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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-01-21 MINUTESREQUEST OF CITY COUNCIL ACTION COUNCIL AGENDA MEETING ITEM # DATE Jan. 21st ��. // PREPARED BY Finance and Admin Services Scott Johnson ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT STAFF AUTHOR ><.,..�.���.����.�.�.......�..,......,..�.����,. COUNCIL ACTION REQUEST Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Human Rights/Services Commission meetings for 2003. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Receive and place on file the approved minutes for the Human Rights/Services Commission meetings for 2003. BUDGET IMPLICATION BUDGETED AMOUNT ADVISORY COMMISSION ACTION DATE ❑ PLANNING ❑ PUBLIC SAFETY ❑ PUBLIC WORKS ❑ PARKS AND RECREATION � HUMAN SERVICES/RIGHTS ❑ ECONOMIC DEV. AUTHORITY ❑ SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS REVIEWED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ACTUALAMOUNT APPROVED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ DENIED ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ MEMO/LETTER: ❑ RESOLUTION: ❑ ORDINANCE: ❑ ENGINEERING RECOMMENDATION: ❑ LEGAL RECOMMENDATION: � OTHER: Approved minutes from the Human Rights/Services Commission meetings to date ADMINISTRATORS COMMENTS i � A �% /n / ���� i� L•_I_.... .. . . �y Date ....�..,.�,.....� �.�.,,.....�.�,...<..,.�<..�,.. COUNCIL ACTION TAKEN: APPROVED ❑ DENIED ❑ OTHER Document2 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Right Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 7, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathleen Klein, Kristin Haertl, Jim Shinn, and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Michael Watts Staff Liaison: Scott Johnson Council Liaison: Rod Hale Guests: Kari Thurlow 7:10 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the December meeting. Bruce Schmidt has asked Rod Hale to become a member of the Human Services Commission. Mr. Hale will let Bruce know before the next meeting. Next, the Commission discussed the Waconia City Hall. The City of Waconia recently completed a new City Hall that has offices on the first floor and senior housing on the top two floors. Bruce has informed Ryan Schroeder about the project. The Commission also discussed having this type of development connected to a community center. Members want John Burbank, City Planner, to discuss the results of the citizen survey on a community center and where the Parks and Rea Commission currently stands on this project at the next meeting. Next, the commission appointed Kari Thurlow to the Commission. Bruce made a motior. to appoint Kari to the Commission in June 2003. Jim Shinn seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. A Motion was made to adjoum the meeting by Bart Fischer. The motion was seconded by Kathy Klein and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:45 PM. Next meeting is 12:00 PM February 12, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Right Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, February 12, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathleen Klein, Kristin Haertl, Jim Shinn, and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Michael Watts Staff Liaison: Scott Johnson Council Liaison: Guests John Burbank 12:05 PM Call to Order John Burbank, City Planner, discussed the Council and Parks Commission's vision for a Community Center in Cottage Grove. The Council has identified six goals for the Parks Commission to follow for the Community Center. The Commission then put together a survey with the amenities that they consider important. The Parks Commission has identified four tracks of land in Cottage Grove that would be considered good parcels for the Community Center. The survey was used to try and identify what needs to be included, what already exists, who will run the facility, maintenance costs, and replacement costs. They will present this information to Council and hold public meetings on the subject to determine what is needed in the center. Bruce Schmidt asked if there would be a pool and teen center attached to the center. John Burbank said they are definitely looking into this possibility. Bart Fischer asked if the City was thinking about having a private entity run the center. He said that staff ahs been contacted about this scenario and they will definitely look into this possibility. Kathy Kline asked i£there would be some type of program to help people who are unable to afford the membership fees. Mr. Burbank said that some type of program will be in place to help with the cost. Jim Shinn pointed out to the Commission that the walking track has been a big success at Park High School. John Burbank said they may try to set up a pass that would get citizens into a number of venues in the City. Mr. Schmidt asked if the City was considering a sports complex. John Burbank said this idea needs to be looked at and weighed. Council may implement a phased approach for this type