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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007 HRRC MinutesMINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Luis Bartolomei Mary Brindle Emery Erickson Idelle Longman Debby McNeil Lindah Mhando Sharon Ming Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Members Absent Amy Frankfurt Guest Joyce Repya Student Hamdi Yusuf Staff Susan Heiberg New Members Bartolomei, Mhando and Yusuf were introduced and welcomed. It is likely that Member Frankfint will resign due to other responsibilities. Joyce Repya, Associate Planner, was introduced and welcomed. She reported that Hennepin County indicates that the 2007 CDBG budget will be the same as the 2006 budget. The human services allotment cannot exceed 15% of the total CDBG budget. The requests received for human services funding were $2,301 over the $25,139 budget. Ms. Repya also reported that there is a current carryover of $27,013.32 from previous years relating to daycare assistance formerly administered by GMDCA. This amount should be reallocated to the new daycare assistance administrator-JVS. Ms. Repya indicated that the Planning staff recommends that the 2007 CDBG funding remain the same as last year, funding four service providers. Ms. Yusuf questioned how needs of immigrant families are being met Member Ming and Chair Brindle explained that the Edina Resource Center is an excellent source for coordinated help. Member Ming remarked that next year each provider could share what connections are made with the Resource Center. Member Bartolomei replied that it might be helpful for the providers to make formal presentations to the Commission. Member Longman seconded Member Otness' motion to recommend the following allocations as submitted by the Planning staff: H.O.M.E. DaycareJVS CAPSH HOME Line The motion carried. $ 9,440 $ 8,137 $ 5,086 $2,476 TOTAL $25,139 Member Bartolomei seconded Member Otness' motion that the amounts be redistributed pro rata if the County's budgeted amount varied; the motion carried. Member Bartolomei seconded Member Otness' motion that the daycare carryover of $27,013.32 be reallocated to JVS; the motion carried. Ms. Repya explained that the Commission's recommendations for the human services portion of the CDBG funding would be included with the Planning staffs fiill report to the Sun -Current and to the City Council for approval on February 20'. Approval of Minutes Member Ming seconded Member Erickson's motion to approve the amended minutes of October 24�, 2006; the motion carried. Member Ming seconded Member Procbniak's motion to approve the amended minutes of December 12, 2006; the motion carried. Approval of Officers Member Erickson reported that the Nominating Committee contacted the current HRRC officers to confirm their willingness to continue in their roles throughout 2007. Member Bartolomei seconded Member Prochniak's nomination of Mary Brindle as Chair, the motion carried. Member Otness seconded Member Prochniak's nomination of Debby McNeil as 1` Vice Chair, the motion carried. Member McNeil seconded Member Prochniak's nomination of Idelle Longman as 2'° Vice Chair, the motion carried. League of Women Voters' Study Member Longman reported that the League's study of the City's boards and commissions was available and should be distributed for the next Commission meeting. It was presented to the City Council on January 16'. Whether or not to post members' names and e-mail addresses on the website is a topic of discussion. Edina Human Rights Award This will be the second year that the Commission plans to present a Human Rights Award at the City's annual Volunteer Recognition Reception on April 24�. Application information will be posted on the City's website and distributed to the School District and community organizations. The application deadline will be Friday, March 9�. Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan Member Prochniak reported that the Bias/Hate Crime Response Plan had been approved by the City Council a number of years ago, but since then the process has not been reviewed as originally planned. A handbook was also developed as a tool, but it was never presented to the City Council for consideration and approval. Three actions were agreed upon: Acquire the School District's plan for review. Check with the Police Chief regarding the City's plan. • Carefully review the City's plan to see if revisions need to be made. Members Bartolomei and Mhando agreed to do this. Essay Contest The Commission could sponsor an essay contest next year, which might involve being a partner with the library in a dialogue. Possible timeframes are Martin Luther King, Jr. Day or February during Black History Month. Members Otness, Mhando and Yusuf agreed to investigate the possibilities. