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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 04-20 HRRM_4 MINUTES 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 APRIL 20, 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 7:35 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Miller, Tolve, Campion, and Bradley. Also present were Administrative Assistants Ronald Warren and Brad Hoffman. The Secretary reported that Councilman Lhotka was attending a Suburban Rate Authority meeting and was excused. Correspondence Chairman Weyrauch introduced five (5) issues of "Preview" , a Metropolitan Council bulletin for community leaders, for the Commissioner's review. The Secretary passed on to the Chairman a copy of the new State Human Rights Department's Biannual Report. The report • was made available to each of the Commissioners. Commissioner Lacina arrived at 7:37 p.m. and Com- missioner Johnson arrived at 7:38 p.m. Senior Citizen The first item of business was directed to the problems Community Talk and concerns of Brooklyn Center senior citizens. Forrest Castle, who is an applicant for a vacancy on the Com- mission, was invited to speak to the Commission about the problems and concerns of senior citizens and how the Commission might be of service to them. Mr. Castle first referred to a program of the ABC's of Lifesaving which had been presented to the residents of 6221 Shingle Creek Parkway on April 15, 1977. He stated that the program had been well received and very beneficial to those who had been in attendance. He then discussed at length the possibility of starting a program to make senior citizens aware of a flashlight- like device that contained a siren and a flashing red light that could be used to attract help in cases of emergency. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the • cost of such items, the availability of similar items on • the local market, and how such items could be of assistance to senior citizens, handicapped individuals, and others. Chairman Weyrauch indicated that he would get together with the purchasing department of Northern 1- 4-20-77 States Power and have them report on cost data and local distributors. r Chairman Weyrauch inquired of Administrative Assistant A. Ron Warren what other programs were available to senior citizens through the Civic Center. Ron Warren stated that the Civic Center currently has a Seniors Club which meets every Wednesday at noon at the Civic Center and twice a month in the evening at the Earle Brown School. He also stated that the Civic Center publishes a news- letter called "Senior Happenings" which outlines activities sponsored by the Civic Center for senior citizens. They also publish brochures on various Civic Center activities which are available to senior citizens and he indicated that senior citizens received reduced rates for many of the activities that are held at the Civic Center. He also indicated the Park and Recreation Department was always open to new suggestions and programs to accommodate senior citizens. Commissioner Tolve added that she would like to 'see the City make use of interpreters for deaf individuals. The next item of business was a review and discussion Review and Discussion of a proposed resolution expressing and reaffirming the of Policy Statement City's policy and support for the concepts of equal employment opportunity. Commissioner Lacina stated • that the resolution was very similar to the one that had been passed in the City of Richfield. Commissioner Johnson expressed reservations about the section describing the deep roots of American legal tradition towards equal opportunity. She stated that equal oppor- tunity has not been a reality in this country and was not truly its tradition. Commissioner Campion suggested that the section in question be changed by adding the word ideally so as to read, "WHEREAS, ideally the concept of equal opportunity has deep roots in American and legal democratic tradition; and". Motion by Commissioner Campion, seconded by Com- missioner Tolve that the resolution as amended be forwarded to the City Council with a recommendation for approval. The motion passed unanimously. The next item of business was a review of the schedule Kaleidoscope '77 for each Commissioner at Kaleidoscope '77. A brief discussion ensued as to the Commission's display. Chairman Weyrauch expressed his appreciation to • Commissioner Edith Johnson for her help with the housing workshops sponsored by the Housing Commission. -2- 4-20-77 Commission Projects Chairman Weyrauch opened up the discussion for project suggestions for the Commission for the remainder of the year. Commissioner Tolve suggested a program to make interpreters for the deaf available at Community Educa- tion programs and also to make parks, such as Kylawn, more readily available to the handicapped. Commissioner Lacina noted that the Woodlake Nature Center had pro- grams for blind individuals to help them take advantage of that particular park. Chairman Weyrauch discussed the possibility of sponsoring sensitivity training sessions, noting that such training is not as readily available as it once was. He stated that Mr. Sam Richardson, former head of the State Human Rights Department, along with his partner, Mrs. Bernie Klein, do offer sensitivity training. He stated that he would be getting together with these two in the near future to discuss the possibility of sensitivity training workshops. Commissioner Tolve then discussed the possibility of the Police Department acquiring TTY equipment. She stated that such equipment was the only available means deaf individuals have of communicating over a telephone. She further stated that Ramsey County Hospital had acquired such equipment and that they receive calls from deaf individuals throughout the State seeking assistance. • A brief discussion then ensued relative to the problems of handicapped individuals communicating over the telephone and the application of such equipment in the Brooklyn Center Police Department. Commissioner Miller inquired as to the number of deaf individuals within the City and the percentage of those individuals who have made use of the Ramsey County Hospital facility. Chairman Weyrauch indicated that there were four (4,) , projects he felt the Commission should consider. First, to update the accessibility booklet for the handicapped in Brooklyn Center. Second, to provide an awards program for recognizing individuals who have made con- tributions in the area of human rights. He also stated that the Commission should develop standards and criteria for the selection of individuals who will be the recipients of such awards. Third, he suggested the development of sensitivity training programs and in conjunction the Commission should serve as a resource center for complaints. Fourth, projects for handicapped citizens and senior citizens should be explored. • Discussion continued and it was decided by the Commis- -3- 4-20-77 sion to place Commission projects on next month's agenda. Motion by Commissioner Campion, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to draft a letter to the Brooklyn Center Post describing plans for an update of the accessibility booklet for the handicapped and requesting feedback from Brooklyn Center citizens. The motion was passed unanimously. Motion by Commissioner Tolve, seconded by Adjournment Commissioner Campion to adjourn the meeting. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:20 p.m. upon the unanimous approval of the Commission. Chairman I* • -4- 4-20-77