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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988 03-09 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 MARCH 9, 1988 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Human Rights and Resources Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Kuhar at 7:31 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kuhar, Commissioners McCumber, Eckman, Sullivan, and Stoderl. Also present were Councilmember Lhotka, Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone, and Mayor Dean Nyquist. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - FEBRUARY 10, 1988 There was a motion by Commissioner Stoderl and seconded by Commissioner McCumber to approve the minutes of the February 10, 1988, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES MEMORANDUM TO CITY COUNCIL There was a motion by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Eckman to accept the memorandum on priorities for single parent households dated March 9, 1988, and to refer the memorandum to the city council in fulfillment of the commission's year 2000 assignment. The motion passed unanimously. HOPKIN'S HOP-A-RIDE PROGRAM The recording secretary explained some of the details of the Hopkin's Hop-A-Ride transportation program and the City's participation in the five cities senior transportation project. She also reviewed what is available for transportation in the local area. The commission discussed these programs and requested additional written information on the Hopkin's program and the City's program. Chairperson Kuhar discussed her participation on the Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) regarding light rail transit. She noted the emphasis has been on transporting people to downtown Minneapolis. She said when Brooklyn Center sets its objectives for a transportation program, it should determine whether or not it wants to get people living within Brooklyn Center to other parts of Brooklyn Center or to downtown Minneapolis. Another thing to look at is what the actual need is versus the potential ridership. There was concern about what the objective of a transportation program in Brooklyn Center should be and who it should serve. The recording secretary will gather information from the Regional Transit Board on demographics, funding availability, and other programs. She will also send commissioners information on the Hopkin's program and Brooklyn Center's ridership statistics for the senior transportation program. 3-9-88 -1- NO-FAULT GRIEVANCE PROCESS, Chairperson Kuhar presented the commission with several charges filed with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights by Brooklyn Center residents or people working in the city. She proceeded to review the no-fault grievance process and expressed concerns the commission has had in the past about participating in this process. Councilmember Lhotka indicated there has been concern about individual commissioner's liability if they participate in the process. He pointed out the mediation program is available. Chairperson Kuhar said she would not feel comfortable giving people legal advice on such matters. Commissioner Stoderl said she felt the commission had agreed in the past that it would not become involved in the no-fault grievance process. Commissioner McCumber pointed out if the state can handle this process, it does not make sense to train the local commissioners and then worry about lawsuits. There was a motion by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner McCumber that the Brooklyn Center Human Rights and Resources Commission will not become involved in the no-fault grievance process at this time, and the state should continue handling the responsibility for this process. The motion passed unanimously. LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT Chairperson Kuhar said a recommendation will be made by the Northwest Citizens Advisory Committee to Hennepin County for light rail transit which will not run through Brooklyn Center. Instead, it will pass through Crystal, Robbinsdale, and New Hope. She said Brooklyn Center should be given some consideration. Commissioner McCumber asked if the county would use existing rail beds, and Chairperson Kuhar said the county is looking at the most low-cost approach by using existing right-of-way owned by them. Councilmember Lhotka, who serves on the elected official's committee regarding light rail transit, discussed options and considerations being reviewed by this committee. He said in the long run, light rail transit will be needed if the area grows. Chairperson Kuhar said she was disturbed that the motion to hold a public meeting was defeated. She said if a hearing is scheduled, she encourages attendance by Brooklyn Center citizens. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner McCumber and seconded by commissioner Eckman to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights and Resources Commission adjourned at 8:54 p.m. Chairperson • 3-9-88 -2-