Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 HRRC MinutesMembers Present: Nancy Atchison Carol Carmichiel Richard Hechter Sharon Ming Tom Oye Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Jim Zappa EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 1999 7.00 PM - MANAGER'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Absent: Jim Campbell Betsy Flaten Eileen Supple Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Minutes Approved. Tom Oye's motion to approve the minutes of December 8, 1998, was seconded by Lynne Westphal; the motion carried. Chair's Report. Chair Wexler referred to the recent article in the Sun -Current regarding a magnet school located in Edina. The City of Edina is being asked to sell its land on the Kunz -Lewis site to the West Metro Education Program (WMEP) in order to build a racially integrated elementary school. WMEP believes that this magnet school in Edina would provide equal opportunities for all children as well as enhancement of education through the offering of inter -district educational opportunities in integrated efforts. WMEP has agreed to include with the school proposal the following facilities of interest to the City and the School District: a senior citizens center, a new Hennepin County library, two additional gyms and the School District bus garage. The Edina City Council has asked WMEP to create a development proposal to be presented to them within 90 days. The State will pay the costs for the elementary school land and construction if the project is approved by the City. Chair Wexler announced that Richard Hechter had tendered his resignation, with this being his last meeting. The Commission expressed its appreciation for his hard work and wished him well. SHeRPA. Lynne Westphal reported on the Senior Task Force Study currently underway by SHeRPA for both Edina and Richfield, and possibly Bloomington. SHeRPA will lead this study of issues relating to the aging population in these communities, with three areas of primary focus: social and physical infrastructure, workforce, and long-term care. Rather than use a study -team process (19 people steering the course of gathering information and making recommendations), SHeRPA staff will tap resources in the communities and periodically report back to City staff with updates and draft documents. Edina Chemical Health Partners (ECHP). Tom Oye reported that Edina Chemical Awareness (ECA) and Chemical Health Advisory Committee (CHAC) had merged to become ECHP. Its mission is to promote healthy community attitudes, norms and behaviors involving alcohol, other drugs and violence by developing collaborations within the Edina community. Membership includes: City, School District, service clubs, senior citizens, health care professionals, and youth. Programs supported by ECHP are: Green Key Inn, the Student Assistance Coordinator at the High School, Tobacco Prevention and Cessation, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE), Target Student Leadership Group at the High School, Improvisational Theatre Group, and Minnesota Chemical Health Week. ECHP has met at the Edina Davanni's and may continue to do so. Community Council. Sharon Ming reported that Edina FamiLink just celebrated its second birthday! Additional information shared was that tax assistance would again be available at the Center; additionally, there were more cases of a serious nature in December at the Center than in any other previous month. Noteworthy news was that VEAP had been selected to be the new Emergency Services provider for Edina, as Colonial Church had stepped down from this role. It is hoped that VEAP can figure out the concern regarding transportation when providing these services. Sandra Stevenson and Sharon Ming will be going before the Community Education Services Board to discuss FamiLink's budget. Nominating Committee. Jim Zappa will chair the Nominating Committee, which will include Carol Carmichiel and Eileen Supple. A slate of officers will be presented at the next Commission meeting. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funding. Sharon Ming reported on the status of Greater Minneapolis Daycare Association's use of Edina funds. 1996 funding has been used in total, and there is $8900 remaining from the 1997 funds. Currently, there are 18 families in Edina on the waiting list; four families are now being served. Therefore, the remaining monies will definitely be used. At the February Commission meeting, the CDBG budget will be discussed, and input will be reported back to the Planning Department. Volunteer Recognition Reception. It was announced that the 1999 Volunteer Recognition Reception will be held at Edinborough Park on April 20th. A copy of the program from the last event will be included with the next packet to aid discussion regarding Commission participation in the event this year. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ardis Wexler, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission AW/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1999 7:00 PM - COUNCIL ROOM Members Present: Nancy Atchison Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Jim Zappa Members Absent: Guests Present: Beth Fagin Lea Favor Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Report from Storefront/Youth Action (SFYA). Beth Fagin, SFYA's Clinical Director, and Lea Favor, SFYA's Director of Diversity Services, were introduced and welcomed. Beth reported that in the schools it is unfortunate that cultural issues get put on the "back burner." At the two middle schools, there are three students who are in diversity support groups. Diversity issues are addressed within the schools through curriculum, and at the elementary level there is a high degree of comfort with the curriculum model. Otherwise, interest in diversity programming has not been there in the schools as a whole. Beth shared that the Black History Month assembly coordinated by Sheila Kosek was a success. Lea reported that the Diversity Program provides services to schools who may need some support or assistance with diversity education. Their method is to facilitate support groups in schools for students who may be struggling with identity issues, self-esteem, race relations or other topics pertaining to diversity. Their goal is to assist students and staff to make the school environment a safe, welcoming and affirming place so that all students can learn and reach their full potential. Classroom presentations are facilitated, and training is offered to student groups. The Commission encouraged Lea and Beth to go before the Principal's Leadership Cabinet to talk about bringing the Diversity Program into the schools. Betsy Flaten and Lynne Westphal will help to coordinate a meeting with SFYA, the Superintendent and the Principal. Minutes Approved. Jim Zappa's motion to approve the minutes of January 26, 1999, was seconded by Carol Carmichiel; the motion carried. Chair's Report. This meeting was the last for Ardis Wexler in her role as Chair; the Commission thanked her for the excellent job she has done. Jim Campbell was introduced and welcomed as a new Commissioner. Nominating Committee. Jim Zappa, Carol Carmichiel and Eileen Supple reported that they had no slate of officers to present, due to difficulty in peoples' schedules. Ardis agreed to continue in her present role until a replacement is made; therefore, it is expected that a slate will be presented at the next meeting, with commissioners assuming roles of co-chairs. Strategic Planning. The Commission determined the necessity of a strategic planning session and agreed that it could be held in conjunction with the March meeting, beginning at 