He's going to build things. Yeah, I mean I'm going to build things. That's why I have this really intense mask. Do some construction. Okay. >> Good evening everyone. Thank you for coming to the Chesa Human Rights Commission meeting for Thursday, October 23rd, 2025. Um, first up on our agenda is our roll call. And Elise, would you be so kind? >> Commissioner Duffy, Commissioner Hubard >> here. >> Commissioner Walbert >> here. >> Commissioner Sanderson >> here. >> Commissioner Han >> here. >> Commissioner me. Chair Carlson >> here. Thank you, Elise. Um, you have had the opportunity to take a look at the agenda. Um any additions? Um changes? Um we've got a couple of announcements towards the end of the meeting, but anything else? >> No. >> Having heard none, may I have a motion to adopt the agenda? >> So moved. >> Thank you, Hana. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Brick. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Eyes carried. Well, tonight we have the opportunity to hear from our friends at Latino Voices and we're thrilled to have them here as part of our open forum guest presentation and also Oh, I think they can go now. >> Yeah, l >> um and then we'll also do their um um a frienda request which was included in your packet and I hope you've had a chance to take a look at it. So, I invite you to the podium. Um, whoever would like to speak this evening on behalf of your organization. >> Good evening, Gracia. >> Hi, guys. Apparently, you're all intimidating. [Laughter] >> I'm trying to get them to be more publicly speaking, but >> can you pull the microphone more towards you? >> Oh, is that better? Okay, good. >> Thank you. >> All right. Um, well, first of all, we want to thank you for your participation in putting together the ofrena last weekend. We really appreciate all the extra help, but also the extra visual. Um, so I'm just going to read this off and then we'll do a Q&A. Each year, Latino Voices creates an oprenenda to provide members of the Latino community with a meaningful space to honor and commemorate their ancestors in keeping with cultural traditions observed in the countries of origin. The sacred origin also serves as an opportunity also offers an opportunity um for parents to pass down stories and customs to their children fostering uh connection and supporting youth in deepening their understanding of cultural identity. This year we are proud to present our second annual Katrina festival in conjunction with the offenda. This vibrant celebration invites the broader community to learn about the culture, the significance of the tradition while enjoying food, music, dance, and engaging in activities. It is a joyful occasion that brings people together in spirit and remembrance, storytelling, and shared heritage. The offerenda has long been cherished tradition of the Latino community, and we're honored to share it more broadly as a gesture of cultural celebration, unity, and respect. Um, this of started, I want to say maybe five or six years ago. as a tiny little community project just across the um just across the street at the um the street mall and it has grown tremendously over the years. And we have some pictures, pass them around so you can kind of see the growth over the years. Um and like I said, this is our second year doing the Katrina Festival and we're really excited about that. Over the past years, your support has been instrumental in helping us grow into the event that is something truly special. What began as a modest presentation has bloomed into a vibrant celebration of culture, inclusion, and community. Thanks to this collective effort, we've added a second operenda at the Chesca Event Center, our festival's home. The sacred space invites participants to honor their loved ones by placing photos after the Katrina parade, deepening the personal and commun communal meaning of the celebration. We're proud to now host two locations where the community can come to learn about the experience and richness of the Adelos Muertos. So, our request tonight, um, we have included a detailed budget of a approximately $850. Last year, due to a misunderstanding with the Chesca Arts Consortium, the ofrena was removed before we were able to retrieve it. And unfortunately, this led to some damages in several of the items that we had placed on that ofrena and that needs needed to be replaced. Many of the materials we're investing in now are intentionally chosen for their durability and reusability. Uh with your support, we'll be able to restore these elements and ensure they're safely stored for a future use, preventing the integrity and beauty of the offenda for many, many years to come. Questions? I'll just say I thank you for having this be a continued tradition because I knew nothing about it until we started having the little Brenda and have been a part of helping to put it together um the last few years and it's just a really meaningful thing and I love hearing the stories about the people in the pictures and what the meaning is of all the things that we put on there and stuff. So, thank you for doing that. >> Thank you. Something we really enjoyed um over the last couple of years, especially with the with the um parade is that the community members that have passed in that unfortunately have passed in the last couple of years um have been honored by their by their families. So, like the recent death of a couple of family community members um have been brought up. and for the family to to come and show up in the community who knew them on their day-to-day at work and in their um regular lives in Chiaska have honored that. We thought that was very meaningful and very precious. >> Answer. I