Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/01/1998t �+�- � \ ' MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION December 1, 1998 Meeting Minutes Present - Members: Cheryl Johnson, Gordy Heininger, Katie Thein Kimlinger, Joan Wurdeman, Jim Bartingale, Regina Laroche-Theune Ex-officio: Mike McGuire, Colleen Dirkswager I. Call to Order: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by chair Katie Thein Kimlinger. Immediately following the call to order the commission heard from representatives from Ramsey County regarding agenda item V. A. - Proposed Family Service Center. II. Approval of Minutes: Gordy moved to approve the minutes of the November meeting as written. Jim seconded the motion and it was passed. III. Approval of Aaenda: Gordy moved to approve the agenda as written. Cheryl seconded the motion and it was passed. IV. Old Business: A. Gold Plate Dinner - It was decided that this event is not an activity the commission wishes to pursue at this time. B. Bias Crime Training - Cheryl talked with Don Winger, Chief of Police, regarding a training program with the police department. Cheryl will follow up with Don after the first of the year at which time he may have a more definitive role regarding the commissions involvement. She will also see if the police de- partment will obtain the video tape. C. Inservice Zdeas - Gordy spoke with Paula Harter from Accessible Environments Inc. regarding a program for small businessess and ADA compliance. Her fee is $180.00 per hour and she will be sending him addi- tional information. It was suggested that the Cham- ber of Commerce may also be a resource for promoting or co-sponsoring such an event. Katie has not been able to contact Scott Fearing from Upfront. She will update us at the next meeting. D. Display Dialog - Gordy has been contacting several companies and will continue to update us. V. New Business: A. Ramsey County Family Service Center - Representatives from Ramsey County were on hand to provide information regarding the proposed family service center. An over- view of the building project was presented. Informa- tion pertaining to the types of services provided at the site, the advantages of this particular site, and the demographics of families the site may serve were presented. Particular program parameters were also discussed. After the presentation commission members were able to ask questions about the shelter and its possible impact on the community. After the repre- sentatives departed the commission members discussed the situation and it was decided that the commission should recommend that the shelter go before the city council. Katie volunteered to develop a general state- ment which reflects our position that may be presented to the council. There will also be an informational open house on the proposed family service center on monday, December 7 at the Ramsey County Parks and Rec building. B. Collaborations of Inservice with other HR Commissions - Joan reported on the meeting with the Stillwater HRC. One idea brought up at the meeting was to form an alliance of northeast community HRC's that would meet quarterly. There will also be a meeting for Hate Crimes Response Network Task Force on wednesday, Decem- ber 16 at 6:30 PM at the Stillwater city hall. This is a session to develop policies and procedures. The Stillwater HRC also wishes to have a planning meeting for a possible community event at the Maplewood City Hall. This is scheduled for wednesday, February 24 at 7 PM. C. Elections - Results: Chair - Jim Bartingale Vice Chair - Regina Laroche-Theune Sec retary - Joan Wurdeman D. Hmong Community Concerns - Cheryl shared with us some concerns she became aware of thru her work. One was from a father who was concerned for his childs safety while in a St. Paul hospital. A major concern of many women amoung the Hmong community is domestic violence and rape. Elders within the community seem reluctant to address this issue. VI. Other Business: - None VII. Reports: A. City of Maplewood 1. There is now a Hmong Community Safety Officer on the police force. 2. The purchase of the Bruentrup farm by the city will probably be decided by a referendum in february. 3. The Ramsey County Family Service Center will by presented to the city council sometime in january. B. Agenda Items for January Meeting 1. Inservice Ideas 2. Display Dialog 3. Bias Crime Training 4. Stillwater HRC Update 5. Plan Community Event 6. Review Annual Report VIII. Adjournment: Gordy moved to adjourn the meeting. Regina seconded the motion. The motion passed and the meeting was adjourned. Respectfully submitted, �.:�L �aZz=s ��s.�.� �� Jim Bartingale Recording Secretary