Human Rights CommissionItem 7aApproved
2026 Officer Elections
The Commission elected new officers for 2026: Valerie as Chair, Mike as Vice Chair, and Tim as Secretary.
per the meeting record — vote tally not extracted
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Potential benefit
New leadership will guide the Commission's human rights work in Richfield for the coming year.
Concern to consider
No direct concerns; internal leadership selection does not affect residents' rights or costs.
What happens next: The new officers will lead Commission meetings and reporting throughout 2026.
Sources: Human Rights Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Human Rights CommissionItem 7bDiscussed
Juneteenth Update & Volunteer Touchbase
The Commission discussed plans for a 2026 Juneteenth event on June 19 in the evening at Centennial Lakes, held in collaboration with the City of Edina. Subcommittees planning the event meet biweekly and virtually, and residents interested in volunteering were invited to contact Equity Coordinator Brittany Bartlett.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
Residents will have a community celebration of Juneteenth at Centennial Lakes with opportunities to volunteer and participate.
Concern to consider
Exact event time was still to be determined as of this meeting.
What happens next: Subcommittees continue biweekly virtual planning meetings ahead of the June 19, 2026 event.
Sources: Human Rights Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Human Rights CommissionItem 7cOutcome pending
2025 Work Plan Review — Proclamations Approval & Calendar Review
The Commission reviewed its work plan and assigned members Dana and Mike to draft two upcoming proclamations for City Council approval: a Black History Month proclamation for February 24, 2026, and a Women's History Month proclamation for March 10, 2026.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Formal proclamations raise citywide awareness of Black History Month and Women's History Month.
Concern to consider
Proclamations are symbolic and carry no funding or policy change.
What happens next: Draft proclamations will go to the City Council for approval ahead of the February 24 and March 10, 2026 dates.
Sources: Human Rights Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Human Rights CommissionItem 8aOutcome pending
Speaker Ideas (Old Business)
The Commission discussed potential future guest speakers, including a possible yearly update from Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid on legislative issues, an update from the Richfield Police Department's embedded social worker, and information on Minnesota's Paid Leave program.
recorded in the approved minutes — tally not yet extracted here
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Potential benefit
Future speaker sessions could inform residents about legal aid resources, policing practices, and new paid leave benefits.
Concern to consider
No speakers were confirmed yet; this was only a discussion of ideas.
What happens next: The Commission will decide which speakers to formally invite at a future meeting.
Sources: Human Rights Commission agenda (city portal) ↗
Human Rights CommissionItem 10Discussed
Announcements & Open Forum
The Commission noted a request to provide an overview of the Human Rights Commission at the February meeting and confirmed that a tabling sign for community outreach events is ready. The next meeting was set for Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
informational or procedural item — no vote taken
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Potential benefit
An HRC overview at the February meeting will help residents understand the Commission's role and how to engage.
Concern to consider
No concerns; this is routine scheduling and outreach preparation.
What happens next: The Commission will meet next on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and provide an HRC overview.
Sources: Human Rights Commission agenda (city portal) ↗