Chaska City Council — Transcript
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Domestic Violence Prevention Education
Community Event Planning (Pride Celebration)
Community Event Planning (River City Days)
Local Resource Sharing (Carver County)
Commissioner Departure and Community Engagement
Votes (6)
Treasurer's Report
Dissent: None
Moved by Commissioner [0:35] · Seconded by Commissioner [0:35]
The Treasurer's report detailed recent expenditures related to the upcoming Pride event, including purchases for ice cream giveaways and tie-dye kits. It was noted that the current balance for the Pride event budget (approved at $3,000) is just under $2,000, with expectations to remain under budget. The overall fund balance, including the remaining Pride budget, is also just under $3,000.
Domestic Violence Prevention Education by Maria's Voice
Dissent: None
Alyssa Ymelt from Maria's Voice presented their organization's mission to prevent domestic abuse using a public health model based on CDC best practices. She covered Maria's story, their programs for adults, teens, kids, and men ('Bold Voices'), and their various educational tools like videos, redesigned 'Power and Control Wheels', tear-off sheets, and billboards. The organization has achieved an educational reach exceeding one million people. Commissioners inquired about safe ways to support survivors and local statistics.
Pride Celebration Update
Dissent: None
An update was provided on the Pride celebration scheduled for Saturday, 3 to 6 p.m. at Lion's Park. The weather forecast looks cooler than previous years. The event will feature a food truck, tie-dying, various participating groups (library, county health and human services, churches), a community art project, and ice cream treats, following a successful formula from previous years. Commissioners were invited to attend and assist.
River City Days Cultural Celebration Update
Dissent: None
An update was given on the planning for River City Days. A subcommittee meeting was rescheduled. Efforts are underway to secure participation from various cultural groups, including outreach to the Somali community through school district contacts, the Indian community, and the Sons of Norway. The Romanian community is confirmed, and engagement with the disabled and Ukrainian communities is being explored. Opportunities include parade participation, presentations (dance, cultural showcases), and informational tables.
Carver County Family Resources
Dissent: None
Commissioner Carlson shared several resources for Carver County residents: the 'Carver County Family Resource Guide' (a comprehensive list of contacts), a small, annually updated 'orange card' with emergency helpline numbers, and a bookmark for the Carver County Family Resource Center located at the Chesa Moravian Church in Chaska. These resources are designed to provide easily accessible help for those in need.
Commissioner's Departure and Community Engagement Reflection
Dissent: None
A commissioner announced that this would be their last meeting due to relocating to Hopkins but committed to remaining on subcommittees for the remainder of their term. Fellow commissioners expressed well wishes and appreciation for their service. The departing commissioner then offered a deeply personal reflection on the importance of actively engaging with community members in their most challenging circumstances, drawing on a vivid anecdote from their work at a jail to advocate for compassion and proactive help.
Notable Quotes (6)
So we prevent domestic violence prevention education. So way to meet Maria, uh, the namesake of our organization. We're going to talk about Maria's voice. We're going to talk about what is a prevention model and why do we do what we do.
But there are really little things to do that um survivors tell us that this is the most important thing that ever happened to them is it's normally basically a stranger, someone who they barely know. Maybe it's an acquaintance at work, but it usually is not a good friend who says to them, 'I'm kind of concerned about you.' Or they say to you at church, 'You know, I haven't seen you for so long. Where the heck have you been? I've missed you. Can we go for coffee? Do you have time to chat?' Honest to gosh, that simple.
So you what your action is? Your action is to hand them a resource. And your action is to be friendly, not judgmental, encouraging, and wow, what you're going through sounds really tough. Wow, this this this must be a really difficult time for you. You listen, listen, listen, and then you say, you know, I can help you with something. I'm going to ask you to call these folks because they really know what to do.
This little orange card just came so in handy because although I know a person, I know the number may maybe I was able to pull it out of my purse and say absolutely the number is and because we just had Maria's voice here um her organization, Maria's voice is on this piece of paper.
I just want to let folks know this actually be my last commission meetings and my family's moving out of the city of Chaza. So, we purchased house in Hopkins. I'm going to be moving to Hopkins. Um I'm going to be staying on the subcommittees that I'm a part of through the end of my term to keep doing the things that I've committed to.
I walked into the room and first thing God said is, 'This is where I get my people. This is where I go. I go deep down into the muck, the dirt, the trash, this environment to help people.' And that's kind of how I live my life now. Does that make sense?
Ordinances & Resolutions (10)
National award-winning video presented by seven multicultural survivor educators, accessible via the Maria's Voice website.
Maria's Voice redesigned this classic document using icons and a lower reading level to make it more accessible and inclusive.
Maria's Voice materials in English and Spanish, placed in public restrooms to encourage help-seeking behavior.
Small resource cards from Maria's Voice, available in English, Spanish, Somali, Hmong, and Russian, for discrete access to help.
Maria's Voice educational material detailing signs of violence, how to help a friend, and national/local hotlines.
Postcard developed by teens from four school districts and law enforcement, launched in the AIO Maple Grove School District.
Six children's coloring books by Maria's Voice, featuring Maria's dog Rocky, teaching kids about friendship, trust, and not keeping secrets, available in English and Spanish at a third-grade reading level.
A comprehensive document containing numerous telephone numbers and descriptions of various family resources within Carver County.
A small, annually color-coded card listing essential helpline numbers and resources in Carver County, designed for easy and convenient access.
An informational bookmark promoting the local family resource center in Chaska, providing details on services and access.