I do like our logo. Oh, here he comes. The light's going to turn on any moment. Good evening. Welcome to the Chesa Human Rights Commission meeting for November 20th, 2025. Uh, welcome to our viewing audience and good to see all of us tonight. Thanks for being here. Um, first up on our agenda will be the roll call. Elise, would you be so kind? >> Commissioner Hubbert >> here. >> Commissioner Walbert >> here. >> Commissioner Duffy >> here. >> Commissioner me >> here. >> Commissioner Han. >> Commissioner Sanderson. Chair Carlson >> here. Thank you so much. Um, you should have all received the agenda. Um there's a couple one other item that's sitting beside your your chair this evening along with the belonging message and we'll talk about the action plan for 2025 uh looking for 2026 um a little bit later in the agenda. But um if there are no changes or deletions or other additional items we should discuss, may I have a motion to adopt the agenda, please? >> A motion to adopt the agenda with the additional um topic. >> Great. I have a motion. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Uh there was a second by Kchi and Martin. So, we could probably record both of them because I think I heard it both at the same time. [snorts] >> Or Arm Russell. >> Or Arm Russell. Absolutely. >> Wins. >> Um, all in favor, uh, if there's no discussion, all in favor, signify by saying I. >> I. I. >> Nay. Eyes approve it. Great. We don't have an open forum this evening um or any guest presentation. So, we'll move on to approving the minutes. Um, the minutes were sent out. Um, I do have a comment about the minutes, but does anybody else have any additions uh or changes to the minutes? Um, under item seven E in the minutes, the Um it looks like the uh transmission did not pick up the glass closing part of the cultural heritage months celebrate India. Um and I don't know if you go back to that Elise or >> I'll take a look and see. >> Okay. >> And that's the only thing that I saw um for the minutes. Does anybody else have anything? If not, may I have a motion to approve the minutes of October 23rd, 2025 with that slight addition of finishing a sentence I believe that's missing. >> Motion to approve minutes with the additional change. Second, >> thank you Ki for making the motion. Thank you, Kevin, for seconding it. Um, all in favor signify by saying I. >> I. >> Opposed? Eyes carry. Thank you. And then the next thing that we have to talk about is our uh the treasures report from that's in our packet. And um any comments? Oh, please. I'm sorry. >> No, sorry. Chair Carlson and commissioners. Um I think this is very similar to what you saw last month. Um, we are just getting final invoices in from the Celebrate India event which will be updated for next month. Um, what you do have on here that you didn't see last time was um the uh donation to Latino Voices uh that you approved at the last meeting, but we will work on getting it updated. Um generally as we look at things for celebrate India it came in under the budget and so some of this money will go back in into your balance for the remainder of the year. >> So my only thought was is didn't we initially approve 2750 for the celebrate India event budget? >> Yes. So, how I have it accounted for on here is I've taken out the event center rental and the storyteller out of the 2750, which would leave you essentially $750, but you'll see in your overall budget, I have credited the Friends of the Chesco library donation and the Lions donation. Um, in the end, it all washes out. It's just how I've accounted for on this sheet. So, >> you're all within budget. the um the additional expenses for Celebrate India obviously all fall under that 2750 amount. So it's all good. It's just the way I accounted for it here. Um and today I received an invoice that I forwarded to Kevin um which I believe he accounted for in that message that we both got around 5:30 today. >> Okay. So, that was for $500. >> Okay. >> And he said he would process it and send it to the accounting department. >> Okay. I will check in with them. >> Okay. Great. Um I also dropped off a $50 check earlier this week. >> Okay. >> Uh from one of the vendors. >> Okay. >> Um and I understand that there is an additional vendor fee of $50 that was coming in or maybe it's already here. I I don't know. Yeah, I'll have to sit down with Kevin and see what's come in, what hasn't. I know he was asking about some of the donation checks. So, we'll account for everything. You'll have a full review in December then. >> That's great. >> But your budget overall is sitting very healthy at this point in the year. >> That's great. Are there any questions about the budget that we would address to Elise? >> Great. Um, d I have an a motion to approve the not the budget, excuse me, the treasur's report. >> So move. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Thank you, Martin. Thank you, Jennifer. So, a motion's been made and seconded to approve the treasures report for November 20th, 2025. Um, all in, if there's no other further questions, all in favor signify by saying I. I. >> Eyes carry. Excellent. So, next up on our agenda is our cultural heritage month. Gosh, it was a busy month. Um, let's see. First up was um the Katrina Festival. Do you want to talk a little bit about that, Jen? Did we talk about the aphrena besides approving to donate to it or I mean because that >> we approved that at our last meeting, right? >> Meaning you approved it and got a quick presentation on it, >> right? But then we set it up after the meeting. Correct. >> Correct. >> So should we start there and then? >> Yeah, that'd be great. >> Okay. So, um, the aphrena, which we have set up for many years, um, or at least supported Latino voices and, um, setting them up. started out very small several years ago and now there are two really nice large aphrenas um at the community center and at the event center for people to come and place their memorabilia or their photos of loved ones. Um learn some some information about what an aphrena is and what the different things mean that are on it. Um, and it's just really a team effort to put them together. There's a lot of creative um, making some of this shelving and stuff, but um, in the end it really is a it's really nice to have the teamwork together and you know, it's all in the spirit of family and friends anyways. So, um, it's really cool to be a part of that each year, I think. >> And then we we participated as at the human rights commission at the Katrina festival. >> Yes. >> So, a variety of of organizations uh were present. Um many people came. There was a Katrina parade and contest. Um, so anyone that wore a costume walked across the bridge and we saw everybody um, you know, showed their costumes and everything and then um, it was really neat because they did it last year for the first time. This year there was I would say double >> the amount people that were in the parade. And they also got um some traditional like paperiermâché um objects. I don't know what to call that. I don't remember the actual term. I'm sorry. But it was something that's traditional in the Day of the Dead celebrations. And that was in the parade. And they had this beautiful artwork that came across the bridge and we got to watch them and they'd bring it on bikes. So it just kept moving. It was really cool. Um I'm not sure what else to add. Uh we participated in kind of a scavenger hunt. Uh the kids all had to visit each table so they were exposed to the library and to us county public health um and uh hopefully hear a little bit about what we did like, oh, who are you? And then we would stamp their little card. Um, so that was fun. And >> oh, there's a dance >> and the native dancers >> performance. Yeah. From the Aztec dancers. >> They're always amazing. So really a very um cultural friendly event here in Jasa. And then last week we had celebrate India. So it it's been a very busy month, a very busy month. And [snorts] uh Martin was with us at uh Celebrate India. Do you have any thoughts about that event? >> Why you putting me on the spot? It was a It was a good It was the first time I have attended. Um it was well attended. Um we had a lot of residents that came from various places within the Twin Cities. Um we were able to sample from India. We saw I want to say the Minnesota or in Minnesota some students from Minnetonka High School were there. Correct me if I'm wrong and they talked about India and stated facts what what what's um what's going on people dressed in their traditional clothing. It was a fun event to attend. Um I felt very welcomed while I was there. I wish I would have seen more people from um chasa there and maybe next year it'll be bigger. Um so that's my two cents. >> I think the one one message that I heard from uh one of the folks that came through the door was I didn't know that my community could celebrate my heritage. I had I thought I had to go to St. Paul or Bloomington, maybe there's another festival in Richfield also. But she said, "I am so happy to be here." And then when I said, "Well, which community do you live in?" Thinking, you know, I want her to say Chaza. And she said, "Well, I just moved. I just bought a house in one of our neighboring communities like Carver." But I said, "That's okay. Thank you for being here." but she she was thrilled to to have the event celebrating the Indian culture here in our community. So, it was great. >> Yeah. Lots of positive feedback for uh perhaps future events in that area. >> Yes. The thing I heard the most for constructive critiquing is that people wish they had known beforehand so they could share the information with others to invite them to it. Um, so I think we, you know, we're always working on trying to get ahead of our events a little bit more and it's really hard, but I think that means it makes a big difference, you know, [clears throat] when people can make plans with their friends to come and stuff because I know I posted some pictures on my Facebook and people were like, I had no idea this was going on. So, um, so I think, you know, we could get some more folks from the community that that would be attending if we do something a little more. And for the two of you who were not there, there's our program. Um, and you'll see that our uh, Mayor Huard was there. Um, and must have taken probably a hundred pictures