07/09/09GOLDEN VALLEY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING
Minutes from the Meeting of July 9, 2009
Members Present: Christopher Jordan, Marion Helland, Anne Dykstra, Bob Hoyt, Debra Yahle &
Roger McConico.
Members Absent: Jay Sandvik.
Staff Present: Chief Stacy Altonen.
The meeting was called to order by Chair Jordan at 7:11 pm.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present requesting to address the Commission.
CHAIRPERSON'S REPORT
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
Commissioner Dykstra added "Demographic Trends for Seniors" and "New Legislation" to the items
under New Business and "2010 U.S. Census" under Old Business. Commissioner Helland added
"Human Rights Award" under New Business.
Commissioner Hoyt moved to approve the agenda as amended; seconded by Commissioner
McConico.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Dykstra moved to approve the minutes of the June 11, 2009, meeting; seconded by
Commissioner Helland. The minutes were unanimously approved.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
SCHOOL EDUCATION
There was no discussion on this topic.
HOUSING
There was no discussion on this topic.
LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS
Commissioner Helland advised the July meeting will be held in Roseville. Commissioner Dykstra
advised all commissions in the state have been encouraged to participate in getting the count out
for the US Census in 2010.
SHARE THE DREAM
Commissioners provided background information on Share the Dream for newer commissioners.
Discussion ensued surrounding the planning of a Share the Dream event for upcoming years.
DISCRIMINATION
Commissioner Dykstra advised she recently attended a gathering sponsored by the Council on
American -Islam relations and found they are very interested in raising awareness regarding the
discrimination taking place in various areas in Minnesota.
OLD BUSINESS
BREMER GRANT
Commissioner Dykstra advised the committee reviewing grant proposals is meeting the week of
July 13th. Chair Jordan advised a decision should be made by the August meeting and
commissioners can then strategize how to use the funds or how to advance the goal of spreading
word about the 2010 US Census without funds if none are granted.
Chair Jordan advised the Five Communities Working for Building Human Rights have scheduled
two workshops: October 1St at Plymouth City Hall from 7-9PM and October 10th at Crystal
Community Center from 8AM-12PM. Chair Jordan requested commissioners complete the
distributed assessments and return them by the end of the week.
NEW BUSINESS
DEMOGRAPHIC TRENDS FOR SENIORS
Commissioner Dykstra advised 20% of the population is over the age of 65 and the number is
growing much more rapidly than the number of people entering the job market. Commissioner
Dykstra expressed concern about limited housing for this older population if the trend continues.
There was discussion regarding the various implications of retirements over the next several years.
HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD
Commissioner Helland advised the criteria and nomination forms for this award have been posted
on the city's website. Commissioners discussed advertising in the Sun Post newspaper, as well as
distributing fliers to the library, churches, schools, etc. There will be more discussion on this topic
at the next meeting.
Commissioner Dykstra advised the Golden Valley Human Rights Commission is celebrating 45
years in 2009.
ELECTION OF VICE CHAIR
Commissioner Dykstra moved to nominate Commissioner Bob Hoyt as Vice Chair, seconded by
Commissioner McConico. Motion carried unanimously.
NEXT MEETING
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, August 13th, beginning at 7PM.
ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Commissioner Dykstra, seconded by Commissioner McConico to adjourn the meeting at
8:00 pm.