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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995 HRRC MinutesEDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION FEBRUARY 21, 1995 7:00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Dorie Barman Idith Almog Susan Wohlrabe John Crist Nancy Atchison Betsy Flaten Guests Present: John Gordon Joyce Repya Shirley Hunt - Alexander Charlie Warner Sharon Ming Carol Fecker Ming -Fen Ni Tom Oye Erick Strand Community Development Block Grant Budget. Joyce Repya, the City's Associate Planner, presented the 1995 Community Development Block Grant Budget as proposed by staff. She explained that the City of Edina's entitlement is $204,554, which is a 3.2% increase over last year. As in previous years, the funding of human services within this budget is limited to no more than 20 %; therefore, human service funding cannot exceed $40,911. Joyce reported that the funds requested this time for human services equal 20% of Edina's entitlement; thus, staff is proposing to honor all of these requests. They are as follows: H.O.M.E. (Housing & Outdoor Maintenance for the Elderly), $24,893; GMDCA (Daycare Subsidy), $13,000; and C.A.S.H. ( Homeline), $3,000. The Commission voiced its concern with the daycare issue in that there are currently 32 families on a waiting list. However, to help them with an additional $5,000 would mean having to take funds from either H.O.M.E. or C.A.S.H. because of the 20% already allocated to human services. Perhaps the Commission could look into additional funding for daycare when it begins its budget deliberation in June. Charlie Warner, Housing Programs Manager for C.A.S.H., handed out brochures with information regarding Homeline. Finally, in determining support for staffs proposal, the Commission commended staff for its work in developing the budget but expressed its ongoing concern regarding the continuing large number of families on the waiting list for daycare and therefore requested the opportunity to explore with staff any options for increasing the size of the daycare subsidy next year to more adequately meet the need. Tom Oye's motion to approve the 1995 CDBG Program budget as submitted, but have a committee look into ways of improving daycare funding, was seconded by Betsy Flaten; the motion carried. Sharon Ming and Shirley Hunt - Alexander offered to work with Joyce Repya ahead of time in order to be better prepared for next year. Bias Crime Response. John Gordon and Dorie Barman agreed to be co- leaders of a team to work on making changes in the draft Bias Crime Response policy. Hopefully, this can then be looked at and approved at the next Commission Meeting. After that time, in its newly re- drafted state it will go before the City Council for approval. Minutes Approved. Betsy Flaten's motion to approve the minutes of January 17, 1995, with the following changes, was seconded by Tom Oye: The No -Fault paragraph on page one was changed with the second sentence to read "Tom called the store manager and was told that their policy initially called for obtaining the name and phone number when the charge card did not print the name. The manager indicated that this requirement is no longer in effect. The information is obtainable through a computer program. Tom called the woman and explained this to her, but he was not sure she was completely satisfied." And the word "be" was added in the Cultural Event paragraph: "...and there may the Korean Children's Choir as well." The motion carried. Chair's Report. John Crist handed out the summary of the Survey of the Commissioners regarding priorities. He indicated that he would like to re- establish these priorities at the next meeting or thereafter. He asked the Commissioners to come up with suggestions for re- voting to be sure that the priorities are being determined properly. Chemical Health. Betsy Flaten reported that the focus has definitely been on the high school level, with the use of marijuana increasing. The youth need to be able to find support in school for family issues; unfortunately, many are afraid to do so because of the fear of being labeled. Family Center. Shirley Hunt - Alexander will continue to serve on the Advisory Committee of the Family Center as a link between it and the Human Relations Commission. She is hopeful that the Commission can look into a partnership with the Family Center regarding activities. As special event/activities come up in the Committee meetings, Shirley will bring back this information to the Commission for consideration. No -Fault Grievance. Tom Oye received a call from a person who had applied for a job and was told that he would be called back. He continued to check on it for some time and was continually told that he would be called back. At this time, the position is still open, and the person felt that he was not considered because of his color. Tom asked him to outline his grievance and send it to him; however, the grievant has not complied with Tom's request. The process