with people. So, um it was just great to to have um our Carver County Commissioner for this I guess city of first district. Yes. Lisa Anderson also came and so it was fun to have her there u so that she too could go back to the Carver County Commissioners and say, "Hey, this is pretty good stuff happening in Chaska." I also know that at the mayor's lunchon recently this week um our mayor talked about our celebrate India event um and so that was just like we're doing this in Chaska so go ahead Carver Chanhassen Victoria be a little envious of what it is that we're doing in Chaza so at any rate good stuff >> chair if I Yes, please. Huge shout out to Kevin Wright and the amount of time that he put in. Um especially as he was trying to prepare um the mayor's speech for the lunchon on top of all that. Um he did a fantastic job putting it together, helping the >> We did. He did and I thanked him profusely. Um he has been just a a real uh supporter of of that event. Um, and I'll share one other story. The the city of Chaza's basement is is a hallowed space. This is this is supposed to be a funny story. So, as you know, the Human Rights Commission keeps various supplies of the Human Rights Commission in the basement. To get to the basement, one has to seek approval. So when I was returning our Indian event supplies, I called ahead and I said, "Please authorize me to enter the basement." I felt pretty honored. I entered the basement. I was able to put our Human Rights Commission India tub up on the fire, up on the shelf, and I left with everything in the basement intact. So just But but it was Kevin but it was Kevin who authorized me to go to the basement. So I appreciate it Kevin if you're listening. Um and thank you Elise for sharing that and recognizing um Kevin's contributions to to the commission. Um we had a good steering committee. Kchi uh helped guide us in terms of getting our vendors and our performers. That was just great. We partnered with a local community organization. Um and that was wonderful. So all in all, just a terrific event. So let's talk about Dr. King, shall we? Um Brit is not here this evening. Um but Britt um Hana Sanderson and myself along with Stacy Nelson Kumar um have been working and planning um on behalf of the commission for the Dr. King Festival and so and Ki well I was going to say that Kchi has agreed to be the host or the >> MC >> MC for the event. >> Great. >> So um we're pretty excited about having Kchi do that. I don't know if you know this but Ki is also Can I share this? >> You can. You may. >> A comedian. This could bring a whole new light to the >> whole new light to the breakfast. [laughter] So, it it's pretty exciting. Um, but I wanted to share um just an update. We do have um a guest speaker. Um >> well, do you want to bring us up to date on this? >> Yes. Ethan Kaba is our our guest speaker. Um she is part of the the founder of or is CEO of the Braftoft Foundation. So, and she's also a friend of mine. So, she has um graciously accepted to be part of the MLK celebration. So, I'm excited for for that. Um and I sent over her bio to Elise this this evening. I don't know if you got that, but and then there is a a fee that she generally charges, but it is negotiable. So, that fee is 2500. and I say negotiable. So, she's like, "Just let me know." There you go. I will give her that uh that bit of information and and and I know that she would be fine with that. At least that's what I'm saying right now. >> So, in addition, Stelie Stacy Nelson Kumar has is working with Mr. Johnson uh with the uh middle school coral group. So they performed last year if you recall um and they'll be coming back. Um we have some additional fees this year that we're anticipating um to some degree, not unusual, not out of line. Um the guidelines that we have for our guest speaker would be an honorarium not to exceed $500. Um the Chaza Event Center rental fee will be $400 for this event. Um and we're proposing books, the purchase of books. And this um I prepared a list um utilizing recommendations from Kelly Breny who is a uh works for the equity department for in district 112. Um Kchi Hana and uh Stacy have reviewed the list. We've made a couple of changes on the list. uh it comes to $41.37. The goal of the books, just to remind everyone, is that we'll have them as centerpieces on our tables and then through a series of of maybe identifying something on a chair or something. Each person will be able to take a book home and they'll be labeled with the Human Rights Commission uh logo inside as a gift. Um, and the book titles range anywhere from uh for toddler to adult. So, a good combination this year, I think, of books. Um, additionally, we we plan on having coffee, although we're hoping to have that at a reduced cost. We're exploring that option. We've received a gift card to offset the purchase of fruit. We're estimating pastry items because we like to provide a light breakfast not to exceed $100. We will have the engraving plaques plaque um the plate and the plaque that is presented to the human rights award winner because this is when we do u award that um designation. Um and then a basic miscellaneous cost of I've thrown into our proposed budget of $50. So I'm proposing on behalf of the subcommittee that the human rights commission authorizes $1,700. um know that every effort will be made by our committee, our subcommittee to hold costs down um and uh and expand the partnerships that we have within the city to help support it. Um but I'm excited. Um I'm thrilled to hear about the Anne Braftoft Foundation um which provides for girls to see their opportunities um in in our area. Um Miss Cabba is uh well known. She has an excellent reputation. I'm looking forward to her comments. Um anything else you would want to add? >> I have a question. >> Yes, please. >> What is the name of the chair organization charity or what does she represent? The and Vancra Foundation. >> Anne Braftoft Foundation. >> I'm sorry. I heard something else the first time. I'm sorry. Okay. I apologize. >> If I said something else, I meant to say Anne and Vancraftoft. >> No. >> Okay. Yeah. So, certainly by all means look look that foundation up. I think you'll be pleased to see um the community work that that organization is doing. Um, so I guess I'm formally asking on behalf of our subcommittee for um, any questions, but for a total to be authorized of $1,700. Now, some of those costs can be from this year's budget. I >> was just going to ask that. >> What? >> I was just going to ask that. >> Yes, absolutely. So, we anticipate hopefully we could purchase the books this year. um from our existing budget. Um the other expenses because they occur in 2026 will need to come from our 2026 budget. >> We can probably actually get the event center rental under this year's budget, too. And you do have enough budget to be able to do that. >> Oh, that's even better. So that means going into 2026 and now you're going to probably ask how much have we asked for in the 2026 budget. Is that what you're going to ask me? >> Yes, that's exactly what I'm going to ask. >> There is uh right now sitting in the budget which has pre been preliminary passed by the city council is $7,000. uh their final budget. Um the the truth and taxation notice is Monday the 1st and then they will vote on the budget and final levy on December 15th. So final but proposed certainly I think going into the 2026 year that probably that amount will help us cover core events that this commission will want to do in 2026 um very easily. I think I have a question about the books. Did you say how many books were heard today? >> Oh, I'm sorry. I did not say that. Um, let me quickly count. >> Oh, I don't need an exact figure. >> I believe it's 35. >> Okay. So, there would be more than one at a table. That's what I was wondering if it would just be one per table or are there going to be several people that get to go home with books? >> I think if we can that would be great. Okay. One of the things I heard last and it was not a criticism. It was just a um well this is obviously a child's book and I don't have any children left in my home. So I suggested to the person who received it to donate it to the library. So, um but and certainly the small toddler books that are less expensive um are in paper and um and we could certainly combine that with another book. Um but we have prices which are subject to change. I realized that um with books ranging in price anywhere from $6 to maybe $15. >> Um so >> and the and the city will order those books for us using their account. I I check prices just utilizing my Prime Amazon. I just think that's been a good addition to the event the last few years. Just people really like going home with something they haven't read before. I know there were some people at tables they said, "Oh, I've read this or I have this and so they give it to their na their neighbor or what you know, whoever else was at the table." So, it's a I mean, I think it's a great addition to have. So, you're asking for $1,700 for the MLK breakfast? >> Yes, sir. >> January. And out of the $1,700, you're saying $400 of that money can be spent this year for room rental reserving the room. >> Yep. As well as the $400 for the books. >> So, $800 total can be spent this year. >> Yes. So next year then we'll spend about $900 out of that year's budget. Correct. >> Correct. >> And we're only getting additional 500 possibly um out of next year. So we'll have 7,000 PO maybe. Okay. I'm putting that out there. So I I would like to see us start budgeting for each event instead of someone saying, "Okay, we're going to need 3,000 for this event." and it takes away from another event to say that okay, every event we're going to spend I'm picking a number $1,700. So, we know we can work with that $1,700 and kind of work backwards from that. I'd like to see us go in that direction if that makes sense because it might be I I say that because it we do put on a lot of stuff and it's like, okay, if we spent $2,700 on the India event or we budgeted that um if we didn't sponsorship. I mean, that's a lot of money. Does that make sense? I'm not saying we shouldn't because it was a great event, but we need to start budgeting and thinking where do we want to spend the money and how do we want to spend it? Does that make sense? >> I think it really does. And when