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh Members Present Luis Bartolomei Mary Brindle Emery Erickson Idelle Longman JoAnn McGuire Sharon Ming HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Absent Guest Debby McNeil Tony Branch Lindah Mhando Andy Otness Student Wayne Prochniak Hamdi Yusuf Mike Stolee Staff Susan Heiberg Approval of Minutes Member Longman seconded Member Erickson's motion to approve the minutes of January 23, 2007; the motion carried. Orientation Booklets Orientation booklets were given to the new Members—Bartolomei and McGuire—,and new material distributed to everyone else for updating their booklets. RPC - Research, Planning & Coordination of Human Services Member Ming provided a verbal history of RPC and a detailed explanation of its purpose and function. • Edina was in a South Hennepin collaborative with Richfield, Eden Prairie and Bloomington—with funding from each city and matching funds from Hennepin County. • Within the collaborative, research was done through SHeRPA—South Hennepin Regional Planning Agency. • Familink evolved from SHeRPA, with a resource center located in each of the four cities. The model defined a network, which included the coordination of providers and the creation of support teams. • Edina pulled out of the regional collaborative in 2002, set up its own resource center and convened a study group to look at grass roots issues in the city to consider for RPC. • An Ad Hoc Committee was formed late in 2002 to survey the community through an open process in order to identify two to five issues for research, planning and coordination—with a goal of determining one issue to focus on for the first RPC cycle. • Affordable housing was selected in 2003 as the one RPC project, and its report was finalized in October of 2006. • The money budgeted for RPC in 2007 is $11,641. Member Ming explained that Edina Vision 20/20 should be guiding the work of the Commission. She stressed the need to strengthen the Commission's relationship with the School District Before Member Ming retires from the Commission in 2008, it is hoped that her expertise in this arena will be cherished and claimed by at least one other Commissioner in order to carry on with the City Council's expectations of RPC. League of Women Voters of Edina Study on Boards and Commissions Member Longman thanked the Commissioners for their participation in the survey by the LWV to compile information and create a report of Edina's advisory boards and commissions. The issue of data privacy has been raised and whether names of commissioners can be posted on the City's website. The Commissioners were reminded that all meetings are considered "open meetings" available to anyone wanting to attend. Member Bartolomei remarked that it is important for Edinans to be able to communicate with the Commission via e-mail. The issue of adding Commissioners' names to the website will be pursued, and the question of posting an e-mail address on the website will also be investigated. Freedom of Faith in the Workplace Member Erickson cited a recent article in the Pioneer Press regarding freedom of faith in the workplace. The Commissioners responded with questions about current trends in this community. If there is interest and concern, perhaps this is an issue for the Chamber to explore. Bias/Hate Crime Chair Brindle shared that the Police Chief reported an incident which occurred on a bus in the Southdale parking lot. Because bad names were called out, two people missed their stop. Apparently, there were two victims, and four people got off the bus. The license plate number of the perpetrator was retrieved, but PD's attempts to trace it have uncovered a bad address. The victim made a positive identification of this individual from a vehicle registration picture. In the meantime, the Chief is contacting the victim to see if he would like contact from HRRC. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:22 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MARCH 27, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Luis Bartolomei Emery Erickson Idelle Longman Debby McNeil JoAnn McGuire Sharon Ming Andy Otaess Wayne Prochniak Members Absent Mary Brindle Lindah Mhando Hamdi Yusuf Staff Susan Heiberg Regarding the untimely death of new Member Michael Stolee, funeral information was shared. On behalf of the Commission, a card will be sent to his wife, Marilyn. For the sake of new Member JoAnn McGuire, introductions were made all around. Member McGuire is the Development Director of the Minnesota Justice Foundation. Approval of Minutes Member Erickson seconded Member Longman's motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2007; the motion carried. Tom Ove Human Rights Award The Commissioners discussed the candidate, Ellen Kennedy, submitted by the Rotary Club. Ellen has a passion about human rights and raising awareness. As a professor at St. Thomas, she empathized with her students about the current genocide situation in Darfur Sudan. As a result, she helped create a local chapter of GI.Net (Genocide Intervention Network), which is now the official chapter for the