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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights and Diversity - 01/08/2009 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HUMAN RIGHTS AND DIVERSITY COMMISSION THURSDAY,JANUARY 8, 2009 7:00 PM, 125 EDEN PRAIRIE CENTER Office of Housing and Human Services COMMISSION MEMBERS: Cari Maguire (Chair), Pam Spera (Vice Chair), Daniel Abraira, Gerry Beckmann, Marcy Harris, Mohamed Duale, and Kelly Brandon STAFF: Molly Koivumaki, Staff Liaison Heidi Wojahn, Recording Secretary STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Nelum Madanayake, Adam Liter, and Ummul Kathawalla GUEST: Ada Alden— State League of Human Rights Commissions I. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL Chair Maguire called the meeting to order at 7:08 pm. Harris was excused. Introductions were made, and Koivumaki welcomed Ada Alden from the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions (LMHRC) who has replaced Judy Reinhr as the new district representative serving the area. Alden gave a brief explanation of her background and how she came to be the new representative. She previously worked in Eden Prairie for 25 years, has been very involved with Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) starting 4 programs in the state, teaches a course at the University of MN, and is a human rights commissioner for Plymouth. Plymouth is unusual in that it serves four different school districts, and this presents a challenge. When she first became involved with the commission, she was a Plymouth member representing Anoka. When she expressed an interest in representing her own city, she became a district director serving Eden Prairie, Hopkins, and St. Louis Park as well as Plymouth. Upon attending a LMHRC meeting, she discovered the organization does very little. Her goal is to find out the purpose of the organization and make it better increasing an awareness of human rights issues statewide. Maguire served as a director and vice president for LMHRC for a period of two years about 3 years ago and said she experienced many of the same frustrations as Alden. Alden said LMHRC recently created bylaws so progress is being made. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Agenda approved by informal consent. Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 2 IV. NEW BUSINESS Alden asked for clarification as to how LMHRC might promote, assist, or provide support to the work HRDC does. She wanted to know how HRDC views the league, what their vision is, and what suggestions she can take back from Eden Prairie to the league adding she was very impressed by the report Koivumaki produced about HRDC. She herself senses a need for shared community that doesn't currently exist. Koivumaki's impression is the league needs to include liaisons in planning and activities. She serves as a human rights commissioner for Chaska and sees room for uniformity. She views the orientation process as very important and thinks it would be beneficial for the league to provide some kind of template to communities to help achieve consistency. It is preferable for this to be given to liaisons rather than chairs because of the turnover rate. She would also like the ability to network with other liaisons so commissions can share what they're working on. Maguire said there needs to be a system in place for keeping address and email information current. Her opinion at the point she was involved with LMHRC was not enough people could commit the time needed to help the organization reach its full potential. She attempted to make the publications look more professional but found nobody else there saw the value in that. She tried to get the web address changed and was met with resistance. Her vice presidential duties of conference planning took a great deal of time, so she couldn't commit the time she would have liked to further improve communications. Essentially, the league needs to look more like a modern organization. Beckmann would like to know the purpose of the state league and added any expectations the league has need to be clearly stated and communicated to commissions. Alden thought HRDC's work could possibly have jump-started other commissions if only they'd known about the work Eden Prairie's commission had done, so at a minimum they should be sharing information. Beckmann said HRDC has sent information about its past work to commissions in surrounding areas such as Bloomington, Richfield, Edina, and Chaska but not to the state league. Maguire's understanding is the league should support commissions as a resource and disseminate information and ideas. In Alden's view,human rights advocates don't take themselves seriously. They need a systematic approach so work being done has an impact on the league--not doing so is like saying human rights aren't important. While she agreed they need email and a connection, she emphasized meetings need to start on time and there need to be minutes and, at a minimum,bylaws. Maguire felt people spent a lot of meeting time arguing. Alden asked what HRDC does if there's a hate crime in the community. Koivumaki said there is a bias crime procedure in place. One point of activation is if the crime is reported to the police department,but it's not completely dependent on the generation of a police report. Koivumaki is the center point of contact for HRDC; she does the first intake to find out the facts, and that determines what type of response is needed. There is a process in place for generating an official letter from HRDC,but typically incidents don't escalate to that point. Usually Koivumaki finds out from talking to victims what types of services are needed that Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 3 HRDC can provide. This could range from assistance standing at a bus stop, to letters to the editor, to just listening support. There is a whole menu of items or services they can provide. Alden asked if that was typically part of a