told you you'd answer the questions and do the comments. >> So, Gracia, would you like to introduce your full team of Latino voices >> for the benefit of everyone in our viewing audience? >> Yes. My name is Gracie Losano. I am the executive director. >> I'm Melanie Coleman. I am a case worker and programs director. >> I'm Evelyn Hassan and I'm a case worker and data manager >> and the beauty behind our posts. Yeah. >> Well, thank you so much for I remember the little aphrena in the market across the street and wondering just wondering walking through and saying I wonder what all that means. And I think you've brought it to life for our community. I think when I was at the community center weaving my way through the back way to get there and I walked in, it was like, "Wow." And there were several visitors in that space when I was there. and um they were they remarked how wonderful it was and how really nicely portrayed and the explanations that you gave um were really meaningful. So, thank you for doing that for our community. Um >> Hana, I know you've participated and been to and have seen the uh but Brit, this will be your first year. >> Martin, I think you've been to Yes. >> I've Yes. Last two years or so. Yeah. >> I won't be this year. Sorry. >> Oh, >> I apologize. >> Last this year we were invited by um the daycare center, right? Correct. At the community center, >> the after school program. >> The their afterchool program. They've asked us to come back and um do just a quick explanation for the kids that are um in their program after school so that they can like vividly see and hear the storytelling. I did want to take advantage of Evelyn being up here. I'm going to put her not to put her in the spot, but she has this wonderful story. So, as we talk about like the opportunity to sharing this tradition with our kids and what that really means um to to deepen our culture and our connection with family, I want you to tell them the story of Lea. Please, I might cry. Um so, two weeks ago when we were on our way to the Chaz Community Center to set up the first of I had my daughters with me and they were in the back seat and they said, "What are we doing?" And I explained to them we're going to put up the I was like, "Do you remember what we do. We talk about like the stories of who they were. Unfortunately, my grandmas passed before my kids could meet them. But then she started saying, "Yeah, I know." We called her Mama. She said, "I know Mama had a big heart." And that's where you get yours from. And it was just it sticks with them. Like cuz every year we repeat the stories. And even though she didn't get to meet hers, she knew what kind of person my grandma was. So it's it's really special. >> It is a special story. So, in the past, the human rights commission has supported the the work that it takes to establish the offenders at now both two locations and um we have they've submitted a budget um with various items that are necessary. Um, and if you visit the at either location, you'll see all of these items. Um, there. Um, are there any questions? >> I'll have a question. >> There you go. Thank you, Martin. >> So, looking over the list of items just for those who are watching or whatever. So, how are these items used? they are most of the items are placed on the offender. Um what happens with the ofrena? So every every aspect of of the ofrena every a aspect of the ofrena has a a meaning. Um the items are placed on the offerenda as a remembrance or as a portrayal of the meaning. So um god I don't remember I don't have the actual distra. I wish I did. Um but I know like some of the stuff some of the stuff was damaged from last year. So, as we were like unboxing things, we realized that some of the ales were broken. Some of um the let's see, some of the other were broken. The table covers that we had used in the past were just plastic um dollar store table covers. So, we had to replace those. Um fresh flowers, we can't as much as we try, we are not green thumb people. So, as much as we try to save the flowers, we end up having to get new flowers every year. Um picture frames. We provide picture frames for people who bring pictures of their loved ones um that decide to either keep them there or just have them at the offering for about a week. Um I think something we don't usually point out is that this is a multi- multi-day celebration. So having the offenda out for a week is not just for showcase. There's a purpose to it there. It's um different souls come back at different stages of the week. And so it's super important for us to have everything out for about a week. So we want to make sure that the things that are there are sustainable, that they're reusable, that they're high quality. So having things I mean when we try to like do the least expenditures like the picture frames are probably from the dollar store. We can get away with that. The follower vases are from the dollar store. We can get away with that. But there are certain things like the fresh mirrorolds um are very fragrant and they they come from Mexico. um the ones that are here are not as fragrant, so it's really difficult to find those and they're only in season. Like the sugar skulls is something we have to take a trip to Minneapolis and find at very specific stores. Um so some of those things are definitely uh like higherend items or items that are brought in from Mexico. So it's really difficult to find and that's why some of the prices are a little high. But like we look, we went online and we were trying to find like the cheapest stuff um that we we could. >> Did that answer your question, Michael? >> It did. I had another one, but I