State of Minnesota. The Commission agreed that Ellen's work fits within the criteria of the Award, which is reflective of Tom Oye. However, this candidate does not work directly within the community. She strives to open up new chapters at other colleges, is legislatively active, and has brought people from Israel to meet with leaders in the Twin Cities. The Commissioners will seek additional ways to market this award again next fall. In the meantime, the process will be discussed at the next meeting in April. Member Bartolomei seconded Member Prochniak's motion to present the 2007 Tom Oye Human Rights Award to Ellen Kennedy; the motion canned. The presentation will be made at the City's Volunteer Recognition Reception at Edinborough Park on April 24�. Additionally, Ellen will be invited to attend an upcoming Commission meeting. Review of Funding Proposals The Commissioners reviewed the proposal for human services funding for 2008. The first page will be updated to reflect pertinent, timely information. It will be sent out at the beginning of May to the providers currently funded, posted on the City's website and printed in the Sun -Current The date for submission of proposals will be June 4�. Community Development Block Grant Funding A grid of CDBG funding by the City for the past 16 years was shared with the Commission. JVS, a division of Jewish Family & Children's Service of Minneapolis, will be contacted at the end of the summer or early fall regarding their utilization of funds for child-care programs. The Commissioners agreed to connect earlier next time with all the providers who receive the City's CDBG funding. Commission Brochure 1` Vice Chair McNeil distributed a list of information to be considered for inclusion in a new Commission brochure. It was agreed that the Bias/Hate Crime Brochure should be mentioned but that all its information should not be duplicated in the new Commission brochure. A tri -fold brochure was considered a good choice. The Commissioners will have a chance to react to a draft at the next meeting. League of Women Voters Study As a result of the study conducted by the League of Women Voters of Edina, names of advisory members on the City's boards and commissions will be available on the City website, as well as a general e-mail address for questions. The Commissioners suggested that it might also be helpful to include wording from the new brochure on the Commission's site. Information Sharing and Next Meeting • The Commission needs a report on the progress of the Comprehensive Plan update regarding the housing component. • At the City Council workshop regarding boards and commissions, it was validated that a student member may vote on HRRC. • Member Longman reported that the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions will hold its 2007 conference on September 29' at the Mille Lacs Grand Casino. • Gregg Aamot recently spoke to Rotary about his book The New Minnesotans. It was suggested that he he invited to the next Commission meeting. • Due to the next Commission meeting falling on the same night at the Volunteer Recognition Reception, the meeting will begin at 7:30 PM. Adiournment There being no father business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Debby McNeil, 1` Vice Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission DM/sh HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, APRIL 24, 2007 7:30 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Members Absent Guest Mary Brindle Luis Bartolomei Gregg Aamot Emery Erickson Idelle Longman JoAnn McGuire Lindah Mhando Student Debby McNeil Sharon Ming Ham& Yusuf Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Staff Susan Heiberg Gregg Aamot was introduced and welcomed. He is an award-winning Associated Press reporter with a passion for new immigrant communities in Minnesota and shares stories about their cultures in his book tided The New Minnesotans. Gregg explained that as new immigrants assimilate in the community, they feel a tension between their old culture and new Minnesota He described the situation as a cultural "strainer"—as you shake up the culture, some things go away and some things stick. The Commissioners had the opportunity to interact with Gregg, and Chair Brindle commented on the beauty of the word "mosaics" and how important it is for Edina to be a city "without walls." Community conversations are healthy tools to bring people together to create understanding and appreciation. September 17' is Citizenship Day, which could be an opportunity to celebrate Edina's diversity and heighten awareness in the community. Approval of Minutes Member Otness seconded Member Erickson's motion to approve the minutes of March 27, 2007; the motion carried. Proposals for Funding The updated forms for requesting human services funding for 2008 were evaluated and approved. At the beginning of May, they will be sent to the current providers. Additionally, the form will be available on the