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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-20 PACKET 04.A.i.REQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE 7/20/11 a' PREPARED BY Administration Ryan Schroeder ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Approval of HS /HR minutes STAFF RECOMMENDATION Please approve minutes BUDGET IMPLICATION BUDGETED AMOUNT ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION DENIED DATE REVIEWED ❑ PLANNING ❑ ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION ❑ ® HUMAN SERVICES /RIGHTS 4/13/11 ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ ❑ ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS ❑ MEMO /LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: ❑ OTHER: ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS ACTUAL AMOUNT APPROVED DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ lty Administrator Date http: //156. 142.9.3 /intranet/Administration Forms /City Council Action Form - Read Only.doc Human Services /Human Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 12, 2011 City hall, Cottage Grove Members present: Doug Amos Francisco Gonzalez -Vice Chair Tanweer "TJ" Janjua- Chair Rick Johnson Linda Lundstrom Brenna Masgai Kathleen Washenberger. Members absent: Mia Naseth- Phillips Also present: City Councilmember Jen Peterson 1. Call to order. At 7: 15 pm, the meeting was called to order by Commission Chair Janjua 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Doug Amos, seconded by Commissioner Linda Lundstrom, to approve the minutes of the December 8, 2010 meeting as presented. The Motion carried and all present were in favor. 3. Introduction of new commission member Kathleen Washenberger. Commission Chair Janjua again welcomed Commissioner Washenberger., and indicated that there is still one youth position open, and asked commission members to encourage eligible youth to apply. 4. Review of Norris Square meeting: Commissioner Amos indicated that it was good to idea to have visitors to Commission meetings; Chair Janjua suggested that if the meeting was held at an earlier time, more residents could have attended. Commissioner Johnson indicated that he had a question regarding whether there are any rules or guidelines from the city regarding holding commission meeting in other locations besides City Hall. Question to be directed to City Liaison Kenneth L. Smith for follow up. Commission agreed to consider holding another off -site meeting on M March 11, 2011, at alocation to be determined. 5. Report from commissioner Johnson regarding diversity outreaches in schools Commissioner Johnson stated that he spoke with Ms. Barbara Brown, communications director with the school district and that he is trying to set up a meeting with Jeff Alden Pope, Director, Office of Equity and Integration at the district. Commissioner Briana Masgai indicated that there isn't a lot of diversity initiatives at her school, CG Middle School, but that there is a Diversity club at Park High School. Commissioner Johnson indicated that he will see if the schools would be interested in hosting a meeting with the HS /HR Commission so students know about our mission and also to allow for their feedback on issues of concern regarding human rights, diversity and human services. Commissioner Johnson will provide an update at the next commission meeting (February 9, 2011). 6. Diversity highlights of the month: 1 st anniversary of the Earthquake in Haiti; Commissioner Johnson shared some of the intricate wood carvings that he makes as a hobby /business 7. City Updates City Councilmember Jen Peterson indicated that the terms of Commissioners Janjua and Gonzalez expire in February 2011, and if interested, she would recommend re- appointment to City Council. Commissioners Janjua and Gonzalez indicated that they want to remain part of the commission. Councilmember Peterson also stated that the City Council approved the selection of Commissioner Kathleen Washenberger to the Human Services /Human Rights Commission. Other updates: All Saints Lutheran Church asked the city for permit to build a columbarium, providing burial space for deceased (first in the city). The combined Public Safety /City Hall building project will be accepting bids in June, with a construction projected for October. Two new City Council members were sworn in on January 5, 2011. Habitat for Humanity made a presentation before City Council requesting a letter of support for a block grant to finance buying land (by the County) & building a house in Cottage Grove. The city also received funds to install bike racks on city parks. Councilmember Peterson also indicated that she was reappointed by the council to be the Council's representative at the Human Services/Human Rights Commission. S. Miscellaneous Councilmember Peterson indicated that she recently saw in one of the schools a poster contest on the theme of `bullying' and suggested this a s possible topic for the Commission's own poster contest. 2 Commission Chair Janjua suggested that the commission should explore ways to for the community to connect. In view of the Tucson shootings, it is important to foster civility, understanding and cooperation in the city. Councilmember Peterson suggested an event welcoming newly naturalized US citizens. Census figured for Cottage Grove: the latest preliminary census figures show that C.G. is becoming a more ethnically diverse community, and issues surrounding diversity need to be addressed. Discussion centered on organizing a community -wide event for early in the fall. More discussions to be held at the next meeting. 