Owatonna Human Rights Commission
Minutes
The Owatonna Human Rights Commission (OHRC) met on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, in the Meeting Room of
the Charles S. Crandall Center. Chairman Commissioner Cords called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Commissioner Vanoosbree took roll call with Commissioners Cords, Esquivel, Leon and Vanoosbree and City
Administrator Busse present. Commissioners Gunderson and Emanuelson were unable to attend.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Commissioner Cords welcomed everyone to the meeting and requested
the agenda be accepted as presented. Commissioner Vanoosbree made a motion to approve the agenda as
prepared, Commissioner Leon seconded the motion, all members present voted aye for approval.
Commissioner Ismael joined the meeting at 5:38 p.m. A request to correct a name spelled incorrectly in the
February 13th OHRC Meeting Minutes and Commissioner Leon made a motion for approval. Commissioner
Vanoosbree seconded the motion, all members present voted aye for approval.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Cords commented Commissioner Emanuelson asked him to plan for a booth at the next
Project Community Connect Resource Expo. This event will be held on Thursday, April 25th at Trinity
Lutheran Church from noon to 3:00 p.m. Commissioners Cord, Mustafe and Vanoosbree plan to attend and
will distribute OHRC flyers and brochures.
Administrative Coordinator Clawson joined the meeting at 5:41 p.m., Commissioner Vanoosbree commented
there will be an event in Central Park on Saturday, May 4th in observance of Cinco de Mayo and suggested a
table/booth also be set up during this event. City Administrator Busse commented that no Event Permit has
not been requested and will be discussed during the next meeting.
ITEMS of DISCUSSION
2024 Welcome Week
Commission members discussed changing the date of the 2024 Welcome Week to August; however, City
Administrator Busse commented Welcome America may have established date requirements. Program
requirements will be reviewed prior to the April OHRC Meeting. The event committee met and will meet
next week. Activities they are considering include: a soccer game, a Human Library, and a Forum to
Ovecome Language Barriers. Commissioner VanOsbree commented that clarification of OHRC’s partners
with detail of items needed from each should be documented and event planning would be an easier
process.
OHRC ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024 Welcome Week
Commissioner Cords and Gunderson will prepare the 2023 OHRC Annual Report for review during the April
OHRC Meeting. City Administrator Busse asked this report to be presented to Council during their Study
Session on April 16th at 5:30 p.m. Council Member Cords commented they will also plan to attend the City
Council Meeting on April 16th.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:15 p.m., Commissioner Vanoosbree made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Ismael seconded the
motion, and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 5:30
p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanette Clawson, Administrative Coordinator