City's website and a notice published in the Sun -Current Val Burke, Director of the Edina Resource Center, will recommend other providers to whom the form could be sent The proposals are to be received by June 4' and distributed to each Commissioner in order to prepare for the June 26' Commission meeting. Commission Brochure In order to create a Commission brochure from the list of ideas submitted by the Commissioners, Members McNeil and Otness will send a layout draft to Chair Brindle and Member McGuire. Thereafter, it will be sent to Jennifer Bennerotte, the City's Communication Director, to be produced and distributed to the Commission for evaluation. Funeral of Commissioner Stolee Mayor Hovland, Chair Brindle and Member Bartolomei attended the recent funeral of one of the Commission's new Members, Michael Stolee. Condolences were extended to his wife, Marilyn, on behalf of the Commission. Genocide Resolution Ellen Kennedy, this year's recipient of the Tom Oye Human Rights Award, recently presented a sample resolution regarding genocide to the Edina City Council. The Mayor has asked that the Commission consider bringing it forward on behalf of the City of Edina. The Commissioners will discuss this at the June meeting. Commission Appointments Chair Brindle reported that there is one remaining opening on the Commission -,a. School Board appointment The Commissioners were encouraged to keep their eyes open for interested candidates. At the June meeting, the newest City appointee -Sarah Rataer—will be introduced. Tom Ove Human Rights Award Chair Brindle reported that, at the Volunteer Recognition Reception which just concluded, Ellen Kennedy was awarded the Tom Oye Human Rights Award on behalf of the Commission. Ellen is a sociology professor at the University of St Thomas and Carleton College, and she shares her compassion, love and quest for human rights with her students. Because of the tragedies occurring in Darfur and elsewhere, Ellen originated the official chapter of Genocide Intervention Network for the State of Minnesota. Chair Brindle plans to create an on-going history of the recipients of the Commission's annual award. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:25 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, MAY 22, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Mary Brindle Emery Erickson Idelle Longman JoAnn McGuire Lindah Mhando Sharon Ming Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Sarah Ratner Members Absent Luis Bartolomei Debby McNeil Hamdi Yusuf Guest Ellen Kennedy Staff Susan Heiberg Sarah Ratner, a new City appointee to the Commission, was introduced and welcomed. Minnesota Genocide Intervention Network Ellen Kennedy, Coordinator of the Minnesota Genocide Intervention Network, was welcomed to the meeting. She thanked the Commissioners for their honoring her as the 2007 recipient of the Tom Oye Human Rights Award at the City's Volunteer Recognition Reception. Ellen explained that the Genocide Intervention Network (GI-NET)— headquartered in Washington, DC—is a non-governmental organization aimed at providing a solution to end the recurring problem of genocide. There are hundreds of chapters across the country, with Minnesota's being founded in 2006. Its goal is consistent with GI - NET nationwide -education, advocacy and fundraising. The Chapter supports the African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur, targeted divestment and national political advocacy to end the conflict in Darfur. Ellen encouraged the Commissioners to send support letters to Representative Ramstad and to present a responsibility to protect" resolution to the Edina City Council. Approval of Minutes Member McGuire seconded Member Erickson's motion to amend the Commission minutes of April 24, 2007 with the correction of a name and information regarding the Commission brochure. The motion carried. Resolution Regarding Responsibility to Protect The Commissioners reviewed a draft resolution to present to the City Council regarding the United Nations principle of the responsibility to protect all citizens from atrocity crimes. If the Council approves this resolution, it will be sent with an accompanying letter from the Commission to the President and Vice -President of the United States, the U. S. Secretary of State, the U. S. Secretary of Defense, the U. S. representative to the United Nations, the President Pro Tempore of the U. S. Senate, the Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives, and the Minnesota delegation to the Senate and to the House of Representatives. Member Longman seconded the motion of Member Prochniak to approve the resolution with amended language; the motion carried. Member Otness seconded Member Ming's motion that the amended resolution with background information be submitted to the City Council for approval; the motion carried. Human Services Funding for 2008 It was agreed that Val Burke, Resource Center Coordinator, should be invited