04/16/09GOLDEN VALLEY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes from the Meeting of April 16, 2009
Members Present: Marion Helland, Anne Dykstra, Roger McConico, Debra Yahle, Bob Hoyt & Jay
Sandvik.
Members Absent: Christopher Jordan.
Staff Present: Chief Stacy Altonen.
The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Dykstra at 7:05 pm.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present requesting to address the Commission.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Hoyt moved to approve the minutes of the December 11, 2008 meeting; seconded
by Commissioner Helland. The minutes were unanimously approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
SCHOOL EDUCATION
Commissioner Helland distributed copies of a Star Tribune article and another editorial regarding
the desegregation of Minneapolis Schools. Further discussion ensued concerning issues facing the
Minneapolis School District.
Commissioner Helland distributed a draft program for the Human Rights Essay Celebration on April
30tH
HOUSING
Commissioner Dykstra advised she met with staff members from the City's planning and
communications departments regarding housing and foreclosure issues. It was determined by the
planning department that appropriate steps have already been taken to disseminate information to
residents facing foreclosure.
Chief Altonen advised she distributed the brochures Commissioners Yahle and Jordan put together
to apartment managers, and the brochures were well-received.
Commissioner Dykstra distributed copies of the report she prepared for Council Member Scanlon
outlining HRC participation in various events and issues. Chief Altonen advised the council is
seeking the commission's assistance in developing ways to communicate census material to
various populations within the City of Golden Valley for the 2010 United States Census. Joe
Hogeboom from the Planning Department intends to attend the May HRC meeting to discuss this
topic further with commissioners.
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS
Commissioner Helland advised the next meeting is at the Minneapolis City Hall.
SHARE THE DREAM
There was no discussion on this topic.
ENVISION: GOLDEN VALLEY
Commissioner Dykstra advised commissioners have been invited to the Perpich Center to meet
with the Envision group anytime before 9PM this evening. The Envision group is interested in
connecting with commissioners to discuss various events each group is involved in.
DISCRIMINATION
There was some discussion concerning the demographics of contractors doing work in Golden
Valley on road projects. Chief Altonen advised for most contracts vendors are selected from the
state contract list of companies and Golden Valley mostly follows the criteria used by the state for
awarding contracts.
OLD BUSINESS
SCHOOL BOUNDARIES
Commissioner Dykstra advised state legislative changes are necessary to facilitate change in how
school boundaries are determined.
NEW BUSINESS
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Commissioner Dykstra advised Ron Brandon is no longer a member of the commission due to
attendance issues.
LONG TERM GOALS
Commissioner Hoyt advised it may be beneficial for commissioners to set goals for what the
commission is trying to accomplish. Commissioner Dykstra suggested a half-day retreat to
comprise an agenda of issues or events the commission would like to undertake. Commissioner
Helland moved to set a date for this retreat; seconded by Commissioner Hoyt. Motion carried
unanimously. The retreat/planning session was scheduled for Saturday, May 9th, from 8AM-12PM.
GOLDEN VALLEY DAYS PARTICIPATION
There was some discussion regarding a booth at Valley Days; more discussion to follow.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commissioner Yahle moved to postpone the elections until all members can be present to vote;
seconded by Commissioner McConico. Motion carried unanimously.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 14th, beginning at 7PM.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Hoyt, seconded by Commissioner McConico to adjourn the meeting at
8:10 pm.