of project. Mr. Burbank also said that the Parks Commission is discussing master planning for already existing parks. Bruce Schmidt then asked Mr. Burbank about the Cheetah Development. John Burbank said the item has been tabled because of issues with grading and density. They also backed off the senior housing component of the project. Pulte Homes has also dropped their senior housing component. The Commission approved the minutes from the January meeting with one correction. Bruce Schmidt was upset because the Council Liaison has not been showing up at the meetings. The Commission has twice requested the Council Liaison be replaced because they do not show up to the meetings. A motion was made to move the meeting time and date back to the 7:00 PM 2" Wednesday of the month spot. Jim Shinn made a motion to move the meeting back to the original time with Bart Fischer taking meeting minutes for three months. The motion was seconded by Kathy Klein and was adopted unanimously. Scott Johnson will inform Dispatch that Bruce Schmidt or Kathy Kline will enter the building through the Police Department and open the front door for the other members. The Commission also recommended the appointment of Kari Thurlow to the Commission immediately. Bruce Schmidt made the motion. Jim Shinn seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The Commission will also invite Rajean Moone to the next meeting. Jim Shinn will contact Community Education to ask them if they know of a speaker on the Muslim Religion to speak to the Commission in March. Scott Johnson will contact the Met Council to have a speaker on bus service cuts in April. A Motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Kathy Klein. The motion was seconded by Kristin Haertl and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 1:10 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM March 12, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, March 12, 2003 Members Present Kathleen Klein, Kristin Haertl, Jim Shinn, and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Bruce Schmidt Staff Liaison: Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus Guests: Colby Johnson, Washington County Bulletin Rajean Moone 7:04 PM Call to Order Regina Scabrook, Cottage Grove Junior High, passed out a religion comparison chart for the Commission. The hand out gave the history of Islam in a nutshell. Under Islam, the tribe comes first before the individual, which is the opposite of American society. Mohammed is the major prophet for the Islamic Religion. Mohammed was deeply disturbed by individualism, materialism through trade, and interrelation with other societies. Mohammed went to Mt. Hira, near Mecca, to meditate and was visited by the Angel Gabriel. He continued to receive revelations over the next 23 years. These revelations were written down and make-up the Quran. Mohammed pushed for equality and rights for women in his society. He and his followers were forced to Medina, but were able to go back later. Mohammed died at the age of 63. He was a normal man like everyone else, unlike Jesus. Mohammed is the messenger and not the savior in the Islamic faith. He is considered a model citizen on which to base one's life. Less than 17% of all Muslims are Arab. One-third of all Muslims in the U.S. are AFrican American. There are five pillars to Islam: 1) Shahada: declaration of faith (like Apostle's Creed). They say: God is the only God and Mohammed is his prophet. 2) Sallah: obligatory prayers = 5 prayers a day. 3) Soume: fasting — to understand what it is like to go without and gain empathy. 4) Zakat: Tithing — give 2.5 % of excess wealth after Ramadan to charity; not necessarily the church or the mosque. 5) Hajj — Pilgrimage to Mecca. Hadith is a collection of commentaries on what the Quran means. Ragina presented two books to the Commission that would be helpful; 1) American Muslims: The New Generation 2) Islam in America. She informed the Commission that Islam is like any other religion in the fact that you have a number of extreme people who push the extreme ideas of the religion. Colby Johnson asked about 7ihad and what it meant. Ragina described Jihad as a defense. Muslims will go to war under defense. Jim Shinn asked what we can do for the young man Kristin Haertl described at the last meeting. Ragina said the Commission should contact the districts' Diversity Coordinator, Lisa McCloud, and the school administrator. KrisYin Haertl said Yhe young man did not talk to the teacher. Mr. Shinn suggested that the Commission contact the school and let them lrnow what is going on with the students. He also said that if kids knew more about Islam they may not pick on this young man. 7im Shinn and the Commission directed Scott Johnson to make copies of Ragina's notes for accurate spelling and information. Ms. Johnson asked Kristin Haertl Yo explain the situation with the young Islamic man in her school. She explained the situation to the Commission. Kathy Klein explained similar situations involving Muslim patients from her nursing profession. Ms. Haertl said the young man does not want Yo talk about his situation. Kathy Klein said education on Islam is the key for all residents The Commission approved the minutes from the February meeting. New Council Liaison Mark Grossklaus gave a brief history of himself for the Commission. Next, the Commission reappointed Kristin Haertl to the youth seat. Jim Shinn made a motion to reappoint Ms. Haertl to the youth seat. Bart Fischer seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Kathy Klein discussed trying to find a replacement for Ms. Haertl when she leaves the Commission in August. Kathy Klein made a motion to appoint Bruce Schmidt Commission Chair. Jim Shinn seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Jim Shinn made a motion to appoint Kathy Klein as Commission Vice Chair. Bart Fischer seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Next, Rajean Moone gave a brief histary of himrself for the Commission. Kathy Klein told Mr. Moone about the goals of the Commission. Mr. Moone said he is concerned about the budget cuts affecting citizens, specifically senior citizens. Kathy Klein moved to recommend the appointment of Rajean Moone to the Commission. Jim Shinn seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. Jim Shinn commented on the Eagle Scout wall. Jim Battles has been trying to put his name on the Eagle Scout plaque, but has been told that it would disrupt the flow of the sign. He is a Scout Executive, Eagle Scout, and is from Cottage Grove. Mr. Shinn asked what the Commission can do for Mr. Battles. Kathy Klein thought it should go before the Council. Council Member Grossklaus thought it could go on the consent agenda. Mr. Grossklaus asked about other issues from the Commission. Kathy Klein mentioned the senior housing. Council Member Grossklaus commented that if developers put in senior housing, the Council looks more favorably upon the project. A Motion was made to adjoum the meeting by Jim Shinn. The motion was seconded by Kristin Haertl and the motion camed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:30 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM April 9, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, April 8, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathleen Klein, Jim Shinn, Rajean Moone and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Kristin Haertl Staff Liaison: Council Liaison: Guests: Washington County Commissioner Myra Peterson 7:07 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the March meeting. Commission Member Rajean Moone handed out the article "Feeling Misunderstood" that discussed the Commissions efforts to educate citizens about the Islamic Religion. Kathy Klein informed the Commission that Kristina Huber will attend the next meeting. She may be interested in being a part of the Commission as a student member. Next, the Commission welcomed Washington County Commissioner Myra Peterson to the meeting. Ms. Peterson discussed the proposed cuts in bus service to the Cottage Grove area. She explained that Cottage Grove was told last spring that there would be bus service from Cottage Grove to Minneapolis funded by Met Transit. Met Transit has decided not to fund this project and put it under the Department of Transportation. The route averages between 265 and 300 riders. MNDOT could legitimately fiznd the bus service until July 2004. Senator Marko and other elected leaders maintain that this bus service is the responsibility of NINDOT. Commissioner Peterson has been asked by MNDOT for County funds to keep the express bus going. All cities and counties along Highway 61/10 have sent resolutions to legislators expressing the need for this service during reconstruction of the highway. During the middle of the day Highway 61 will be reduced to one lane. There will be an open houses held on the Highway 61 project in South St. Paul on April 10` and Newport on April 16` Commissioner Peterson encouraged members to attend the open house and fill out a note card that expresses the need for the bus service. Commissioner Peterson also explained how commuter rail in the Cottage Grove area makes financial sense. There is currently no more room to build roads along Highway 10/61. Investment in high speed rail thru Red Wing makes this a much more viable option. Ms. Peterson asked Commission Member Shinn to make a push for the bus service when he is hand delivering forms from seniors to legislators. Mr. Shinn also commented on the amount of traffic from Wisconsin residents on Highway 10/61. Commissioner Peterson explained that 35% of Pierce City, Wisconsin residents commute to the Twin Cities to work. She also encouraged members to contact our Met Council Representatives Chris Georgacus and Richard Aguilar to let them lrnow about the need for the bus service and commuter rail. A new bill that basically includes a 5.9% increase on Cottage Grove residents' property taxes will be going to transit funds. Also, cities and counties may need to consolidate services because of the current budget crisis. Commissioner Peterson mentioned consolidating law enforcement and parks services. She said that cities and counties need to look at money flow and how it might be changed for the better. Kathy Klein asked Commissioner Peterson what people can do to help. Commissioner Peterson thought it would be a good idea to call or write to the media and ask for more transportation money. St. Paul is currently doing a study to see if the Union Depot would be a good transit hub for commuter rail, buses, and taxis. The City has been very supportive in lobbying for more transit funds. The cost to build a commuter rail line is much more cost effective than building more roads. Bruce Schmidt asked Ms. Peterson if she had heard anything about a senior housing project in Cottage Grove. She said all indications are that Cottage Grove will have a senior housing complex by Presbyterian Homes probably on the Cottage Square site. To voice concerns far transit issues, citizens should contact: Richard Aguilar, District 16 Met Council Rep. (651)292-9574 Mike Setzer, General Manager of Met Transit (612) 349-7510 Jeff Davidman, Transportation Division of Governor's office ( 651) 296-0077 Kathy Klein asked members if she should look into getting a booth for the Great Grove Get Together. Mr. Moone thought it would be a good opportunity for the Commission to pass out information. He will also contact the Department of Human Rights for materials to hand out. Mr. Moone would also like to invite a multi-cultural group to share the booth, possibly District Diversity Coordinatar Lisa Mc Loud could share the booth. Kathy Klein wanted to know if the City would help pay for a booth. Jim Shinn wanted to know if Regina Scarbrook could get her message on Channel 15. Scott Johnson will look into both of these matters. A Motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Jim Shinn. The motion was seconded by Kathy Klein and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjoumed at 8:30 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM May 14, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, May 14, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kari Thurlow, Jim Shinn, Rajean Moone, Kristin Haertl and Bar[ Fischer Members Absent: Kathy Klein Staff Liaison: Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus Guests: 7:00 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the April meeting. Bruce Schmidt added an update on senior housing to the agenda. Next, the Commission discussed a booth at the Great Grove Get Together. Jim Shinn informed the Commission that Kathy Kline has information from when the Commission last handed out brochures at the Great Grove Get Together. Rajean Moone also contacted the MN Dept. of Human Rights and received some brochures on the practices prohibited by the MN Human Rights Act. Mr. Shinn and Mr. Moone agreed to hand out information at the booth. Scott 7ohnson will talk to the Public Safety Commission about handing out information from the Commission at their booth. Mr. Moone also stated the Commission could hand out information from the MN Dept. of Human Rights web-site and modify the old flier. Scott Johnson will include the old information that was handed out by the Commission a few years ago and put together a memo updating the Commission on the Great Grove Get Together. Scott Johnson will contact Regina Scarbrook from the last meeting to ask if she would be interested in taping a segment on Islam for the local cable television station. Jim Shinn requested an updated directory of the Commission for the next packet. The City of Cottage Grove is still waiting to hear if a senior housing project will move forward on the Cottage Square site. Rajean Moone will try to invite a person from the MN Dept. of Human Rights to the next meeting. Council Member Mazk Grossklaus updated the Commission on the cunent budget situation. 2004 cuts continue to be a major obstacle for the City and there is not much of a chance at a referendum. Rajean Moone asked Commission Members if there was something that could be done to help low-income residents. Bruce Schmidt said the Commission will need to wait to find out what happens with the 2003 session. Bruce Schmidt made a motion not to meet in July or August. Kari Thurlow seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. A motion was made to adjourn by Kari Thurlow. The motion was seconded by Bart Fischer and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:00 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM June 11, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 11, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathy Klein, Jim Shinn, Rajean Moone, and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Kari Thurlow Staff Liaison: Council Liaison: Guests: Chad Thielman 7:00 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the May meeting