Human Rights Commission

Members of the Human Rights Commission 2021

Meetings

Fourth Wednesday of each month
6 p.m.

City Hall
City Council Chambers
801 Washington St.
Northfield, MN 55057

Assistance

  1. Hearing Assistance Available

    In the Council Chambers, an induction loop system is provided for hearing device users. To use, turn your hearing device to the "T" setting or request a loop receiver.

Upcoming HRC Meeting

November 30, 2022 HRC Agenda Packet

Agendas and minutes

City Meeting Archives Opens in new window
The City meeting archives contain agendas, minutes, handouts and additional information.

  1. City Meeting Portal Opens in new window
    The City meeting portal allows you to view live streamed meetings and agendas with clickable links.

Members

NameTitleTerm expiration
Jennie AutonoeMemberDecember 31, 2023
Veronica GaminoSecretaryDecember 31, 2022
Matthew LovickMemberDecember 31, 2023
Bruce MorlanMemberDecember 31, 2023
Glenda OrregoMemberDecember 31, 2024
Adam WaleInterim ChairDecember 31, 2022
Barb WornsonMemberDecember 31, 2024
Lucy Gonzalez MironAdvisory Member (non-voting member)December 31, 2022
Mar ValdecantosAdvisory Member (non-voting member)December 31, 2022
Ana GeorgeYouth Representative (voting member)2022-2023 school year
Aidyn PlaschYouth Representative (non-voting member)2022-2023 school year
Sarah RipkaYouth Representative (non-voting member)2022-2023 school year
Martin RosasYouth Representative (non-voting member)2022-2023 school year

*Ordinance 1001 allows for up to fourteen voting members.  In addition to nine regular members, one youth voting member, and three youth non-voting members, the Mayor may appoint up to four additional voting or non-voting advisory members.

Contacting the commission

If you have questions or comments, you can email the commission. Each member will receive your email. When replying to your email, a commission member cannot reply to all members, only to you. This avoids violating the open meeting law.

Email the Human Rights Commission

Liaisons

If you have questions, concerns, or comments for the commission, contact a staff liaison.

NameTitlePhone number
Claudia GarciaStaff Liaison507-645-3078
Judy BeckerClerical LiaisonNot available
Tom BaraniakSchool Board Representative,
non-voting ex officio		Not available

Overview

Special meetings are occasionally called.

The City of Northfield Human Rights Commission (HRC) seeks to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public services, and education. The commission works to ensure full citizen participation in this community by assisting the State Department of Human Rights in implementing the Minnesota Human Rights Act and by advising the City Council on long range programs to improve community relations in the City of Northfield. 

View Human Rights Commission bylaws

Human Rights FAQs

If you have questions and/or need help, please refer to this Frequently Asked Questions document.

  1. 2020 accomplishments
  2. 2019 accomplishments

The Human Rights Commission (HRC), along with everyone working through the pandemic, has had a challenging year. We have appreciated the support from staff as we have transitioned to online meetings.

Accomplishments

  • Hosted the annual Martin Luther King Celebration in January
  • Hosted a virtual presentation with Dr. Meredith McCoy (Carleton Professor) to share her expertise on the background and importance of Land Acknowledgment statements with more than 50 community members; the City Council adopted the statement on November 17, 2020
  • Encouraged and supported changing the names of our public schools
  • Participated in racial equity work within the City of Northfield and enjoyed reading “A Good Time for Telling the Truth” and sharing that discussion with others in our community

Membership requirements

The commission consists of nine regular members, one youth voting member, and three youth non-voting members appointed by the mayor and approved by the City Council, with an option for four additional voting or non-voting advisory members. Each regular member serves a three-year term. There is a three term limit. Members do not receive monetary compensation.

The mayor recommends applicants to the City Council based on their interest in equal rights for all citizens of Northfield, along with willingness to serve and background.

Applying

  1. You can apply to more than one board, commission or task force.

    Apply for a board, commission, or task force

    Applications are also available at:

    City Hall
    801 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057

    Northfield Public Library
    210 Washington Street
    Northfield, MN 55057