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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-09 PACKET 02.Human Services /Human Rights Commission City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota Meeting Minutes October 12, 2011 Members Present: Francisco Gonzalez, Vice -Chair Kathleen Washenberger Rick Johnson Linda Lundstrom Doug Amos Christie Thompson Jena Nutzman Suzanne Koerner Members Absent: 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 7:04 p.m. by Commission Chair Francisco Gonzales 2. Approval of Minutes Motion by Commissioner Rick Johnson and Seconded by Commissioner Koerner to approve the minutes of the October August 9, 2011 meeting with a correction that Council Member Peterson came back from her Council Meeting to give Council Update. The Motion carried as amended and all present were in favor. 3. Welcome Suzanne Koerner Chair Gonzales asked the group to welcome its new commissioner Suzanne Koerner. He told the Commission that he was impressed with her experience and energy. He mentioned the Youth seat vacancy and encouraged members to spread the word. Commissioner Johnson said his daughter might be interested in serving on the Committee. 4. Equity and Integration in Schools Commissioner Rick Johnson was asked to update the commission on District 833 equity and integration efforts. He shared with the group that he, Francisco and Linda Lundstrom had met with Louis Saenz the District's Multicultural Coordinator. Mr. Saenz had a lot to say about what we could do for him. We talked about cultural related teacher issues. We need to find out as a committee what issues we want to address. He is willing to come to our meeting. Chair Gonzales said it was a good meeting and that Mr. Saenz is new to the post and that he had a lot on his plate. Commissioner Amos said he would like to see him at a future meeting. He made a motion Human Services /Human Rights Commission 12 Minutes of the October 12, 2011 Meeting that we send an invitation letter, which was seconded by Commissioner Thompson. Francisco said he was quite busy and had a standing invitation. Mr. Amos wanted to nail it down with a specific date. Ms. Thompson said we should put in the letter that we are available to help him with specific projects. All present voted to approve the motion. Francisco said he would draft a letter. Council Member Peterson mentioned that the District's Strategic Plan was out. Commissioner Thompson talked about the AVID program used in inner city schools to reach out to kids who have the potential to be the 1 st in their generation to go to college. 5. Bulletin Letter Current and Next The subject of Commissioner Thompson's letter to the Bulletin Newspaper was discussed. She mentioned that members of the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Committee wanted to proof any article about the organization that she wrote. Council Member Peterson stated that October is Domestic Violence Prevention Month and that her letter was in the Bulletin currently. She also mentioned Homeless and Hunger prevention month. Francisco explained to new Commissioner Koerner what these letters are about and when and why they send them to the Bulletin. Council Member Peterson stated it would be helpful to plan out our year. February is African American Awareness Month and December is Human Rights Month. Mr. Amos read his letter. Ken Smith informed the group that they could writer a letter for the City's Newsletter. Mr. Gonzales said he would write a letter for the Newsletter. He spoke about the Eyes Wide Open series and said October 24 t11 will be an important meeting and that our name now appears as a sponsor. 6. Housing Complex Behind Library Commission Johnson said he went to Woodlands and spoke to landlord/care takers and met with a couple. They didn't know the HS /HR Commission existed. They don't like their neighborhood being referred to as little Chicago and believed that some CG police officers care, but the majority don't give a hoot and feel they are being looked down upon. They claimed their kids don't have a place to play and that they play on the road. Council Member Peterson stated that there used to be a playground at Oakwood Park and that there is not a clear plan for what they're doing back there. A woman who lives in the area said she liked living there and that her daughter was assaulted at Hinton Flights. Council Member Peterson mentioned that Parks and Recreation had a program in an apartment in the complex that was funded by the Washington County HRA. Mr. Johnson went on to say that they are not having any eviction problems and that the apartments are all full. It was said that Officer McCormick takes a lot of interest in the complex and has once a month meetings. Council Member Peterson talked about a low cost grocery- buying program she is involved with. They have frozen meat and fresh vegetables. Go to www.fareforall.org for further info. Commissioner Thompson left the meeting at 7:56 p.m. Council Member Peterson said the food program was a great resource for seniors and that she has talked to volunteers in the area and networked with churches to spread the word. Commissioner Koerner said the program sounds like it would be good for seniors with fixed and limited incomes. There was a brief discussion about the demographics in the area and Rick asked Council Member Peterson to check. Jen and Rick will attend a meeting on the 19` and report back to the Commission. Human Services /Human Rights Commission 3 Minutes of the October 12, 2011 Meeting 7. Diversitv Highlight of the Month Commission Chair Gonzales handed out Children Who Care information which educated children about Human Rights. He also handed out information about Religious Diversity in Our Communities where there will be a meeting in Shoreview on February 7, 2012. Commissioner Johnson asked about the Monster Bash Parade and said he wanted the Commission to be represented at the parade. They talked about Banners, candy and cars. 8. City Update Council Member Jeri Peterson gave the City update. She mentioned a sober living home for adult males 18 and up, Habitat for Humanity and how she'd like them to come to Cottage Grove. The City Council voted on letter of support that went with grant application. She brought up the PSCH ground breaking, the Community Center and how LA Fitness has changed the discussion. She mentioned that the CG pool has closed for good and will be replaced by splash pads. The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will arrive on December 11, 5:30 — 6:30. She mentioned she attended the MN coalition for the homeless meeting in St. Cloud. We are one of 2 counties without an ending homeless plan. Washington County will have a plan in two weeks. As far as the City's 2012 Budget is concerned everything stays flat. 9. Adjournment A motion was made to adjourn by Doug Amos and seconded by Rick Johnson. The meeting ended at 8:37 p.m. The next meeting will be November 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall. Presented by, Kenneth L. Smith Community Services and Communications Coordinator