Human Rights and Diversity - 10/15/2002 APPROVED MINUTES
Eden Prairie Human Rights & Diversity Commission
Tuesday, October 15, 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)
Commission Staff: Molly Koivumaki, Staff Liaison
Michael Barone, Staff Liaison (transitional)
Tanya Whitsitt, Recording Secretary
Moran called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m. Young arrived at 7:03 p.m. and Clynch arrived at 7:06
p.m. Guest Speakers were Carla Kress and Nicole Weedman.
I. Roll Call
® Dorothy Fifield ® Harry Moran ® Philip Young ® Angie Garcia
® Holly Clynch ® Jeff Strate ❑ Balu Iyer
II. Approval of Agenda
Moran requested to move item VL A to the top of the agenda since guest speakers were
there for a presentation.
Garcia moved, seconded by Young to approve the agenda as amended.
Motion carried: 6—0
III. Approval of Minutes from September 17,2002 Metin!
Garcia moved, seconded by Clynch to approve the minutes as published.
Motion carried: 6—0
Barone introduced the new Staff Liaison, Molly Koivumaki. She thanked Barone for the
introduction and stated she has been with the City since 1983. She is the Public Safety
Services Manager in the Police Department and has a lot of experience working with the
Crime Prevention Program, Bias Crime Network and victim support. She also oversees
news media relations and human services for the City. Another role she holds is that of
Director of Emergency Preparedness. She helps prepare the City for natural disasters as
well as homeland securing related planning, in light of the recent national tragedy. She has
made presentations to this Commission in the past, and is pleased to be here. Each
Commission member introduced themselves and talked about where they live and work,
and their terms and roles on the Commission.
VI. New Business
Eden Prairie Human Rights&Diversity Commission Minutes
October 15,2002
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A. Leisure Education Program Proposal presentation - Guest speakers: Carla
Kress, Recreation Coordinator—Adaptive Services, and Nicole Weedman,
Recreation Coordinator—Youth Services, Eden Prairie Park & Recreation
Dpartment
Kress and Weedman introduced themselves and said they wanted to speak about
programs they develop and run for the City. Kress said Adaptive Services is designed
to create programs for people with various levels of ability or disability. She works
with 3 other communities (Edina, Bloomington & Richfield) in a 4-City consortium to
provide Adaptive Recreation programs. They are trying to learn what works best for
individuals or groups, and determine what avenues to take to meet people's needs.
She stated they are currently seeking funding for more programs. A one-year program
has been going on since February that helps people become aware of available
programs and also register for activities. She also mentioned a program that launched
last summer that had 184 registrants.
Weedman works with Youth Recreation programs for children that teach skills and
athletics. She said recently they have seen an increase in the immigrant and refugee
populations in Eden Prairie and are looking at how to best provide services and
activities for these groups. She mentioned a program that was set up where children
could get free transportation to Oak Point swimming pool. It is part of a larger
program called "Passport to Fun". It functions as a scholarship program and provides
funds for children to participate in these types of activities. Qualified children can
receive up to $100 to participate in programs. She stated they have been talking with
the school district to further help immigrant and low-income families. She said
because of culture differences or language barriers, many of them don't understand
now to register and get involved,but they are trying to give opportunities to everyone.
Weedman said they are in the early stages of finding collaborations, getting grants for
funding, and perhaps doing forums to find out what is further needed.
Strate asked what are other programs in Eden Prairie not run by the City. Weedman
said, for one, there is the Somali Woman's Services. Kress stated that Eden Prairie is
on the "cutting edge" of ADA programs and they want to use this Commission as a
resource. Moran asked if it would be a good idea to learn about other people's needs
and cultures,rather than "assimilate", as he heard someone mention. Kress replied
that some groups seem to want assimilation and others do not. She said they are going
to identify what the needs are and ask what people are comfortable with. Moran asked
about those who won't come forward. Weedman said they are working with Children
and Families Services and they have other direct links and contacts to the community
to help in this area. Strate asked what the Commission could do. Kress replied that
letter-writing, endorsements and volunteering would help a lot. Moran asked how the
programs can survive if they run out of money. Kress stated they will try to start small
and move on from there. Weedman added this is a social issue to provide these
services and they will try to get more county and City involvement. Also, they are
requesting $50,000 for two years to help the programs. Clynch suggested trying to get
a Bush Grant, which often deals with diversity promotion. Kress said she is going to
try to contact several grants. Koivumaki noted it is important for the dignity of the
participants to have a quality life, and leisure and recreation play an important role in
that. Moran thanked the speakers for coming.
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IV. Reports of Staff
A. Eden Prairie Immigrant Services Group (EPISG)
Koivumaki went to the last meeting and stated there were many issues discussed,
especially surrounding the Somali community. Moran asked what the objective of
the group is. Barone replied they hear about issues affecting the immigrant
community in Eden Prairie. Koivumaki said such issues as affordable housing
were raised. She stated she would like to communicate more with the Somali
Woman's Association and see what they have to offer. She would also like to work
with EPISG and have them come to one of our meetings.
B. Human Services Review Committee (HSRC)
Koivumaki is the new Chair for the committee and they met on October 7"'. She
said there was an interesting presentation from Nancy Holden in PROP. Needs for
PROP assistance are up, and donations are down. She cited the rough economy
and an increase in people who thought they would never use PROP as reasons for
the rise in need. Koivumaki said Holden wants to make more presentations,but she
is very busy. She will try to have her as a guest speaker to this Commission soon.
C. Bias Crime Activity Status
Nothing to report.
V. Old Business
A. Report on League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions 31St Annual
Conference September 28, 2002 at Minneapolis Urban League—Balu Iyer
Iyer is absent from today's meeting. We will request a report from him at the next
meeting.
VII. Reports from Commission Members
Strate said that we might be able to gain more interest in the Human Rights Award for
Businesses if we go out and visit various businesses. We could ask for suggestions for
candidates. Barone said we have attempted to partner with the Chamber of Commerce
before, but there may not be interest anymore. All members were in favor of trying to gain
partnership with the Chamber again to promote the award.
VIII. Future Meetings/Events
Barone passed out an Eden Prairie Community Caregivers flyer. Their meeting is set for
Friday, November 1, 2002 at 11:30 a.m.
The next HRDC meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12, 2002 at 7:00 p.m.
IX. Adiourn
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Young moved, seconded by Clynch to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried: 6—0
Moran adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
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