The Minot City Council voted unanimously to re-establish the ordinance for the Humans Relations Committee in front of a full chamber at Monday’s City Council Meeting. The Human Relations Committee was first established in 1976 but had not been in operation for more than a decade.
According to the ordinance, part of the goals and objectives of the committee is to provide leadership in the areas of civil rights, educate and promote respect for diversity, identify issues of concern regarding civil rights in Minot and to make recommendations to the city council, and encourage adherence to federal and state laws regarding civil rights.
A Previously tabled motion to not accept the ordinance, made by Alderwomen Lisa Olson, stayed tabled as Alderwomen Carrie Evans made a motion to accept the HRC Ordinance on second reading and Alderman Stephan Podrygula provided a second.
This motion, along with a motion for an amendment made by Councilman Mark Jantzer, would fail. But a last-minute motion made by Councilman Paul Pitner would unanimously pass reenacting the HRC Ordinance and have it co-chaired by Alderwoman Lisa Olson and Alderwoman Carrie Evans.
The discussion concerning the HRC Ordinance got off to a rocky start as Mayor Tom Ross stated that as this had been out in the public for well over a month and there had been opportunity for discussion from the public on the issue, that he was inclined to not have discussion from the public and to keep the conversation internal between council members. Alderwomen Olson pointed out that there were citizens who had not had the opportunity to speak and should be afforded that opportunity. Alderman Podrygula agreed with this, prompting Mayor Ross to turn to the public and eventually allowing those who had not yet spoken an opportunity to speak.
For over 40 minutes various citizens of Minot brought discussion points for and against the HRC Ordinance culminating with Mayor Ross allowing for discussion among council members which continued for an additional 40 minutes.
Councilman Mark Jantzer began the council’s discussion by making a motion to amend the ordinance with an amendment that he passed out during the meeting. This was opposed by Councilwomen Evans in a prepared statement. Alderwomen Olson supported Jantzer’s motion that would have tightened up the language of the HRC Ordinance.
Councilman Podrygula made remarks that supported the ordinance but did state that “In some ways the original motion was an overreach in the sense that we want to celebrate and embrace diversity.” He continued, “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m not sure that that is the proper role from municipal government to do. I think that it is a proper role to require certain behavior or to achieve certain educational functions but getting people to feel something I think may be beyond what we can legitimately or should legitimately do.”
Councilman Scott Burlingame continued the discussion by speaking concerning the dialogue that was brought before the council by Minot citizens, “This political theater and hyperbole that we saw are being pushed by national forces.” He continued, “They are not about things that are happening on the streets of Minot, they are things that are being pushed by others.” Burlingame was not in favor of Alderman Jantzer’s amendment as it removed key language highlighting marginalized people that, he felt, should be included.
Councilman Paul Pitner began his remarks by stating that he would not support any of the motions that were currently presented and that it had been a real struggle to sit through all the “garbage” that had been currently presented from both sides.
“It’s so dumb that this is what fills the City Council Chambers,” said Pitner. “It’s embarrassing for us as citizens. It’s embarrassing for me as a City Council member that this is what brings people out.”
He stated that the only motion that he would support would have Alderwomen Olson and Alderwomen Evans as co-chairs with the remainder of the seats appointed by the City Council. The first directive of this council would be to make any changes to the language if deemed necessary.
The discussion culminated with remarks by Mayor Tom Ross. He stated the would not support the motions that had been made by Alderman Jantzer and Alderwoman Evans. “Do I know what its like to be trans or gay in the City of Minot? Absolutely not,” stated Ross. “But I have done my part to reach out and ask what is it like and I will continue to do so.”
He continued by stating that he would do whatever he could make Minot the most welcoming in the country.
The amendment that was presented by Councilman Jantzer failed with two in favor and five opposed.
The council then preceded to vote on the original motion by Councilwoman Evans to approve the ordinance on second reading. This also failed to pass with two in favor and five opposed.
Councilman Pitner then put forward a motion that would reenact the committee and have Alderwomen Olson and Alderwomen Evans as co-chairs with the remaining seven members being appointed by the City Council. The first directive of this committee would be to make any changes to the language if deemed necessary. This motion was seconded by Councilman Burlingame.
After brief discussion, the motion passed unanimously.
