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Home My WebLink About04/01/1997 MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Tuesday, April 1, 1997 Conference Room A AGENDA I. CALL TO ORDER II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES III. APPROVAL OF AGENDA IV. OLD BUSINESS A. Welcome new members - All , B. Elect Secretary (tabled from March meeting) - All r , : , ,,u k t Follow up on entertainment for Open House/National Night Out - Colleen 1, . , /Vt'' -" ---Lefir ' Pr;,. al411, � NEW BUSINESS A. Report on inservice possibilities - Lynn, Regina, and Sherrie, and decide - All01,1465,* i714,- ne4 „` B. Vote on Posters and Diversity Award Applications 4\t -., VI. OTHER BUSINESS u- t1' -` ",t,t4; et.. /� , s -ib ' `' ° '1/44t0, ,,,,,-- „1 VII. REPORTS ' (at-,to Le- A. City of Maplewood' / 1L' `4/j' 4.1-+5 _ ,sv i A- ` '„o B. Agenda items for next"time ____ 1,6-0,4-7441.1114-r44�"° g, ' " c , ,` fjo,A4r; t,'VIII. ADJOURNMENT ' t®*a ;1..,...) ;� s st ti\'' ''' t: ti no Al C:\WPWIN60\HRC\AGENDA .,,2 MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION March 4, 1997 Meeting Minutes PRESENT - Members: Regina Laroche-Theune, Lynn Croes, Gordy Heininger, Katie Thein Kimlinger;- Ex-officio: Mike McGuire, Sherrie Le; Guests: Sharon Cox, School District 622; Nancy Cottle, School District 623; Colleen Dirkswager, City of Maplewood Community-Oriented Services Coordinator. Call to Order: 6:04 p.m. by Gordy Heininger, who began the meeting as our acting chair. Joint Meeting of the HRC and Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) -- Bruce Anderson, Director of Parks and Recreation, described a number of cultural diversity issues which relate to the use of public park facilities, and asked for the HRC's input. The issues included: 1) Harvest Park -- Each week night during the summer, 400-600 Southeast Asians gather in Harvest Park. The large groups create parking and litter problems, and cause some neighborhood residents to feel that their neighborhood park is being taken over by non-Maplewood residents. Several possible solutions were discussed, and the one which seemed most viable was to place fliers on the windshields of the group's vehicles. The fliers, written in the Hmong language, would welcome the group to the park, and request that they work with the PRC to resolve these concerns. 2) Input for Park Design Process -- The PRC is seeking more success in soliciting input from the Hmong community as to the design of Edgerton and Western Hills Parks. Some problems stem from the language barrier, and the lack of known contacts and/or resource persons in the Hmong community. A proposed solution was to include requests for such input in the fliers which will be distributed at Harvest Park. 3) Non-resident use of indoor facilities -- The heavy usage by non-Maplewood residents of the Maplewood Community Center was initially a concern of the PRC, but has been alleviated by the increased admission fees for non-residents, and the Zero Tolerance Policy that is now enforced at the MCC. The PRC anticipates implementing the Zero Tolerance Policies in the Carver and Edgerton facilities. Other general suggestions for diffusing tension in the parks and indoor facilities were to publish articles in Maplewood in Motion which educate the public as to different cultures, and to include ethnic education among the activities taking place during the Neighborhood Park Nights this summer. II, approval of Minutes: After the joint meeting, Regina Laroche-Theune took over as acting chair. Lynn moved to approve the 2/4/97 minutes as written. Gordy seconded the motion, and it was passed. III. Approval of Agenda: Gordy moved to approve the agenda without amendment. Lynn seconded the motion, and the motion passed. IV. Old Business: A. Entertainment for National Night Out Open House -- Colleen Dirkswager described what the Open House will be like. Continuous activity will be offered throughout the night, and a schedule will be available for attendees to decide on the events they wish to attend. The theater will be available for performing artists, the Drum and Bugle Core and a children's group will perform outside, and food vending will be located in the City Hall parking lot. Other possible activities will be a mini health fair in the banquet room of the MCC, a skateboarding contest, and a radio station broadcasting onsite. Colleen agreed to