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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1974 10-24 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 OCTOBER 24, 1974 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Davis at 7:46 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Davis, Commissioners Tolve, Sugimura and Martinsen. Also present were Councilman. Jensen, Councilman Britts and Administrative Assistant Daniel Hartman. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Tolve and seconded by 9-26-74 Commissioner Sugimura to,approve the minutes of the September 26, 1974 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. United Handicapped Chairman Davis introduced ,Ms. Audrey Benson, Federation president of the United Handicapped Federation. (Ms. Audrey Benson) Ms. Benson outlined the events which had occurred leading up to the formulation of the United Handicapped Federation. She stated that the Federation is made up of representa- tives from 36 organizations in the metropolitan area representing between 3,OM and 4,000 handicapped citizens. She continued by stating that the Federation is an action oriented group involved in issues related to the handicapped. She commented that the major area of concern for the United Handicapped Federation at this time is the area of transportation. Ms. Benson commented that for a handicapped citizen to participate in community activities transportation must be provided to allow the handicapped mobility. She stated that the Federation has been working with the :Metropolitan Transit Commission to develop facilities for the handicapped in the area of mass transit. She also commented on,the need for accessibility into public buildings. She stated that many public buildings have been constructed not taking into consideration the needs of the handicapped in using the facilities. She stated that the Federation is trying to apply pressure in this area so that alterations can be made in public buildings throughout the area. Ms. Benson continued by commenting that the handicapped are not looking for special treat- ment in anyway but only equality in the society. She stated that through the Federation the handicapped will have an opportunity to express their-,concerns and speak for themselves. She commented that the handicapped must be aware of their own capabilities in-oxder to affect their life style and be useful to the society. She commented that the Federation will provide them with a vehicle for self-identification and in turn the ability to affect their own lives. A discussion ensued relative to Ms. Benson's presentation with Commissioner Sugimura asking what local government can do to help the handi- capped citizen. Ms. Benson replied that local governments can enforce their codes in the area of accessibility for the handicapped in public buildings. Councilman Jensen inquired-.of what can be done through the Metropolitan Transit Commission to provide transportation fo-r- the handicapped. Ms. Benson stated that the Federation is working with the Metropolitan Transit Commission to provide better bus entrances and exists as well as,to provide a Dial-A-Ride program which would allow the handicapped an opportunity to get to the major mass transit routes within the metro- politan area. Chairman Davis commented on the need for trans- portation to allow the handicapped an opportunity to participate in community affairs. He stated that once this has been accomplished many other areas will be opened to the handicapped. Ms. Benson stated that once a handicapped individual is provided with transportation, employment opportunities will be available and the handicapped will have the opportunity to provide for themselves rather than having society provide for them. Chairman Davis thanked Ms. Benson for her presentation and attendance. The Commission recessed at 8:50 p.m. and resumed at 9:10 p.m. Commissioner Tolve reported on the booklet for the handicapped. She stated that she was in the process of developing a list of the public Recess Booklet for the Handicapped 40 10/24/74 -2- buildings to be surveyed for the booklet. The secretary commented that he would cate- gorize the list and provide a work copy for the Commission at the next meeting. Chair- man Davis requested that the Commissioners receive copies of the State Law relative to handicapped requirements for public buildings. Commissioner Tolve also commented that she had been contacted by the League of Women Voters, She stated that they would be willing to help with the survey. She commented that other groups will have to be contacted for help with the survey. I'm OK Program Chairman Davis then reported on the I'm OK program. He stated that he has received informa- tion on the program from the American: Red Cror>s. He commented that the staff will make the program available to the residents in the Shingle Creek Towers Apartment. He stated that the program will also be made available to all other senior citizens in the community who wish to use Councilman Jensen commented that the program should be presented to the City Council for their information. Motion by Commissioner Tolve and seconded by Commissioner Martinsen to '.present the I `jh OK program to the City Council at their next meeting. The motion passed unanimously. State Housing of Chairman Davis next commented on a discussion the Mentally he had with Mrs. Dolores Hastings on state Retarded housing of mentally retarded individuals. stated that the Commission had discussed the state subsidy program at their last meeting.' He commented that Mrs. Hastings would keep the Commission informed of the program. Outreach Community He also reported that he had received communi- Center cation from the Outreach Community Center about their new facility in Brooklyn Center. He commented that the Outreach. Program will provide housing for a number of mentally retarded individuals in the community. Crystal Human Rights Chairman Davis commented that he has received and Behavior an invitation from the Crystal Human Rights ,Commission and Behavior Commission to attend a meeting of the chairmen of neighboring Human Rights Commissions. -3- 10/24/74 Motion by Commissioner Martinsen and seconded by Adjournment Commissioner Sugimura.to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9,35 p.m. Chairman s 10 10/24/74 -4-