6:00 PM with a light dinner. The Commissioners were asked to come prepared to discuss their vision for the Commission. Materials will be sent out to accommodate this session. CDBG Funding. The Planning Department published the following Community Development Block Grant Program budget and requested that the Human Relations Commission respond to the human services portion of the budget before it goes before the City Council for final approval: Rehabilitation of Private Property $80,000 Acquisition for Scattered Site Affordable Housing $65,854 Housing and Outdoor Maintenance for the Elderly (HOME) $17,400 GMDCA - Child Daycare $17,448 CASH Homeline $1,616 $182,318 The human services portion consists of HOME, GMDCA and CASH Homeline. The entire budget reflects an increase of $476 from last year, and 20% of the total is allocated to human services. As a result, there is a $96 increase over last year's funding to be applied to human services. The above budget represents this $96 being divided evenly between GMDCA and CASH Homeline (each increased $48 over their 1998 funding). HOME's funding remains the same as in 1998. The Commissioners questioned the meaning of "scattered site affordable housing." This will be addressed by staff, and the answer shared with the Commission. The motion of Sharon Ming to support the proposed CDBG budget as submitted by Planning staff was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. SHeRPA Senior Study. In order to begin gathering input for the Senior Study, Lynne Westphal reported that SHeRPA staff had recently met with Edina staff—the Police Chief, Senior Center Coordinator, City Sanitarian, Fire Chief and Associate Planner. The Senior Study is being done for Edina and Richfield; Eden Prairie and Bloomington will not formally participate. A task force will not be convened; educational events will provide opportunities to gather input from the community. SHeRPA will meet regularly with City staff for their input at various stages and to keep them apprised of the study's progress. Currently, Edina's staff has provided SHeRPA with demographic and housing -related information. With the help of grant money and reserves, it is anticipated that a part-time research assistant will be hired. Edina Community Health Partners (ECHP). Tom Oye reported on the newly -formed collaborative—ECHP—which represents the merger of CHAC and ECA. The mission of Edina Community Health Partners is to promote healthy community attitudes, norms and behaviors through collaborations within Edina around the issues of alcohol, tobacco, other drugs and violence. At the current time, there are approximately 20 members in ECHP—including the City and Police, School, service clubs, senior citizens, and healthcare. Tom indicated that there had recently been an article in the Sun -Current about the rowdy behavior of Edina students at high school hockey games. A proposal was submitted by Grace Church to bring a secular, anti-drug program by the Power Team into the school. The proposal was endorsed by ECHP for presentation to the teachers for approval. It was turned down because of scheduling problems and experience in the past of Power Team presenters inserting an evangelistic segment. At the current time, the High School Target Leadership Team is promoting two projects -1) adopt a hallway and cleaning up the cafeteria; and 2) Students Assisting Students Successfully. There appears to be strong student interest around these two projects, and the Team is discussing how to build and broaden these initiatives. Tom reported that the City's Health Advisory Committee was focusing on tobacco abuse issues and would be connecting with ECHP. Discussions will begin in March regarding effective preparation for the Federal Safe and Drug -Free School Grant, with follow-up planning by a sub -committee in anticipation of a July deadline. Community Council. Sharon Ming reported that FamiLink Edina would once again partner with the Minnesota Accounting Aid Society (MAAS) to bring tax preparation assistance to low income households. Sessions are already filling up, creating waiting lists. FamiLink staff screen clients and make appointments, and the overall coordination, including that of the Eden Prairie site, is provided by the FamiLink Coordinator. The FamiLink Client Intake Database (CID) was implemented on February 1, and now all client records and data are being stored in the CID. This complex, multi- purpose piece of software will facilitate ease of communication between clients, FamiLink and agencies, as well as provide valuable data to the community about needs, gaps and barriers. Sharon reported that she and Sandra Stevenson recently went before the Community Education Services Board to present the budget, and it is currently in process. At a Community Council Meeting, Doug Johnson and Christine Weymouth provided discussion on the proposed community -wide initiative around asset building. At this time, the task force is taking tiny steps; the first big step will be in the fall when the Search Institute survey is administered to Edina students in grades 6-12. As a result, there will be a follow-up Town Meeting in January to present the results of the survey to the community. The Commission wants to be connected and informed regarding the developments around asset building. Volunteer Recognition Reception. The event will be held on April 2011, at Edinborough Park, and the Commission discussed how it could participate. Tom Oye's motion to recognize the Edina Police Department for its support of the Commission was seconded by Sharon Ming; the motion carried. South Hennepin Housing Educational Forum. Lynne Westphal reminded the Commissioners of the affordable housing forum in Richfield on February 25th from 6:30 to 9:00 PM to be moderated by George Latimer. League of Women Voters Open House at City Hall. Lynne Westphal announced that once again the LWV will be sponsoring an Open House at City Hall on Saturday, March 20th, from 10 AM to noon. The Commission could have an informational table in the Council Chambers at that time. High School Assembly. During the assembly at the High School for Black History Month, flowers as corsages for the members of the Multi -Cultural Club were provided by funds within the operating account of the Commission. The Club members served as facilitators and presenters during the assembly, which included Kirby Puckett as the guest speaker. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ardis Wexler, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission AW/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 1999 6:00 PM - COUNCIL ROOM Members Present: Nancy Atchison Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Jim Zappa Members Absent: The meeting began at 6:00 PM with a light meal. Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Minutes Approved. Tom Oye amended the minutes of February 23, 1999, in the following manner within the paragraph entitled "Edina Community Health Partners" with the following replacement sentences: "A proposal was submitted by Grace Church to bring a secular anti-drug program by the Power Team into the school. The proposal was endorsed by ECHP for presentation to the teachers for approval. It was turned down because of scheduling problems and experience in the past of Power Team presenters inserting an evangelical segment." Additionally, Eileen Supple amended the CDBG portion of the same minutes to read "...support the proposed human services portion of the CDBG budget..." With no other amendments being provided, Tom Oye's motion to approve the minutes of February 23, 1999, as amended were seconded by Eileen Supple; the motion carried. Strategic Planning. Ardis Wexler agreed to lead the Commission through the process of strategic planning in order to define goals, identify expectations, determine strengths and weaknesses and justify existence. Specific issues of concern immediately brought to attention included: • Bylaws to be brought into compliance with a thorough update process • Consider the appointment of youth to the Commission • Revisit issue of membership—ten, 12, or 14 Commissioners • Address make-up of officers • Add "sexual orientation" to Section 140.01 B of the General Code pertaining to the Human Relations Commission • Evaluate duties of the Commission as listed in Section 140.03 • Relationship with the School District • Address Section 140.06 regarding frequency of meetings The Commissioners proceeded with addressing the following questions: • How is the Edina Human Relations Commission doing, especially with regard to fulfilling its role in the community? Responses We are at about 75%. What is our role? What are the duties of the Commission and the importance of programming? The relationship, or lack of, with the School Board is truly an issue. What have we done lately (i.e. educational programs), and what should we be doing in the future? • Who are our customers? Who should they be? Responses Possibilities: SHeRPA, FamiLink, Community Council, ECHP, City Council, School Board. But most importantly, the residents themselves. Take the pulse of the community! How do we reach them, and what do we do for them? We must activate our role with the School Board and be associated with their policy. Establish a good relationship with the Board; be active in this role to the community's advantage. AT THE NEXT POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY, BEGIN TO CONCENTRATE ON BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. • What are the key strengths of the Human Relations Commission? (such that differentiate the Commission from other individuals or groups and provide a foundation for the future) Responses Networking and education Credibility with the City staff and City Council Willing and able to serve on various City-wide committees IN THE NEAR FUTURE, ARRANGE A MEETING WITH CITY COUNCIL AND/OR SCHOOL BOARD. It was noted that Section 140.03 A was missing the words "human services" when referring to matters of advice given to the City Council and School Board. • What are the Commission's key weaknesses? Responses Not willing to put in the energy and time. Areas of consideration: asset building and affordable housing. The Cultural Expo event is very time consuming, as was the process behind the development of FamiLink. Put time into something worthwhile! Look for windows of opportunity. Look for the gaps in human services and use FamiLink. What about the School District diversity project? Be prepared for the possibility of WMEP. Need to be able to form coalitions within the community. • What external factors are changing? What is the likely impact of these changes on the Commission over the next three -to -five years? Responses Are we going against a rising tide of disinterest? Education is necessary for ourselves and the whole community. BE AWARE OF AND CONCERNED ABOUT AFFORDABLE HOUSING! The whole community around us is changing. • Is the Commission responsive to the real human relations/right/needs of the City? Responses How do we ask the community what it needs? We are responsive to what has been identified. Given the realities of time and willingness, what are we going to do in a prioritized fashion upon identifying what the community has/does not have? Senior issues, youth issues, and/or asset building? What are we going to focus on? Realistically, we cannot be responsive to every identified need. • What do you see as the major threat to our mission? Responses The major threat is time constraint. Concern about Commissioners' priorities and coming together. Need to focus as a group. ***AT THE NEXT MEETING, COME PREPARED TO SHARE YOUR OWN LIST OF PRIORITIES AS TO WHERE THE COMMISSION SHOULD BE FOCUSING ITS EFFORTS. How motivated and proactive in the community should/can we be? We need to be comfortable in our advisory role to the City Council and School Board. The Commission ought to be able to motivate community groups to take action when necessary, serving as a catalyst. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ardis Wexler, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission AW/sh Members Present: Nancy Atchison Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Jim Zappa EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 27, 1999 7:00 PM - LOWER LEVEL ROOM Members Absent: Eileen Supple Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Minutes Approved. Nancy Atchison's motion to approve the minutes of March 23, 1999, was seconded by Jim Zappa; the motion carried. Chair's Report. It was suggested that a sympathy card be sent to Mayor Smith on behalf of the Commission, expressing hope that he would soon return to good health. Jim Zappa gave a verbal report to the City Council for the Commission at the Council's Annual Meeting on March 25th at Centennial Lakes. It was suggested that a copy of his report be included with the March minutes for the City Council. Slate of Officers. Jim Zappa reported that Betsy Flaten is willing to serve as Chair, he himself as 1St Vice Chair and Eileen Supple as 2nd Vice Chair. Jim Zappa's motion to approve this slate of officers was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. A formal vote to elect new officers will be taken at the next Commission meeting. Community Long -Range Planning Meeting. Carol Carmichiel, Jim Campbell, Nancy Atchison and Tom Oye attended the City -sponsored community long-range planning meeting on April 15th at Braemar Clubhouse. There were approximately 140 attendees—residents, business owners, board and commission members, faith community members and school personnel. The goal of the meeting was to determine characteristics that currently define Edina and what Edina might look like 2010. Information developed at the meeting will be used by the City Council and staff to help form a strategic workplan that will help guide the City into the 211t century. Issues identified were: public infrastructure, housing stock, open spaces, multi -generational diverse community, transportation, volunteerism, business community, education system, technology, childcare, taxes and crime. Human Services Funding for 2000. The Request for Funding form was reviewed by the Commission, and a few minor changes were made. The Commissioners agreed to advertise the RFP process in the Sun -Current and the City's website; additionally, Ann Boerth of FamiLink will be contacted regarding additional providers to be included in the process. It was suggested that July 13th be the date for the proposal hearings and July 20th be the meeting to draft a proposed budget for approval by the City Council at a meeting in August. The July dates will be confirmed by telephone. Once the proposals have been submitted by the deadline of May 28th, they will all be forwarded to each Commissioner for review and study. Strategic Planning. The Commissioners continued in its discussion of strategic planning regarding roles of the Commissioners and activities of the group itself. Jim Zappa indicated that the Commission should look at something to do or "grab onto." He agreed that the Commission should have some sort of contact with the School Board, as well as identifying issues on which to focus with the schools. Jim remarked that he supported the concept of a community asset building initiative and that we should also remain focused