9. Adjournment. A Motion was made by Commissioner Amos, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to adjourn the meeting at 8;15 pm. Motion carried by all present. The next meeting will be on February 9, 2011 at a location to be determined? Human 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. 4. Commissioner Reappointments All members were up for reappointment. All accepted reappointment except Commissioner Philips. Her term 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 Count Council Member Peterson informed the commission that the committee has not formalized the official plan yet. Jan 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 Plan. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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. Adiournment 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 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. Human 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 Call to Order The meeting was held at city hall and called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Commission Chair TJ. 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. I 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. Adiournment 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. Human Services /Human Rights Commission City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 13, 2011 Members Present: Linda Lundstrom Francisco Gonzalez, Vice -Chair Tanweer `TT Janjua, Chair Kathleen Washenberger Rick Johnson Brenna Masgai Doug Amos Christie Thompson Members Absent: Jena Nutzman Also Present: Kenneth L. Smith, City Liaison Jen Peterson, Councilmember 1. Call to Order The meeting was held at city hall and called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Commission Chair TJ. 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Lundstrom, Seconded by Commissioner Johnson to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2011 meeting, as presented. The Motion carried and all present were in favor. Doug Amos mentioned his address was wrong. 3. Commission Elections The HS /HR Commission held elections for officers. HS /HR Vice -Chair Francisco Gonzalez made a motion to nominated HS /HR Commission Chair Tanweer `TJ' Janjua for another term as Chair. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All present were in favor. HS /HR Commissioner Thompson made a motion to nominate Vice -Chair Francisco Gonzalez to another term as the Commission's Vice Chair. The nomination was seconded by HS /HR Commissioner Johnson. All present were in favor. Results would be forwarded to the Council for approval. TJ informed the group that he would be most likely moving out of state in the near future. Human Services /Human Rights Commission 12 Minutes of the April 13, 2011 Meeting 4. Equity and Integration in Schools Commissioner Johnson was tasked with getting in touch with the diversity coordinator for district 833. He mentioned that they sent questionnaires and met with 833 representatives. The meeting was positive with good ideas flowing. Denise at 833 said she would forward the questionnaire to others. Rick will follow up. Council Member Peterson said 833 was excited about your meeting. It was shown that teachers in the district do not represent the students ethnically. Rick said the statistics were interesting. Council Member Peterson mentioned the district did strategic planning and were looking for others to participate in pathway to excellence on their website. There will be 1 or 2 meetings between now and the end of May. A school official would like to come to our meeting and present info. 5. Community Forum TJ informed the group he attended a Human Rights forum. He heard what other Commissions were doing. City of Roseville took the lead. He will get together with one of their members. Over 100 people from different cultures and different foods were there. There was discussion about fund raising and more meetings. Commissioner Johnson said forums was the reason he joined. A December date was proposed and partnering with the Cottage Grove Area Chamber of Commerce. Ken Smith suggested the Commission clarify their vision of the event and decide if they want children or adults at the first forum. Ken suggested the commission not wait a month to meet to work out the details. TJ asked for volunteers to form a subcommittee. Volunteers were TJ, Rick, Francisco and Christie agreed to fund raise. TJ brought up the idea of a combined meeting with Stillwater sometime in the future. 6. Diversity Highlight of the Month Doug Amos talked about his time in India and mentioned language barriers, Karma and the Hindu traditions. Ken mentioned the volunteer banquet. TJ stated that May 3` at Crown Plaza there was a good speaker he was interested in seeing. Francisco stated that there was a proposal to cut 65% of the state's Human Rights Commission's budget. 7. City Update Council Member Peterson gave the City update. She mentioned the Public Safety City Hall community meeting and stressed the City has money put away for the project to keep taxes neutral. She stated the CG City Council met with the Woodbury City Council. One of their projects came in $1 million under bid. She stressed it was a good time to build. She talked about the Post Office closing, a housing development agreement, the dog park, Good to Great, Blue Star Award for clean water and Beyond the Yellow Ribbon. 8. Adiournment Human Services /Human Rights Commission 3 Minutes of the April 13, 2011 Meeting A Motion was made by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Vice Chair Gonzalez to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m. Motion carried by all present. Presented by, Kenneth L. Smith Community Services and Communications Coordinator The next meeting will be May 11th at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall.