HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-08 MINUTESCity o£ Cottage Grove
Members Present:
Council Liaison:
Staff Liaison:
Members Absent
Human Services/Rights Commission
�Seeting Mii�ates
Wednesday, February 8, 2006
Kathy Klein
Rajean Moone
Regina Seabrook
7im Shinn
Christie Thompson
Karla Bigham
Jessica Sandin
Cathy Lattu
James Litton
L Call to Order
At 7:10 PM fhe meeting was called to order.
2. Approval of Minutes
Regina Seabrook made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 2006 meering. Kathy
Klien seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously.
3. Diversity Highlight of Month
February is Africa�s American History Month. ��
Discussion ensured regarding diversity in Cottage Grove Juniox and Senior High.
A. CSty Update
Councilmember Karla Bigham updated commissioners on the recent Couneil issues including the
adoption of Council goals for 2006. She also informed commissioners of a recent presentation to
the Councii by the Youth Service Bureau on what services they provide to the community.
5. Neighbors Connecting Neighbors Update
The Commission coordinated the 2006 shows topics and designated lead person as follows:
• ChrisYie Thompson will coordinate a segment on local chaxitable organizations for the
March show.
■ Councilmember Karla Bigham will coordinate the May program on domestic abuse.
■ Regina Seabrook wi11 be coordinating the July update on parent resources.
■ Kathy Kleiu (alumni Commissioner) wi11 work on the Septeinber show focused on
voting.
• Rajean Moone plans to discuss Medicare for the November 2006 show.
This list of ideas for NCNU will continue to grow and be refined. The Commission members
agreed they want the programs to empower the viewer. Ideas brainstormed for future programs
include:
• Mental health (depression)
• Student panel (announce essay)
• Human services
• Drug/alcohol abuse
• Volunteerism
• Class-conscious
• African culture
. Food shelf
7. Special Projeefs Update
Essays are due by the March 8th ineefing where winners will be selected. The Commission
discussed additional ways to encourage essay submittals. The contest materials have been made
available on the City website, forwarded to locai schools, announced at Council meetings, and
circulated among city staff. Prize donations were discussed a�ld Commissioners will speak to
potential donors then bring the donations to the March meeting.
Discussion ensured about a bias/hate crime response plan. Topics of interest are a proactive plan
for community response to hate/bias crimes, opening channels of communication, offering to
provide diversity training for first responders, and to have a question/answer session.
There was consensus the Commission would like to arrange to meet with the Police Department
early in 2006. The Commissioners wili come to the March meeting with questions they would
like to ask the police department. Chairman Moone also suggested at the next meeting they
develop a goal for the joint meeting and establish action steps for reaching the goal.
8. Commission Comments & Requests
7ames Litton has nof attended the last four consecutive meetings; he missed October, November,
January and was not present at the current Februasy meeting. The Coinmissioners agreed �he has
effectively resigned from the Commission and is no longer a member.
Kathy Klein's term ends effective 2/28/06. Chairman ivloone convnented on his concern for the
vacancy created by K1ein's term limit. He discussed the need to keep a full commission and the
lack of interest or lack of applicants for the Coinmission to fill her vacancy. Chairman Moone
will look into options for the reappoinmzent of Kathy Klein.
The Commission will fonnally review any application received to fi11 the two vacancies at Che
March meeting and decide whe�her to invite the candidafes for an interview.
9. Adjourn
A motion was made and seconded to adjourn; the motion was approved unanimously at 8:25 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
7essica Sandin, Management Analyst