HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 07-19 HCM MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE HOUSING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE
COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR SESSION
JULY 19, 2011
COUNCIL COMMISSION ROOM
CALL TO ORDER
The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission was called to order by Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson
at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Chairperson Kris Lawrence - Anderson, Commissioners Kathie Amdahl, Chereen Norstrud, and Judy
Thorbus Also present were Council Liaison Carol Kleven and Staff Liaison Tom Bublitz.
Commissioners Tracy Groves and Ephraim Olani were absent from the meeting. Also in attendance
was guest speaker Monique Drier, Police Department Community Liaison, Ms. Molly Degonda,
serving as intern, and Ms. Barbara Jensen, Brooklyn Center resident.
APPROVAL OFAGENDA
There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Norstrud to
approve the agenda as submitted. The motion passed.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — JUNE 21, 2011
There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Thorbus to approve
the June 21, 2011 Housing Commission minutes as submitted. The motion passed.
CHAIRPERSONS REPORT
Chairperson Lawrence - Anderson reported that as follow up to a domestic violence collaborative she
had attended, she believes it would be a good idea to have information on this topic on the city's
website. She added that she would contact the Assistant City Manager to discuss adding links on the
city's website to information regarding domestic violence resources. She added that she would also
like to consider making this type of information available in the Welcome Bags in a brochure form
such as the one done by Hennepin County Medical Center.
COUNCIL LIAISON REPORT
Councilmember Kleven informed Commission members that Councilmember Roche has indicated
he will be leaving the Council which will necessitate a special election for the city. She also noted
that the Council recently passed a "tobacco free" parks policy and that the policy will be enforced on
a voluntary compliance basis. Finally, Councilmember Kleven pointed out that the Department of
Housing and Urban Development had rejected the bid for Shingle Creek Tower from a New York
based company, pointing out that this particular owner had a very poor track record with regard to
maintaining rental housing in the State of New York.
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PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION — MONIQUE DRIER, POLICE DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY LIAISON
The'Chair and Commission members welcomed Miss Drier, her intern Molly and Ms. Barbara
Jensen, to the meeting.
Ms. Drier briefly reviewed her past work experience, which included working as a Hennepin County
parole officer for the past 23 years and working in institutions such as the Minnetonka Home School
where she was promoted to a probation office working with adults. She added that she is still paid
by Hennepin County and holds the position of parole officer with the County as well as her
Community Liaison duties with the City of Brooklyn Center.
Ms. Drier reviewed her PowerPoint presentation which included the following topics:
• Why it is important to talk about diversity in neighborhoods.
• How things have changed in neighborhoods in the past few years.
• The difference in definition between refugees and immigrants.
• Refugees.
• Myths about immigration.
• Practical tips in dealing with New Americans.
• Resources.
Ms. Drier next reviewed the Joint Partnership t Community Police Pro g ram which includes the cities
of Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, Richfield,Hopkins and soon to be added St. Louis Park. She
also informed Commission members of the Vera Institute where Brooklyn Center is one of ten cities
nation -wide considered for an award from that institute relative to their work with immigrants.
Discussion continued between Ms. Drier and Commission members and Ms. Drier concluded her
comments informing Commission members of ongoing presentations at the Brookdale library on
various world religions. She noted the presenters include rabbis, ministers and other religious
leaders.
OTHER BUSINESS
Commission members discussed the potential recruitment of volunteers to distribute Welcome
Bags at the National Night Out Program Kickoff.
There was no other business to be addressed by the Commission.
ADJOURNMENT
There was a motion by Commissioner Amdahl and seconded by Commissioner Norstrud to
adjourn the meetin The motion passed. The Brooklyn Center Housing Commission adjourned
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