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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986 11-12 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 NOVEMBER 12, 1986 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairperson Kuhar at 7:38 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Kuhar, Commissioners Wallerstedt, Slupske, and Eckman. Also present was Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone. Commissioners Seburg, Sullivan, and Stoderl and Councilmember Lhotka were absent from this evening's meeting. INTRODUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER The Recording Secretary introduced Ms. Agatha Eckman as the newest member of the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission, and the Commissioners introduced themselves to Ms. Eckman. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - SEPTEMBER 10, 1986 There was a motion by Commissioner Wallerstedt and seconded by commissioner Slupske to approve the minutes of the September 10, 1986 meeting as submitted. The motion passed. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT - ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES Chairperson Kuhar explained the functions of the two subcommittees and the projects being worked on by the subcommittees. The Commission discussed the October 1, 1986 draft of the policy relating to the City contributing to nonprofit human service programs and/or agencies, which includes guidelines for human services requests. There was some discussion as to what role the Human Rights Commission will play in carrying out the policy. Commissioner Wallerstedt stated that the job of the Human Rights Commission should be to conduct needs assessment, and he expressed concern with reviewing and passing judgement on funding requests. Commissioner Slupske suggested the Human Rights Commission could monitor the actions of groups being funded, particularly if they are a new organization. Chairperson Kuhar expressed concern over the time commitment needed to monitor the groups as well as determine needs assessment. Commissioner Slupske suggested that only newly funded human service agencies be monitored. Chairperson Kuhar stated that when the Human Rights Commission has worked in too many directions, not enough is accomplished. She cited the example of the Commission's decision to not become involved in the no-fault grievance process because of the time commitment and the legal questions involved.. She proceeded to review some of the recent projects worked on by the Human Rights Commission. The Commission discussed ways of increasing visibility of the Human Rights commission in the community. The commission also discussed the involvement of this organization in making decisions in the community. 11-12-86 -1- The Commission proceeded to review the drafted guidelines, and Commissioner Wallerstedt reiterated his concern for getting the Commission too involved in reviewing funding requests. Chairperson Kuhar suggested that the Human Rights Commission be involved in needs assessment and be aware of funding requests coming to the City, but not be specifically involved in making funding request decisions. The commission directed the Recording Secretary to make changes to the drafted policy as discussed and send it with the next agenda packet to the Commission members. A special memorandum will be included with the next agenda reminding the commissioners of the importance of their attendance at the December meeting, because a report is due to the City Council in January 1987 on establishing guidelines. SUBCOMMITTEE REPORT - SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES Chairperson Kuhar stated that she and Commissioner Stoderl have discussed the needs of single parent families and organizations available to them. She noted that past Commissioner Mary Ellen Rabine had gathered information on programs in the schools related to teenage pregnancies. other areas of concern include nutrition, medical attention and prevention. Chairperson Kuhar said the subcommittee has discussed duplication of services and other concerns of programs available to single parent families. The commission discussed the problems associated with housing and the people who need it, as well as the effects of the tax reform law on~ those seeking housing. Commissioner Eckman stated her desire to assist the subcommittee on single parent families in preparing a report, and Chairperson Kuhar stated that she will schedule a meeting for the subcommittee. Commissioner Eckman asked what Brooklyn Center, and particularly the Human Rights commission,, can do about dealing with the problems of single parent families. Chairperson Kuhar said the Human Rights Commission can make recommendations to the City Council, as well as educate the Council. Chairperson Kuhar stated that the Human Rights Commission has worked with the schools in the past on other projects such as chemical dependency, so it should be possible again to work in a positive manner with the schools. The Recording Secretary pointed out that the City Council would be meeting jointly with the Brooklyn Center School Board, and one item of discussion will be the teenage pregnancy problem. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Slupske and seconded by Commissioner Eckman to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:20 p.m. Chairperson 0 11-12-86 -2-