Loading...
09/11/08GOLDEN VALLEY HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MEETING Minutes from the Meeting of September 11, 2008 Members Present: Ron Brandon, Marion Helland, Anne Dykstra, Jay Sandvik, Christopher Jordan, Roger McConico & Debra Yahle. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Chief Stacy Altonen. The meeting was called to order by Chair Brandon 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 June 12, 2008 meeting; seconded by Commissioner Dykstra. The minutes were unanimously approved. INTRODUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS Debra Yahle, Christopher Jordan and Roger McConico introduced themselves and were welcomed by commissioners. COMMITTEE REPORTS SCHOOL EDUCATION Commissioner Helland gave an overview of the annual essay contest and requested additional commissioners to assist with the contest. Commissioner Helland will e-mail this year's essay contest topic to commissioners. This year may include a separate contest for high school students to enter. HOUSING There was nothing to report. Commissioner Jordan volunteered to head this committee. LEAGUE OF MINNESOTA HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONS Commissioner Helland distributed a brochure outlining the LMHRC's purpose and describing what it is. Fliers for the annual conference to be held October 3rd & 4t" in Rochester were also distributed to commissioners. SHARE THE DREAM Commissioner Helland gave an overview of this committee and its purpose. Chair Brandon will schedule committee meetings in late October/early November to begin planning the event for February 2009. Commissioners Jordan and Yahle volunteered to join this committee. DISCRIMINATION Commissioner Sandvik inquired if commissioners could obtain a copy of the city's Affirmative Action plan. Chief Altonen will report back to commissioners at the next meeting. OLD BUSINESS BIAS/HATE CRIMES POLICY Commissioner Dykstra advised the policy has been presented to and accepted by the city council. Chief Altonen advised the police policy manual is being revised and once it is completed it will be posted on the city's website. RECRUITMENT STRATEGIES Commissioner Dykstra expressed appreciation for the appointment of three new members. In addition, she is aware of one other person who has applied for appointment to the HRC. Commissioner Dykstra encouraged commissioners to continue to recruit diverse members to join the commission. NEW BUSINESS ELECTION OF OFFICERS Commissioner McConico moved to elect Ron Brandon as Chair; seconded by Commissioner Helland. Chief Altonen advised rules may exist prohibiting chairpersons from serving back-to-back terms. The rules will be reviewed and if there is a prohibition, a new chair will be elected at a future meeting. Commissioner Dykstra moved to hold off on vice -chair elections for a month or two; seconded by Commissioner McConico. Both motions carried unanimously. HUMAN RIGHTS DAY CONFERENCE/CLOSE THE GAP WORKSHOP Commissioner Jordan gave an overview of the workshop being held on Friday, December 5th, and the conference being held on Saturday, December 6th. Attendees must register in advance and must attend the Friday workshop in order to attend the Saturday conference. Commissioner Jordan will e-mail other commissioners a registration form should there be interest in attending. Chair Brandon requested a statistical report on demographics within Golden Valley. Chief Altonen will report back with her findings. Commissioner Dykstra advised new members of a resolution that was passed to facilitate cooperation with Crystal, Robbinsdale and New Hope in capacity building planning under the Bremer Grant. NEXT MEETING Chief Altonen advised the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October 9th, which is a religious holiday. Commissioners agreed to re -scheduled the meeting for Thursday, October 16th, beginning at 7PM. ADJOURNMENT Moved by Chair Brandon, seconded by Commissioner Jordan to adjourn the meeting at 8:05 pm.