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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 05-08 HRRMMINUTES 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 MAY 8, 1991 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission met in regular session and was called to order by Commissioner Eckman at 7:35 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Eckman, Carmody, Larsen and Achtelik. Also present was Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. WELCOME NEW COMMISSIONER The commissioners introduced themselves and welcomed new member, Sharon Achtelik. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 10, 1991 There was a motion by Carmody and seconded by Achtelik to approve the minutes of the April 10, 1991, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. REVIEW EVALUATION PROCESS FOR CONTRIBUTION REOUESTS_ Commission Larsen reviewed the policy and procedures followed by the commission regarding contribution requests from nonprofit human service programs and/or agencies. The Recording Secretary reviewed the history of this policy, which was established in 1987. Commissioner Larsen noted many of the terms in the policy are vague. Commissioner Carmody noted during last year's evaluation process, the commissioners often had differences in scoring because of differences in interpretation of the questions and information provided. She added the final scores of the applicant programs from the evaluation process were very close. Commissioner Larsen pointed out on page three of the policy under item number. four, the commission is already available, in an advisory capacity, to research and monitor groups receiving city contributions. However, the policy also notes an annual report outlining current human service needs in Brooklyn Center will be prepared by the human rights and resources commission and submitted to the city council for review. This is not currently done by the commission. The Recording Secretary noted the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council already establishes human service priorities. After much discussion, the commission agreed to use the same evaluation system for one more year and critique the process while involved in it. The process then can be revised at the end of the 5/8/91 -1- year. In addition, the consensus of the commission is to invite applicants to attend a commission meeting in the fall, make a brief presentation, and be available to answer questions of the commissioners regarding the specific programs. The commissioners suggested meeting in August to discuss the applications and then invite the providers to the September commission meeting. The Recording Secretary will make arrangements to do this. The commissioners had a general discussion regarding services and lack thereof for those with disabilities and handicaps; the Community Emergency Assistance Program (CEAP) and its services; and children's issues and rights. Commissioner Eoloff entered the meeting at 8:45 p.m. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES IMPACTING CHILDREN The Recording Secretary reviewed the after-school programs available in the local school districts. These include Kid Stop in the Osseo School District, available before and after school for kindergarten through sixth grade students at 12 elementary schools; Adventure Club in Robbinsdale School District, available for kindergarten through fifth grade in three schools; Adventures Plus in Anoka School District for kindergarten through fourth grade at 15 sites; and Home Away in the Brooklyn Center School District for kindergarten through sixth grade students, before and after school, at Earle Brown Elementary School. A question arose on what the legal age is for staying home alone, and a request was made to determine which schools in Brooklyn Center have these programs for kids. The Recording Secretary reported the police department provides only general information for latchkey kids. Commissioner Achtelik said the Girl Scouts may have a book regarding safety information for latchkey kids, and she will check on this. The Recording Secretary reported on expanding opportunities for single parents through housing, a report that is available for those who are interested. The Recording Secretary reviewed the new program called "Sick Kid Care," which provides daycare for sick children at sites in Minneapolis and Eden Prairie. The rates at the centers are $70 per day for up to ten hours and $50 per day up to five hours. In- home care is available at $15 per hour. A number of corporations contract with Sick Kid Care to subsidize their employees' costs for sick child care. The Recording Secretary reported for 911 calls that are made by hearing impaired persons, a special number is given for those who have TDD machines to direct them to call a dispatcher in Anoka. The dispatcher is set up to handle TDD calls and can relay information to the local police departments. 5/8/91 -2- Commissioner Eoloff described a program called "Very Important Kids," which includes video and cassette tapes aimed at increasing the self-esteem for preschool children. Daycare providers typically purchase the package at a cost of about $24 per packet. The Recording Secretary noted she has a copy of a progress report of the 1990 youth development plan for the Osseo School District, which is available for anyone who wishes to review it. She also handed out a legislative committee report by the Success By Six Project. Commissioner Achtelik asked if the Head Start Program is available here. The Recording Secretary said it is not, even though a need for it exists. However, the Success By Six committee is working to bring this and other programs for children to the northwest suburban area. There was a general discussion of what the mission of the commission should be in reviewing children's issues. Commissioner Carmody suggested looking at existing programs and determine what can be publicized with some groups perhaps working together. Commissioner Larsen suggested targeting the people who need programs. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by commissioner Carmody and seconded by Commissioner Eoloff to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission adjourned at 9:32 p.m. Chairperson 5/8/91 -3-