HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/1999Maplewood Human Relations Commission
February 2, 1999
Minutes
Present members: Jim Bartingale, Gordy Heininger, Katie Thein-Kimlinger, Regina Laroche-
Theune, Joan Wurdeman. Not present: Cheryl Johnson.
Ex-Officio: Colleen Dirkswager, Mike McGuire.
I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chair Jim Bartingale.
II. Apnroval of Minutes: Carol moved to approve the minutes. Gordy seconded the motion
and it was passed.
III. Aporoval of A e� nda: Katie moved to approve the agenda as written. Gordy seconded the
motion and it was passed.
IV. Interview HRC Candidates
Barbara Skoglund was introduced to those present. After everyone introduced
themselves, the questions on the interview sheet were answered by Ms. Skoglund. Ms.
Skoglund is new to our community and is excited to be a permanent Maplewood resident.
Ms. Skoglund has an extensive background in diversity and A.D.A. issues. After she
departed, Donna R. Brown entered the meeting and was introduced to those present.
Following introductions, Ms. Brown answered the yuestions on the interview sheet. Ms.
Brown has 6 children. She has a personal involvement with a family with a disabled child.
Ms. Brown has a background in diversity and diversity training programs and was on a
commission at her place of employment. After she departed, the commission members
had a discussion and felt that Ms. Skoglund and Ms. Brown could be of value to the
commission.
Jim wiil need to resign because of residency issues. Because of this vacancy, both
candidates will be recommended to the Council for the HRC.
V. Old Business
A. Bias Crime Training Report - Colleen stated that the movie "Not In Our Town"
was not in vet. Katie reported that at the January 25th Bias Crime training, our
commission was introduced as a liaison officers know we now exist. Carol stated
it may be possible that reports may increase because the awareness of of�icers has
increased. A copy of the Police Policy and Procedures was handed out.
HRC - Minutes
Page 2
B. In-service Update
1. A.D.A. (Americans with Disabilities Act) Paula Harter will speak. Gordon
will speak to her about her availability to set a date. Letha, the assistant to
Susan Rogers of the Chamber of Commerce will update us on the Chamber's
involvement at our March meeting. Gordy suggested that Letha receive a
brochure. Discussion regarding resource people on stage after presentation
for a question and answer session.
2. Outfront - Scott Fearing will speak at our June 1 st meeting. There is a$50.00
to $75.00 honorarium. June is Gay Pride month. Katie will ask about the
programs he's presented before and will bring this to next month's meeting.
People to invite were discussed: School personnel, police chief, city
administration. School board, principals who can then invite their teachers,
counselors.
C. Finalize Annual Report - Jim wrote the cover letter. Regina updated the Calendar
to include the Maplewood HRC involvement at Stillwater HRC/Coalition of
Commissioners and interest groups. All of the Maplewood Commission members
area codes are (651).
D. Mall Office Involvement - Mall office will move to the glass office space next to
elevators on 2nd level in Maplewood Mall sometime in March. Dividers will be
placed for some privacy.
E. Display Update - Gordy contacted North High School art department. They will
put a display together for us and we will provide the materials. Samples of
materials will be brought to next meeting.
F. N.E. Metro Alliance of HRC - Joan stated that there is a$50.00 speaker fee for
the meeting. Refreshments will be discussed at the February 24th meeting.
G. Diversity Contest Update - Joan added Harmony School to the diversity contest.
Colleen sent information - members contacted the schools.
H. "The Initiative for Violence Free Families and Communities" by Shirley Pierce.
Regina suggested that the Northeast Coalition get involved with this. Maplewood
Mall wants to be involved with our Commission regarding Non-Violence. Regina
will ask if they could come to our March meeting as an introduction for a short
presentation.
HRC - Minutes
Page 3
VI. New Business:
1. Mike McGuire reported on the Public Hearing about the family shelter. He is
pleased that the majority of our commission attended. Over 700 people
attended the hearing. Mike and Colleen visited the old facility, by surprise
visit before the public hearing. It is clean and friendly.
2. Deer population control will be brought up at a future council meeting.
Agenda for next meeting:
New Business
Elections on New officers(s)
Presentation
Old Business
Display Update
Coalition Update
VII. Adjournment
Carol made a motion for adjournment and Katie 2nd the motion. Meeting was adjourned
at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
� �����
Joan Wurdeman
Secretary, HRC