contact some of the artists the HRC selected from the entertainment list -- namely, Mariachi Serenata, United Laotian Artists, D.R.U.M.P.A.C., and Sankofa Ghanaian Ensemble. Other suggestions were to inquire whether the local Muslim church has a choir which could perform, and to find a group of people willing to demonstrate katare (a sport popular among Southeast Asians which is similar to volleyball, only played with the feet). Regina will try to track down some katare players. B. Poster/Diversity Contests -- Sherrie suggested revising the description of the Diversity Awareness Award for next year's contest, because she received a call from someone who interpreted the description to require a program or event which incorporated All diverse groups, such as race, gender, disabilities, etc. It was clarified that individual residents of Maplewood may participate in the contests, even if they do not attend a Maplewood school. Members intend to make their follow-up contacts this week. Sharon Cox will make a reminder at the next principal's meeting she attends. C. Topics for May inservice -- It was decided that the inservice will be held on the night of the May meeting, May 6, from 7-9 p.m. Several possible topics were raised: 1) Community Connecting- how to reach community leaders within the different cultural groups in Maplewood. Regina will contact the Urban League, United Way, or some other organization(s) which may be able to present some information on this. 2) Mediation- learning mediation techniques which will assist the HRC in responding to complaints of acts of bias. Sherrie will contact Pat Kelly, the city attorney, who recently became certified in this area to see if he would be interested in speaking on this topic. 3) Alma Curie- this speaker presents cultural comparisons to raise diversity awareness. Lynn will check into this possibility. 4) World of Difference- this entity was recommended by Nancy Cottle as a good source for diversity training. Regina will contact Nancy to get the phone number for this group. In addition to the inservice possibilities for May 6, Sharon Cox mentioned that the Joint Integration Committee plans to be doing some diversity training in the near future, and she will check into the possibility of HRC members attending this training, as well as the dates that the training would take place. D. Annual Report -- The only suggested improvements were as to typographical changes which, time allowing, will be made prior to submitting the report to the City Council. V. New Business: A. Electing a New Secretary -- this item was tabled until the April 1 meeting, when more HRC members are expected to be present. VI. Other Business: None. VII. Reports: A. City of Maplewood - Mike indicated that the hearing concerning the police chief's employment status was coming to an end. He also reported that the City Council will interview the remaining HRC candidate, and vote between the two candidates. The new member is expected to attend the April meeting. B. Agenda Items for April Meeting -- 1. Elect new secretary 2. Welcome new member 3. Follow up on entertainment for Open House 4. Vote on posters and diversity awareness award applications 5. Report on May inservice possibilities VIII. Adjournment: Lynn moved to adjourn the meeting, and Gordy seconded the motion. The motion passed, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Respectfully submitted, atie Thei. imlinger Acting Recording Secretary MAR 06 '97 11:02 MDES P.2 March 5, 1997 Carol Cude Chair, Maplewood Human Relations Commission 2546 E. Idaho Avenue Maplewood, MN 55119 Dear Carol: Please accept this letter of resignation as member of the Human Relations Commission. Personal and professional circumstances have forced me to make this very difficult decision, Since the new year I have found it difficult to fulfill my commitment as a member of the Human Relations Commission. I apologize for the inconvenience this will bring about. I have accepted a new position with my employer that is very challenging as well as requiring frequent travel state-wide. The transition into the new job has been stressful yet i was ready for the change. Again I apologize for the inconvenience this will cause. Thank you for the opportunity to serve as a member of the Human Relations Commission. erely, Maria Cantu-Costilla cc: Sherrie L. Le Drieke van Giffen Castle Elementary March 20, 1997 