HomeMy WebLinkAbout1970 01-13 HRRMMinutes of the Proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center In the County
of Hennepin and State of Minnesota
January 13, 1970
The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and in
the absence of a quorum was called to order by Vice Chairman
John Winkleman at 8:05 P.M.
Roll Call: Al Weyrauch, Neil Smeaton, John Winkleman, Marvin
Stavig, Mark Sazama, Vern Backes and Arthur Gustafson. Committee
members present were: James Monahan, Mrs. Marie Rasmussen, and
Mrs. Helen Steffen. Also present was: B. E. Peterson.
Vice Chairman Winkleman stated that because of an absence of
a quorum the minutes would not be approved at this time.
Vice Chairman Winkleman called for announcements and since
there were none he stated that the commission would consider
committee reports. (Adrian Dorenfeld arrived at 8:10 P.M. and
it was recognized by Vice Chairman Winkleman that the Commission
now had a quorum.)
Education Committee Chairman Vern Backes summarized the
activity of the Education Committee and called upon committee
member Mrs. Helen Steffen and Commissioner Adrian Dorenfeld who
reported that the advisory Human Rights Committee in the Robbins-
dale School District is actively concerned about Human Rights in
their school system. There followed a discussion regarding
school literature about minorities. Commissioner Backes ended
by stating that there will be further education reports to be
presented at subsequent. Commission meetings regarding human
rights in the Anoka-Hennepin School District and the Osseo
• School District.
Vice Chairman Winkleman then called upon Commissioner Sazama
who gave a brief summary of the Communication Workshop sessions
held in November for the Human Rights Commission and committee
members.
Vice Chairman Winkleman also gave a summary of the second
session of the Communication Workshop.
Under the item of old business
called upon Commissioner Gustafson
Committee would comment at a subsea
meeting about the Suburban Housing
that meeting to have an officer of
the Commission.
Vice Chairman Winkleman
who reported that the Housing
auent Human Rights Commission
Opportunities, Inc. and at
said corporation speak to
The meeting recessed at 9:00 P.M. and resumed at 9:15 P.M.
Motion was made by Mark Sazama and seconded by Al Weyrauch
to approve the minutes of the November 11, 18 and 25, 1969
meeting and the December 9, 1969 meeting. Motion carried
• unanimously.
Under the item of new business vice Chairman Winkleman called
upon Commissioner Stavig, Chairman of the Employment Committe,
to read that committee's recommendations to the Human Rights
Commission. Commissioner Stavig read the Employment Committee's
recommendations to the Commission regarding the City of Brooklyn
Center's employment practices. There followed an extensive
discussion among the Commissioners, whereupon a motion was made
by Neil Smeaton and seconded by Vern Backes to table the
Employment Committee's recommendation regarding the City of
Brooklyn center's employment practices in order to allow the
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Employment Committee time to rewrite the recommendations in a
manner acceptable to the Commission. The motion carried
unanimously.
The next item of new business pertained to the draft Housing
Maintenance and Occupancy Ordinance. Commissioner Gustafson
filed the Housing Committee's January 9, 1970 minutes and then
brought to the Commission's attention sections of the draft
housing maintenance and occupancy ordinance that were examined
by the Housing Committee. In particular, the Commission dis-
cussed at great length Section 12-503 relating to minimum
. standards for light and ventilation. Particularly, the fact
that basement or attic bedrooms may not have the stated required
window size of 1/4 the floor space of 12 sq. ft. whichever is
the larger. After some discussion a motion was made by Neil
Smeaton and seconded by Adrian Dorenfeld that tfie Human Rights
Commission make known their concern to the City Council that
there are presently many homes with bedrooms in the attic and
basement which would not comply with Section 12-503 stating
that "every habitable room shall have at least one window
facing directly outdoors which can be opened easily." Motion
carried unanimously.
Vice Chairman Winkleman suggested that the Housing Chairman
make a formal motion that the Human Rights Commission adopt the
Housing Committee's concern for various sections of the draft
housing maintenance and occupancy ordinance. Motion by Arthur
Gustafson and seconded by Adrian Dorenfeld that the Human Rights
commission go on record critiquing sections of the draft housing
maintenance and occupancy ordinance and adding sections thereto:
1. Section 12-308 through Section 12-317 regarding
responsibility of owners and occupants. Is it
• difficult to pinpoint infestation (determine origin)?
2. Sections 12-401 through Section 409 regarding
minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities.
Should renters have available to them a copy of the
code--posted in a conspicuous place or presented
upon rental? Tenants would then feel that they
have some recourse in bringing in an unsolved
complaint for unsafe or unsanitary conditions.
3. Section 12-601 regarding minimum thermal standards.
Questions whether or not ordinance is too strongly
worded--"portable heating equipment employing
flame and the use of liquid fuel does not meet the
requirements of this section and is prohibited."
(Technological improvements might soon provide a
catalytic heater which would safely replace more
expensive electrical space heaters.)
4. Regarding protection to occupants of multiple
dwelling units (suggested section): "The land-
lo-rd shall post in a conspicuous place inside
each building entrance door, a printed notice,
furnished by the City of Brooklyn Center at the
time of license granting, to the effect that
tenants of the building who find their legitimate
complaints for repairs to equipment and facilities
inadequate, heat, insect and rodent eradication, etc.
to the landlord are ignored are urged to notify the
City Compliance Official who shall investigate the
complaint within three days of receipt.
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5. Protection to owners of multiple dwelling units
(suggested section): The landlord shall post in
a reasonable conspicuous place in each dwelling
unit a list of obligations assumed by the tenant
on matters of repair, cleanliness standards,
orderliness and the tenant must agree to its
provisions before agreeing to rent. Provisions
are not to be different from those in the
ordinance.
Motion carried unanimously.
Motion by Adrian Dorenfeld and seconded by Neil Smeaton to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting
adjourned at 10:29 P.M.
0
Secretary
Chairman
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