we talk a little bit about the action plan for 2026, I think something that would help us focus on is identifying what what are our core events. What is it that the Human Rights Commission wants to convey through educational events or communitywide events or cultural events? It makes sense to me that we've had a a great list of things that we wanted to support and through no fault of anyone uh just haven't been able to fully get behind that particular event or activity. So Martin, your comments are very timely. Um and I think that it's going forward this commission should look at each event with the within the budget that we have we've established or that we proposed our working dollars so that uh future commission members um it's great to have sponsorship. It's great to have partners that help support those activities, but that the that commission members are not placed in the position to go and and have to hustle, if that's a correct word. Um go and pursue funding if it's not readily available. Um I so I was happy to do it for the India celebration. Uh we certainly received good support from the Lions Club and the friends of the Chaza Library plus some of our vendors. So very thankful for that uh financial support and promotion of our community within those organizations. Um I I do see our Dr. King event as being um can I use the word premier event for um our area because we know that uh residents of the communities that join us come to our event and speak so highly of the community activity and the speaker and the inspiring ing words. So, um I'm pleased that we can able we can be able to afford it next year. I I think that is one of our premier events, one of our core events that I think we do very well and I think that the city would like for us to continue doing that. There may be other events that we do in 2026. Um certainly will be up to the commission to to make those decisions. >> How much can we I'm throwing this out there for next year, right? Because a lot of us won't be here in December. So we need to have this discussion especially with new people coming on >> and how [clears throat] much because Sarah does a lot of hustling, right? She's the only one that hustles and brings in this extra money. Without her hustling, we wouldn't have an extra $2,700 or or whatever it is 19 $2,000. Um, [clears throat] I lost my train of thought. How much of this can we can we put on to another department such as park and Rex? So, let's take the pride. I'm just I'm just pulling it out of note, right? We're going to take pride. How much of this can we partner with them so they use the money out of their budget where we just kind of direct them as well as partner with them some kind of way to get them to spend the $2,000? or whatever it's going to be. So, we can allocate our funds elsewhere where we can give to Latino voices or we can give to wherever cut a check. Does that make sense? >> Um, >> but that brings up the question to are we here to fund other organizations? I mean I think we have used our dollars wisely but we we need to decide are we spending are we prioritizing our core events or are we prioritizing let's go out and partner with everybody and give a little bit and be a part of their um event. I think bringing them in and partnering with I think I don't have a problem with giving someone money. We're all we none of us get paid, right? So trying to be everywhere all the time is not working. We know this, right? We're begging each other to be at each other's event instead of if we can get and we have plenty of people within the community who want to do things. And if we can, maybe it's not always money, maybe it's just us showing up, but if we can somehow partner with them to help their event and do our job, which is educate the community, I think that's goes a lot it'll go farther. Does that make sense? When we use other other people, um they can advertise, they can talk to their friends, they can talk to their community, they can bring those people in. um the more we reach out into the community >> and I think I mean I've been here a long time and the commission has really changed and grown in how many events that they are a part of and how many they themselves put on and I think we should be proud of all of them. Um but I think we like you said we can't be everywhere all at once. We can't spread ourselves too thin. So I think it is to your point a good idea to say okay these are the things we're going to do and we're going to do them well and then you know like really focus on how we can get it so it can be sustained for future commissioners to have um a plan of how you know like kind of what to expect you know >> but to go back to your original question I think that if to leave like if we are asking ProSc to help with the pride festival uh financially bring them in on the like planning part of it so that way it's not last second oh by the way here's what you're doing and here's how much it's going to cost you >> like being able to invite someone from the parks and rec board or a sta a staff leaison from the city so that way they are at least have are aware of during the process planning process have a voice in planning process. Um that way they have they feel like they have the not just financial investment but also they had their voice heard before like we ask them to financially pitch in. So be being aware of being conscious of asking them to be a part of the planning process for those the pride event or the cultural heritage event or whatever event that we're asking them to financially uh contribute to either financially or worth their time. >> I agree with you, but I I'm going to add this to it that they're all full-time people. They get paid, right? >> And so having them, how do I put this? So Kevin is I've watched Kevin for years. I've watched her as well. And they get work to death. They do their full-time job and then they have to do our job because we've waited till the last minute. I'm not gonna lie, there's sometimes you just can't show up and somebody's got to plan it and they do it at the last minute. And I think bringing in, you know, these other parts of the of the city that have time and that's what they get paid to do will help us and help us be more successful. I think we've moved But, you know, I don't know. When we started at zero, we're at a 10 now and we're at 10. We're at our max. How do we get past that and sustain it, right? Because she's off next year. The following year, I think you're off. I'm not sure. Off the board, right? And then the following year I'm off, right? Which leads you all. And then whoever's new and whoever keeps showing up, how do you sustain it? And how do you keep coming up with this new ideas? and every year it's something new and every year someone changes something that you did that was successful and it doesn't work out and then we got to start over again instead of making sure I can't think of the word but making sure that um like you said everything is set up for the future and it just keeps flowing and you can kind of tweak it as it goes. And I will say, I mean, we can talk more about the resource center later if you want, but when we were at the ribbon cutting um for the family resource center, I talked to a number of folks that were from different organizations throughout the community and said, "How can we partner with the Human Rights Commission?" I mean, they really expressed interest. And so, I mean, we need to maybe just create a running list of this group would be great to help out with this, you know, and we have like go-to people to um partner with and and help fund things because they probably have some room in their budget to do some outreach or something. >> And the more people we bring on, the easier it is to plan ahead, if that makes sense. Because you're gonna find that person that's I'm ready to plan for 2027. Let's do this because this is what I do all day long type of deal. >> Exactly. And parks [clears throat] and recreation have been has been a great partner for us in uh the Pride event, particularly the Pride event. Um but uh in so many other ways. Um I called uh the the lodge last week and asked, "Can I borrow your water dispenser?" And by the way, can I have your cups of crayons and uh for the Celebrate India event? And so um there are many ways that our other city partners um that we've designated in our strategic plan um help us. I wouldn't want our viewers or for anybody to misunderstand that we're not saying that others aren't doing their job. They are. um we don't always see what they do for us. But I think that in fairness, as we look ahead, particularly as we as we think about 2026 and we look at how new persons will join us in in February of next year. Um which by the way is a plug for all of those who are viewing. Please look to the city pages and submit your name to be part of this exciting group. Um applications I believe are being accepted for various positions um on commissions for um in the city of Chesa. So put that on your to-do list. And if all of us have friends, please tell them it's time. I would add to that too that um if if people have friends that attend one of our events and express an interest in it and would like to be a part of the planning committee. I mean, we have had some community members who are not on the commission who have been invaluable to planning some of our events. And so, I think that it would bring a whole new perspective. And it's not necessarily cash, but it's bringing different connections and different ideas than what we've always done. And so I think that if if someone says I really love that you know or they give an idea of how it could change and say come and join us for the planning you know would you be interested in that? Absolutely. So, um, we kind of got off on a tangent. Um, but but all good discussion items we we do need to think about partnering with our other organizations. um partnering with and you're absolutely right, Martin, we we can certainly look to other organizations within the city network to uh to bring some of these ideas that we have um to fruition. That's why I really like thinking about what an action plan looks like for 2026, knowing what we've done this year, knowing what our capacity is for next year. Um, and maybe maybe we don't do all of the things that we said we were going to do. Um but we focus