does not enable an investigation and subpoena of records. The grievant may have gone to the State, because Tom has heard nothing more from him. Tom indicated that he would have been willing to have seen the grievant and respondent for mediation. Cultural Event. Ming -Fen Ni stated that the flyers are ready for distribution. The next planning meeting will be at 7:30 AM on Friday, February 24th. At the last City Council, the major sponsors of the event made a presentation of their contributions to the Committee, and this was arranged by Norwest Bank. At this time, $4975 has been contributed. The tile- making will have to be changed somewhat because it is going to be more expensive than expected. The Committee is hoping for good participation at the event -- hopefully 350 people. The tiles done in the schools were focused on the 4th and 5th grades. Larry Fuglesten turned the opportunity into a lesson plan. Organizations have been invited to attend and have tables/booths with their information. The time of the event has been changed to begin at noon and end at 4 PM. Thank -you letters will be sent to the donors with a copy of the flyer. SHeRPA. Betsy Flaten reported that the Steering Committee of the Family Services Collaborative will be meeting soon; therefore, information to the Commission will be forthcoming. It would be helpful for this Commission to tap into the outcome of the Collaborative and to begin to learn how it can fit into the learning /doing processes which are ahead. Volunteer Recognition. The Commission nominated Min -Fen Ni to be recognized at the Volunteer Recognition Reception to be held on April 26th at Edinborough Park. The Commissioners unanimously agreed that she deserves recognition for all her hard work on the Cultural Event. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. Respectfully submitted. John Crist, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission JC /sw EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION MAY 16, 1995 7:00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present Nancy Atchison Idith Almog Susan Wohlrabe John Crist Dorie Barman Carol Fecker Shirley Hunt - Alexander Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Ming -Fen Ni Tom Oye Erick Strand Minutes Approved. Betsy Flaten's motion to approve the minutes of March 21, 1995, was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. Chair's Report. John Crist reported that he had recently met with Betsy Flaten, Sharon Ming and Tom Oye to discuss action plans. As a result, Sharon Ming recommended that the Commission become established into three work groups organized around the mission concepts of (1) basic human rights; (2) basic human needs; and (3) human relationships. Each Commission Member would therefore commit to at least one of the work groups and actively be involved in the work group project(s) for the year. This would insure that all Commissioners are committed to their work group's agenda for the year and therefore commit the necessary personal effort and time to accomplish the determined goals. This concept would allow the Commission to be proactive. At the end of each regular Commission meeting, the work groups could individually meet for about an hour. The motion of Sharon Ming that the Commission consist of three work groups was seconded by Betsy Flaten; the motion carried. The work groups will be represented by the following Commissioners: 1) Human Rights: Tom Oye, Erick Strand and Nancy Atchison 2) Human Needs: Betsy Flaten and Sharon Ming 3) Human Relationships: Ming -Fen Ni, Carol Fecker and John Crist The absent Commissioners may fill in where desired. Betsy Flaten handed out packets with the Commission's history and background. Information in the packets consists of minutes of two early meetings in 1968 , the Commission's ordinance and bylaws and historical information. No -Fault Grievance. Tom Oye reported that he had received a call from a man who had been terminated from his job at a restaurant. The man assumed this had happened because of his heart attack, even though he had recovered. This type of situation is not covered by the State Human Rights Act. Tom indicated that he told the man that he himself did not have investigative authority but would act as a mediator and carry information to the respondent. The man believed that he should get something for being fired. Tom told him to outline his grievances and remedies and then to call Tom back. At this time, Tom has never heard from him. The man may have gone back to the State and presented his case to them. Chemical Health. Betsy Flaten reported that over the summer the Chemical Health Advisory Committee will be conducting programs and planning for changes. On May 25th at the High School, Berit Peterson will be addressing health issues. The School Liaison, Dave Nelson, seems to be making an impact. It is hoped that the Committee can expand to include more members of the community. SHeRPA. Nancy Atchison reported that the four cities had recently conducted a strategic planning session which included the four City Managers. The Family Services Collaborative report will be presented at the next Commission meeting of SHeRPA. Funding Proposal Process. Betsy Flaten's motion that the budget hearing date be set for July 11th and the adoption of the proposed budget for July 18th was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. Susan Wohlrabe will send the proposals to the Commissioners with assignments for their evaluations. Work Group Reports. 