HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970 02-10 HRRMMinutes of the proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center In the
County of Hennepin and State of
Minnesota
February 10, 1970
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was called
to order by Chairman Leon Binger at 8:07 P. M.
Roll Call. Commission members present were: Arthur Gustafson, L. Binger,
Mrs. Jeri Niznik, Jesse Sandoval, Mark Sazama, Al Weyrauch, Neil Smeaton,
John Winkleman, James Monaghan, and James.Corcorcan. Committee members
present were: Donn Escher, Leon Rankin and former Commissioner Marvin Stavig.
Staff member present was: B. E. Peterson.
Motion by Al Weyrauch and seconded by Mark Sazama to approve the
minutes of the January 13, 1970 meeting as submitted. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairman Binger introduced to the Commission two newly appointed
Human Rights Commissioners and gave a brief background on each of them.
Introduced were Mr. James Corcorcan, 3639 Admiral Lane who was appointed
by the City Council on February 2, 1970 to replace Mrs. Majel Berg for the
balance of her three year term expiring December 31, 1971. Also introduced
was Mr. James Monaghan, 6343 Noble Avenue North, a former Commission
committee member who replace Marvin Stavig whose term expired December 31,
1969 for a term of three years effective January 1, 1970. Chairman Binger also
announced that Commissioners Arthur Gustafson and Neil Smeaton were re-appointed
for terms of three years effective January 1, 1970.
Chairman Binger next announced new committee assignments to the
Commission as authorized by the By-laws, Article VI, Section 2 as follows:
Commissioner Al Weyrauch will be the new Chairman of the Employment Committee;
and new Commissioner James Corcorcan is appointed to the Housing Committee.
Chairman Binger also announced that new Commissioner James Monaghan will
remain with the Public Information Committee, but as a Commission member.
Under the item of committee reports Chairman Binger called upon
Commissioner Gustafson who introduced to the Commission Mrs. Carmen Borgerding,
an agent of the Suburban Housing Opportunities, Inc. Mrs. Borgerding explained
that the Suburban Housing Opportunities, Inc. was a non-profit organization
dedicated to helping low income families obtain home ownership. Following her
explanation there followed an extensive discussion among Commission and
committee members with Mrs. Borgerding who encourages Coi-milission members
to write to their Congressmen regarding the need for federal assistance in
helping low income families obtain home ownership.
The Commission recessed at 9:02 P. M. and resumed at 9:20 P. M.
Chairman Binger called upon the former Chairman of the Employment
Committee, Marvin Stavig to explain that committee's proposal to the Human
Rights Commission regarding the City of Brooklyn Center's affirmative hiring
procedures. Following the reading of the recommended Employment Committee's
proposal, a discussion followed whereupon a motion was made by James Corcorcan
and seconded by James Monaghan that the Brooklyn Center Human Rights
Commission endorse the Employment Committee's recommendation that the City
of Brooklyn Center initiate an affirmative action hiring procedure for minority
persons as follows:
That the Employment Committee of the Human Rights Commission
accept from the City Manager notification of personnel vacancies
for the City of Brooklyn Center. Upon such notification the Employment
Committee of the Human Rights Commission shall endeavor to notify
appropriate agencies who can make available to the City of Brooklyn
Center minority applicants for said job openings,
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Under the item of old business Chairman Binger asked for any additional
r ' comments regarding the Housing Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance reviewed
by the Commission on January 13, 1970.
Under the item of new business Chairman Binger called upon Commissioner
Sazama to explain to the Commission the Public Information Committee's proposal
on observing Human Rights Week, February 22, 1970. After some discussion
among Commission members a motion was made by Neil Smeaton and seconded by
James Corcorcan to allow the Brooklyn Center Human Rights Commission to
co-sponsor with the Human Rights Commission of Crystal, Golden Valley, New
Hope and Plymouth a reception honoring Mr. Conrad Balfour, the newly appointed
Canrdssionfrof the. Minnesota Department of Human Rights, Sunday, February 22,
1970, 3:00 P. M. The reception is to be held at the Robbinsdale Sr, High School
on Hwy. 100 and 36th Avenue North. Motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Philip Cohen arrived at 9:45 P. M.
Chairman Binger suggested that the Public Information Committee prepare
a mailing list.
Chairman Binger next commented on a letter he received announcing
that the State Department of Human Rights will hold a meeting for suburban
commissions on March 7, 1970 and that aU Commission members should attend.
Chairman Binger announced that Councilman Willard has relinquished
his iiason position and that Mayor Cohen vdU be the Council's representative
to the Human Rights Commission.
Chairman Binger then called upon r Cn'Cohen and asked him to comment
to the Human Rights Commission. Mayor Cohen brought to the attention of the
Human Rights Commission the need to begin to examine housing conditions in
the City. There followed a discussion among Commission members with
Mayor Cohen.
Motion by John Winkleman and seconded by Mark Sazama to adjourn
the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The Human Rights Commission
adjourned at 10:12 P.M.
Secretary
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Chairman
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