liaison's job—Koivumaki didn't necessarily think it was standard in every liaison's job description,but it is part of her job duties. Alden requested a copy of Koivumaki's job description thinking it would be helpful, but Koivumaki thought it might be more useful for Alden to have a copy of the bias crime procedures. Alden imagined if those were pulled together so the league and local communities had a similar framework from which they could operate, it would promote concern. Beckmann said there are state laws applying to bias crimes. Alden asked if there would be any reason for HRDC to inform the league of incidents. Maguire saw potential for it to be a powerful tool if the league was a stronger organization but didn't see any benefit in doing so in its current state. Koivumaki explained incidents are reported mandatorily to the state human rights department via the police department,but that is not a function of HRDC. Eden Prairie has a local response in place that's tailored to the community which incorporates the faith community and volunteers. Alden determined there is a need for clarification of boundaries (what is local, what is league, and how they might support one another). Beckmann said Koivumaki brings incidents to the commission, but the police department determines if they are bias crimes or not. She explained there is sometimes a difference of opinion, so maybe it would be helpful for commissions to have a definition of bias crime. Abraira arrived at 7:31 pm. Alden said other communities might not be fortunate enough to have someone like Koivumaki in place,but Koivumaki might be of help to others. Beckmann said at the time of the cross-burnings Koivumaki was in a different role, but she and others figured out how to address the situation and created the model. Koivumaki figured there are other models out there that are just not known about. Alden said worse yet maybe incidents are taking place and other communities don't know what to do or how to handle it, so the league really should serve as a resource. Maguire disagreed with Beckmann's earlier statement explaining some bias crimes occurred,but the reason they weren't raised to the level of putting the process in place was because the victims declined help, not because the police determined they weren't bias crimes. Brandon brought up the incident of the swastika symbol on the park slide and recalled reading about an alternate method of correction used in that case as the kids who committed that crime apparently didn't understand the meaning of the symbol. Alden recently took a trip to India where swastika symbols are considered good luck. Alden encouraged input from the student reps. Madanayake suggested the league take advantage of the younger generation to help them develop technologically stating kids are highly interested in this area and love to volunteer. Alden added a bonus is this would give them a sense of accomplishment. Kathawalla agreed with Madanayake saying in order to target the younger generation, information needs to be accessible to them electronically. They need to be able to Google "human rights" and have related websites pop up. Maguire Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 4 said one of the problems she encountered was getting the league website to come up in the first several hits via an internet search. Bremer Bank has a sizeable amount of money available for grants. Beckmann tried to access some of that money since HRDC doesn't have a budget. She's curious if other Twin Cities metropolitan area human rights commissions have budgets allocated from their city councils. She is also interested in knowing how many actually took advantage of the Bremer funds and what other commissions would like to be able to use that grant money for. Maguire said Bremer was offering capacity-building grants so the money couldn't be used for performances, but the money is available to help send people to conferences, for example. Spera liked Koivumaki's idea of including liaisons in the planning. When Judy Reinhr addressed HRDC, the state conference was already scheduled. There was an issue with the date,but it was too late to change it. If there's better communication, then liaisons can bring back to their commissions what ideas are in the works and people can comment before things are set in stone. Spera found it helpful to have Reinhr share what the league was working on and information about the event. Liter said when he was introduced to HRDC he read a description of what the commission does. He remembers a section about HRDC recognizing and commending individuals or organizations for having good human rights records,but was put off that they weren't necessarily supposed to seek out human rights abuses. He found that hypocritical to award good works but at the same time ignore abuses. Spera responded HRDC doesn't seek out abuses, but victims certainly have come forth and shared their stories informally with the commission. It's not a lot,but they have offered support and tried to find out what they can do. A particular incident came to mind where an issue had pretty much resolved by the time it came to HRDC,but the victim really needed a forum where she could talk to somebody and be heard. Koivumaki stressed that's a small,but significant act. Maguire added there are statutes in place defining it's not their job to investigate, take depositions, or press charges, but they don't ignore it incidents either. Koivumaki explained human rights commissions used to do actual investigation years ago. The state league provided the training, and commissions were actually empowered in investigation and findings, but this ended in the early 90s. While once the focus of HRDC, commissions are now finding themselves with a new focus. Since they are no longer an investigative body, the best they can offer is to listen and make referrals. Once in awhile, Molly will receive a call from somebody complaining of poor restaurant service they think is due to their race. Molly will go through the intake process with them and try to determine if it was an actual crime or just bad service and she brings those to HRDC,but mostly they get referred to the state. Alden said she appreciated everyone's comments and HRDC's past efforts and will share them with the state league. