HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/09/1982 Minutes of Meeting
MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION
November 9, 1982
Present: Bryant, Fischer, Larsen, Lynch, Rostron, Williamson
Minutes of the meeting of October 5, 1982, were approved as distributed.
Accessibility Study - the Agenda was corrected to show that Scott Rostron
would present follow-up on the presentation made by Julie Quarve Peterson
from the National Handicapped Housing Institute.
Scott contacted the HUD office concerning the Community Development Block
Grant Program (CDBG) , but learned that they are now administered by the
energy, planning and development offices of local governments and are known
as "Minnesota Small Cities Development Programs." Scott pursued this and
talked with Mike Auger, who explained to him that basically, these grants
are aimed at persons of low/moderate incomes, and are provided in three
basic areas: (1) economic development, (2) housing, and (3) public service.
Requests for funding are based on needs assessment; there is heavy compe-
tition for funds, and studies receive low priority. Also, funding for this
program has diminished. In talking with Maplewood city planner, Jeff Olson,
Scott learned that there are few references to handicapped in the City plan,
but a possibility exists that the City might fund a study. It was agreed that
He should pursue funding perhaps from the City Council. Discussion also
included a consideration to contact civic groups in the community, such as
the Elks, Moose Lodge, Jay Cees, Lions, etc. , to seek support for study funds.
It was noted that businesses might be reluctant to support a study as the
results might indicate changes for buildings/property which they own.
HRA Update - Lucille Bryant reported that the City Council overruled their
last vote and they are looking into floating bonds in 1983 to assist first-time
home buyers for senior citizens' homes.
Annual Report 1982 - Maria Larsen asked that each Commissioner prepare brief
drafts of activities in which they have been involved and bring with them to
the December meeting.
No Fault Grievances - old grievances were reviewed and identified and two
new ones were discussed and assigned:
Grievance #1 - Employment Troubles (Williamson/Larsen/Fischer)
#2 - Sexual Harassment (Fischer/Bryant)
#3 - Bus Driver (Fischer/Sister Claire)rk'
„* #4 - Familial/Employment (Larsen/Rostron)
. #5 - Public Assistance (Haynes/Larsen)
#6 - Sex Discimination/Employment (Fischer/Williamson) . ;,,z.
#7 - Age Discrimination/Harassment (Rostron/Sister Claire
r son has not followed-up
(1..111-: 7�
(over)
MHRC page 2 11/9/82
Reports of each grievance should be brought back to Commission meetings
to forward to City Council offices. Records will be confidential. A
No Fault Grievance Form should be completed on each base.
Maria announced new training schedule dates for NFG sessions. Scott will
try to attend Jan 8. Peter Lewon from the State Dept. of Human Rights
has informed all Commissions that home phone numbers cannot be released.
Maplewood HRC will continue to list the City Manager as contact person.
League of Mn HRC -Board Meeting Report - Maria Larsen attended the October
Board Meeting and shared several items. To generate support from local
Commissions, the Board proposed several Action Steps and a Response Network.
The Action Steps involve two proposals: (1) legislative support will be
sought to increase awareness of, and support for, effective handling of
human rights grievances, and (2). support to expand No-Fault Grievance
Process. Commissions are requested to write letters of support and send
to Ron McGinnis for presentation to Minnesota Supreme Court. Commissions
may also be asked to act as consultants to proposed new commissions.
The Response Network will link the League executive board with one person in
each member Commission, permitting transfer and execution of messages with
a few hours. Chair Larsen will serve as contact person for MHRC.
The Secretary was directed to write a letter expressing support for the
expansion of No-Fault and urging additional training be made available.
HR Act Packet Presentation - Peter Fischer reported that he gave the first
presentation at Hill/Murray High School to four classes on November 2nd.
He was extremely pleased with the reception; the instructor was impressed
with the material, and the students were responsive and interested. Many
questions were raised and a sample case reviewed. Peter may make additional
presentations to classes during. Winter and Spring. Peter was commended for
his efforts in this area. Decision was made that publicity will be sought
for the next presentation.
Proposed City Ordinance to Limit Commission Terms - was presented at last
City Council meeting but was tabled as no input was sought or received from
the various city commissions. The intent of the proposal is to open up all
Commissions to interested persons and to limit terms to several years. City
Manager Barry Evans will mail out information to everyone shortly and several
Commissioners will attend the next Council meeting to present a statement.
Although the intent of the proposal is understood, it was noted that if.
passed, the proposed ordinance would immediately cut out several valuable,
active members on different commissions, which would disrupt activities now
under way.
Peter Fischer indicates that the HRC terms are supposed to be staggered.
As no one was certain which terms would soon expire, this will be reviewed
at the next meeting.
Next meeting will be held December 7. Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
Submitted by
Pat Williamson