TO: Building Principals LA, FROM: Kathy Huyen Bruce Drewlow Re: Multicultural Opportunities District 622 has contracted with ECFS for diversity training. These training sessions have been allocated in the following fashion. Six hours of training to each of the high schools and three hours each to the elementary and middle schools. These sessions can be tailored to the specific needs of your staffs. These training sessions can be one hour sessions or longer. All staff are encouraged to attend these sessions. It is also recommended that community members be invited when appropriate. Sessions are limited to approximately 75 individuals. Contact Hary Bartz at ECFS (222-0311). These training sessions should be utilized by December 31, 1997. District 622 is also the recipient of several grants for multicultural teacher training. The first grant is for 15 teachers K-12 to attend two days of training at Andersen School in Minneapolis. Grant covers cost of substitutes. The second grant is for one day of inservice for 15 teachers at the Tri-District school. Again, the grant covers the cost of substitute teachers. A third grant has been awarded to bring the middle school multicultural club advisors together with representatives from St. Paul and Roseville to discuss supporting leadership skills in students of color at the middle school level. These three grants need to be used by June 1, 1997. Additional information will follow shortly. A Joint-Integration Grant has also been awarded to District 622 to do summer curriculum writing at the Tri-Di rict and Arlington High School in St. Paul. Approximately 40 teachers from St. Paul and District 622 will be brought together to write curriculum to accompany artifact trunks. Again, additional information will follow shortly. CITY OF 1VLAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION COMMISSION MEMBER APPOINTMENT DATE EXPIRATION Jim Bartingale 03/10/97 12/31/99 1695 East County Road D #332 Maplewood, MN 55109 Home: 770-7293 Work: Lynne Croes 01/23/95 12/31/97 2330 Dorland Court Maplewood, MN 55119 Home: 738-1671 Work: 297-3785 FAX: 297-1329 Carol J. Cude, Chair 01/01/95 12/31/97 2546 E. Idaho Avenue Maplewood, MN 55119 Home: 770-1052 Gordon A. Heininger 01/01/96 12/31/98 796 East Bellwood Avenue Maplewood, MN 55117 Home: 772-2300 Cheryl Johnson 03/10/97 12/31/97 1703 Bradley Street Maplewood, MN 55117 Home: 772-2250 Work: 636-9443 Katie Thein Kimlinger 01/01/97 12/31/99 1117 County Road C East Maplewood, MN 55109 Home: 483-2852 Regina Laroche-Theune, Vice Chair 01/01/96 12/31/98 1781 Gulden Place Maplewood, MN 55109 Home: 773-0673 Michael A. McGuire, City Manager Colleen Dirkswager, COS Coordinator Maplewood City Hall Maplewood City Hall 1830 East County Road B 1830 East County Road B Maplewood, MN 55109 Maplewood, MN 55109 Work. 770-4525 Work: 770-4579 FAX: 779-3570 Terrie Carlson, Executive Secretary Sherrie Le, Human Resource Director Maplewood City Hall Maplewood City Hall 1830 East County Road B 1830 East County Road B Maplewood, MN 55109 Maplewood, MN 55109 Work: 770-4524 Work: 770-4527 FAX: 779-3570 3/97 \HRC\MEMBER.LST 4"d`;;, TO: Maplewood HRC FROM: Willmar Human Rights Commission DATE: March 1997 RE: Publicity Willmar is a multi-cultural community with several thousand Hispanic-Latino, some Native Americans and Asians along with a Caucasian majority. The Willmar Human Rights Commission is functioning in cases of discrimination and problem situations as a support-facilitator and referral agent with a list of local, state and national organizations, agencies and support groups; and a disclaimer statement for the purpose of avoiding city and personal liability. Willmar's complex situation involves the total community facilitating a congenial living, working and educational environment with the Hispanic-Latino population. The WBRC Public Relations Committee is in the process of getting the Commission and its' workings out to the public. We would like your help. Your agency is on our Networking Resource List. Enclosed are WHRC brochures to be made available in your office for public use. Our hope is that with everyone working together things will run smoothly when difficult situations arise. Our Networking Resource List, 1996-1997 Plan of Action and a newsletter also enclosed for educational purposes. If you have any questions, please call 1-320-235-7944. Sincerely Dennis Burch, WHRC Public Relations