2020.12.01 Work Session Packet (2nd)
4141 Douglas Drive North • Crystal, Minnesota 55422-1696
Tel: (763) 531-1000 • Fax: (763) 531-1188 • www.crystalmn.gov
Posted: November 25, 2020
City Council
Second Work Session Agenda
December 1, 2020
Immediately following the City Council Meeting
Council Chambers/Zoom Meeting
Pursuant to due call and notice given in the manner prescribed by Section 3.01 of the City Charter,
the second work session of the Crystal City Council was held on December 1, 2020 at ______ p.m.
electronically via Zoom and in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 4141 Douglas Drive North, Crystal,
Minnesota.
I. Attendance
Council Members Staff
____ Adams ____ Norris
____ Banks ____ Therres
____ Budziszewski ____ Gilchrist
____ Deshler ____ Revering
____ Kiser ____ Serres
____ LaRoche
____ Parsons
II. Agenda
The purpose of the work session is to discuss the following agenda item:
1. Race/equity advisory body.
III. Adjournment
The work session adjourned at ______ p.m.
Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities by calling the City Clerk at (763) 531-
1145 at least 96 hours in advance. TTY users may call Minnesota Relay at 711 or 1-800-627-3529.
Memorandum
DATE: November 23, 2020
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Anne Norris, City Manager
SUBJECT: Council Priority – Inclusiveness – Race and Equity
____________________________________________________________________
One of the Council’s four strategic priorities is “building an inclusive community so all
feel welcome” so that diversity within our community is valued and appreciated.
At its September work session, the City Council had a discussion regarding creating an
advisory body focused on race and equity, possibly a human rights commission. There
was a fair amount of discussion about the appropriate role for such a body . While there
was a wide range of opinions about the role for such a body, there seemed to be
general agreement that some sort of advisory body is appropriate.
Given the discussion in September, before moving forward with establishing an
advisory body, it might be helpful for the Council to get input, expectations and
experiences from the broader community. It would be useful to have community
conversations (likely virtual), led by a facilitator, to develop more information. These
conversations would include the City Council, current advisory commissions and all
community residents would be invited. Outreach would take a variety of forms to
ensure as many as possible are included, representing many perspectives.
I have had general conversations with at least one facilitator who is working with other
metro area communities on the topic of equity and inclusion. The Council should
discuss having me proceed with working with a facilitator to schedule such
conversations for early 2021.