forgot. >> So, I mean, yeah, like the mirror reflect, it's a reflection. It It's a passing for the soul. I mean, there are some things in here that are like, why would you have that? Um, but the mirror has a symbolism. The salo is where you held the incense, and that has a symbolism. Um the uh Katrina also like represent um the mortality that has a symbolism. Papel picado also like represents um the souls passing through. So all of those things have like a very important symbolic purpose to the altar. Um there is right next to both of the operendas there is uh a paper with an explanation and you can see in detail what those what those symbols are. What's the first day that it starts and when's the last day? >> Um October 28th is the first day and it is believed that on October 28th all of the um the souls of your pets come back. So yes, yes, all dogs go to heaven. Um, and for families who have had uh a longl lasting animals or pets that have been with them for a long time, they do place like cat toys or dog items and collars uh in the of uh it proceeds with and I don't remember them in order, but there's a specific day for children who were um still born or children who um passed away before they were born. There's a specific one for children uh who have passed away. There's a specific one for ch for people who have passed away abruptly. So um accidents or uh sudden deaths. Um there's a specific one for um ancestors that have been more than two generations past. And so every every day you bring a different aspect to the ofrena. So like the first day you place the candles, the second day that's when you bring the water. The third day that's where you bring the salt and the ashes. So all of these days it's the ritual is meant to like have a full week celebration for the family to come together and that's when the stories come in. We wish we could do that, but we feel like having having the ofrena being placed the week before and being able to like prepare for this festival also allows us to do that with our kids and offers the opportunity for parents who can't do that at home who might not be able to have access to either putting an offenda because of the cost of the items or space-wise there are families who we've seen a lot are doubled up or tripled up in houses and they don't have the space to put up an offenda and at their home but they're able to come to the communal one and talk about their their loved ones and what that means for their families. >> One thing too that I really appreciated is that there's so many people who brought pictures, but there were people who brought things that were objects or things that rem like momentos of the people. And so, um, you know, if it's a handkerchief of your grandmother or Doritos because your uncle loved them so much or something. And it was just fun to to hear the stories about why people brought different meaningful things. >> Yes. I think one of my favorite aspects of the tradition is traditionally, and obviously this is something we can't do, the very last day. So, November 1st at night, you place food and it stays overnight and then it stays the next day. And November 2nd is the actual um day all souls day. And so that's the celebration. And at the end of the night when the celebrations are over, you eat the food that has been placed at the ofa. And it's sharing a meal. It's sharing a celebr the celebration of sharing a meal with the souls that have come back from the past. So it's inviting them back to the dinner table. And for those of you who are familiar with Latino culture, food is huge for us. um cooking and eating, but also like the celebration of coming together as a family to share a meal is a pretty big deal. So, being able to have that um shared with your ancestors is a big aspect of this uh tradition and celebration. >> Is there anything like apart from the financial contribution, is there any other way that we can support you all in the event? >> Yes, we would like to invite you to come tomorrow and we also would like to invite you to participate in our Katrina contest. So, um you could do a little more research on the Katrina, but it could be just any fancy outfit. Um the face paint is actually pretty simple. I just tried Nah's on today. Uh and we use like regular makeup we have at home. There's tons of tutorials. Um you can be a part of the a contest or not be a part of a contest. Um, but I think the more people that come in in an outfit, the more people that particip that truly participate, the more we will encourage the especially the younger generations to feel not afraid of showcasing their culture. And I think that's something that um we partner with the human rights commission on and we believe that that's something that this community specifically and this human rights commission is doing so well. I have firsthand seen it with uh with my daughter and with her friends. Seeing the celebrations of their culture and their heritage, bringing back something in them that allows them to not be afraid of showcasing it, to not be afraid of showing up and showing their true backgrounds and their true culture in a way that is sometimes difficult for especially teenage girls um in middle school and high school that really don't want to step out of the box. But for us to be able to showcase and show them an opportunity to dress up and really participate in your culture and see that it's not only Latinos who are doing this, but everyone in the community is coming together and supporting and dressing up and being a full part of the festival allows them to see, you know what, this is not me being different. This is me being celebrated and my family being celebrated in