HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 05-18 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 18, 1977
CITY HALL
Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in
regular session and was called to order by Chairman
Weyrauch at 7:34 p.m.
Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Miller, Tolve,
Johnson, Bradway, and Castle. Also present were Council-
man Gene Lhotka and Administrative Assistant Brad Hoffman.
Chairman Weyrauch reported that Commissioner Campion
had informed him that he had a prior commitment and would
be unable to attend this evening's meeting and, therefore,
was excused.
Introduction of New Chairman Weyrauch introduced and welcomed new Com-
Commissioner mission member Forrest C. Castle whose appointment by
the Mayor was confirmed by the City Council on April 25,
• 1977.
Approval of Minutes Approval of minutes for February 16, 1977; March 16, 1977;
2-16-77; 3-16-77; and April 20, 1977.
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Commissioner Bradway noted that her name had been mis-
spelled in the April 20, 1977 minutes and requested that
the minutes of that meeting be corrected.
Commissioner Miller moved and Commissioner Bradway
seconded the acceptance of the minutes as corrected for
February 16, March 16, and April 20. The vote was
unanimous.
Correspondence The. Secretary introduced a letter from Harvey Leviton to
the Human Rights Commission. Mr. Leviton indicated
that he felt that the use of public funds to support the
activities of the YMCA as was being proposed in Robbins-
dale School District #281 was inappropriate if not illegal.
The letter was directed to the Commission for informational
' purposes only. Chairman Weyrauch indicated that while
Mr. Leviton may have a legal point comment it was his
• • opinion that the point was capricious.
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Chairman Weyrauch introduced a letter from the Metropolitan
Council advertising several workshops of general interest to
the Commission. He also introduced three (3) copies of Preview
also a Metropolitan Council letter.
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Councilman Gene Lhotka introduced a letter from Jane Kuhar,
a recent resident of Brooklyn Center, who indicated her interest
in becoming a member of the Human Rights Commission. Chair-
man Weyrauch inquired as to the number of vacancies on the
Commission and Councilman Lhotka replied ghat there was one
(1) vacancy still available.
Chairman Weyrauch introduced the next item by requesting Commission Projects
that each member receive a copy of The Accessibility Hand-
book for the handicapped and a copy of the questionnaire
that went along with that handbook. He suggested that
each Commissioner review it and be ready to comment on it
at the next meeting .
Commissioner Tolve stated that she had further reviewed the
possibility of using TTY equipment in the Police Department
for emergency communication with deaf individuals. Since
the April 20 meeting, she has learned that the Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension is equipped with such equipment
and that they receive emergency calls from deaf individuals
all over the State and that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehen-
sion contacts the appropriate agency. The Secretary added
that the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has instant com-
munication with all Police Departments throughout the State
through the: use of a computor hookup. Commissioner
Castle inquired as to the cost of such equipment and
Commissioner Tolve replied that it was quite expensive.
Commissioner Tolve noted that she had not had an oppor-
tunity to discuss with Park and Recreation Director Gene
Hagel the possibility of using interpreters for Civic Center
activities. She added that there is a deaf grapevine in
existence which would communicate such information to
deaf individuals within the area and that she felt that
programs with interpreters would attract many deaf indivi-
duals to the Civic Center.
Councilman Lhotka stated that he felt that the resolution
on Equal Employment Opportunity being recommended by
the Commission was too general and should be more
specific. Chairman Weyrauch noted that it was just a
statement of policy and that the Compliance Officers of
Northern States Power had reviewed it and indicated to
him that they felt it was quite good. The Secretary added
that the Commission had already voted to recommend the
resolution and that it would be before the Council on
May 23, 1977.
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Councilman Lhotka inquired of the Commissioners if they
had considered or were aware of a good sensitivity train-
ing program for the Police Department and the Administra-
tive staff. He added that he felt that it was important
that people who have a great deal of public contact be
• exposed to such training. Commissioner Weyrauch reviewed
his discussions with, Mr.. Sam Richardson, former Director
of the State Human Rights Department, who provides such
training. He noted that few resources for sensitivity train-
ing still exist since they were in vogue in the late 1960's.
Chairman Weyrauch further suggested that because of the
cost, perhaps Commissioner Campion could request the
Brooklyn Center Police Association to provide Association
monies for sensitivity training for the Police Department.
Councilman Lhotka requested that the Commissioners keep
him informed if they should become aware of any good
programs of this nature.
Other Business Chairman Weyrauch inquired as to the date of the next
meeting. The Secretary replied that it was scheduled for
July 20, 1977. Commissioner Tolve noted that the next
meeting would be held at her home, which was located
at 7012 Oliver Avenue North.
Adjournment Commissioner Tolve moved and Commissioner Castle
seconded the motion for adjournment. The meeting was
adjourned at 8:20 p.m.
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Chairman
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