HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/07/1999Maplewood Human Relations Commission
December 7, 1999
Minutes
Present members: Gordy Heininger, Regina Laroche-Theune, Joan Wurdeman, Donna Brown and
Barb Skoglund. Ex -Officio: Colleen Dirkswager, Mike McGuire.
I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Chair Gordy Heininger.
II. Approval of Minutes: Joan moved to approve minutes as amended. It was seconded and
it was passed.
III. Approval of Agenda: Donna moved to approve the agenda. Gordy seconded the motion
and it was passed.
IV. Old Business
The members introduced themselves to each candidate. The members interviewed two
candidates: Abbie Wells and Philip Sherwood. While both candidates have many great
talents to offer to our commission, the city council will vote on the candidate to fill the
open position.
Donna Brown chose to stay on for another term.
V. New Business
A. Peaceful Community Campaign - Regina spoke about three resources received that
have potential for our commission to use if we want to pursue them. She spoke about
a peace prize festival that some of the Nobel Lauriats attend. Discussion about how
our commission could participate and encourage schools to participate in the festival.
There are video tapes available from World Citizen Inc. We could bring in a speaker
Lynn Elling. There is a catalog from "MN Alliance of Peace Makers." We could
obtain materials to offer to other communities. Regina suggested we explore this to
add to our future projects. There are two quilts hanging in the Mall Office.
B. Display Update - Gordie expressed ideas: 1) Show Celebrating Diversity, 2) Informing
3) Educating the public. We could place these themes on our display board on each
panel. Discussions held about the headings. Barb will also put together some ideas
for display board.
C. ADA Project - Regina contacted Mounds Park Academy. Since they already do
something like this, they would be interested in writing up a project with us. Expand
on this for a community service project for their school, then present this to other
schools. Plan to write up a 3-4 sentence description. Event to take place in late spring
- possibly May. Joan has access to equipment (wheel chairs) through her employer
and will make arrangements when date is decided. Ideas for description of project
could be as follows:
ADA Project Community Inservice Learning April/May.
Add a glmt statement - goal.
a Y, 0"'Z,
1. Student service and learning - increased awareness.
2. Assessing community - report card.
3. Information used to impact change within community on accessibility. Report card
given to city for follow up by city officials.
D. Finalize Diversity Events - Poster contest - marketing discussion. Personal contacts
with teachers/curriculum planning discussed. Ideas of going to staff meeting/art
teachers. Make an announcement over P.A. example: "Please come to office and pick
up a flyer. Cash prize awarded to winner of poster contest." Discussion and revision
of poster/contest application made. Colleen will send application form to St. Paul
Pioneer Press.
VI. New Business
A. The shelter made a request that the HRC come to the current shelter and present about
the city's policy on discrimination/housing etc. Commission members can attend an
open house on January 27 from 4-7 p.m. Thursday Colleen will put a family shelter
update in the Review.
Discussion regarding Ramsey County Barn renovations (like elevator) were held.
There will be volunteer opportunities at the shelter. Donations for the shelter will be
needed. Barb can do the article for the April issue on shelter information/issues.
B. Annual Report discussions - Gordy will review and revise the annual report. Everyone
should go through the calendar and bring any changes to January meeting.
C. MIM article assignments - Add budget to March calendar for 2001. Barb will get
printing quotes.
D. Elections - Gordy nominated Donna Brown for Chairperson, Joan 2nd, Donna
accepted nomination, it was passed. Regina accepted Vice Chairpersonship
continuation. The secretary position is open Joan and Barb declined due to busy
schedules.
VII. Reports - Mike stated our city is Y2K ready. Certain city officials will be around Dec.
31st. Commission dinner is Dec. 14th, R.S.V.P.
VIII. Adiournment - Donna motioned to adjourn. Regina seconded the motion. Meeting was
adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Next meeting will be January 4, 2000.
Some of agenda will include display board update and ADA project update.
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Wurdeman
Secretary, HRC