a way that the community wants to celebrate and wants to participate. So, please join us uh again tomorrow at 6 PM. We hope to see you all dressed up um or not >> or or not, but we hope to see you. >> If you're not comfortable dressing up and you want to bring a picture of a loved one and walk the parade with us, we would love that as well. And as Jen mentioned, um if you don't have a picture, but you want to bring a momento of something from that remembers uh that reminds you of someone in your u in your family, you can certainly do that as well. I know that like for my daughter, it was really hard to find something from her um dad's grandparents, but she her great grandma loved um cooking, so she brought like a little pot. And so those little things, even if there's no like picture attached to it, those little um pieces of remembrance also make a difference, too. >> I want to call attention to your patch on your jacket. Can you talk a little bit about the partnership that you have with our Chesa Police Department? >> Yes. So, this event um actually is a partnership with many organizations in the area. Uh but we believe the one that's strongest is the Chesca Police Department. Um we we know especially in these tumultuous times it is difficult for for people to trust law enforcement um especially that the community that is migrant. And so the police department has been uh pivotal to be able to not only put together this event but to be able to make our community feel safe and comfortable within our area. Having them as a partner of our events, especially events that showcase culture, allows them to see law enforce law enforcement in a different light. In a light that's more approachable, in a light that is more community-based. And this allows them to be more approachable um when it comes to uh to our community's uh concerns for safety. Also, um creates a foster relationship for especially our youth now that they see someone that looks like them. um as some of the officers have been. And now that they have someone that again, seeing a police officer participate in the Katrina Festival, something that represents their background and their culture and their their heritage opens them up to being able to be genuinely themselves, but not be afraid to step out of those traditional roles that have been denominated for their for their background and being able to open and explore um different roles. That that's kind of what we are hoping to get um out of those uh partnerships as well. So the patch is >> So the patch is um it was designed by the police department um the police department's uh what is last year uh Martin made the design himself. It is the logo of the Chesca police department. Um I can't >> sugar >> please like I can't see >> some merolds >> and I think it it says yos muertos and then police. >> It's a great batch. >> Thank you. It's a great batch. And I understand that um they were completely heer was last year. >> Yes. So these were sold last year and they were sold out. I don't think he's doing that this year. Um but we do have another uh vendor that is doing t-shirts that are specifically designed for this event as well. And so so you'll be able to have a chance to again see those partnerships and take a little piece of the culture back home. What's the significance of the marolds? >> Um mar the marold is called in natal sasuchil which means 20 petal flower. Um the number 20 is the symbol for infinity and and the scent is supposed to the scent symbolizes um calling the calling of the souls coming back from the death. So it there like I said it's very fragrant so it's supposed to call them over to the ofrena. Um but again it's it's that symbolism of um never ending and infinity. Um the the idea that souls are never ending and by remembering them we're bringing them back and doing this cycle of remembrance and bringing um that full circle of life and death. >> That's a great question. Answer that question before. >> That's a good answer. So, Latino Voices has submitted um their request and is seeking funding in the amount of $845. Uh yes, $845. Um, I believe that if we uh we have funding available for their this support to Latino Voices, um, do any of you have specific comments or concerns about authorizing funds from our organization? >> I have another question. I'm always the one with questions. Um, so what will be done different this year than last year to save the non-p perishable items that you're purchasing? >> So like I said last year, usually we are the ones that take down the ofrenas and we know what's we know what's fragile like the sugar skulls because they're generally made out of sugar. um and some of the ceramic items that need to be uh handled more carefully and wrapped in like um more paper. Last year we had uh there was a mixup with the dates and the people from the event center took everything down and it or the community center they took it down and it literally looked like they just grabbed everything and put them in the boxes. And so when we moved things around the shuffling of things that were not placed carefully in the totes um made them break. So again, the durability is one of them. So we're making sure that we're not buying stuff from like the dollar store, but rather, you know, just some more high-end items, but also making sure that as we are putting that away, we are um wrapping them carefully and we're designating boxes that we know are fragile um so that we can reuse them next year. >> Those items that they broke, they didn't replace. >> No, we didn't. We didn't No. >> No, >> we also didn't really >> Well, we did. They didn't know, right? They didn't know this. I'm not asking you to defend them. I'm just for the viewers who are listening and we're going to authorize this money realized that this somebody over there broke the stuff and didn't replace it and it needs to be replaced. I'm just putting it out there. That's all. You're good. You're good. I got your back. You're good. >> That was my last question. >> You pro got pinky swear now that it's your last question. What do you think? >> I have no questions. >> Brit, >> no further questions. >> Martin, you're officially done. >> Jen, promise. >> I would need a motion then to um approve this funding request in the amount of $845 to Latino Voices of Minnesota. So moved. >> Okay. Um, a motion's been >> a motion's been made and seconded by Jen. Is there any further discussion? >> No, she made >> No, I made the motion. I didn't second it. >> Okay, the motion was made, Jennifer. By Jennifer. And is there a second to that motion? >> Second. >> Thank you, Hana. Uh, are there any further questions or comments? Having heard none, all in favor of the motion to approve $845 for Latino Voices of Minnesota to continue the Aphrena work in our community, signify by saying I. I >> opposed. Eyes carry. Thank you so much for being here with us tonight. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for your time. We appreciate it. >> We'll look forward to seeing you tomorrow. >> Yes. You're welcome to stay, but I understand you've got another meeting. >> Finalizing of the details for tomorrow. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Bye. >> Thank you. >> Speaking of money, maybe we should take a look at our treasurer's report. Um, Elise, do you want to give us that update, please? >> Certainly. Uh, chair and commissioners, since our la our last meeting in August, you approved the Celebrate India event budget of 2750. So, as we normally do with the event budgets, we put it all in there. Whatever doesn't get used um will be put back in. And so probably by um by your November meeting, we'll know what that final budget was or very close to that final budget and we'll add anything back in. Um additionally, uh Chair Carlson went to Friends of the Chesca Library and sought out a donation to help with the Celebrate India event and so that donation was received and has been included in um your uh budget that you see here. So that I'm happy answer any questions. Does anybody have any questions about um the treasur's report? Have having heard none. May I have a motion to approve? >> I move to approve the treasur's report. >> Thank you so much. Is there a Thank you, Martin. If there are no further questions, all in favor of approving the October 23rd, 2025 treasures report signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed. The eyes carry. I realized in my thoughts about money, I skipped over the approval of the minutes from our August 28th, 2025 meeting. They were sent out. If were there any corrections, uh, changes, deletions? Having heard none, uh, may I have a motion to approve the minutes of August 28th? >> So moved. >> Motion second. >> Motion's been made and seconded by Hana first and Britt second. All in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> There are no nays. Are there >> eyes zone out? I even know where you're >> I didn't hear much. >> Um >> hi. >> So, um business first up is our Dr. King celebration and human rights celebration scheduled for January of 2025. Um, >> excuse me. 2026. Okay. Um, Hana, do you want to bring us kind of up to date or do you want me to? >> Um, if you don't mind. >> Okay, >> that would be great. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> So, we have met. Our committee has met um and we've uh looked through a long list of at least five people uh as potential speakers. We've identified two that um we're reaching out to. Uh by the way, I should tell you that the committee consists of Hana Kichchi um Stacy Kumar Nelson and myself. Um so I think we're on we're on a good track to have someone um be our guest speaker. Uh we are reaching out to district 112 for a music uh contribution from their students this year. So I think we're on track for that. And our next meeting I believe is October 30th. >> I don't remember. Okay. >> Okay. So um >> it's on my calendar. Yeah, I'm sure that that's um but so I think we're we're on track and on task. Uh we don't have any financial dollars yet to talk about with the commission, but uh we should have that by the end of this month for sure by November's meeting. Any questions? >> Well, I think the next part next really has to >> I do have one question. Yes, Brit. >> Last year, did we purchase books? >> We did not. >> Well, in a way, we did. >> Okay. >> Um, we purchased books in lie of paying the speaker. >> Okay. All right. >> Um, because it was her book that we purchased. >> All right. >> And had available at each of the tables. Um, and uh I don't have the dollar figures and I did not bring my file on Dr. King, but basically a an honorarium probably equaled >> 21. >> Yeah. Very close to the dollar amount that we would have spent for an honorarium. >> Okay. >> And we had the books. Now, last year we we solicited and received from um the Kelly Breny who works for the school district. um and she helped put together a list of books uh recommended books that we purchase. Um we do have that list. There might be some updating if we choose to do that again this year. Uh we just we didn't want to commit to doing that yet in the committee because uh we wanted to make sure what our speaker uh honorarium might look like. >> All right. I think that kind of sums up u the Dr. King celebration. Um we should remind our viewing public and everyone here that the uh human rights award uh nomination forms are available on our website and um they can be submitted um at any time and that decision will be made in December. Going through the other old business, we really don't have we've we've kind of gone through women's appreciation and the pride celebration and river city days. Our other big event coming up is our cultural heritage months celebrate India. Um and on that I have some good news. I think I have good news. >> Um, are not unless you want to talk about it, Brit, >> I'll defer to you. I think you've been doing a bit more background work. Okay. >> I probably can speak more to that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So, um I prepared and submitted a uh Lion Club donation request application and I met with their board of directors in September and I asked um for $1,750. You'll recall in our discussion that the event center um the fee for the rental of the event center was something that um in the past we've had offset by community funds through the city. Um we were advised this year that those funds would not be available. And so although our commission did approve money of $2,750, um I felt that we needed to have uh a financial resource in our community to help offset those costs. So the Lions Club has approved $1,750. >> Yay. Great. >> Yeah. >> Um >> that's amazing. I um in the presentation that I made um I I was asked two specific questions um as to um why choose the allian the Lions Club. And so I talked about how important I think that the Lions are here in our community um and the partnerships that um I've seen grow from within the Lions organization and partnerships with us and Latino Voices as an example. And um I felt that their work um could be could be expanded as a community builder. So, um I'm very thankful that uh we received and I understand the check will be forthcoming. Um the second thing I I did well I've done four financial outreaches. Um I went to the uh friends of the library. Our um storytime reading event which is done in Bengali, Hindi and English uh is by Remma Chakuorti. Please forgive me if I've mispronounced that, but um and she is uh in the process of having her first book published and hopefully it will be on available for our event in November. Um but she will come again and read for us. Um, and she is also reading for the city here at the city library and through Carver County, excuse me, uh, public libraries, also in Waconia. And her requested amount was $250 and Friends of the Library have sent that check to us. Okay. Um the third and fourth um funding sources that I tapped were with Gary uh Commander Gary Van Isle and Auxiliary President Christine Meyer with the American Legion Post and Commander Billy Ludkins and Mary Catalo at the VFW's post here in Chaska. Um since I've been back from my trip, I have not had the opportunity to talk with them. I will follow up and let you know. Um, so, pardon me. So, I'm thinking that from a financial standpoint, we're a little bit better off. Now, sadly, I was not able to attend the meeting that you had talking about sponsorship. So, and booth rentals. Yes. So I think we're still exploring interested parties for both of those. Okay. >> Um I don't >> my understanding is that we haven't made any progress in terms of getting um confirmation of booth rentals or other sponsors. Um there was I think we were supposed to meet last week and we were not able to and so we're trying to set up a meeting either for like tomorrow or early next week. Uh or we'll probably get some updates on how that's going. The food truck, I think we've confirmed we're going with a pizza food truck. Um and then with the idea being that we will potentially fund an initial sort of portion of that food so that people who attend the event can get complimentary like a complimentary snack or complimentary chai and then um if they're interested in purchasing additional food items they can do so. >> Is it Indian pizza like pizza karma? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. Okay. Yes. >> So that event um will be on November 14th at the Ches Event Center. >> Will the pizza truck or the food truck be serving outside? >> Yes. >> And then >> Yeah. Yeah. And we were I think the leading idea right now is that as people um come into the event they can sort of register at a table and get uh like a little ticket or coupon that they can then bring out to the food truck in exchange for the food. >> Yeah. The samplevember 14th. >> November 14th. >> It's a Friday. Um, I also reached out to the, excuse me, the Chaza Rotary Club and uh, they informed me that they're um, they review funding in the beginning of each year and that they award funds in early spring. And because I was not aware of that time frame, um, our request was denied uh, based on funding, their funding schedule. So that's good news or good good to note for future events um, and particularly next year as we look to determining what kind of activities we have throughout the 2026 year. What time is it on the >> 14th? I don't know. >> Rich's going to tell us. >> Okay. >> No problem. >> Pardon me. >> What time is what >> to celebrate India? >> Is there a reason just throwing this out? Is there a reason why maybe Taste of India or other restaurant have we contacted them? Were they interested in providing or participating? >> Last year we utilized Taste of India. No, not T. Yeah, Taste >> India Bar and Grill. India Bar. Thank you. Sorry. India Bar and Grill. >> Um and I can taste India. >> There's one down the down that's the one right here downtown and one up on the hill. >> Um and we paid for those u those costs. Um and so we thought this year um with perhap and not knowing