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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997 04-09 CCM Joint Session with Human Rights and Resources Commission MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS AND RESOURCES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT SESSION APRIL 9, 1997 CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER The joint meeting of the Brooklyn Center City Council and Human Rights and Resources Commission was called to order by Chair Lerbs at 7:01 p.m. ROLL CALL Council present: Mayor Myrna Kragness, Councilmembers Kay Lasman and Robert Peppe. Councilmember Hilstrom was absent and excused. Councilmember Carmody arrived at 7:05 p.m. Commissioners present: Chair Wayde Lerbs, Commissioners Sharon Achtelik, Rhonda Braziel, Nancy Doucette, Karyn Huemoeller, Leona Raisch, and Shawn Taylor. Absent: Commissioners Sherry Maddox and Neng Yang. Also present: City Manager Michael J. McCauley and Council Secretary LeAnn Larson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES A motion by Commissioner Doucette and seconded by Commissioner Achtelik to approve minutes of the February 12, 1997, meeting as printed passed unanimously. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Councilmember Carmody arrived at 7:05 p.m. A motion by Commissioner Doucette and seconded by Commissioner Achtelik to approve the agenda as printed passed unanimously. . BIAS/HATE CRIME RESPONSE PLAN Chair Lerbs explained that the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan Proposal is a concerted effort to establish a local response to bias/hate crimes and to join with the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission in establishing a state -wide response mechanism to counter hate 4/9/97 -1- I and bias crimes. The most recent draft of the Response Plan Proposal was available for discussion. City Manager McCauley stated that an integrated community response is important. Any response the City makes should interface with responses by other organizations and school districts. Tapping into people who are skilled in certain areas is another key aspect of the Response Team. Commissioner Doucette noted that the school districts do not have set policy documented for bias/hate issues. She noted that the school districts deal with the offender, but this Response Team would minister to the victim. Chair Lerbs commented that the list of organizations which might be a part of this Response Plan is evolving. Adam Graves, Brooklyn Center High School student liaison, arrived at 7:15 p.m. City Manager McCauley suggested meeting with the school districts so that we know where they stand in the sense of who should coordinate efforts and how they would handle a traumatic issue. Also, deciding how to deal with negative publicity is important. Councilmember Carmody suggested the City Manager or Assistant City Manager be part of the Response Team. Commissioner Achtelik suggested that people experienced in any specific issue should be included in the Response Team to better address that issue. Commissioner Doucette added that there could be specialty "areas" and/or "people" for an appropriate response. Chair Lerbs noted the inclusion of Charlie LeFevere's comments regarding the draft Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan Proposal. Mr. LeFevere recommended that the Response Team include the City Manager or Manager's appointee. He also recommended that the Commission be notified of such a bias/hate complaint as soon as possible by the police provided such notification will not hamper on -going investigations or prosecution and is consistent with the Minnesota Data Practices Act: Councilmember Lasman inquired whether a large Response Team might possibly seem insensitive or overwhelming to a victim. City Manager McCauley responded that there may be a community-wide response to an issue tY g Y P Y tY p but that a small Response Team would serve the victim. 4/9/97 -2- I Commissioner Doucette noted, too, that the Response Team could list available options to the victim, ' leaving it to the victim's discretion whether to take advantage of any options. City Manager McCauley suggested identifying and meeting with various groups plus specific people who have training and sensitivity to meet with victims. Also, communication with the ministerial association could help get correct information out to people. Mayor Kra ness reminded the group that not all churches are art of the Y g gr p p ministerial association. Commissioner Doucette said that adjustments to the proposal sheet would be submitted to the Council for their approval. City Manager McCauley stated that the City liaison would be the new Assistant City Manager. OTHER BUSINESS Commissioner Doucette noted the Earle Brown Days parade in June and having a possible unit in the parade. Chair Lerbs noted that the Rotary Club of Brooklyn Center is seeking to honor outstanding volunteers with a "Service Above Self Volunteer Awards Program" awards. Chair Lerbs also noted that the Commission is working on a Human Rights Award in recognition of an individual, group, or business. Councilmember Lasman stated that the Awards Night for Crime Prevention would be held April 16, 1997, at 7 p.m., Constitution Hall. City Manager McCauley reminded the group about the upcoming open houses at the Fire station located on 65th and Dupont. Chair Lerbs expressed thanks to the Council for coming. to this joint meeting. ADJOURNMENT A motion by Commissioner Doucette and seconded by Commissioner Achtelik to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. passed unanimously. City Clerk Mayor Recorded and transcribed by: LeAnn Larson 4/9/97 _;_