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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/02/1997MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION Uecember 2, 1997 Meeting Minutes PRESENT - Members: Carol Cude, Lynn Croes, Gordy Heininger, Jim Bartingale, Cheryl Johnson, Katie Thein Kimlinger, Ex -officio- Mike McGuire, Colleen Dirkswager, Guest: George Rossbach Call to Order: 7:07 p.m. il. Approval of Minutes: A motion was made to approve the 11/5/97 minutes as written. The motion was seconded and motion passed. III. Approval of Agenda: A motion was made to approve the agenda with an amendment reflecting that George Rossbach would be discussing his ideas for a permanent HRC display, and that Cheryl and Lynn had items to discuss under Other Business. The motion was seconded and passed. IV. Old Business.- A. usiness: A. Mike informed the Commission that upon Gary Bastian's resignation from his position as mayor due to his being elected as a Ramsey County Judge, the city council appointed George Rossbach as mayor. B. Discussion of display idea Gordy invited George Rossbach, who has experience in construction and design, to generate discussion and ideas as to what the Commission would like their permanent display to look like. George presented a paper -doll prototype which would be easy to disassemble and transport, could be used as a logo, and reflects many symbols and concepts that the Commission seeks to promote. The purpose of the prototype was to illustrate the ideas and options that the Commission would have regarding a display. Other ideas generated during the discussion were to have an interactive display which would quiz its readers regarding myths and realities of different groups of people. Members of the Commission should each come to the January meeting with at least one idea of what the display should include that helps define what the Commission is all about. In doing so, members should think hard about what they feel is the purpose of the Commission, and what they want the community to know about the Commission. Suggestions as to now to make the display more eye-catching are also welcome. C. Update School Phone List and Assign Contacts - Carol will revise and distribute to members. V. New Business: A. Election — Results: Chair — Katie; Vice Chair — Regina; Secretary — Jim. B. Interview New Candidates — None were available to interview. Will be done next month. C. Discuss Information gathered on the Fair Housing Community Event - Gordy reported that realtors are required to attend a course concerning Fair Housing laws as part of their licensure requirements, and so holding a seminar on this topic may not contribute a great deal to the community. A suggestion was made to hold the seminar despite this fact, as a message to the community that these issues are important to the HRC, and because the event would not require a great deal of further planning. Colleen passed around an informational sheet regarding Regina's discussions with Keith Holmes and what would be involved in putting on a seminar concerning the Fair Housing Act. The Commission discussed exploring whether the Fair Housing course agenda proposed by Keith Holmes could be modified somewhat to focus more on diversity issues and cultural differences. Katie will follow up with Regina on this. Keith Holmes will also be asked whether housing inspector associations exist which may also be included in the event. VI. Other Business: A. Cheryl shared a calendar with the Commission which may be used as a handout at National Night Out. B. Lynn informed the Commission about the possibility of our Commission making a connection with other Human Relations Commissions through a combined effort to address the discrimination faced by low income and minority children in the east metro schools. Lynn's church is starting up this effort, prompted by the East Metro Women's Council. The EMWC may want to make this issue a region -wide campaign. Lynn will keep the Commission updated. VII. Reports: A. City of Maplewood — Mike informed the Commission that Jim Garrett, a former Commission member, passed away. He also updated the Commission concerning Gary Bastian's resignation of his position with the Department of Labor and Industry, due to Gary's recently being elected as a Ramsey County judge. B. Agenda Items for January Meeting - 1. HRC Display ideas 2. Interview candidates for openings on Commission 3. Assign school contacts 4. Begin Annual Report preparation 5. Discussion of inservice 6. Prepare publicity for contest.- 7. ontests7. Revise intro letter to businesses and schools 8. Continue discussion of sponsoring community event VI 1. Adjournment: A motion to adjourn was made, seconded, and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 8A5 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Ka ��heli/Kimlinger Recording Secretary