last year the response that we had from our community, it was an overwhelming number of people that um we had participate at the at the lodge and anticipating that kind of response. Again, based on the feedback we received and support that we received in the community, we determined that we really u it was difficult to financially meet and purchase all of that out of our budget, particularly in light of the fact that the event center is charging us the $1,750. So, as a result, we thought, okay, we can partner with perhaps a food truck and we can offset perhaps the initial expense of, as you said, a small item. Um, and then um also help support a local vendor, which I believe comes from Eden Prairie. >> I think so. >> They're home based in Eden Prairie. >> Yep. Do you know if the food trucks have to pay for a license to operate that day? >> How much does that cost you? I >> think we lowered it to 30 >> $30. >> Yeah. >> It's It's per year so they can get it for the entire year and be in any location. >> I think that's what we're at now. >> What else do you need help from us? We have a third commissioner. Did we end up >> I believe um joined the comm. >> That's right. >> She did. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Yes. >> I'm a little concerned that we're >> it's just a few weeks away. Um so I'm hoping that we can pull this together quickly. I I know that last year we had great participation and I know that I certainly wasn't disappointed in in the results. I'm hoping that we can again do that. Kevin Wright is our city liaison on this event and um I'm hoping that we can get together early next week if not tomorrow. I think yeah he one of the times that Kevin had thrown out as an option was tomorrow at noon I believe. So if um we'll see >> and so then we can just come help set up and stuff. >> Absolutely. And participate. Um we'll have I know we'll have lots of good things. We'll have music. We'll have dancing. Um I think uh because the celebration of light that is so closely linked to Jiwali um talks about u evil triumphing evil over or good over evil. Um expanding knowledge um and freedom. Uh there will be several nonprofit organizations from both locally and from the Shri Saba Mandon group. >> I I'm sure I've not pronounced that correctly either. Um >> that's the worship center on >> Yes, it is here in Jasa. So, um, looking forward to the event and and again expanding our efforts to be an inclusive community. Uh, indigenous people's recognition. I think that was going to be with Ren. And as you probably know, Ren has moved out of the area. So, he's he will no longer be with us. Um, veterans acknowledgement, Martin, that's something you've been working on. >> I don't have an update. Sorry. >> Was the only person on that committee? >> Um, >> indigenous people >> indigenous people. >> Give me one moment. >> I I want to say it was Kevin. >> Is he not on the committee? >> Kevin me. >> Yeah, he is. um on the indigenous people's recognition. Kichi and Hana. >> Me? Well, that's good to know. >> Oh, >> I have a update. >> Oh, >> I don't I don't I have an update that I'm on the committee and I will meet with Ki about it. >> Okay, great. >> All right. Wonderful. Thank you so much. Um, so, uh, can I I'm sorry. Can I ask a question for do we have any, um, I have not been paying attention. Any update on the city square park? Like, is there any because that might be a good tiein for that committee that I'm on. So, what what we had um our community development director Nate Kitt scheduled to come earlier this year and then we didn't have a quorum at that meeting. So, I will talk to him, see if he's available to come in November and speak. >> Um he had a short presentation put together talk talking more about City Square. >> Oh, super. Okay. >> So, let me check on that. That was um I have not tagged him yet as to find me another date. I will do that tomorrow. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. Belonging message. Um there are so many things to think about these days. Um and so um in light of uh the community activities with the Katrina Festival and doing the I landed on um the National Hispanic Heritage Month that celebrates history, traditions, and cultural diversity of Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in Spain and 19 other countries and territories. And so each year, the National Council of Hispanics Employment Program Managers, um which just for future thought on planting the seed. Um we have yet to hear back from the Rotary organization if we will be partnering with them on the um Cinco de Mayo Cinco de Mayo, but this is an organization that I reached out to that is interested in being a partner or being part of that celebration with the Rotary organization. I'm just planting that seed. But at any rate, they they reach out into the community and ask for themes um for posters. And the posters are used primarily in federal agencies, organizations, and schools. And I thought that's probably pretty good considering we've got so much going on with our schools and uh federal agencies right now. So, just food for thought as you take a look at that. More information is available um at NCM um or the National Council of Hispanics Employment Program Managers. So, food for thought. Um I think we have a couple of announcements. Um Carver County, Jen, do you want to talk about this or >> Sure. >> Yeah. Um, so we've talked a little bit about it that the Carver County Family Resource Center will be opening at um, Chesca Marabian Church. Um, they have been doing a soft opening where they have had a few of their um, service providers um, meeting with clients kind of as a appointment only kind of a