our intentions, our educational efforts um on specific events where impacts can be felt. >> All that being said, um going back to your original quest for $1,700, I say you move it up to $2,000. you've already, you know, you're taking $800 off and going to spend it this year. That leaves you whatever it leaves you for next year and make the event memorable, right? And that room is always full. So, do you have enough orange juice? Do you have enough pasties, donuts? Do you have food? Whatever it is that makes it comfortable. Are there are there, you know, is there going to be something for kids? There going to be for adults. What does it take to make that >> eventful class? >> I mean, we know what our core events are and it's MLK, right? We know it's going to be um the Pride event. We know it's going to be um celebrating India. Um so, we know that we do those things well. We know we're going to help Latino voices when the time comes. So, we know those four things are going to be great, right? Some of the things that fall off, River City days, no one wants to be there, right? And so, why bother to do it or spend the money and the time? That was a question I had is I mean River City Days is a lot of fun and you know but my question is what's our purpose there? I mean we can go and attend and even probably hang out at the city booth for a while and say where are um name tags and say we're part of the human rights commission. You know, I don't know that having a booth and going through all the all the work that we do for that booth >> or that you do for that booth, you know, but I think that we haven't used that as an opportunity to necessarily educate >> um or that and I think that's our primary goal as this commission is to kind of educate and involve the community in things and they can spin a wheel at some other booth, you know. So, I I don't know. I I've been thinking about that, too. >> I I It's not even the money portion. It's getting the the the commissioners to be there, right? So, I don't want to be there for eight hours. Sarah shouldn't be there for nine hours. And so, it's like when do we draw the line on some of these things to say we don't need that >> or we sit with the city and you know, >> whatever. Somebody's got to be there regardless, however it flows, right? Some and so, you know, this one of the things we don't need to do and we take the rest of this 7,000 and put it where it's going to be effective what we want to do this year and say, "Okay, this is what we're going to do." And then partner with Parks and Rec, you know, can they get a DJ? Do they have a DJ? How much can they spend on a DJ? How much ice cream can they bring in? You know, how many shirts can they buy? >> We don't, you know, we're spending money on swag. Do we need swag? >> Well, and certainly you [clears throat] noticed on our agenda that we have swag items to discuss, but it does beg the question. Um, Kchi, I know you were with me at uh, River City Days. You were there for a period of time. Martin was there. Um, Ran Lassour, who was still with on the commission, was there, but You're absolutely right, Martin. It is a It is a and and the idea, I think, was to engage our community. So, people would see us, want the swag, of course, because we thoughtfully selected it, but they would engage with us and talk about what it is that human rights means here in Chaska and how do we develop our belonging community, a community that belongs to everyone here. Um, I I'm not sure that we always are able to do that at River City Days. Kevin, you were there this past year, too. So, I mean, what did you think? I mean, about being there. I mean, was there not that I mean, meaningful engagement doesn't have to occur, but but some level of who we are, what we do, and why it's important I I've always thought was was a good platform for us at River City Days. But maybe it's not needed. I don't know. What do you think? >> It was my first time attending River City Days as a human rights commissioner. I felt like there was a lot of traffic, but I don't know if it was educating, per se. >> So, I think using the platform to partner with the city of Chasa and having a represent representative there might be more impactful, but that's my just first time attending. So, I'm not sure as far as the swag was very hot. So, the fans were a hit because people were hot, but I don't know if that's necessary to have. Um, I'm not sure if they'll be like, "Oh my god, now I know so much more about human rights com, you know, the human rights commission." I don't think that's the case. So, I think that time could be revamped or spent elsewhere possibly. So, >> and I think about some of the other other events we talked about like the, you know, Day of the Dead celebration or even um I don't know, we've done some other things where we've had a table and it's just to promote the human rights commission. Um, I feel like some of those have been more I don't want to say appropriate, but they're the they're the right time to talk about it. And it's the right time for people to have the frame of mind to say, "Oh, what is this about?" you know, and um and when you go to River City Days, you go there to have fun and to run around and see what's going on everywhere, you know, and so um and I think that's important, too, because it's really a community event, but it's not necessarily where people go to learn. So maybe think about, you know, what kind of other events we could go to that might make more sense for the group to be there. >> Kevin, what do you think? >> I think that I like the idea of maybe like having some of us sit with like the city the table with the city and then using our using that as like as a way to like Yeah. We work with the city. We work with parks and wreck and I agree in the fact that you know maybe being at know a what's that event not the it's in the summer it's like the Latino event where they have all the dancers >> the music festival >> thank you yes that one >> September >> yeah like being having a table there and it would that would be a better use of better more appropriate the use of time of oh like human rights you know you're working with this instead of because I feel like River City days people were just like going from table to table what swag do you have what swag do you have what swag do you have what swag do you have not really listening to what spiel any of the tables have so I would I think our time and money could be better spent elsewhere I will throw this out. I'd like to see us get rid of real city days, but I will throw this out. Those events are events in which people pay money to advertise. So, we could come up with something that states what we do and put it on swag and hand it out. And that way, people are educated, they get it's at home, it's on the shelf. So, you have that option. Um, I'd like to see us get rid of a lot of events because we don't show up. and because we don't want to show up or we don't have time or we're on vacation and that leaves then the bulk of things on someone else. So even though we we say okay we'll sit with the city who's going to sign up to sit with the city and talk about. So we need to think about that too and have an honest conversation with ourselves. Are we what events do we truly want to sponsor and what are we able to sponsor throughout the year? forget about the money, but our time as well, right? Because we're already working 40 plus hours a week. What more do we want to do? >> Does that make sense? And put our extra time into. >> That's what I guess that's what I'm trying to throw out there. Does that make sense? Because sometimes I feel that we we are forced to do things that we may not have time or want to do sometimes. Does that make sense? So, and we feel stressed when we get there. So just throwing those two cents out there for to think about next year. >> Well, great discussion. Great discussion, but I have to go back to your motion >> because you made a motion and I don't know if you if we received a second on your motion. I believe you made the motion. Would you like to repeat your motion? >> I don't know what it was. Um, I think we should increase uh the MLK breakfast um budget to $2,000 and that we should spend $800 this year towards MLK, leaving >> leaving $2,000 for next year's budget towards MLK. So that's a total of $2,800 spent on this event. $800 spent this year as long as we have it and then 2 up to $2,000 available for next year. >> I would second that. I think that's a good use of of the money we have remaining right now. >> Motion made by Martin, seconded by Jen. Is there any further discussion? All those in favor of the motion to approve uh the MLK event for a total of $2,000 spending 20 spending $800 in 2025 and the balance being spent in uh 2026 signify by saying I opposed. Eyes carry. Thank you. Uh, the subcommittee meets again on I believe it's December. >> I don't know. I have a paper copy paper >> the first week of December. >> Yes. I was going to Oh, no. Of course. Yes. On Friday, December 5th. So, we'll be working towards more finalization. So, thank you. We'll um Ki and I will share that with our subcommittee members. Um, and of course, just because we have a subcommittee working on the Dr. King event does not mean that we don't welcome everybody else's input. So, if you have some ideas or thoughts, please share them. Um, okay. Um, the only other thing I wanted to say about the Dr. King celebration is that nominations are now available for the human rights award. Um and I know we've received one um to date. Have any others come in? No. Okay. So, um, if you through your network of folks have someone or an organization that has contributed to furthering the rights of folks here in Chaza, please get them to fill out the nomination form. It is on our web page. Um, and I believe that there has been a couple of Facebook postings, Blue Sky, um, all the social media sites that the city is on. >> I didn't realize the city of Chesa is on Blue Sky, >> aren't we? >> Blue Sky. >> Blue Sky. Oh, apparently not. Kevin, >> never mind. >> We'll ask Kevin Wright or communications will ask them. Um, >> we are not The communications department has spoken from the ceiling [laughter] and has informed us we are not on blue sky. I spoke erroneously. Okay. Nevertheless, nominations are welcome. Now, in December, we will review those