with the approved changes. Jim Shinn brought to the Commission's attention that an Eagle Scout from the 1960's does not have a name plaque on the Eagle Scout board at City Hall. Scott Johnson informed the Commission that the Eagle Scout has asked about having his name added to the board in the past. The city informed him that he would need to pay to move all the name plaques so that they stay in sequential order. Mr. Johnson will include the quote to have the names moved on the plaque to the next meeting. The Commission will hand out two informational pieces at the Great Grove Get Together Information Booth. The MN Department of Human Rights will be at the September meeting to give a training seminar to the Commission. The meeting will be moved to the Council Chambers. Kathy Klein informed the Commission that Matt Crellin from Accessible Space will be applying for a HUD grant to build senior housing in Cottage Grove for low-income seniors. Kathy Klein made a motion to send a letter in support of Accessible Spaces' application to HUD. Bart Fischer seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Presbyterian Homes is also moving closer to putting together a senior housing project in Cottage Grove. Jim Shinn asked the Commission if they new about a Washington County program to buy homes and rent them to low-income residents. Bruce Schmidt said that he did know about this program, but it is not publicized to protect the citizens. Kathy Klein informed the Commission that Twin Rivers Land Trust is helping area Families with workforce housing. Another similar program is forming in Woodbury. Jim Shinn informed the Commission that the bus service in Cottage Grove was saved in the 2003 session. Kathy Klein continues to search for two junior members from Park High School to be apart of the Human Services Commission. Jim Shinn will talk to the Superintendent to try and fill the vacant seats. Kathy Klein made a motion to appoint Chad Thielman to the Human Services Commission. Rajean Moone seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously. A motion was made by Bart Fischer to adjourn until September 10, 2003. The motion was seconded by Jim Shinn and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM September 10, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 10, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathy Klein, Jim Shinn, Rajean Moone, Chad Thielman, and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Kari Thurlow Staff Liaison: Scott Johnson Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus Guest: Gary Gorman, MN Department of Human Rights 7:00 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the June meeting. Bruce Schmidt added a discussion on a public mural and senior housing to the agenda. He also asked Scott Johnson to contact Kazi Thurlow to see if she is still interested in serving on the Commission. Next, the Commission welcomed Gazy Gorman to the meeting. Mr. Gorman spoke about the different types of discrimination covered by Minnesota and Federal law. He also informed the Commission about the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission. The Commission discussed the possibility of having a public mural in Cottage Grove. Possible locations included the Hamlet Park shelter, other park shelters or fire stations. Copies of the artists other murals in St. Paul and Minneapolis were handed out to the Commission. Jim Shinn did not think the mural was a good idea for Cottage Grove. Bart Fischer agreed with Mr. Shinn. He thought a certain part of the population would think the mural is graffiti. Mark Grossklaus also thought the mural would cause copy cat graffiri in the City. He also said that the City does not have a side of a building that is visible to traffic like Yhe Hastings mural. Rajean Moone thought the mural was a good idea and a sketch or drawing from the artist would be helpful to the Commission. Scott Johnson will contact the artist to ask for a sketch. Bruce Schmidt recently received a flier from Summerhill Cooperative, a senior housing cooperative that is looking at building a project in Cottage Grove. Jim Shinn will attend the meeting at the senior center and inform the Commission about the meeting. Kathy Klein handed out survey information from the League of Women Voters. The hand out looked at affordable housing in Washington County. Muk Grossklaus said Cottage Grove as a percent of housing has one of the largest affordable housing stocks in the Twin Cities. Rajean Moone brought in an article on the Desegregation Funds at Washington County. Scott Johnson will include a copy of the article in the next Commission packet. Chad Thielman is the representative of the Commission on the East Ravine Task Force. He will keep the Commission updated on the East Ravine issues. A motion was made by Jim Shinn to adjoum. The motion was seconded by Chad Thielman and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:50 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM October 8, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Humau Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, October 8, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathy Klein, Jim Shinn, Rajean Moone, and Bart Fischer Members Absent: Kari Thurlow and Chad Thielman Staff Liaison: Scott Johnson Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus Guest: 7:00 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the September meeting. Council Member Mark Grossklaus informed the Commission that the Cottage Square redevelopment/senior housing project is moving forward. The City council also acknowledges the need for diverse senior housing. Jim Shinn also gave the Commission some information on Summerhill of Cottage Grove. A meeting was held at the senior center on this proposed new development. Senior citizens were allowed to reserve a spot in the cooperative housing complex for $200 to $300. This project has not been approved by tbe City Council or Planning Commission. Commission members were concerned that services would not be provided for residents at Summerhill. Rajean Moone mentioned that HSI could provide services for residents Kathy Kline mentioned that a senior housing project done by Presbyterian Homes or Accessible Space would provide a mix of services for seniors in their senior housing projects. Bart Fischer asked Mark Grossklaus if the businesses in Cottage Square knew about the redevelopment plans for the malL He said many tenants have already moved and current tenants are aware of the plans. Mr. Grossklaus also informed the Commission that Washington County is looking into building a service center in Cottage Grove. Rajean Moone asked if there were any human rights contests for the Commission to promote. Scott Johnson said he will ask the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. Mr. Moone will also write down other ideas for the Commission to pursue in the future. Mark Grossklaus mention that the city is looking into re-doing the format of the water bills and providing extended hours for questions to citizens. He said he will ask for the Commissions input on the proposal. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM November 12, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, November 12, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathy Klein, Jim Shinn, Rajean Moone, and Chad Thielman Members Absent: Kari Thurlow and Bart Fischer Staff Liaison: Scott Johnson Council Liaison: Mark Grossklaus Guests: Mary Hakeem and Nia Hafoka 7:00 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes from the October meeting. The Commission welcomed guests Mary Hakeem and Nia Hafoka, juniars from Park High School, to the meeting. Jim Shinn mentioned to the Commission that he had received another mailer for the Summerhill project. Kathy Kline expressed concerns over the price of the market rate units. The units range from $15Q000 to $231,000. The senior building is set up as a co-op. Mr. Shinn also informed the Commission that the seniors he has spoken to cannot afford the monthly rate. Kathy Kline mentioned that Presbyterian Homes has some affordable units in their proposed project and they base rates on the tenanYs monthly income. Jim Shinn thought it would be a good idea if Commission Members went to the November 20` meeting at 6 PM for Summerhill to ask questions. Council Member Mark Grossklaus informed the Commission that this project has not been proposed to the city. Jim Shinn mentioned that they need 40 people to sign up for the project before they will start the process to make sure there is interest. This would possibly be a market rate option for citizens over age 55. Scott Johnson also informed the Commission that the city has received a draft development agreement from Presbyterian Homes to build a mixed use project on the Cottage Square Mall site. The Commission was happy to hear about the progress made by the city and Presbyterian Homes. Rajean Moone mentioned that he spoke to two current Cottage Square tenants who were told that they would not need to move during the proposed project. Bruce Schmidt thought that the tenants may need to temporarily relocate. Mr. Schmidt also asked about the possibility of Washington County building an office building on the site. Mark Grossklaus informed Yhe Commission that the county is looking for land in Cottage Grove for a 30,000 sf Service Center. The county is looking at a number of sites in the city including a possible redevelopment of the Armory site. The city does not want to take more property off of the tax roles for the county project. The Commission received information on the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission Essay Contest. Mr. Moone will invite someone from the School District to discuss the contest next meeting. Kathy Kline asked the two guests at the Commission what they thought about the Cottage Grove Community. Both liked the community, but kids do not have many things to do in the