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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-09 PACKET 02Human Services/Human Rights Commission City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 9, 2011 Members Present: Linda Lundstrom Francisco Gonzalez, Vice-Chair Tanweer'TJ' Janjua, Chair Laurie Steiger Rick Johnson Members Absent: Brenna Masgai (excused) Doug Amos Also Present: Kenneth L. Smith, City Liaison Jen Peterson, Councilmember Call to Order The meeting was held at city hall and called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Commission Chair TJ. 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by Vice Chair Francisco Gonzalez, Seconded by Commissioner Rick Johnson to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2011 meeting, as presented. The Motion carried and all present were in favor. 3. Equity and integration in Schools Commissioner Johnson was tasked with getting in touch with the diversity coordinator for district 833. He spoke about the difficulty in reaching someone at the district. Ken said he would see if he would have any luck contacting Barb Brown. Rick said he would cc Ken on all emails he sends to the district. Commissioner Rea ointments All members were up for reappointment. All accepted reappointment except Commissioner Philips. Her tears would end February 28, 2011. TJ mentioned that Christie Thompson wants to join the Commission. Council Member Peterson would let her know there was a vacancy and encourage her to apply. Commission Vice Chair Gonzalez said he would send Mia a thank you and farewell letter from the Commission. Ken mentioned that there would be applicants to interview at 6:00 p.m. on March 9, 2011 at city hall for the two vacancies. Human Services /Human Rights Commission 12 Minutes of the January 12, 2011 Meeting 5. Homelessness in Washington County Council Member Peterson informed the commission that the committee has not formalized the official plan yet. Jen remarked she went to a retreat and looked at issues that make homelessness an important issue in Washington County. She mentioned that during the City Council's strategic planning session the issue of affordable rentals in Cottage Grove came up. She stated the council was asked to adopt the Metropolitan Livability Communities Plana A goal of the plan was to increase affordable housing by 2020. The commission talked about Cottage Grove's high occupancy rate as it relates to jobs and keeping people near their jobs. Increasing units is accomplished by building additional units but the cost of land is high. A point in time survey was done to count the number of homeless on the street on any given night. Francisco mentioned that rural communities buy their homeless bus tickets to the Twin Cities where they can access services not available in small communities. 13,000 are homeless in Minnesota on any given night. They talked about putting homeless up in camp grounds. 2011 Poster Contest There was a discussion about whether it was beneficial to have another poster /essay contest due to the low participation in 2010. Francisco brought up the idea of a Youtube video contest. On the subject of creating a welcoming community, TJ floated the idea of a community forum talking about race in small groups. Jen talked about a story on the census SWCTC was doing. Linda liked the forum idea, mentioned reading stations at forum. Ken was asked to put Youtube and forum on next agenda and put different location for commission meetings on hold. The Commission decided not to have a poster /essay contest this year. Diversity Highlight of the Month TJ mentioned turmoil in Egypt, Rick commented on Girl Scout cookies Jen mentioned the Strawberry Fest pancake breakfast at Applebee's and Ken talked about Beyond the Yellow Ribbon noting the city is waiting for the Governor to declare Cottage Grove a BTYR city. 8. Adjourn A Motion was made by Commissioner Rick Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Linda Lundstrom 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 March g, 2011 at 7 00 p.m. in City Hall.