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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-13 PACKET 02Human Services /Human Rights Commission City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 9, 2011 Members Present: Linda Lundstrom Francisco Gonzalez, Vice -Chair Tanweer `TJ' Janjua, Chair Kathleen Washenberger Rick Johnson Brenna Masgai Doug Amos Members Absent: Also Present: Kenneth L. Smith, City Liaison Jen Peterson, Councilmember Ms. Christie Thompson 1. Call to Order The meeting was held at city hall and called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Commission Chair TJ. 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Johnson, Seconded by Commissioner Lundstrom to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2011 meeting, as presented. The Motion carried and all present were in favor. 3. Interview of Commission Candidates TJ informed the Commission that he and Council Member Peterson interviewed Jena Nutzman for the vacant youth seat and Christie Thompson for the regular seat. Ms. Thompson has served on the HS /HR Commission before and Jena had to leave to go back to school. A motion was made by Commissioner Gonzales to approve recommending Ms. Thompson to the City Council for appointment. This motion was seconded by Commissioner TJ. All present were in favor. Ms. Nutzman is an 11 grader at Park High School and has gone on numerous Mission trips. She is also a member of the key club in school. A motion was made by Commissioner Amos to approve recommending Ms. Nutzman to the City Council for appointment to the HS /HR Commission. This motion was seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All present were in favor. Mr. Smith stated he would put the recommendation Human Services /Human Rights Commission 12 Minutes of the March 9, 2011 Meeting on the next Council agenda. 4. Equity and Integration in Schools Commissioner Johnson was tasked with getting in touch with the diversity coordinator for district 833. He mentioned that Denise Griffith wants to meet with Commission members at District 833 on March 22nd at 2:00 p.m. to share ideas. Mr. Johnson stated that we would be meeting to find out about current diversity programs and what the problems were, if any. Commissioners Amos, Lundstrum, Thompson and Johnson stated they would attend. TJ mentioned they should have solid topics and asked the group to write ideas down and send to Rick. The group was concerned that very few teachers have cultural awareness. Council Member Peterson mentioned that kids eat lunch in mixed groups. It was mentioned that the meeting could be a launching pad for the essay contest. 5. Youtube and Community Forum Commissioner Gonzales brought up guidelines on broadcasting. Commissioner Amos was concerned the contest would be limiting to certain areas of population. Council Member Peterson mentioned the State's Human Rights contest and stated we should encourage folks to participate. Mr. Johnson passed around wooden butterflies that could be used as prizes. TJ mentioned it was his intention to invite people and have an open discussion about race. In Roseville they broke into smaller groups. We need money, a location and food to pull it off. Mr. Gonzales talked about immigration reform. TJ brought up the Cedarhurst Mansion being owned by a Hmong family. Council Member Peterson suggested we start small and just invite our friends. TJ mentioned that he would call Roseville for their assistance. Ms. Thompson mentioned that a Hmong comedian was at a CG middle school. Mr. Smith suggested a sub group meet and plan the forum event. 6. Diversity Highlight of the Month Council Member Peterson mentioned International Woman's Day 100 year anniversary. TJ mentioned a summer gathering after a meeting at his house for cricket and food. 7. City Update Council Member Peterson gave the City update. She mentioned that all the commissioners were approved for another term. It was mentioned that the Commission will hold elections at the next meeting for Chair and Vice Chair. Council Member Peterson talked about a resolution that was before the Council for Habitat for Humanity to come to CG. She updated all on the Public Safety /City Hall project, the Community Center task force, Beyond the Yellow Ribbon and Home Depot. Human Services /Human Rights Commission 3 Minutes of the March 9, 2011 Meeting 8 Miscellaneous Commissioner Amos stated his Great Great Grandmother was a slave. He suggested we bring someone to the meeting each month to talk about other cultures. Ms. Thompson stated she knew someone who does presentations. Mr. Amos said he would prepare something next month. TJ recommended a book called Personal Space. Council Member Peterson reminded everyone about the Volunteer Banquet on April 26 at River Oaks. Commissioner Lundstrom said Governor Dayton would be speaking on March 17` at the Capitol at 11:30. TJ mentioned he received a letter of appreciation from Mia and that she misses us and is taking a school exam. 9. Adjournment A Motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Amos to adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Motion carried by all present. Presented by, Kenneth L. Smith Community Services and Communications Coordinator The next meeting will be April 13th at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.