HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-11 MINUTES
City of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Members Present: John Bakou
Francisco Gonzalez
Sue Kainz, Vice Chair
Carol Logan
Laurie Steiger
Members Absent: Tanweer (TJ) Janjua, Chair
Council Liaison: Jen Peterson
Staff Liaison: Joe Fischbach
1. Call to Order
At 7:03 PM the meeting was called to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
Francisco made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2008 meeting. Sue seconded
the motion, All Present in Favor.
3. Introduction of New Commission Members
John Bakou, Carol Logan and Laurie Steiger were appointed to the Commission by the City
Council in January. This was their first meeting. Everyone introduced themselves and gave a
brief biography.
4. Nominations for a New Vice Chair
Francisco nominated Sue to be Vice Chair of the Commission. The motion was seconded by
Carol Logan. There were no other nominations. All present in favor of appointing Sue as Vice
Chair.
5. Strategic Plan Review
6. Goals/Projects for 2009
The Commission went over the strategic planning session that was held in November and the
resulting document for the new Commission members. Everyone was encouraged to review it
before the next meeting and propose any changes. It will then be sent to the City Council for
approval. During the same conversation goals and/or projects were discussed. Francisco
informed the new members of what projects have been done in the past few years. The
Commission then identified some possible projects that they would like to do in 2009. They
include another video segment with the cable commission, the Clothesline Project, FacingRace,
the essay contest, developing a website, articles for the monthly newsletter, a religious forum, an
evening for immigrants. Everyone was encouraged to think of other ideas and bring them to the
March meeting.
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7. Essay Contest
The Commission did not get the word out soon enough to get submissions for the League of
Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Essay Contest. It was the consensus of the Commission
that they would like to do their own essay contest. This item will be discussed further at a future
meeting.
8. Diversity Highlight of the Month
February is Black History month.
9. City Update
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Jen Peterson updated the Commission on various topics. At the January 21 Council meeting
Council met with staff to identify cuts to the 2009 budget because of the shortfall with most of
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state aid being cut. They approved the budget reductions at the February 4 Council meeting.
Council also approved participation in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.
10. Miscellaneous Items
Carol mentioned that she will miss the March meeting because of a conflict.
11. Commission Comments & Requests
None
12. Adjourn
Sue made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:32 PM. Seconded by Francisco, All Present in
Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Fischbach
Management Analyst
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