HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-03-10 MINUTES
City of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Members Present: Francisco Gonzalez
Mia Naseth-Phillips
Sofia Vitale-Gill
Tanweer (TJ) Janjua, Chair
Members Absent: Sue Kainz, Vice Chair (resigned March 9, 2010)
Laurie Steiger
Council Liaison: Jen Peterson
Staff Liaison: Ken Smith
Others Present:
1. Call to Order
At 7:05 PM the meeting was called to order by TJ. The Human Services/Human Rights
Commission wished to show its thanks to Sue Kainz for her valuable service and wished her well
with future endeavors. Sue resigned from the commission on March 9, 2010.
2. Approval of Minutes from January 13, 2010.
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TJ made a motion to approve the January 13 minutes. There was no quorum for the February
meeting so there were no minutes to approve.
3. Essay and Poster Contest
Ken updated the committee on his efforts to advertise the essay and poster contest. He informed
the committee that he placed advertisements in the Cottage Grove Newsletter, sent out a press
release to all the local papers and advertised on Facebook. It was agreed to send notice of the
contest to District 833 as well.
TJ thanked everyone involved. Ken asked who would grade the essays and TJ responded that
the committee traditionally grades the essay and would do it again this time. The committee
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agreed to grade them on May 12. Francisco informed the committee that last year Joe
Fischbach sent the essays via email to the members of the committee and everyone graded them.
TJ asked Ken to hide the names before sending them out. TJ asked about prizes. The group
discussed the handing out of certificates. Sofia said she would look into it. TJ asked her to come
back with three samples for the group to vote on. It was agreed that if she sent them to Ken he
would print them out. It was agreed the winners’ work would be displayed at Strawberry Fest.
The committee is looking into a table to display the winners.
4. 2010 Census
TJ asked if everyone had seen his editorial and encouraged the committee to remind their family
and friends to participate in the census.
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5. MN Dept of Human Rights Newsletter
The MN Department of Human Rights newsletter, which comes out four times a year, was
shared with everyone.
6. Diversity Highlight of the Month
Council Member Jen Petersen brought up the fact that it is National Woman’s History Month.
TJ mentioned the MPR broadcast about woman aviators during WWII. Francisco asked about
the Yeshiva High School and was told they were given a little more time to raise the money they
needed to purchase the building by their landlord. TJ talked about the University of Minnesota’s
efforts to build a Green Town at the old ammunition site off County road 46.
7. City Update
Council Member Jen Petersen gave an update of City happenings including road work, hydrant
flushing and tree trimming. Jen also mentioned the City is becoming a Beyond Yellow Ribbon
City. She also informed the committee that they were all reappointed to serve on the Human
Services/Human Rights Commission for another term. She reported the Environmental Task
Force is now the Environmental Commission.
8.Miscellaneous
Ken mentioned that he would put new member recruitment on the next agenda. TJ mentioned
that the committee needed a new nominee for Vice Chair and encouraged the group to think
about it.
9. Adjournment
A motion was made at 7:55 by Mia to adjourn the meeting and seconded by Francisco.
Respectfully Submitted by;
Kenneth L. Smith ,Community Services and Communications Coordinator
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