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Owatonna Human Rights Commission
Minutes
The Owatonna Human Rights Commission (OHRC) met on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, in the
Meeting Room of the Charles S. Crandall Center. Chairman Commissioner Cords called the
meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. Commissioner Vanoosbree took roll call with Commissioners
Cords, Esquivel, Leon, Emanuelson, Gunderson and Vanoosbree, City Administrator Busse and
Administrative Coordinator Clawson present. Commissioner Ismael was unable to attend.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Commissioner Cords welcomed everyone to the meeting.
Commissioner Vanoosbree made a motion to approve the agenda as prepared, Commissioner
Leon seconded the motion, all members present voted aye for approval. After reviewing the
Minutes of the March 12th Meeting, Commissioner Gunderson made a motion for approval,
Commissioner Vanoosbree seconded the motion, all members present voted aye for approval.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Commissioner Cords reminded everyone of the OHRC booth planned at the Project
Community Connect Resource Expo on April 25th at Trinity Lutheran Church. Commissioners
Cord, Mustafe and Vanoosbree plan to attend this event to distribute OHRC flyers and
brochures. Commissioner Vanoosbree commented she will bring the poster board to this
event.
Commissioner Vanoosbree commented that the Alliance for Greater Equity (AGE) will host a
Cinco DeMayo event in Central Park on Saturday, May 4th. There will be food trucks, games
and music offered, and they are looking for volunteers to help. The event is planned from 11
a.m. to 9 p.m. Clawson commented this will be a busy day in Owatonna, other activities include
Corky’s Earlybird Softball Tournament, the Farmer’s Market and From the Heart & Soul 5k and
fun run.
ITEMS of DISCUSSION
OHRC ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024 Welcome Week
The 2023 OHRC Annual Report prepared by Commissioner Cords was presented.
Commissioners Cords and Gunderson will provide an update on OHRC activities during the
Study Session on April 16th. The annual report will serve as an outline for their presentation.
This will offer an opportunity to promote the Human Library offered last fall during Welcome
Week and the MLK Jr. Day event in January. Commissioner Vanoosbree commented that to
spread out OHRC activities during the year, the Human Library could be offered as a stand-
alone event. The book (subject matter) participation was good and community awareness
could expand if this was a separate event.
Commissioner Gunderson asked current OHRC members Emanuelson, Vanoosbree and Cords
to be present during the May 21st City Council Meeting. Mayor Kuntz will acknowledge former
board/commission members for their years of service during this meeting. Over the last several
years, OHRC has changed from being a reactive to a proactive commission with service from
these commissioner members.

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OHRC Minutes
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April 14, 2024
2024 Welcome Week
The sub-committee will meet prior to the next OHRC meeting to expand plans for the 2024
Welcome Week. Current consideration to host a soccer game at Grace Baptist on Saturday,
August 10th, Commissioner Gunderson will verify field availability with the church.
Commissioner Vanoosbree commented that offering food will encourage participation and
suggested considering contacting a food truck.
ADJOURNMENT
At 6:20 p.m., Commissioner Gunderson made a motion to adjourn, Commissioner Emanuelson
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