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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1977 03-16 HRRM0 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 MARCH 16, 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 7:37 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Campion, Miller, and Bradway. Also present were Forrest Castle, Councilman Gene Lhotka, and Administrative Assistants Brad Hoffman and Ronald Warren. Chairman Weyrauch reported that Commissioner Tolve was unable to attend this evening's meeting because of another commitment and was, therefore, excused. Introduction of New Chairman Weyrauch introduced and welcomed Mrs. Commissioner Eleanor Bradway whose appointment to the Commission by the Mayor was,confirmed by the City Council on March 14, • 1977. Chairman Weyrauch also noted the presence of Mary Jane Gustafson of Post Publications. He stated that Mrs. Gustafson was doing various articles on all the Advisory Commissions in Brooklyn Center and was present this evening to get information for such an article on the Human Rights Commission. The Chairman briefly reviewed the activities of the Human Rights Commission since the time it was formed in 1968 for Mrs. Gustafson's benefit and explained that the Commission may well be seeking new directions in terms of its duties, respon- sibilities and scope and that also the Commission may have a new name. Commissioner Johnson arrived at 7:45 p.m. Commissioner Campion introduced Forrest Castle of the Shingle Creek Towers Apartment who had been invited this evening as a guest of the Commission to discuss various needs of senior citizens. 0 -1- 4-16-77 The next item of business was the discussion of various Commission Projects projects which could be pursued by the Human Rights Commission during 1977. Chairman Weyrauch opened the meeting and requested Commissioners to express their thoughts regarding this matter. Commissioner Campion requested that Mr. Castle be given an opportunity to address the Commission regarding the activities he's involved in with senior citizens at the Shingle Creek Towers Apartments. Chairman Weyrauch recognized Mr. Castle who proceeded to review various activities for senior citizens at the Shingle Creek Towers. He explained that he serves in the capacity of an informal social director and organizer for senior citizens and has been able to develop and organize a system of floor representatives for people living in the high rise apartment. He further explained that other pro- jects have been instituted in the building such as the "I'm OK" signs that are available for senior citizens which indicate that no problems exist within the apartments. He added that efforts have been made with the building manager to explain the security system operation to a number of the citizens living in the apartment. In addition to these programs and projects Mr. Castle explained that a number of social programs have also been developed for the senior citizens. Commissioner Campion inquired of Mr. Castle if he felt the services provided by the City for senior citizens are adequate, and if not what could be done to improve them. Mr. Castle responded that police emergency services have been excellent. He noted that the Fire Department has sent' representatives to the Shingle Creek Towers to show slides and present educational information. He also commented that the Mayor had appeared at a senior citizens gathering for the purpose of explaining local government and the services provided by the City. Mr. Castle reported that one of the biggest complaints among senior citizens and handicapped people living at the Shingle Creek Towers has to do with the abuse of handicapped parking signs. He added that most of the senior citizens and handicapped persons would like to see the signs more rigorously enforced, Commissioner Campion responded that the Police Department does have the authority to tag violators and has often written citations for violation of handicapped parking signs. He commented • 9 4-16-77 -2- that because the fine is not severe, approximately $5, many people continue to violate the handicapped parking signs. He added that a more heavy fine might be a deterrent to those violating the handicapped parking signs. A brief discussion ensued relative to various activities and programs for senior citizens that are available within the City. Mr. Castle explained that in many cases there are charges for various recreational programs which may have an adverse effect on the attendance by senior citizens. It was pointed out to Mr. Castle that the Park and Recreation Department offers a senior citizens rate for use of the Community Center. Mr. Castle stated that he thought if more of the senior citizens were aware of the programs and recreational activities available they would make better use of them. Councilman Lhotka inquired of Mr.. Castle regarding transportation problems for senior citizens. Mr. Castle responded that there are many senior citizens at Shingle. Creek Towers that have automobiles and provide trans- , portation for a number of the senior citizens. He further stated that it would be nice if the merchants at Brookdale- • and other surrounding commercial establishments could provide a shuttle service between the Towers and the Shopping Center which would be a benefit both to the. senior citizens and also to the business community. Further discussion ensued with Mr. Castle regarding services available for senior citizens. Following the discussion Chairman Weyrauch thanked Mr. Castle for appearing before the Commission and invited him.to stay for the remainder of the meeting and to offer any sugges- tions relating to items being discussed by the Commission. Commissioner Johnson stated that if the Commission intends to pursue a project involving making information available to senior citizens about various services and programs in the community that the .Commission must attempt to find out first what the senior citizens' needs are and then address the matter. Chairman Weyrauch again recognized Mr. Castle who suggested that the Commission attempt to contact various senior citizens groups for a community talk at which senior citizens could express to the Commission what, their needs are. