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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights and Diversity - 05/08/2008 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION THURSDAY,MAY 08, 2008 7:00 PM, 125 EDEN PRAIRIE CENTER Office of Housing and Community Services COMMISSION MEMBERS: Cari Maguire (Chair), Pam Spera (Vice Chair), Daniel Abraira, Gerry Beckmann, Marcy Harris, Mohamed Duale, and Kelly Brandon STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Nelum Madanayake, Kevin Karner, and Laura Hoffman COMMISSION STAFF: Molly Koivumaki, Staff Liaison Katie Hood, Recording Secretary I. ROLL CALL Commissior Maguire called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. was excused. Kelly Brandon was excused. Student Representatives Kevin Karner and Laura Hoffman were absent. Kerry Hallee, FamiLink Resource Coordinator, was in attendance. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Committee Report and Newspaper Column were added to the section New Business as section C. and D. respectively. Section VII. Reports From Commission Members, Documentary Film—Bloomington was added as section B. The group informally approved the updated meeting agenda. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM APRIL MEETING Section IV. New Business, C. Strategic Planning, paragraph three change "by attending their meetings." to "by attending the State meetings." Section V. Reports of Staff, C. Other Reports From Staff, paragraph two change "The group informally agreed on making a similar proclamation..." to "The group agreed to ask the City Council to make a similar proclamation..." The group informally approved the updated April meeting minutes. Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 2 IV. NEW BUSINESS A. PRESENTATION BY KERRY HALLEE, FAMILINK RESOURCE COORD. Koivumaki introduced Kerry Hallee to the HRDC Commission. The presentation Hallee gave is part of the reality component being brought into the meetings. Kerry Hallee talked about Hennepin County benefits and what people have to do in order to keep receiving these benefits each month,but there is a lot of paperwork and followed up required to both qualify and continue to receive benefits. Hallee said the rental prices, in Eden Prairie, for a one bedroom are $800-850, a two bedroom is around $950, and a three bedroom is $1200-1300. There are two Section 8 project based apartment complexes in Eden Prairie. One must meet income qualifications to qualify and once they get in they pay 30 percent of the renter's income would be applied towards rent. The wait list for the Eden Prairie section 8 buildings is about 2-5 years. Receiving a section 8 voucher at this time is nearly impossible. The Metro HRA, which Eden Prairie is a part, opened up their waiting list for one to two days last year and a lottery took place to get on the list. Many have been waiting 5-6 years on the section 8 voucher waiting list. Many families are not able to stay in the community because there is no affordable housing and the increasing foreclosures are also affecting the rental market. People are not able to stay in the community because of lack of Section 8 apartments. If a person/family is receiving cash and/or food stamps with Hennepin County, there is a Household Report Form which needs to be completed every month. In addition to filling out the form,pay stubs and other information needs to be attached to the form. The information must be sent in by the eighth of each month. There are times that the form is completed and sent in,but lost in the county system and the case is closed or delayed. Any change to the case (job, move, new child etc.) needs to be reported within 10 days or the case is closed. Hallee noted that no family she has worked with has every complained about having to submit verifications and paperwork,but she wanted to let people know what the process is and how time consuming and sometimes frustrating it can be—especially if English is not your first language. Mohamed Duale arrived at 7:16 p.m. Hallee said cases are often opened and closed for benefits. In addition, many of the people applying for benefits can not read some or most of the paperwork. The paperwork for food support is 26 pages. To receive any food support benefits the gross income for a family of three needs to be less than $1861 per month. For children ages 2-18 to receive medical benefits the gross income needs to be less than $2147 per month for a family of three and less than $1431 per month for the Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 3 adult to receive medical. Food, cash support, and medical needs benefit information needs to be verified every six to 12 months. Anyone on MFIP (receiving cash assistance) must have employment counselor and cooperate or benefits cut. They need have a plan where they are looking employment 30 hours a week—ESL can count for 20 hours - no more. There must documentation sent every two weeks to employment to verify all job search efforts or there benefits are cut. Hallee said in her experience employment counselors aren't able to help clients find employment or give them leads because they have so many clients they are working with. They manage paperwork and verify the person is compliant. Hallee said if an individual can not use a computer; it is very difficult to apply for jobs. Many companies don't even have paper applications. Aeroteck came yesterday, and around 50 people came. The applicants were about 95 percent Somali women looking for employment—but willing to take anything even temporary employment. Koivumaki said when there is an opportunity for employment services many people come for help. B. PRESENTATION BY MR. PROOPS Mr. Proops was not in attendance. Koivumaki said Mr. Proops is on the Budget Advisory Commission. It has been a timing issue to have Mr. Proops at a HRDC meeting. Koivumaki said she has seen the Mr. Proops' flier, and has an understanding of his proposal. Mr. Proops wants to have volunteers trained for the work Khadra will not be doing. Beckmann said Julia Morgan, a Hennepin County Immigration Lawyer, said