on senior issues. Ardis Wexler encouraged the Commissioners to be prepared at the next meeting to begin reworldng the strategic plan. Ardis Wexler expressed an interest in communicating to the elected officials the Commission's support of the concept of a regional school in Edina. Betsy Flaten's motion to send a letter to the Mayor and Council Members, copying Senator Terwilliger and Representatives Erhardt and Paulsen, indicating the Human Relations Commission's agreement with the concept of the WMEP school in Edina was seconded by Lynne Westphal; the motion carried. It was agreed that this letter would include the names and addresses of the Commissioners. Betsy Flaten offered support for the asset building initiative currently underway, especially as the concept relates to racial identification and sensitivity—specifically cultural competence. Ardis Wexler referred to the efforts in the past toward developing a Commission brochure. Perhaps now is the time to undertake this project once again. Nancy Atchison encouraged the Commission to begin to look at engaging school personnel in conversations around ameliorating feelings of alienation in the community --tying into the climate within the schools and the realities within the educational process. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM Respectfully submitted, Ardis Wexler, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission AW/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 25, 1999 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Jim Campbell Nancy Atchison Susan Heiberg Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Eileen Supple Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Jim Zappa Minutes Approved. Jim Zappa's motion to approve the minutes of April 27, 1999, was seconded by Eileen Supple; the motion carried. Chair's Report. As outgoing Chair, Ardis Wexler thanked the Commission for its support during her tenure. In turn, she was wholeheartedly commended for all the effort and time devoted to the Commission in the re-evaluation of its mission and in its advisory role to the City Council. Election of Officers. Sharon Ming's motion to approve the slate of officers as presented at the meeting of April 27`h, 1999, was seconded by Tom Oye; the motion carried. New officers for 1999 are: Betsy Flaten, Chair Jim Zappa, 1" Vice Chair Eileen Supple, 2°d Vice Chair As the new chair, Betsy Flaten requested that Ardis Wexler continue chairing the rest of the meeting. Community Council. Sharon Ming reported that the Council has been tightly focused in its strategic planning process. A realization regarding the Council is that it has a unique link between service providers and community organizations with the lofty goal of identifying gaps in services. Sharon described a budget situation which has arisen in the past few months. The FamiLink Coordinator's position is part of the School District's Community Education Services Coordinator's contract, which expired on June 30th, 1998. The contract has been reviewed over the past several months in a process separate from the development of the FamiLink budget development process. As a result, the Coordinator's salary will increase in amounts not anticipated which will result in significant budget deficits unless revenues are increased. Changes in this salary would deplete the reserve fund at an accelerated rate. Due to a change in personal circumstances, the Coordinator will be decreasing her time to 90%, and this will somewhat offset the salary increases. Sharon shared that the School District has now agreed to increase the allocation of LCTS funds to FamiLink, with the assurance that this would in no way compromise the school programs currently funded by funds from the same source (LCTS). Therefore, with the Coordinator decreasing her time by 10% and with the increase of LCTS funding ($5,000 in fiscal 2000 and $7,000 in fiscal 2001), the budget forecast is back to neutral ground. However, this does not negate the fact that there is still a budget deficit anticipated to be $6,100 in fiscal 1999, $6,700 in fiscal 2000 and $12,000 in fiscal 2001. Additional revenue sources need to be identified; LCTS funding has an uncertain future and could conceivably go away at any time. The Commissioners remarked that the February intake totals at FamiLink seemed unusually low and wondered why. The question will be shared with Sandra Stevenson, Coordinator of Edina FamiLink. SHeRPA. Lynne Westphal reported on the success of the Immigration Forum held on April 28,h with the following speakers: Edwina Garcia, Tim Gordon, Jerry Uride and Joan Resner. A copy of the report will be included with these minutes. Asset Building. Sharon Ming reported on the status of the Asset Building Steering Committee, whose members represent the City, the School District and the community. The Committee is developing an initiative which would provide basic and on-going education to families, school partners and the community -at -large around a conceptual model of asset building. The Search Institute survey will be administered to grades 6-12 in October of this year, and a Town Meeting to present the results of the survey to the community will be in January of 2000. The survey will be funded with District -generated funds. A budget has been developed with includes a professional coordinator. A grant application has been developed for funding requests from The Foundation of HealthSystem Minnesota, The Edina Foundation, Lutheran Brotherhood, Fairview Foundation, Edina Education Fund, PTA/PTSO groups and Parent Communications Network. Sharon indicated that perhaps the $10,000 earmarked by the Community Council for approved projects could be channeled into the Asset Building Initiative. 2000 Funding. It was reported that no new providers have responded to the RFP notice in the Sun -Current and on Edina's web page. Therefore, each Commissioner will receive all the submitted proposals for study; 11 proposals are expected (two from Cornerstone). Questions which arise will be fielded back to respective providers by designated Commissioners, with enough time for response before the hearing on July 131h. Affordable Housing. Nancy Atchison shared League material regarding issues around affordable housing. A question was raised regarding the Livable Communities Act and Edina's compliance. Information will be forthcoming. Strategic Planning. The motion of Sharon Ming to approve the Mission as written, deleting the words "Strategic Plan" and the area entitled "Parameters," was seconded by Carol Carmichiel; the motion carried. During discussion, it was noted that the action words within the Mission were "advocate for," "promote," and "by providing." The third bullet under "Beliefs" refers to the community with the intention being "community in the broad sense." The Commissioners remarked that the "Community Objectives," separate from the Mission, is very general, idealized and like a vision. This area is strong on human needs and weaker on human relations. It was agreed that at the June meeting the Commission would look at the list of Community Objectives in light of Commission duties and expectations of the City Council. Chemical Health Issues and Student Services at the High School. Betsy Flaten reported that she was trying to reach Leah Favor at Storefront regarding their cultural competency initiative and appropriate ways of implementing training within the schools and the city. Betsy also indicated that she and Kathy Iverson met with the principal of the high school regarding the status of a new chemical health position. Kathy should be able to provide the Commission with information regarding the School District's policy on tolerance and student use of alcohol with relation to school activities. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Ardis Wexler EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 22,1999 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present: Nancy Atchison Betsy Flaten Tom Oye Eileen Supple Lynne Westphal Jim Zappa Members Absent: Jim Campbell Carol Carnzichiel Sharon Ming Ardis Wexler Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Minutes Approved. Jim Zappa's motion to approve the minutes of May 25, 1999, was seconded by Eileen Supple; the motion carried. Chair's Report. Betsy Flaten commended the Edina Paramedics on their fine work in their response to a call regarding her mother. Community Council. Nancy Atchison reported on the Council's status regarding new officers: Chair, Nancy Atchison; Vice Chair, Jean Rydell; and Treasurer, Sharon Ming. That very afternoon was the Annual Meeting of the Community Council, at which time a new mission statement was adopted. Sandra Stevenson's report was noted—"Seeking the Voice of Edina's New Arrivals"— which summarized the results of the ESL focus groups conducted within the Cornelia Elementary School area. This report will be sent directly to the Commissioners and the City Council Members as well. It was noted that most of the ESL families expressed good feelings about the schools and that most of these families came to Edina for professional reasons. Apparently the parents of the ESL students were pleased that the schools acknowledge their cultural and religious holidays. However, these parents felt there was too much written information sent home with their children and too much expected of them. Some parents cited concern about lower academic expectations in American schools as compared to their country of origin. Many parents noted that Americans do not appear to appropriately discipline their children, and some expressed discomfort with the amount of swearing by Americans and on the television. Asset Building. At the School District's Leadership Retreat on June 15th at Arneson Acres, the morning session was filled with a presentation by Mick Johnson, president of Health Systems Foundation and a Search Institute consultant, who spoke about asset building in "Building a Healthier Edina." He remarked that as we move into the next century, change is for sure while growth is optional; in preparation, a community should look into developing initiatives around supporting young people to be the best they can be. Safe places must be developed with caring adults. Unfortunately, in order to establish a baseline for a safe environment, one must swim upstream. A targeted vision would be to respond to healthcare needs with a goal of reducing these needs by utilizing developmental assets. Mick explained that Search Institute had developed a framework of 40 developmental assets which represent the building blocks of development that help young people grow up healthy, caring and responsible. For example, categories of external assets are support, empowerment, boundaries and expectations, and constructive use of time; categories of internal assets are commitment to learning, positive values, social competencies and positive identity. After the survey is given to 6th through 12th graders in the fall, stakeholders—youth and adults—will work with each other to generate solutions to needs identified in the survey. The goal is to build on the existing strength of the Edina community and its individuals, using the developmental assets as basic building blocks. It has been found that more than half of the youth are at risk; relationships are key to their survival. A community initiative needs to be developed, based on a.compelling need established by the results of the forthcoming survey (assuming identified needs). Mission Statement. Jim Zappa's motion was seconded by Nancy Atchison to place the Mission Statement with the Beliefs, eliminating the Community Objectives and Internal Objectives and including the Parameters for Operations as a separate page; the motion carried. It was further unanimously agreed that by taking out the objectives, it would therefore be necessary to develop annual objectives as part of an annual work plan. Funding Process. The following assignments were made, so that each Commissioner could connect with individual human service providers regarding their proposals for funding in order to clarify connections with FamiLink and clear up answered questions: • Storefront/Youth Action—Betsy Flaten and Nancy Atchison • Senior Community Services—Tom Oye • VEAP—Eileen Supple • Cornerstone Jim Zappa. It was recommended that Ann Harrington from Cornerstone come to a Commission meeting to talk about the PAVE Program and include Todd Olson from the High School to discuss student relationship -building. • West Suburban Mediation—Sharon Ming • Share-A-Home—Carol Carmichiel • Women in Transition Jim Campbell • The Bridge—Lynne Westphal • Family & Children's Service—Betsy Flaten and Nancy Atchison • Side By Side—Ardis Welder The proposals will be heard in the Council Chambers on Tuesday, July 13th, beginning at 4:30 PM. There will be a break for dinner. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Flaten, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission BF/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION HEARING TUESDAY, JULY 13, 1999 4:30 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present: Members Absent: Staff Present: Nancy Atchison Eileen Supple Susan Heiberg Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Jim Zappa Storefront/Youth Action - Beth Fagin and Lea Blackwell 0 Requesting $39,338 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 1998, the Youth Counseling Program served 1,117 Edina residents. Senior Community Services - Adele Mehta • Requesting $16,070 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. Edina clients (400 in 1998) represent 9% of all Senior Outreach clients throughout suburban Hennepin County. VEAP - Susan Freeman and Taylor Matthews • Requesting $10,000 VEAP helps individuals in Edina, Bloomington and Richfield who cannot financially, physically or emotionally provide for their own well-being in the following areas: back - to -school supplies, emergency financial assistance, food shelves, vouchers, furniture, holiday meals and transportation. VEAP serves residents who are low-income, disabled or elderly, with a focus on the ongoing effects of poverty, the problems of hunger and isolation. In 1998, there was a total of 3,050 units of service to Edina residents. Cornerstone (advocacy and intervention) - Susan Neis and Rick Huber • Requesting $5,000 for advocacy and $10,000 for intervention Cornerstone provides advocacy 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 safe 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 1998, Cornerstone served 220 Edina residents with 1,369 hours of direct service. The Intervention Program works within the Criminal Court arena to make sure that people who assault their partners are held accountable by entering a guilty plea to the domestic assault. The Program supports the victim throughout the entire process to help her/him with safety issues, "hear" what type of treatment program would work best in each specific case, and work towards a "satisfactory" disposition to each case. When the abuser is involved in a treatment program or serving a sentence in the workhouse, the victim is encouraged to come into Cornerstone and attend a support group and access services for the children in the home. In 1998, the Intervention Program served 66 Edina residents, with 304 hours of direct