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES MOTION: Beckmann moved, seconded by Duale, to approve the December minutes. Motion carried by informal consent. Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 5 MOTION: Spera moved, seconded by Abraira, to approve the November minutes. Motion carried by informal consent. V. REPORTS FROM STAFF A. Human Services Review Committee (HSRC) — Koivumaki The committee met this past Monday and has started the Community Development Block Grant funding process. Applications for funding human services will be accepted until January 23rd. Relevant information was published in the paper and is on the City website. It is anticipated an allocation from HUD will be smaller than the 2008 amount of approximately $267,000. Fifteen percent(about$40,000) of the total allocation can be used for public service, and the remainder is used for housing programs. The committee tries to balance the funds between different agencies. Programs funded last year include HomeLine, PROP, HOME, CAPSH, and YMCA childcare. The process will go before City Council at a public hearing on March 3rd B. Bias Crime Activity Status No update. C. Other Reports from Staff— Koivumaki Outreach Subcommittee: The "Daughters of Africa" show produced by Mixed Blood Theatre will be held Saturday, February 7th, 7-8:30 pm at United Methodist Church in Eden Prairie. Koivumaki circulated information being sent to local churches for inclusion in their bulletins to advertise the event. Maguire expressed disappointment over not being notified of the committee's meeting earlier today. Beckmann thanked HRDC for their prior approval of$700.00 for this event and requested up to an additional $50.00 in funds for miscellaneous supplies the committee is anticipating they may need. If approved, approximately $53.00 would be left in the HRDC account. Koivumaki reminded commission members $625.00 had been approved for the production and $75.00 for miscellaneous expenses at the last meeting and sought clarification on why the committee would need an additional $50.00 for ancillary items. Beckmann replied the committee had not been able to determine whether or not costs will be incurred for janitorial services and/or sound, thus the $75.00 was reserved for that. Koivumaki inquired if donations from the free-will offering would be split between the church and HRDC. Beckmann explained money from the offering would go to HRDC, and the commission will need to decide what to do with that money. She went on to explain the pastor initially indicated there would not likely be any cleaning or sound charges, but that was before they discussed having food at the event. Koivumaki suggested perhaps having the committee provide its own clean-up vs. paying a custodian. Beckmann said there was already a group of kids from the high school lined up to help with set- up and tear-down,but they want to be prepared for unexpected expenses such as having the carpet cleaned if coffee gets spilled on it. Maguire recommended Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 6 approving the request if it is needed,but stressed we should try not to spend the extra money if we don't need to. Beckmann expressed frustration over not being assured the extra funds up front. Maguire and Koivumaki explained they'd rather save the money if possible. Beckmann said initially there was talk of using just the sanctuary and hallway, but now this had expanded to using a fellowship room as well. Provisions were put in place that the committee would be responsible for taking things down and putting them back so the sanctuary is ready for worship services the following morning. Beckmann reported invitations would be sent to City Council members including the mayor and city manager and to human rights commission members in surrounding communities. She said one of the mission statement goals she created for this subcommittee was to help promote human rights commissions, and she thought it was fitting for the chair and commissions to be recognized. She asked Chair Maguire to give a farewell talk and recognize those in attendance. Maguire said she would rather do this at the start of the event. Beckmann replied Tori Hill was already planning to speak at the beginning. Maguire was fine with that but didn't think it made sense to introduce people at the end of the play; she explained she wasn't disagreeing with the task,just the timing of it. Beckmann stated the decision had already been made. Maguire argued a committee of one commissioner shouldn't necessarily be able to make this decision,but rather should be open to having a conversation about the logistics. Koivumaki agreed saying it still meets the mission statement,but there should be room for discussion because it feels awkward to present people at the end of a program. Brandon's opinion was it would be more impactful doing it at the beginning. Maguire thought after the play people would be digesting what they just saw and would not likely want to refocus on another speaker. She added since she's a member of the church, maybe it would make sense for her to welcome everyone, introduce the commission members, and then introduce Hill. Beckmann agreed this was logical and said it could be handled that way. Koivumaki asked if the school board was also being invited. Beckmann replied she had contacted Camie Melton Hanily to ask if the district would be willing to waive the fee to print roughly 6,200 flyers to send home with K-6 students and, if not, requested it be added to the district website. Beckmann said the committee will meet again sometime in the next 3 weeks, and Maguire reiterated she wants to be included in