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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 09-29 HRRMMINUTES 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 SEPTEMBER 29, 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 7:35 p.m. Introduction of New Chairman Weyrauch introduced and welcomed Mr. Commissioner Michael Miller whose appointment to the Human Rights (Michael Miller) Commission by Mayor Cohen was confirmed by the City Council on September 13, 1976. The Chairman briefly reviewed Mr. Miller's background, explaining that he has been a resident of Brooklyn Center for five years and is presently employed at Cambridge State Hospital. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Tolve, Campion, Kathy Miller and Michael Miller. Also present were Administrative Assistants Leon Beasley and Ronald Warren. The Secretary reported that Councilman Jensen had informed him that he would be unable to attend this evening's meeting because of a prior commitment. Chairman Weyrauch noted the presence of Ms. Edith Johnson, a resident of Brooklyn Center who is seeking appointment to the Human Rights Commission. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by 5-5-76 Commissioner Kathy Miller to approve the minutes of the May 5, 1976 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by 6-16-76 Commissioner Kathy Miller to approve the minutes of the June 16, 1976 meeting as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Commission Resignation Chairman Weyrauch announced that he had received (Mary Stire) a letter of resignation from Commissioner Mary Stire who is moving from Brooklyn Center and must, therefore, resign her position. He requested the Secretary to forward Commissioner Stire's letter of resignation to Mayor Cohen. -1- 9-29-76 The Secretary reported that he had received Correspondence a letter from the Department of Human Rights requesting that membership index cards be filled out by Commission members so that they might be placed on the Department of Human Rights mailing list. The Secretary next reported that he had received correspondence from Mr. Steve Wrbanich, President of the North Country Chapter of th'e National Paraplegia Foundation. He stated that Mr. Wrbanich had sent the Commission informational pamphlets relating to the National Paraplegia Foundation (NPF) and the North Country Chapter of NPF. He also stated that NPF is selling various signs which designate handicapped parking, elevators, entrances, exits and restrooms., He explained that the North Country Chapter is making these signs available to persons seeking them. He next distributed the information for the Commission review. The Secretary then reported that the Human Rights Commission has been receiving copies of the North Para Flyer, an informational booklet put out by the North Country Chapter of the National Paraplegia Foundation. He also distributed this booklet to the Commission for their review. The Secretary introduced the next item of business on the agenda, that of a review of a State-wide handicapped accessibility booklet entitled "Easy Wheelin' in Minnesota". He stated that Mr. Robert Peters had developed the booklet: after approximately seven years of research and information collection. He stated that Mr. Peters had reviewed the Human Rights Commission's accessibility booklet and had used it as a source of information. The Secretary commented that Mr. Peters has asked the Commission to contact Control Data Corporation and the Minne- apolis Star and Tribune, organizations that published his booklet, if they feel his project is a worthwhile endeavor and should be continued. A brief discussion ensued relative to the booklet. Commissioner Michael Miller commented that he has had the opportunity to review the booklet at Cambridge State Hospital and stated that the booklet is a worthwhile piece of information. "Easy Wheelin' in Minnesota" 0 -2-' 9-29-76 Following further.discussion there was a motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by Commissioner Tolve to direct the Secretary to contact Control Data Corporation and the Minneapolis Star and Tribune to express the Human Rights Commission's support of "Easy Wheelin' in Minnesota" and to urge its con- tinuation. The motion passed unanimously. State of the The next item of business was a report by the Chairman Commission Report on the present state of the Human Rights Commission. He stated that the Commission has undergone a con- siderable change in membership since he was appointed Chairman in January of this year. He commented as to the untimely death of Commissioner Blomberg and the resignations of Commissioners Sugimura, Martinsen, and Stire. He also commented that Commissioner Kathy Miller has indicated that she cannot continue in her present capacity due to various conflicts with Commis= sion meetings, school and work. He explained that she has stated that she is willing to stay on the Com- mission until she can be replaced and that hopefully at some time in the future she could again become actively involved with the Human Rights Commission. Chairman Weyrauch noted Commissioner Michael Miller's recent appointment and the fact that Ms. Edith • Johnson has expressed an interest in serving on the Commission. He stated that presently the Commission has a complement of five Commissioners and an author- ization of nine members. He urged the Commission to actively seek out prospective members and encourage them to make application to the Mayor. Report of Human Rights The Secretary briefly reviewed the status of a resolute Commission Resolution tion adopted by the Human Rights Commission on No. 76-1 June 16, 1976 and forwarded to the City Council. He stated that the Council had reviewed the resolution at their July 12, 1976 meeting and after some deliberation had, through a unanimous vote, endorsed the philosophy embodied in the resolution. He further 'stated that the Mayor had complimented the Commission for its efforts in developing such a resolution. Affirmative Action Chairman Weyrauch referred to the minutes of the June 16, 1976 meeting relating to a Commission review of a staff-developed affirmative action plan. He stated that the Mayor has indicated that he wants to meet with the Chairman to discuss the role the Human Rights Commission would have in reviewing an affirmative action plan. He further stated that the Mayor would like to see a sound, workable affirmative action plan developed. -3- 9-29-76 The Secretary suggested that the Human Rights Accessibility Commission consider an update of the Commission'.s Booklet Update accessibility booklet, "A Guide For The Handicapped',, as a project to undertake during 1977. Chairman Weyrauch referred to, and distributed, the Northside Child Development Center 1975 Annual Report. He briefly reviewed the activities of this total daycare center. He explained that the center has been housed in the old St. Joseph' s School in north Minneapolis which is scheduled to be torn down within the next few months. He stated that a new facility is now being constructed for occupancy by the center in January of 1977. He referred to the over $ 200, 000- in contributions already received by the Northside Child Development Center from various companies and organizations and noted that they anticipate also receiving some federal matching funds. He stated that ultimately the center hopes to become self-supporting. A brief discussion ensued relative to the North- side Child Development Center with Commissioner Michael Miller commenting as to the positive impact the center has had on the near north side area. In response to an inquiry, Chairman Weyrauch stated' tha t the center will be located on 14th and Dupont Avenues North and will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., 52 weeks a year, excluding holidays. The Chairman concluded his remarks by stating that a benefit dance for the center is being planned for the Radisson Hotel in downtown Minneapolis on Saturday, October 16, 1976. He urged members of the Commission to attend. Motion by Commissioner Tolve and seconded by Commissioner Campion to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Chairman Northside Child Development Center Adjournment I* • • -4- 9-29-76