HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-13 MINUTESCity of Cottage Grove
Human Services/Rights Commission
Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Members Fresent:
Council Liaison:
Staff Liaison:
Members Abseiit:
Rajean Moone, Chair (arrived at 7:40PM)
Danisa Farley
Cathy Lattu
Jen Peterson
Jim Shinn
Christie Thompson
Karla Bigham
7oe Fischbach
Regina Seabrook
1. Cail to Order
AY T.00 PM the meeting was called to ordex.
2. Approvai of Minutes
Jim Shinn made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 2006 meeting. Jen Peterson
seconded the motion, A11 Present in I'avor.
3. City Update
City Council liaison Karla Bigham gave the Commission on update about current events in
Cottage Grove. She specifically talked about the 200'7 budget and that ta�: rates are going dowm.
She also briefly talked about the Presbyterian Homes project and revenue bonds. There is also a
new school in the City called the Yeshiva School. The commission suggested a possible tour.
4. Presbyterian Homes Project Update
Howazd Blin, Community Development Director, gave a presentation about the PresbyCerian
Homes projecY that is going to be built on the Cottage Square site. Presbyterian Aomes still
hopes to get in the ground by the end of the year. They hope to have the first phase done by
February of 2008. The firsY phase wi11 include 146 senior, rental units. The second phase is
planned to be commercial. The site will also feature more green space than what is currenfly
there. Howard also gave the commission a brief history of taY inerement financing.
"I'here have also been initial taiks about senior housing on the Frattalone property behind Kohls.
Commissioner Lattau commented that Cottage Grove has done a good job of thoughtful
planning. Howazd Blin indicated he would pass those comments on to Che planning staff.
5. SWGTV Discussion
Doug Bondeson from the cable commission wanted to talk about reformatting the Fiuman
Rights/Human Services cable segment that appears on the government channel.
6. Police Department Connections
Public Safety Director Craig Woolery was at the meeting to introduce himself and meet the
commissioil members. He gave a brief history of the departmenY and how i2 is structured and
staffed. He also gave a history of cxime in Cottage Grove during the past few years and vasions
inifiatives the departmen2 uses to deter and minimize criminal activity. He then went over each
suspected hate bias crime within the City during the last 2 years. Many of them itilvolve minors.
The Commission would like to get more involved to eliminate or at the least minimize hate bias
crimes in Cottage Grove. Chief Woolery indicated that all offieers have to be trained in Yhis area
and report suspected cases to the BCA. f-Ie will make sure officers aze handing out brochures to
victims telling them of their rights and what resources are available.
7. Essay Contest
A bzief discussion regarding the annual League o£ Minnesota Human Rights Commissions Essay
Contest was conducted and how the commission can get more submissions this year. Rajean will
work on this and report back to the commission.
8. Facing Race Conversations- St Paul Foundation
The St Paul Foundation has put out a new program that helps people talk about xace in their
group, workplace and/or commtuliry. It has a DVD component Chat has interactive situations that
guide groups to talk about race in various situations aud environments. Joe Fischbach suggesTed
that the group hold a session some time in the next couple of months. It was suggested that it be
done oi1 a Saturday because of the length. Joe Fischbach wili try to find a date that works for
everyone.
9. Di�ersity Highlight of the Month
None
10. Neighbors Connecting Nefghbors LTpdate
None
11. Commission Comments & Requests
Regina Seabrook has xesigned from the commission. A formal IeCter will be fortl�coming.
There is a Peace, Power and Unity conferenee at Metro State University on October 7
12. Adjourn
A motion was made Rajean Moone and seconded by Jim Shinn to adjourn the meeting at 8:57
PM; Al1 PresenY in Favor.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joe Fischbach
Management Analyst