nominations and make our selection. Um, >> when when is it due by >> when is it due by? >> December 9th. >> December 9th. >> Yeah. and just um we'll receive them and you will get them all the Friday before our meeting >> so that you have time to review. There is a scoring criteria and that sort of thing and in the work session so December 18th that meeting we'll have a work session prior to the actual meeting for you to have a chance to review and discuss and then at the meeting you'll take action on who you select. So that's kind of how the process works. Yeah. Um so new business. Um gallery exhibit. I'm assuming that the gallery has reached out to you or is this based on our brief message from >> the gallery? >> This this message came to me last week from um park and wreck. Uh as you know in the community center there is an art gallery and that is generally they set each month things change and so um park and rack works with the Carver County Arts Consortium. They plan to do a pride exhibit in June and I think this request certainly gets out the discussion you all just had about partnering with other organizations. They have asked if there would be any interest in partnering with them on this exhibit. They did not discuss any sort of financial contribution or anything like that, but if there's any interest. Um, so I am bringing that forward for your consideration. >> I'm interested in at least. >> Did they say how they would wanted us to partner. >> They did not. Um the message I have is they would love to partner with the Human Rights Commission on this if they are interested. And I think from there I think if if this is something you're interested in exploring, I don't think you have to commit this evening, but if you're interested um if it's Commissioner me or whomever, we can get um that commissioner in touch with um the coordinator there who does that. and the discussion can begin. >> I'd say that would be a wonderful opportunity. >> Um and the the art projects that we've accumulated for the couple of years that that actually occur at the pride event. U it would be a venue in which they could be displayed. I I'm sure they're somewhere. Um and u that would be Uh that would be terrific. And yes, that how exciting. >> So, so Commissioner me, would you like to be the person that Oops. Okay. I will include you on the correspondence so that they can get connected with you then. >> Sounds good. >> Thanks, Kevin, for volunteering to do that. That's exciting. that. Yeah, that's great. >> This is a timely invitation too with our discussion tonight. So, >> absolutely. Um, so do you have what you need from us? >> Great. >> Thank you. >> All right. Swag items. Well, this is very interesting based on our discussion that we just had. So, where do we give swag out? Well, we give it out at River City Days. Um, I guess we could give it out at other events that we participate in. Um, last year or excuse me, this year we did not participate in the Carver County Pride, although I did receive a message this week asking if we were interested in doing that in 2026. Um, I think it was because we didn't have anybody to go. Um, but that would have been a tableabling event where we would have sat behind a table, talked about what it is that we do, and hand out merchandise um or swag. Um, other events that we've tabled in the past have been in conjunction with the city and with Carver County when they did an event at the uh at the event center. Um, In light of our discussion, what do you think about swag? And we've got some the staff. Again, thank you to the city staff for pulling together these um items that we could consider. Um what do you think? It clearly looks like we'd be spending at least >> $500. I would also note, chair, that you do have I went down there and counted everything. You have 89 available items from years past already down there and available for your use. >> 89? >> Yep. I've listed them in your your staff report there. So, >> thank you. >> Seven bags, 18 frisbees, 28 water bottles, and 36 hand sanitizers. Just to give you an idea. And those that are being passed around are just samples of some of what here. You want to like physically see I will say um well we don't know where we want to give away swag or if we want to give away swag but I did like Martin's idea about having it somehow convey say what the Human Rights Commission is or does or stands for or something like that. Um something that we could use, you know, it would be versatile to use at different types of events. So we don't have just a pride thing or just a MLK thing or something, you know. >> Uh something that came up during um our last um subcommittee meeting for the celebration was uh Commissioner Sanderson mentioned um a round button. Um and so that idea and the the cost is on here that you can take a look at, but that was something um that she had brought up to maybe um what we put on it. We have to talk about some more, but that's something different than the swag we've done in the past. And that's the thing that stood out to me on this list. And just as an example, I'm not saying we use this saying at all, but I know someone who handed out buttons once that said kindness is power or something like that. And it was just a real general statement, but it stood for something. And you know, people would just like put it on their bag or put it on their jean jacket. And it was just kind of a neat thing, you know, and I mean that doesn't say what we do necessarily or who we are, but it would give a message that the commission believes in maybe have a logo or something on there. >> If you were all to think about [clears throat] over the years, you've collected items from July 4th celebrations, River City Days, all this stuff. What's left in your house right now? >> The sunglasses. Okay. The clip on the refrigerator >> should have clips for sure. It's a It's a magnet or No, I have two. One is a magnet that clips onto the refrigerator that I put stuff under or on. And then the other one is a a clippy for chips. Not to say I eat chips, but >> Oh, and a bottle opener. But yeah. Okay. What about you, Martin? What do you have on your shelf? >> I just cleaned out a drawer yesterday, so that's got to ask this question. Um, I think this is my wife. Hate to put her out there like this, but she likes to bring home bags. It's like bags, right? Whatever. And then we can all this free stuff. So, we have Frisbes and I just clean out the garage. So, some of these things went in the trash like Frisbee that we don't use. Um, We have all kinds of pens. Don't throw away. >> Suck for a good pen. >> Yeah, >> I'm a sucker for a good pen. >> Um, glasses. She just threw away a lens the other day because the glass the glasses fell apart. I don't know where we got them from, but they fell apart. So, I'm just I'm kind of pointing out, you know, what do people hold on to? What do they use? And what's going to sit in their house so they remember us? Um, we do have a lot of mugs. Mugs don't go in the trash. So, anything that holds liquid, we don't throw away for sure. Um, and kind of the other stuff kind of fills up the drunk drawer and then you kind of toss it. But something you're going to look at every day, I think it's important. I think if we we took the time to say, "Okay, I'm just using as an example. We got this and then we put our mission statement on it or we put what we're about or we put something on there that's memorable and then we go and hand those things out. I don't think they're going in the trash. I don't think it's money wasted. I think there's some value there. >> Even if it's a little bit more investment at the beginning, it will last a lot longer than a duck or something, >> I think. So, yeah, >> I love the ducks, but I think they're kind of a trendy thing to put on certain Jeeps. Um, I don't know what kind of Jeep it is, but it's a thing. But I think if we're going to put something besides just the human just human rights commission, Human Rights Commission that ducks, sunglasses or or whatnot would just be a waste because size is limited. If we want to put like mission statement or a something frisbes, bags or mugs or would be a better investment just because the space to put all those words on it. I know last year uh we we we had water bottles that we have >> uh 28 left. Well, it is always guaranteed to be the hottest weekend in the in the summer is River City days weekend and our water bottles were very popular because people would take them immediately over to the water fountain and fill them up. Now, do they keep them? I imagine they made that home that B water bottle made it to their home. Um they're fairly durable. I think that they're they were long lasting, but it just said Chaza Human Rights Commission on it. Um I I have to agree that the ducks probably aren't something that are longlasting. I And I don't have a Jeep. What about notepads? You know, like you always pick up note little pads of paper places and they have like advertising at the top and maybe some small print at the bottom saying their slogan or whatever, you know, but I mean I'm constantly using notepads to just, you know, remember something. So I would I would guess that would be fairly inexpensive thing that I don't think people would just throw away. I think they'd use it. >> I do. I threw a bunch. >> You should recycle. [laughter] >> My mind goes to, you know, and I'm just using as an example because it's in front of me. I'm not going to throw that away because I see it going in the landfill. It's not going to get destroyed. But as for something else, you know, like the lip balm, I just threw two of those away because I it may have been used. I don't know. It might who used it in my house. I don't know if they were sick beforehand. I'm not going to use it. It goes in the trash because they're not going to remember either. Um that's just my two cents. I'm up for whatever we want to do. Um I I just I would like to see it last. You know, if we and I think I said this a couple years ago or last year, year before. If we get I'm for cups, right? If we get a cup and put something on it, we can always partner with the vendor if we want to do River City Days and say, "Okay, the coffee business that was in front of us was very busy. So, we get a bunch of cups, paper cups, right, or whatever on or plastic cups or we whatever it is, and