HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-13 MINUTES
City of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Members Present: Sue Kainz, Vice Chair
Mia Naseth-Phillips
Laurie Steiger
Sofia Vitale-Gill
Tanweer (TJ) Janjua, Chair
Francisco Gonzalez
Members Absent:
Council Liaison: Jen Peterson
Staff Liaison: Ken Smith / Joe Fischbach
Others Present: Council Member Justin Olsen
TJ’s Father
1. Call to Order
At 7:11 PM the meeting was called to order.
Ken Smith was introduced as the new staff liaison. Joe explained that due to changing
assignments within City Administration his attendance at the February meeting would be his last
and Ken would then be the liaison.
2. Approval of Minutes
Sue a made a motion to approve the minutes of the September 2009 meeting. Laurie seconded
the motion, All Present in Favor.
3. Essay and Poster Contest
A discussion was had about the 2010 contest. Sue suggested expanding the contest to include
District 833. It was suggested to have an easier topic. The committee referred to the old minutes
and discussion of ideas. Francisco brought up the idea of a Human Rights Day Poster Contest.
TJ offered that we should announce the contest now and announce the winner at Strawberry Fest.
He stated applicants could submit by the end of April. Ken talked about putting an
announcement in the Cottage Grove Reports, adding a news segment to the spotlight show and
advertising on the various web sites. It was suggested that the winning poster could be on
st
display at Strawberry Fest. TJ said the deadline for submittal could be May 1. Other
suggestions included Labor Day tie in, keeping the contest simple, having kids choose topics. It
was agreed that Sue and Laurie would hammer out the details and bring back to the group. Ken
was checking on Open Meeting requirements for Jen Peterson.
4. 2010 Census
Joe informed the committee that it was the desire of the City to have the Committee promote the
census and encourage residents to fill out the questionnaire. Ken suggested it be put on Cottage
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Grove Spotlight cable show for March. TJ mentioned he would bring the topic up at the next
Asian Council Meeting. TJ asked that the topic be on next month’s agenda. Francisco
mentioned he would talk to Mario Hernandez.
5. MN Dept of Human Rights Newsletter
The newsletter was presented to the Committee for their information
6. LMNHRC Newsletter
The newsletter was given the Committee for their information.
7. Diversity Highlight of the Month
Sue mentioned that the Yeshiva High School was raising money to stay in their building. TJ said
he would call Rabbi Friedman.
The MLK breakfast was mentioned. TJ brought up the earthquake in Haiti and the pilgrimage he
went on. He was one of 100 from the Twin Cities.
8. City Update
Jen Peterson brought up the wind generator recently passed by the City Council. She also
informed the group that the City Council will be holding a strategic planning session on January
rd
23.
Sofia told the group she was accepted into college in Pennsylvania. Jen mentioned that the
group had 2 openings, one which is a student. She mentioned she’s seen one application.
Sue brought up the idea of a Sister city for Cottage Grove. Francisco mentioned it should be a
city in Asia or Africa.
Mia mentioned that Sofia was a debutante.
Jen brought up the idea of creating a welcoming community for naturalized citizens. She wants
to have it on the agenda after the poster and essay contest.
TJ mentioned the committee could apply for a human rights grant.
TJ mentioned the issues surrounding foreclosures. Ken informed the group about County and
City efforts to deal with the issue.
At 8:27 a motion was made to adjourn by Sue and seconded by Mia. All present were in favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kenneth Smith
Community Services and Communications Coordinator
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