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Owatonna Human Rights Commission
Minutes
The Owatonna Human Rights Commission (OHRC) met on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, in the
Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center. Chairman Commissioner Cords called the
meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. Commissioner Vanoosbree took roll call; present were
Commissioners Cords, Leon, Gunderson, Esquivel, Ismael and Vanoosbree; and Administrative
Coordinator Clawson. Commissioner Emanuelson and City Administrator Busse 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 Minutes of the December 12, 2023, Meeting as presented; Commissioner Leon seconded
the motion, all members present voted aye for approval.
Commissioners present received a magnetic nametag with the City’s new logo. Commissioner
Emanuelson received his last week when he stopped at the Administration Office for event posters.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commission Chairman Cords commented he received an email from SEMCAC confirming
receipt of our Final Report for the Legacy Grant used towards the Owatonna Diversity Mural. Their
message encouraged eligible non-profits to apply for one $5,000 grant per fiscal year (July 1-June
30) provided they have no past due or unapproved Final Reports.
Commissioner Vanoosbree commented she will follow-up with Peng Olson about a
suggested tile art display. An artist prepared a tiled sculpture for the City of Winona, and this
might be a project that would promote Owatonna’s rebranding. Project cost would depend on the
size and type of display (mobile or permanent) prepared. Commissioner Vanoosbree will provide
additional project information during the February OHRC Meeting and contact AGE about
participating. She requested co-sponsorship be a future agenda item for discussion of partnership
responsibilities during events for discussion when planning events? She asked 2024 Welcome
Week Activities also be on the next meeting agenda and asked everyone be prepared to propose
events so plans can be made. Terms of current OHRC commissioners Vanoosbree, Emanuelson
and Cord expire at the end of April, and are not eligible for reappointment as they have all served
the maximum number of terms allowed within the City’s Code of Ordinances. Anticipating new
commission members will appreciate having plans in place for this annual September activity.
ITEMS of DISCUSSION
2024 MLK Jr. Day Event – January 15, 2024
Commissioners Emanuelson and Cords distributed 50+ event flyers over the last several
weeks. Commissioner Mustafe commented he dropped flyers at the mosque and several work
locations. Commissioner Emanuelson prepared a spreadsheet or map to track where flyers were
left and will be asked to share this for use during future events.

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Continuation – OHRC Minutes
January 9, 2024
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Administrative Coordinator Clawson will use OHRC Chamber Bucks towards the purchase of
cookies and water. She will bring OHRC pamphlets, event surveys and pens to this event next
Monday.
Commissioner Gunderson will stop at the History Center tomorrow for their venue use
agreement and will review table/chair placement planned. During their previous discussion, nine
round tables to seat 72 were requested with more available if needed. Currently, 42 reservations
have been made on Eventbrite, this number does not include OHRC members. Commissioners
hope this number will increase to a group of 120, Commissioner Vanoosbree commented during
the September OHRC Meeting, the event’s meal expense was authorized; she made a motion
authorizing cost for an additional 20 meals if needed. Commissioner Leon seconded the motion,
all members present voted aye for approval. Commissioner Cords will contact Plaza Morena with
the number of reservations on Friday.
Event information is currently posted on the City’s Facebook account, the City’s website,
and article in the City’s newsletter. An article was published in last Friday’s edition of the
Owatonna Peoples Press and OPU’s January newsletter. Commissioner Gunderson hopes to be
on the radio this week to promote this as a family event with good food, prestation and
discussion and encourage pre-registration on Eventbrite. Commissioner Vanoosbree asked him
to avoid comments about MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech but mention MLK’s beliefs and values.
Dr. King advocated for civil rights, social justice and nonviolence based on his beliefs and values
on the principes of civil disobedience, equality, liberty, racial pride, pacifism, social commitment,
faith, spirituality, and love. He challenged the racial and economic oppression in America by the
power of love.
Commissioner Vanoosbree will contact Seema Pothini, event speaker, to review her
presentation details. If group discussion is needed, a ZOOM call will be held later this week.
Doors will open to the public at 11:30 am, OHRC Members should be available to welcome
their guests. Anticipating the event will end at 1:00 pm or shortly after, OHRC Members will assist
with clean-up if needed.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:15 p.m., Commissioner Leon made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Gunderson seconded
the motion, and the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February
13, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center.
Respectfully submitted,
Jeanette Clawson, Administrative Coordinator