volunteers shouldn't be filing out the forms. Maguire said it was the understanding Kandra's position would eventually be eliminated. Spera asked if anyone in attendance of the HRDC meeting knows how to fill out the forms. No one on the Commission knows how to fill out the form. Beckmann said the laws are constantly changing, so volunteers shouldn't be filling out forms. Koivumaki said Kandra was trained. Koivumaki asked the City Manager for his opinion on Mr. Proops idea. Koivumaki was told if Mr. Proops wants to take the lead he can. The idea is not something the HRDC Commission would take charge on. C. COMMITTEE REPORT Koivumaki distributed a summary of the HRDC Outreach Events Sub- Committee's first meeting. Gerry Beckmann, Mohamed Duale, Molly Koivumaki, and Mary Keating are members. Koivumaki stated Mary Keating is retiring in early 2009, and due to transferring of some of her duties, she is in a position to help with the sub-committee. The mission statement for the HRDC Outreach Events Sub-Committee is: Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 4 To work with Community Partners to gain knowledge and deepen our understanding of the heritage and culture which exist among the diverse population of Eden Prairie residents through organized programs and events. There were four examples of events the sub-committee discussed. • Tour of Diverse Faith Community Worship sites: a) Panel Discussion representing diverse faith communities, followed by b) Tour of sites such as a Mosque in Eden Prairie, Jewish Temple, Hindu Temple, etc. There is not a Jewish Temple or a Hindu Temple in Eden Prairie, but community members worship in them. Koivumaki said the panel discussion and the tours would not take place on the same night. This would be more of a "series" than a singular event. The panel discussion would discuss what is similar and what is not similar. The tour and discussion would be open to the public. • Partnership with Arts & Culture Commission: Koivumaki said there seems to be interest from the Park & Recreation Department in collaborating with the HRDC. a) Music and poetry from a variety of cultures b) Use of the new Arts Center to display cultural art c) Display of art from local residents with disabilities • Marcella Sanchez—Latino Month Celebration Koivumaki said Latino month is in September. Beckmann said she talked to Marcella Sanchez. Sanchez said she is exited to potentially partner with the HRDC Commission. a) Event at the Eden Prairie Library b) Music, puppets, mask making c) Child oriented events celebrating diversity • Diversity Cooking Koivumaki said Hennepin Technical College could be a potential location. Maguire suggested Way Cooking School. Koivumaki said a portion of each meal could be from a different cuisine. Beckmann mentioned an article in the Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 5 Eden Prairie paper about a man who cooks with different curries, and he could be a person to talk to. a) Locate a commercial kitchen, school, church, etc. b) Get food donated from Cub Foods c) Get cooking instructor, Somali, Latino, Indian d) People watch the cooking demonstration—then eat the food e) Participants pay a small fee • Disabilities a) Work with Park& Recreation Inclusion specialist b) Camp Eden Wood • MLK Celebration in February MOTION: The HRDC Commission is in favor of applying for a grant from the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions, to help fund the sub- committee's ideas. Harris moved, seconded by Maguire. Motion carried 5-0. Abraira arrived at 7:45 pm. D. NEWSPAPER COLUMN Beckmann said the idea of a newspaper column has been brought up in the past, but she would like to have the idea considered again. Beckmann said she looked up ten quotes for ideas to be put into the paper. The newspaper previously was asked and was interested in having a section for the HRDC Commission. Beckmann said the idea was discussed a while ago the column, and would be run two times per month. Beckmann wanted to get the initial agreement from the commission before going to the newspaper. Beckmann said she is willing to bring the quotes to the commission meetings and help with the process if the committee is interested. Beckmann said the paper couldn't guarantee the column would be in the same place every month or week. V. REPORTS OF STAFF A. HUMAN SERVICES REVIEW COMMITTEE (HSRC) Report from Koivumaki: The Human Services Review Committee met on May 5, 2008. Lydia Kihm from Teens Alone gave a status report: She advised her staff is seeing increase concern and reports about parental chemical abuse and mental health issues from teen age clients. The currently have 10 active cases involving these issues from Eden Prairie. Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 6 She mentioned they are considering a plan to partner with a church or other non- profit in Eden Prairie, to purchase a foreclosed home to be used to house Eden Prairie youth, allowing them to stay in the school district and finish school. Further, she mentioned Teens Alone is not interested in "empire building" but would rather partner with existing agencies and programs. Koivumaki said Teens Alone is very focused on keeping homeless children in Eden Prairie schools. Beckmann said the whole year has been spent on housing. Duale said definition for homeless is if the child is not living in their parent's home. Many children have extended family and may live with other families and friends. B. BIAS CRIME ACTIVITY STATUS No Update C. OTHER REPORTS FROM STAFF Science Museum Event Koivumaki attended the event and reported it was very worthwhile; attendees from Eden Prairie consisted of Commissioner Marcy Harris, Council Member Sherry Butcher, Interim President of Hennepin Technical College, Marty Patterson. Several ideas for further collaboration between the two Commissions were discussed. Screening of Film—The Devil Came on Horseback Koivumaki did not attend this event but received a report with the results of the evaluation form attendees completed. Koivumaki provided a copy of the results for Commissioners to review. HRDC Presentation at the Boards & Commissions Banquet Koivumaki reported Commission Chair Maguire did a fantastic job presenting the 40 year history of the HRDC. Koivumaki said the presentation received many fine compliments from City staff and elected officials. Koivumaki distributed a document called "the Eden Prairie Pledge" from 1969, which was on all of the tables at the banquet. FamiLink Resource Center Award Koivumaki reported earlier today, Hennepin Technical College presented FamiLink Resource Center with it's first ever Diversity Community Partnership Award. The Eden Prairie FamiLink Resource Center was chosen because it met the following criteria: Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 7 1. An organization who provided services to under-represented and minority students. 