1999_Human Rights Comm Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 11, 1999 1) Call to Order The meeting was called to order by Jill Bergquist at 7:05pm. 2) Roll Call Members present:, Jill Bergquist, Brenda Boily-Salmanpour, Eric Egli, Thelma McKenzie, Alexis Orosz, Mary Vidas and Marcella Houser, Youth Representative. Members Absent: Issac Afwerke, Jan Gordon, Mike Hermes, Susan Oliphant. Others Present: Parks and Recreation Commissioners, Don Anderson, Kelly Casey, Scott Higby, George Merrill, Marilyn Pearson-Florian, Gale Pederson, Ernie Willenbring; Bob Bierscheid, Parks and Recreation Director; Lonnie Brokke, Assistant Parks and Recreation Director; Karen Kurt, Human Resources Director; and Debbie Zamow, Staff Liaison. 3) Parks and Recreation Commission The Parks and Recreation Commission attended the meeting to discuss three issues that they regard as having cultural implications. Bob Bierscheid explained the issues. Acorn Park Basketball Courts Bierscheid stated that the City has received reports of offensive behavior including profane language and threatening behavior towards other basketball players. He acknowledged that some complaints that came in were based on the race of the players and that some neighbors of Acorn Park were concerned that players were coming from throughout the Metro area rather than from the Roseville area. Because of the behavior exhibited by some of the basketball players, the Parks and Recreation and Police Departments decided to close the courts until the issue could be looked into further. The Parks and Recreation Department agreed that the courts should be reopened after signs were posted stating the expectations of players who use the courts. The Human Rights Commission agreed that improper behavior should not be tolerated. They expressed concern, however, that the neighborhood around Acorn Park may not realize that the race demographics of Roseville are changing and it should be recognized that people of all races are able to use the park system. It was suggested that an event at Acorn Park celebrating diversity may be a way to bring the neighbors together and educate them about Roseville's changing demographics. Soccer Fields at Central Park Complaints about Southeast Asian groups using the soccer fields at inappropriate times have come in to the Parks and Recreation Department. For example, when the fields are fenced off for maintenance, groups will not heed the signs asking them to stay off the fields. Other complaints have been received regarding permitting and