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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976 05-05 HRRMMINUTES 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 MAY 5, 1976 CITY HALL.. Call to Order The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called to order by Chair- man Weyrauch at 7:40 p.m. Roll Call Chairman Weyrauch, Commissioners Martinsen, 4 Campion, Miller and Stire. Also present were Councilman Robert Jensen, and Administrative Assistant Ron Warren. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by 2-25-76 and 3-17-76 Commissioner Miller to approve the minutes of the February 25, 1976 and March 17, 1976 meetings as submitted. The motion passed unanimously. Correspondence The first item of business on the agenda was a review of correspondence received since the last Commis- sion meeting. Chairman Weyrauch stated that he had . received an announcement from the Commission on Minnesota's future inviting interested persons to attend a public forum on "Trends Effecting Minne- sota's Future" to be held Thursday, May 13, 1976 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Kaufmann Memorial Union on the campus of the University of Minnesota. He proceeded to distribute the announcement to the Commissioners for their review. Discussion of Chairman Weyrauch introduced the next item of Draft Resolution business, that of a draft resolution prepared by the Secretary in response to the Commission's direction at the March 17, 1976 meeting. Councilman Jensen stated that he felt the draft resolution addresses the philosophical question of accessible transportation in the best way it can. Commissioner Campion commented that the resolu- tion is well worded but lacks teeth. He stated that he would like a statement in the resolution saying that the Human Rights Commission feels the MTC has not lived up to its moral obligations of providing accessible transportation for handicapped persons. -1- 5-5-76 Chairman Weyrauch stated that he somewhat shares Commissioner Campion's feelings on the subject, but question the United Handicap Federation's stand on a controversy. He further stated that the UHF seems to be taking a one sided approach and is unwilling to accept anything less than totally accessible buses. Commissioner Campion expressed the opinion that the Commission should support the basic idea that there is a need for providing public transportation for handicapped persons although not necessarily supporting the UHF position completely. He stated that both the MTC and the UHF should work together to provide a solution to the problem. The Secretary briefly reviewed the rationale used in developing the draft resolution. He stated that both organizations had agreed that there is a need for servicing handicapped persons with transportation. He further stated that the differences between the groups lies in the methods to be utilized, the UHF wants all buses totally accessible to all handicapped persons while the MTC feels that with a few modi- fications to their buses over 90% of all handicapped per.sons can be serviced and that they intend to develop an alternative method of service, known as "Project Mobility" , to be utilized by the remainder of the handicapped population. The Secretary cautioned the Commission that to chastise the MTC for their position without at the same time offering feasible solutions to this trans- portation problem is not a rational way to proceed. He stated that the Human Rights Commission does not posess the transportation expertise necessary to recommend various technical standards which could be used as guidelines for a position in op- position to the MTC`s present plan. He further stated that judgements relating to MTC's position should be reserved until after "Project Mobility" is proven to be a success or a failure as an al- ternative form of transportation for the handicapped. He concluded by explaining that the resolution, therefore, is directed in line with the Human Rights philosophy of encouraging accessible services of all kinds for handicapped persons and urging the continued development of economically feasible methods of public transportation that meet the needs of the handicapped. -2- 5-5-76 0 Councilman Jensen questioned the need for the statement in the resolution that refers to the court decision. The Secretary responded that the court decision was quite significant in that it says the MTC is not required to equip every standard size bus with equipmen(- to transport the wheelchair handicapped. He explained that this is the most recent legal decision that is directed at the heart of th, controversy between the UHF and the MTC. Commissioner Campion stated that he agreed with the Secretary that the Human rights Commission should not attempt to specify standards for public transportation but, he further stated, the resolution should express the feeling that the Commission did not like the tone of the MTC presentation and that the Commission is concerned that the MTC may not make a s~-ious attempt to provide accessible transportation. A lengthy discussion ensued relative to the wording of the draft resolution and possible modifications. Following the discussion it was the consensus of the Commission that the Secretary modi=y the resolution for the next Commission meet- ing to include the encouragement of "equal dedicatiorr to providing accessible services of all kinds for • handicapped persons on the part of governmental organizations, handicapped organizations and all citizens. " Park and Recreation The next item of business was a review of the Park Policy Plan and Recreation Policy Plan. The Secretary stated that the Park and Recreation Commission is in the process of reviewing the Park Policy Plan that will eventually be forwarded to the City Council for their consideration and possible adoption. He explained that the Policy Plan is a comprehensive document that, once approved by the Coun::il, will become a foundation for park planning and development. He further stated that the Park and Recreation Com- mission is attemptin to solicit as much citizen input as possible and has requested feedback from all the Advisory Commissions, interested organiza- tions and concerned citizens. He noted that the Park and Recreation Commission has scheduled public hearings for May 11 and May 18 and urged the Human Rights Commission to take advantage of these meetings to comment on the Policy Plan. • -3- 5-5-76 A brief discussion ensued relative to the Park and Recreation Policy Plan. Commissioner Stire recommended, and the Com- mission concurred, that a letter be directed to the Park and Recreation Commission commending that group for their work on the document. The Chairman introduced the next item of business, that of discussion and review of the status of the membership of the Human Rights Commission. He stated that he is con- cerned because of the rapid depletion of the ranks of the Commission. He reported that Commissioner Miller had recently informed him that she is planning to resign from the Commission due to various conflicts with the Commi- sion work and her school activities and employment. He stated that Commissioner Miller has agreed to stay on the Commission until a replacement can be found and that she would like the opportunity to again serve on the Human Rights Commission at sometime in the future. Chairman Weyrauch recognized Commissioner Martinsen who reported that he may be leaving Brooklyn Center within the next few months. He stated that he has tenta- tively sold his home and if he moves out of the city he will have to resign from the Commission. A brief discussion ensued relative to the status of the Commission's membership and ways to seek new members. Commissioner Campion commented that Michael Miller, a resident of Brooklyn Center, had expressed an interest in serving on the Human Rights Commission. Chairman Weyrauch requested Commissioner Campion to pursue the matter with Mr. Miller. Motion by Commissioner Campion and seconded by Commissioner Martinsen to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission adjourned at 9:05 p.m. Chairman Commission Membership Adjournment 0 i -4- 5-5-76