2. Has had a collaborative partnership with Hennepin Technical College. 3. Shows an ongoing commitment to building vibrant communities. 4. Is making a concerted effort to educate their staff and community about the increasingly diverse population in Minnesota. Diversity of students in EP Schools Koivumaki distributed information about the percentages of students in ELL classes in Eden Prairie. There are currently 1078 students in ELL classes. There are 26 languages spoken in Eden Prairie Schools. The following are the percentages of each language spoken in ELL classes. • 45% Somali • 12% Spanish • 7.5% Mandarin • 6% Vietnamese • 5% Russian • 4.6% East Indian • 3% Khmer VI. OLD BUSINESS None VII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS A. SOUTH HENNEPIN IMMIGRANT SERVICES GROUP (SHISG) Beckmann said foreclosures were talked about. Harris said there are a lot of problems in Eden Prairie, not only with foreclosures, but with the pre-foreclosure step. Harris said Eden Prairie will deal with the foreclosure issue for the next couple of years. Beckmann asked why there are so many foreclosures in Eden Prairie. Harris said there are big houses, in Eden Prairie, which cost a lot of money. Ultimately people can not afford the cost. Some of the lenders aren't willing to negotiate with people having difficulty paying their mortgages. Some people are starting to save their money instead of paying their mortgage, knowing it takes a year for the process to catch up with them. They do this even though the decision to not pay will affect their credit. Even with the ARM loans, the number one reason for foreclosures is a medical crisis. The unexpected is what affects people's ability to pay their mortgage. The foreclosures in Eden Prairie are mostly homes people are living in and not as much rentals. The rentals are being affected more in other cities like Hopkins and Brooklyn Park. Duale said there are apartments where the Section 8 expired and the apartment isn't going to have Section 8 apartments any more. The people who were in the apartments affected Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 8 have moved to Chanhassen or Chaska. Koivumaki said Forest Hills School has had the registration of Somali students go down, and they were wondering where the Somali students have gone. They have probably been affected by the apartments not renewing their section 8 apartments. Harris said to be a landlord with Section 8 apartments is not easy. The money from Section 8 housing is very slow paying. B. DOCUMENTARY FILM - BLOOMINGTON Maguire attended the Documentary Film in Bloomington and found it horribly moving. There were tents dedicated to different genocides. After the film there was a panel. There was a man who helps setting up the refugees camps, and he talked about the risks of people getting blown up or beat up. If the United Nations and the European Union gave $300 million, the situation could be changed. 1- 800-Genecide can be called to help direct money. Abraira inquired about the availability of the film, and how it was distributed. Koivumaki said groups have to pay money to see the film, and did not know how it was distributed. Maguire suggested a Google search of the film's title may answer the distribution questions. VIII. FUTURE MEETIGS/EVENTS Beckmann attended the Chaska diversity dialog. There were questions asked, such as. What was your first awareness of poverty?What has society taught you about poverty? There were about 40 people at the event which was held at the Chaska Community Center. Spera said the International Festival Committee had their first meeting. There are challenges due to the Starting Lake Ampitheatre's construction. The International Festival will be on August 10 at Staring Lake. Food was talked about a lot. The food was very expensive last year, and there were restaurants who backed out at the last minute. In addition, there were a couple of sponsors who never paid last year. Spera said she tried to suggest other ideas to the Committee. There is a minimum of$200 for anyone to come and sell food, so it is very expensive for restaurants. Beckmann mentioned how at the Veteran's Memorial event attendee received a coupon and you could walk across the street and got a dinner. Spera said there were some good ideas given at the meeting. One idea was to have the food donated and the International Festival get the license. This way there would only need to be one license. Koivumaki suggested Holyland who was at the Somali festival. Maguire said Kababi wanted to participate last year,but it was a lot of work at the last minute. Abraira suggested Gina Maria's. Spera said food could even be brought from Cub. Abraira said PDQ would donate cookies and other food. Duale said on July 1, there will be a Somali National Soccer Tournament for adults in Minneapolis. There will be many people from all over the United States. Human Rights and Diversity Commission Minutes May 08, 2008 Page 9 Koivumaki said on Tuesday, May 20 at the after the City Council meeting there will be a small reception for the Human Rights Award recipients. The HRDC Commission members are invited. The next HRDC Meeting will be on Thursday, June 12, 2008, 7:00 p.m. at the Eden Prairie Center room 125. IX. ADJOURNMENT Maguire adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m.