service. Cornerstone's Criminal Justice System utilizes a 24-hour crisis line and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for police referrals and victim support services. The Bridge - Thomas Sawyer • Requesting $1,500 The mission of The Bridge for Runaway youth is to provide youth with safe shelter, assist in the resolution of family conflicts, and reunite families whenever possible. Through comprehensive prevention and early intervention services, including street outreach, 24-hour telephone and walk-in counseling, emergency therapeutic shelter, family counseling, outreach and aftercare, The Bridge's program helps to prevent youth homelessness, reduce family violence and strengthen family relationships. In 1998, The Bridge served 25 Edina youth through emergency therapeutic shelter stays, walk-in counseling and aftercare services with family counseling. Share -A -Home - Ruth Derheim Monson and Sonya Peterson • Requesting $3,500 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 1998, four new matches were made with Edina residents and five ongoing homesharing matches were maintained—involving 20 individuals. Women in Transition - Lonna Szczesny • Requesting $3,485 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 1998, Women in Transition served seven women who were Edina residents. Family & Children's Service - Roger Grusznski 0 Requesting $8,600 Family & Children's Service assists families and individuals to develop the capacity and opportunity to lead self-sufficient and socially -meaningful lives and prevents or restructures the disorganization of those families where personal or social handicaps threaten positive family functioning. Mental health issues are addressed, such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorders and adjustment disorders. Additional effort is given to preventing future problems by intervening with at -risk families and individuals. In 1998, 83 Edina residents were served. West Suburban Mediation Center - Susan Nelson 0 Requesting $1,000 West Suburban Mediation Center utilizes trained volunteer mediators to resolve conflicts or disputes and offers four types of service—mediation, conciliation, information and referral, and public education. Mediation is also used for juvenile offenses such as vandalism, shoplifting, intra -family disputes, theft and minor assault. The Center is certified by the MN Supreme Court and is the only community mediation program serving Edina. In 1998, there were 15 cases involving Edina residents, serving 43 people. Side by Side - Michael Sigrin • Requesting $1,000 Side by Side provides counseling options to: individuals to provide an opportunity for them to explore issues and alternatives related to their personal functioning and growth; groups to sensitize those to themselves and to those with whom they interact, thus creating a caring community in which specific topics can be explored; and families to increase problem solving skills and to develop more effective communication so that feelings and needs might be dealt with in a more constructive manner for each family member. No one is denied service due to inability to pay. In 1998, Side by Side provided counseling services to 15 Edina residents, which served to supplement clients who did not have adequate health insurance. Adjournment. There being no additional proposals to be heard, the hearing of the Human Relations Commission was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Flaten, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission BF/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28,1999 7:00 PM - LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM Members Present: Members Absent: Guests: Nancy Atchison Carol Carmichiel Ann Harrington Jim Campbell Eileen Supple Todd Olson Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Ardis Wexler Lynne Westphal Jim Zappa Minutes Approved. Jim Zappa's motion to approve the minutes of June 22, 1999, July 13, 1999, and July 20, 1999, was seconded by Ardis Wexler; the motion carried. Chair's Report. The proposed year -2000 human services budget was heard by the City Council on September 21, 1999 in a presentation by Sharon Ming. She shared with the Council that ten proposals from human services providers had been studied by the Commissioners and thereafter presented at a hearing, with a follow-up session for the Commissioners to develop a proposed human services budget for the City Council's consideration. The Council will adopt the entire City budget in early December. P.A.V.E. (Preventing Abuse and Violence through Education) Ann Harrington, the Coordinator of the P.A.V.E. Program at Cornerstone, was introduced and welcomed. The Program is six years old and has grown from one staff member to five. Its services consist of: classroom presentations, advocacy, anger awareness groups, gender discussion groups, peer support groups, re-entry education, mentorship groups, individual mentorship, student advisory committees, and training. At the present time, Edina High School utilizes the services of P.A.V.E. only in classroom presentations. P.A.V.E. is fully immersed in the high schools of Bloomington, Eden Prairie, and Richfield, and funding for the programs is through LCTS. Specifically, Eden Prairie High School has paid staff on site for six hours per week. Students are referred for anger, sexual aggression and harassment, and curriculum is developed for anger management in groups within an eight to ten -week period. Gender discussion groups have been formed, and in three of the high schools student advisory groups are working on asset building and violence prevention. Student Services at Edina High School. Todd Olson, Coordinator of Student Services at Edina High School, was introduced and welcomed. His position was newly created to be a lightening rod to gather all outside factors (i.e. Cornerstone, Storefront, community contacts) to make sure there is coordination of efforts/programs. In his position, Todd will analyze the needs of a traditionally academic high school which has modern societal problems. A students' services center has been created with consolidated student services in one area. At the High School, there is now a focus on students at risk academically and socially, and there is work being done with their families. An underlying theme based on respect and dignity will be developed and modeled. The High School personnel are aware that there are students at risk. Security has been strengthened, and hazing issues are being addressed. A proactive piece is the formation of the TARGET Leadership group which contains 70 to 90 students. There are also ten peer support groups on issues such as grief and chemical abuse. Math and writing clinics (tutorial) now offer a replacement to study hall. Overall, student behavior seems to be changing for the better; improvement are being made (i.e. the commons is viewed as safe and clean). Kids are as good or better than they have ever been; "vibes" are positive, and there is evidence of many good choices being made. Todd reported that the High School staff has increasing teacher retirements -30%. The Human Relations Commission can be helpful in supporting the data that comes out in the Search Institute survey this fall. The Commission can also support the City and School District working together and helping with projects. Community Council. Nancy Atchison reported that at its last meeting the Council adopted objectives for the year. FamiLink and SHeRPA are now together under one new agency entitled Hennepin South Services Collaborative. It was reported that there will be a $60,000 deficit in the funding of the Hub; subsequent to this meeting, it was learned that this is not likely to be realized. Asset Building. This initiative is considered a total community involvement. The question is how to get the word out to everyone. Sharon Ming suggested that the Commission might consider hosting the joint meeting early next year with the School Board and City Council, facilitated by Mick Johnson and including small group interaction. Nancy Atchison also suggested that the Commission look at ways to get neighborhoods involved in the asset development initiative, perhaps developing safe houses for kids with problems. Senior Study. Tom Oye and Nancy Atchison attended the first community dialogue in Richfield on senior issues, and it was an excellent presentation of demographics. It was disclosed that in Edina from 1960 to 1990 the percentage of people over 65 increased from 6% to 20%. The next senior issues dialogue will be October 29th on Community Design and Transportation and will be held at 7:30 AM at the Yorktown Continental Apartments in Edina. