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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1989 09-13 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 SEPTEMBER 13, 1989 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 7:40 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Stoderl, Commissioners Sullivan, Seburg, and Larsen. Also present were Councilmember Paulson and Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioner Eckman was unexcused from this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 19, 1989 There was a motion by commissioner Larsen and seconded by commissioner Seburg to approve the minutes of the April 19, 1989, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM PROPOSAL FOR BROOKLYN CENTER, The commission reviewed a letter received from the City of Brooklyn Park inquiring whether or not the City of Brooklyn Center wished to participate in a community demonstration grant program with the Regional Transit Board. The commission reviewed the route of the proposed transit system, and Councilmember Paulson noted that it appears the route will benefit Brooklyn Park if light rail transit is built. There was discussion of whether or not to pursue the grant application with Brooklyn Park and other area cities. Chairpersrsh Stoderl reminded the commission that in addition to the proposed Brooklyn Park project, the City is continuing to work on an internal transit system. There was a motion by Commissioner Larsen and seconded by Commissioner Sullivan to recommend to the city council participation in the grant application process for planning a transportation project proposed by the City of Brooklyn Park. Chairperson Stoderl said- she does not believe the City needs to participate in this study, and commissioner Seburg concurred. Commissioner Sullivan noted that the City's study has been different from the one proposed by Brooklyn Park. Councilmember Paulson noted that more information is needed, including determining what the long-term goal of the City of Brooklyn Park is and would Brooklyn Park be amenable to alternative routes in Brooklyn Center. Commissioner Larsen said she would like to make sure the city is not obligated to become part of a transit is 9/13/89 -1- program by committing to the grant for the study. Chairperson Stoderl said she feels the study will be done anyway and the City can benefit from it regardless if it contributes money towards the grant application preparation. There being no further discussion on the motion, the following voted in favor thereof: Commissioners Sullivan and Larsen; those opposed: Chairperson Stoderl and Commissioner Seburg. The motion failed. The recording secretary was requested to notify someone from the City of Brooklyn Park and inquire about the concerns raised by Councilmember Paulson. The commission requested that once the response is received from the City of Brooklyn Park, the city manager should determine whether or not the City of Brooklyn Center should participate in the grant application. The commission then proceeded to discuss the internal transit program proposal. There was discussion on the process for the grant application, and the recording secretary will work with the Regional Transit Board representative to begin the grant application process. POLICE DEPARTMENT CADET PROGRAM The commission reviewed the letter it received from Police Chief Jim Lindsay dated July 7, 1989, in which Chief Lindsay requested ideas and assistance from the commission regarding the police department cadet program. Commissioner Larsen inquired as to whether or not school officials have been consulted in the process. Commissioner Seburg suggested the police department check with area churches to recruit young people. Commissioner Larsen said the program should be marketed to insure that young people are aware of tt. It was suggested that use of the City's newsletter and cable television program would be important avenues for advertising the program. Councilmember Paulson suggested the City work with teachers and counselors who know students and can refer them to the program. In addition, when police officers talk about the DARE program regarding drugs, the cadet program should be publicized at that time. The commission invited Chief Lindsay to its next meeting if he wishes to discuss this program further. The recording secretary will submit a memorandum to Chief Lindsay regarding the commission's suggestions. MULTICULTURAL ADVOCACY AND ACTION COMMITTEE MEMO The commission reviewed the press release from the Multicultural Advocacy and Action Committee. Commissioner Larsen noted that this is a good reminder that suburbia is multicultural, not just the inner city. Chairperson Stoderl acknowledged receipt of the memorandum and the commission noted that it supports the committee in its endeavors to help ease racism and sexism. 9/13/89 -2- 0 OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Sullivan suggested a letter be sent to Tom Bublitz from the commission thanking him for his service as staff liaison to the commission during the recording secretary's leave of absence. Chairperson Stoderl will sign the letter. Chairperson Stoderl noted she received a phone call from Marie castle, an individual concerned about the use of an invocation at the city council meetings. Castle opposes the invocation, noting this is against her religious freedom. The commission briefly discussed this, and the recording secretary noted the city attorney has noted that it is perfectly legal for the council to have an invocation. Councilmember Paulson noted he has talked with this individual in the past and has reviewed the issue. The commission agreed that Chairperson Stoderl should inform Castle the invocation is not a violation of human rights and it is not appropriate for this advisory commission to address her concern. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Seburg and seconded by commissioner Larsen to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center human rights and resources commission adjourned at 8:55 p.m. • Chairperson 0 9/13/89 -3-