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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 10-20 HRRMr. MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION FOR THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION OCTOBER 20, 1976 CITY HALL Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chairman Weyrauch at 7:40 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Campion and Michael Miller. Also present was Administrative Assistant Ronald Warren. Chairman Weyrauch reported that Commissioner Tolve had informed him that she would be unable to attend this evening's meeting and was, therefore, excused. 0 Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by 9-29-76 Commissioner Michael Miller to approve the minutes of the September 29, 1976 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Correspondence The Secretary reported that the Commission had recently received the Directory of Services for Developmentally Disabled Persons which was prepared by the Develop- mental Disabilities Task Force of the Metropolitan Health Board. He explained that the Directory lists various agencies in alphabetical order under service categories. He stated that the service categories include advocacy services, counseling services, day activity and developmental learning services, diagnostic services, education services, employment services, health services, information and referral services, planning services, recreational services, residential services, social services and vocational rehabilitation services. The Secretary further reported that the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission is listed in the Directory under advocacy services. He noted that the Brooklyn Center Park and Recreation Department is listed in the Directory under recreation and social services and that the Brooklyn Center Outreach Home is listed under residential services. The Secretary then passed the booklet on to the Commissioners for their review and -1- 10-20-76 explained that it would be available for their use. As a point of interest and information, the Secretary reported that the City has made agreements with the Community Emergency Assistance Program, Inc. (CEAP), the City of Brooklyn Park and the Brooklyn Center Jaycees to renovate the old City Hall at 7100 Brooklyn Boulevard for use and occupancy by LEAP. He explained that the City Council had reviewed and approved plans for the renovation at its October 18, 1976 meeting. He stated that the Jaycees will be doing much of the renovation work at the old City Hall, while the City of Brooklyn Park has agreed to share in half of the renovation costs, in an amount not to exceed $17,000. He further stated that plans reviewed by the City Council include the installation of ramps to make the building accessible to handicapped persons. A brief discussion ensued relative to the renovation project with the Secretary responding to Commissioners` questions. Chairman Weyrauch introduced the next item of business, that of a discussion on possible projects that could be undertaken by the Human Rights Com- mission in the near future. He stated that he had not yet been able to contact the Mayor regarding a possible review of an affirmative action policy statement that may be prepared by the City staff. He further stated that he would prefer deferring this matter until after he has had an opportunity to review it with the Mayor. Chairman Weyrauch suggested inviting Mayor Cohen to the November Commission meeting to discuss areas in which the Human Rights Commission can direct its energies. The Secretary reported that he had spoken with Com- missioner Tolve and that she wished him to convey to the Commission her suggestion for a possible Commission project. He' stated that Commissioner Tolve would like to see the Commission put on a human relations type workshop, possibly in conjunc- tion with Community Education. A brief discussion ensued relative to Commissioner Tolve's suggestion. Chairman Weyrauch stated that the Commission should attempt to invite a Community Education spokesman to an upcoming meeting to further pursue the workshop idea. . Old City Hall Renovation Proposals for Commission Projects i -2- 10-20-76 Commissioner Michael Miller commented that he agreed with Commissioner Tolve's suggested workshop and added that this would give the Commission an excellent opportunity to get people together to train and expose them in various aspects of human relations. Commissioner Campion also supported the workshop concept. He stated that the Human Rights Commission, to an extent, lacks exposure and that the workshop lends itself to informing citizens of the Commission's presence and its responsibilities. Commissioner Campion also suggested that the Commission put something together in writing that explains the duties, responsibilities and scope of the Commission and that possibly it could appear in the Brooklyn Center Post. Commissioner Campion inquired as to how the Commis- sion would address the matter of a discrimination complaint if one were brought to its attention. The Secretary responded that the Commission has no inherant investigative authority, and that perhaps its only recours would be to refer a complaint of this nature to the State Department of Human Rights. The Secretary briefly reviewed past Commission action involving a letter from Mr. W. R. Busch and the United Handicapped Federation's request, and how the Commission had heard both sides of these issues prior to taking a position. He explained.that aside from not having investigative authority, the Commission has no authority to compel an individual to appear before the group. The Secretary stated that the Commission can review these matters and extend an invitation to hear pertinent information in an advisory capacity to the City Council. Further discussion ensued relative to the Commission's responsibility with it being suggested that the Com- mission review the Human Rights Commission's enabling resolution which outlines the duties, responsibilities and scope of the Commission. November Meeting Chairman Weyrauch stated that the next Human Rights Commission meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 17, 1976, and that hopefully Mayor Cohen will be available to address the Commission. Adjournment Motion by Commissioner Campion, seconded by Com- missioner Michael Miller to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 8:35 p.m. Chairman -3- 10-20-76