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Home My WebLink About01/11/1983Minutes of Meeting MAPLEWOOD HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION January 11, 1983 Present: Bryant, Fischer, Haynes, Lynch, Rostron, Williamson Vice Chair Peter Fischer chaired the meeting as Maria was ill. Minutes of December 7, 1982 Approved as distributed. Announcements and Correspondence The City Council had advertised existing vacances on City boards and commissions in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, but omitted the Human Relations Commission from the listing: : Peter has talked with City Manager Barry Evans to be certain that the next ad used by the City will include HRC, for which two vacancies exist. We will also pursue our own advertising venture to seek applicants. Peter will prepare. Commission budget for 1983 is $550, of which $130 is available for travel expenses which can include reimbursement at 264/mile for No Fault Grievance travel. Mileage records must be kept and turned in to Maria for payment. Both Jim Haynes and Scott Rostron have now completed the No Fault Grievance Training and Maria attended the all-day session as a refresher. All seven commissioners are now certified. Jim Haynes shared information received on "The Minnesota Illusion" -- the idea that Minnesota's "quality of Life" includes effective protection against unfair discri- mination. The issue involved is "adequate funding for the Minnesota Department of Human Rights" and the information sheet suggests contacting other groups concerned about human rights and convincing the legislature that the situation is critical. In addition to state senators and representatives, the State Departments Division Subcommittees of both the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee should be contacted either by phone or in writing. Action will be discussed at the next meeting. Information was prepared by the League of MHRC. Assessment Skills Workshop is scheduled for Saturday January 29 from 9:30-4:00 at the Pilgrim House, on highway 96, one mile north of 694/Lexington. Fee is $10. Will include skills necessary to deal with discrimination and sexual harrassment. Familial Housing The draft prepared by Jim Haynes, was approved as mailed, with minor grammatical corrections. It will now be retyped on letterhead and mailed out by City Manager's office to alert apartment owners and managers of the law's intent regarding familial housing. Copies should also to to City Council, HRA Board and be inserted in Maplewood in Motion. over) MHRC Page 2 1/11/83 Liaison Position for the Disabled Scott reported that such a position to work with the Governor 's Office and the Community was a commitment made by Rudy Perpich while Governor-elect. However, no plans to establish such a position are in effect at this time, nor is anyone assigned from DVR to handle this function. Annual Report 1982 Several persons turned in drafts of their activities, with the remaining to be mailed/delivered to the Secretary as soon as possible for preliminary editing withfinalreviewtobemadewhenallitemsarecompleteataregularmeeting. If possible, drafts will be mailed out prior to the meeting for review and suggestions. When com- pleted, the Report will be presented to the City Council and highlighted. Goal Setting Items discussed -- press releases - Jim will draft for review public service announcements - radion/TV; possibly in conjunction with HRD or League meet with new Sch Dist 622 superintendent Dr. Hauch - offer assistance and seek advice develop informatinon pamphlet on MHRC and NFG process -- disseminate not only to citizens but also to housing owners and managers and businesses. letters and other publicity -- always list contact person(s) continue work with High School education packet and expand to other school -- also train other commissioners to deliver presentation -- consider Lakewood Comm.Collest mobility impaired accessibility survey -- will maintain interest and be aware of other funding possibility should they arise - check back with Julie Quarve Peterson; enhance public's awareness of difficulty of accessibility - perhaps offer general information seminar on this to explain problems assist in establishment of HRC's in neighboring communities or even combine them for smaller communities. Obtain information on which commissions do not belong to the League. Housing and Redevelopment Authority Commission Lucille reported that the biggest concern is affordable housing for senior citizens. City Council has approved over $1 million for purpose of offering loans to new home owners. Funding will be provided through a combination of:.floating bonds, sellers/ builders/bankers and federal loans. One builder has received funds for 35 housing units out of a total of 68, for which he must provide housing for low/moderate incomes. As an example, $25,000 would be considered low income for a $75,000 home. Scott questioned whether the new housing will meet the Uniform Building Code specifics relating tomobility impaired access and parking. Motion was moved by Haynes and seconded by Williamson to commend Lucille for her work on on the HRA Commission and for her efforts in sharing the information with the HRC on a regular basis. Carried unanimously. MHRC Page 3 1/11/83 No Fault Grievance Case Updates Case #6 - Fischer/Williamson will meet with respondents on Thurday Jan 19. Case #7 - meeting to be held shortly Cases #4 and 8 have been dropped. Case #5 is still open. An updated lists of all grievances will be maintained. Completed case records will be turned over to the Secretary. It was noted that a local Commission is a protected class for its members under the Human Rights Act. Election of Officers Fischer relinquished the Chair to Rostron to conduct this business. Sister Claire moved that present officers continue in their positions for another year. Seconded by Bryant. However, upon voting, the motion was lost. Discussion was held and various views stated. It was agreed that the officers themselves were interested in a change. Haynes nominated the following slate: Chair -- Peter Fischer Vice Chair -- Pat Williamson Secretary -- Maria Larsen Seconded by Sister Claire. Motion carred with one abstention. The officers will commence their duties at the next meeting. Rostron returned the Chair to Fischer. Recognition Dinner All commissioners enthusiastically agreed to honor the Past Chair Maria Larsen with a recognition dinner in a Maplewood establishment. A placque will be purchased for Maria, with the bill to be submitted to the City Council. However, the dinner will be funded by the commissioners themselves. Peter will contact Maria concerning. time and place. Meeting on February 1st will be at the Priory, with dinner served at 5:45 p.m. Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m. Submitted by Pat Williamson