HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-05-09 PACKET 02.Human Services /Human Rights Commission
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Meeting Minutes
April 11, 2012
6:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Rick Johnson
Christie Thompson
Jena Nutzman
Linda Lundstrom
Kathleen Washenberger
Members Absent:
Francisco Gonzalez, Chair (excused)
Suzanne Koerner
Also Present:
Kenneth L. Smith, City Liaison
Jen Peterson, Council Member
1. Call to Order
The meeting was held at City Hall and called to order at 6:40 p.m. by Commission Vice Chair
Rick Johnson
2. Approval of Minutes
Motion by Commissioner Thompson and Seconded by Commissioner Nutzman to approve the
minutes of the March 14, 2012 meeting.
3. Commissioner Interviews
Commissioner Johnson informed the group that he and Jen Peterson and Ken Smith had
interviewed two candidates and that he is recommending the Commission recommend Lezlie
Schriver for the open seat. He described her as having 25 years experience with social work. He
remarked that the other Candidate was very good also but felt Lezlie would be a better fit at this
time. Council Member Peterson and Ken Smith agreed. A motion was made by Commissioner
Thompson and seconded by Commissioner Washenberger to recommend Ms. Schriver to the
City Council to fill the vacant regular seat. All present were in favor and the motion passed
unanimously. Kathleen mentioned she was in contact with Barb Brown at 833 to help get the
word out about the open youth seat. Jen mentioned the open seat at Career Day at CG Middle
School. Ken suggested Jena send a letter to the bulletin talking about her experiences and how
she encourages others to take up the mantle.
4. Equity and Integration in Schools
Commissioner Johnson has not had a recent meeting with school officials. He will set a date
when Chair Gonzales returns.
Next Bulletin Letter / Newsletter Article
Council Member Peterson's article about volunteerism was in the Bulletin. Rick explained caring
for his mother was preventing him from finishing his article.
6. Fund Raising
Commissioner Thompson said she hasn't done any fundraising. She mentioned she needed
funds to put on an event at the VFW. She will be meeting with Suzanne and Linda to come up
with ideas. Christie said she wanted to drop the idea for an event and just do fundraising. It was
mentioned that we could give out brochures at Strawberry Fest about discrimination.
Jen Peterson mentioned that Fare for All would be on the Cottage Grove Spotlight show on
SWCTC. It was mentioned that we could have Kevin Lindsey as a speaker at some future event.
Christie said she would write a formal proposal.
Essay and Poster Contest
Ken mentioned that he had not received any entries yet. He mentioned Commissioner Koerner
said she would try to get prize money from a local corporation. The Commissioners who agreed
to judge the contests were Koerner, Lundstrom and Nutzman.
8. Diversity Highlight of the Month
Commissioner Johnson mentioned the Zimmerman case in Florida and the shooting spree in
Oklahoma of innocent African Americans as a deplorable act.
9. City Update
Council Member Jen Peterson mentioned the Facing Race event on April 23 and the Community
Center/ Parks & Recreation Commission referendum, the closing of the community pool, the 3M
Incinerator meeting at CG Middle School, Senator Katie Sieben doesn't support the plan. Yo-
Joe's Yogurt and Coffee Shoppe opened in Park Plaza. MK Salon had a ribbon cutting as well.
She mentioned she would be attending the anti child trafficking event at Park High School. She
talked about Fare- for -All and Habitat for Humanity doing something near Mississippi Dunes.
10. Miscellaneous
Commission Thompson is putting anti bullying materials on Faeebook. Commissioner Johnson
mentioned that the Human Rights League of iVLN will have a board meeting in Cottage Grove on
April 28 '.
12. Adjournment
A motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Lundstrom and seconded by Commissioner
Nutzman. The meeting ended at 7:50 p.m.
Presented by: Kenneth L. Smith, Community Services and Communications Coordinator