2011_03_08_HRC_Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Roseville Duman Rights Commission Minutes March 8, 2011 Page 2 of 5 Commissioner Thelma McKenzie asked what schools are doing to help. Commissioner Kennedy said schools are responsible to provide transportation through a school year so a student is ensured continuity in his /her education and homelessness hits across all races. Commissioner Jaeger said she heard that transportation funding is being considered when trying to reduce government spending and asked whether the commission would want to monitor the issue. Commissioner Jaeger reminded all to attend the Regional Forum on Thursday, April 7, at 5:00 p.m. at City Fall. The Duman Rights Commissions from Shoreview, Bloomington and St. Paul are co- sponsoring the event with Roseville and the Minnesota Department of Duman Rights. Commissioner McKenzie encouraged everyone to arrive by 5:00 to welcome all who are attending. 4b. Program Planners Subcommittee Commissioner Grefenberg outlined the civic engagement project. He said Commissioner Seth Josephson agreed to be a part of the subcommittee. He also noted that the Department of Duman Rights agreed to extend the deadline to spend the Bremer Foundation grant to June 2011. The subcommittee will begin recruiting members for a civic engagement task force. Commissioner Grefenberg has talked with councilmembers and the chairs of several of the other city commissions. The plan is to hire a consultant and to bring residents together to assess and to recommend ways to improve civic engagement among citizens. Commissioner Grefenberg moved adoption of the committee report, and Chair Singleton opened the floor for discussion. Commissioners asked about the budget. Commissioner Grefenberg said the Bremer Foundation grant was for $1,500, so they had to be within that amount. The motion prevailed unanimously. 4c. Data Geeks Subcommittee No report 4d. Youth Commissioner Report Commissioner Josephson outlined some fun and educational ideas that the HRC could sponsor to get youth involved. These included tying fleece blankets or a youth summer volunteer day. Commissioners Kennedy and Barrett talked about Roseville Area Nigh School's Make a difference activities in December. Students collected food, money and winter clothing. They volunteered and kept track of their hours. Various youth organizations challenged each other to get involved and there were opportunities to educate others about poverty and homelessness.