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:55 PM. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Flaten, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission BF/sh EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26,1999 7:00 PM - LOWER LEVEL MEETING ROOM Members Present: Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Sharon Ming Tom Oye Lynne Westphal Jim Zappa Members Absent: Nancy Atchison Eileen Supple Ardis Wexler Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Guest: Sandra Stevenson FamiLink Edina. Sandra Stevenson, Coordinator of FamiLink Edina, was welcomed. Sandra reports to the School District but is responsible to the City as well. She reminded the Commission that the Resource Center goes beyond information and referral—good follow-up is offered, and the model is considered unique. The client is at the helm, working with a team of professionals and informal supports with the leveraging of resources to create a healthy and productive life. One of the goals of FamiLink Edina is to know more about this community. The Center can act as a mandated reporter regarding child protection. The support network, which is the "big picture" of FamiLink, provides wraparound services to order to ultimately develop support teams. There have been tremendous results from these teams—they serve as a powerful tool if the client is willing to cooperate and work hard. This wraparound process is truly action oriented, and team members typically are made up of 40% formal supports and 60% informal supports. The team's purpose is to develop a framework for coming together around the client to help him/her focus on the issues. Sandra indicated that there needs to be a tool to measure the involvement and effectiveness of informal supports. Data bases have been developed which help to accelerate communication within the support network. Apparently, there have been many teenage issues lately as well as senior calls regarding isolation, confusion and transportation. Affordable housing is always in issue. An evaluation component could be built into the data base (client field) to measure success and follow up. Sandra reported that an area of concern is adequate staffing; as a result, the Edina Family Center has offered free daycare in order that parents could staff the Resource Center. Minutes Approved. Jim Zappa's motion to approve the minutes of September 28, 1999, was seconded by Carol Carmichiel; the motion carried. League of Women Voters Immigration Study Dialogues. Lynne Westphal reported that the League of Women Voters of Edina in co-sponsorship with Edina Public Schools, various community organizations, churches, businesses and ethnic groups will be offering an opportunity for community members to participate in discussions exploring issues surrounding immigration. On Tuesday, February 8th, 2000, a panel of people familiar with immigration dynamics and community impact will prepare participants for small group discussions (community circles) on four consecutive Tuesdays beginning February 151h. Fridays or Saturdays could replace the Tuesdays if necessary. Trained facilitators from the League and its Steering Committee will lead these groups consisting of ten to twelve individuals following a discussion guide entitled "What does it mean to be an American in this age of immigration?" Lynne Westphal's motion that the Human Relations Commission be a co-sponsor of the League's study dialogues was seconded by Jim Campbell; the motion carried. Asset Building. It was reported that Julie Hawes will be the Coordinator for the Asset Building Project, currently being overseen by a steering committee. Julie's services are being provided on behalf of The Edina Community Foundation, of which she is the Executive Director, and her services will be for up to half-time to coordinate the effort during the 1999-2000 school year. The survey is being administered to students grades 6-12 today; Search Institute indicated that the results would be available in eight to ten weeks. A sub -committee consisting of John Keprios, Alice Randall, Julie Hawes, Doug Johnson, a student and a high school administrator will meet to develop recommendations for a community event in the new year to share the results of the survey. The Commission recommended that this sub -committee be expanded to include a business person and a member of the faith community. The Commission was encouraged to look at the assets identified by Search to see how it could be involved in some fashion. Senior Dialogues. The Commission was reminded that October 29th would be the second community dialogue regarding senior issues for Richfield and Edina. It will be held in Edina at 7151 York, and the issue will be community design and transportation. The Commission recommended that a person be found to shoot the event so that it could be viewed at a future date by those unable to attend on Friday. Hennepin South Services Collaborative. It was announced that FamiLink and SHeRPA are now under a new operation entitled Hennepin South Services Collaborative (HSSC) and that FamiLink's name will remain the same; however, SHeRPA will now be called the RPC (research, planning and coordination) division of HSSC. Therefore, both FamiLink and RPC will operate separately within their respective roles but will be governed by HSSC with a single Board of Directors (the four City Managers and four Superintendents) and a separate commission for each of the two operations. HSSC will have an Executive Director who will report to the Board of Directors; the hiring process is now underway. Annual Objectives. The Commission agreed that it would be helpful to review the results of the student survey in their consideration of annual objectives. With the senior study currently underway, issues such as transportation and affordable housing will more than likely be identified. Time at the February meeting will be devoted to looking at objectives for the year 2000. Future Meetings and Speakers. Kathy Iverson and Sheila Kosek will be invited to attend the November meeting. In December, someone from the Planning Department could share information regarding affordable housing and the Minnesota Livable Communities Act. In February, representatives from other commissions could be invited to share their activities. And in March, the Commission suggested that there be a meeting with the School Board. Retirement at West Suburban Mediation Center. It was reported that Susan Nelson, Executive Director of West Suburban Mediation Center, will be retiring. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Flaten, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission EDINA HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 23,1999 7:00 PM - COUNCIL CHAMBERS Members Present: Jim Campbell Carol Carmichiel Betsy Flaten Tom Oye Lynne Westphal Ardis Wexler Members Absent: Nancy Atchison Sharon Ming Eileen Supple Jim Zappa Staff Present: Susan Heiberg Guest: Kathy Iverson Kathy Iverson, Edina's Chemical Health Coordinator, was welcomed. Kathy reported that the recent Minnesota Chemical Health Week was a successful celebration. Apparently there has been an issue at the high school regarding smoking in the bathrooms. Out of concern, the new Assistant Principal stepped up to ensure that efforts to combat this be more vigorous. She also has been making sure that student cars parked in the lot have the necessary parking permits. The Commissioners were encouraged with this news about the high school and will communicate their appreciation to the new Assistant Principal. Kathy referred to the Minnesota Student Health Survey for 6Th, 9th and 12th grades which is given every three years. The last survey was administered in 1998, with good results reported. Through this survey, it has been made evident that children must be taught to make good choices. The DARE Program has been moved to the 6th grade level, which will bring the Police officers into the middle schools. Apparently, there is still some hazing or hassling of younger students taking place; as a result, this may be worked into the DARE Program. Community service programs will be introduced in the middle schools and the high school. Tobacco compliance checks have been successful and will be continued, with a step-up in frequency. A new program will be in place for alcohol compliance checks, and training will be provided for all cities. Edina has applied and will be receiving a grant for these compliance checks. It has been found that some establishments in Edina have been selling to people under the legal age. In Byerly's, everyone is being checked when purchasing tobacco. More college students now appear to have started smoking, and it's believed that movies are a big influence. The County has developed a tobacco cessation program for students cited for violation. A concern has been raised regarding the high school population growing from 1500 to 2000. The Search Institute Assets Survey results will be available in January with a public forum scheduled on February 8th. The last survey showed that the children were home alone too much. The Wise Guys (daycare) program now goes up to 8th grade. The Leadership Program at the high school has been very successful, and it was started by Rotary. Its purpose is to invite all students to attend a retreat in late summer before school begins. At that time, sign-ups are available for breakfasts when students can create core teams to do planning. The Leadership Program has been involved in: Adopt -A -Hallway, Reach, the attendance policy, Big Sister/Big Brother, Chalk -It -Up, the issue of weighted grades, parking issues and spectators of fine arts. Through grant money from LCTS, Kathy has been working with employers to enhance the tobacco policy and find out how employers are dealing with smoking during the work day. Bloomington Public Health is in the process of developing a policy for smoke-free apartment buildings. Minutes Approved. In the paragraph of last month's minutes entitled "Annual Objectives," the words "student survey" were changed to "Search Institute Survey." Ardis Wexler's motion to approve the minutes of October 26, 1999, as amended was seconded by Jim Campbell; the motion carried. Chair's Report. Betsy Flaten reported that the Minnesota State League of Human Rights sent out survey questionnaires on hate crimes to police departments. As a result, Edina's Police Department has requested training in the year 2000, and the Commission will be updated as to when that will occur. Betsy also reported that the Korean First Baptist Church in northeast Minneapolis had recently been defaced in an apparent hate crime. The Commissioners agreed that a letter to the Sun - Current editor offering support would be appropriate. Ardis Wexler and Betsy Flaten volunteered to prepare the letter. Asset Building. Julie Hawes, the Executive Director of The Edina Community Foundation, will be serving as a part-time executive for Edina's new initiative, Connecting for Kids, which has to do with asset building and how all in the community can positively impact the life of a young person. Last October, students in grades 6-12 participated in an asset survey conducted by the Search Institute. After the results come out in January, a special town meeting will be held in February to share the results and to mobilize the community in taking action to increase assets for Edina youth. Senior Study. The third Community Dialogue on life -cycle housing was held on November 19Th in Richfield. There is a need for a continuum of affordable housing within the senior population. City officials must be careful to monitor developers regarding accessibility in senior housing. Developers should be tuned in to the needs of residents within the community. It is important to look at multi- generational or communal living options, such as retail on the ground floor and living space upstairs which provide independence with reduction of isolation and neglect of seniors. There is a concern about providing adequate services to seniors in their homes given the current and projected labor shortage. There is also a need for last-minute accessible housing for seniors who become ill, injured, need rehabilitation and are unable to stay at home. The rise in the number of seniors, especially over 85, means that communities need to rethink the options they have available to seniors. The challenge is to provide the right level of service without uprooting people or changing their lives in dramatic ways. In Edina, senior housing is very expensive. It is difficult to get continuity of services over time with changes in federal funding levels. What is needed is a single, simple funding mechanism that will be stable over time and provide a constant and consistent stream of funding. League of Women Voters Immigration Study. Lynne Westphal reported on the League's initiative entitled "Changing Faces, Changing Communities." It will begin with a panel on February 81h at the Community Center with individuals familiar with immigration dynamics and community impact. As a result, discussions within a minimum of three small groups will follow, led by trained facilitators for five consecutive weeks around the question: "What does it mean to be an American in this age of immigration?" Jim Campbell and Carol Carmichiel volunteered to help with these discussions. The anticipated outcome of this initiative is for Edinans to become more aware of the extent and impact of immigration in and around the community. There will be findings and recommendations that develop from the discussions which will be brought to City leaders. An issue in St. Cloud was mentioned regarding a Chinese student who drowned in the pool at the University; apparently, his family was not allowed to come back to the site of the drowning to grieve. Carol Carmichiel will follow up on this and report back. Community Council. It was suggested that the Commissioners receive the Executive Summary of "Seeking the Voice of Edina's New Arrivals" which is the report to the community by Sandra Stevenson concerning immigrant students at Cornelia Elementary School. Copies of this summary will be included with the minutes. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM. Respectfully submitted, Betsy Flaten, Chair Edina Human Relations Commission BF/sh