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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 10-09 HRRM0 MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESOURCES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 9, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Stoderl at 7:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Stoderl, Commissioners Larsen, Windsor, Eoloff, Achtelik, Eckman and Carmody. Also present were City Councilmember Dave Rosene, Police Chief Jim Lindsay, Police Captain Joel Downer and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Guests included Bonnie Lukes and Jamie McNaughton, both representing North Hennepin Mediation Program. REVIEW OF CITY USE OF MEDIATION AND PEACEMAKER SERVICES Chairperson Stoderl said the commission is interested in how the City uses Brooklyn Peacemaker Center (BPC) and North Hennepin Mediation Program (NHMP), as well as how the two programs impact the City. Chief Lindsay reviewed the City's historical involvement with NHMP, dating back to when the program was first developed. He reviewed the City's involvement with BPC and expressed some of the concerns the police department had in dealing with NHMP. He noted most first-offender juveniles involved in shoplifting cases are referred to BPC, and noncriminal problems are generally referred to NHMP. Ms. McNaughton introduced herself as president of NHMP, and she expressed her concerns regarding the lack of referrals from the City to NHMP. There was discussion regarding some of the concerns the police department had with NHMP. There was discussion between Chief Lindsay and NHMP representatives regarding referrals to BPC and NHMP. Chairperson Stoderl noted in the early 1980s when the mediation program and BPC started, it was her assumption that BPC would provide inexpensive counseling. She asked what has happened to affordable counseling. Commissioner Larsen noted that both NHMP and BPC were initially housed together and separated when the housing situation changed at its original location. Brookdale Counseling service stayed behind, while BPC was moved to a different location. There was discussion regarding available counseling services. • -1- Councilmember Rosene said the city council has supported NHMP because it considers the program worth the City's money. Councilmember Rosene noted it appears to have been an administrative decision on when to use NHMP and BPC. He noted the city council is working to better communicate with its residents and hopes NHMP can benefit from it. He noted he feels mediation might be worthwhile in some criminal cases. There was discussion regarding the possible use of NHMP in criminal cases. Chief Lindsay noted it is better to try to avoid having the police officers on the street make a decision on whether someone should go through BPC or NHMP. Chairperson Sorenson said the task for the commission is to recommend whether or not to continue funding for NHMP and BPC. She suggested the police department and NHMP work together to resolve any concerns that still exist. Chief Lindsay said the police department does recommend funding both projects. With no further questions from the commission, Chief Lindsay, Captain Downer, Lukes and McNaughton left the meeting. APPROVAL OF"MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 11. 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Achtelik and seconded by commissioner Larsen to approve the minutes of the September 111 1991, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS The Recording Secretary noted Commissioner Eoloff has been appointed to the board of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions (LMHRC). Commissioner Eoloff had expressed a concern regarding serving on the board when Brooklyn Center is not a member of the league. The Recording Secretary noted the City must be involved in no-fault grievance procedures to be a member of LMHRC. Chairperson Stoderl reviewed the history of the City's concerns and why it has not been involved in the LMHRC because of legal liability concerns for members. There was discussion regarding the role of the Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission. Councilmember Rosene wondered if immunity from prosecution could be legislated to allow the City to have a no-fault grievance process. Commissioner Eckman pointed out that it is not only a personal liability issue, but also a personal protection issue on whether or not to become involved. Commissioner Larsen pointed out that whatever decision the commission would make could be appealed at a higher level anyway. Chairperson Stoderl said in the early 1980s, the commission felt other avenues for dealing with problems were available, such as NHMP and BPC; and the commission has never dealt with individual situations. Commissioner Larsen noted specific items brought to this commission have not been handled but rather channeled to other resources. Chairperson Stoderl asked Commissioner Eoloff to keep the commission updated on her • -2- activities. Commissioner Eoloff noted the board meets once every two months, and she will serve in 1992. EVALUATION PROCESS FOR CONTRIBUTION REOUESTS The Recording Secretary said the city council will begin its budget review process on October 29, 1991. Chairperson Stoderl said due to the late hour, another meeting will be scheduled to conduct the evaluation process. The commission agreed the next meeting will be set for October 15, 1991, at 5:30 p.m. The November commission meeting will then be canceled. OTHER BUSINESS Councilmember Rosene thanked Commissioners Eckman and Larsen for doing a good job chairing the commission while Chairperson Stoderl was involved in Desert Storm. He welcomed Chairperson Stoderl back and said her experience showed in handling this evening's meeting. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Eckman and seconded by Commissioner Carmody to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission adjourned at 9:27 p.m. is Chairperson • -3-