city. Chad Thielman mentioned that the East Ravine Study will include property planned for a Community Center in 15 to 20 years. Mr. Grossklaus mentioned that a referendum would be needed to build a Community Center. Citizens will need to drive a referendum for this type of project. He also mentioned that the city is looking into the possibility of homebuilders paying a fee towards building future schools. Next, the Commission brought up the idea of murals. Mr. Grossklaus said that the City does not have a building where this type of art work would be visible. He also mentioned that the CP Rail Holiday Train will be in Cottage Grove on November 12`�. Plus, the Great Grove Get Together is looking for volunteers and new ideas. Jim Shinn mentioned that Caron Stransky had called him looking for senior citizens who could help plan the event. The meeting adjourned at 8:15 PM. Next meeting is 7:00 PM December 10, 2003 City of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, December 10, 2003 Members Present: Bruce Schmidt, Kathy Klein, Bart Fischer, Rajean Moone, and Chad Thielman Members Absent: Jim Shinn Staff Liaison: Scott Johnson Council Liaison: Guests: Angela Li 7:00 PM Call to Order The Commission approved the minutes with changes for the November meeting. There were no new developments on senior housing projects in Cottage Grove. The Summerhill project seems to be moving forward. Jim Shinn will update the Commission at the next meeting. Bruce Schmidt mentioned that Tom Moy's has a petition in their window to keep them at their current location. Rajean Moone invited Lisa McLeod from the School District to the meeting. She could not make it to the meeting. Mr. Moone will speak to her to find out if she is interested in promoting an essay contest through the Commission. Rajean Moone informed the Commission that he has been aggressive in recruiting Park High students for the Commission's youth seats. He has been met with reluctance from the school district personnel. Chad Thielman updated the Commission on tbe East Ravine task force. Under the plans current proposal, Old Cottage Grove would be left alone. More open space and trails would be added to the City. The populations around the proposed commercial centers would be condensed. Affordable housing is not a part of the plan because of Cottage Grove's current housing stock. There will be a public open house on January 8`" from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at River Oaks Golf Course. The City wants to be proactive on open space and easements. They are also planning on zoning a spot for a future community center for the City. The comprehensive planning begins in February of 2004. Kathy Kline asked if the project included some high density housing. Chad Thielman explained that high density housing is proposed around the commercial zones to get people to stay and shop in the area. They are also planning to wrap a community around Cedarhurst and incorporate some of the architectural Yhemes into the new buildings. The next step in the process is to plan the land development for the City. Once the Committee receives more input from the citizens, they will go into mare detai] with the plan. There will be a Council meeting in the near future to discuss the project. Kathy Kline asked if affordable housing would be included in the high density housing. Mr. Thielman said that it has not been discussed. He will bring this up at the February meeting. Two neighborhoods will be developed in the next 10 years. The Cedarhurst neighborhood is still 20 years away. Commission Member Kline asked if they were planning on people traveling through Woodbury to get to Cottage Grove stores. Chad Thielman informed the Commission that people from Hastings and Prescott, but not Woodbury may travel to Cottage Grove. This is only in the planning phase. The committee wants to keep parks, ravines, and open spaces community amenities. Bruce Schmidt mentioned that teens need a community center. Chad Thielman said the East Ravine Committee wants the Community Center to be a citizen driven project. No Council Member will try to push this project forward. He also mentioned that maybe the school district would have a building that could be paid for with user fees. Rajean Moone mentioned that the Golf Dome was going under. Kathy Kline wants the commission to start exploring what kids in the community want and/or need. Kathy Kline wanted the Commission to brainstorm ideas on what the community center should include. Mary Hakeem mentioned dances, skateboarding and other activities. Next, the Commission appointed Mary Hakeem to the Commission as a student member. Bart Fischer resigned from the Commission because he was offered the Community Development Director position with the City of Newport. He submitted his letter of resignation to the Commission. Chad Thielman made a motion to adjourn. Kathy Kline seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM. Next meering is 7:00 PM January 14, 2004