to attend the June Commission meeting to present her proposal for 2008 funding. Thereafter, the hearing for the other providers will be held on Tuesday, July 24�, and the meeting to draft a proposed 2008 budget will be on Tuesday, July 31`. Because the meeting on June 26' will be an opportunity to review all the proposals submitted for 2008 human services funding and to consider options for RPC funding, it was suggested that the meeting begin at 6:30 PM to accommodate Val's presentation. Commission Brochure It was agreed that the Commission should proceed with the ideas presented for a new brochure—describing "who we are" and including the declaration of human rights. Chair Brindle will connect with Jennifer Bennerotte, the City's Communications Director, to work on combining the merits of the old draft with the new one worked up by Chair Brindle and Member McGuire. RPC Funding Member Ming shared that the City had no news regarding progress toward a housing chapter update for the Comp Plan and the use of the budgeted RPC funds. HRRC Members and the Housing Task Force are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings that will be conducted as the Comp Plan is moved through its updating process. The Commissioners were hoping for professional expertise to evaluate establishing a way to build an affordable housing element into new development proposals, thus introducing inclusionary zoning. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Luis Bartolomei Mary Brindle Emery Erickson Idelle Longman JoAnn McGuire Lindah Mhando Sharon Ming Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Sarah Ratner Members Absent Debby McNeil Student Hamdi Yusuf Guest Val Burke Staff Susan Heiberg Val Burke, Coordinator of the Edina Resource Center, was introduced and welcomed. For 2008, she is proposing a three -percent increase for the City's funding of the Resource Center which would amount to $36,113. The mission of the Resource Center is to be a catalyst for Edina community efforts to strengthen individuals and families. In its new location on the first floor of the Community Center, it shares space with the Welcome Center and helps with registration for classes and activities. Approximately 150 people per week come into the Resource Center, where they are empowered to connect with resources. The Community Council, overseeing the operations of the Resource Center, is comprised of representatives from the City, the School District, CAPSH, Hennepin County and Public Health. The Council and the Commission are similar regarding needs assessments, and the Council acts as the steering committee for the Edina Family Services Collaborative. There is a growing need to be aware of multi -cultural and transportation services, and the Resource Center strives to provide information and connect people to the necessary and appropriate resources. Down the road, the Council hopes to be able to budget for a professional updated needs assessment and a provider study. Building up and strengthening neighborhood relationships is being considered as a collaborative effort with the City's In Touch Program. Approval of Minutes Member Otness seconded Member Prochniak's motion to approve the Commission minutes of May 22, 2007; the motion carried. Resolution Regarding Atrocity Crimes With the resolution prepared and ready for presentation, the Commission agreed that Tuesday, July r, would be the date to bring it to the City Council Meeting for approval. At least one of the Commissioners should be in attendance to represent the Commission and to answer questions. League of Minnesota Human Rights Commission's 36' Annual Conference Member Longman handed out registration materials for the League's Conference on September 29' to be held at the Grand Casino Convention Center. The Commissioners were encouraged to attend. The keynote speaker will be Morris Dees, the chief trial counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center. The theme of the conference will be Human Rights, Civil Rights and Treaty Rights: Minnesota Challenges." Human Services Fundis¢ The following assignments were made regarding connection and follow-up with the providers and their proposals for 2008 human services funding. • Senior Community Services - Member Otness • Cornerstone - Chair Brindle • Chrysalis - Member McGuire • Women in Transition - Members Procbniak and Ratner • VEAP - Member Erickson • The Bridge - Member Longman • Minneapolis Mediation Program - Members Bartolomei and Mhando • Normandale Center - Member Ming • Store -to -Door - Chair Brindle and Student Member Yusuf With a proposed three percent increase over 2007 funding, the projected amount for 2008 would be $88,940. The Commissioners reviewed each proposal, and specific questions raised will be transmitted to the providers by the assigned Commissioners for responses by Tuesday, July 17 , so that there will be clarity at the hearing on July 24�. Senior Expo It was announced that the second Senior Expo is being planned and will be held on Tuesday, October 9�, from 8:30 AM to noon at Colonial Church. Fifty to 60 vendors are anticipated. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, JULY 31, 2007 6:30 PM – MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Mary Brindle Emery Erickson Idelle Longman Debby McNeil JoAnn McGuire Lindah Mhando Sharon Ming Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Members Absent Luis Bartolomei Sarah Ratner Hamdi Yusuf, student Staff Susan Heiberg With one human services provider remaining to be heard—Normandale Center—the beginning of the meeting was devoted to this wrap-up. Normandale Center for Healing and Wholeness – Deborah Paone, Executive Director • Requesting $10,000 – 2007 funding is $5,000. The Ministry seeks to establish and/or maintain elders' sense of connection with the community and alleviate isolation by organizing and supporting community volunteers in Care Teams that support elders and their caregivers. Care Teams—with a network of volunteer support—provide social support, transportation, grocery shopping, errands and other basic services that allow elders to remain in their homes. The services are designed to supplement rather than duplicate existing community services or family support. Last year, the Center launched a project called "Partners in Care" and along with the Edina Resource Center, Fairview Southdale Hospital and Our Lady of Grace Church, the project helps older people stay in the community and bolsters the capability of family caregivers. In 2006, the Center provided care to 314 Edina residents through 24 care teams with 45 trained volunteers. 104 Edinans attended the health education program for caregivers. Funding Proposals for 2008 Member Prochniak seconded Member McNeil's motion to distribute the RPC allocation to the providers requesting funding for the delivery of human services; the motion failed to carry. Member McNeil seconded the motion of Member Otness to approve the following proposal—a slightly below three -percent increase from 2007—in the amount of $88,900 for the City's 2008 human services budget: Senior Community Services 27,400 VEAP 18,800 Cornerstone 15,100 Normandale Center 6,500 Women in Transition 5,000 The Bridge 4,200 Minneapolis Mediation Program 4,100 Chrysalis 4,000 Store to Door 3,800 TOTAL 88,900 The motion carried. Member Prochniak seconded Member Ming's motion that the Edina Resource Center receive a three -percent increase in funding, for a total of $36,113 in 2008; the motion carried. Member McGuire seconded Member Prochniak's motion that up to $23,886 be allocated for RPC to re -pilot the Normandale Center careteam model in three -to -four other Edina organizations, with Normandale working alongside; the motion carried with one nay. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Luis Bartolomei Mary Brindle Emery Erickson JoAnn McGuire Sharon Ming Members Absent Idelle Longman Debby McNeil Lindah Mhando Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Sarah Ratner Approval of Minutes Due to a lack of quorum, the minutes will be approved at the next meeting. Student Hamdi Yusuf Staff Susan Heiberg Community Conversations Chair Brindle reminded the Commissioners of the diversity dialogue last November and the video that was produced by Jim Gamboni entitled "Edina Without Walls. Its purpose is to prompt a conversation about diversity in Edina with questions prepared for use while watching the video. It was recommended that the video be available for the November Commission meeting. Housing Plan Update in the Comprehensive Plan The Edina. Housing Plan Update was shared, having been completed with feedback from the community and following four quadrant meetings throughout Edina. This chapter, as well as the entire updated Comp Plan, can be retrieved from the home page on the City's website: cityofedina.com. CDBG Before the November Commission meeting, Members Bartolomei, Erickson and Ming will meet with the City's Association Planner Joyce Repya-4o prepare for discussion regarding the City's 2008 Community Development Block Grant funding. Commission Brochure Chair Brindle and Member McGuire will continue work on the creation of a draft brochure to present to the Commission at the January, 2008, meeting. RPC Members Erickson and McGuire will assist Member Ming in the process to develop a replication module for other organizations to use as they explore the feasibility and components of creating their own volunteer care team and resource coordination program to serve older citizens in Edina and their family caregivers as well. This will involve an 18 - month timeframe to provide sufficient development; preparation and implementation assistance. Senior Exyo It was shared that the Senior Expo will be held at Colonial Church on Tuesday, October 9m, from 9 AM to noon. Sixty vendors will be participating this year. The keynote speaker is Warren Wolfe from