HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971 10-11 HRRMMinutes of the Proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center In the County
Of Hennepin ane' State of Minnesota
October 11, 1971
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called
to order by Chairman Winkelman at 7:15 P. M.
• Roll Call: Chairman Winkelman, Commissioners Gustafson, Hastings,
Zerban, Sandoval, Rasmussen, Martinsen, Meyer and Mensing. Staff members
present: Administrative Assistant Blair Tremere.
Motion by Commissioner IV artinsen and seconded by Commissioner Gustafson
to approve the minutes of the September 14, 1971 meeting as submitted. Motion
carried unanimously.
The first item of business was correspondence. Chairman Winkelman
stated a letter had been received relative to human relation courses for area
educators, following the provisions of a 1969 act passed by the State Legislature.
He noted that there is a requirement for a certain number of minority students and
that this requirement seemed to indicate there would be few openings for suburban
educators.
Mayor Cohen arrived at 7:25 P. M. for a scheduled discussion with the
Commission as to 'its goals and projects for the coming year.
With regard to the suggestion that the size of the Commission should be
officially reduced to the current membership the 1tilayor stated that it was entirely
up to the Commission itself to determine the proper size for a viable and effective
body, and to make a recommendation to the Council.
The Mayor stated that the analysis and evaluation of the housing situation
in the City should be an ongoing concern, especially with regard to senior citizens.
He further stated that the Commission might examine the possibility of a housing
and redevelopment authority assistance program and he stated the housing committe,--
of the League of Minnesota Municipalities was planning a meeting to discuss
demonstration projects.
Relative to local employment practices, the Mayor said the City has not
fully analyzed the status of employment opportunities throughout the City.
Commissioner Weyrauch added that in undertaking a study of employment practices
in the City, consideration should be given to the hiring practices of employers
towards Vietnam veterans.
The Mayor.stated that the basic role of the Human Rights Commission was
to provide impetus in all areas of human needs in the City of Brooklyn Center, with
special emphasis on education and health care. He said there was a current derra nd
for accurate data with regard to providing social services at the local level as well
as the need to develop an effective educational program concerning the use of drugs.
Commissioner Martinsen inquired as to the feasibility of establishing
a civil service commission in Brooklyn Center. A brief discussion ensued during
which Mayor Cohen stated that while a civil service commission could be established
in the City the present merit system was preferable and more effective. He suggested
that the Commission meet with the City Manager to discuss the City's hiring practices
and policies.
Chairman Winkelman asked the staff to arrange a meeting with the City
Manager to discuss the City hiring policies especially with regard to federal
compliance review proceedings.
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Commissioner Sazama reported on a meting he attended concerning
the juvenile home project initiated by members of the Church of the Master
Lutheran Church, After a brief discussion there was a motion by Commissioner
Sa;ama and seconded by Commissioner Zerban to direct the staff to prepare
a letter commending the members of the Church of the Master for their efforts .
In establishing the local juvenile home. Notion carried unanimously,
Commissioner Mensing left the greeting at 8:20 P.M.
The next item of business was consideration of the size of the Human
Rights Commission, Administrative Assistant Blair Tremere commented that tke
present membership was eleven whereas the resolution establishing the Commission
set the membership at fifteen. He stated that if the Commissioners felt the authorized
size should be reduced a resolution recommending such action Should be sent to
the Council so that the initial resolution could be amended,
Chairman. Winkelman stated that there was need for better accountability
as well as better involvement.on committee projects and that these objectives
could be realized with a smaller Commission, Commissioner Sazama stated that
the previous committee structure was too rigid and that the membership of fifteen
dial not help this situation, Commissioner Weyrauch suggested that a smaller
size would be highly desirable only if those on the Commission were dedicated
and consistently active in the affairs of the Commission.
Member Jesse Sandoval introduced the following resolution and moved
its adoption:
RESOLUTION RECOMM✓tENrING TO THE CITY COUNCIL THAT COUNCIL
RESOLUTION NO. 68-44 BE AMENDED TO REDUCE THE MEMBERSHIP
OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
WHEREAS, Council Resolution No. 68-44 establishes the Brooklyn Center
Human Rights Commission comprised of a Chairman and fourteen members appointed
• by the Mayor and the Council; and
WHEREAS, the Commission's current active membership is comprised
of eleven appointees; and
WHEREAS, it is the opinion of the Human Rights Commission that an
advisory body comprised of a Chairman and ten members can be more viable,
accountable, and effective in examining issues and in advising the Council:.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Human Rights Commission
of the City of Brooklyn Center that the Commission recommends to the City Council
the amendment of Council Resolution No. 68-44 subdivision 4. for purposes of
reducing the membership from fifteen to eleven.
The motion for the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly seconded by
Commissioner Mark Sazama, and upon vote being taken thereon, the following
voted in favor thereof. Chairman Winkelman, Commissioners Gustafson, Hastings,
Zerban, Sandoval, Rasmussen, Martinsen, and Meyer and the following voted
against the same: none, whereupon said resolution was declared duly passed
and adopted.
Chairman Winkelman called for suggested topics for the Commission's
. consideration in the coming year. Proposals included youth problems, arrest
and detention procedures of local and county law enforcement agencies, drug use,
archaic or "blue laws" which may exist in local codes, employment practices
of the City and local businesses, and housing.
Motion by Commissioner Zerban and seconded by Commissioner Hastings
to direct the Chairman to appoint, in turn, members of the Commission to attend
City Council meetings. Motion canted unanimously,
Motion by Commissioner Weyrauch and seconded by Commissioner Zerban
to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The Human Rights Commission
adjourned at 9:45 P. M.
Secretary -20- Chairman