Loading...
06/11/09GOLDEN VALLEY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING Minutes from the Meeting of June 11, 2009 Members Present: Marion Helland, Anne Dykstra, Roger McConico & Christopher Jordan. Members Absent: Debra Yahle, Bob Hoyt & Jay Sandvik. Staff Present: Chief Stacy Altonen, Mayor Linda Loomis, and Council Member DeDe Scanlon. 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 Jordan moved to approve the minutes of the April 16, 2009, meeting; seconded by Commissioner Helland. The minutes were unanimously approved. 2010 U.S. CENSUS Joe Hogeboom was introduced, and gave a brief background of his role with the City. He distributed a few handouts regarding the 2010 census — including a timeline of events, a City Council proclamation, and a narrative outlining basic census process information. In advance of the meeting, Joe had been sent some questions from Commissioners, which he addressed during the meeting. The overall goals for the Human Rights Commission relating to promoting a successful census result will include promoting participation among non-native English speakers, as well as help determining where pockets of non-native English speakers are living. He also talked about the Commission promoting census participation to traditionally underrepresented groups of people, regardless of the city they live in (i.e. Courage Center, nursing homes). There was also a suggestion to work with schools to get kids educated on the importance of participation, in the hopes the kids will tell their parents to participate. Commissioner Dykstra asked about getting a clear direction from the Golden Valley Communications Department as to any limitations on campaign messages. Joe indicated he would check with Cheryl Weiler and get back to the group via e-mail, and he will be the contact for the Commission throughout the census project. COMMITTEE REPORTS SCHOOL EDUCATION Commissioner Helland displayed the books and literature she included in the winner packets for the Essay Contest. She also talked about the Community Collaborative. HOUSING There was a brief discussion about commercial foreclosures, and that the residential rate is at about 60 homes. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS The League is starting to work with local commissions in the state to work on projects like the census. Also, several local groups are working on restructuring their commissions. SHARE THE DREAM There was no discussion on this topic. DISCRIMINATION There was no discussion on this topic. OLD BUSINESS RECRUITMENT Commissioner McConico mentioned that he and Commissioner Jordan worked the booth at Valley Days and there were three people potentially interested in joining the commission. NEW BUSINESS ELECTION OF OFFICERS Commissioner Helland nominated Commissioner Jordan for President, seconded by Commissioner McConico. The election for Vice Chair was put off until the next meeting when more members will hopefully be in attendance. NEXT MEETING The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 9th, beginning at 7PM. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Commissioner McConico, seconded by Commissioner Jordan to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 pm.