HomeMy WebLinkAbout1969 08-12 HRRMMinutes of the Proceedings of the
Human Rights Commission of the
City of Brooklyn Center in the
County of Hennepin and State of
Minnesota
August 12, 1969
• The Human Rights Commission met in regular session and was
called to order by Chairman Leon Binger at 8:03 P.M.
Roll Call: Vernon Backes, Mrs. Majel Berg, Leon Binger,
Arthur Gustafson, Mrs. Jeri Niznik, Mrs. Leon (Bea) Rankin,
Jesse Sandoval, Marvin Stavig and Al Weyrauch. Non-commissioners
present were: Donn Escher and Leon Rankin. Also present was:
B. E. Peterson.
Motion by Jesse Sandoval and seconded by Vernon Backes to
approve the minutes of the July Be, 1969 meeting as submitted.
At this time chairman Binger announced that the City council
had filled the vacancies on the Human Rights commission by
appointing two new Commissioners. The new Commissioners are
Mrs. Jeri Niznik who was recommended by Councilman Theodore
Willard to fill the vacancy left by Floyd Anderson and A.P.
(Al) Weyrauch who was recommended by Councilman Howard Heck
to fill the vacancy left by James Knight. Chairman Binger then
added that new Commissioners Mrs. Niznik will be on the Public
Services and Accommodations Committee and.that Al Weyrauch will
be on the Housing Committee.
• For the next committee report chairman Binger call upon
Commissioner Marvin Stavig, Chairman of Employment Committee, to
introduce Leon Rankin, an appointee to the Employment Committee
of the Human Rights Commission.
Chairman Binger next announced that the Human Rights
Commission had received a notice from the Minnesota State Depart-
ment of Human Rights asking for volunteer help during the
Minnesota State Fair.
The next item of discussion related to committee reports.
Chairman Binger called upon Commissioner Stavig to give a report
on the Employment Committee. Commissioner Stavig filed a report
with the Commission and then stated that the Employment Committee
recommends that the Commission, through--the activities of its
Employment Committee, encourages employers in Brooklyn Center to
actively recruit and employ minorities through five areas:
1. Re-evaluate job structures and standards.
2. Employ affirmative hiring procedures and to utilize
outside employment services, including minority
oriented agencies.
3. Maintain training and upgrading programs.
4. Establish a minority awareness pxogr,-.-ti for supervisory
personnel.
5. Periodically review and evaluate the above listed
recommendations.
Commissioner Stavig stated that his committee intends to period-
ically review the results of its activities and report back to
the Commission. Chairman Binger then asked for a discussion of
the Employment Committee's proposal after which a motion was
made by Jesse Sandoval and seconded by Al Weyrauch to:
1. To approve the Employment Committee's proposal as
presented.
2. To allow for future amendments to the basic proposal.
Chairman Binger then called for a discussion on the motion
after which an amendment was authorized by Vernon Backes and
seconded by Mrs. Maiel Berg to amend the main motion by adding
. the words "for minorities" to section No. 3 of the proposal
so that it reads "Maintain training and upgrading programs for
minorities." The amendment carried unanimously. A vote was
then taken on the main motion as amended. Motion carried
unanimously.
Chairman Binger next called upon commissioner Backes to give
a brief review on the status of the Education Committee.
Commissioner Backes announced that each of the five members
of the Education Committee will examine a special area of
education. Reverend Lindquist will examine churches in Brooklyn
Center and their role in education in relation to Human Rights;
Eugene Sullivan will examine the role of education in the
Hennepin County Branch Brooklyn Center Library regarding Human
Rights; Mrs. Helen Steffen, committee member, will study the
role of education in Human Rights in the Robbinsdale School
District; Marvin Cooper, committee member, will study the role
of education in the Osseo School District as it relates to
Human Rights; and Commissioner Backes will study the role of
education in the Brooklyn Center School District as it relates
to Human Rights.
• Chairman Binger asked if there were any old or new business.
There was none.
The Commission recessed at 9:00 P.M. and resumed at 9:15 P.M.
Chairman Binger then called upon Commissioner Rankin, Chair-
woman of the Public Information Committee, to introduce two
consulting psychologists, Mr. Sherod Miller and Mr. Al Lipp,
for the purpose of presenting an introduction to communication
and awareness problems. Commissioner Rankin stated that the
purpose of the invitation to the consulting psychologists was
to have them discuss with members of the Commission communication
workshops and organization effectiveness. For the remainder of
the evening Commission members, committee members and the two
consulting psychologists, grouped in a circle, discussed
organization effectiveness based on involvement, trust, and
candor.
Motion by Commissioner Rankin and seconded by Commissioner
Gustafson to adjourn the meeting. The Human Rights Commission
adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
Secretary Chairman