Human Rights and Diversity - 04/09/2002 APPROVED MINUTES
Eden Prairie Human Rights & Diversity Commission
Tuesday,April 9, 2002 7:00 PM - Prairie Rooms A/B, City Center
8080 Mitchell Road, Eden Prairie MN 55344
Commission Members: Holly Clynch, Dorothy Fifield, Angie Garcia,
Balu Iyer, Harry Moran (Chair), Jeff Strate, and
Philip Young (Vice-Chair)
Student Representatives: Diana Fu, Rachel Harlos, and Amber Swiggum
Commission Staff: Michael Barone, Staff Liaison
Tanya Whitsitt, Recording Secretary
Chair Harry Moran called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
I. Roll Call
® Dorothy Fifield ® Harry Moran ® Philip Young ® Diana Fu
❑ Angie Garcia ® Holly Clynch ® Jeff Strate ® Rachel Harlos
® Balu Iyer ® Michael Barone ® Tanya Whitsitt ❑ Amber Swiggum
Commission Member Garcia and Student Representative Swiggum were absent. Commission
Member Iyer arrived at 7:30 p.m.
Moran welcomed new commission member Jeff Strate (3-year term) and also acknowledged Iyer's
re-appointment(3-year term) to the commission. Moran asked Strate to talk about his background.
Strate stated he was happy to be on the Commission, discussed his participation in such causes as
Civil Rights, and shared some background information on himself. Each member responded by
introducing themselves.
II. Approval of Agenda
Young moved, seconded by Clynch to approve the agenda as published.
Motion carried: 6—0
III. Approval of Minutes from March 19, 2002 meeting
Clynch moved, seconded by Young to approve the minutes from the March 19, 2002 meeting.
Motion carried: 5—0 (New member Strate abstained)
IV. Reports of Staff
A. Eden Prairie Immigrant Services Group (EPISG)
Barone stated he had no information on the April meeting,but would report soon.
B. Human Services Review Committee (HSRC)
Eden Prairie Human Rights&Diversity Commission
April 09,2002 Approved Minutes
The HSRC met the day before and Barone stated he would get the minutes and pass them along
to the commission.
C. Bias Crime Activity Status
Nothing to report.
V. Old Business
A. Update of YSA Process
Barone said the recipients of the Youth Scholarship Awards have been notified. They will
receive their awards at the May 21 Council meeting. Moran and Young will be present to assist
the Mayor in presenting the awards. In addition, the students will receive recognition at the
Eden Prairie High School Academic Awards program on May 30"'.
VI. New Business
A. Determine HRA recipient(s) —7 nominations provided: 0 Business, 3 Non-Profits, 4
Individuals
Barone stated there are seven nominations for the Human Rights Awards: none
for the Business category, three for the Non-profit category and four for the
Individual category.
The Non-Profit nominees are Mom's Club of Eden Prairie, the Reconciling
Ministry Team of Eden Prairie United Methodist church, and PEPSE.
Mom's Club is an organization which "performed Holiday service projects through PROP in
Eden Prairie that benefited children, families and senior citizens...[Their] biggest ongoing
service project was the Fire Safety House for the EP Fire Department so that children can learn
what to do in case of fire."
The Reconciling Ministry Team is a task force of the Eden Prairie United Methodist Church
which was formed to "plan educational programs which provide information and discussion
opportunities regarding diversity (and specifically as it relates to the gay/lesbian/bi-
sexual/transgender community...They are responsible for the on-going activities and dialogue
regarding the reconciling issue." They have developed a Welcome Statement to include and
welcome "everyone regardless of age, creed, ethnic origin, or race, gender, mental or physical
abilities, sexual orientation, family status or structure."
PEPSE is an organization that consists of a "group of parents who have children with special
needs, varying in age and disabilities." It was formed to give a"collaborative voice" to
children with special needs. They are involved on both the school and community levels and
provide support by "educating and empowering parents, friends, local businesses, and residents
who care about the needs and services for individuals of all ability levels."
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Eden Prairie Human Rights&Diversity Commission
April 09,2002 Approved Minutes
Young raised a point that he is very familiar with the Mom's Club, as his wife is involved with
the program. In addition, Fifield stated she was familiar with the Reconciling Ministry Team.
They both questioned if they should be voting (or abstaining) because of their close familiarity
with each organization. Moran stated he felt comfortable that the members will vote without
bias. He stated it was critical that the commission give each nominee the deserved attention
and consideration, and that it is important to look at the Eden Prairie Manifesto in relation to
the organizations' work. Several members noted how great the efforts are by all three
organizations and how difficult it is to select one recipient.
The Commission discussed the nominees, and PEPSE will be presented with the Human Rights
Award—Non-Profit category award. Moran asked that all nominees are recognized with an
`Honorable Mention' certificate, and Barone stated he would take care of that.
The Individual category nominees are Mark Bray, Heather Olson, Nancy Holden, and Tom
Halloran. Student Representative Fu and Harlos both spoke at length and very highly of Tom
Halloran, a teacher at Eden Prairie High School. They stated he is "inspiring, dedicated, and
charismatic, and he brings cultural awareness to the high school." Harlos added that Halloran,
"promotes what the Human Rights Commission is about and it is his life's work to make people
feel comfortable and welcome." They stated they believe he deserves this award because of his
strong leadership and constant determination to educate the future generations. The commission
members noted how remarkable it is to see two teachers (Mark Bray is a Social Studies teacher)
nominated and given their position, do so much great work for young people. Fifield stated she
was impressed with all nominees. Moran pointed out the terrific work of Heather Olson whose
efforts in the Eden Prairie Murals project was great. He noted that she had many different
people working together on the murals to help promote cultures and values. Olson's work will
benefit the City for many years to come; the mural "is a visual reminder that we live in a
diverse community." The commission also discussed the excellent work and dedication of
Nancy Holden and Mark Bray. The Commission discussed the nominees, and Tom Halloran
will be presented with the Human Rights Award—Individual category award.
Barone stated he would notify the award recipients, all Honorable Mention nominees, and the
City Council. He will also send out a Press Release and get the information on the City's
website.
B. Discussion On Revision Of Youth Scholarship Awards Framework
The commission agreed to move this item to the agenda next month.
VII. Reports from Commission Members
None to report.
VIII. Future Meetings/Events
Barone reminded the members of the Boards and Commissions Recognition Banquet on Wednesday,
May Is'. Whitsitt gave some details of the event and stated the invitations will be mailed the
following week.
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Eden Prairie Human Rights&Diversity Commission
April 09,2002 Approved Minutes
IX. Adiourn
Young moved, seconded by Fifield to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6—0. Meeting was
adjourned at 8:34 p.m.
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