0:28A key highlight of the meeting was the commission’s decision to award two Human Rights Awards, acknowledging both individual and collective contributions to human rights efforts in New Ulm. The first award was granted to Jeie Hinsman, recognized for her dedication to fair trade and her efforts in supporting a Ukrainian family resettling in the area. Meanwhile, the second award went to the host committee of the Makota Reconciliation and Healing Riders, nominated for their hospitality and commitment to addressing historical injustices and fostering healing between Native communities and New Ulm residents. The commission discussed these nominations extensively, with members expressing a desire to honor the distinct contributions of both nominees. After confirming there were no restrictions in the bylaws regarding the number of awards, a motion was unanimously passed to recognize both, enriching the upcoming award ceremony by highlighting diverse human rights initiatives.

The meeting also addressed pressing immigration concerns within the community, sparked by a community member’s email outlining worries about new executive orders from the federal administration. These concerns prompted discussions on the commission’s potential role in supporting local schools and community members. The conversation included input from Chief of Police Dave Borer, who clarified that local law enforcement does not engage in immigration enforcement, emphasizing the federal jurisdiction over such matters. Borer also suggested leveraging resources from the League of Minnesota Cities to provide accurate information and alleviate community anxieties. Members considered organizing a community forum to discuss immigration rights and federal actions.

38:07Participants described scenarios where local officers might encounter undocumented individuals during routine stops, with subsequent actions involving communication with prosecuting attorneys and judges. The conversation underscored the need for clear communication between law enforcement agencies to prevent conflicts and dispel community misconceptions. The commission agreed to keep immigration issues on their agenda and explore organizing an educational event to address community confusion, with unanimous support for investigating available resources for such an initiative.

In pursuing its mission, the commission also considered a community needs survey to identify human rights issues of concern. Additionally, discussions took place regarding potential sponsorship for a community event focusing on family well-being and child abuse prevention, as part of a statewide initiative. The commission weighed sponsorship options, considering using local resources like the recreation center to host events, and expressed eagerness to collaborate on the application process before the January 31 deadline.

54:34The commission’s internal structure and committee appointments were also scrutinized. Members debated the efficacy of the current committee setup, with suggestions to distribute workload more evenly by splitting the events committee into subcommittees. This restructuring aimed to streamline efforts for numerous community events, including the Night Out, Brown County Fair, Bavarian Blast Parade, and Pride Festival. A preference emerged for grouping events requiring similar resources to alleviate the burden on committee members, while the role of the Public Relations Committee was questioned due to its inactivity in recent years. Suggestions were made to either dissolve the committee or integrate its functions into the executive committee, aligning responsibilities with city governance and needs.

The commission briefly reviewed its mission statement, which upholds equal opportunities for all individuals, and considered the relevance of their bylaws, particularly concerning the Public Relations Committee. While some proposed managing its responsibilities through other teams, others advocated for retaining it due to potential future relevance amidst ongoing human rights issues. The commission agreed to remain vigilant about legislative developments, noting concerns over companies retracting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, which could impact the commission’s advocacy efforts.