HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/05/1982 MINUTES
Maplewood Human Relations Commission
January 5, 1982
Present: Bryant, Fischer, Haynes, Larsen, Lynch, Rostron, Williamson
Guest: MaryLee Maida
Chair Maria Larsen called the meeting to order at 7:40 p.m. Guest MaryLee
Maida, Maplewood City Council member, was welcomed and introduced. All
of the City Council members had been invited to attend the meeting. Regrets
were received from Mayor Greavu and Gary Bastian.
Ms. Maida briefly explained her backround in human relations and chemical
dependency and expressed her interest in human rights, especially in the
Commission.
Chair Larsen announced that our Coon Rapids guest had canceled because of
illness, and would be rescheduled next month.
Maria also gave an overview of the HRC and outlined previous concerns and
involvements. A copy of the Annual Report for 1980 was given to the guest.
Ms. Maida expressed interest and support for the Commission activities, inclu-
ding the inaccessibility of City Hall to mobility impaired persons.
Vice Chair Fischer- reported on the Familial Housing Survey, which will be
conducted to see if the law is being met or violated in our community.
Jim Haynes explained that he had talked with the editor of the Maplewood
Review concerning space for a column or article on the Commission. Because of
multiple requests, they are not willing to commit any regular space. Will
review and consider articles of a "general nature or interest." The Chair
called for a Task Force to formulate a first article. Peter, Scott and Maria
agreed to serve, with Jim as Chair. Jim will contact members to get ideas.
Will probably start with an overview of the Commission.
The Chair asked Lucille Bryant to review Minutes from the previous year to
anticipate updating the Annual Report for 1981. She will report back at the
March meeting.
Election of officers was discussed. One or two alternatives were reviewed.
Motion was moved by Bryant, seconded by Lynch, that the same officers serve
another year. Vote'was as follows: aye: 3, no: 2, abstentions: 2. The
officers will serve for another year.
Lucille Bryant requested clarification of her role as liaison to the Housing
and Redevelopment Authority. It was decided that she would present brief
updates at each HRC meeting, if feasible.
HRC Minutes January 5, 1982 Page 2
Staff liaison Bob Williamson attended his last meeting with the Commission
in December. His position of administrative assistant to the City Manager
has been retrenched. No replacement has been assigned. The Commission will
work directly through the City Manager, Barry Evans. Maria has obtained a
key to the building and will provide access for meetings. Discussion on
sending an official request to replace Bob was quite lengthy. A letter
will be drafted by the Secretary and sent out to the members for review
and input, prior to forwarding to the City Manager. The letter will
emphasize the importance of a liaison in accomplishing the Commission's
activities.
The City Ordinance increasing membership on the Commission did pass, and
two additional members will be sought. A news release to the St. Paul
Despatch, East Side Section, Maplewood Review and Maplewood in Motion
papers will be prepared.
It was agreed that City Council members would be invited to a meeting once
we have the 1981 Annual Report completed. This would be an ideal time to
review and discuss.
Goals and Activities - a possible timeframe was discussed. Academic Freedom
in the Schools will be deferred until June. No Fault Grievance Process
Training - The SDHR will refer grievances to us when we submit a list of
people trained in process, together with telephone numbers and contact hours.
If the liaison is replaced, that person could be used as a grievance contact.
Maria will return Referral Request forms to SDHR listing trained members who
can be utilized.
Action on Title V of Section 504 Rehabilitation Act has been deferred by the
SDHR until next year. Cannot get into this year's legislation.
Peter Fischer had contacted Peter Lewon in SDHR concerning offering a
workshop or meeting to explain HR ordinance to building owners/managers.
Peter will draft a letter to find out if a need exists.
Contact has been made with teacher Peter Strauss at Hill-Murray High School
to find out what could be included in the social studies curriculum relating
to human rights, at least for seniors.
The main topic at the February 2 meeting will be the Accessibility Survey
with a guest from Coon Rapids.
Meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
Submitted by
Pat Williamson
Secretary