say, "Hey, we're going to partner with you. We're going to give you these cups. You're going to sell it. You're going to make profit off of it, and you're be the one handing it out. we don't have to be there and our message is out there or we split it between coffee cups and there was an icy guy out there. I think it was like slushies or something. Here's some plastic cups. So, our message is going all the way around without us having to do all the work. >> Does that make sense? I'm trying to be smarter and not work so hard anymore but make it effective. >> But I am up for anything. >> Well, I think the question has to come down one is is this something that it sounds to me like we've kind of talked a little bit about the value that we bring to River City Days as a booth. Um, and that we could continue to do that in some way by partnering with the city or maybe partnering with parks and recreation that we would share a booth or we would share our time with that uh with others. So, I I'm wondering maybe we don't need to order as much swag if we want to kind of work our way out of doing the River City Days event like we have traditionally. um order less items and then with a goal of in 2027 maybe not although that would be that the commission's decision to make I guess in 2027 um but I don't I >> I'd like to see us not order I would like to see us wait to the event or whatever whoever is planning that event to say So, we'll go out to the pride event and say, "Okay, we want t-shirts. We know we need t-shirts, but we also want to give away because you know the pe you know your people who are attending, we want to do, I don't know, frisbes." And so, we order the frisbes that we need. We only order what we need to hand away and then we don't have excess. We know we're going into River City days, but we don't really give away swag at River City Days. give away candy >> because really that's all >> what the kids want because parents don't want to spend the $50 for the slushie and so they come and do the free spend, they get their candy, they go off, they come back, do the free spin, get more candy. Um, >> you got it down. >> You know what? And I like to look at what each group does something different, right? What can we buy that will fit into um celebrate India? What kind of what kind of trinkets would fit into that? Does that make sense? Where we could buy what we need for that, right? Instead of giving away hand sanitizer there, that's not appropriate. What would be appropriate would be >> or even spending money on something like find out what candies we could do from India or something, you know? I I don't disagree with anything that you said. Um I like the idea, not thinking swag, but I like the idea of a button. Um lots of people wear buttons on their jackets or pin it to their purse strap or I see it on their dashboard um in their cars. Um, the bags have always been a big hit. Now, I was just in Minneapolis the other day and they charged me a nickel for a bag now. So, and that's and maybe Chiasa will get to that point. We don't know. But um u so I always thought that the bags, the water bottles were very were really cool last year. Um but of all the items that I see on our list as potential. I like the button idea because I'm thinking we could have a gen I'll say a generic statement, but I don't and I have no idea what that would be. But we would have that and we could use that throughout the year at other events like our pride event, like our cultural event, like Kevin's suggestion being at Latin Music and Food Festival, having a booth there. Um, >> and then also add what like what Martin said, do the hundred frisbes or whatever we need for that certain event, but we would have the buttons consistently, >> right? I don't know. I like that idea. I But I, you know, Hana suggested the buttons. I think it's a good one. um particularly like the fact that we could have it at multiple events. Um and then each event that the commission chooses to say we're going to do this in 2026, these are our five or eight or six or four events. That that group would then say this really does warrant a a Frisbee or fill in the blank. >> Um, and I wanted to just remind the commission that the reason why we are looking at this event or looking at this opportunity now as we have in years past is because we always have had money left over in our budget. And you'll recall that our money does not roll over it. Once with once 2025 ends, we begin all new again in 2026. So if there are any remaining funds, um we don't lose them. They return to the city. Um so I will say one more thing about buttons. I'm on team buttons. [laughter] Um when we have had events where there has been a button maker there, >> oh, >> people go crazy. And you would make their buttons. Yeah. So, I mean, I think >> that people just really like buttons. I don't know. >> There's an expression, you know, it's saying what's important to them and stuff and they can literally wear it on their sleeve. >> Yeah. >> But are they are they designing their own buttons and making those buttons or the is >> at the Pride Festival? They were >> Yeah. But >> I don't think I went this last year. >> But in this case, I wouldn't say they would be designing their own. But we could come up with something that the commission stands for that we really think that other humans are going to stand for too and believe in, you know, I mean, because there's a lot of people who believe in human rights that aren't on our commission. And so, you know, they might be ready to put on one of those buttons. >> Could we do something that is Sorry, in my mind, I'm seeing something that's valuable. It's It has value. Um, is there a button that we can make that is more valuable that has So, when I went to the veterans um cation at the high school. They gave us our ribbons and little wooden tokens. To me, as a veteran, those things are valuable, so I will keep those things. Even grab something for other people I work with. But my my mind, because I'm not a button person, so if you hand me this, what's going to happen to it, right? I'm going to throw it in the trash. I'm not going to put it in my clothes. When I was younger, I did it and got hold in trouble for that. So, it's going to go in the trash. But something that is more pronounced or something that's there that sticks out. I'll keep and wear every now and that make sense. Um, so and I don't know what that means with the buttons, but can we get something that's more solid with the buttons? Something I'm not going to throw away because if I throw it away, I know it's wrong. Does that make sense? >> I >> So, I'm not going to throw away American flag and I'm just pulling it out. American flag, right? I'm not going to toss that in the trash. I'm not saying that's what we need to buy, right? I have other pens that I wear that I would never throw away. >> I guess I'm just saying put some >> like oomph into whatever it is. >> So, going in a totally different direction for something that we give out at every event. How do you feel about pens? >> To be honest with you, I don't throw away pens. We have pens. We have drawers full of pens. >> I never throw away a pen. >> We gave pens for our swag many years at River City days and people loved them. >> I throw away the cheap pens. >> They were great pens. I still have some. I mean, I I don't let anyone borrow them. I love them. >> This was a swag pen. >> Um >> like a good pen. >> Yeah. >> And it is a good pen. And when I write >> um if I have to write like a check >> Yeah. one of those rare things that people do anymore. But I will grab this pen out of my pen depos pen place stash >> overall because it writes well. It feels good. I can use the little tip on my phone if I wanted to. >> Um but so this is not your I'm trying to see if there are any inexpensive pens sitting here. >> It actually doesn't. I have the same pen here. I order these for my business. They're not that much. So, you can get 50, you get 100, design your pen, and it's within our budget. >> You can put whatever up to a certain lines. This one I bought. This one has three lines on it. You figure out what you want to write in there. It'll fit. But, >> can you put a logo on it? >> This one you can. This one doesn't, but I have put logos on phone numbers. >> This one has the can't read Microsoft logo on it. >> It's going to be small. I get that. Right. >> And it doesn't necessarily cost Let me shut up. I think it it didn't cost me more because I'm cheap. It didn't cost me more to put my logo in there. >> Well, and I think that it was pretty reasonable for the when we did it. I mean, that's why we could order so many of them. >> Yeah. I'm just I'm generally looking on the website where we order things. I think for for the nice ones, looking at, you know, a a gel pen. Um, so it writes a little nicer with a with a stylus on the top. You're talking, you know, for 500 of them, they're $445. They're less than a dollar a piece. And that allows you to get your your logo. this company that we use. You put your logo on and anything else. I say if we get swag usually when I'm going past a booth, like buttons are cool. I put them on my lanyard for work. Um but that's not generally what I go to. It's the good pens and the cheap sunglasses because I lose my sunglasses or break them. >> Um, which is why I usually go for the cheap ones at giveaway tables. Um, >> and I have my collection of good pens that people the clients at work can't use >> because they're the good pens. So the if I'm going to up to a table and they have swag, I'm usually looking at the buttons and putting it down. Um, and either grabbing a pen and or the cheap sunglasses. >> Okay. >> Your experience? >> Um, I am not a pen person. >> Okay. That's just that's just my personal thing. But pens I I definitely use. Uh, sunglasses. I'm kind of a stoic on the sunglasses, so I I don't tend to to do those. So, would be pens or a water bottle or a mug or bottle opener. I know that's not one of the choices, but those are the things that keep everything else to I I toss them. Bags are nice, but usually I forget them at home when I go to the store. So, that's >> Are you able to check mugs? >> What sort of mug would you like that? Okay. >> What kind of mug were you talking? I was in my mind I was thinking coffee mug. What were you thinking? >> I was thinking