that meeting. Discussion ensued about potential meeting days and times. Maguire offered to contact Pastor Mike to solidify which costs will be covered, since she is in a good position to do that as a church member. Impact of Economic Downturn: Koivumaki shared an email she received from an Eden Prairie resident looking for housing assistance as he was about to be foreclosed upon. She noted it's very troubling her office is seeing a sharp increase in middle income people looking for help with housing, employment, food, etc., and they don't know where to turn. She was unclear on the commission's role in this type of situation but felt compelled to let others know about it. Maguire thought the City Council ought to be apprised of the problem. Koivumaki concurred saying council members might appreciate having an update. Beckmann asked what kind of Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 7 information Kerry Holtmeier Hallee can provide and what data Marcy Harris can give from her agency concerning this. Koivumaki replied Hallee has the numbers of people coming in and what they're coming in for, so she'd be able to show an increase over previous months and years and related demographics; Harris can break information down by area, as well. Spera agreed it would be a good idea for HRDC to share these statistics since the commission does not have the opportunity to present to the council on a regular basis. Koivumaki will pull some information together to be addressed at the next HRDC meeting. In addition, Maguire suggested writing a piece to submit to the newspaper. Koivumaki is finding people wait too long to ask for help. Beckmann said this was a common problem at PROP, too. Spera suspected the stimulus package will help generate hope, while Abraira shared he recently learned Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae announced they will hold off on foreclosures until the end of January or mid- February. Duale understood a resulting effect of the poor economy is there are people in the system now who never have been before. Maguire inquired about listing contact numbers on the City of Eden Prairie website as a resource (i.e. foreclosures, CAP, and PROP, etc.). Beckmann recommended enclosing similar information in the sewer and water bills as those are something everybody receives and it lets them know they're not alone in needing help. Homeless Youth: Mary Keating attended the January 7t'task force meeting at which a report prepared by Plymouth Church Foundation was reviewed showing estimated operating costs to be $1 million annually to acquire and operate a 20- resident emergency shelter for homeless youth. The task force will continue talks with Hennepin County and the State before taking further action,but anticipates it will be a year before a site is acquired. VI. OLD BUSINESS None VII. REPORTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS A. South Hennepin Immigrant Services Group (SHISG) —Duale At the last SHISG meeting information was disseminated about Portico Healthnet, a program offering affordable health care services to people who do not receive other coverage via their employer, public health care programs, or other private insurance. It is available to income-eligible residents of Ramsey, Hennepin, Dakota, and Washington counties who do not qualify for Minnesota's public health care programs. Hennepin County has approved the program and Eden Prairie Clinic will be a participating provider. Some Fairview and Allina clinics are participating, as well as others. Koivumaki circulated related information stating some services are not covered,but several are with reasonable co-pays. Brandon asked if the City could promote ehealth.com which is a nice resource for uninsured people. Anyone Human Rights & Diversity Commission Minutes January 8, 2009 Page 8 can use this website to submit information and receive quote comparisons on health insurance. Ahmed Jama reported there was no update on the Immigrant Resource Center. B. Events Committee Update - Maguire The bulletin board has been assembled for the February 7tn and February 22nd Mixed Blood Theatre events,both of which are part of a fine arts series at the Methodist church. The February 22nd event is "Dr. King's Dream" which is a one-man show that takes place in a hotel room. Currently the bulletin board has a Martin Luther King theme,but it will be redesigned for Black History Month at the beginning of February. Maguire wants to obtain posters for both productions to add to the board. Beckmann will get posters to her as soon as possible. This is Maguire's last library bulletin board. Beckmann commented how pleased she was yet another human rights quote had been published, this one in a prominent space in last week's newspaper. Spera reported through a grant she was able to attend the 25d'Annual Human Rights Day Conference and Forum on December 5t1i sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Human Rights. She thought it was a great seminar with a large turnout and found it difficult to choose which breakout sessions to attend. She decided on four, one each on same sex marriage, environmental justice, senior housing laws, and the Minnesota Supreme Court's decision to adopt U.S. Supreme Court standards on sexual harassment. She also found the keynote speaker, a former president of NAACP and former U.S. Representative, to be very inspirational. Beckmann asked how the state human rights department was connected with the league. Maguire responded the two organizations have a cooperative working relationship, but they are not officially connected. VIII. FUTURE MEETINGS/EVENTS The next HRDC meeting will be Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00 pm at Eden Prairie Center, Room 125. Black History Month February 7, 2009, 7:00 pm—Mixed Blood Theatre "Daughters of Africa" production at Eden Prairie United Methodist Church. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chair Maguire adjourned the meeting at 8:56 pm.