the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The fair will be helpful in answering questions regarding available resources and volunteer opportunities. City Calendar Due to conflicts on this particular meeting night, the Commissioners questioned the use of a City-wide calendar on-line which would help when scheduling meetings. Upcoming Meetings Because VEAP has encouraged the Commission to visit their new facility, a call will be made to see if the Commissioners could hold the October meeting there. Susan Freeman will be contacted and asked if a short tour could precede the meeting. It was suggested that by June of 2008 at least one other off-site Commission meeting be planned. Due to the December Commission meeting falling on Christmas day, the Commissioners agreed that the November and December meetings could be combined—just holding one on Tuesday, November 27�. Adiouinment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2007 7:00 PM - BOARD ROOM OF VEAP Members Present Luis Bartolomei Mary Brindle Emery Erickson Idelle Longman JoAnn McGuire Debby McNeil Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Members Absent Sharon Ming Sarah Ratner Hamdi Yusuf Staff Susan Heiberg Approval of Minutes Member Otness seconded the motion of Member Erickson to approve the minutes of June 26, 2007; the motion carried. Member Otness seconded the motion of Member Longman to approve the minutes of July 24, 2007; the motion carried. Member Procbniak seconded the motion of Member Longman to approve the minutes of July 31, 2007; the motion carried. Member Erickson seconded the motion of Member Bartolomei to approve the minutes of September 25, 2007; the motion carried. City Council Budget Hearing Chair Brindle reported that the 2008 proposed human services budget was presented to the City Council in August With no questions or concerns at that time, it can be assumed that the proposal was favorably received. However, everything would be formally approved at the Truth in Taxation hearing on December r. Community Conversations Depending on the order of business at upcoming meetings, the DVD from the 2006 diversity dialogue entitled "Edina Without Walls" could be viewed. It is about cultural diversity and breaking down unnecessary barriers that people have created. With a discussion guide that is included, the entire viewing would take 30 to 40 minutes. The next type of community conversations will be held again in three years. Housing Succession Plan It was reported that the Housing Succession Plan was folding into the updated Comprehensive Plan. As a result, an increased interest in new housing projects is anticipated. CDBG A meeting comparable to a briefing will be scheduled with Joyce Repya, the City's Associate Planner, regarding Community Development Block Grant funding in 2008. Members Bartolomei, Erickson and Ming will attend. Commission Brochure Jennifer Bennerotte, the City's Director of Communications, will lead the design effort for the creation of a Human Rights & Relations Commission brochure. Chair Brindle and Member McGuire will coordinate the work with Jennifer. RPC Before Member Ming retires from the Commission, it is anticipated that her expertise in the area of RPC—the research, planning and coordination of human services—will be taken to heart and embraced by the Commission for the sake of moving forward and being proactive in tackling unmet needs in the community. As a result, Members McGuire and Erickson will "shadow" Member Ming as she attempts to tutor them in the network of human services' systems and delivery. HRRC Accomplishments and Activities The Members brainstormed ideas regarding how to get the word out to the community regarding the work of the Commission: • A press release in the Sun Current • A Tom Oye Award plaque at City Hall • A written report to the City Council from 2003 to the present—adding statistics where necessary and pin -pointing specific dates • Tie the press release into the report to the City Council • A feature article on the Commission Senior Expo The Senior Expo held on October 9' at Colonial Church was a success. There were 61 vendors, and over 200 people attended. The keynote speaker was Warren Wolfe from the Star Tribune. Much positive feedback was shared. The money collected from the vendors' exhibitions will become grants issued by the Community Foundation. Conference Member Longman shared that the conference of the League of Minnesota Human Rights Commissions at Onamia on September 29' was a successful event. Approximately 300 people were there. She reminded the Commissioners about Human Rights Day on December 7', with Mike Farrell being the keynote speaker. Open Seats on the Commission Chair Brindle reminded the Members that there are two empty School Board appointments on the Commission and that the School Board has been encouraged to fill them. She suggested that the Commissioners be open to possible candidates as they travel around the community—always ready to