Politics & Government
Plans for Controversial Golden Valley Human Rights Commission Advance
After the Human Rights Commission was dismissed two years ago, the Golden Valley City Council considers reestablishing the commission.
Two years after the Golden Valley City Council dismissed the entire Golden Valley Human Rights Commission, the Council is looking at reestablishing the Commission.
Two Years Ago
The December 2011 dismissal of the Human Rights Commission came after commission members presented a resolution to the City Council following a September 2011 shooting.
"I don't think any of them recognized the seriousness of their discussion or the legal liability they put us in," Linda Loomis, who was then Mayor, said at the December 2011 meeting at City Hall.
Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Related: City Council Votes 4-1 to Dismiss Human Rights Commission Members
Since the dismissal, the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission was suspended.
Find out what's happening in Golden Valleywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A 19-member public task force was appointed by the City Council in June 2012, according to the city website, “to solicit feedback from residents on the need for a Human Rights Commission as an advisory board.”
The task force presented its findings to the Golden Valley City Council in December 2012, which included a recommendation of keeping the Human Rights Commission active in Golden Valley.
This Week
In a step toward possibly reestablishing the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission, City Council approved a first consideration of an ordinance amendment to the city code.
The ordinance amendment essentially deletes the old ordinance and introduces a new ordinance with changes outlining the terms and length of appointment of commission members, policy and duties and responsibilities.
Councilmember Paula Pentel talked about some of the highlights of the proposed ordinance amendment, stating the Commission would be comprised of nine members appointed at staggered three year terms. She said the “hope” was to also have to two youth on the Commission as well.
Once Golden Valley City Council gives final approval, Pentel estimated the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission will be “up and running” within the next couple months.
Follow us on Twitter | Like us on Facebook | Sign up for our daily newsletter
SHARE: What do you think about the reestablishment of a Golden Valley Human Rights Commission? Share your thoughts in comments.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
