HomeMy WebLinkAbout1971 09-14 HRRMMinutes of the Proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center In the County
of Hennepin and State of Minnesota
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aAm"ir+t 14, 1971
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was
called to order by Chairman Winkelman at 8:10 P.m -
Roll Call: Chairman Winkelman, Commissioners Gustafson, Hastings,
Martinsen, Sandoval, Sazama, Weyrauch and Zerban. Also present was
staff member Blair Tremere.
Commissioner Weyrauch moved and Commissioner Sandoval seconded
that the minutes of the June 8, 1971 meeting be approved. Motion carried
unanimously.
The_:- first item of business was consideration of the size of the
Commission. Chairman Winkelman commented that there had been thought
given to a reduction of the present fifteen member size to one of seven
members. He stated that this was suggested with the thought that the
Commission would be more cohesive and productive in the various projects
brought to its attention. He noted that the number of seven was arbitrary and
that the size of the Commission could be reduced by attrition. There already
are two vacancies and that at the end of thts year three Commissioners'
terms expire leaving the number at ten.
A discussion ensued wherein it was noted by the staff that if the
membership of the Commission were to be reduced from fifteen, a change
in the original resolution establishing the Commission would have to be
initiated. It was also noted that Mayor Cohen is aware of the vacancy
situation. Chairman Winkelman said that it was the intent of the Mayor to meet
with the Commission at the next meeting and discuss this matter.
Commissioners Weyrauch and Zerban noted that while the present
number of fifteen was unusually large such a size permitted the establishment
of the several committees with a membership of two or three Commissioners
who are not assigned to more than one committee.
Chairman Winkelman stated that the Mayor had indicated a desire
to see the Human Rights Commission be more active particularly in the
areas of information and education. A discussion ensued wherein Commissioner
Zerban and Commissioner Sazama commented that there was a need for the
Information Committee to formulate and implement informational and educational
plans. The stated reasons for this were to provide the citizens of Brooklyn
Center an awareness of the scope and function of the Human Rights Commission
as well as to provide a viable channel of communication through which the
City Council could be advised and informed of human rights issues in
Brooklyn Center.
Chairman Winkelman asked Commissioer Sazama to direct the Information
Committee in proposing guidelines by which these goals could be met.
The next item of business was a discussion of proposed problems and
topics which the Commission could consider in the coming year. Commissioner
Hastings suggested that the Commission might examine the policies and
procedures of the City authorities with regard to the arrest and detention of
citizens of Brooklyn Center. She said that this might include a study of
what measures the City takes in following up the treatment given citizens of
Brooklyn Center who are processed through County or State detention facilities.
Commissioner Gustafson suggested that the Commission examine the hiring
practices of employers throughout the City of Brooklyn Center, including an
examination of the application and any testing procedures utilized.
After a brief discussion it was concluded that each Commissioner should
present at the next meeting suggested topics or issues which could be
considered by the Human Rights Commission in the coming year.
The next item of business was a discussion of the meeting dates
and times of the Human Rights Commission meetings. It was the consensus
of the Commission that the Tuesday night meeting time presented a number
of conflicts and thus there was a need for a differnet meeting date.
Motion by Commissioner Sandoval and seconded by Commissioner
Weyrauch to direct the staff to alter the meeting date of the Human Rights
Commission from the second Tuesday of the month to a Monday meeting
date which would not be in conflict with-other commission meetings or the
City Council meeting dates. Lotion carried unanimously.
Motion by Commissioner Sandoval and seconded by Commissioner
Weyrauch to adjotwn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The
Human Rights Commission met?ting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
Secretary Chairman
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