thing. So far, um, they've gotten a website up and going and they're making plans about a more, um, a more solid schedule of when they're going to be there. Um, they have a sandwich board they put out on the sidewalk whenever they're open and so you can tell when someone's there to meet with people. Um but they're excited to kind of really kick things off. And so um on October 30th from 4 to 6, they're having a fall family fun event. Um just so people in the community can come and kind of check out the space, find out what there is to offer, um what kind of resources are available. Um, and this is a free event, but there will be lots of like crafts and games. There'll be some treats. Um, and this is more of a family focused event, so you know, like you can bring your kids and bring your neighbors, whatever. Um, and then also on November 18th in the afternoon, they will be having an official um, grand opening and ribbon cutting. And that will be with like the Carver County Commissioners and the Southwest Chamber and um it will just be kind of a you know welcome to the neighborhood kind of things. So that one might be a little more formal than the family fun event, but um I know the family fun event they're going to have like the the 501 or 50 trailer. 501 that's different. Um they're having the 50 trailer. They're The police are going to be grilling hot dogs. I think we're going to have some different organizations bringing different treats. And >> J, I have a question. >> Yeah. >> So, November 18th. Is it Tuesday? >> Is this Tuesday, November 18th or Thursday, November 20th? >> Oh, I will check. What What day is normally the commissioner's meeting on? >> Tuesday. Yeah. So, it's a Tuesday because it's going to be after that. So, >> okay. So, Tuesday then? Yeah. Okay. >> I will let them know that >> Okay. >> that their flyer is >> all right. >> Good. >> Good. I thank you, Brit. >> Yeah. But you're all welcome to um come and if you need more flyers to let other people know about it um maybe in your neighborhood or people you know that could you know just benefit from knowing what's going on in the county and stuff then um I can get more flyers to with the word Tuesday on it. Okay. >> The other announcement I have is that the Southwest Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the League of Women Voters of Eastern Carver County. Um on Tuesday, um October 28th, 6:30 p.m. Crown of Glory Church. They will have um Dr. Erin Rathky, who is with the district 112, and several members of the school board um at a meeting to discuss their proposal for a 10-year levy uh for general education revenue um and the impact that that would have on homes in our community. So, um it's free, open to the public. Um, again, that's Tuesday, October 28th at 6:30 p.m. at Crown of Glory. I think that there have been other public meetings about the referendum that um is on our voting schedule for November 4th, but just in case you don't know about it yet, this would be a good opportunity to hear from the schoolboard folks yourselves and make your decision as to whether or not you support that. And I know that um early voting is available right now at the government center >> and um on the day of it will be at the event center. Is that on November? >> No. The November 4th meeting or voting is at the Chesa Event Center. Yes. >> So no matter where you live, it's one place. >> Okay. Yeah. We don't go to our precinct locations. Um, any other announcements? Anything else for the good of our organization and the city of Jesus? >> I think next Thursday, you'll have to fill in the blanks for me because I didn't bring my little fire, but um, the police department is putting on an event somewhere in the city. Sound familiar? Mr. Martin is putting something on out there. Um, I want to say it's a Halloween bash or celebration somewhere in the city. He has flyers out there. So, just kind of look get on the Facebook page. I don't remember. >> I saw it last night. >> Let me see if I can find it. >> Pizza with a cop last night. >> So, you will miss pizza with the cop. That was >> Saturday is the the big trickor treat. Oh, Jonathan's Halloween event is next Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 at Mcnite Park. >> At McNight, you said >> that was >> at McNight. >> Yes. McNight Park. Yep. >> And Chesca PD and Parks and Rec will be there. >> See, I got some Any news from Carver County Sheriff's Office? >> No, I'm not here as a >> representative of Carver County. >> Just thought I will say this. Oh, February 14th, 2026. Polar Plunge jump in Lake Waconia. February 14th. >> I expect all of you to be there. Saturday. No thanks. The >> police department will jump at noon, I'm sure. We may know that you can come out there and stand and just look. >> Be very stand. >> Cheer you on. >> I didn't say I was jumping. You stand next to me on the shore and cheer. >> We can all look. >> There you go. >> I don't have anything else. That's it. >> Jan, any other announcements? >> That's it. >> No. Okay. Well, then um we'll meet again as a commission in November on November 20th. Um that's before Thanksgiving. So, uh we can all talk about turkey time. Then, um we'll see hopefully many of you tomorrow at the Katrina Festival. If not, um oh my gosh, we'll have celebrate India before we meet again. >> So, uh please watch your emails and respond if you get an email from Elise talking about we need you to do X Y or Z for the Celebrate India event >> right >> um we'll keep you posted about the Dr. King event. And um I think that's all for today. Having heard none, I think may I have a motion to adjurnn? >> So moved. We all say second. >> Thank you so much for being here.