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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-06-14 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove Human Services/Rights Commission Meeting Minutes Wednesday, June 14, 2006 Members Present: Danisa Fariey Rajean Moone Cathy Lattu Jen Peterson Regina Seabrook Christie Thompson Council Liaison: Staff Liaison: Jessica Sandin Members Absent: Jim Shinn Guest: Mary Waldkirch, Washington County Crime Victim's Services � Nathan Dailey, Cottage Grove resident 1. Catl to Order At 7:00 PM the meeting was called to order. 2. Approval of Minutes Regina Seabrook made a motion to approve Yhe minutes of the May 2006 meeting. Jen Peterson seconded the motion and the motion was approved unanimously. 3. Welcome Jen Peterson as member The Commissioners welcomed the new Commissioner Jen Peterson. 4. Welcome Speaker: Mary Waldkirch, Washington County Crime Victim's Services The Commissioners intioduced themselves, and then Chairman Moone explained the Commissions interest in creating a Bias Crime Plan and learning how oYhers address the issue. Speaker Waldkirch provided a brief background of the services in her office and provided a number of brochwes, The County program gets involved to make certain all the victim's rights are applied in juvenile and felony crimes as soon as a arime is charged or petitioned. A major part of their work is referrals to other available services. Chairman Moone asked what role the County could play in a City plan. Speaker Waldkirch responded there must be an identified offender for them to get involved. As far as she couid remember, there has only been one bias crime charged since 1987. Ms. Waldkirch stated the Commission eould contact her with any other questions at mary.waldkirch(�co.washin�ton.mn.us. 5. Diversity Highlight of the Month Chairman Moone provided a list of highlights for the month of 7une which includes World Environment Bay. 6. City Update Staff Liaison Jessica Sandin updated the Commission on the following: ■ Jen Peterson has been appointed by the Council as a Commissioner • ConsolidaTion of the City Dispatch Communicarions Center to Washington County. ■ Progress of the Presbyterian Homes pxoject. ■ New businesses in or coming to the community: Resorts & Lodges.com, Lyman Lumber, Cath Oil, Health East, remodeled 80�' Street Green Village Mall. • City's budget process has begun. � Strawberry Pest is this coming weekend. Danisa Parley and Jen PetErson expressed an int�rest in planning the Commissions involvement for next year. 7. �'eighbors Connecting Neighbors Update Christie Thompson xeported the NCNU segment on charities is now airing. The Commissioners who have seen the episode stated there were great speakers aud good website referrals. The Commission coordinated the 2006 shows topics and designated the lead person as follows: ■ Regina Seabrook wi11 be coordinating fhe July update on parent resources for children with developrnental disabilities, possibly focusing on aurism. • Danisa Farley and Jen Peterson will coordinate the September update on domestic abuse. ■ Rajean Moone plans to discuss Medicare for the November 2006 show. This Iist of ideas for NCNU will eontinue to grow and be refined. The Commission members a�reed they wanC the programs to empower the viewer. Ideas brainstormed for future programs include: • Mental health (depxession) • Drug/alcohol abuse • Volunteerism • Class-conscious • African culture • Food shelf • Victims Rights '7. Special Projects Update Police Department Connections deferred. 8. Commission Comments & Requests The Commission was reminded to arrive at 6:30 PM far the joint meeting on July 5�'. Following the joint meeting will be the regular Ju1y meeting. Chairman Moone discussed what will be presented at the meeting. � Cathy Lattu informed the Commission she is no longer on a State Board member because the City has not officially jointed the State Commission or paid dues. Danisa Parley circulated a brochure for a Women's Expo she is putting on at the Annory on July 8`". She also explained a recent issue regarding discrimination from her landlord. Chairman Moone suggested she contact the Department of Human Rights who can possibly conduct an investigation into her case. Danisa Farley also asked what the Commission does and what difference it makes for flie community. Sandin will provide informaCion at fhe next meeting and also referred her to t1�e City website. � Danisa Farley invited Nathan Dailey to join the Commission to share his concern with neighbors who harass him and use inappropriate language. He was referred to the police department for harassment and advised to also contact his landlord. 9. Adjourn A motion was made and seconded to adjourn; the motion was approved unauimously at 8:45 PM. Respectfiilly Submitfecl, � Jessica Sandin, Management Analyst