HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-04-08 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Members Present: Francisco Gonzalez
Tanweer (TJ) Janjua, Chair
Mia Naseth-Phillips
Carol Logan
Laurie Steiger
Members Absent: John Bakou
Sue Kainz, Vice Chair
Council Liaison: Jen Peterson
Staff Liaison: Joe Fischbach
1. Call to Order
At 7:04 PM the meeting was called to order. Mia Naseth-Phillips was recently appointed to the
Commission and this was her first meeting.
2. Approval of Minutes
Carol made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 2009 meeting. Laurie seconded the
motion, All Present in Favor.
3. Speaker from the Minnesota Department of Human Rights
Mario Hernandez from the Dept of Human Rights gave a presentation to the Commission. He
discussed the Minnesota Human Rights Act, the filing of a claim process and how his department
operates and partners with other agencies such as the Cottage Grove Human Rights/Human
Services Commission. Their department has three areas that they focus on; investigations,
compliance and, outreach and education. Each year they have, on average, 12,000 to 15,000
contacts with individuals and 800 to 1,000 charges filed. Many of the contacts do not result in
charges filed by the department for one of three reasons; lack of jurisdiction, the statute of
limitations expired or lack of cooperation from the charging party. Mario indicated that there is
still funding from the grant the department received and they want to use a portion of it for
organizations to engage the public in the areas that they serve.
4. Diversity Highlight of the Month
Carol shared with the Commission a gender training session that she attended.
5. City Update
Council Liaison Peterson provided the update. The Finance and Administrative Services Director
has accepted a similar position with another city. There recently was an upgrade to the City’s
bond rating. The Community Center Task Force is currently being put together. The city recently
made changes to the locations of the Supervised Playground program. The City has put together
1
a grant application to hire police officers through grant funding. The volunteer recognition
nd
banquet will be April 22.
6. Miscellaneous Items
Carol indicated she will be absent from the May meeting.
7. Commission Comments & Requests
None
8. Adjourn
Laurie made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:34 PM. Seconded by Mia, All Present in
Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Fischbach
Management Analyst
2