HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-13 PACKET 02.Human Services /Human Rights Commission
City of Cottage Grove, Minnesota
Meeting Minutes
May 9, 2012
6:30 p.m,
Members Present:
Rick Johnson
Christie Thompson
Jena Nutzman
Linda Lundstrom
Kathleen Washenberger
Suzanne Koerner
Members Absent:
Francisco Gonzalez, Chair (excused)
Lezlie Schriver (mix up in start date due to her email not working)
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 6:43 p.m. by Acting Commission Chair
Rick Johnson
2. Approval of Minutes
A Motion was made by Commissioner Washenberger and seconded by Commissioner
Lundstrom to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2012 meeting. All present were in favor.
Welcome New Commissioner Lezlie Schriver
Ken Smith said he expected newly appointed Commissioner Lezlie Schriver to show up for the
meeting. She did not show up due to her email not working. She did not receive the City's
welcome letter. This absence would not count against her.
4. Essay Poster Video Contest /Speaker Event
Ken Smith informed the Commission that no entries were sent in for the contest. There was a
brief discussion about fund raising for prizes. Commissioner Lundstrom brought up the idea of
doing a facing race and stated we would have to provide the space and the refreshments. It was
decided to hold the event in the evening. Commissioner Thompson brought up the idea of
holding it at Park High School. Facing Race was explained to Commission members who were
not familiar with it. It was suggested that the event be held in the fall. Commissioner Thompson
stated she wanted to do something earlier, perhaps have a speaker. The idea of having the
FacingRace event at River Oaks Golf Course came up. Commissioner Linda Lundstrom would
look into it.
Commissioner Koerner came into the meeting at 7:00 p.m. She didn't remember the time had
changed to 6:30.
A discussion about how to register for the event took place with a suggestion to use the City's
website as a way to register. Commissioner Washenberger said she would make a flier. Other
dates were put into the mix for the event. These included: July 17, 19, 24, 23 and 31.
Commissioner Koerner said she had contacts with Wells Fargo and will ask them for a donation
to help with the FacingRace event. Commissioner Lundstrom thought we should plan for 50
people. Ken suggested Commissioner Nutzman ask her friends and teachers to attend. Council
Member Peterson brought up the idea of continuing education credits. Ken Smith said the
Commission will have a booth at the Strawberry Fest. Suzanne said she would staff it.
Commissioner Thompson said the planned speaker could speak in December perhaps for two
hours and use Park High. Good dates for Commissioner Lindsey are December 4, 6, 11, 14, and
15.
5. Amended Action Plan
Commissioner Washenberger presented the amended action plan. Commissioner Koerner said it
was looking good and Commissioner Washenberger said she would continue to update the Plan.
6. Letter to Schools Advertising for Youth Commissioner/ Future Bulletin Letter
Commissioner Nutzman said she would send her article in the Bulletin. Commissioner Koerner
said she would continue to write her article on respect.
7. Diversity Highlight of the Month
Commissioner Koerner brought up Mother's day.
8. City Update
Council Member Jen Peterson mentioned the possibility of Walmart coming to Cottage Grove.
The Planning Commission will take it up at their meeting on June 25`'. She mentioned there was
a meeting with the community at the Ice Arena about Wahnart and that this is the last year of the
Cottage View Drive -in Movie Theater. She talked about progress at the new Public Safety City
Hall Building, splash pad progress at Highlands Park, Hone Depot site TIF information and the
Business Accelerator. She reminded everyone that Fare for All was tomorrow at All Saints
Church. She talked about a possible homeless shelter. Suzanne Koerner asked if anyone wanted
to an election Judge.
9. Adjournment
A motion was made to adjourn by Commissioner Nutzman and seconded by Commissioner
Washenberger. The meeting ended at 8:00 p.m.
Presented by: Kenneth L. Smith, Community Services and Communications Coordinator