HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-03-12 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Members Present: Francisco Gonzalez
Sue Kainz
Devan King
Rajean Moone, Chair
Jen Peterson, Vice Chair
Christie Thompson
Members Absent: Tanweer (TJ) Janjua
Pamela Rojas
Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus (at Council workshop)
Staff Liaison: Joe Fischbach
1. Call to Order
At 7:04 PM the meeting was called to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
Jen made a motion to approve the minutes of the February 2008 meeting. Devan seconded the
motion, All Present in Favor.
3. Joint City Council/Commission Meeting Discussion
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Joe mentioned that the joint meeting will be at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, August 13. After that
meeting the Commission will move in to their regular meeting as that Wednesday is their regular
meeting night being the second Wednesday of the month.
4. City Tour Discussion
Joe talked with Howard Blin, Community Development Director, and he is more than happy to
take the Commission on a tour of the City. Joe will work with Howard to find a date that works
for everyone.
5. Essay Contest- Selection of Winners
The Commission received prize sponsorships from Werner Electric Supply Minnesota and the
Cottage Grove Lions, both donating $200. There were 4 entries submitted, one being submitted
late and not consider for the local contest. The Commission went through each essay and chose
the winners. First place went to Jacob Banaszewski. The prize for first place is $200. Second
place went to Panhia Her. The prize for second place is $125. Third place went to Olivia Kieffer.
The prize for third place is $75. The winners will be invited to the next Commission meeting to
accept their prizes. All four entries will be submitted to the state competition.
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6. Yeshiva School Series I Showing
The Commission watched the first segment of the four part series that features the Yeshiva
School that is located in Cottage Grove that appears in the Cottage Grove Spotlight show on
channel 16.
7. Human Rights Grants
The Minnesota Department of Human Rights and the League of Minnesota Human Rights
Commissions are offering grants to local Human Rights Commissions for capacity building
training and strategic planning initiatives. The commission was in consensus that the
Commission should apply for one of the grants. Rajean will put the grant application together.
8. Diversity Highlight of the Month
March is Women’s History Month and Minnesota Foodshare Month.
9. City Update
The City held a groundbreaking for the ice arena expansion last month. Residents have begun to
move in to the Presbyterian Homes senior complex. A ribbon cutting will occur once the
landscape is complete, probably late May or early June. Commission members were given a
PowerPoint handout with highlights of the recent community survey that was done by Decision
Resources, Ltd.
10. Commission Comments & Requests
None
11. Adjourn
Sue made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 PM. Seconded by Jen, All Present in Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Fischbach
Management Analyst
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