1) Human Rights - -Tom Oye, Eric two possible projects: a) Response Network plan. It is the summer. John Gordon has k Strand and Nancy Atchison. Nancy was elected the PIC (person in charge) for the month. The Group determined mediation training; and b) completion of the Bias Crime hoped that the second item can be approved by the end of indicated that he would still like to assist in this effort even though he has retired from the Commission. Carol Fecker indicated that she would be interested in mediation training. 2) Human Needs - -Betsy Flaten and Sharon Ming. The Co -PICS are Betsy and Sharon. Two projects were identified: a) assessment of the funding process to be completed by next May; and b) selection of recommendations of the Family Services Collaborative. It was suggested that Jeanne Massey, SHeRPA's Director, be invited to the next Commission Meeting. 3) Human Relationships -- Ming -Fen Ni, Carol Fecker and John Crist. Carol was elected the PIC for three months. Two projects were identified: a) completion of the tapes from Everyday Heroes; and b) a brochure for the Commission. In regard to the tapes, a Native American and Hmong should be included. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, John Crist, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission Jeanne Massey, Director of SHeRPA, was welcomed. She brought materials in order to update the Commission on the Family Services Collaborative. She reminded the Commissioners that this was a year -long planning initiative sponsored by the State, and SHeRPA received one of four grants in Hennepin County. The goal in Minnesota is to come up with plans to integrate families and services because the service system today is highly fragmented. One provider is typically unable to provide the spectrum of services needed. The South Hennepin Family Services Collaborative has three components: 1) Resource Center Network - This network will ensure that families get connected to the services they need, and this will be accomplished by the local resource centers serving as primary focal points. This concept is as equally important for the providers as it is for families. A key component in the process will be the training of school personnel and police officers to direct people to the resource centers. The Resource Center Support Hub will serve the local resource centers by providing services more efficiently when done on a regional basis. There will be 24 -hour calling services. 2) Memorandum of Understanding - This is an interagency agreement in which family service providers would participate, and this would ensure that providers would no longer be working in isolation of each other. All of the providers must carry their load and share in the responsibilities. The Resource Center Network and the Provider Affiliation established through the Memorandum of Understanding form the Family Support Network. 3) Local and Regional Support for the Family Support Network - Each community would have its own local council, which would provide the key policy direction for the local family support network. Each council would bring together the various sectors in the community to set goals. At the regional level, SHeRPA would become reorganized to include schools and Hennepin County, and it would be titled the South Hennepin Family Services Council. This Council would serve as the policy board of the Resource Center Support Hub and help coordinate the development of the Memorandum of Understanding. Nine to ten staff people are necessary for the Resource Center Network. It is hoped that Edina and each of the other three cities could help coordinate their own resources to staff their local centers. There are proposed to be four local resource centers, with two to three staff at each center. The Resource Center Support Hub will eventually provide training for the local resource centers. Funding strategies are diverse, with implementation money coming from the State. The key question will be the on -going funding. Hennepin County staff will serve as an important vehicle as they become decentralized. A strong evaluation system needs to be put into place to EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION JUNE 20, 1995 7:00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: John Crist Idith Almog Susan Wohlrabe Carol Fecker Nancy Atchison Betsy Flaten Erick Strand Guest Present: Shirley Hunt - Alexander Jeanne Massey Sharon Ming Ming -Fen Ni Tom Oye Jeanne Massey, Director of SHeRPA, was welcomed. She