David Kelliher

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and updates from the Chair/Vice Chair emphasizing diplomacy in social media interactions related to the Commission. An update on public relations indicated strong media coverage. The Commission reviewed approximately 15,000 public comments for flag designs and 6,000 for seal designs. Forty minutes were dedicated to public testimony from 28 individuals. A key action was the unanimous motion to move forward with design concept S224 as the official Great Seal of the State of Minnesota, subject to further modifications concerning the state motto, year of statehood, star count, and loon eye color. Future meeting dates in December were confirmed.

This report outlines the final three community-design concepts for the Minnesota flag and seal revisions. It presents detailed proposals for the flag, categorized under F1953, F2100, and F944, and also includes concepts for the state seal, incorporating various elements such as colors and stars.

The meeting commenced with the call to order and adoption of the agenda. Key updates included information regarding data practices inquiry status and the sharing of a youth activity focused on critical thinking about state representation through symbols, colors, and design. The commission received an update confirming nearly 600 total submissions for the flag and seal redesign, noting positive media traction. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing the finalist selection process, including options for sorting and ranking designs (by elements, symbols, and colors) and exploring the potential use of external technology vendors. The formation of flag and seal subcommittees was discussed, and members emphasized the importance of incorporating public input and potentially inviting experts like a vexillologist. Next steps involve determining finalists during the November meeting and selecting final designs in November or December.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and updates from the Chair, noting the receipt of approximately 2,600 entries for flag and seal designs. An update was provided on the SERC budget, highlighting that most funds are allocated to staffing, leaving limited resources for administrative costs. The commission reviewed and approved an updated Draft SERC Meeting and Process Timeline, clarifying procedures regarding submission names. Specialist Ted Kaye from the North American Vexillological Association presented an overview of flag design principles, focusing on simplicity and recognizability, which led to a discussion about color-blind considerations. The next steps included scheduling upcoming in-person and virtual meetings for November and December.

This program manual details the Heritage Partnership Program, funded by the Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund, aimed at building the capacity of eligible applicants to preserve and enhance access to Minnesota's history and cultural resources through sustainable, history-based partnerships. Key areas of focus include partnership development and planning, shared workforce initiatives, shared services for integrated programs, and shared resources for joint historical and cultural efforts. The program emphasizes strengthening organizational infrastructure, increasing public engagement, and fostering leadership within the state's history and cultural heritage sector.