HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 03-13 HRRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
0 OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
MAY 13, 1987
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular
session and was called to order by Councilmember Lhotka at 7:39
p.m.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Sullivan, McCumber, Eckman, Seburg, Wallerstedt,
and Stoderl. Also present were Councilmember Lhotka and
Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Chairman Kuhar was absent
from this evening's meeting. Councilmember Lhotka announced he
had received a letter of resignation from Commissioner Slupske.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - APRIL 8, 1987
There was a motion by Commissioner Wallerstedt and seconded by
Commissioner Eckman to approve the minutes of the April 8, 1987,
meeting as submitted. The motion passed.
REVIEW OF COMMISSION'S ENABLING RESOLUTION AND BYLAWS
Councilmember Lhotka said in the 1960's human rights commissions
were started during a time of racial disorder. The role of the
Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission has changed considerably
over the last several years, and many of its activities are no
longer traditional human rights issues. Commissioner Wallerstedt
pointed out in Subdivision IV of the enabling resolution the
duties and responsibilities are still heavily related to human
rights. If the Commission considers a name change, it may wish
to look at changing the duties and responsibilities also. There
was considerable discussion on whether or not to change the name
of the organization. Several ideas include Human Resources
Commission and Human Services Commission.
Commissioner Sullivan reminded the members of the motion
presented by Commissioner Slupske at the last meeting, which is
still on the floor. The motion is to recommend a name change to
something more closely defining what the Commission does. Upon
the vote being taken on this motion, the motion passed.
There was a motion by commissioner Stoderl and seconded by
Commissioner Seburg to recommend to the City Council that the
Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission name be changed to the
Brooklyn Center Human Rights and Resources Commission.
Commissioner Sullivan said he likes Human Services Commission
better, and Commissioner Wallerstedt said he. does not like
resources because it smacks of personnel. Upon vote being taken
on the foregoing motion, the motion passed.
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The Commission proceeded to discuss Subdivision V of the enabling
resolution, which addresses the number of members on the
commission. Councilmember Lhotka pointed out that enough people
are needed to get things done, but also there have to be enough
people to get a quorum at each meeting. There was discussion of
reducing the number of the composition of the Human Rights
Commission from eight members and a chairperson to six members
and a chairperson. Commissioner Stoderl pointed out that with a
larger number, there is more turnover and it is confusing for new
members.
There was a motion by Commissioner Stoderl and seconded by
Commissioner Sullivan to recommend to the City Council the
membership of the Human Rights Commission be reduced from eight
members and a chairperson to six members and a chairperson. The
motion passed.
There was discussion of whether or not to change some of the
duties and responsibilities in the resolution, and Commissioner
Stoderl suggested that this discussion be delayed until the fall
Commission meeting when it can be further discussed. The
Commission agreed with this suggestion.
SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES
The commission reviewed the draft of the report to the City
council on single parent families and discussed whether or not
the report should be lengthened. The consensus was that
sufficient materials were included in the memorandum and
additional information can be provided upon request.
There was a motion by Commissioner Sullivan and seconded by
Commissioner Seburg to accept the report on single parent
families and forward it on to the City Council for their review.
The motion passed. The Recording Secretary said this will appear
on the June 8, 1987, agenda of the City Council meeting.
NEXT COMMISSION MEETING
The Commission agreed to tentatively set the next meeting for
Wednesday, September 2, 1987, at 7:30 p.m. (The regularly
scheduled Commission meeting would fall during the week of Labor
Day; therefore, the commission suggested scheduling the meeting
one week earlier.)
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Seburg and seconded by
Commissioner McCumber to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed.
The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 8:38
p.m.
Chairperson
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