brought materials in order to update the Commission on the Family Services Collaborative. She reminded the Commissioners that this was a year -long planning initiative sponsored by the State, and SHeRPA received one of four grants in Hennepin County. The goal in Minnesota is to come up with plans to integrate families and services because the service system today is highly fragmented. One provider is typically unable to provide the spectrum of services needed. The South Hennepin Family Services Collaborative has three components: 1) Resource Center Network - This network will ensure that families get connected to the services they need, and this will be accomplished by the local resource centers serving as primary focal points. This concept is as equally important for the providers as it is for families. A key component in the process will be the training of school personnel and police officers to direct people to the resource centers. The Resource Center Support Hub will serve the local resource centers by providing services more efficiently when done on a regional basis. There will be 24 -hour calling services. 2) Memorandum of Understanding - This is an interagency agreement in which family service providers would participate, and this would ensure that providers would no longer be working in isolation of each other. All of the providers must carry their load and share in the responsibilities. The Resource Center Network and the Provider Affiliation established through the Memorandum of Understanding form the Family Support Network. 3) Local and Regional Support for the Family Support Network - Each community would have its own local council, which would provide the key policy direction for the local family support network. Each council would bring together the various sectors in the community to set goals. At the regional level, SHeRPA would become reorganized to include schools and Hennepin County, and it would be titled the South Hennepin Family Services Council. This Council would serve as the policy board of the Resource Center Support Hub and help coordinate the development of the Memorandum of Understanding. Nine to ten staff people are necessary for the Resource Center Network. It is hoped that Edina and each of the other three cities could help coordinate their own resources to staff their local centers. There are proposed to be four local resource centers, with two to three staff at each center. The Resource Center Support Hub will eventually provide training for the local resource centers. Funding strategies are diverse, with implementation money coming from the State. The key question will be the on -going funding. Hennepin County staff will serve as an important vehicle as they become decentralized. A strong evaluation system needs to be put into place to measure how the provider network is working. Things to consider: 1) Ensure that key community leaders buy into this program; 2) Communities organize implementation teams to think about local resource centers; 3) Representatives from each community come together to organize the regional hub. The Edina Human Relations Commission may be an ideal body to build from in regard to a community council. The State's goal is to have different models be created and to use them in different areas. During the next 12 months, the resource centers and the hub need to be developed, and the three bodies -- cities, schools and Hennepin County -- should get together to work on family services. Minutes Approved. Tom Oye's motion to approve the minutes of May 16, 1995, was seconded by Sharon Ming; the motion carried. Review of Funding Proposals. Each of the eight funding proposals was reviewed, and questions were raised. Commissioners assigned to specific providers will contact the appropriate people for answers to questions in preparation for the hearing on Tuesday, July 11th. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, John Crist, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission JC /sw Members Present Nancy Atchison Bob Brandel John Crist Carol Fecker Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION HEARING JULY 11, 1995 - 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Absent Idith Almog Shirley Hunt - Alexander Ming -Fen Ni Erick Strand Staff Present Susan Wohlrabe The following human service agencies were represented and submitted proposals to the Commissioners: Share -A -Home - Sonya Knutsen - Requesting $3,000 Share -A -Home allows older adults and persons with disabilities to continue independent living in their own homes and to avoid premature or unnecessary nursing home placement by matching them with live -in companions who provide services in exchange for less expensive housing. The staff person interviews and screens potential live -ins and obtains references and a police report. Once a match is made, there is consistent monitoring and mediation provided if needed. In 1994, four new matches were made and four former matches were maintained. Senior Community