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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1975 05-21 HRRMMINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION MAY 21 , 1975 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Davis at 7035 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Davis, Commissioners Tolve, Sugimura, Weyrauch, Blomberg and Campion. Also present were Ms. Kathleen Miller and Administrative Assistant Ron Warren. It was noted by Chairman Davis that Commissioner Martinsen would be unable to attend this evening's meeting because of a conflict in his schedule. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Sugimura and seconded by 4-16-75 Commissioner Weyrauch to approve the minutes of the April 16, 1975 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Correspondence The first item on the agenda was a review of correspondence. Chairman Davis noted that he had received the Department of Human Rights 1974 Annual Report and passed the report on to Commission members for their review. Chairman Davis stated that he had been extended an invitation to attend a meeting of a Hennepin County task force that was reviewing the use of revenue sharing. He noted that the first meeting, which he was unable to attend, was held at 1:00 p.m. on May 21. He stated that he would be receiving copies of the minutes of that meeting and would also be invited to attend other meetings in the future. He concluded by telling the members of the Commission that they are invited to attend these meetings in the future. Hiring and Firing Chairman Davis recognized Commissioner Weyrauch who Practices briefly updated the Commission on some current hiring and firing practices. He stated that N . S . P. had recently discharged an employee with a back injury because he was unable to lift things required in his job. He noted that the Department of Human Rights was investigating this matter. He explained that the burden of proof in a case like this rests with the employer, and the employer must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they discharged the employee because he was unable to perform required duties of the job. The next item of business was a brief review of the Accessibility accessibility survey. Chairman Davis noted the article Survey that appeared in the May 1 edition of the Brooklyn Center Post relating to the accessibility survey. He stated that the article had done much to publicize the Commission's project. The Chairman recognized the secretary who briefly commented on the results of the survey. He noted that the deadline for returning the survey was Friday, May 16, and that 46 of the 179 surveys (25.7%) had been returned. He further noted that the survey for the City Hall - Community Center complex had not yet been completed, but would be done in order that these buildings would be included in the survey. The next item of business on the agenda was the delibera- Accessibility tion on a possible format for the accessibility booklet. Booklet Format Chairman Davis distributed to the Commissioners two accessibility booklets, one from St. Paul and the other from San Francisco, as models for the Commission's booklet. He then opened the meeting for discussion on suggested ideas. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the format of the accessibility booklet. Commissioner Blomberg suggested that the printing in the Commission's booklet be larger, or more easier to read, than the printing in the St. Paul booklet. Chairman Davis offered the suggestion of using a coding system to describe the accessibility aspects of particular establishments. Commissioner Weyrauch noted that coding can be somewhat confusing and suggested that a narrative approach to the booklet might be better. it was the consensus of the Commission that the booklet be a packet-size book that is convenient for persons to carry. Chairman Davis stated that he felt the booklet should be organized by listing the various establishments by function, such as schools, churches, restaurants, etc. , followed by a narrative description of the accessibility features of the establishment, such as parking facilities, interior and exterior access, seating accommodations and restroom facilities. 0 5-21-75 -2- • • Commissioner Campion suggested listing the various establishments by their acceptability as far as providing desirable features for the handicapped. Chairman Davis noted that this might give the booklet a negative conno- tation, something that was not desirable.. Commissioner Sugimura stated that the information should be printed as it appears on the survey allowing people to draw their own conclusions. Chairman Davis discussed the possibility of having an intro- duction that would explain the booklet, note that the booklet is the Commission's first attempt at such an endeavor, and thank the people for participating in the project. Commissioner Tolve suggested an addendum to the booklet listing organizations for the handicapped and other service organizations such as C. E.A m P n, United Handicapped Foundation and service groups for the deaf and blind. Commissioner Campion noted that the San Francisco survey also listed publications of interest for the handicapped and suggested listing these also in a possible addendum.. Following further discussion concerning the booklet format;, it was the consensus of the Commission that the booklet be arranged in the following manners 1. That the :booklet be :pocket size, approximately 4-1/2" x 5", so that it will be convenient for people to carry. 2 That the printing be easy to read. 3. That the booklet contain an introductory section explaining the booklet and thanking the participants in the survey. 4. That the establishments be arranged in the booklet according to similar functions giving the name, address and telephone number with a short narrative explaining parking facilities, interior and exterior access, seating accommodations, restroom facilftises, etc. 5. That the booklet possibly contain .an addendum listing service organizations and publications for for -the handicapped. -3- 5-21-75 Chairman Davis stated that he would begin to develop the booklet and asked Commissioner Campion to lend his assistance to the project. Commissioners Weyrauch and Tolve both volunteered to help out as much as they possibly could. Commissioner Tolve introduced Ms. Kathleen Miller, a resident of Brooklyn Center who was seriously injured in a traffic accident last November that left her confined to a wheelchair. Commissioner Tolve explained that she had met Kathy at a rehabilitation program and had an opportunity to speak with her and ask her if she might be interested in attending a Human Rights Commission meeting. Chairman Davis noted that Mayor Cohen is seeking new members to the Human Rights Commission and explained that the Mayor is looking for women, minorities, handi- capped and young people willing to serve on the Commission. He further noted that Ms. Miller may become a member of the Commission. Chairman Davis then explained the duties and responsibilities of the Human Rights Commission and the areas of interest of the other advisory Commissions to the City Council. A brief discussion ensued between the Commissioners and Ms. Miller regarding some of the problems of handicapped persons. Ms. Miller was asked about her rehabilitation program, and she noted that most of it is being done on her own. Chairman Davis thanked her for coming to the meeting and extended an invitation to her for future Human Rights Commission meetings. Councilman Jensen arrived at 8:15 p.m. Chairman Davis briefly reviewed the results of the accessi- bility survey and the decisions made regarding the format of the accessibility survey booklet with Councilman Jensen. The next item of business discussed was the distribution of the accessibility booklet. Chairman Davis suggested that distribution be done through the United Handicapped Foundation, through City Hall, various civic organizations and also be distributed to the organizations participating in the survey. Introduction of Ms. Kathleen Miller Review of Accessibility Survey Distribution of the Booklet • 0 5-21-75 -4- r Follow-up of Chairman Davis noted that a number of the establishments Survey contacted had not returned the survey. He suggested that the Commissioners review the list to see if there are any establishments that should be contacted again. It was suggested that a follow-up letter should be sent to a number of those not returning the survey The secretary suggested that a follow-up telephone call might be more personal and result in the return of the survey by more organizations. Commissioner Blomberg volunteered to make follow-up telephone calls to a number of contacted organizations. Storm Warning for Commissioner Tolve noted her concern for deaf persons Deaf Persons during the recent storms in the area. She stated that deaf persons are not able to hear the storm warning alerts. She asked if it were possible for the police department to personally alert these people. Chairman Davis noted that during storms the police department and fire department are extremely busy and this would not be 'a feasible solution to the problem. Commissioner Weyrauch noted that a number of deaf people t have teleprinters on their telephones. He suggested that the telephone company might be able to alert these persons to storms through this device. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Tolve and seconded by Commissioner Blomberg to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Chairman • -5- 5-21-74