consider someone to be submitted to the School District for a possible filling of one of the empty positions. Adiournment There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:40 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina. Human Rights & Relations Commission MB/sh EDINA HUMAN RIGHTS & RELATIONS COMMISSION TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2007 7:00 PM - MAYOR'S CONFERENCE ROOM Members Present Luis Bartolomei Mary Brindle Idelle Longman JoAnn McGuire Debby McNeil Andy Otness Wayne Prochniak Members Absent Emery Erickson Sharon Ming Sarah Ratner Hamdi Yusuf Guest Ellen Kennedy Staff Susan Heiberg Dr. Ellen Kennedy, Outreach Coordinator for the Minnesota Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies, was welcomed. She presented the following draft resolution for discussion: "A Resolution certifying that no funds have been invested in a targeted list of companies whose operations are deemed to be complicit with the government of Sudan's genocidal activities in Darfur, Sudan, and prohibiting the purchase of such securities in the future." Dr. Kennedy shared that Edina is the third city in the United States to have adopted an anti -genocide resolution-4he first and second cities being Chicago and San Francisco. She commended the Commission in that this represents Edina's recognition of the moral obligation not to be bystanders but rather to be "upstanders. ° Dr. Kennedy reported that Mayor Hovland spoke at the Capitol rotunda in October regarding genocide. The following was discussed: • China's companies are buying Sudan's largest asset—oil. • It is imperative that economic pressure be placed on the government of Sudan. • Public awareness must be raised. • There is no need for the City of Edina to divest because it does not have money invested in the targeted companies. Nevertheless, the City can pledge to become involved and be on a divestment list without having to withdraw funds. The following was recommended: • That the HRRC agrees with divestment in principle. • That a sub -committee work with the City Attorney to create a resolution consistent with the agreement in principle. • That the resolution be brought before the City Council for adoption. Member Otness seconded the motion of Member McNeil that the editing of the resolution be handled by e-mail, with the Commissioners coming to an agreement and then forwarding the resolution to the City Attorney. Member McNeil seconded Member Prochniak's amendment of the previous motion to complete the edit process by e-mail but vote on the resolution at the January meeting, the amendment of the motion carried. .Tanuary Event Recommended To bring greater awareness to the people in Edina regarding the crisis in Sudan, Dr. Kennedy suggested an event be held on Martin Luther King Day. It could be centered on a documentary entitled "The Devil Came on Horseback," which is about a young marine who was sent to south Sudan to monitor the peace agreement. After the film, there could be a panel discussion with students and elected officials. This event could be co-sponsored by the Edina Foundation and the City of Edina (IIRRC), and it would be free to the public. Volunteer donations would be suggested to target specific needs in Darfur. Member Longman seconded Member Otness' motion that HRRC co-sponsor this communitywide event on January 21, 2008, and that Dr. Kennedy would put it together and connect with the Commission; the motion carried. Minutes Approved Regarding the Commission minutes of October 23, 2007, it was noted that Sarah Ratner and Humdi Yusuf had not been recorded as absent. Member Longman seconded Member Otness' motion to approve the minutes of October 23, 2007, with the correction being made; the motion carried. Nominating Committee Selected and Charged Members Otness, Bartolomei and Longman will contact the Commissioners to determine candidates for Chair, 1` Vice Chair and r Vice Chair. The slate will be presented at the January Commission meeting. Commission Brochure Carred Over A draft of the Commission brochure will be presented at the January 2r meeting. CDBG Process Discussed Member Bartolomei reported that having met with Associate Planner Repya and learning that Jewish Vocation Services QVS) has a $35,000 balance in expenditures, it is unlikely that they will be submitting a request for CDBG funds to provide for daycare. He shared that Ms. Repya recommends HOME Line be fully funded. Additionally, the City is in the process of serving a family within the land trust model and planning to purchase two more homes. The CDBG proposals will be reviewed at the January Commission meeting, and Ms. Repya will be present to answer questions. Member Otness reported that there will be one new proposal from Edina. Community Education. Meeting Adjourned There being no fiuther business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM. Respectfully submitted, Mary Brindle, Chair Edina Human Rights & Relations Commission