Services - Adele Mehta - Requesting $14,280 Senior Community Services identifies, develops, coordinates and provides services that help meet the needs of people 55 and older. The Senior Outreach Program assists vulnerable adults to remain independent in the community and assists them and their families in securing and monitoring needed services. In 1994, 237 Edina residents were served. West Suburban Mediation Center - Sue Nelson and Jim Campbell - Requesting $2,300 West Suburban Mediation Center utilizes trained volunteer mediators to resolve conflicts or disputes. Mediation is also used for juvenile offenses such as vandalism, shoplifting, intra- family disputes, theft and minor assault. The Center is certified by the Minnesota Supreme Court and is the only community mediation program serving Edina. There are 60 volunteer mediators. and in 1994 the Center served 101 Edina residents. Cornerstone Advocacy Service - Susan Neis and Kit Wakeman - Requesting $5,000 Cornerstone provides advocacy and crisis intervention for victims of domestic abuse. Victims and their children are helped to overcome the barriers they encounter in their struggle to live violence -free lives. Through short-term housing, Cornerstone provides shelters and meals for two to three days for persons in imminent danger of domestic assault. Their 24 -hour Help Line provides immediate access to emergency services. In 1994, Cornerstone served 102 Edina residents. VEAP - Susan Freeman - Requesting $10,000 The VEAP Transportation Program provides door -to -door service seven days a week between 8:30 AM and 9:00 PM for all Edina residents who are low - income, disabled or elderly. The Transportation Coordinator plans the van route and assigns the private car trips to a volunteer home phoner who contacts volunteer drivers for private car trips. All VEAP's 16 van drivers and 110 private car drivers are volunteers. In 1994, 225 unduplicated Edina residents were given 1,294 rides by VEAP drivers. Half of VEAP's request for 1996 funds is for a new van; the Commission advised that this funding be requested from The Edina Foundation. Senior Linkage Line - Julie Bentz and Nancy Schuett - Requesting $618 Through the use of a comprehensive computerized resource file, Senior Linkage Line provides information about senior services and programs for older adults. The major function of the program is to establish easily identified local information and referral sites. The sites are operated by trained senior volunteers who research services to meet the needs of the callers and then follow up to ensure the callers received the services being sought. In 1994, 6.8% of the callers were from Edina. Storefront/Youth Action - Mary Ellen Barrett - Requesting $36,919 SFYA provides prevention, intervention and treatment programs for youth and their families. Specifically, the Youth Counseling Program assigns youth to counselors who meet with them and their parents through solution- oriented family counseling delivered in a flexible manner either at the school, in the home or at the office. Problem identification and treatment planning will drive the delivery of services. In 1994, Storefront worked with 684 youth in Edina. Women in Transition - Lonna Szczesny - Requesting $1,941 The Women in Transition Program provides specialized career development and employment services to low- income women in crisis, enabling them to secure stable employment to support themselves and their families. Their services are provided on a sliding fee based on the participant's current income and ability to pay. Through this program, women establish realistic goals based on skills, aptitudes and interests. In 1994, Women in Transition provided full services for three women. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, John Crist, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission JC /sw Members Present Idith Almog Nancy Atchison John Crist Carol Fecker Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION AUGUST 1, 1995 7:00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Absent Bob Brandel Shirley Hunt - Alexander Erick Strand Staff Present Susan Wohlrabe Minutes Approved. The motion of Sharon Ming to approve the minutes of June 20, 1995, was seconded by Betsy Flaten; the motion carried. Budget Proposal Prepared. After deliberation and input from each Commissioner, the following budget was prepared for the City Council's consideration regarding human service delivery for 1996: Storefront/Youth Action 36,000.00 Senior Community Services 10,200.00 VEAP 5,400.00 Cornerstone Advocacy Services 4,700.00 West Suburban Mediation Center 2,100.00 Women in Transition 1,800.00 Share -A -Home 1,700.00 Senior Linkage Line 550.00 Education Program (operational) 800.00 (increase of $350 from 1995) The motion of Nancy Atchison to submit this proposed human services budget to the City Council was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. This 1996 budget represents a 2% increase over the 1995 budget. The additional