coffee coffee mug. >> Like a tumbler. >> Like a tumbler. >> Yeah. Oh, a tumbler. Okay. >> And that could be used any generation. >> So, so you also have to think what everyone would like to use. And maybe it's not just giving these things away. Maybe it's raffle or they have to work to get it right. So if we invest in whatever we're handing out, whether it's buttons or pens and we're put a little money into it that they have to do a little effort to get whatever item it is. I don't know what that is for that event, but who knows, you know, maybe it's scavenger hunt at one event, right? They can these are items that you can get for maybe it's karaoke at another one. If you win the competition you you have this or best dressed or >> whatever. >> So you're kind of looking depending upon the quality of what you're looking for. It's it's appearing to range depending upon the number you order too. to $9 for each one. Some of them are more the one kind of like what Jen has be more than likely you're looking if you're kind of a coffee tumbler. If you're looking for a tumbler with a straw, it's be less expensive, about $3 a piece. >> And does that include like a logo or printing on it? >> Yes, this company that we use, it generally includes the the cost of the putting the logo on If we ordered something today, >> do we have enough money money in the budget to pay for it this year? >> Yes. And I think sometimes we've we've talked about it, thought about it after the November meeting, told you at the December meeting and you order it quick before the end of >> the invoice doesn't come in. So >> that's a little bit of my worry and why I wanted to bring it forward this month. >> Okay. >> For consideration. And I think if you can give me some direction and vote and say this is generally what we want. Um we'll spend x amount we'll do that we can't do email votes and so I'd like to just and figure out how to do this so that I can get your approval to move forward. Obviously, I want you to see what is kind of chosen. That's why I'm looking as you're talking here. >> I say we do pens cuz we I feel like we can get more bang for the buck. >> Remember, you do have how many tumblers? >> We've got about 60 uh three, four, five, six, maybe 75 items left. >> Yeah, you have 29 items. 28 of those are water bottles. So, as you're thinking about some like a bigger piece that you might want for >> And how much are we left with for the balance this year? >> I figured you can spend about $800 on swag and be it under budget. >> So, let me ask this question because I know we're like Oh, we got to pick something. We got to spend this money. But outside of River City Days, what do we what other events do we hand items? Oh, and if we have 89 items here, could we use those 89 items to hand out whatever these other events are? >> Well, I do know that Sarah and I have been at some events and we felt kind of awkward because we had a tablecloth with our name on it and some flyers and that's all we had at our table. So, I think there could be room to have some events that we do hand things out at. um they aren't like big events that we are putting together, but they're events where one or two commissioners shows up just to support that event. Um we've done like a community uh I forget. >> It's project connect. >> Project connect. Yeah. And um and we've done a few more events like that where where there was just a whole bunch of organizations there and people came and asked about what you were about. >> Is there a reason why you didn't hand any of these items up >> and I'm trying to get to the >> because in my mind they were designated for River City days. I didn't even think about it honestly. >> And that's what I'm trying to get at. If we buy this stuff, are we going to hand it out at any other event other than River City Days? This is where I'm trying to go. So, >> I think possibly depending upon the items that we have, I could certainly see something at um at the Pride Picnic. Yes. Um, if we did a booth at uh Latin Music and Food Festival, every vendor that was there um at the event in September had stuff they were giving away and some you spun the wheel. I mean couple I think one of the tables that was very predominant there were they were giving away the these wonderful bicycles electrical bicycle was one of their gifts. Um the of course you had to you know probably sign your life away but I don't know that. Um but everybody had a swag item um that people when you looked out in the crowd, you could see because some of them had lights on them. Now, maybe they went home and then went to the recycling bin or to the trash, but um lots of swag and I would think that would be a venue that we we would give something away. So, pride and an event where we would be in a public space where lots of people walk by. again. Does it say Chaska human rights? No. But maybe we could have conversations. It's like River City days. What have you got? Candy or a bag? >> Pens. Yes. I think pens. We could >> I I think in my my own opinion, I think we're rushing to buy it because we waited till November to say, "Okay, let's buy this stuff. We got money at the end of the year. Let's buy it." as opposed to it being pinpointed at what we want to do. I mean, if we're gonna, you know, all these other events, the reason why I asked, did we hand things out is because are we thinking ahead? Are these events that we had planned? Are they last minute? And then could we have asked for this stuff be brought over to be handed out? And can we use the 89 items and say, "Okay, at this event, we're just going to put 20 out. We have flyers because we're here to talk about human rights." Ask when those things are gone, they're gone. And we use that. And then when it comes to pride, we're ordering ducks. I'm just picking something out of the air to say, "Okay, this is what we're going to give away." I think we should be more spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe spe specific and p pinpoint what we want to do when we want to do it. There might be maybe it makes more sense in the fall at the India thing. I'm just pulling it out because it was cold out, right? It's cold during this time to hand out mugs that say human rights and something with India on it. So those people who come to that event have it. are named. They can understand that you buy something for the pride event that has I'm picking things out. Flag on it, human rights commission, city of Chaza, blah blah blah blah. It's my memorable thing for this event and I keep it and I don't throw it away. >> I think that's a really good point. I think next year it would be a really good way to think about things, but right now it's November and we have $800 and we don't know what we >> That's where I'm going because now you're saying we've got $800. Let's just spend through the $800 so we have it to hand out, but we still have 89 things. But I don't I don't think that um I really do think that if we had something like pens that would be something that could last for I mean we had pens last us for many years and we handed them out at different things but um they weren't like they weren't event specific and they weren't a message specific or anything. They said Chazy Human Rights Commission and I think they had the logo and so I don't think that that's a waste of money necessarily. I don't know that we have to spend the entire $800, but I think part of it could go towards something that we could just have as um when we go to smaller events and stuff just to kind of represent the commission and you know who we are, why we're there at their event. Let me just tell you real quickly the kinds of events that we talked about we were going to do pro hopefully do in 2025. Dr. King celebration, Black History Month, Civil Rights and Humanity Engagement, Women's Recognition, Asian and Pacific Islander recognition, our Pride Event June, River City Days in July, cultural heritage in the month of September, um honoring first inhabitants and tribal nations that continue to thrive today for indigenous people's month, veteran acknowledgement, joining organizations to thank who are to thank all who honorably served in the military. during wartime and in peace. Um so those are the kinds of things we said we we might be able to do in this year. Um and obviously we've done some of them. >> I have a a question. >> Yes. >> So If we're not able to agree on like swag and spending that $800, are we able to spend that elsewhere that would be more impactful? >> Sure. We can't donate it to someone if that's what you mean. We've we've asked that before and no, it's it has to go back into the city budget or be or the city account or be spent. But that's a good question. What were you thinking? >> I was just thinking like as far as you know food inequity somehow. I mean I think people and >> somehow in some way but I don't know if you can't donate. What else could you do besides? >> Yeah, we I I think we would be restricted if we said uh we wanted to give something to say our local food show. >> Yeah, I'd have to check with that. >> I mean, I recognize it would have it would must be a 501c3, but I don't know. I I would well we would let the accounting department experts handle that question but I'm a little hesitant about that. >> I know several years ago when we asked we had it intended for a 501c3 and it was not permitted. So, >> the um food like once a month food like giveaway thing that Kevin posts on the Chesa City page. >> Chaska carers. >> Is that what that is? >> Not providing money toward that. >> No. Okay, never mind. Okay. So, as I hear it, we maybe we don't spend the $800. Maybe we utilize our supply here or and and then carefully look at each event in the 2026 year, if swag is needed, we order it then. But I would say that if there is something that we can do that would impact our community, that would send a positive message about what it is that we do and we have the funds available, then we should seriously think about how what that would be. or we can order pens, have them as an available item along with our 89 other items. And again, encourage each event that we have in the 2026 year to if they want swag that they would look to ordering a specific item for that particular event. I think those are the three options. Do nothing, do something. Yeah. Or and then third option is pens. >> What's