that. I
think it's important to have a person that we can kind of be able to ask questions to or specific time frame thoughts. Did I miss this?
Was it announced somewhere? >> I don't actually know. Um I noticed last month um that the police liaison was not on the calendar. Um and then so I asked afterwards. That is how I found out. Um
otherwise I I'm not sure if it was announced anywhere else or not. Um I'm not sure. I'd have to look back, but I believe um in December we didn't have a meeting. And I'm wanting to say that was when that was going to be
discussed. I will um I will look into that and I will report back to you guys on that. Thank you, Tanya. Sorry for the long list of homework.
>> If you need some support in any of those spaces, I'm willing to help you. you have it. Okay. Uh, moving on to subcommittee reports. We very likely already covered
these, but um, anything additional from any of the three subcommittees that we want to discuss? Um, how about reports, announcements, or upcoming events? This week is a significant week. We had
the lunar lun lunar new year start. Um so happy lunar new year. Uh lent started today. Ramadan started today. Must be missing something else that started but it's a very significant for
a number of people in our community um just uh spiritually. And so we just wish everyone happy um you know peaceful happy celebrations as they continue those celebrations um as well
as as we discussed Black History Month this month. So very significant and just wanted to say that. Um yeah >> and I should go and break my fast soon. So I'm just kidding. No, I just wanted to give kudos to the local schools um
because I heard some of the kiddos talking about um how the school is really accommodating to their uh religious practices. And so I thought that was like really awesome to hear a 8-year-old highlight what the school did to kind of support them in those spaces
because I think especially in times where there's a lot of things that are going on in community for kids to go to school and feel supported and also feel safe. I think that it shows a lot to it. It it it says a lot about our community.
So just openly sharing that. Um and thank you Seiham. You uh usually come with events. Um and I I really appreciate that. >> I can't think any I there is a lunar new year celebration I think this weekend
and there was one last weekend. It's on Facebook somewhere if anyone's interested. So, >> yeah. Cool. Okay. Any new business? >> Oh, I just Sorry. Go ahead. Um,
one thing I No, go ahead, Tanya. I'm sorry. Uh, no, I was just going to make note that I found out the website will be live tomorrow. >> Tomorrow will be the launching of the website. I wanted to make sure before I actually said that. So, >> exciting. Hopefully, they tested.
>> Yeah. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that we have a large Kurdish community here and in the past month we've had a lot of discussions about again international rights as it comes to being a Kurdish person with that Kurdish identity where
there was an up unfortunate events that happened in Syria causing massive displacement again and we did hold a demonstration ation and morehead um to bring light to that and I know there's demonstrations that
were for the um Iranian people which also just persecutes Kurds as well. So just um I know we're in our little um community here that's safe usually except for the last few months and
discussions but just wanted to mention that um that things happen overseas internationally that do affect people here. Wanted to mention that very valid call out. Absolutely.
Uh, okay. With that, at 6:20 p.m. we will adjourn.