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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 06-16 HRRM" 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 JUNE 16, 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. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Martinsen, Campion and Miller. Also present was Administrative Assistant Ron Warren. Chairman Weyrauch reported that Commissioner Stire and Councilman Jensen had informed him that they would be unable to attend this evening's meeting and were, therefore, excused. Correspondence The first item of business on the agenda was a review of correspondence received since the last Commi- sion meeting. Chairman Weyrauch noted a letter received from the Metropolitan Council relating to housing and urban renewal applications. The Secretary read a copy of a letter, requested by the Commission at the May 5, 1976 meeting addressed to the Park and Recreation Commission expressing the Human Rights Commission's support of the Park Policy Plan and commending the Park and Recreation Commission for their efforts. The Secretary reported that the Park and Recreation Commission, following public hearings, has favorably passed on the Park Policy Plan to the City Council. Commissioner Tolve arrived at 7:38 p.m. Draft Resolution Chairman Weyrauch introduced the next item of business, that of discussion on a proposed resolution urging the City Council to encourage the continued development of economically feasible methods of public transportation. He stated that Commissioner Stire, who was excused from this evening's meeting, has conveyed to him her support of the resolution. -1- 6-16-76 ' g- The Secretary proceeded to briefly review the changes to the first draft of the resolution requested by the Commission at the previous meeting. A brief discussion ensued relative to the resolution. Commissioner Martinsen stated that he hopes MTC will • develop alternative methods of providing accessible trans- portation for the handicapped if "Project Mobility" fails. Member Jerry Campion introduced the following resolution and moved its adoption: HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 76-1 ' RESOLUTION URGING THE CITY COUNCIL TO ENCOURAGE THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE METHODS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION WHEREAS, the United Handicap Federation has requested the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission to support its position in opposition of the Metropolitan Transit Commission and urge them to purchase only buses that are totally accessible to all handi- capped persons; and WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission invited and heard representatives of the Metropolitan Transit Commission who explained their position relative to bus transportation for handicapped persons; and WHEREAS, it is the Metropolitan Transit Commission's position that they can provide regular bus service accessible to the majority of handicapped persons through modifica- tions to present buses and the addition of some special equipment; and WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Metropolitan Transit Commission to provide a specialized transportation service for the nonambulatory handicapped through a test project known as "Project Mobility" to be implemented in the near future which they feel is in the best interest of the severely handicapped; and WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission understands that in a District Court decision a judge ruled that U.S. Statutes do not require that every standard sized bus be specifically equipped to transport the wheelchair handicapped; and WHEREAS, the Human Rights Commission has been, and is now, dedicated to encour- aging accessible services of all kinds for handicapped persons and seeks equal dedication on the part of governmental organizations, handicapped organizations, and all citizens; and WHEREAS, the Commission wishes to encourage the continued development of economically feasible methods of public transportation that will provide services fir all handicapped persons. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission to urge the City Council of the City of Brooklyn Center to support the philosophy embodied in this resolution and encourage the continued development of economically feasible methods of public transportation for all citizens. -2- 6-16-76 RESOLUTION NO. Date 76-1 C ha irma n Secretary The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by member John Martinsen, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following voted in favor thereof: Al Weyrauch, John Martinsen, Joyce Tolve, Jerry Campion and Kathy Miller; and the following voted against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed and adopted. Commission Membership Chairman Weyrauch reported that Commissioner Campion had contacted Mr. Michael Miller who stated that he would gladly be willing to serve on the Human Rights Commission. The Chairman further stated that he would recommend Mr. Miller's appointment for the Mayor's consideration to fill the vacancy of former Commissioner Erv Blomberg. The Chairman also reported that Commissioner Kathy Miller plans to stay on the Commission until she is replaced. Commissioner Martinsen announced that this would be his final meeting as member of the Commission. He stated that he was moving from Brooklyn Center to Eden Prairie and would be submitting a formal letter of resignation to the Mayor shortly. Chairman Weyrauch urged members of the Commission to have persons interested in becoming a member of the Commission to either contact the Mayor, the Secretary or himself to make application. Affirmative Action Chairman Weyrauch reported that the Commission, as an upcoming project, may be involved in review- ing an affirmative action plan for the City. Summer Youth Program The Secretary briefly reviewed the State and Federal Summer Youth Program which provides summer em- ployment for youths between the ages of 14 and 21. He stated that there is a group site program that has begun a project in the Environmental Preserve and that there are also various individual jobs slots -3- 6-16-76 developed by the City staff, CEAP, and Brooklyn Center and Park Center High Schools. He explained that the wages paid to these youth are funded by the State and Federal governments and the programs are coordinated through the Center for Community Action. Chairman Weyrauch announced that the Human Rights Commission would not meet during the summer months of July and August, but would resume with its regularly scheduled meetings in September. 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 8:46 p.m. Chairman Summer Meeting Schedule . Adjournment 0 • -4- 6-16-76