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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1993 09-08 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 8, 1993 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 7:03 p.m. ROLL CALL Chairperson Stoderl, Commissioners Eoloff, Brown, Achtelik, Reiva, and Olson. Also present were City Council Liaison Dave Rosene, Recording Secretary Geralyn Barone, and Guest Charlie Warner of Community Action for Suburban Hennepin (CASH). APPROVAL OF MINUTES - MAY 12.1993 There was a motion by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Achtelik to approve the minutes of the May 12, 1993, meeting as submitted. The motion passed. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS Chairperson Stoderl welcomed new commissioners Reiva and Olson, noting the size of the commission recently increased from seven to nine members. Those in attendance introduced themselves and gave a brief background of their history with the commission. Commissioner Reiva noted he is interested in implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and he would like to encourage implementation of the ADA in governmental and business entities within Brooklyn Center. He is also interested in colocation of social services. Commissioner Reiva left the meeting at this time Commissioner Olson noted she is interested in transit, especially Park and Ride, and discrimination against renters. Councilmember Rosene noted Commissioner Windsor's absence and suggested inquiring whether or not she was still interested in serving on the commission. OTHER BUSINESS Chairperson Stoderl recognized Mr. Warner, who is the housing programs' manager for CASH (a community action program agency which administers federal funds). Commissioner Eckman arrived at this time. 10 9/8/93 -1- Mr. Warner noted CASH administers housing programs such as Homeline and a mortgage foreclosure program. A new program CASH is working with helps renters who may lose their apartments through eviction. Commissioner Maddox arrived at this time. Mr. Warner elaborated on programs in place which address discrimination in housing and said CASH is exploring the concept of a fair housing center. He asked if the commission deals with housing discrimination. Commissioner Achtelik said as a real estate agent she sees it. Chairperson Stoderl said when the City receives such complaints, they are referred to other agencies. Mr. Warner said he has been asked to explore setting up a fair housing center, noting the purpose of such a center is for education and facilitating in the enforcement process. He said is looking for a resolution of endorsement to the CASH board from the City of Brooklyn Center and is asking for assistance in recruiting volunteers. Commissioner Maddox asked who handles housing complaints in the City of Minneapolis, and Mr. Warner replied the Minneapolis civil rights department does. Commissioner Maddox asked if complaints are handled only for rental property, and Mr. Warner said Minneapolis handles all housing complaints. Chairperson Stoderl asked how the Homeline program is funded, and Mr. Warner said federal money trickles down to the CASH agency. The Recording Secretary asked if CASH is investigating the possibility of having one suburban fair housing center or one only to serve Brooklyn Center. Mr. Warner said the intent is to have a suburban center. The Recording Secretary asked if the Northwest Hennepin Human Services Council (NWHHSC) has been approached to assist in planning such a center, and Mr. Warner said it had not yet been contacted. Mr. Warner said he has been asked to approach the local human rights commissions in nine cities to solicit support for the fair housing center concept. Commissioner Achtelik asked if brochures are available for cities to distribute regarding fair housing programs already in place. Mr. Warner said some distribution has been done in the past, but due to the small staff size at CASH it would be difficult to handle all the calls if advertising was done broadly. Councilmember Rosene noted the City works with some groups on a contractual basis to provide services. Mr. Warner said CASH has the resources to establish a fair housing center but is looking for an expression of support. Councilmember Rosene asked if Mr. Warner would be willing to make a presentation to the City's housing commission, and Mr. Warner agreed. Chairperson Stoderl also suggested meeting with the rental managers' association. There was a motion by Commissioner Brown and seconded by Commissioner Eoloff to 9/8/93 -2- 0 recommend to the City Council that it support the concept of a fair housing center and realize the need in our community. Commissioner Maddox pointed out the City needs to start solving its problems in its own back yard. Commissioner Brown suggested the City could work together with other communities to accomplish much more than it could otherwise do itself. Upon vote being taken on the foregoing motion, the motion passed. HERITAGE FESTIVAL The Recording Secretary noted Mary Welch of the Brooklyn Center Chamber of Commerce was unable to attend the meeting this evening. Ms. Welch requested assistance from the commissioners in calling prospective participants for the Heritage Festival. After some discussion, the commissioners agreed to divide the list of groups to be called so each commissioner would make approximately ten phone calls. The Recording Secretary also noted the Heritage Festival has requested the City to design a puzzle piece that will be joined with other pieces to make a complete puzzle at the Heritage Festival. The commission suggested asking assistance from the park and recreation department. BIAS RESPONSE PLAN Commissioner Eoloff reported she had not been able to contact Patty Wilder at NWHHSC to work on this item. Commissioner Olson said she will be attending a multicultural meeting this month and will report back at the next meeting. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS UPDATE Commissioner Eoloff noted the LMHRC's annual conference is scheduled for September 18. Commissioners Maddox, Eoloff, and Brown plan to attend and will report back at the October meeting. Commissioner Eoloff reported the state human rights department has moved in a different direction and has put all training on hold for this time. UPDATE ON CHILDREN'S ISSUES Commissioner Achtelik said the Success by Six legislative agenda has been set. Also, there will be a grandparents' workshop on January 22, 1994, at Brooklyn Park city hall from 10 a.m. until noon. COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDS The Recording Secretary distributed information regarding "Invest Northwest" and "Service Above Self' awards. Commissioner Maddox said she is investigating awards available through the Urban League. Chairperson Stoderl suggested this information be discussed in further detail at the next meeting. 1994 MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY /BLACK HISTORY MONTH ACTIVITIEa Chairperson Stoderl noted in the past the City has passed A Proclamation Declaring Martin Luther King Day and will likely do so again. There was some discussion on what possible 10 9/8/93 -3- activities there may be for celebrating Martin Luther King Day and Black History Month. Commissioners Eoloff and Maddox will bring ideas to the next meeting. 0 REOUESTS FOR CONTRACTUAL SERVICES Chairperson Stoderl requested that agencies interested in contractual services be invited to attend the October commission meeting to respond to inquiries from the commission regarding their contractual services requests. TRANSIT Councilmember Rosene noted there is an attempt being made to get a bus stop at the Hennepin County Health Clinic located at Shingle Creek Parkway and Freeway Boulevard. COMMUNITY RESOURCE LIST Commissioner Eoloff noted former Commissioner Carmody had drafted a list of agencies that would serve as a community resource list. Chairperson Stoderl asked that this item remain on the agenda for future discussion. HUMAN RIGHTS ORDINANCE Commissioner Eoloff said she has a file of sample human rights ordinances from other communities. The commission requested that the City Attorney be invited to the December commission meeting to review the possibility of having a Brooklyn Center human rights ordinance. Commissioner Olson left the meeting at 8:57 p.m. and returned at 8:59 p.m. 0 COMMUNITY EDUCATION The Recording Secretary reviewed the commission's 1994 budget requests, which include funding for a joint meeting with the City Council and advisory commissions, along with funding for educational information. Commissioner Achtelik left the meeting at this time. NEXT COMMISSION MEETING The next meeting of the Human Rights and Resouces Commission is scheduled for October 13, 1993, at 7 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There was a motion by Commissioner Eckman and seconded by Commissioner Brown to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights and Resources Commission adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Chairperson 9/8/93 -4- 0