Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987 02-11 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 FEBRUARY 11, 1987 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Kuhar at 7:36 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Stoderl, Wallerstedt, Sullivan, Eckman, McCumber, and Slupske. Also present was Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioner Seburg and Councilmember Lhotka were absent from this evening's meeting. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - NOVEMBER 12, 1986 AND DECEMBER 10, 1986 There was a motion by Commissioner Wallerstedt and seconded by commissioner Eckman to approve the minutes of the November 12, 1986 and December 10, 1986 meetings as submitted. The motion passed. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT - SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES Chairperson Kuhar reviewed the activities of the subcommittee, which has had a focus so far on teenage pregnancy. Chairperson Kuhar.reviewed a diagram representing the various aspects of the single parent families issue and requested the Commission to review and make additions to the diagram. She noted that there has been a great deal of information compiled on teenage pregnancy, but the subcommittee is looking for assistance from the rest of the Commission on other aspects of the issue. Commissioner Stoderl reviewed the Year 2000 assignment on single parent families, linking the assignment to the diagram and reviewing work done to date by the subcommittee. Commissioner Stoderl noted that she would like assistance on the day care subject, as it is mentioned several times in the Year 2000 Committee Report. Commissioner Wallerstedt suggested that employment could be added as an aspect of the issue. A request was made for statistics on the number of single parent families in the area; the Recording Secretary will attempt to obtain information from the Metropolitan Council. There was discussion by the Commission of including in the study those people who are close to the single parents, who may be of some assistance in breaking the cycle that is associated with this issue. Commissioner Sullivan asked if day care is a problem for single parent families only, and Chairperson Kuhar said no, but the problem for the single parent families is the cost of the day care. Commissioner Stoderl reviewed several questions related to day care that come to mind, including availability; 2-11-87 -1- affordability; who uses it: what type of assistance the consumers get; if evening day care is available for those working or going to night school; what the City's liability would be if it started a day care service; what kind of children are accepted by day care centers; such as handicapped, toilet trained, minimum/maximum age groups; what health regulations apply; what the qualifications of the providers are: and if there is child care for sick children. Commissioner Sullivan said he would research the day care issue, and commissioner Slupske said he would assist Commissioner Sullivan on this item. Commissioner Wallerstedt said he will try and find out what is available in the area of transportation, and Commissioner McCumber said she will obtain information on the availability of food for single parent families. Commissioner Stoderl said she would assist on the day care research, and Commissioner Eckman volunteered to investigate housing. Commissioner Stoderl suggested that all data collection be completed by April. Chairperson Kuhar suggested that the Commission focus on the needs and which needs are not being fulfilled. Then the question to ask would be if there is something the State, City, private groups, or churches can do to combat the problems. The main focus would be the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty associated with single parent families. Commissioner Stoderl noted that Brooklyn Center High School wanted to relay their appreciation for the close working relationship with the City on this and other issues. The Commission suggested that a thank-you letter be sent to the schools who participated in the survey on teenage pregnancies. Commissioner Stoderl reviewed some of the discussion she had with the Brooklyn Center High School staff on teenage pregnancies. One issue that came to the forefront was that evening day care is needed so kids can come back to school, particularly for technical training. NEXT MEETING The next Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission meeting is scheduled for March 18, 1987 at 7:30 p.m. The subcommittee on Single Parent Families will convene at 7:00 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by commissioner Sullivan and seconded by Commissioner Stoderl to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Chairperson • • 2-11-87 -2-