the do something again? >> Do something. That's that we could do this year before the end of 2025. >> Okay. >> Utilizing those funds. >> Okay. like put on a quick event that cost $800 or something. Is that what you mean by >> Yes, a quick event. But yeah, I don't know who would do that, but >> Right. And when kind of crazy time of year, >> if we need pens, if we want to do an item and we do pens, not just to spend the money, but it's going to be here for it's it's It's specific or whatever. We order pens. And how much is it going to cost for 100 pens? >> Uh like 500 pens of a good one was like $300 or something. >> So we buy the pens but keep it and I want you to think forward now that we have at the end of the year $800 or whatever it is to spend on swag. Now, if we take that money and then push it back into 2026 and say your pride event has an additional $200 to spend on swag or whatever that number is, >> we can't do that. You can't go to the next year. >> That's not what I'm saying. Think about where we are now in 2025. We have an extra $800 that we could have spent earlier in the year on other things instead of at the last minute trying to buy swag for next year where we can make it okay. MLK event, you have an extra on top of the 2,00 whatever you have an extra whatever it is $200 to spend on this event for additional sway. You have an extra >> $300 to spend >> that way. We're not that's my two cents for >> Okay. >> And I'll shut up and then you do have pens or you do have something hand out at like the Health and Human Services, >> right, >> event or whatever it is. in addition to the 89 items or whatever. >> I think at this point since we haven't all kind of unanimously decided one way or the other, we go that route and just have it be event specific. use up the 89 items we have left over and at the end of next year clo sooner than November of 2026 uh re-evaluate where we are. >> Okay. >> I mean that leaves $800 on the table and at this point kind of feels like so be it and just be just be like you were saying more intentional for 2026. >> Why is everyone looking at me? I'm just throwing out. [laughter] There's four of you and only one of me. I I guess my motion would be to buy pens. >> I don't know if we need 500 of them, but whatever we need. I don't know what what you said, but buy pens and then the rest of the swag be specific to the event or whatever. or if we decide there's something else that pops up, we could do that or something. >> Second that motion. >> Okay. Motion made and seconded. Motion made by Martin, seconded by Kevin to purchase um uh a pen of higher quality. Does that give you enough direction? >> It does. Well, >> can you tell us the price breaks? Is it >> at 250 or 500? >> Deal. If we do >> the more you order, the better deal you get, >> but they don't have specific price breaks. I mean, they do, but it's not like at 500 it's this at 100. It It just It's a >> Okay. >> So, you want a dollar amount? >> I would love a dollar amount. >> So, um Martin, do you want to reframe your motion not to exceed Is everyone okay with $500? >> Yes. >> So Martin's >> revised motion, >> are you comfortable with that as a second? >> Okay. So as a motion, we have spend up to $500 on pens with our logo on them. Is there any further discussion? If not, all in favor signify by saying I. I >> I opposed. Eyes carry. >> Thank you. >> Thank you so much for doing that. >> Okay. Um, our message for this month lifts up. I'm sure I have it here. Can I just take a look at this? >> There are two things here. One is Native American Heritage Month. Uh I think it's fitting that we remember the Native tribes and those from Alaska as part of um the National Native American Heritage Month. But then I also wanted to include two other things. One is the land acknowledgement that we use at the Chesa Human Rights Commission. And we use this to the best of my knowledge only at one time throughout the year. And this is what we use when we open the Dr. King celebration. And that's written at the bottom. Um, and I don't know if that's officially the city of Chas. I know that we began using this quote um maybe four years ago, maybe five years ago. I'd have to go back and listen again. Um, or look at the scripts. But I but I thought that that was important that you would see that that is a message that we say at the Dr. King celebration. The other thinking of Native Americans was this is a brochure that the human rights commission did um some years ago. I do not I do not know the date of this particular um flyer or brochure pamphlet, but I thought it might be appropriate that in the 2026 year, we would take a look at this in light of the improvements that have been made at City Square and see if there is uh updated language. We could consult with the Chaza Historical Society for updated information on on the uh burial mounds that are there in our city square park. We might be able to get um guidance from the state of Minnesota. Um so and I know that the city has been working with the state on uh updating the city square park. So, I just I don't think we've shared this with the commission and um thought it was appropriate that we include that in our belonging message for the month of November. Our next meeting date is in December and as Elise pointed out, we'll have a work session prior to that event. It's really important if you can block that time on your schedule. I think we normally begin at what time? >> It depends. Um >> I think we determine this. >> I think I think it'll depend upon the number of applications you have to review. Last year we only had a couple, so we just started a half hour early, which gave us plenty of time. If we have a lot more, it might be an hour ahead of time. I wouldn't say we would start it any earlier than 5:30 because I know that's tough coming from work. >> Yeah. So maybe we could schedule beginning at 6 and then be really efficient. >> Yeah. Why don't Why don't I see how many we get? And if if you get a lot, I think I just In the past, we've had longer discussions. >> So, we'll pencil in 5:30 and then you'll switch it to six. >> 5:30 to 6. Yeah. Yeah. I think pencil in 5:30 and then I'll let you know if it changes to six. >> So, December 18th, be here. We'll do nominations for the Human Rights Award. We'll have a meeting. We'll have good stuff. will talk further about the long range plan for 2026. So, I wanted you to have a copy of that so you could think about it. Um, Jen and I will meet with Elise sometime in the next four weeks or so um to kind of make our recommendations for you to consider um and to think about as we move forward in 2026. Any announcements? >> New job going well. >> New job is going >> okay. New job going well. >> New job is going well. And if you have any crayons, markers, or color pencils, I'm your person. >> Officially with Crayola, right? >> Officially with Crayola >> as of last Monday. Yes. >> Any announcements, Jen? Oh, did you want to say something about the >> Yeah. Well, I was just going to say it's not really an announcement. Well, I guess I'll announce that the family resource center is um officially open. We had the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday this week. Um and there was great turnout. Um lots of different county and different community organizations. Um there were lots of They were handing out pens and and other things but >> and I thought that would have been a place for us to be. >> Yes. Yeah. I mean but like the library was there, public health, Mikasa, different organizations from around the area and um they all have a part in they will have some presence at this community resource center at different times. They're not all there all at once. Um, right now the community resource center is only open three days a week and they have a calendar on their website of which organizations will be there to assist with different needs. Although they always have kind of navigators to, you know, help you say, "Okay, we're going to steer you in this direction. Why don't you come back on Wednesday or whatever?" You know, um, so Even if you go and the people you need to see aren't there, they will get you in touch with them which is really cool. I'm very excited about it. Um and then the other question I had a question and this is not an announcement but um somebody asked me at at this event actually we were talking about the human rights commission and then just some different things in town that led to the question wasn't there going to be a Hispanic um grocery store in the Cooper space how is that going or what's an update? >> Um earlier this week a few of us went down to Richfield. Uh Super Marcado Lommo Bonita just opened there in an old rainbow space. Um that is the same group that is coming here to Chaza. So we asked them that question. Um they'll be starting to order equipment in early 26 and construction starting mid 26. So hopefully by this time next year you'll see that open. If you get a chance, go down there. It is fantastic. Absolutely fantastic and will be a great addition downtown. >> Good. >> And they are excited to be in the community. >> Great. Um and then my other question was we had talked about getting an update about City Square. >> Um and you said unfortunately Nate was not able to make it this evening. Okay. >> Um we'll kind of see how the agenda plays out for December. That might be tough, but we might look at January. He's aware he just wasn't able to make it this evening. >> All right, that's all I have. >> Great. Martin, any announcements? >> No. >> Well, I want to thank everyone who worked so hard at um the celebrate India. It was great to have a new cultural experience for us all. I look forward to seeing all of you again in December. Glad things are going well for us. And with that, oh, and one more shout out to Kevin Wright and the city staff for all the work that they do in conjunction with us to bring events to our community um that build that um tie us together. So, thank you to the city of Chaza. Um, if that's all, then we'll see you in December. Oh, if you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you have a wonderful day. Um, and if you don't, um, maybe you all get a day off. That's good. Um, so, thanks. See you in December. Having no other business come before us, >> I'll make a motion to adjourn. >> There you go. And we'll and we will adjourn.