0:18One item at the meeting was the presentation of the Human Rights Award for 2024 to Julie Janki, honoring her 26 years of service in Chaska. Janki was recognized for her impactful work in outreach initiatives, including leading youth soccer camps and developing safety measures for children. Her efforts in fostering connections between residents and law enforcement, particularly in underserved areas, were praised. The commission underscored her commitment to inclusivity. During the award presentation, the chair shared a detailed account of Janki’s initiatives, emphasizing her transformative role in community relations and her dedication to empowering residents. Janki expressed appreciation for the award, stating it meant a lot to her.

Following Janki’s recognition, the commission proceeded to elect new leadership roles, with Sarah Carlson assuming the position of chair and Jennifer Welvaert being appointed as vice chair. These appointments were part of the commission’s routine organizational business.

19:43The financial report presented by the treasurer provided an overview of the commission’s expenditures. It was noted that approximately $5,700 had been spent by the end of the previous year, with a current balance of $5,654 as of February. The commission unanimously approved the treasurer’s reports for both 2024 and February 2025.

Discussion then shifted to the commission’s planned events, notably the upcoming Pride Celebration and River City Days. The Pride Celebration, marking its fifth anniversary, aims to create a welcoming environment for the LGBTQ community, featuring activities such as ice cream, face painting, and storytime in collaboration with the local library. The event has grown and is scheduled for the second weekend in June at McKnight Park. Organizers discussed the need for early planning and engagement with local businesses to ensure the event’s success.

River City Days, another focal point for community engagement, will feature a booth hosted by the commission. Interactive activities like a spinning wheel and Jeopardy game have been successful in previous years, and similar engagement strategies are anticipated for this year’s event.

Cultural heritage events were also on the agenda, with members discussing past successes and challenges in organizing celebrations such as the African celebration and Celebrate India event. The latter had a notable turnout, outgrowing its original venue, and was cited as a model for future cultural events.

Additionally, the commission addressed plans for Women’s Appreciation in March, Asian and Pacific Islander recognition in June, and Indigenous Peoples and veteran recognition. A member provided insights into last year’s veteran acknowledgment event, noting the need for improved outreach to increase attendance, potentially through collaboration with local schools.

35:31A new business item introduced during the meeting was a three-part series hosted by the Better Society, U Mikasa, and the Southwest Chamber of Commerce. The series, aimed at community leaders and business owners, focuses on building an inclusive and thriving community, with particular attention to the contributions of the Latino community. Members were encouraged to participate in the next session scheduled for May 21, 2025, at the Chanhassen Community Center.

Concerns were raised regarding the timing of these sessions, as they occur during work hours, potentially limiting attendance. However, the commission assured that costs would not be a barrier, with expenses covered for interested members.

Another topic was a suicide prevention training organized by Charlie McDonald from the CH Moravian Church. The training is open to individuals aged 15 and older and aims to equip participants with skills for effective listening and referral in suicide prevention contexts. This free training is scheduled for the following Friday, with attendees encouraged to sign up promptly.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on generational diversity, providing members with insights into different generational perspectives within the workforce and community. Understanding these differences is expected to enhance collaboration within the commission and broader community interactions.