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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHuman Rights and Diversity - 02/13/2001 APPROVED MINUTES Eden Prairie Human Rights & Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Tuesday, February 13, 2001 7:00 PM - Prairie Rooms A/B, City Center 8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie MN 55344 Citizen Advisory Commission Members: Dorothy Fifield, Angie Garcia, Harry Moran (Chair), Darryl Stanton, and Philip Young (Vice-Chair) Student Representatives: Amanda Swiggum, Rachael Harlos, Jaclyn Matzen Commission Staff: Michael Barone, Supervisor of Personnel & Payroll, Tanya Whitsitt, Recording Secretary I. Roll Call ® Dorothy Fifield ® Harry Moran ® Philip Young ® Angie Garcia ® Darryl Stanton Student Representative Rachael Harlos was present. Amanda Swiggum and Jaclyn Matzen were absent. Meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. II. Approval of Agenda MOTION: Fifield moved, seconded by Young to approve agenda as published. Motion carried 5 —0. III. Approval of Minutes for January 9, 2001 meeting MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Stanton to approve Minutes as published. Motion carried 5—0. IV. Reports of Staff A. South Hennepin Immigrant Services Group (SHISG) Barone stated that he attended the February 5 SHISG meeting. Marina Kuznetsov, last year's recipient of the Human Rights Award for Individual, was a special speaker at the meeting. She discussed the latest trend of the large influx of Russian immigrants into Eden Prairie. She stated that she wanted to educate the group on the history of Russian immigration, how they have acclimated into the community and what Human Services they need. Barone stated that Kuznetsov was the chosen speaker because the group felt she would give a good perspective. He also stated that because of the special speaker, Somalian issues were not discussed at this meeting. B. Human Services Review Committee (HSRC) Eden Prairie Human Rights&Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Page 2 Barone, a member of the Human Services Review Committee, said that in the future he will include the agenda and minutes from these meetings. One item discussed was People Reaching Out to People (PROP). Director David Hondlick, the recent replacement of Gerri Beckmann, gave an update on the current events of PROP. He spoke about getting a better look at PROP and its services, what he has learned and what he hopes to accomplish in order to better help those in need. He explained that his position is not a paid one, and that PROP is supported by donations only. Barone stated that if this Commission is interested,he could ask David Hondlick to attend one of the Human Rights and Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission meetings in the near future. [Commission member Darryl Stanton left the meeting at 7:18 p.m. in order to participate in the annual Boards and Commissions interview process.] Barone said the other topic the HSRC meeting focused on is the Resource Center space. The scheduled timeline to have Familink move into the open office space behind Facilities is thirty to sixty days. The office space will have furniture provided, as well as new carpet and paint. Barone stated that City Council approval is not needed in order to assign this space to Familink, as reported before. Moran declared that he would be interested in inviting David Honlick, as well as Marina Kuznetsov, to a future Human Rights and Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission meeting. Barone replied that he also recommends asking Nancy Holden from Familink to attend a meeting. Moran agreed and stated that it is important for this Commission to understand Familink and what their services are. Barone explained that it would be best to have these guest speakers in after April since the Commission has busy upcoming meetings. V. Old Business A. HRA/YSA Update Barone said that all Human Rights Award and Youth Scholarship Award information is out and also posted on the City website. He has sent out the information to the same list of people as in previous years. He stated that he would like the Commission members to get out the application information to people they know who may be interested. Moran said that we are struggling with giving out the Human Rights Award for a Business. Barone said it is difficult to find Business candidates that may be interested in the award. Since most businesses don't"broadcast" their Human Rights contributions, we don't usually hear about them. Garcia recommended that if anyone knows of any business that may be eligible and interested,please give them the application. Moran said that it would be nice to be able to choose from several businesses this year. Garcia asked Harlos about advertising the Youth Scholarship Award at Eden Prairie High School. Harlos suggested hanging posters and distributing materials to the various clubs. Moran said he was willing to approach the school club leaders to give them applications and information. Harlos mentioned the High School's Diversity Fair that is scheduled for the following week, during first and second periods. Moran confirmed hearing of this event and stated that this Commission used to have an information table at the Fair. He said he will Eden Prairie Human Rights&Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission Page 3 give some materials to Harlos and/or go to the Fair himself. Harlos said that the contact person at the school for the Fair is Tom Halleren. Moran knows him well and will call him. VI. New Business A. "DiversCity on the Prairie" entertainment suggestions Barone asked the Commission members to contact him with any entertainment suggestions or ideas for the "DiversCity on the Prairie" event. Harlos said that the Variety Show auditions at the High School were being held the following week and she would try to find out if there was anyone interested in entertaining at the "DiversCity on the Prairie" event. Barone stated that he would forward any ideas to Tria Mann, Sr. Recreation Coordinator for the City of Eden Prairie. VII. Future Meetings/Events • Barone informed the Commission about the City Boards and Commission General Orientation, which is being held on Tuesday, March 13 for new members. He also notified the Commission members of the Boards and Commissions Awards Banquet that will be held on the evening of April 19. • Barone said the next Human Rights and Diversity Citizen Advisory Commission meeting may be changed to Tuesday, March 20. He will notify the members as needed. VIII. Adiourn MOTION: Young moved, seconded by Garcia to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 4 —0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.