HomeMy WebLinkAbout1980 12-09 HRRMMINUTES OF THE PRECEEDINGS OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN
AND THE.STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
DECEMBER 9, 1980
CITY HALL
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called
to order by Chairperson Kuhar at 8:30 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Kuhar, Commissioners Reichgott, Lemke, Paulos and Yencho. Also
present were Councilmember Gene Lhotka and Administrative Assistant Tom Bublitz.
Chairperson Kuhar noted that Commissioners Stacy, Trautwein and Coop were absent
from this evenings meeting and were excused.
DISCUSSION OF CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY SEMINAR AND DIRECTORY
The Commissioners discussed the mailing list for persons and groups to be
invited to the upcoming seminar. Commissioner Reichgott presented a list of
community groups to Commissioners to which invitations would be mailed. She
pointed out district 281 and 279 would also be included on the mailing list.
Chairperson Kuhar requested a report from Commissioner Yencho on the status of
the program. Commissioner Yencho stated, three individuals have agreed to speak
at the seminar including, Robert Beck of the Drug Information Service Center,
Mike Jereczek of District 279 and Jeff Silesky of Metro Drug Awareness.
Commissioner Yencho stated he believes that in addition to the speakers the
program needs a moderator to outline the purpose of the program. He added, at
the end of the seminar the Commission could invite-the guests to a future meeting
to develop a program further. He suggested a four part theme for the seminar
which would include chemical abuse, prevention, a discussion of families, and
a final segment which would be, "Where Do We Go From Here". Commissioner Yencho
suggested a $25 honorarium for each of the three speakers pointing out that, in
the case of Robert Beck representing the Drug Information Service Center, the
funding for that organization has been reduced and it is necessary for them to
request a minimal honorarium for speaking engagements.
Councilmember Lhotka stated he would like to discuss where the Commission might
be going with the program after the seminar and requested Commissioners to
comment. The Commissioners discussed the general direction of the program
including the Commissions present role and the future role in a chemical depen-
dency and abuse program. Councilmember Lhotka stated, in this first program
the Commission is aiming at providing information to reach various City organi-
zations to let them know a program is available to their particular group.
Chairperson Kuhar stated, the Commission could encourage people attending the
seminar to sponsor their own program and also let them know that the Commission
can put them in contact with resource groups.
The discussion again turned to the specifics of the Chemical Dependency Seminar
and there was a motion by Commissioner. Reichgott and seconded by Commissioner
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PaulOS to approve the three speakers previously mentioned for the seminar. The
motion passed unanimously.
Commissioner Yencho said he would contact
ments with them. Commissioner Reichgott
the possibility of having exhibits-at the
Commissioner Yencho stated the Commission
the various groups and agencies that were
the speakers and firm up the arrange-
3uggested that the Commission discuss
seminar in addition to the speakers.
could probably obtain brochures from
contacted and put them on a display table.
Commissioner Mayleben arrived at 9:20 p.m.
Commissioner Reichgott suggested a brochure and cover letter be prepared to send
to the various civic organizations inviting them to the seminar. Chairperson
Kuhar suggested combining the brochure and the cover letter into a single document.
The Commission members concurred that the brochure and cover.-letter should be
combined. Chairperson Kuhar asked the Commissions opinion on whether the Commis-
sion should have brochures from the various groups and agencies available at the
seminar. There was a general concurrence among the Commission that there should
be some type of informational display made available and Chairperson Kuhar stated'
she would contact the various agencies to try and obtain some brochures and
literature for a display table.
Commissioner Paulos reported on the development of the Chemical Dependency
Resource Directory and stated, his approach was to develop a format for the
directory which he distributed to Commission members. Commission members
revieded the directory format and approved the format with the addition of
another category, that being Community Information Programs. Councilmember
Lhotka.suggested dividing up the questionnaires among Commission members to
organize them according to the required format. After a brief discussion of
the directory format the Commission members agreed that December 19, 1980
would be established as the deadline for the return of the questionnaires to
Administrative Assistant Bublitz so that he could have them typed and made
ready for printing.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES r- 11-12-80
There was a motion by Commissioner Reichgott and seconded by Commissioner Mayleben
to approve the minutes of the November 12, 1980 Human Rights Commission meeting
as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
504 PROGRAM-::w
The Commissioners briefly discussed the development of'the 504 Program for the
City and directed Administrative Assistant Bublitz to investigate resources
available to the Commission to begin a survey of the City Hall and Community
Center physical facilities.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commissioner Lemke suggested beginning a program in conjunction with the Inter-
national Year of Disabled Persons which would recognize and select one handi-
capped person per month in Brooklyn Center to be the outstanding Handicapped
Person of the Month. She added, the recognition would include a newspaper
article in addition to recognition by the Human Rights Commission. She stated,
the State Council for the Handicapped could help compile a list of handicapped
persons in Brooklyn Center from which the individuals could be selected. She
explained, the purpose of the program would be to provide positive reinforcement
to handicapped individuals.
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Commissioner Yencho stated, he believes it is a good idea but was concerned
that it may be a problem in setting up a mechanism to choose the handicapped
individuals to which awards would be presented. A discussion ensued among
Commission members regarding Commissioner Lemke's suggestion and the concurrence
of the Commission was that the matter be discussed with the City Manager and
City Council before any formal action was taken by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Reichgott and seconded by Commissioner Lemke
to adjourn the meeting. The motion passed unanimously. The Brooklyn Center
Human Rights Commission. adjourned at 10:40 p.m.
Chairperson
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