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to -3- 4-.16-77 Mr. Castle's suggestion with it being the consensus of the Commission to attempt to invite senior citizens to an upcoming Commission meeting and to direct'.-the Secretary to contact Gene Hagel, Director of Parks and Recreation, so that information would be available at this community talk regarding various Park and Recreation programs and activities. Chairman Weyrauch commented that the Commission still has two vacancies to fill and inquired of Mr. Castle if he would consider making application for appointment to the Commission. Commissioner Miller referred to a letter to the Human Rights Commission from Commissioner Tolve regarding a report on the 1976 Governor's Conference on handicapped individuals which contained various suggestions for Commission projects. He stated that the letter contains a number of items that he would like to see the Commission pursue. Chairman Weyrauch stated that Commissioner Tolve would be in attendance at the next Human Rights Commission meeting at which time she could respond to various questions regarding her report and also explain in more detail her suggestions for Commission projects. Chairman Weyrauch left the table at 8:55 p.m. and returned at 8:56 p.m. Councilman Lhotka stated that the Commission at a Sensitivity Training previous meeting had discussed the possibility of developing or arranging human relations or sensitivity training workshops. He suggested that it might be beneficial for the Commission to attempt to develop a sensitivity training program for City employees. He in- quired if such training has been provided in the past for City employees, particularly police officers. Commissioner Campion stated that Mr. Van White, of Pilot City Employment Center, had in the past sat down with police officers and held various rap sessions on police and minority relations. He stated that he thought it would be beneficial if such sessions could again be arranged. He added that aside from this there has been very little sensitivity training for police officers. • 4-16--77 -4- 0 The Secretary stated that the Police Department has provided certain sensitivity and human relations type training sessions within the last three years. He explained that persons from the Rape Crisis Center have conducted training sessions involving how to deal with rape victims and that the County Attorney's Office has put on a number of training sessions for police officers., many of which involve human relations type topics. He added that the City Attorney's Office has also conducted a course involving search and seizure procedures and the rights of persons arrested for various crimes. The Secretary further stated that he was certain that the Police Administration would be open to suggestions regarding various sensitivity or human relations type training sessions but that the biggest limitation for putting on such training programs is the amount of training time allocated each year. He explained that the Police Department has a specified, number of hours dedicated for training purposes, generally about 50 hours, and that the planning of these hours is generally done in conjunction with the preparation of the Police Department budg~t. April Meeting Chairman Weyrauich stated that there seems to be enough pending items thagt warrant the scheduling of a special meeting in April. ~ It was the consensus of the Commission that a special meeting be held on April 20, 1977 and that senior citizens be invited to that meeting for purposes of a community talk and that the Secretary attempt to make arrangements with the Director of Parks and Recreation to see if he would be available to provide various information regarding Park and Recreation programs and activities for senior citizens. • Policy Statement Chairman Weyrauch introduced the next item of business on the agenda, that of a review and discussion of a draft policy statement expressing and reaffirming the City Council's intent to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons. A brief discussion ensued relative to the draft policy statement with it being the consensus of the Commission that the matter be held over until the April 20 meeting at which time the full Commission would be in attendance to discuss the matter. -5- 4-16-77- The Chairman briefly reviewed correspondence received by the Commission since its last meeting and distributed a number of Metropolitan Council Weekly Reviews for the Commission's review. Correspondence is The Secretary, on behalf of the Housing Commission, invited members of the Commission to participate in the Housing Commission's Home Renovation Workshop which is scheduled for March 30, April 6, April 13, and April 20, 1977. He briefly reviewed the program and commented relative to the various topics that would be presented at the Workshop. A brief discussion ensued relative to the Human Rights Commission's plans for Kaleidoscope '77. A tentative schedule for staffing the Human Rights Commission booth was established with Commissioner Miller volunteering to staff the booth between 11:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; Commissioner Bradway volunteering to staff the booth between 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.; Commissioner Campion volunteering to staff the booth between 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.; and Commissioner Johnson volunteering to staff the booth between 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. Chairman Weyrauch stated that he planned to be at Kaleidoscope for most of the day and would be willing to fill in at any time. He added that he would contact Commissioners Tolve and Lacina regarding their availability for staffing the Human Rights Commission booth. Motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Chairman BC Kaleidoscope '77 Adjournment • i 4-I6-77 -6-