HomeMy WebLinkAboutCEC Minutes_11.15.21CITY OF FALCON HEIGHTS
Regular Meeting of the Falcon Heights - Community Engagement Commission
City Hall
2077 West Larpenteur Avenue
MINUTES
November 15, 2021 at 7:00 P.M.
A. CALL TO ORDER: 7:03pm
B. ROLL CALL:
Larrabee _X__ Cooley-Kistler _X__ LaDouceur _X__
Ebbesen _X__ Dumbacher ___ Locke _X__ Campbell ___
COUNCIL LIAISON:
Gustafson _X_
STAFF PRESENT:
Thongvang _X_ Pavek _X_
C. PRESENTATION:
D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
1. September 20, 2021
Motion to approve the minutes by Ebbesen, second LaDouceur;
Approved, 5-0.
E. DISCUSSION:
1. Finalize Human Rights Day Event: Changing Racial Covenants: Past and Present
- The presenters from Just Deeds and Mapping Prejudice plan to speak for a
combined total of 45 minutes. They will need a projector and a microphone.
- LaDouceur confirmed that the event will be held at the Falcon Heights
Elementary School, and the CEC had the space reserved from 6-8 pm on
Monday, December 6th.
- The commission agreed that providing snacks was not feasible due to the
increase in positive COVID-19 cases in the area. 8-ounce bottles of water will be
provided to attendees at the door.
- Pavek agreed to create a Facebook event to help promote Human Rights Day and
gauge attendance.
- Mapping Prejudice was still working on the Ramsey County map. Once it’s
complete residents will be able to check if their property deed has a racial
covenant and proceed with the action steps outlined by Just Deeds.
- Cooley-Kistler had been in contact with the International Institute which was
collecting winter gear for roughly 40 Afghan families that will be arriving in the
Twin Cities. She would like to hold a coat drive at the City Hall on Saturday,
December 11th from 9 am to 1 pm. This will give Falcon Heights residents an
opportunity to contribute to this cause. Winter coats, jackets, boots, hats, and
gloves will be stored at City Hall until they are requested by the International
Institute.
- Locke suggested providing the option to donate to the II using cash or venmo.
- LaDouceur suggested that the commission do more research and provide
residents with additional ways to get involved with II and support new
American immigrants.
- Cari Kokotovich of Falcon Families for Equity and Justice will plan on
volunteering at the coat drive and can bring a few more volunteers from her
organization.
- Cooley-Kistler will also be there to coordinate the coat drive and asked the City
to provide garbage bags and markers which will be used to store the donated
winter gear. She also wanted a checklist to help volunteers determine which gear
will be accepted. City may have to store gear up until March 1st.
2. Winter Event Planning
- The commissioners confirmed that the new event name will be Snowstravaganza
per the survey results. In the past the event was called Winter Fest and was held
annually. However, the event has not occurred since 2016.
- During past events City staff and commission members would coordinate sleigh
rides, a bonfire with smores, hot chocolate, snowshoeing, skating and more.
- Thongvang stated that there is typically an event budget of $1,500. The City has
also partnered with Gibbs Farm in the past.
- Ebbesen suggested incorporating a snow sculpture competition at this year’s
event. LaDouceur added that pictures of all the sculptures could be uploaded
online for a city-wide vote to determine the winner.
- The commissioners agreed that the event should occur in February and set a
tentative date of Saturday, February 12, 2022.
- Locke suggested adding football themed activities due to the close proximity of
the Superbowl.
- Ebbesen suggested that the commissioners start compiling ideas and send them
to staff. All commissioners agreed that a joint meeting should be held with the
Parks & Rec Commission on January 3rd. Both commissions will gather and
solidify the date and activities for Snowstravaganza 2022.
3. Note Taker Volunteer
- Locke volunteered to be the note taker at meeting moving forward.
F. INFORMATION/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
G. ADJOURNMENT: 9:00 pm
Next Meeting: January 3, 2021