money applied toward the Education Program will be used for training of Commissioners in mediation. Chair's Report. John Crist read a resignation letter from Min -Fen Ni. Regarding next month's meeting, it was suggested that someone from the School District report on training provided teachers regarding diversity and multi - cultural education. Sandy Eliason will be contacted. No -Fault Grievance. Tom Oye reported that he heard from a woman moving here from Florida. Her husband is Italian, and she herself is a New York Jew. Apparently, she found an apartment in Eagan but was told by the real estate agent that her contract required that she have enough money to pay for the entire year. Subsequently, she was refused the right to rent and wanted to find out why. The grievant did not have time to initiate a no -fault process but wanted the apartment management investigated. She was informed that the State Human Rights Department has investigatory powers. Another case involved reverse discrimination - -the grievant was white, and the respondent was black. It was an employment issue at a fast -food chain. There has been no mediation asked for at this point. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, John Crist, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission JC /sw Members Present: Idith Almog Nancy Atchison Bob Brandel John Crist Betsy Flaten Tom Oye EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 19, 1995 7:00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Absent: Carol Fecker Shirley Hunt - Alexander Sharon Ming Erick Strand Staff Present: Susan Wohlrabe Minutes Approved. The minutes of August 1, 1995, were amended as follows: The last sentence in the No -Fault Grievance paragraph was deleted and corrected with "The grievant did not have time to initiate a no -fault process but wanted the apartment management investigated. She was informed that the State Human Rights Department has investigatory powers." With no further corrections, the motion of Tom Oye to approve the minutes of July 11, 1995, the amended minutes of August 1, 1995, and the minutes of August 15, 1995, was seconded by Betsy Flaten; the motion carried. Chair's Report. John Crist shared with the Commissioners a memo he had prepared to the City Council regarding their questions about Storefront/Youth Action's Youth Counseling Program. The Commissioners agreed that it was well done but needed further reviewing as to the accuracy of the figures pertaining to Storefront's budget. Susan Wohlrabe will follow up on this and forward the memo to the City Council. Chemical Health Advisory. Betsy Flaten announced the date of the upcoming Chemical Health Advisory Committee meeting. The group has not met since last June and will now begin to evaluate programs in the District. They are still looking at the issue of increased marijuana use. SHeRPA. Nancy Atchison reported that Edina's committee of the Family Services Collaborative would be meeting soon to begin the coordination of efforts for a local resource center. Perhaps this committee should be expanded to include two additional Commissioners. Currently, its members are: Nancy Atchison, Betsy Flaten, Susan Wohlrabe, Nancy Delin and Rick Beresford. The Commissioners agreed that it would be helpful for all of them to have copies of SHeRPA's report to the County regarding community service priorities. Cornerstone Advocacy Service. Cornerstone wrote a letter of apology to the Police Department for incorrect information about the Edina Police Department in their proposal for funding. Nancy Atchison remarked that the blue card given out by the Department has yet to be revised, giving better information about Cornerstone's services to victims of domestic abuse. Betsy Flaten and John Crist will meet with Chief Bernhjelm to discuss making changes on the blue card. Metropolitan Livable Communities Act. The Commissioners were glad they could play a part in the evaluation of the Metropolitan Livable Communities Act and were proud that the City Council is going forward with participation. Commission Work Groups. Before the October meeting, the Work Groups should try to get together informally. They had a chance to chat briefly in their groups. Human Rights Conference. John Crist and Tom Oye attended a conference in Bloomington on discrimination in the work place. The State Human Rights Department's budget in this area has been cut way down. The average time for a grievance to go through the process is one and one - half years. Major companies now have processes in place regarding mediation. Most grievances come from smaller employers, with age and sexual harassment being the biggest issues. Recognition. The Commission agreed that it would be an excellent idea to recognize Noah Hurley's former chairmanship of this Commission at the Volunteer Recognition Reception. The Hurley family could be invited. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, John Crist, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission JC /sw