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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-13 PACKET 02Human Services /Human Rights Commission City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 8, 2011 Members Present: Linda Lundstrom Francisco Gonzalez, Vice -Chair Tanweer 'TJ' Janjua, Chair Kathleen Washenberger Rick Johnson Brenna Masgai Doug Amos Christie Thompson Jena Nutzman Members Absent: Also Present: Kenneth L. Smith, City Liaison Jen Peterson, Councilmember Jane Javes, Stillwater Human Rights Commission Danette Parr, Economic Development Director 1. Call to Order The meeting was held at City Hall and called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Commission Vice Chair Francisco Gonzales 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Thompson, Seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the April 10, 2011 meeting, as presented. The Motion carried and all present were in favor. There were introductions because Jane Javes Chair of the Stillwater Human Rights Commission attended the meeting. TJ informed Commission he was relocating to Texas. 3. Commission Elections Council Member Jen Peterson asked Vice -Chair Francisco Gonzalez to be Chair of the HS /HR Commission. Francisco accepted. Commissioner Thompson made a motion to nominated Rick Johnson to become Vice Chair of the HS /HR Commission. No other names were put into play. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Lundstrom. All present were in favor. Human Services /Human Rights Commission - 2 Minutes of the June 8, 2011 Meeting Ken Smith mentioned that he had received on application for the open seat and that he had advertised for the position in the newsletter. He would bring all applications to the next commission meeting. Council Member Peterson read a letter from Mayor Bailey concerning the PSCH project. She mentioned the Council voted for a financing option (private placement), a small but vocal opposition group is around and that a referendum would be used to approve the Community Center. 4. Equity and Integration in Schools Commissioner Johnson read off the number of teachers in the schools he looked at by ethnicity. TJ mentioned it was good for them to see another entity in the city interested in diversity in the schools. Council Member Peterson mention Pathways to Excellence was in minutes where we talked about staff not reflecting what students look like. Commissioner Thompson mentioned that education pays poorly, small pool to choose from. Commissioner Washenberger asked if Rick had any meetings during the day. He said yes and that he'd send an email about next meeting. 5. Community Forum TJ talked about Community Forum he attended in Roseville and said it would be nice to imitate. Ken read minutes about direction the Commission discussed at their last meeting. Christie said she hasn't done any fund rising yet. Linda said she would be willing to fund raise and wanted to be on sub committee. Francisco suggested members send emails to see what type of activity they would like to see. Christie said involve multicultural groups from other areas like NAACP, HAP. Linda said she'd contact Somali group. TJ suggested our citizens should have small discussions. Council Member Peterson stated members from those groups might live in CG. 6. Diversity Highlight of the Month Francisco brought up the letter in the Bulletin Newspaper dealing with same sex marriage. He'd like to see the Council reaffirm the Human Rights proclamation. He would send language to Jen and she would put it on agenda. Ken talked about musical protege' appearing at Strawberry fest. TJ talked about forgiveness. 7. City Update Council Member Peterson gave the City update. She mentioned the Strawberry Fest, Splash Pads, Danette Par new Economic Development Director for the City, Veteran's memorial planned for the new PSCH facility which will involve a water fountain and flags. Danette Parr came in and introduced herself and talked about her past experience. Council Member Peterson continued with update and mentioned road Human Services /Human Rights Commission 13 Minutes of the June 8, 2011 Meeting construction on highway 61. Rick asked about the Dog Park. Council Member Peterson said they were fundraising for a fence. 8. Miscellaneous Francisco thanked TJ for his years of service to the City and the commission. Jan mentioned a grocery option in White Bear Lake. Rick asked about keeping track of bus ridership. 9. Adjournment A Motion was made by Commissioner Lundstrom, seconded by Commissioner Johnson to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion carried by all present. Presented by, Kenneth L. Smith Community Services and Communications Coordinator The next meeting will be July 13, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.