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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991 03-13 HRRM} 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 MARCH 13, 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, and Larsen. Also present were City Council Liaison Dave Rosene, Kate Windsor, and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - JANUARY 9, 1991 There was a motion by Commissioner Carmody and seconded by Commissioner Eckman to approve the minutes of the January 9, 1991, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROPOSAL FOR BROOKLYN CENTER - STATUS REPORT The Recording Secretary reviewed the history of the human rights and resources commission's involvement in transportation. She reviewed the tentative funding status of financial assistance that may be available through the Regional Transit Board and the State of Minnesota. Commissioner Larsen reviewed the City's involvement with the Senior Transportation Program. There was some discussion regarding the Response to Seniors transportation program coordinated through North Memorial Medical Center. DISCUSSION OF ISSUES IMPACTING CHILDREN The commissioners discussed the difficulty of conveying information about the City to new residents, particularly those who live in apartments. Commissioner Larsen suggested installing a box in each apartment building lobby to hold the City newsletter. Councilmember Rosene said he feels it would be more effective to actually get the newsletter into the hands of the apartment dwellers. The commission proceeded to discuss the request Councilmember Cohen had made of the commission regarding issues impacting children. Commissioner Eckman suggested the commission work on identifying the issues, discussing them, and then prioritizing the issues for the City Council to address. Commissioner Larsen wondered which age group of children the commission should investigate; Success by six, which was presented by Councilmember Cohen, suggests that children from infants to those age six are the main concern. She felt older children have problems also. 3/13/91 1 a The commission proceeded to identify issues affecting children as follows: gangs and the threat they pose to personal safety; latchkey kids; daycare; nutrition needs; child abuse; having to take on adult responsibilities as children; parenting by single parents and/or working parents; adequate health care; availability of hospitalization insurance; sick child care; dysfunctional families (alcohol and drug abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental illness, parents in legal/criminal trouble, divorce, separation of parents, death of family members); financial; isolation of care givers at home with children; lack of extended family; grandparents raising children while parents are working; chemical dependency; runaway and throwaway youth; traumatic illness or injury; adequate and affordable housing; transportation; physical and mental disabilities; difficulties dealing with the social services system; and when school is out, lack of support system usually provided by teachers and counselors. The commissioners requested the Recording Secretary to identify a list of the organizations which provide services for specific problem areas. The Recording Secretary will also prepare a listing of the issues identified by the commission which can be prioritized at the next meeting. REVIEW OF MAXFIELD REPORT (BROOKLYN CENTER HOUSING STUDY) Commissioner Carmody asked what the outcome of the Maxfield Housing Market Report has been. Councilmember Rosene said the southeast neighborhood advisory committee has formed to work together on a number of issues, including home repairs and the creation of a neighborhood newsletter. Commissioner Carmody asked if neighborhood associations are in existence, and the Recording Secretary noted many residents are involved in neighborhood watch groups. Commissioner Larsen noted if residents have a sense of community, people will work together to increase the esteem of the neighborhood. Commissioner Carmody wondered if any neighborhood organizations existed for apartment dwellers, including single parents. She also noted if neighborhood organizations are already formed for other reasons, it may be possible to piggyback on those groups for other activities. The commission discussed the nature of the residents moving into the City, which seems to have a balance of low-, middle- and high- income residents. Commissioner Carmody asked if a City liaison has been appointed to work with the rental community, and the Recording Secretary said she would check into this. Commissioner Carmody said having a rental community liaison may help communicate to apartment dwellers what is available in the City. Commissioner Larsen wondered if a rental-owners association exists in the City. She suggested if such an association exists, monthly meetings could be held with City staff, and the apartment managers could bring information back to the tenants to help them develop a sense of community. She suggested positive activities could be held, like block parties. Councilmember Rosene said there is a recommendation 3/13/91 2 in the Humboldt Camden Task Force Report to create a Brooklyn Center Rental Association which would help owners screen out applicants with problem backgrounds. Commissioner Carmody noted it is good for people to meet together to discuss issues and resolve problems they may have in a rental unit. The Recording Secretary suggested the City may think about providing recreational activities at the locations of the apartment buildings to give both parents and children something to do, such as bringing the puppet wagon to these areas. Councilmember Rosene suggested it would be easy to bring some activities into the apartment buildings, although permission would be needed from the apartment owners. There was a brief discussion regarding the scheduling of activities by a variety of agencies who are not aware of the schedules children have which include nap time. Commissioner Larsen suggested the recreation department may wish to schedule dual activities, with the same activity repeated in the morning and afternoon. She suggested expansion of program times to accommodate working parents. OTHER BUSINESS The Recording Secretary asked the commissioners if they wish to review the scoring tool used to evaluate funding requests received by the City from human service agencies. Commissioner Larsen said it could be placed on the next meeting's agenda, and the commission could work on it as time permits. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Carmody and seconded by Commissioner Larsen to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Chairperson 0 3/13/91 3