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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006 06-12 600 CMWAGENDA CITY COUNCIL/MANAGER WORKSHOP Monday, June 12, 2006 Gymnasium, Carver School 2680 Upper Afton Road 6:00 p.m. A. CALL TO ORDER B. ROLL CALL C. APPROVAL OF AGENDA D. NEW BUSINESS Human Relations Commission - Maplewood Community Outreach Committee (Discussion) E. FUTURE TOPICS F. ADJOURNMENT Agenda Item D -1 MEMORANDUM TO: Greg Copeland, Interim City Manager FROM: Karen Guilfoile, City Clerk DATE: June 6, 2006 RE: Human Relations Commission Introduction The Maplewood Human Relations Commission (HRC) was created by City Ordinance on April 18, 1968. It is a seven - member committee. In October of 2004 the HRC was down to three members and was not meeting due to not having enough members for a quorum. In January 2005 the council moved to suspend the HRC and directed staff to examine the current mission statement and goals of the commission and to propose revisions to better suit the climate and diversity of the community. Backiround The mission of the HRC, in partnership with the State Department of Human Rights, is to secure for all citizens equal opportunity in housing, employment, public accommodations, public services and education and to work consistently to improve the human relations climate of the community. The HRC is not charged with specific duties but sponsors and promotes activities for Maplewood residents that increase sensitivity and awareness of diversity in our community, advises the Mayor, city council and other city commissions of human relations issues and offers no -fault grievance mediation services to the residents of Maplewood. With the changing diversity of our city since the inception of the HRC, the time is appropriate for revaluating how we as a city through our committees and commissions meet our resident's needs. In 1968 Commissions were created across the State to meet the needs of racial tension and diversity conflicts. Now, in 2006, in addition to the State Department of Human Rights, there are literally hundreds of resources for our changing culture to turn to for public services and human relations. I will also add that in the last four years of the Commission there was one incident of racial bias reported to our Commission and it was referred to the State Department of Human Rights for mediation. The prior HRC spent most of its time conducting poster and speech contests. While these were a good idea, after a few years there was poor participation. So, that brings us to what would better suit the climate and diversity of our community? How can we be of better service to our residents? After spending much time researching and reflecting on city hall activities, I am requesting that the council consider a different path. I envision working with the local business community welcoming new and relocated residents to our city providing information on services and opportunities. The information could be provided in a packet or perhaps a basket like the days of the Welcome Wagon. Included, but not limited to, would be information that would promote the city and answer the most common questions staff responds to on a daily basis such as the following: • A Community Center brochure including guest passes so that new residents can visit the facility • Information and opportunities on the Nature Center • The City News including the Park & Recreation issue showing recreation programs available • City hall services — motor vehicle, DNR and passports • Councilmember information and include Senate and Legislative Members • Polling places and election information • Licensed trash haulers and recycling schedules • Off street parking information • Curfew information • Cable company information including information on watching local council meetings on GTN • Neighborhood crime statistics • Information on recreational fires • Snow and ice control policies • Rain water gardens • Pet license requirements • Local utility information including a brochure provided by the St. Paul Water Utility At the same time we can inform our new residents of opportunities that they can having being involved in local government in providing information on committees, commissions, becoming a block watch captain or a member of crime watch, serving as an election judge, or sponsoring a National Night Out parry, etc. Also, working with the local business community, there are numerous opportunities for them to be involved as well. A local florist could donate a plant to the new residents promoting their business. A $ 10 coupon from a local gas station or tube oil business could be offered for an oil change. Local restaurants could donate coupons for a dinner. I am aware of a few that are already willing to participate: Panera Bread, Chipotle and Broadway Pizza. We could also collaborate with the White Bear Avenue Business Association, the St. Paul Area Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club including them in helping us to extend our welcoming hand to new businesses that venture into our city. Churches could add their bulletins welcoming new residents, public and private schools could include their recruitment information as well. Health East Hospital, local medical centers and eye clinics could also promote their businesses by including brochures. The opportunities are only as limited as our local resources — so the sky is the limit in what we could offer to new residents that have chosen Maplewood to be their home. We could help them to feel welcomed and a part of the community. This could be an outreach model for other communities to emulate and Maplewood could pave the path while delivering our city motto — Together We Can! This brings me to the proposed name "Maplewood Community Outreach Committee. " The Committee would not take minutes per se but would provide the council with monthly reports of their outreach efforts. This could even become a part of council meetings where new citizens are recognized by the council and welcomed to the community. I have spoken with Interim Manager Copeland and he is supportive of the proposed change. I have also met with Councilmember Juenemann who was the council liaison for the HRC and she supports the vision of the new MCOC and will certainly be able to offer direction and advice to the committee considering all of her years at as a community activist. Consideration Staff requests council input on the permanent suspension of the HRC and the removal of the Commission from the City Code of Ordinances and the forming of the Maplewood Community Outreach Committee. Staff also requests council's direction determining the number of committee members to be involved and any other direction that the council sees fit.