HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-01-09 MINUTES
City of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Members Present: Tanweer (TJ) Janjua
Devan King
Rajean Moone, Chair
Jen Peterson, Vice Chair
Christie Thompson
Members Absent: Francisco Gonzalez
Sue Kainz
Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus
Staff Liaison: Joe Fischbach
1. Call to Order
At 7:04 PM the meeting was called to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
Christie made a motion to approve the minutes of the December 2007 meeting. Jen seconded the
motion, All Present in Favor.
Mark Grossklaus will be the Council Liaison to the Commission for 2008. Everyone introduced
themselves and gave a brief background.
3. Goals and Projects for 2008
The Commission discussed what goals and/or projects that they would like to work on in 2008.
Rajean spoke with the Vice Chair of the Stillwater Human Rights Commission and there is
interest in partnering for human rights training through the MN Department of Human Rights.
Rajean will work with them to find a date that works for both Commissions.
TJ and Christie continue to work with the Yeshiva High School to do a taping of their school and
some of their customs and traditions for the community TV channel. They have been in contact
with one of the Rabbis and will work with them and Channel 16 to come up with a schedule and
format.
Jen discussed last years National Night Out tent and what the Commission did. Mark explained
why the National Night Out event at Kingston Park was not going to occur again in 2008. Jen
suggested doing something similar at Strawberry Fest instead. Joe will work with the Strawberry
Fest committee to get something set up.
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It is the time of year when the annual Essay Contest begins. Joe will find what the topic is this
year and report to the Commission.
4. Diversity Highlight of the Month
There was an article recently in the Pioneer Press about the Cedarhurst mansion and the Hmong
family that currently owns it and the history of it. Joe will try to find the article and distribute to
the Commission members.
5. City Update
Councilmember Grossklaus updated the Commission about projects going on in Cottage Grove.
There are two PFC meetings that will occur the last month of January. The utility rates have been
set for stormwater. Council is working on a plan to replace the park building in the Pine Tree
Valley Park. City staff has already begun budget discussions for the 2009 budget and will be
bringing information to the Council in the coming months. There is interest in building a new
hotel on the lot next to Ruby Tuesday’s. Mark also mentioned the foreclosures that are occurring
in town and what the trend is and could be in the future.
8. Commission Comments & Requests
None, TJ may be absent from the February meeting.
9. Adjourn
Rajean made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:28 PM; Seconded by Jen, All Present in
Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Fischbach
Management Analyst
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