The Commission is responsible for advising and counseling the Edina City
Council on matters relating to discrimination and human relations. The
members implement programs of education and community action which have been
approved by the Council; cooperate with State agencies in their programs of
human rights; and investigate, study, report and undertake other functions
assigned to local commissions such as undertaking the City’s annual human
services funding procedure.
The Commission consists of nine regular voting members—including one
student—appointed by the Mayor with the consent of a majority of the
Council. The Commission may also appoint another youth member to serve in an
ex-officio role as a participant in all discussions. Members serve a term of
three years, and student members have one-year terms.
In 2010, the Commission led the way in establishing a
Domestic Partnership
ordinance. The registry is similar to those in Minneapolis, Duluth and
St. Paul. Any two unmarried adults in a committed relationship may apply for
domestic partnership certificates in the Office of the City Clerk, as long
as one of them lives or works in Edina. Domestic partners will also be
eligible for family memberships, registrations or fees offered at City
facilities or for City services.
Current members of the Commission are: Arnold Bigbee,
John Cashmore, Lisa Finsness, Jessica Kingston, Bob Mayer, Meg Grace Newell,
Jan Seidman,
Russ Stanton and Steve Winnick. Student members are Gabe Aderhold and
Makenzie Nolan. Staff
Liaison is Human Resources Director
Lisa Schaefer. Contact members of the
Commission by writing to
edinamail@ci.edina.mn.us.