Committee 623 SE Second Street Willmar, Minnesota 56201 HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION NETWORKING RESOURCES DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: on As a member of the Willmar Human Rights Commission I cannot state my position your issue or become involved in the resolution of it, but I will listen and do have the names of agencies which you could call to assist you with your issues. I will also report your call at our next meeting. PERSONAL DISCLAIMER STATEMENT: Because of my status as a member of the Willmar Human Rights Commission, I cannot comment on or give a rebuttal to your statement. Thank you for calling. WILLMAR PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Superintendent School Policy 231-8500 231-8500 Curriculum K-12 235-10580 (Lincoln) Elementary Building Concerns Principals 231-2758 (Roosevelt) 235-5557 (Lafayette) 235-2708/235-4419 (Kennedy) 235-4030 (Jefferson) Senior High ConcernsPrincipals 231-8300 Principals p7 214-6 Junior High Concerns 0 214-60007 Special Education Concerns Director 235-51140 5 Ridgewater College Concerns CITY OF WILLMAR: 235-4913 Housing, Public Accommodations, Public Services 235-8311 Building Inspector 235-2211 Fire Marshall 235-2211 Assessor 235-3100 Public Works Housing Discrimination Law Project 612 827-3774 Law Offices of Legal Aid Society (612) HUD Complaints - 1-800-669-9777 Safety, Police Department 235-2244/911235-6247 Neighborhood Watch - COPPS Willmar City Council Liaison and/or Mayor 235-4913235-4913 Willmar Chamber of Commerce Counseling Services 235-4613 Woodland Kandiyohi County 235-4613 231-6232 Lutheran Social Services 231-4399 Rice Institute Equal Employment and Opportunity Commission (EEOC) (612) 335-4040 330 South 2nd Avenue Suite 430 Minneapolis, MN 55401 Sexual Harassment (612) 335-4040 Disabilities (612) 335-4040 Educational Materials 1-800-669-3362 PLAN OF ACTON HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION October. 1996 A. To establish a Public Relations Committee membership: Dennis Burch, Chair; Dennis Waskul, June Benson, Dorothy Naylor and Shawn Mueske. Hold first meeting by the end of October. Hold monthly meetings the fourth Tuesday of each month. B. Establish material to submit to West Central Tribune. C. Work on forming a United Cultures Club at the Junior High - Dan Halvorson and Annette Carlson. D. Compile information about attending the National Association of Multi-cultural Education Workshop in St. Paul. E. Meet with Junior High Site Council to receive approval to attend NAME workshop. November. 1996 A. Submit articles to Tribune, suggestions as follows: 1) Plan of Action, 2) Mort Rywick presentation, and 3) Vicki Olivia presentation. B. Check to see what type of materials are needed for the Reminder and how to get them translated into Spanish. C. Send news article suggestions to all County papers and radio stations. D. Present Plan of Action to City Council at the second meeting as well as disclaimer statements. E. National Association of Multi-cultural Education in St. Paul. F. Continue working with United Student Club (Junior High). G. Networking: completion of HRC's resource and disclaimer statement booklet and presentation of networking resource booklet to the City Council for approval (November 20, 1996). 1 F. Continue working with United Student Club. G. Networking - compile information for future presentation to the HRC. February, 1997 A. Request opportunity to make a presentation to County Ministerial Association. B. Devise method of advertizing Speakers Bureau. C. Cultural Diversity Award - check with Linda Hillenbrand regarding need to help with publicity. D. Meet with Willmar Fest Committee regarding possibility of "Celebration of Colors" at annual Willmar Fest. E. Discuss obtaining grant funding for the book United Nations Declaration of Human Rights. Goal is to have copy of book in each elementary classroom. F. Continue to work with United Student Club. G. Networking - compile information for future presentation to the HRC. March, 1997 A. Election of HRC officers and report results to media. B. Update membership on WRAC-8. C. Physical Disability Awareness workshop (April 25, 1997). D. Discuss possible presentation of United Cultural Club (at Senior High) on the Teen Time Out Show. E. Continue to work with United Student Club. F. Present state-wide information to Commission for discussion. 3